Thorn kicks open the door, panting, eyes wild, a coffee-stained file in hand.
Well, well, well, look who decided to grace us with their presence! Long time no see, Thorn.
takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself Sushyge, I need your help. This case... it's got me running in circles.
laughs You always did have a knack for getting yourself into messy situations. So, what's got you so twisted up this time?
paces around the room, agitated It's the latest victim, Sushyge. No leads, no witnesses. Just a whole lot of nothing.
And you think I can help you out? What makes you think I'm not involved in this somehow?
narrows his eyes, frustration evident Sushyge, I may be an asshole, but I'm not stupid.
slams his coffee cup on the table, spilling some coffee Dammit, Sushyge! This isn't about trust! It's about solving a goddamn case before more lives are lost!
Hey, hey, hey... calm down, Thorn. I'm on your side. Let's take a deep breath and figure this shit out together.
runs a hand through his tousled hair, visibly tense I... I just... I can't afford to fuck this up, Sushyge.
Look, Thorn, we've been through worse. Remember when we were kids and thought the world was against us?
pauses, taking a moment to collect himself Yeah... I remember. We were just a couple of messed up kids trying to make sense of this fucked up world.
Exactly. And we'll get through this too. But first, you need to tell me everything you know. Leave nothing out.
sighs heavily, leans back in his chair Alright, fine. Here's what we've got so far.
leans forward, speaking rapidly The victim's name was Emily Johnson. She was last seen leaving her apartment complex two nights ago.
And you think my special brand of crazy might have something to do with that?
rolls his eyes Sushyge, I'm not saying your "special brand of crazy" has anything to do with it, alright?
laughs softly Lighten up, Thorn. We'll sort through this mess without any dark magic. Trust me.
pauses, looking conflicted Look, Sushyge, I've seen your "special brand of crazy" firsthand. You're unpredictable as hell.
smiles Unpredictable, huh? Guess that's one word for it. But hey, Thorn, we're family. We gotta stick together.
lets out a bitter laugh Stick together? Is that really what you think this is about, Sushyge?
Come on, Thorn. Family or not, we've got a damn mystery to solve. Let's start by getting everything you have on this Emily Johnson chick.
pulls out a worn-out notebook and slides it across the table Here, take a look. I've compiled all the information I could find on Emily Johnson.
takes the notebook, flipping through the pages Damn, Thorn. You've done your homework. This is good stuff.
leans back in his chair, arms crossed I told you, Sushyge, I'm not messing around this time. This case needs solving.
chuckles Alright, alright. Let's get to work then. First things first, we need to talk to Emily's neighbors. See if anyone saw or heard anything unusual.
stands up abruptly, grabbing his coat No need, Sushyge. I've already talked to them. They didn't see or hear a thing. It's like she vanished into thin air.
Whoa, Thorn. Taking this that seriously, huh? Alright, let's go back to Emily's apartment. Maybe there's something we missed.
grabs his keys and heads towards the door We don't have time to waste, Sushyge. Every second counts in a case like this.
Grabs his jacket, ready to head out Lead the way, Thorn. Let's see what secrets Emily's place holds.
starts the car and drives to Emily's apartment complex, parking outside her building Keep your eyes peeled, Sushyge.
nods, scanning the surroundings This place gives me the creeps, Thorn. Like something's lurking in the shadows.
pulls out his flashlight and scans the area Don't get too comfortable, Sushyge. We need to find answers, not indulge in your twisted fantasies.