Fantasy Whatever Gets You through the Night by TMaskedWriter

[Ramesh_Rocky]

"You see? An eager beaver looking to please. I mean, Oui, I do want everyone on this and it's completely serious, but you saw that. They need me, too."

Ramirez nodded his understanding, watching his old friend work again. It had been years, and Luc had known a bit less about computers before choosing to sit in front of one every night for work. The old energy was still there, though. Luc had A Case. Coffee and other stimulants now would be redundant. That Dietz knew who he was as well and that he'd not even known enough to tell them to land Luc's flight at the base so he'd be under Ultimados guard immediately still stung, but he would recover.

"Si. That is why I've been quiet. You are doing your thing; so, stand back and possibly learn something. I shall consider your decision not to warn me of the box 'new information.' So, what is our next move?"

Luc sighed before responding.

"Our next move, Hernando, is to look at the crime scene, then go to your home and see Violeta and the little ones. I do not quite have my head in the game yet. And the sooner we tell her about Sam, and I hug my godchildren, the sooner I can get it off my shoulders and focus on this."

* * *

Luc and Ramirez stood outside the townhouse where Eliot Silverman had been staying and where he'd been shot on the sidewalk out front. He looked up one end of the street, then turned to look toward the street where the Poldouris Family Butcher Shop was located.

"A quaint neighborhood." He told Ramirez. "Very homey."

"Si, not many touristas come here."

"No, I would imagine not. And there was a crowd when you arrived?"

"Si."

Luc looked back and forth down the street again.

"I take it that the home with the security officer cruiser out front is the boy's?" Ramirez nodded. Luc looked again as a thought began to boil. "The fact that I see no Ultimados tells me that you have them on the job as well. And he was playing alone? Unsupervised?"

"There are no pedophiles in San Finzione." The Generalissimo replied with grim pride. "La Contessa... sees to it personally that children are safe here." He added after a moment. Luc understood, having been told the truth about La Contessa's strange power during a previous crisis. "As for El Ultimados, San Finzione is not a large country; they know where all the best hiding spots are."

"I see. Why was the director at home when they were making a film at the castle? Wouldn't they need their director?"

"I asked La Contessa the same question earlier. It was a habit of his to go home for lunch and have a special American spaghetti-like food from childhood."

"So, who called in the gunshot?" Luc asked before turning to his friend. He gestured to the lights in the windows along the streets and the streetlights that had activated on their way to the scene. "It's Sunday night, this happened hours ago. People are home, and some have been home all day. It has not rained today?" Ramirez shook his head. "I know that this is a Catholic Nation, but surely, not everyone who lives on this street goes to the same Noon Mass. And no one noticed anything was amiss until the boy ran to one of your public safety statues. Then you have sirens, flashing lights, and people barking orders around the corner, so of course, you take notice. But a gunshot is not worth your attention? Video games and bad behavior would not explain EVERY child on the street except one staying indoors."

"They are called Propappous, Si. We make movies in San Finzione; The People are starting to write such things off as 'they must be making a movie over there.' Almost always, people still report sounds of gunfire to La Policia. I can get that from LeGrasse,"

Luc took out his cigarettes and offered Ramirez one. He lit them both while he thought. The Generalissimo offered his own thoughts to him.

"I understand now why Dietz was so concerned about his face being seen; because if you recognized him instantly, others in your profession will also know him."

"Mmm." Luc agreed. "I believe that your country, Mentirosa, and Uongo are the only ones where he has no price on his head. Bounty hunters giving your country the kind of tourism you do not want may further complicate matters." His eyes lit on a mailbox that read "Le Bessons," and smiled. Luc walked up to the door and rang the bell. After a few moments, two young women emerged.

"Bon Noir, Mesdames." Luc addressed them with a small bow and a display of his badge. The two smiled and held hands as Luc continued in French. "My friend, whom you may recognize, and I are looking into affairs this afternoon." He gestured to Ramirez, who removed his hat and stood at attention, clicking his heels. Luc turned back to the women, trying not to crack up. "Were either of you at home at the time?"

"Oui," the taller brunette said. "Emilia was out; I work from home."

"So, you were here working when the gun went off next door?" Luc asked.

"Oui. I heard it." She said.

"But you did not even go and look?"

"Angelique does not take interest in these things until she sees them on the screen." The shorter blonde replied. Angelique nodded confirmation.