//------------------------------// // Chapter 10: Like Father Like Son (Simon's POV) // Story: A Disguise for Love // by BrightMind //------------------------------// I looked up in joy at the inside of the facility. I know not a lot of colts my age are interested in this kind of stuff, but something about the details unfolding in a case is very satisfying to me. Something only someone with high intellect and just as much curiosity can enjoy, I suppose. We were on the third floor and the open cases and discussions consumed all of my attention. I even participating in a few of them... or at least that's what I liked to believe. No one really listened when I spoke and they all just ignored me, but it was still the greatest experience I've ever had. "Looks like you're having a good time then, ay kid?" Spy Glass said as he nudged my shoulder as he noticed my excitement. "Absolutely! But.... isn't it illegal to disclose details of a case?" I asked. "Not particularly; these are open cases. Open cases are for anyone who has details about, and are even usually in the news. However, my boss isn't exactly open to tours of the facility. So just make sure to keep this whole thing on the 'down low'," he said with a wink. I smiled and gave a nod of agreement. "But what about everypony else in here?" "Even a detective knows when to keep their mouth shut in certain circumstances. Especially when it comes to their fellow investigators. Besides I already talked to him, you're fine. Just don't go telling you're friends the we're offering tours," He chuckled. "Hey, want to come check out the investigations I've been work on?" "Of course! Would those be considered confidential cases?" "Kid, I ONLY do open cases. I don't know if you've noticed, but when it comes to tracking down changelings, any information I can get, even from the public, is useful," he smiled. "Besides, you look like somepony that knows a thing or two." "In general, yes, I have a pretty wide range of knowledge. About changelings, I don't know the first thing." "Are you not part changeling?" He asked me. It would be this kind of question that would make my mom nervous, which made me glad she wasn't here. Then again, we wouldn't have it any other way. As for me, I have a story I use to keep me from getting us in trouble. One that actually holds water. "I am, but I can't exactly tell you anything. I live with my mother, and she's never told me who my father is; it's a sensitive subject in our home and.... Well, all obvious theories and assumptions aside.... let's just say that I've been shielded from a very important part of my life, and because of this, there are a lot of things I don't know. I suppose that's what sparked my curiosity in the first place. I can't change the past, and I suppose it's good that I can't." "Hmm... Well said, kid. I guess your past does contribute to who you become. You're pretty optimistic," at this I smiled and looked at the investigation board. Then something caught my attention, something familiar. "Did this pony do something?" I said as I pointed to a picture of a stallion entering an apartment building. "Nothing illegal, at least not that we know of. He's just been seen conversing with the last seven changeling that had been captured. We assume he might be supporting refugee changelings. Though that is only a theory, we DO know that it's not a coincidence, and he has a connection with the changelings. Why? Do you know something about him?" "Yes, actually, and I thought it was interesting that he was under 'suspects', I would have assumed he was working with you," I said, examining the picture. "Oh? What gave you that idea?" "His name is Dusty Palace, he owns that apartment complex there, and he's been involved in WAY more than just the last seven changeling cases. He's not a bad detective, himself. When the changelings invaded, he lost a lot of business with ponies not feeling safe in Canterlot anymore, and rumors of spies returning or just simply changeling lingering around the city prevented ponies from moving here. Lack of profit not only prevented him from expanding his complex like he'd hoped, but it also made supporting his family impossible, much less giving him the ability to keep the renters he still had satisfied. Hope was dying out for him. That is, until he heard about a certain someone who recently started a changeling hunt," I said with a wink. "Of course, the word of the first capture brought some hope back to Canterlot, but he figured that if captures became common, ponies would feel safer in the city for one reason or another. So, he discretely spread the word that all changelings are welcome to his building for no cost. Of course, taking the role of a changeling-sympathizer made singling out changeling spies easy. From there, all it takes is a bit of evidence planting or an anonymous letter, and suddenly Canterlot is a happier place," I gave another wink. "Huh... very innovative," he said as he took the picture off of the board and inspected it. "I guess you know him well, don't you?" "Yeah, we met when my mom was looking for an apartment to stay in. When he saw how we were a struggling, broken family that was affected by a changeling, he offered us a free stay for a while. He said since I'm technically a changeling, he's obligated to offer me a place to stay. He even bought our trailer for us once business picked back up. I still visit him sometimes and he's even taught me a few tricks." "I'm just surprised I never thought about it in that way," Spy Glass said, scratching his head. "Well, even Sherlock Hooves needed another set of eyes on many of his cases. Why do you think he had an assistant?" I said with a chuckle. He smiled and ruffled my mane. "Well, maybe there might be an opening for an assistant position here in the future, and I know just the colt for the job! Of course, if he's interested," he smiled and winked at me as I nodded my head vigorously. "After you graduate, that is," he continued. I rolled my eyes and chuckled. We laughed for a moment before something else caught my eye. It was another picture, but not one on the board. This one was on his desk. "Who's that?" I asked, pointing at the framed picture on his desk. It depicted him and a unicorn mare cuddled together in front of a blue backdrop. They seem happy; very happy. Which is probably why I find it odd when he let out a not-so-happy sigh. "That's my wife, Melony. She is quiet a lovely mare if I do say so myself," he said with a grin. It wasn't obvious by any means, but I could tell that it was fake. But I figured I'd follow his advice; 'even a detective knows when to keep their mouth shut'. "I suppose she is?" I said slightly confused. He only smiled and looked back at me. "Well, I probably shouldn't go ranting on about family, this is a place for work," he said somberly. I didn't pay closely to what he was saying though. I was trying to remember where I heard the name 'Melony' before. It sounded strangely familiar, but I couldn't put my hoof on it. "Hey, kid, you alright?" Spy Glass asked me. I shook the thoughts from my head and then nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just zoned out I guess," I responded as he glanced up at the clock on the wall. "Oh! Look at the time! You should probably head on home. Your mother's probably waiting on you," he said as he opened the door for me. "You're probably right. Will I be able to see you again?" "I hope so! You're a smart kid, and you got a future here. So, let's try not to lose touch," at this, he handed me another business card. "I may work here, but I always have time for ponies who require my assistance. This is my personal business card, different from the one I handed you earlier. Just send me a letter whenever, all right?" I smiled nodded before quickly trotting home. It's been a great day so far. And I know I probably shouldn't jinx it, but it seems that things can't get any better!