Obscured Truth

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{ "male": { subject: "he", object: "him", possessiveAdj: "his", possessivePro: "his" }, "female": { subject: "she", object: "her", possessiveAdj: "her", possessivePro: "hers" }, "nonbinary": { subject: "they", object: "them", possessiveAdj: "their", possessivePro: "theirs" } }>> <<set $playerPronouns to { male: { they: "he", them: "him", their: "his", theirs: "his", themselves: "himself", are: "is" }, female: { they: "she", them: "her", their: "her", theirs: "hers", themselves: "herself", are: "is" }, nonbinary: { they: "they", them: "them", their: "their", theirs: "theirs", themselves: "themselves", are: "are" } }>> <<set setup.hairColors to { "Black": { lower: "black" }, "Brown": { lower: "brown" }, "Blonde": { lower: "blonde" }, "Red": { lower: "red" }, "White": { lower: "white" }, "Gray": { lower: "gray" } }>> <<set $h to {}>> <<set setup.eyeColors to { "Blue": { lower: "blue" }, "Green": { lower: "green" }, "Brown": { lower: "brown" }, "Hazel": { lower: "hazel" }, "Gray": { lower: "gray" }, "Amber": { lower: "amber" } }>> <<set setup.heights to { "Short": { lower: "short" }, "Average": { lower: "average" }, "Tall": { lower: "tall" } }>> <<set $h to {}>> <<set $e to {}>> <<set $ht to {}>> <<set $npcGender to { npc1: "male", npc2: "male" }>> <<set $npc to { npc1: { male: "Mickaël", female: "Michèle", met: false }, npc2: { male: "Jason", female: "Jaylin", met: false } }>> <<set $pronouns to { npc1: { male: { they: "he", them: "him", their: "his", theirs: "his", themselves: "himself", are: "is" }, female: { they: "she", them: "her", their: "her", theirs: "hers", themselves: "herself", are: "is" } }, npc2: { male: { they: "he", them: "him", their: "his", theirs: "his", themselves: "himself", are: "is" }, female: { they: "she", them: "her", their: "her", theirs: "hers", themselves: "herself", are: "is" } } }>>

#passages { max-height: none; overflow-y: auto; } html, body { height: auto; overflow: auto; }

//A gun. She sees the barrel of a gun pointing directly at her head, the metal cylinder looks sinister and dark. She looks towards the hand that holds the gun, gloves cover the hand, black leather that has been worn down from frequent use. What an absurd thing to notice at a time like this. Her gaze follows the line of the arm, covered in dark leather, not quite black, but somewhere in between brown and black. She can just make out faint cracked lines from aged leather. The shoulders are wide and broad, a man’s. He wears a mask, hiding his identity. Did she know him? If so, why would he do this to her? But it’s his eyes that startle her. She knew of only one man who had eyes like his. They were a startling green, vibrant like freshly cut green grass. She looks up into his eyes, but with the gag in her mouth, she can do more than look into the eyes of the man. The eyes of the man she loved. How had it ever turned out like this? “I’m sorry for what I must do,” he says, the deep baritone of his voice sending a shock through her body, “but it must be done. Forgive me.” Tears fill her eyes as she watches in what seems like slow motion as he pulls the trigger of the gun, she distantly hears the explosion of the bullet as it rips through the barrel, and knows this bullet will end her life. The last thought she has is both sad and confusing, how did I fall in love with a monster and never realize it?// [[Chapter 1]]

''What is your name?'' <<radiobutton "$playerName" "Alexandria">> Alexandria <<radiobutton "$playerName" "Jordan">> Jordan <<radiobutton "$playerName" "Riley">> Riley <<radiobutton "$playerName" "Morgan">> Morgan <<radiobutton "$playerName" "Casey">> Casey <<radiobutton "$playerName" "Serenity">> Serenity <<radiobutton "$playerName" "Damien">> Damien <<radiobutton "$playerName" "custom">> Custom: <<textbox "$customName" "">> <<button "Continue" "Character Gender">> <<if $playerName === "custom">> <<if $customName.trim() === "">> <<script>>alert("Please enter a name!");<</script>> <<goto "Character Name">> <<else>> <<set $playerName = $customName>> <</if>> <</if>> <</button>>

''Choose Your Gender:'' <<radiobutton "$playerGender" "male">> He/Him <<radiobutton "$playerGender" "female">> She/Her <<radiobutton "$playerGender" "nonbinary">> They/Them <<button "Continue" "Character Hair">><</button>>

''Choose Hair Color:'' <<radiobutton "$hairColor" "Black">> black <<radiobutton "$hairColor" "Brown">> brown <<radiobutton "$hairColor" "Blonde">> blonde <<radiobutton "$hairColor" "Red">> red <<radiobutton "$hairColor" "White">> white <<radiobutton "$hairColor" "Gray">> gray <<button "Continue" "Character Height">> <</button>>

Choose your height: <<radiobutton "$height" "Short">> short <<radiobutton "$height" "Average">> average <<radiobutton "$height" "Tall">> tall <<button "Continue" "Character Eye Color">> <</button>>

''Choose Character Genders:'' <div class="character-select"> <strong>First Character:</strong> <<radiobutton "$npcGender.npc1" "male" checked>> Mickaël | <<radiobutton "$npcGender.npc1" "female">> Michèle <strong>Second Character:</strong> <<radiobutton "$npcGender.npc2" "male" checked>> Jason | <<radiobutton "$npcGender.npc2" "female">> Jaylin </div> <<button "Prologue" "Prologue">><</button>>

Choose Your Eye Color: <<radiobutton "$eyeColor" "Brown">> brown <<radiobutton "$eyeColor" "Green">> green <<radiobutton "$eyeColor" "Blue">> blue <<radiobutton "$eyeColor" "Hazel">> hazel <<radiobutton "$eyeColor" "Amber">> amber <<button "Continue" "Romantic Genders">> <</button>>

“I can’t believe this,” you groused. “Just where is my luggage?” You gave a big sigh of frustration. The airport was busy, thousands of people walked around you, oblivious to your woes. Security Guards stood at intervals of ten feet, quietly watching the crowds for anyone or anything suspicious. Their blue and black uniforms made them look more like mall security than airport security. God, what a horrible travelling experience. First, your flight from Paris to Québec was delayed because of a miscommunication between the Flight Tower and the pilot of your plane. Then the Flight Attendant, a happy thirty something blonde Barbie, tried to assassinate you, twice, with peanuts! Your travelling partner on the plane had been a man named Jack Buckingham, a fifty year old lawyer from Québec. Despite the fact that he was thirty one years older than you, he had flirted with you throughout the flight. When he wasn’t trying to act smooth, he talked non-stop about the wonders of his fair city. It had taken every ounce of your willpower not to snap at him. His hairstyle reminded you of road kill. You knew the hair was fake, you were almost positive that you could have found a dead rodent on the side of road, placed it upon his head, and it would have been an improvement. Or maybe he should have just taken the ugly mat of hair off of his head. It would have been an improvement. After all, there was nothing wrong with being bald. He could have pulled the bald, dignified look off. [[Next|Chapter 1.1]]

And that brought you to now. Somehow they had lost your luggage. Just who the hell hired some incompetent fools to work for them? Didn’t they train their employees properly? Besides, how did they manage to lose eight large suitcases, that had $playerName Solé stitched into them? You could just hear your father’s reprimanding voice for losing your luggage. //Are you quite sure you put your tags, with your name and cell phone, on them? Yes, I can replace them, but that is not the point. How could you lose those?// You stomped your foot in irritation. Those bags had all of your clothing, travelling papers, cosmetics, shoes, and travelling maps in them. You were sure you could call your father and explain the situation to him, but he would more than likely find a way to blame you for the loss. After all, he had blamed everything that had went wrong with you, on you. To him, you couldn’t be any different than your flighty mother. Despite the contrary. You had tried your entire life to prove to your father that you weren't some useless pretty arm accessory. You weren't your mother’s <<if $playerGender is "female">>daughter<<elseif $playerGender is "male">>son<<else>>child<</if>>. Oh no, you were more like Jean-Noël Solé than he cared to admit. You certainly had his intelligence, not your mother’s. Constance Girard, your mother, was flighty and could never plan beyond the immediate action. That wasn’t to say that your mother was stupid, quite the contrary. It was more that your mother didn’t think about the consequences of her actions, until it was too late. She was a happy, go lucky woman. Always partying and bringing new men every other day into her bedroom. So when she ended up somehow attracting your father, she tried to settle down. But, a year of marriage and playing house, drove Constance up the wall. She signed all parental rights over to your father, Jean-Noël, and resumed her party lifestyle like nothing had changed. You could count on both hands how many times your mother had visited when you were growing up. Constance had said she didn’t like the estate where you lived with your father, thus she barely visited. [[Next|Chapter1.2]]

Solé de Ménage as your father called it, was a large sprawling estate just outside of Paris. Your father owned over two hundred acres of land, with pine, spruce, aspen, and willow trees dotting the land. Whenever Constance had visited, you had always made sure to take her to the green house behind the mansion. It was a beautiful and quiet place, blue and red roses grew in small clusters, with white tulips and yellow daffodils in another location. But your favourite were the blue phlox flowers. You had always taken Constance to those. The flowers were small, but had such a beautiful sky blue color. It had taken you forever to convince your father to allow the gardener to plant them. But it had been worth it. You had always wondered why your father hadn’t remarried. You had even asked him once, when you were eight or nine years old. You could still recall vividly the look of pain that had crossed his face. His response was, and personally still was, confusing as hell. He had told you that he could never love another woman the way he had loved Constance. Some parts you understood, but how could he never strive to find love again? Despite your father being a hard man, he loved you unconditionally. By your mother’s actions, it caused a rift within your father, he expected the worst of you, so when you did disappoint him, he wasn’t surprised. [[Next|Chapter1.3]]

Someone bumped into you as you were lost in thought, sending you careening forward. “Oh God,” you breathed just before you landed unceremoniously on your bottom. “Ow, ow, ow!” You looked up, your cheeks flaming red in embarrassment. It was a <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>woman<<else>>man<</if>> that had bumped into you. Your gaze collided with <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> as <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> looked briefly down at you. <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their.toUpperFirst()>> eyes were a startling blue that reminded you of the ocean. They flashed with annoyance as <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> surveyed you. Your chest tightened with a foreign feeling as you studied <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> features. <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "male">> He had short sandy blonde hair that jutted upwards in wayward spikes as if he had ran his hand through the stuff multiple times; you supposed it should have looked grungy, but it looked rugged and sexy on him. His eyebrows were slanted at an angle that indicated he was annoyed, with you or the phone call he was having, you had no clue. His nose was slightly aquiline, but it looked as if it had been broken once or twice. His mouth was wide and lush, like a high price call boy. The effect of a mouth like that on a face that was so masculine was devastating to your system. Dare you say he was pretty for a male? <<else>> She had short sandy blonde hair that jutted upwards in wayward spikes as if she had ran her hand through the stuff multiple times; you supposed it should have looked grungy, but it looked rugged and sexy on her. Her eyebrows were slanted at an angle that indicated she was annoyed, with you or the phone call she was having, you had no clue. Her nose was slightly aquiline, but it looked as if it had been broken once or twice. Her mouth was wide and lush, like a high price call girl. The effect of a mouth like that on a face that was so feminine was devastating to your system. Dare you say she was beautiful? <</if>> You shake your head, //come on <<if $playerGender is "female">>girl<<elseif $playerGender is "male">>man<<else>>there<</if>>, get a hold of yourself. <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst()>>'s just another <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>woman<<else>>man<</if>>.// Yes, you think, but a very yummy one. The <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>woman<<else>>man<</if>> shakes <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> head and turned on <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> heel, walking away from you. "Yeah, I'm here, sorry some idiot just bumped into me. What were you saying?" Idiot! And //you// bumped into <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>>? Feeling thoroughly embarrassed, you push yourself up off of the floor, and dusted off your clothing. “Are you okay, darling?” [[Next|Chapter1.4]]

You jerk your head upwards to look at the person in question. It was an elderly lady, perhaps sixty years old. She was dressed in a light colored pant suit, complete with a white wide rim hat and black aviator sunglasses. She oddly reminded you of your own grandmother. “Yes, I’m fine.” You smile. “Thank you for asking.” The elderly lady shook her head with a sigh, “It’s a shame how todays youth is go-go, never stopping long enough to take a breather.” She tilted her head, “Not from here, are you?” “No, this is my first time in Québec.” She tut-tutted, “Well, we aren’t all rude like that young man. He is but a small populace of rudeness.” “I sure hope so,” You sigh. “Do you think you could point me towards the help desk? They’ve seemed to have lost my luggage.” “Oh dearie me,” the elderly lady gently put her hand on your arm. “Let’s go find someone who can help you then, shall we?” You nod. “My name’s Berenice Lovett.” You allow Berenice to lead you towards the help desk. "My name's $playerName Solé." “$playerName, that’s a lovely name. It’s a pleasure to meet you, darling.” “And you, Berenice.” Berenice turned out to be a retired accountant, not quite the glamorous career that you pictured her in, but Berenice had assured her that it was rewarding, in its own way. She was actually quite nice to talk to, despite her age, Berenice was very lively and quite the chatterbox. Asking after your age, what Paris was like, if you liked Québec so far. It was only when Berenice asked about your hobbies that she got completely animated. “You enjoy 3D puzzles?” You nod. “Why, I adore puzzles myself, but I could never figure out how those 3D puzzles work. My grandson tried his hardest to explain to me, but alas, I could never figure them out.” “I enjoy the challenge, particularly the harder ones. There’s something rewarding in figuring them out, like I completed a milestone.” “Are you sure you are nineteen years old, dear?” She chuckled, the sound was soft and gentle. “But, here we are.” [[Next|Chapter1.5]]

<<if $npcGender.npc1 is "male">>You look at the woman behind the desk, she looked to be maybe twenty five, her hair was pulled back into a severe bun, it was blonde, but obviously it was dyed, as you could see black roots coming in. She looked bored, as if she would rather be anywhere else than there. Her nametag read Stacie.<<else>>You look at the man behind the desk, he looked maybe twenty five, his hair was cut short, perhaps a few inches long. He appeared to have dyed it blonde, as you could see black roots coming in. He looked bored, as if he would rather be anywhere else than here. His nametag read Stuart.<</if>> For some reason, <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>his<<else>><</if>>her voice grated on your frayed nerves. You open your mouth to speak, but are rudely cut off by a <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "male">>deep male<<else>>sultry female<</if>> voice. "Excuse me, where is my luggage?" Seething with anger, you turn fully towards <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>>. "Excuse me, I was here first." <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "male">> He shoots you a look of annoyance, "Tough luck, toots. I'm in a hurry." "Toots?! Just who the hell do you think you are?!" You brake off in rapid French, cursing at him. "Yes, I am an asshole," he answered. Your eyes rounding as you realize he had heard and understood you cursing at him in French. His blue eyes were piercing in their intensity, it was like he was accessing you, the prick! <<else>> She shoots you a look of annoyance, "Tough luck, sweetie. I'm in a hurry." "Sweetie?! Just who the hell do you think you are?!" You brake off in rapid French, cursing at her. "Yes, I am a bitch," she answered. Your eyes rounding as you realize she had heard and understood you cursing at her in French. Her blue eyes were piercing in their intensity, it was like she was accessing you, the bitch! <</if>> [[♥Tension coils between the two of you.|SexualTension1.0]] [[You glare angrily at him.|NormalTension1.0]]

Something hummed between you, it felt like a sexual tension to you, but you refuse to acknowledge it. Sure, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> looked like sex on a stick, but <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> attitude left a lot to be desired. Unlike your mother, you used your brain, and not what was between your legs to think. <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst()>> could take a flying leap off of a hundred foot ledge for all you cared. “Fine, get your luggage,” you grumble. “Why, that’s very kind of you.” <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst()>> gives you a snide smirk that both angers you and makes your legs feel like jelly. Sheesh, a smile that looked that good should be illegal. You take a step back, moving away from <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Ms.Bitch<<else>>Mr.Asshole<</if>>, and <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>note the way the desk attendant straightened up, his lips turning into a flirtatious smile at the woman.<<else>>note the way the desk attendant straightened up, her lips turning into a flirtatious smile at the man.<</if>> “I’m sorry, <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>ma'am<<else>>sir<</if>>, may I have your name? We’ll have it sorted out in no time.” <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Ms.Bitch<<else>>Mr.Asshole<</if>> gave her a small smile, it didn’t look quite friendly, but there was nothing snide about it. Prick. “<<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michël<<else>>Mickaël<</if>> Trace,” <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> handed her<<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> I.D. You crossed your arms underneath your <<if $playerGender is "female">>breasts<<elseif $playerGender is "male">>chest<<else>>chest<</if>>, your gaze locked firmly on <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Ms.Bitch<<else>>Mr.Asshole<</if>>. Sure, you knew <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> name, but <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>>had been nothing but a prick to you. From then on, you would attach <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Ms.Bitch<<else>>Mr.Asshole<</if>> to one <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Missus<<else>>Mister<</if>> <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michël<<else>>Mickaël<</if>> Trace. <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Stuart<<else>>Stacie<</if>>, the desk attendant, looked bedazzled as she looked at <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Ms.Bitch<<else>>Mr.Asshole<</if>>. There was a blush on <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>his<<else>>her<</if>> cheeks, giving <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>his<<else>>her<</if>> a whole starry eyed look. //Gah, you think silently, gag me.// [[Next|Chapter1.6]]

Tense tension hummed between you, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>>eyes narrowing slightly on you. You had the strongest urge to stick your tongue out at <<=$pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>>. “I’m sorry, <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>ma'am<<else>>sir<</if>>, may I have your name? We’ll have it sorted out in no time.” <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Ms.Bitch<<else>>Mr.Asshole<</if>> gave her a small smile, it didn’t look quite friendly, but there was nothing snide about it. Prick. “<<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michël<<else>>Mickaël<</if>> Trace,” <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> handed her<<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> I.D. You crossed your arms underneath your breasts, your gaze locked firmly on <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Ms.Bitch<<else>>Mr.Asshole<</if>>. Sure, you knew <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> name, but <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>>had been nothing but a prick to you. From then on, you would attach <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Ms.Bitch<<else>>Mr.Asshole<</if>> to one <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Missus<<else>>Mister<</if>> <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michël<<else>>Mickaël<</if>> Trace. <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Stuart<<else>>Stacie<</if>>, the desk attendant, looked bedazzled as she looked at <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Ms.Bitch<<else>>Mr.Asshole<</if>>. There was a blush on <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>his<<else>>her<</if>> cheeks, giving <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>his<<else>>her<</if>> a whole starry eyed look. You chuckle quietly to yourself. [[Next|Chapter1.6]]

“Oh,” Berenice said suddenly, gaining your attention. “There’s my grandson now,” she waved towards a young man that was maybe twenty six years old. The man was about six feet tall, broad shouldered. He wasn’t extremely muscular, but even through a T-shirt, you could see he was clearly some kind of body builder. And unlike <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Ms.Bitch<<else>>Mr.Asshole<</if>>, who was dressed in a black suit, he was dressed casually. A simple white T-shirt, with blue denim jeans that looked as if he worked construction in them. But it was his sneakers that made you smile. They were a pair of scuffed black and white skater shoes, with a smiley face on each shoe by the toes. His hair was nearly down to his shoulders, the chestnut curls looked soft and glossy in the lighting. And as he drew closer to you and Berenice, you could see the resemblance between him and Berenice. He had his grandmother’s striking green eyes, the same small button nose, and wide, thin lips. All around, he was a nice looking man. He approached them, holding himself casually, his gait both masculine and soft. He offered a big smile for his grandmother, who smiled in turn. “Hi gran,” he threw his big arms around the small woman. “Mathis darling,” the old lady looked to be positively beaming at her grandson. “You must meet my newfound friend, $playerName.” His gaze slid to you, you give him a friendly wave and offer a smile. “Hello.” He held his hand out, which you promptly take. His hand was rough, as if he worked with his hands daily. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m Mathis Lovett.” You give him a firm handshake, then retract your hand. “$playerName Solé.” “Thank you for keeping my grandmother company while she waited for me.” “On the contrary,” You nod toward Berenice, “She helped me a great deal. This is my first time in Québec and I’ve seemed to have lost my luggage. She helped me find the help desk.” He offered you a kind smile, “I do hate to cut this short,” he looked at his watch, “but we do have to run. It was nice meeting you, $playerName.” “Same,” You return his smile, and look at Berenice. “Thank you for helping me.” “Think nothing of it, dearie! Oh, do take my number down, perhaps we could get together for some wine sometime?” “I would love to.” You wave at Berenice and Mathis as they picked up Berenice’s luggage and promptly walked out of the airport. They seemed like two very nice people, and Berenice was obviously very loved by her grandson, if his attention and smiles for her were anything to go by. [[Next|Chapter1.7]]

You return your gaze towards the desk attendant and sure enough, <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Ms.Bitch<<else>>Mr.Asshole<</if>> was still standing there, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> fingers and face glued to <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> smartphone. You look at the desk attendant, a brow raised. “What did you say your name was?” <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Stuart<<else>>Stacie<</if>> asked in a very bitchy tone. Well, you weren’t using this flight service again if <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>he<<else>>she<</if>> was the kind of employees they had. “$playerName Solé.” <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>He<<else>>She<</if>> made a very disgusted look as <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>he<<else>>she<</if>> looked at the computer screen. “Eight suitcases?" “Yes,” You grind out from between clenched teeth. “Have you found them?” “Yes,”<<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>he<<else>>she<</if>> snapped. Stacie’s gaze wandered to <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Ms.Bitch<<else>>Mr.Asshole<</if>>,<<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>his<<else>>her<</if>> tone softened considerably, sounding sweet as <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>he<<else>>she<</if>> addressed <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>>. “It would seem they misplaced the both of your suitcases. They’ll be brought here momentarily. I do apologize for the mix-up.” <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst() >> looked at you with a side glance, but you couldn’t read anything from it. For all you knew, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> was thinking something rude, and you were quite finished with <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>bitchy<<else>>asshole<</if>> remarks. So you pointedly ignored <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>> . Trying to ignore <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>>, you dig through your <<if $playerGender is "female">>purse<<elseif $playerGender is "male">>bag<<else>>bag<</if>> in pursuit of your phone. If only your <<if $playerGender is "female">>purse<<elseif $playerGender is "male">>bag<<else>>bag<</if>> didn't resemble Narnia you would have found it already. Several candy wrappers, a few receipts, and a hairbrush you didn't even realize was in there, you found your phone. The hair at the back of your neck rose, as if someone was staring at you. You lift your gaze and looked at <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>> . And of course, those blue eyes of <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> were staring directly at you. You shoot him a look of annoyance then refocus on your unread messages. Nothing important, so you close the phone. You frown at the attendant, “How long does it take to find suitcases?” You were rewarded with a very mean looking glare. “And how the hell were they misplaced? If this is the kind of quality service I can expect from this airline, I’d better find a new one.” “I beg your pardon,” <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Mister Bitchy<<else>>Miss Bitchy<</if>> retorts, “We have a stellar reputation.” “I highly doubt that.” Why had you allowed your father to talk you into taking this airline? Premium prices, more than likely. [[Next|Chapter1.8]]

It took nearly fifteen minutes for your suitcases to be brought to you, the employee was a young man, maybe eighteen. He apologized profusely, saying he had no idea how your suitcases had been misplaced, but in the end, you weren't really mad. At least they were all accounted for and undamaged. Turning a victorious look upon the desk attendant, you smile. “I need my rental car brought up to the front.” If looks could kill, you would be dead on the floor. Which, of course, made you smile all the more. "It'll be waiting up front in ten minutes," <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "male">>she<<else>>he<</if>> growled, baring <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "male">>her<<else>>his<</if>> teeth in a mockery of a smile. "Thank you," You turn back towards your suitcases, noticing that <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Ms. Bitch<<else>>Mr. Asshole<</if>> had moved off, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> single suitcase being carried in one arm, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> phone glued to <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> face. Christ, what did <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> do for work? Probably some kind of business major, CEO of something. CEO of <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Bitches<<else>>Assholes<</if>> Incorporated probably. You snicker at the thought. At least things were looking up from here. You would load your suitcases into your car, put your sunglasses on, roll the windows down, blast some music, and enjoy the three hour car ride to your father’s vacation home. Your vacation was going to be perfect. [[Chapter 2]]

“Look, I’m heading there now,” <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michèle<<else>>Mickaël<</if>> growled, completely pissed off. “They misplaced my luggage, what do you want from me?” <<if $npcGender.npc2 is "female">>Jaylin<<else>>Jason<</if>>, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> best friend, laughed over the phone. “I’m not the one who has your balls in a vice. That’s Pearl’s avenue. I’m just the messenger, man. Haven’t you ever heard of, don’t kill the messenger?” “No,” with a sigh, <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michèle<<else>>Mickaël<</if>> pushed open the revolving doors that led to the outside of the airport. “Have you heard of ‘don’t poke the bear’? Don’t push me, <<if $npcGender.npc2 is "female">>Jaylin<<else>>Jason<</if>>. I’m in a bad enough mood.” <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their.toUpperFirst()>> only response was to laugh. The cheeky <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>bitch<<else>>bastard<</if>>. <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst() >> frowned when the sunlight hit <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> face, it was both hot and humid here. Why, oh why, did <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> boss, Pearl Pennington, have to assign <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>> duty in Québec, of all places? The rest of Canada didn’t particularly like Québec, so why should <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>>? <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michèle<<else>>Mickaël<</if>> had been to Québec twice in <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> life and both times had been horrible. And this time would be no better. With a resigned sigh, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> hailed down a taxi, and waited impatiently as it pulled up to curb. The taxi driver got out of his vehicle and came around to where he stood, he reached his hand out, intending to take <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> suitcase, which was not going to happen. “I’ve got it,” <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> said in a brisk tone, in no mood for jests or conversation. “Yes, yes, a thousand yeses!” With a frown, <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michèle<<else>>Mickaël<</if>> looked to the right of where <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> stood. A groan escaped <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> mouth before <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> thought to stifle it. It was the <<if $playerGender is "female">>woman<<elseif $playerGender is "male">>man<<else>>person<</if>> from inside the airport. <<if $playerGender is "female">>She<<elseif $playerGender is "male">>He<<else>>They<</if>> stood beside a black 2016 Audi, <<= $playerPronouns[$playerGender].their>> suitcases neatly packed into the trunk of the car. <<if $playerGender is "female">>She had on a pair of black, sleek looking sunglasses that somehow enhanced the beauty of her face. He noted that she had tied her red hair up into a loose bun, giving her an almost sexy rumpled look.<<elseif $playerGender is "male">>He had on a pair of black, sleek looking sunglasses that somehow enhanced the beauty of his face.<<else>>They had on a pair of black, sleek looking sunglasses that somehow enhanced the beauty of their face.<</if>> <<= $playerPronouns[$playerGender].they.toUpperFirst()>> seemed not to notice <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>> staring at <<= $playerPronouns[$playerGender].them>>, <<= $playerPronouns[$playerGender].they>> <<if $playerGender is "female">>was<<elseif $playerGender is "male">>was<<else>>were<</if>> completely engrossed in dancing in place. The thought depressed <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>>. With a shake of <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> head, <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michèle<<else>>Mickaël<</if>> dismissed <<if $playerGender is "female">>Miss Rich and Snobby<<elseif $playerGender is "male">>Mister Rich and Snobby<<else>>Rich and Snobby<</if>>, <<= $playerPronouns[$playerGender].they>> had no business occupying <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> thoughts. Good grief, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].are>> probably at least a decade older than <<= $playerPronouns[$playerGender].them>>. <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst()>> had more important matters to attend to. [[Next|Chapter2.1]]

''More to come! Coding is new to me, so while I have the story (mostly) mapped out, it will take some time to get it out. I hope y'all enjoyed what I've released so far and I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Also, the story menus, character profiles, etc, have NOT been set up yet. This is a very early rough draft. But I would like to get it out there so I can get feedback and correct what I need to.'' [[Character Name]]

Inside the taxi,<<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michèle<<else>>Mickaël<</if>> gave the driver the address for the hotel where <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> would be meeting <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> boss, and staying at while <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> was investigating the murders of two women. <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst() >> sat in the back seat, one arm propped up against an armrest, the other arm idly stroking the soft cotton of <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> trousers. <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst() >> watched in silence as the scenery passed by at a blur, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> was lost in thought, oblivious to the beauty that was Québec city. The hotel came into view as the taxi driver pulled up alongside the curb, where valets were waiting for guests. The driver turned in his seat, awaiting payment. <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst() >> got out of the taxi and eased the door shut. <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst() >> closed <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> eyes and took a breath, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> really, really didn’t want to deal with Pearl right now. <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their.toUpperFirst()>> boss was nearly sixty years old, but you wouldn’t know it just by looking at her. She stood at an imposing six feet tall, her black hair was always done up in a tight bun, giving her an overall professional look. <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst()>> was hard pressed to believe that she was sixty, and if <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> hadn't accidently gotten an eyeful of her birth certificate that she had carelessly left on her desk once, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> would never have known the truth. The door greeter, a man dressed in a tuxedo with the emblem of the hotel, gave <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>> one of the fakest smiles <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michèle<<else>>Mickaël<</if>> had ever seen. “Good afternoon, sir.” <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst() >> ignored the man and continued into the lobby. <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst() >> approached the front desk, <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>where a middle aged man was talking on the phonewith a white shirt that also held the emblem of the hotel on it. He lifted his gaze and when he met her eyes, she noted the blush that crept up his neck.<<else>>where a middle aged woman was talking on the phone with a white blouse that also held the emblem of the hotel on it. She lifted her gaze and when she met his eyes, he noted the blush that crept up her neck.<</if>> Why, oh why, couldn’t <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> have been born an ogre? Figures, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> had to pick one of the jobs that require <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>> to be stealthy, to not draw attention to <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>>self. Just how in the hell was <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> supposed to do that when people stared at <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>> like <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> was the dream boat of love? A paper bag. What <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> needed was a paper bag with two slits cut where <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> eyes were. [[Next|Chapter2.2]]

<<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>The receptionist put his phone down, straightened his tie. “How may I help you, ma'am?”<<else>>The receptionist put her phone down, straightened her blouse, and yes, he noticed her unbutton two of the buttons, giving him a slight view of her cleavage. “How may I help you, sir?”<</if>> “I’m here to check in and to find one of your hotel guests, she’s expecting me.” If it hadn’t been plainly obvious that <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>she<<else>>he<</if>> had been eyeing <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>> like <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>he<<else>>she<</if>> would a chocolate cake, it was very obvious now. <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>His smile softened.<<else>>Her smile faltered at the mention of a “she”, but she quickly covered it up, her smile falling back into place. <</if>> “Right away, <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>ma'am<<else>>sir<</if>>, I just need your I.D.” Good thing <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> still had <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> I.D. handy from the airport, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> withdrew it from <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> jacket pocket, and handed it to <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>him<<else>>her<</if>>, carefully avoiding any physical contact with the <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>man<<else>>woman<</if>>. <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>He<<else>>She<</if>> looked down at it, “Oh, I just love your name. <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michèle<<else>>Mickaël<</if>>. Are you French?” “My mother was,” <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> forced a tight smile. <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>He<<else>>She<</if>> seemed lost in <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> I.D., <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>him<<else>>her<</if>> eyes glued to <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> picture. <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>His<<else>>Her<</if>> nametag read <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Clark<<else>>Claire<</if>> in bright red letters, “Excuse me, <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Clark<<else>>Claire<</if>>,” <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>his<<else>>her<</if>> head jerked up in surprise, and if <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>he<<else>>she<</if>> got any redder, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> was sure <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>he<<else>>she<</if>> would pass out. How hard could a <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>man<<else>>woman<</if>> blush anyway? “I’m in a bit of a hurry here.” “Oh, sorry.” <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>He<<else>>She<</if>> gave <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>> an embarrassed smile as <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>he<<else>>she<</if>> passed <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> I.D. back to <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>>. “You’re in room three hundred and seven.” <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>He<<else>>She<</if>> reached behind <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>he<<else>>she<</if>> and grabbed the key card to <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> room. “Who are you looking for?” <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>He'd<<else>>She’d<</if>> asked as <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>he<<else>>she<</if>> handed <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>> the key card. “Pearl Pennington, she should have checked in earlier this morning.” The keyboard tapped away as <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>he<<else>>she<</if>> entered Pearl’s name, it seemed to take forever until <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Clark<<else>>Claire<</if>> managed to pull up the information. “Let me give her a call and let her know you are coming up.” <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst()>> inclined <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> head as <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>she<<else>>he<</if>>asked, "Thank you." <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst()>> watched in amusement as <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>he<<else>>she<</if>> dialled Pearl’s room number, noting the slight shake of <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>his<<else>>her<</if>> fingers. “Excuse me, Mrs. Pennington?” Even from two feet away, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> could hear Pearl’s response. “What is it now?” The poor <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>man<<else>>woman<</if>> was in for an earful. "I have a <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Miss Michèle Trace<<else>>Mister Mickaël Trace<</if>> here to see you," even <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> winced at the shrill response from <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> boss. <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Clark<<else>>Claire<</if>> turned <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>his<<else>>her<</if>> gaze to <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>>, desperation shining out of <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>his<<else>>her<</if>> brown eyes. "Yes, yes, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> will be right up this minute." <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>He<<else>>She<</if>> put the phone back in the cradle, looking stunned. “So the room number?” “Oh, um,” <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>he<<else>>she<</if>> blinked, “She’s in room three hundred and fifteen.” “Thank you, and,” <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> gave a big sigh, feeling like a total <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>bitch<<else>>asshole<</if>> for making this poor <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>man<<else>>woman<</if>> deal with <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> boss, “I apologize for her, she doesn’t mean anything by it.” “Well, she seems like a madwoman.” With a chuckle, <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michèle<<else>>Mickaël<</if>> turned away from <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>him<<else>>her<</if>>, and said softly, “Don’t let her hear you say that. She’d take it as a compliment.” <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Clark's<<else>>Claire's<</if>> face was priceless as he walked away from the desk. [[Next|Chapter2.3]]

The elevator ride seemed to take forever, considering <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> was only going up three floors. The door opened with a subtle ping, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> stepped into the lavish hallway that seemed like it went on forever. //Why didn’t I bring my sunglasses?// Christ, the bright yellow wallpaper, coupled with the plush yellow carpet was playing havoc on <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> eyes. Shaking <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> head, <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michèle<<else>>Mickaël<</if>> followed the numbers on the doors, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> passed three hundred and seven with great hesitation, the appeal of laying down, and sleeping for ten hours almost made <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>> want to skip out on meeting his boss. //Almost.// <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst() >> stopped at three hundred and fifteen, why did the gold numbers look so threatening? Taking a deep breath, <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michèle<<else>>Mickaël<</if>> knocked on the door, and waited patiently for it to open. The door opened so quickly, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> was almost positive that <<if $npcGender.npc2 is "female">>Jaylin<<else>>Jason<</if>> had been stationed behind the door, anticipating <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> arrival. Pearl’s doing, no doubt. <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their.toUpperFirst() >> best friend<<if $npcGender.npc2 is "female">>stood at five foot ten, with a slim,but athletic build.<<else>>stood at six foot one, broad shouldered; he wouldn’t call him overtly muscular, but there no was no doubt that he was in shape.<</if>>. <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michèle<<else>>Mickaël<</if>> really despised the crooked grin that was gracing <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> friend’s mouth at the moment; whenever <<if $npcGender.npc2 is "female">>Jaylin<<else>>Jason<</if>> smiled like that it meant something terrible was about to happen to <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michèle<<else>>Mickaël<</if>>. “Well, about time you got here.” “Shut up, <<if $npcGender.npc2 is "female">>Jaylin<<else>>Jason<</if>>.” <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst() >> growled, “And move out of the way, before you get me into anymore shit.” <<if $npcGender.npc2 is "female">>Jaylin<<else>>Jason<</if>> opened the door wider, allowing <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michèle<<else>>Mickaël<</if>> passage. <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc2].they.toUpperFirst() >> pointed with <<= $pronouns.npc2[$npcGender.npc1].their>> thumb towards what <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michèle<<else>>Mickaël<</if>> assumed was the sitting room. “She’s in there and she’s rather pissy today.” “I heard that, Bowet.” <<if $npcGender.npc2 is "female">>Jaylin<<else>>Jason<</if>> gave a sheepish grin, followed by a shrug. “Well, are you coming in or not, Trace? We don’t have all day, unlike you,” <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> boss commented, coming into view, “I have to be back in Edmonton by tonight.” “Is it national Pissed off Women’s day?” <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michèle<<else>>Mickaël<</if>> asked dryly. “You’re the second woman I’ve dealt with that has her panties in a wad.” Pearl tilted her head, her black hair swishing to the side; huh, so she had forgone the normal bun today. <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst() >> noticed the way Pearl’s eyes squinted, ever so slightly, giving <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>> the stink eye. “You’re really, really lucky that I value your ass, Trace. If you weren’t one of my best Agents, I’d be kicking your ass to the curb.” “Hurrah, compliments,” <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> commented sarcastically. [[Next|Chapter2.4]]

With a roll of her eyes, she motioned towards the room she had been in. <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michèle<<else>>Mickaël<</if>> followed behind her, eyeballing her the whole way. She seemed more tense than usual, and if that wasn’t odd enough, she looked wound up. Pearl, by everyone’s definition, was cool and composed twenty four seven. She was superb when put under pressure. <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst() >> <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>>self had worked with her for nearly nine years, since before <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> time with the CSIS, when <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> was a street cop. <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their.toUpperFirst() >> first case with her, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> was some green nosed twenty five year old cop. <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst() >> had been so full of <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>>self then, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> ego the size of an elephant, being young and stupid, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> supposed. The CSIS had been called in because a serial killer had been on the loose in Edmonton, Alberta, for nearly a year. The victims numbered in the thirties, all had been young college age girls. But that was the only link between them. Each and every girl was different, some partied, others were bookworms; some were rich, and some came from poor backgrounds. The killer didn’t target just one race, he had targeted Caucasians, Africans, Asians; you name it. <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michèle<<else>>Mickaël<</if>> had worked beside Pearl diligently; by her words, ‘the perfect assistant.’ It was by a pure stroke of luck that <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> had been the one to stumble upon the killer. The night had been groggy, rain had been coming down in a heavy downpour. <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michèle<<else>>Mickaël<</if>> had been going over one of the crime scenes, trying to understand the killer. <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst()>> had been about to leave when <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> heard a woman scream for help. Without hesitating, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>>’d drawn <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> gun, and sprinted towards where the sound had come from. <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst() >>’d came upon a woman on the ground, clutching her side. Even through the rain, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> could see the dark blood oozing from out between her fingers. A man wearing a rainproof jacket, a dark hood over his head, stood over the woman. A sharp, nearly eight inch long hunting knife poised over the prone body of the woman. <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst() >> remembered vaguely barking out the command to stand down to the man, something along the lines of, “Drop the knife and put your hands on your head, or I’ll shoot.” The man had to have known he was caught, but that didn’t stop him from turning, and trying to bolt away. Even with the cold raining dripping in <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michèle<<else>>Mickaël<</if>>’s eyes, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> took the shot, and hoped <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> hadn’t just killed the suspect. <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst() >> remembered taking <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> jacket off and quickly putting it on the woman, before running after the suspect. Some thirty feet away, <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> found the suspect on the ground; thankfully alive. <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michèle<<else>>Mickaël<</if>> had kicked his weapon away from him and quickly handcuffed his hands behind his back. Backup had arrived quickly after that, paramedics took the woman to the hospital, where she later recovered, and still to this day, sent <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michèle<<else>>Mickaël<</if>> cookies and cakes over every year on the day of her attack, as a way to say thank you. Pearl had been the one to take <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> report. She had been impressed by <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> cool headedness. She’d asked if <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> had ever used <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> gun before, and <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>>’d only shrugged, saying <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> hadn’t actually shot anyone with it before. Usually people had stood down when <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they>> pulled his gun on them. And that was how she had personally recruited <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>> for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. [[Next|Chapter2.5]]

“Okay, so we have all the data compiled here for your use, Trace.” Pearl motioned towards a mountain of papers, along with crime scene photos, police reports... <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst() >> groaned, “This is going to take me forever to go through.” “Shut up, Trace.” Her mouth turned upside down, irritation making her grey eyes sharpen. “I’m leaving Bowet here to assist you.” “And I will be the best assistant to you, Boss.” Even from the other room, <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michèle<<else>>Mickaël<</if>> could hear <<if $npcGender.npc2 is "female">>Jaylin<<else>>Jason<</if>>’s snicker of amusement. “Couldn’t you have left me with a dog?” <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their.toUpperFirst() >> boss rewarded <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>> with a small chuckle, “You dislike dogs.” <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].they.toUpperFirst() >> let <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> head fall backwards and looked up at the ceiling. “All I’m saying is, a dog would have helped more. At least a dog knows when to shut up. <<if $npcGender.npc2 is "female">>Jaylin<<else>>Jason<</if>>, however, doesn’t know when to stop.” //“I love you too, boo!”// <<if $npcGender.npc1 is "female">>Michèle<<else>>Mickaël<</if>> growled low in <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].their>> throat. “I’m going to throw <<= $pronouns.npc1[$npcGender.npc1].them>> out of the window, so help me.” Pearl shook her head, “Heh. You two will be fine. Let’s get going over some of this, I’ll help for a few hours,” she looked pointed at her watch, “and then I have to run. My flight leaves at three, so I’ll be out of your hair in about two hours.” [[Chapter 3]]