They spent the ride back silently. Sofie was staring out the window, watching the buildings pass them by, while Veronica was looking at her watch with marvel.
After leaving the black market she hadn't stopped thinking about its power. Its not like the other items Suze had talked to her about. Those were more defensive or offensive type, perfect in case of a fight, but most ascended don't consider how much use a utility item could have.
'When I become an ascended I have to divine more about it! If it had one hidden power, who knows what else it hides?'
She was even more excited about the future than before. The only issue is the lack of main ingredients to actually ascend. But it didn't matter, she just enjoyed her new find.
They reached the Court District again. It was currently half past ten, the crowd increased by a few people, but not as many as Veronica had anticipated. The traffic slowed down a bit because of a few unruly protesters, but the police soon took care of them.
The carriage moved on until it was time for them to get off.
Sofie and Veronica entered the inn and noticed the emptiness of it. A bit suspiciously they went into the kitchen where James and Suze were talking with two individuals.
Both were men and definitely part of the police force. They didn't were uniforms or badges, but Veronica could judge their posture fairly easily. Both were about 30 to 40 years old, but the shorter one was already balding on the top of his head.
The conversations stopped as both the girls stepped inside. It seemed like the officers were expecting them already.
"Good day! You two must be Sofie Miles and Veronica Navarro, could you bring out your identifications please?" Asked the taller men with a comforting smile. Without any questions both of them produced their ids.
The shorter one took them and quickly made sure everything was in order. While he was doing that the taller one introduced themselves.
"My name is Inspector Collins and this is my partner Inspector Erwing. There is no need to be afraid, we aren't here for any specific complaint, just a routine inspection." As he said it Veronica glimpsed at the inspector's suit. She quickly noticed that his cufflink was different from the other.
She glanced at Suze behind the inspectors and she nodded at Veronica.
'So not just regular inspectors, but ascended maybe even Lawbringers... They must be looking for the basement hideout... Which means they will most likely question us about having seen or heard anything peculiar.'
Indeed just as she expected, when Inspector Erwing handed the identifications back he said, "Miss Navarro, could we talk in a different room?"
With a bit of reluctance she nodded and they went out into the main room. Here they sat down at a table. The inspector proceeded to take out a cigar and light it. The smell was awful, but Veronica didn't show any discomfort.
From that detective novel Father Martin lent to her, she learnt that this was actually something police used to do. They do something that makes suspects uncomfortable, which could help with catching them off-guard.
'Well, at least I didn't read that novel for no reason... I should give it back to Father Martin at some point... Or, instead of daydreaming, I should focus on this ascended inspector!'
The man puffed out a small cloud of smoke right in Veronica's face, but instead of going into a coughing fit, she just smiled and said, "So, Inspector Erwing. What can I help you with?"
Seeing that his little trick didn't work he smirked a bit, then put out the cigar.
"You probably heard of the rumors that Hammon is a hotbed of pirate activity. There are lots of task forces like me and my partner, our job is to find possible pirate holdouts and report them. So Miss Navarro, have you heard any rumors of such places?"
'I'm pretty sure I know about two of them to be exact, one right below our feet.' Instead of saying anything condemning Veronica looked away and made a thoughtful expression. After pretending to collect her memories she turned back to the inspector.
"I don't think so. As the Miles family probably already told you I'm just a barmaid. The best I can provide is a few rumors that I heard while working." As she said it there was a small buzz made by her pocket watch.
With curiosity Veronica looked over Inspector Erwing a lot more thoroughly. He wore a black suit with a dark shirt underneath, he also had black pants on with shoes that fitted his outfit perfectly. The only thing that was out of the ordinary was that one cufflink on his right hand.
It was grayish in color and very different from the other hand's. There was also some kind of design on it, but she could only take one quick glance at it. Another interesting thing was that he often played with it, like he was feeling for something.
'Not a simple button eh?... Probably tells you if I lie. Well, good luck getting anything since my amazing watch will probably block all your attempts!'
She tried to not look too gleeful, which was strangely enough even harder than lying.
"Every little bit helps. Maybe those rumors have some root in reality. You could even apply for a reward if you help us catch some pirates." He said with a smile while looking her up and down. Veronica smiled as well, but in reality she wanted to punch the men.
'Why are you looking at me like I'm a very poor person!?... I probably make more than you do!'
"Of course Inspector. Most rumors say that there are some pirate activity in the Dirt District, especially close to the ports." After saying this she leaned in a bit closer and said in a whisper, "I also heard that the protests are caused by them!"
As she spoke in a conspiratorial tone, the inspector was continuously touching the button. It was a bit funny how much attention he gave to something she made up a few seconds ago.
'Just when did I get this good at acting? It felt like I really believed these rumors... Strange, but also kind of fun!'
The inspector asked a few other questions of her about the family and the inn. Every time she answered her watch buzzed inside her pocket. After about ten minutes of the questioning the inspector finally ran out of questions.
They both went back into the kitchen where the others were already waiting for them.
"Okay Mr. Miles. Now we just have to do the usual inspection of the premises than we are done." Said Inspector Collins, then both ascended went around the building. They checked every room, even the ones that were occupied.
It was all going fine until there was only one place left for them to check... the basement.
Collins and Erwing approached the door to the downstairs. Behind them Veronica was sweating from fear. With a quick look she stared at Suze, Sofie and James, they all had really calm and composed expressions.
'Damn, they are even better at hiding their fear than I am... But why aren't they doing anything? If the inspectors go down there, they will know exactly where those pirates are!'
Her hands were slick from sweat, she had to clean them on her dress every few seconds. Next to her Suze leaned in and whispered into her ear. "Don't worry." Was all she said. When Veronica looked at her confused she just winked and pointed at the opening doorway.
The inspectors went downstairs and everyone else followed them. Veronica expected the long staircase to greet her, but the whole place changed. The stairs weren't that long and after a few seconds they were in a small storage room with a few barrels of beer and bottles of stronger alcohol.
The inspectors looked around for a bit and every now and then touched their gray cufflinks. When they were satisfied everyone went back upstairs.
As the inspectors thanked them and said their goodbyes Veronica just stared at the basement door with wide eyes.
Instantly when Collins and Erwing were on their way, she went to Suze. Before she could get any answers, Suze motioned her to follow. They went inside the basement staircase and stopped a few steps down.
There Suze reached out and pressed an inconspicuous stone. Suddenly the whole basement changed like a mirage. Where before the floor of the fake basement was, now the stairs continued further down.
Suze motioned Veronica again and both of them descended into the semi crowded underground bar. They both took a seat at a table farther away, then it was time to learn what the actual hell happened.
"Don't look so surprised. Did you really think we survived for this long because of pure luck? Did we make that kind of impression to you?" Said Suze with a mischievous smile. Veronica on the other hand just sighed and stood up to get herself a drink.
When she made herself comfortable enough she asked, "So, how does that mirage thing work? Is it some sort of ethereal item?"
Suze laughed a bit before answering. "You could say that, but its also a lot more... I think its time you learned about Relics."