"This is our first case as a unit," said Cindy, placing a map of Stonehill City beside the cathedral's blueprint.
"Since when were you so invested in unofficial cases?" Kit asked, pulling out his notes.
Cindy opened her mouth, yet found no words for a response. "I—"
"She's eager for a case," Sycamore said, entering the room with a stack of files. "It's been a while since we had anything substantial, huh?"
He sat in one of the chairs around the table and started chewing gum, his eyes scanning the documents.
"I mean, it's good we get to have some work beyond the prank calls... They don't give us cases, and the ones we did get involved in... got solved too quickly," Bryan added.
Sycamore sighed. "The priests are just good."
"We're only left with paperwork." Cindy put her hands on her hips. "No real criminals to catch."
"Technically..." Bryan leaned forward, eager to say something. "If we could go to hell, we could arrest every demon."
Silence fell in the whole room as everyone stared at him.
"You want me to send you there first?" Sycamore shot him a stern look. "You punk, only the dead go to hell."
"Technically..." Bryan attempted to add another piece of information he learned from Quill.
"Enough," Sycamore interrupted. He pointed to the cathedral entrance on the blueprint.
He leaned in. "Focus." He tapped on the entrance of the cathedral. "We should be here." He lined a red marker along the open path and paused by the back entrance. "The priests here. Quill and Pierrot."
"Our job is to question the caretakers about an ongoing case concerning a report," Sycamore added.
Bryan turned to Sycamore. "What report?"
"The report a 'citizen' made concerning a 'supernatural occurrence' in the area..." Sycamore spilled it slowly, word by word. "Do you follow me?"
Bryan only looked at him, puzzled.
"For goodness' sake. A fake report, Bryan." Cindy slammed the table.
"Why are you suddenly so angry? I got it the first time." He scoffed. "I was just waiting for added details..."
"Right..." Sycamore turned back to the map. "Memorize the layout. The priests need more cover if the church sends providences. Have you ever fought one?"
"A providence? No..." Cindy turned to Kit, and the other shook his head. Kit turned to Bryan, and before he could answer, Sycamore interjected.
"I'm sure you haven't."
Bryan's words hung in the air, and he only let out a sigh.
"Our real job is to be a distraction—something for the priests to use as cover while they slip into the Archive unnoticed."
"So, we're essentially setting up a diversion for them?" inquired Kit.
"Exactly," Sycamore confirmed. "The priests need to access the Archive without raising any suspicion. If we draw attention to ourselves with this fake case, they'll have the opportunity to get in and gather whatever they need."
"I have a bad feeling about this, detective." Cindy released a shaky breath. "We're essentially creating a stir within the case. Isn't it better they just sneak in without warning?"
"It's not that simple. The Archive is heavily guarded and only accessible to high-level clergy. Sneaking in without cover would jeopardize the mission. A stir is what we need; cause trouble if possible."
Kit nodded. "And if the priests get discovered in the Archive? What's our plan B?"
"We'll be prepared to cover for them," Sycamore said. "Ideally, they should avoid direct confrontation, but if necessary, they should act in self-defense."
"All this for an unofficial case?" Bryan murmured to himself, yet Sycamore heard it.
"Would you prefer to handle routine calls instead?" Sycamore asked.
"No, Sir..." Bryan shook his head.
"Alright. Pierrot and Quill will be joining us shortly. We'll finalize our plan with them."
────────
Pierrot and Quill exchanged glances as they settled into the van. The interior was cramped, filled with the low hum of the engine and the scent of stale coffee. The PCU members sat quietly, each absorbed in their own thoughts.
"Why is everyone here? How about your office?" Pierrot asked, raising an eyebrow as they entered the van, finding everyone from PCU there.
"You have a few members and you're all here. What happens if a report comes in?" Quill added.
Sycamore, seated behind the wheel, started the engine as he glanced in the rearview mirror. "We have other officers handling incoming reports. Let us have this fucking case."
Pierrot gave a skeptical nod, but Quill seemed less convinced. "Geez. An officer of the law with a foul mouth," he muttered, settling back into his seat.
Sycamore was unfazed by the remark. His focus remained on the road ahead as he navigated the early morning traffic. After three hours of driving and reviewing the plans on the road, they finally reached the next city.
"Won't we get into trouble with the other 'priests' here?" Quill turned to Pierrot, referring to other Malachim in the city.
"There are five of them. Quite fun to be with. We'll be alright." Pierrot replied.
As the drive continued, the streets of Stonehill City were now awake, with the occasional passerby and the distant sound of city life starting to stir.
The cathedral soon came into view, its majestic spires piercing the sky.
The imposing structure of the cathedral seemed even more grand in the morning light, its ancient stone walls bathed in a warm, golden hue.
Sycamore slowed the van as they approached, making sure to stay out of sight from the main entrance. He drove past the cathedral, looking for a discreet place to park.
After a few turns, he found a quiet spot on a side street, a short distance from the cathedral's entrance. The van came to a stop, and he turned off the engine.
"Alright, this is as close as we can get," Sycamore said, turning to the team. "You ready?"
Cindy took a deep breath, her nerves steadying as she looked out at the cathedral. "Ready."
Bryan adjusted his jacket one last time, his eyes scanning the area. "Let's do this."
Kit gave a nod, his gaze shifting to the surroundings. "We'll keep watch."
Pierrot and Quill exited the van, the morning chill brushing against their faces, mixing with the warmth of the sun that was starting to get hot.
Sycamore and Cindy were the ones to talk with the caretakers, while Bryan and Kit stayed in the car for surveillance and guidance on the layout and... emergency exit.
"We sound like robbers, detective. Is this the right thing?" Cindy spoke through her lapel as a test, Bryan confirming it was on.
"Fancy equipment. Check. One. Bryan has a bald spot," Sycamore said through his mic.
"We can hear you VERY well, detective," Bryan sighed.
"Good," Sycamore smirked.
The two walked toward the main entrance of the cathedral, carrying nothing but some notes, as though for a casual questioning.
The cathedral's grandeur seemed almost intimidating, yet the two pressed on.
Quill and Pierrot stood behind the van, and after setting up their body cams, they proceeded to hide behind the back gate of the cathedral.
Pierrot pulled out two black masks and handed one to Quill, who frowned in confusion.
"We are not thieves."
"Better safe than sorry."
Quill reluctantly took the mask and wore it but paused when Pierrot only stared at him. "Don't wear it now... We're still outside."
He realized it was day out, and anyone who saw him right about now would wonder if he was indeed a thief.
"R-right..."
"Hey, smartypants. Don't be too nervous. We can do this." Pierrot put a hand on his shoulder as Quill replied with a deep nod, and they headed in.