Chapter 4: Chapter 2: The Party (<Isaac>)
November 7th, 202X
6:30pm
"I appreciate this, Ike." Niko says over the phone in my car. "I'm a detective, Niko. I wouldn't back down from a possible case." I respond, and grab my pack of cigarettes out of the center console. I pop my door open and light one. "See you at the party, detective." Niko says and the call ends. I am not one for smoking, however I have learned that despite them causing an addiction, they take the edge off of most my crime scenes. I take another puff of my cig, exhaling and my mind unwinding. I run my hands along my half beard, as the icy autumn wind blows against the door and my legs.
I eventually finish my cigarette and snuff it out in the car's ashtray. I yawn, close the door and start the engine. My car shudders to life, it being an older model car. I need to get home so I can change into my uniform. Or, at the very least, most of my uniform. I kick the car into reverse and turn up my music. Soft and smooth jazz playing with ease and delicacy. I don't listen to that crappy new-age techno music.
I eventually reach my house on the outskirts or the city, sitting on a cliff, overlooking the bright lights. I pull into the driveway, parking the car and shutting off the engine. The cigarette high wears off, forcing my brain to bound back and begin to ponder on the case later this evening. I don't see what Niko's problem is, because he hasn't done anything and I don't know what is going to happen. However, I've done background checks on his butler and chef. Both are clean and based of their profile, they're both completely okay and normal. I open the door to my house and walk in, as my system responds, "Welcome home, Isaac. Alarm deactivated. Would you like information over your virus, sir?" The computer asks as I respond, "Proceed." The computer starts, "Your respiratory virus is slowing it's infection. However, your lungs can't take much more damage from it. Based off current and needed use of cigarettes, you can use two a day with no ill effects. However, any use over that will have minor to major damage on your lungs." I shut the door to the house, as the lock automatically turns shut. "Thank you, Jenny." I say, taking off my overcoat and hanging it up with my others, followed by my shoes.
"Television please." I ask, as the television turns on. A news report blares, "Could cabbage be bad for your health? More on that at 8. A criminal turned hero? That's what the police force is attempting to figure out. A local criminal, Jerry Barre, went missing from prison over a month ago and-" I walk to the kitchen and pour a caramel cream soda into a tall glass and walk over to the couch to watch the rest of the news before I need to leave for the party. "-the use of an explosive is what most officials say was used to give Jerry his escape. However, recently he was spotted, not robbing a jewelry store, but stopping the criminals who did. As well as a local gang of thugs that were terrorizing police. What should the police do? Should they jail him, or let him go for doing the right thing?" The announcer states. I zone in and out of the police and eyewitness reports.
I enevitably look at the clock before realizing how long I've wasted watching news and how far of a drive it is till Niko's mansion. I rush to get to the door, shutting off the television and throwing on my shoes and coat. I also grab my beanie, before almost forgetting my car keys. I rush out to my car, unlocking it, opening the door and hopping in. I plug the keys into the ignition, the engine purring to life. I kick it into reverse and book it down the street. "I hope I'm not late." I tell myself. I was late to my previous case and the FBI came in before I could get there. Luckily, there are no feds here to steal my case this time. I pray it's nothing serious. Me and Niko have been friends for years. And for some bizarre reason, he's been awfully silent for the past few months. It's unlike him. Weirder thing is that he doesn't usually host parties, he attends them, but never hosted one until today. I'm unsure what makes today special or in need of a party. He's unbearably happy too. I hate not knowing important facts that contribute to the bigger picture. I pull up into the driveway of Niko's massive mansion. William and John are standing in the driveway talking before they look at me and my car. I shut off the engine and get out to greet them. I know a lot on both of them, we have an artist/barista on one and a troubled council member on the other. I don't want to yell, so I walk up and say, "Good evening, gentlemen. I am Isaac." Comedically, some thunder rumbles intensely behind me and a flash of lightning illuminates their faces. I can tell William is secretly trying to keep down a laugh as John promptly offers his hand. I shake it before offering, "Shall we go inside before the rain arrives?" Will and John nod as we all head inside.
I ring the doorbell as a massive ear-splitting bell rings. Even from out here, it's terrifying. James, who I immediately recognize as Niko's butler, greets us, "Good evening. Your invitations?" Will and John eagerly had both of theirs in. Although crumpled, I hand my invitation in to James as well. "Very good, very good. I do wish you gentlemen the best of luck at the table tonight. I shall fetch you all some drinks." God, when is James not doing something? I almost feel sorry for the kid. He's about four or five years younger than me, but he must chug and energy drink every morning with his enthusiasm. I wander around the house, registering my surroundings for a while before approaching John and talking about his position on the Council. I won't bore you with the details, as he fills his sentences to the brim with unnecessary information. Luckily, being a detective for a few years has taught me to skim through people's bullshit and pick out the truth and the lies. Everyone lies, wether they mean to or not. What I picked out, was that John is a good man, but the council doesn't appreciate him. And he has been friends with Niko for a little while longer than I have.
Eventually, Niko comes down the stairs. Limping. Like he's wounded. I can't tell or much less help him because I've already taken two very potent drinks and a beer. "Welcome, friends! I hope this evening finds you in good health. Now, tonight, is not about money or gambling or even any of you. It's about being reunited. So, let's party!!" Niko says as I down another shot of whiskey. Before everything slurs.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone