Chapter 5
Yona stared at the took for a moment that ended up being turned into uncomfortable staring for the maid servant. She cleared her throat and made the Detective step forward with a hand outstretched.
"Detective Ballimore of NYPD, on investigation for a woman named Vicky" she explained the maid servant, taking note that this woman couldn't be Vicky. Vicky was a biological sister of the deceased Andrew, she would also be a cat like him.
The toon narrowed her eyes suspiciously before taking the Detectives hand and speaking courteously "Good evening Detective. I believe the mistress has told the department she doesn't wish to be spoken with about the matter".
Yona narrowed her eyes, knowing this could be swayed in their favor using the excuse she's grieving. Not that she isn't but she was still labeled a suspect. The detective pulled out her notepad and spoke coldly.
"Well as of right now Mistress Vicky is labeled a suspect and at the top of my list because of her evasiveness. I'll only have to assume my case is finished and with the right evi-" the maid servant immediately stepped out and panicked, asking the detective to hush.
"Alright.. alright.." she sighed deeply in defeat. Her smug expression gone in here seconds for the harmless threat. Of course it wasn't very appropriate or right for Yona to bluff but she didn't have all the time in the world to finish this case. She wanted to go home too.
She brushed her fingers through her finely combed curls, glancing from both sides of the streets before stepping back inside silently "Let me inform the Mistress you've arrived." She stepped back and allowed the demon to step inside, her tail swishing made the servant flinch as she stepped back.
Watching as Yona enters the waiting room, admiring the nicely refined decor of the house. "Wait here, I'll send for you shortly" then the servant leaves Yona alone. She brushed her pearl colored hair behind her shoulders, the pink and purple hues flowing down her hair tangle together.
Her hand touched a vase decorated with elks hopping around it. Pure white elk's with shimmering antlers. How pretty, I wonder how much this must've cost. She turned away and sat on the closest lovers sofa. Scooting some pillows over to the side.
She felt like the wait was taking a bit too long for her taste, her legs crossed as she stared down at her hands in silence. The black heart shaped tail rested against the pillows, her hand sliding up her arm before stopping above the forearm.
Her pursued lips pressed in a tight line, a painful ache radiates throughout her whole chest, bright white strands of hair hide the sides of her face, the pain will always remain. Because whether she wanted to forget the scars still remained there, under her hand, under her sleeve.
"Yona" the voice called, a deep yet distant tone calling out to the small child. Her round booming eyes looked his way with nothing but pure love. When they looked at each other he gave her a smile "Hello sweet girl, what're you doing?". The larger toon looked over her shoulder to find makeshift flower dolls she made from the plants outside. Intertwined vines and flowers used for gowns and hands.
He let out a snicker, his hand combed her bright short hair around, making what was neatly combed hair messy. The little demon groaned annoyed as she tried to attempt pushing his hand away "Ooo!" She calls out upset. He let out a sigh, moving his hand away. Their attention immediately drawn at the sound of-
"Hello, Detective Ballimore" a tall woman with black fur and a thick black tail that dropped behind her waltz in. Her body is clothed in a silk robe with much needed clothes under. The cat looked to have been sleeping beforehand.
"Good evening" The Demon stood, the cat tensed at the sight of her horns when Yona removed her hat to come over. She pulled out a black fold wallet to show her badge "And yes I'm Detective Ballimore, here to ask you a few questions if that'll be alright".
Her thick tail swayed back and forth, the maid servant not anymore to be seen. Yona took note that she was either doing something else or on the other side of the wall- hiding, out of sight.
The cat frowned, her pained look made her look away "Yes.. I've heard of your many successful cases. You have my gratitude for making New York a safer place for all". Her words surprised the demon with the compliment, flashing a small smile "Of course, I just want to help people rest easier at night".
Vicky walked over to the Sofa, gesturing for the demon to sit again. Her long tail curved around her thin legs. Long black lashes break the light trying to blind her features with sunlight. Her vibrant eyes made contact with Yona "I don't mean to be rude but.. I thought demons were born with red eyes?".
"Ah, yes" she said quietly. Her hands fold together, coming around to sit down too. Her tail twitched as she decided carefully on her words "A deformity, Something I picked up as I got older". The cat seemed confused but nodded nonetheless, knowing she shouldn't speak more on a matter she knows nothing about.
With that out of the way, she brought out her notepad and got down to business "I'm terribly sorry for your loss, it isn't easy but I promise I'll put whoever did this behind bars" Vicky glanced up to meet Yonas haha, flinching at the sight of her burning gaze. Her tone softened, the cats ears flicked "You're different, I hope the world doesn't corrupt you for the good you are".
Yona felt her chest swell, it wasn't uncommon for people to praise her but somehow from another woman it felt encouraging. With a small nod and smile, she readied her pen and notepad.
"Where were you on a Saturday morning between twelve and one in the evening?". The cat frowned, clearly still pained at the thought of her brother being the victim.
Yona knew she needed to be slow with her, it'll be bad for the case if she freaks out or kicks her out before getting any actual information.
The limited time she had with this case felt tight. Like someone was caving in on her.
Her finger raised to her cheek, giving it a tap "I had left my friends house around that time, and got home pretty late."
"A friend?" Yona probed.
She nodded, "Someone who was new in town, it was her welcoming party but erm, I can't say I know much about my brother's meetings um.." she paused, Yona stopped the writing to look up at the cat.
"What is it, miss?" Her questionable look made Vicky sigh, wavering for a moment before fidgeting with the ends of her silk gown. Her voice clouding with a sense of shame "Me and Andrew.. we weren't very close even since we were young. One of the many faults of growing with old money.-" she sucked in a shaky breathe "I regret I couldn't do more when he was-" Vicky's eyes started to water.
Yona stayed silent, her hand reaching for a box in her bag. "Here.. I'm sorry" teary eyed raised to meet a box of tissues handed to her from the Detective. A moment of calming silent filled them, a moment of understanding. One that Yona could relate too.
After a couple of tissues were used she finally composed herself, Yona now even closer than before where she sat from. Giving an assuring shoulder rub to a complete stranger. She never had siblings so she couldn't comprehend the pain of losing one.
"Ah, heh. Back to it, where was I?" She asked with a sad smile, Yona retracted her hand. The heart shaped tail brushing from side to side like a cat on the sofa. "You got home late from a friend's place" she reminded. Vicky nodded, remembering that "Yes, um.." she wracks her brain to try and remember.
Vicky itched closer, cautiously looked at the doorway then to Yona "Actually I do remember one thing.. he was- well truthfully, he came to me late in the night in a panic. I let him in and he told me he was in some big trouble!". The Detectives brows furrowed, feeling her nerves spark. She knew this whole thing felt fishy.
"Apparently he.. did a hand at gambling and messed with the wrong pal there, now Andrew owed him money a whole lot".
A lot of money? The twenty thousand was a lot and not something to overlook. Perhaps Andrew was sending money to that bank to give back what he owed from gambling but if he had the money before why not give it to him in person? And who was this acclaimed Mr. Drew.
"Thank you for this Vicky, may I ask another question?" The cat gave a small nod, scooting away a little to retreat to her spot. Her hands cuffing her thick tail to hug against her chest, an anxious habit perhaps?
"Does the name Mr. Drew sound anything familiar to you?" As soon as the name was brought up, she stiffened, something like a threat, a curse, a blasphemous word that should've never left the demon's lips.
Yona wasn't able to detect the kind of expression she had in that moment but chose to listen instead. "Detective, This is a warning. Watch where you say that name if you want to continue living. There's no form of power that could protect you. If.. somehow Andrew got himself involved it's best too.. just stay far away from the lights of that name." In the midst of her hushed whispers, her hands cropped Yona's arms tightly. The pure panic in her face couldn't be ignored.
Was this a warning or a threat?
"I see.. thank you for your time, I should get going" The demon stood, unsure how to take in such an intense statement. Vicky had fallen silent, her fur on stand from the stress. "I'll have someone escort you out Detective".