On action and anxiety. Looking towards Ink City.

[callmeyork]

So... you've decided to finally start writing the app? Good for you. Zach and I were getting anxious to do something, and it didn't seem like you were going to work up the courage. I'm impressed.

And don't doubt being able to use my voice. I'm sure you remember enough to be able to work through any fears you might have.

... and Zach says to invest in better coffee.

Comments

[likeshisoffice]

Well... alright then.

[Suddenly, something about York's strange and random mutterings hits him]

Agent Morgan, this may seem like a... strange question, but you haven't been hearing any... whispers, in your head lately, have you?

[callmeyork]

... Hm? Oh, no. Not at all. Why do you ask? [Certainly sounds sincere...]

[likeshisoffice]

Well in my recent field assignment, I'd encountered several... troubled people who claimed to be constantly hearing whispers. Eventually, most of them seemed to be driven completely insane.

I'm glad to hear that's not the case for you!

[callmeyork]

... This was on the eraser shortage case that you mentioned previously?

Interesting. I see.

[likeshisoffice]

Yes, the same one. There turned out to be a lot more... troubling things happening in Scoggins than just a shut down eraser factory.

[callmeyork]

[Well, NOW he's interested.] And I understand that it had to do with puzzle, since the FBI sent you?

[likeshisoffice]

Turns out everyone in that town's heads were filled with puzzles. They'd turned everything into one, even the locks on their doors. Unfortunately, I also found out why.

[callmeyork]

From... hm. The source of the whispers, then?

[likeshisoffice]

Exactly.
Also, the source of the whispers? They also kidnapped the factory foreman, Isaac Davner. I still don't know what happened to him, or where he is. Director Jennings has insisted any missing persons can be handled by "local law enforcement", but I know the sheriff won't be doing anything to help.

[callmeyork]

... So there's something more happening in that little town then. Very interesting.

You know if I wasn't so wrapped up in my own case on the other side of the nation, then I would be willing to help you. It might not exactly be Homicide, but it seems right up my alley.

[likeshisoffice]

Oh, wow, that's... very nice of you to offer, Agent Morgan! But I doubt the Bureau would see to it. I appreciate the offer, though. If I do end up going back to Scoggins to really find out what happened, I'll need all the help I can get.

What's, uh, happening with your case? What sort of homicide were you investigating?

[callmeyork]

I would imagine so.

It's... well, I imagine you haven't been briefed on it, but I'll tell you what I believe you're cleared for. For the past few years, there's been a string of incidents in the western states, which is being dubbed the Red Seeds murders. Basically, bodies have been turning up killed in similar manners: tongue ripped out, red seeds stuck down their throat, and chest sliced open vertically. There have been... relatively few leads, but the latest case happened up in Greenvale, Washington.

[likeshisoffice]

That's sounds like a... a very serious serial murder case! Man, if that's really what the homicide division has to deal with on a regular basis, I'm glad I haven't been promoted. ... But I'm sure you're handling it fine!

Though I... can't say what I've encountered recently might be less dangerous. A rather troubling cult was involved, and I saw a man freeze to death out in the woods after being driven to madness!

[callmeyork]

Not sure about what the rest of Homicide has to deal with, but this is the case I've been given jurisdiction on as a Special Agent. And yes, although I wonder how it's going to go with me out of the picture.

... hm. That's certainly disturbing. Did you notify your superiors about that? Maybe they could send backup. Doesn't seem like it should be a one-man job.

[likeshisoffice]

It'll probably be taken care of. I'm sure the directors in your department care a lot more than the ones we've got down here.

I haven't logged the tapes and notes I've recorded about the case into evidence yet, but judging from the attitude I've already gotten from my superiors, I doubt it.

[callmeyork]

I just hope they get the message of my absence and act before anybody else is killed.

Really? That's disconcerting. If something that serious is going on, then the least somebody could do is send somebody out to verify your claims.