The door was slightly ajar, and they both stepped into complete silence, they looked around the furnished place. The inside was impressive and Alexus looked towards the grand stairs that he was sure could only have been designed by a particular august architect, he was starting to see a pattern and ruefully procure that the style among houses now was an ugly exterior and a shockingly splendid interior, he didn't favour this. Beauty on the inside should be reflected on the outside.
A servant walked into view and startled himself after noticing them. He looked like a freighted deer. 'Um, can I help you gentlemen?' His eyes dotted around the room nervously. 'Yes, we were invited by Lord Ernold. We would like to meet him now.'
The young man didn't seem pleased about it and looked like he'd rather be anywhere but with them. After a brief contemplation, he sighed. 'Right this way gentlemen, I'll show you to the garden.'
They walked through convoluted corridors, the detective considered that they might be lost when he stopped counting how many corners they've turned. He took notice of the portraits of the house residents, all stiff and poise, it unnerved him and in the slightly dim lighted hall, Alexus thought he saw one of the portraits' eyes move. He could feel his breathing turn shallow.
After a minute, the servant stopped to open glass double doors, that open the path to lush vegetation, at that moment, a pained groan wafted their way, all three of them tensed. Doran placed a heavy hand on the servant's shoulder.
'You should go back now. We'll handle the rest.'
He turned to the investigator wide eyed but understood the message behind the tentative smile, he bowed again before scurrying back into the house.
'Alexus....'
The detective nodded and walked down the cobble path with conviction. They followed the voices and came to a pergola, and witnessed two men on their knees and two standing over them, their eyes were drawn to the body lying on the floor in an awkward angle and with close observation, the head was bleeding and darkened the pretty white of the structure floor.
Alexus quietly netted his hands and chanted a spell, swiftly creating a thin translucent barrier. The standing bodies were talking in low voices, Doran knew they couldn't hide any longer if they could prevent the next victim.
'Gentlemen!' A gun shot rang out. Another body made its way to the floor, the investigator understood what type of bullet was in the gun, pellets. Spread out from the top of the head, and pierce out in numerous directions out of the face. His face scrunched up in ire. It was a nasty weapon.
The two figures standing turned to face them.
'Really?'
A disgruntled sigh came from the shooter. He stood about 5'9, his face was cut sharp, dull smart eyes stared at them in disappointment. Detective Smith snickered. 'Some criminal you are.'
'Who are you?' The other man's smooth baritone commanded a reply. He stood at similar height with his companion but his face was cut in half by grey hair, shielding the left side of his face, the right of his bang was tied up by a blue string. He looked to be in his forties by the wrinkles at the edge of his eyes.
'Investigator Doran and Detective Alexus Smith. Can you please move away from the last man left, it won't do if we came all this way and our suspects are dead.' The investigator smiled leisurely but the detective behind could see his tense back and he made it clear he would trade bullets if it was called for, hand tucked in his pocket.
'The bureau had figured it out this fast? You two sure put in the work but I'd hate to nip buds so young, so I'll give you a chance to back out. No one will blame you if you told them you came face to face with me.' The older man stood haughtily, with pride.
'Mowe, the crow. Unfortunately, my superior will not accept that I tucked tail and ran and this will end up in your disfavour. I'm sure you already know my partner is a sorcerer.' The investigator jabed at Mowe who took a closer look at the detective a step behind and finally focused on the barrier that had been set up.
'It's a shame, you might just be the only sorcerer in Hagford. You waste your talents like this.'
'I'm not interested in small talk.' The detective shot down Mowe at once. 'Step away from him. We'll be taking over here.'
The older man looked unimpressed and turned to the last survivor. He had been looking at the exchange in hope, tears pricking his eyes, he noticed Mowes stare and shook violently in fear. He turned towards them again and reached into his coat, the inspector could feel the adrenaline kick in, his heartbeat resounding in his ears. Then the crow brought it out, a slick foldable walking stick. He took a few unsteady steps forward.