forum las vegas lights // oxo // closed

Started January 22, 2022 by @larcenistarsonist group

tune

(Ah, I'm so sorry. I'm a bit busy with school and catching up)

Sighing, he rested his hand on his hip. Damian stared at the phone screen, watching every single post that flew up as Herrera was scrolling through. If he kept staring, he believed, then maybe he would be able to find something. On the other hand, he shouldn't be looking for any signs that can be used as a scapegoat. He just needs a Lego piece to connect to the next thing.

Damian's eyes met Herrera's. Licking his lips, he ruffled his hair. He shrugged. "I wish I could create a solid speculation with just someone's social media page," He said. "There has to be some sort of connection between Valentine and Dane for him to have it on him in that photo. There has to be some sort of relation. We need to keep looking through these, even Valentine's if we have to."

(yeah no worries man!! i get that this time of year is stressful a;dflk)

As Felix reaches the end of the page, there's no more signs of Braxton's uncle. He doesn't bother looking for the older man's social media, already knowing he won't have one. He searches up Valentine's name, checking her profile to find that it's nothing but her largely televised World Series of Poker events. Smiling pictures with her competitors, trophies and medals in her hands, stacks of cash at her feet. A strum of jealously hits a chord deep within Felix. Oh, how he would've loved to take her out in a game.

"There's nothing here," Felix sighs, sweeping his hand through his hair and flicking his eyes up to Mae. "Nothing you haven't seen, no doubt." His expression, for once, isn't playful or teasing. His lips are lightly pressed together, eyes ever so slightly narrowed. His phone pings, a notification from his second-oldest sister. She's asking to call. He sends a quick text telling her that he's available in a little bit. "It's getting late, Damian." He runs a hand over his face. "I don't think we'll get anywhere tonight."

He wished there was something in her posts; something that could give them a better indication in this situation. But he knew that would be impossible. As Herrera looked through her page, he watched, looking at all the posts he has seen a gazillion times. A sinking feeling instantaneously appeared in his chest. Whether it be having to see all of these posts again or the fact that it is currently a lost cause, he does not know; the only thing he does know is that it might taken him days to find out how the watch ended up on Herrera, along with all the other information he has to fish out from thin air.

At first, he said nothing. He stepped back a bit then turned to face the table. Resting his left hand on the back of a chair, the other ran through his hair. His expression was nothing but just exhaustion. Damian sighed, "I don't think so either. Won't be surprised if it takes a while to." Trudging over to the kitchen, he got a can of orange pop out from the fridge. "Go call your sister, might be important. I'll just be here by the counter."

Felix sighs, rubbing his temples with the tips of his fingers. It's been a while since he's had a headache like this. Even longer since he's been so stumped. It's frustrating. If Felix was at home, he probably would've thrown a pillow across the room. Maybe scream into it beforehand. Is he losing his touch? Or is the murderer just trickier than he anticipated?

"Alright then," Felix says. His eyes momentarily flick over to watch Mae walk away, but quickly refocuses on his phone. His sister texts again. Felix huffs, already dreading the conversation. He dials the number, Miranda Herrera's hectic household already coming in over the speaker.

"Hola, hermano!" Miranda greets. Felix hears through the chipper tone. His older sister's stressed. His nephews are screaming in the background. "I was uh- I was hoping you could babysit?"

"A esta hora de la noche? Miranda, qué vas a hacer?" Felix rubs the bridge of his nose. As much as he loves his sister, he absolutely does not have time for this right now. "Además, estoy en medio de algo."

"No, not tonight, estúpido," Miranda huffs. "In a week or two. Patrick and I want to plan to get away. Santana's busy and Ana Luis is swamped with college right now. Plus, your nephews miss you!" She tacks on for good measure. There's more screaming.

"Sabes que no voy a volver al rancho. Sabes lo que pasaría si mamá y papá me vieran," Felix replies.

"English?" A tired voice chimes from the background. Felix narrows his eyes. It's his brother-in-law. Patrick. Asshole.

"No, no estoy hablando inglés para el pendejo," Felix says firmly. "Lo siento Miranda, tal vez en otro momento." Before his sister can object, Felix quickly hangs up. He hits his head against the table. He should feel bad, but he's right in the middle of something very important and his nephews are the loudest children on the planet. He's tired. He can't deal with them long enough while their parents go on some long romantic getaway…

"Hold on-" He perks up. 'I think I have an idea of how Valentine and Dane are connected-"

Damain remained where he was when Herrera took the call. In that time, he ended up eating the rest of what his kids didn't eat while listening to them talk to the furry noodle. It sounded like Adonis and Mina were trying to explain Shrek to Jackpot, but they keep arguing over plot points. Like father like children.

There must be something to the case. The murderer has to be doing more than just murdering Crystal and being done with it. They're toying with the investigation. He wonders if it's to mess it up, but out of amusement and entertainment. The watch could be a part of that possibility. What does he know though?

Standing away from the counter, he ran his fingers through his hair. He drank from the can of orange pop then sat it down. The slow trudging only took him halfway to the table before he heard Herrera. "Wait…." He glanced then rushed over. While it may be useless to get eager now, his pupils were wide with interest. "Really? What is it?"

Felix smiles, a glint in his eyes. He sits up fully, index fingers pointing to the ceiling as if to gesture to the invisible lightbulb above his head. "What if, y'know?" He spares a glance down the hall to ensure the children are out of earshot. "What if Dane and Valentine were involved-" He raises his eyebrows and forms a circle with his right index finger and thumb before jabbing his left finger through the circle in a crude gesture. His smile only gets more devious.

"I mean think about it-" He shakes his hands out. "Dane and Valentine had been going to the same elite poker joint for the past however long- It would explain how he would've gotten the watch earlier! She could've broken it off with him or something and he didn't take it well - hence, y'know, Valentine currently being dead." His smile somehow grows. "Damian, my darling, this sounds like a suspect to me."

He turned to see whatever Herrera was looking at. By the time he had turned back, he instantly closed his eyes and shook his head. Reluctantly he decided to open up his eyes again to continue listening to the weirdo in front of him. Seriously, he is not surprised by the action, yet oddly very disappointed. In all honesty, he's just more disappointed in himself for not expecting it.

Placing one hand on his hip, he used the other to cover his mouth. There is a chance that Herrera's theory could be true. On the other hand, the watch is only enough for some questioning and that's about it. "In that case, I'm going to have to take that watch and submit it as evidence, and you, are going to have get more on Dane if you want to see if he's a suspect."

Damian makes a sour face. "What's with the sudden smile and the 'darling'? You really shouldn't be getting ahead of yourself in this. Dane might not be the suspect, he might be a dead-end for us."

Felix drops the watch on the table with an expression that says sure, go ahead and take it. He has plenty of watches. This one was never quite his taste. Felix has always preferred gold and bronze to silver. Mae's exasperated expression only fuels Felix's internal urge to nag and annoy and bring out the worst in people. However, this is a fairly serious situation and Felix can't really afford to truly ruin whatever the hell they have going on, so wisely, he chooses to be quiet.

"It's the best chance you have, Damian." He crosses his arms and tilts his head back ever so slightly. "Any lead is better than no lead. I can get you any information you need on Dane later, but as of now-" He gestures to the watch. "I'm sure you detectives know how to handle evidence like this."

He looked over at the clock. It's a quarter to seven. Either Paul, who's his "friend" in evidence, is still at work or is not. Sadly it's always flip-flopped which is a pet peeve of his yet nevertheless. Damian took a picture of the watch then sent it to Paul with an explanation. And even though him and Herrera have touched it, he put the watch in a small zip-lock bag.

" 'Anything is better than nothing', so I guess you're right. We'll need to figure out a way to get you with Dane that doesn't make you look like a peacock amongst pigeons." His face was worn yet his eyes were filled with some degree of seriousness and exhaustion. Damian sighed, "I guess. They're going to be pissed since multiple fingerprints are on it, but they have something not completely obscure or covered in blood now."

He turned around, he checked to see if the any of the kids were there. From what he heard, it sounded like they were busy trying to teach the furry noodle how to read. Dragging his feet back to the kitchen, he went looking for his bag of M&M's amongst all the nook and crannies. "What's this guy like again?" He asked. "He just kept to himself and only looked at his hand during the game, right?"

Felix quickly looks up to the ceiling, as if his eyes could roll back into his brain and search for the memories there. He snaps his fingers and looks back to Mae. "Yeah. Quiet, sat next to me. Kept looking over at me. Didn't look too happy to be there. I got, like, not a lot on him. He won a round. That's pretty much all I have. I got plenty of stuff on the other four, though." Felix purses his lips and offers a half-shrug.

"Plus, like I said earlier, I can always get more information on him when I go back." Felix cranks his neck to the side, sighing when he feels the joints pop before moving on to crack his knuckles. "Anything in particular you need me to get outta him? Other than the watch origin."

Damian stopped his search for the bag of candy. Turning over his left shoulder, he gazed back at Herrera while leaning against the counter. This Dane guy sounds like a great case to work with for Herrera. He's going to have to work his way around the man if they want to get any information on the watch and perhaps even his relation to Crystal.

"I wouldn't go for the watch thing right away. It's never a good idea to get to point first. Although, you can try to find out if he likes to collect watches or something along the lines. Try to befriend him or engage in some informal conversation."

In the corner of his eye, he noticed the bag. Reaching for the bag of candy, he cautiously opened it. "Don't rush yourself, but don't be slow if that makes any sense."

"I will force my friendship upon him," Felix says with a serious tone and nod. He checks his phone for notifications and then pockets it. "But I don't go back until next week, and if I track him down now that'll raise suspicion. So, I guess we're at standstill for now." Really, anything could be possible with Dane's relationship with Valentine. Sure, he's probably 25 years older than the dead woman, but hey, they're both adults and who is Felix to judge. The watch is pretty much the best lead they have. As much as Felix hates to admit it, he could hardly get anything off of the five players. They're no amateurs in hiding emotions and tells.

"Yeah, yeah, I get it, Damian." Felix waves his hand. "I'll try to get something out of him next time." He drums his fingers on the table as he searches back to see if he could pick up any more of Dane's behavior. When he can't remember anything, Felix lets out an annoyed huff. He wishes he had the chance to talk to Dane after the game… Like Helsie did. "Helsie Rivers-" Felix looks up and snaps. "They said they were glad Valentine was dead and gone." If anything, I'm glad she was wacked over the head. "Do you know how Valentine was killed?"

Damian watched Herrera, snorting at the poker player's serious nod. The exhaustion was worn, his reaction sarcastic. He took a handful of M&M's and shoved them in his mouth. As he chewed on them, he covered his mouth until he was able to speak. "This isn't the FBI, so I guess we are at a standstill for now. Patience is a virtue."

His phone buzzed. Taking it out if his pocket, he held it up to face to read the notification. It was Paul, and he said that he recommended Damian take it in tomorrow. Probably is the safer thing to do. He just sent back a simple thanks then placed the phone on the counter.

"Helsie Rivers…." He muttered the name to himself. His eyes squinted as he recalled the person's voice through the ear piece. Damian rubbed the back of his neck as he began to pace around in the kitchen area. "Forensics isn't sure. I even have a master's in forensic science, and I don't know," He responded. "A leading theory is that it was foul play. She might have been hit in the head with something heavy or made of glass. Her blood alcohol level was 0.27. She had some bruises on her arms, thighs, and left shoulder. No one's fully certain, but it has to be the blow to the head. Forensics is still running tests."

Felix's eyes light up, his posture straightens and he snaps his fingers. The small tidbit of information about Mae's master in forensic science is fascinating but for another day. "Is that information public?" It could be, Felix never pays attention to the news. He takes a few steps before turning around on the balls of his feet. His trenchcoat whirls around him, some of the watches within lightly clinking together. He's pointing at Mae with both his index fingers. "Helsie- remember, they said that they were glad Valentine got whacked over the head."

He raises an eyebrow and tilts his head slightly down awaiting an answer from Mae.

Damian squinted his eyes. Some of it might be public info, but he does not watch basic cable news anymore; he rarely is at home enough to watch tv anyhow. He shrugged, "I mean, technically you are part of this case, you're just not in the same position as me." Scooping his hand with M&M's, he placed the candy in his mouth and chewed.

Snorting at the sight of Herrera's twirl, he covered his mouth with the back of his hand. He will have to admit, the poker player is a bit funny. Ridiculous is a better word, maybe. At first, he did not say a word, rather he just nodded his head. "I did not expect someone to say such things in the manner that Helsie did," He frowned. "It is strange that they know the probable cause…."

HIs eyes widen, he rubs his hands together. "Could this qualify them as a suspect?" Felix raises an eyebrow. "Because if so, boom, that's two suspects, one night, all thanks to my awesomeness." He cracks a smile. Trust him to always find a way to make the situation about him. "Helsie did seem a little…" He waves his hands around trying to find the word. "Overzealous? No- thrilled- Yeah, thrilled. They seemed a little too thrilled that Valentine's six-feet-under." He thinks back to his interaction with the other player earlier that day. "They seemed eager to welcome me in."

He shrugged as he continued to eat the candy. Really, he cannot simply label someone as a suspect all because of something they said. If it were the opposite, then he would be one in a few at this point. "Probably not. I am going to assume that you know I need something substantial and concrete in order to make them one." Damian rolled his eyes at Herrera.

While he does disagree with some of Herrera's words, the guy actually has a point for once. It's weird how Helsie was so enthusiastic about Crystal's death and Herrera joining. That could mean something to the case. "Way eager than I would suspect anyone to be. It's strange to say nonetheless. Guess that's another person for you to look deeply into, maybe their eagerness could help you with that."

He puffs out his cheeks in slight defeat, but otherwise isn't too affected. Mae says that somebody's word isn't enough to make them a suspect, yet Felix has been in plenty of scuffles that would say otherwise. "Yeah, Helsie really came on strong there. But-" He snaps and points a finger-gun at Mae. "I can use that to my advantage next week when I see them."

Checking the time on one of this three watches adorning his left wrist, Felix lets out a low whistle. It isn't too late, but the sun is probably below the horizon about now. He knows how uneasy his roommate gets late at night. "Well, Damian darling, this talk has been absolutely fantastic-" He claps his hands together. "But I should really be getting home. My roommate's a needy bitch and she needs me to pick up Kool-Aid on the way home."

Believe him, words can only take you so far in this disaster called the American criminal justice system; and it's not even better in places like South Korea. Damian took another handful of M&M's, shoving it into his mouth. He just kept nodding at everything Herrera was saying, in hopes that the guy won't say anything about him out of nowhere. "Sounds good," He mumbled.

Even before Herrera announced that he was leaving, Damian stopped what he was doing then took out some food containers and putting some leftovers in them. "Hold on a second," He hummed. Stacking all the containers perfectly, he took a ribbon from a drawer and made a makeshift handle. Holding it by the handle, he held it out. "Here for you, and your roommate if you want to share it."

As if his children had read his mind, they walked out of Mina's room. Even though the little girl initially got along with Jackpot, it was Adonis who was holding the furry noodle. They had dressed it up, giving it a green bow. "Does Jackpot have to go?" Adonis asked.

Damian nodded. "Yes, Felix and Jackpot have to go home now."

Felix takes the containers with a raised eyebrow and amused expression. His parents might have sucked, but they didn't raise him to decline free food. It's been a few hours since he's eaten, and if he's being completely honest, the food smells heavenly. "Awesome," He whispers just under his breath. When the kids enter the room, stifling a snort at Jackpot's makeover. "He looks lovely, thank you very much." He nods seriously at the children.

Felix snaps his fingers and whistles, Jackpot wiggling from the child's clutches and scurrying across the floor to scale Felix's body and sit on his shoulder. A proud smirk tugs at his lips. Jackpot isn't his best friend for nothing. "Alright, I'll see you next week before the game, Damian." He moves the food to one hand and offers a curt wave with the other. He slips his shoes on and quickly checks his reflection in the mirror. "Try not to miss me too much." And with a wink, he's out the door and heading to his car.

Sure enough the night air is stiff, the heat still lingering. It won't be long until the desert cools. With a quick click, Felix unlocks his car and tosses Jackpot in the back. The stack of food goes in the passenger seat, the AC immediately turned on to a low setting. He checks his mirrors and then the radio station, and then he's pulling out of the driveway and down the street. He thinks the supermarket is open this late. He hopes it is to save him the wrath of his roommate when faced with a Kool-Aid withdrawal.

Damian took a look at the furry noodle then back at his kids. Whatever goes through their precious little minds is a mystery to him, but then again, he is their father so the rodent's makeover isn't too bizarre to him. Both Adonis and Mina smiled at Herrera's words. They scurried off again, this time singing Baby Shark as they ran into Mina's room.

He looked over his shoulder, watching the twins as they disappeared after Jackpot went over to Herrera. Covering his mouth, he yawned. "Don't get into too much trouble. I can't and won't cover for you." His hand dropped to his side. There was the faint urge to resist rolling his eyes at what Herrera said, and yet, he just went on with it. "Oh no, I need you, oh baby oh baby."

Scratching the back of his neck, he waited for the moment when the poker player left his house. A long sigh drew out from him. Now that wasn't too bad, he supposed. His eyes flickered down at the watch.

Felix - after a quick stop to the store to pick up some Kool-Aid - arrives at his apartment. Rhyda's lounging on the couch with the news playing in the background. She has headphones on and she's tapping a beat on her knees. Deciding there will be dire consequences if he spooks her, Felix sets his food from Mae on the counter and throws the various Kool-Aid packets next to it. He removes the top container from the stack and opens it up. It's still slightly warm, but Felix puts it in his microwave anyways. Most likely smelling the food, Rhyda perks her head over the back of the couch. Her gaze - lifeless as always - is fixated on the area just to the right of Felix. For being blind, her idea of where things are can be frighteningly close.

"What's that?" She asks, pulling the headphones down over her neck.

"Damian made us food," Felix replies.

"Damian?" Rhyda gets up from the couch and navigates her way to the kitchen. Felix removes his food from the microwave and Rhyda immediately takes it from him. "Fork." She snaps her fingers. Felix slides one over to her. As soon as the food enters her mouth, Rhyda's humming, milky green eyes fluttering shut. "Marry this man," she says around a mouthful of food.

Felix can't help breaking out in laughter.

(okay a time skip feels right, should we skip to the next week before the match or is there anything else you would like to achieve before then?)

For almost a whole week, the watch has been spending time between the evidence and forensics. Damian spent a total of fourty minutes explaining to everybody how he got the evidence and why it was in his house. Most of it was just sparky comments because it wasn't anyone's business, but still. Believe him, he is still partially embarrassed about it. Nevertheless, it is not serving much use to anyone since Herrera's and his fingerprints were on it. At least forensics is trying to find the seller of it.

The same time, same place, Damian was reclining in his office chair. Thankfully, he reminded himself to bring food. He didn't have enough time to eat breakfast, but at least he brought leftovers that still taste pretty good. And three Caprisuns, let no one forget about that too.

While it was just him in the office, he had his bluetooth headphones listening to witness accounts of the night of the murder. Despite this being his fifth time in a row today listening to them, he thought that the repetition would help give him some sort of clue.

Not really. Nevertheless, he should have it to memory by now. His eyes glanced over to the time on the bottom of his laptop screen. Pausing the audio, he lowered his headphones around his neck. Herrera should be arriving at any minute now. He sighed. Let the games begin, again.

(I'm probably going to be spotty over the next couple days bc I am on vacation (currently typing this in line for a roller coaster right now akdjks) so please forgive me 😫🙏 I'll be back to normalish on the 8th but I have online classes starting the 12th and then a couple different camps sprinkled through June and July and August. I got a busy summer my guy. I'll try my hardest to stay up to date and active but I can only do so much I'm sorry man)

With Rhyda - who needs a ride to her girlfriend's apartment - and Jackpot - who follows Felix wherever he goes - in tow, Felix stops by at the station. "I'll be right back," Felix promises, jumping out of the car as soon as he parks without bothering to take the keys out of ignition. He's already almost eight minutes late, and Felix tries his damndest to be punctual. He winks at the secretary (who most definitely has slept with an officer since his last visit) and gives the chief a brief nod before seeing himself into Mae's office.

"Afternoon, Damian," Felix greets with a smile, kicking the door shut behind him. "Sorry I'm late, darling. My roommate tackled me when I was about to leave and said she needed a ride." He claps his hands and slumps on a chair, similar to how he was during their first encounter. "She's blind, you see, and I'm her chauffer." He huffs, blowing a piece of hair from his face. "I'll drop her off before I go to the game. Until then, anything you need to brief me on?"

(Oh no it's all good. I'm going off to college and have some other things, so I understand. Don't worry about it at all, just reply whenever it is convenient for you. No pressure. :D )

For a second, Damian debated whether or not he likes bring called these "sweet" Nicknames by Herrera or if he still thinks that this guy is his new bane of existence. A tough debate to say the least. As per usual, he rolled his eyes in response. Quickly he put the lid on his leftovers then shoved it into his backpack.

Rolling up his sleeve, his ignored the scars on his wrist to look at his watch. "You are five minutes late, but better late than never, isn't that so?" He sighed, rolling his sleeve down. "I just hope you left the AC on for her. Weatherman said it's getting warmer in a get hours."

He rested his index finger in his lip. Thoughts about the case ran over his mind. He did his best to recall everything from last week too. "Remember to talk to that Helsie Rivers, try to get close to them. Oh and that old man too."

(aksldf thanks man)

Due to his DnD passive perception level of 35, Felix notices the scars on Damian's wrist and mentally hurls himself down some stairs for not noticing them before. His eyes barely even move, his expression doesn't change in the slightest, but his poker face doesn't put a stop to any of the questions in his mind. Some of the pieces click together, some remain floating around in his brain like a dvd idle screen, the box barely missing the corner before bouncing off a wall.

When Mae begins talking again, Felix's attention is right back on him. "Helsie and Dane." They're the seats to both his left and right. They're the closest to observe mannerisms for, however it's still going to be an uphill battle to get anything off of them. These are world-class poker players. Any of them could be a murderer. "Got it. You still want to do a microphone in my watch?" He asks, rolling up the sleeve to his beige trench coat to reveal at least five watches clasped onto his forearms. All of them are freshly snatched within the last week from Felix's amateur games. Is it cruel to constantly drain these wannabe gamblers of their money? Probably. Does Felix care all that much? Nope.

(Bro I love your descriptions. I can't get over the passive perception and the DVD idle screen, I love it.)

Damian pulled down his sleeves then pulled his notebook in front of him. He flipped through a couple of pages, reading through everything that he had scribbled down since last week. Part of him wished that his speed writing was less sloppy given that this is a critical investigation, but he sighed in self-disappointment and dissatisfaction. C'est la vie, he guesses.

In his peripheral, he caught Herrera with a funny look. Well, funny being something that he hadn't seen from the quirky poker player. There was something about the guy's eyes that made him think he saw a ghost or something; like he got caught off guard for a second perhaps. Rolling his eyes, Damian relaxed back into his chair. He asked, "Hm? You okay? Did you not eat or something?"

He shrugged. "I guess we can. What we did last week was fine though. Just don't do that movie spy crap, will you? Technically I can't record anything so it does not matter."