Hawk Foster, Puzzle Detective

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It's a warm summer night in the city. The temperature is just right for relaxing on a day off. Not too hot, not too cool. The sun is setting on the skyline visible from the window. The last bits of light paint the room a gorgeous orange before they're overcome by clouds. You are Hawk Foster, Puzzle Detective. You've managed to go a day without a case for once, giving you a much-needed break. You had just sat back in your office chair and put on the radio. As a song fades out, you hear something outside. Footsteps. Something comes under the door. More footsteps. <<link "Get up." "Get up.">><</link>> <<set $hawk_notebook to []>> <<set $madison_notebook to []>> <<set $active to "hawk">> <<set $elizabeth to 0>> <<set $twilightgang to 0>> <<set $missingkid to 0>> <<set $napkin to 0>> <<set $computer to 0>> <<set $fight to 0>>

You stand up from your desk, finding a sealed envelope right in front of your door. You take a few steps over, kneel over, and pick it up. It's closed with a <<link "wax seal" "Envelope">><</link>> you recognize immediately: the official seal of one capitalist magnate Lark Harrison. This ought to be good. <<link "Open the envelope." "Open the envelope.">><</link>>

You break the seal and look inside, seeing a single piece of <<link "paper" "Note Details">><</link>>. Unfolding it, you find a simple note: "Hawk Foster, my friend, it's been a while. You and I haven't crossed paths very much recently, have we? It's such a shame. I suppose that's why things have just so aligned that it's very possible that we'll be seeing each other tonight! My employees found a certain reporter snooping around one of my <<link "properties" "Harrison's Properties">><</link>> earlier this afternoon. I happen to now be in possession of her, and plan to remove her as one might remove a tick. Tossed out and forgotten. But, what fun is that? You have one hour to find Madison Laurent, Hawk. I look forward to seeing you." Just when you thought you had gotten into a nice streak of avoiding Harrison, he barges in and kidnaps Madison. Suppose there's nothing you can do now but <<link "put your nose to the grindstone." "Put your nose to the grindstone.">><</link>>

You examine the envelope a little closer: It doesn't have any writing on the outside, other than your name, carefully written in large letters. No stamp. No return address. Only other thing of note is the seal placed on it. An elaborate, lavish design held within a circle, with the name Lark Harrison breaking the design in a garish way across its diameter. Sounds about right for him. <<if !$hawk_notebook.includes("envelope")>><<link "Add to Mental Notebook.\n" "Get up.">><<set $hawk_notebook.push("envelope")>><</link>><<endif>><<link "Go back." "Get up.">><</link>>

<<if $hawk_notebook.length gt 0>>Hawk Foster's Mental Notebook: <<for _i to 0; _i lt $hawk_notebook.length; _i++>> <<print setup.GetEntry($hawk_notebook[_i])>><<print "\n">> <</for>> <<else>>Your Mental Notebook is empty.<<endif>> <<link "Return" `previous()`>><<run UIBar.unstow()>><</link>>

You've got work to do. You need to find Madison, as soon as possible. First step, figure out where she is. You take a look around your office. At your desk are the essentials: your <<if $computer eq 0>><<link "computer" "Hawk's Computer">><</link>><<else>><<link "computer" "Use your computer.">><</link>><<endif>>, your <<link "evidence drawer" "Hawk's Evidence Drawer">><</link>>, and your <<link "case file drawer" "Hawk's Case Files">><</link>>. Behind that are your cork board, currently empty, and your <<link "safe" "Hawk's Safe">><</link>>. Over on the other side of the room are your <<link "calendar" "Hawk's Calendar">><</link>>, shelf, and a few <<link "framed photos" "Hawk's Photos">><</link>> up on the wall. <<link "Figure out where to go for information." "Figure out your next move.">><</link>> //Note: When you look at something new, do a quick sweep of some other things. You might have revealed something new.//

One of his properties... There are quite a few. The man has managed to buy up most of 12th Street. Suppose there are a few notable ones, though. North Street Diner. Not the fondest of memories here. Tends to be a middleman in terms of locations for Harrison's plots. Midnight Manor. Expensive high-rise apartments. The factory south of downtown. Makes something public, and something private. Murder weapons are the private part. Not sure what the name of it is. The Plaza. Second fanciest hotel in the city, just behind the Grand Hotel down the street from here. <<if !$hawk_notebook.includes("cmproperties")>><<link "Add to Mental Notebook.\n" "Open the envelope.">><<set $hawk_notebook.push("cmproperties")>><</link>><<endif>><<link "Go back." "Open the envelope.">><</link>>

You take a seat at your computer, turning it on. It whirrs to life, loading slowly. [[Wait.]]

You pop open the evidence drawer, peeking inside. There haven't been many cases recently that you've kept any evidence from. Thankfully, no ongoing cases either. All that's in here is a <<link "napkin" "Napkin">><</link>> from a case earlier this year. <<link "Keep looking around your office." "Put your nose to the grindstone.">><</link>>

You pull open the drawer. Inside is an organized - tediously organized - set of folders containing files on all of your cases since 2000. The files from back then are a little more bare, though. Most of those are from when you worked as a public detective with the county. You find a few relevant, successful case files. It's easy enough with the system you and Madison put together. [[The Takeover of 10th Street]] [[The Elvio's Pizzeria Front]] <<if $missingkid eq 1>>[[The Disappearance of Clara Brown]] <<endif>><<if $elizabeth eq 1>><<link "Elizabeth.\n" "Elizabeth.">><</link>><<endif>> <<link "Keep looking around your office." "Put your nose to the grindstone.">><</link>>

You walk over to your safe. You had to get it last year, when someone broke in and stole your second hat. Took a whole week to find that hat. Didn't even care about who took it, you just wanted your hat back. Always a good thing to have to switch up your look. <<link "Unlock the safe." "Unlock the safe.">><</link>> <<link "Keep looking around your office." "Put your nose to the grindstone.">><</link>>

You walk over to your incredibly large calendar. It's the size of a normal calendar, but only shows one day at a time. Some convincing salesman down at the Calendar Depot basically tricked you into buying the thing - it even covers four years, 2003 to 2006. The giant text lets you know that it's Thursday, June 23rd, 2005. <<link "Keep looking around your office." "Put your nose to the grindstone.">><</link>>

Up on the wall are a few photos from over the years. One of you on your first day as a <<link "public detective" "Hawk Foster, Public Detective">><</link>> back in 2000. One of you and <<link "Elizabeth" "Hawk and Elizabeth">><</link>>. One of <<link "you and Madison" "Hawk and Madison">><</link>> from 2001, the first time she helped out on a case. The last one is from <<link "last year" "Puzzle Detective">><</link>>. <<link "Keep looking around your office." "Put your nose to the grindstone.">><</link>>

Time to figure this out. <<set $deduction to []>> If you had more information, you'd try to establish where Madison is, but there are too many variables at the moment. You need more information. Best bet is to find some of Harrison's employees, see what kind of information you can wrestle out of them. Literally or figuratively. Where, though... <<if $hawk_notebook.length gt 0>>//Click different clues that you've collected to try and string them together. If you think you have something, click the "Put it Together" button. If you want to clear what you've selected, click the "Try Again" button. Before you make any conclusions, consider saving your progress. If you leave, you cannot come back.//<<else>>//You haven't gathered any clues. Keep looking around your office.//<<endif>> <<for _i to 0; _i lt $hawk_notebook.length; _i++>> <<print setup.MakeDeductionEntry($hawk_notebook[_i])>><<print "\n">> <</for>> <<link "Put it together." "Figure out where to go for information.">><</link>> <<link "Try Again." "Figure out your next move.">><</link>> <<link "Go back to gathering your thoughts." "Put your nose to the grindstone.">><</link>>

<div id="inventory"><<if $fight eq 0>><ul> <li><<link "Save and Load Game">><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>></li> <li><<click "Start Over">><<script>>UI.restart()<</script>><</click>></li> <li><<if $active eq "hawk">><<link "Mental Notebook" "Hawk's Mental Notebook">><<run UIBar.stow()>><</link>><<else>><<link "Mental Notebook" "Madison's Mental Notebook">><<run UIBar.stow()>><</link>><<endif>></li> </ul><<endif>><<if $fight eq 1>>Fight! Watch out! You haven't moved in 0 seconds!<<repeat 1s>><<replace "#countdown">>$fighttime<</replace>><<set $fighttime to $fighttime + 1>><</repeat>> <<endif>></div>

It's still loading. [[Wait longer.]]

Oh, it looks like it's at a different loading screen now. [[Keep waiting.]] [[Punch the computer.]]

[[Wait longer.]]

Your computer, threatened by your violence, boots up to a login screen. You type in your password, and those beautiful green hills appear on screen. The default background is your favorite. It's not the kind of thing you get to see in the city. <<if $hawk_notebook.includes("cmproperties") or $hawk_notebook.includes("factoryname")>><<link "Look up all of Harrison's businesses.\n" "Harrison's Businesses">><</link>><<endif>><<if $napkin eq 1>><<link "Look into the logo on the napkin.\n" "Napkin Logo">><</link>><<endif>><<link "Keep looking around your office." "Put your nose to the grindstone.">><</link>> <<set $computer to 1>>

A napkin you found on the scene of a robbery down on 3rd Street. The Twilight Gang<<if $twilightgang eq 0>> - Harrison's number one crew and a scourge on the city -<<endif>> stole thousands of dollars from a jewelry store. There's a little logo on the bottom of it: a worker sitting on a girder with a lunchbox beside them. Never did figure out where this is from. Might be worth looking up on the computer. <<if !$hawk_notebook.includes("napkin") and !$hawk_notebook.includes("pubnapkin")>><<link "Add to Mental Notebook.\n" "Hawk's Evidence Drawer">><<set $hawk_notebook.push("napkin")>><<set $napkin to 1>><</link>><<endif>><<link "Look back at the drawer" "Hawk's Evidence Drawer">><</link>> <<link "Keep looking around your office." "Put your nose to the grindstone.">><</link>> <<set $twilightgang to 1>>

This one, you're proud of. You open the case file and can't help but smile. "The Takeover" might be a little misleading. Because 10th Street is still safe. Back in 2003, a bunch of criminals banded together to try and take over 10th Street, the home of your office, and more importantly, the police station for this part of the city. Too bad criminals are particularly bad at keeping secrets from each other. Madison went in undercover, you found their meeting place, and within a week their plan was completely foiled. Got a few good pieces of information out of it, too. Favorite hangout of some of the conspirators was the Steelworker's Pub down the street from here. They also really didn't like you. <<if !$hawk_notebook.includes("takeover")>><<link "Add to Mental Notebook.\n" "Hawk's Case Files">><<set $hawk_notebook.push("takeover")>><</link>><<endif>><<link "Look at the other case files." "Hawk's Case Files">><</link>> <<link "Keep looking around your office." "Put your nose to the grindstone.">><</link>>

You open up the case file, met with a photo you haven't seen for a while. Elvio's Pizzeria, Harrison's first front. First known front, of course. Back in 2001, you helped bust this one. Got some files out of a clumsy attorney of Harrison's, Ellis McCrew, that revealed how the place was just being used to hold weapons for The Dealer, a member of the Twilight Gang<<if $twilightgang eq 0>> - Harrison's number one crew<<endif>>. Didn't connect the Twilight Gang to the case officially, but you received a nice note from The Dealer after. Taped to a brick. Classy guy. <<if !$hawk_notebook.includes("pizza")>><<link "Add to Mental Notebook.\n" "Hawk's Case Files">><<set $hawk_notebook.push("pizza")>><</link>><<endif>><<link "Look at the other case files." "Hawk's Case Files">><</link>> <<link "Keep looking around your office." "Put your nose to the grindstone.">><</link>>

You open the case file slowly. It hurts to think about this case. But if Madison's being held by Harrison, this might be pertinent. Last year, <<if $twilightgang eq 0>>Harrison's number one crew <<endif>>the Twilight Gang broke into Elizabeth's apartment. She put up a fight, but Ace, the Twilight Gang's leader, killed her. You never could connect Harrison to the murder. You know it was Ace, you know it was the gang, but the Twilight Gang is elusive. Can't bring people who are basically ghosts to court. You put all that aside, scanning the file for any helpful information. You're reminded of the North Street Diner, and how they use it. If they need a holding place, that's it. Fencing stolen goods? North Street Diner's backroom. Making an illegal deal with someone? Close up shop, do the deal right at the counter. Knocking out a detective to find out what they know about their girlfriend's murder and unsuccessfully scare them out of investigating you? Oddly specific, but accurate. North Street Diner. <<if !$hawk_notebook.includes("nsd0")>><<link "Add to Mental Notebook.\n" "Hawk's Case Files">><<set $hawk_notebook.push("nsd0")>><</link>><<endif>><<link "Look at the other case files." "Hawk's Case Files">><</link>> <<link "Keep looking around your office." "Put your nose to the grindstone.">><</link>> <<set $twilightgang to 1>>

You look fondly at the second photo on your wall. You and Elizabeth were out on a date. Your fourth date, you remember. You were actually celebrating her election to the city board. For a moment, you forget who took the photo, until you remember exactly who took it: Madison. She managed to tag along secretly. Being a secret third wheel is something only she could do, you think. <<if $elizabeth eq 0>> This reminds you of another case file that might be helpful to look into... <<endif>> <<link "Look at the other photos." "Hawk's Photos">><</link>> <<link "Keep looking around your office." "Put your nose to the grindstone.">><</link>> <<set $elizabeth to 1>>

You open up Netscape and type "Lark Harrison business" into Yahoo. The first result is a news article from last week. Seems Harrison is looking into buying the Big City Bank across the street from Midnight Manor. The article lists a few of Harrison's other businesses, including those you know about already. It also includes the name of the factory you couldn't remember: Classical Creations Company. <<if !$hawk_notebook.includes("factoryname")>><<link "Add to Mental Notebook.\n" "Punch the computer.">><<set $hawk_notebook[$hawk_notebook.indexOf("cmproperties")] = "factoryname">><</link>><<endif>><<link "Keep looking things up on your computer." "Use your computer.">><</link>> <<link "Keep looking around your office." "Put your nose to the grindstone.">><</link>>

There are a few things you notice while looking over the paper. At the top left is a date - today's. Down at the bottom right is a long bit of text. You're not exactly computer savvy, but you recognize it as a file address: C:\Documents and Settings\CCC\Untitled Document(2).doc. <<if !$hawk_notebook.includes("noteprint")>><<link "Add to Mental Notebook.\n" "Open the envelope.">><<set $hawk_notebook.push("noteprint")>><</link>><<endif>><<link "Go back." "Open the envelope.">><</link>>

You dial in the code - 07-17-20 - and open it up. Right inside is your second hat, ready in case you need it. You used to keep a gun in here, but you don't have one anymore. Cops have guns. You're not a cop. <<link "Switch out your hat." "Switch out your hat.">><</link>> <<link "Keep looking around your office." "Put your nose to the grindstone.">><</link>>

Might as well. Good ol' switch of the hat to keep Harrison and his goons on their toes. Never know when Hawk Foster is going to surprise them with a new style. This is funnier in a visual medium. <<link "Keep looking around your office." "Put your nose to the grindstone.">><</link>>

You laugh when you look at this photo. You look so young. Elizabeth took this picture of you in front of the county offices. She was heading into work at the same time... must have been a county clerk then. This was your first day as a public detective with the county. For the first few months, it was nothing big. Small theft, maybe some property damage. But eventually, you got put on the case of a missing kid. That one was a doozy. Made you the first Puzzle Detective in the county, though. <<if $missingkid eq 0>> This reminds you of another case file that might be helpful to look into... <<endif>> <<link "Look at the other photos." "Hawk's Photos">><</link>> <<link "Keep looking around your office." "Put your nose to the grindstone.">><</link>> <<set $missingkid to 1>>

This one was a lot of fun. 2001. Big City Bank. For weeks, things had been disappearing from safety deposit boxes, but there was no relation between them. You were stumped. In comes Madison Laurent, inquisitive dame, and best friend - at the time - of Elizabeth. Working together, it took all of two hours to figure out how the thefts were connected, and importantly, who did it. Turned out one of the bank managers was coming in early, opening things up, and every day, they let in someone who'd grab something out of the boxes for them to sell. You were happy to know Madison as your best friend a short time after. You, Madison, and Elizabeth were unstoppable. Were. <<link "Look at the other photos." "Hawk's Photos">><</link>> <<link "Keep looking around your office." "Put your nose to the grindstone.">><</link>>

You'd rather not think about how you left working for the county. You'd rather think about who you are now. Last year, you left the county investigators office and went private. Even after a few years, you were still the only Puzzle Detective in the city, so that became your office's name. Hawk Foster, Puzzle Detective. This was opening day, as Madison called it. October 3rd, 2004. She was all excited - no more supervisor to answer to, she said. You can take the cases you want, and you can explore them as you want. The county and the cops still ask you for help, so you still get to work on the most important cases. Suppose she was right, but you can't help but wish your departure from the county was a bit more... pleasant. <<link "Look at the other photos." "Hawk's Photos">><</link>> <<link "Keep looking around your office." "Put your nose to the grindstone.">><</link>>

You take out one of the folders furthest back in the drawer. The first case that had any stakes. The first case that had puzzles. After this, you weren't just any detective. You were a Puzzle Detective, an expert in solving the toughest cases and sleuthing the toughest problems. A teenager came to you after hours, saying that their friend was gone. Didn't leave a trace. Just a weird note on her GeoCities page. You brought it up with your supervisor, and she gave you the go ahead to search for Clara Brown. It didn't take long for you to figure out this wasn't just a disillusioned teen leaving home. Clara Brown really did seem to vanish without a trace. A week into the case, the news starts reporting stories about the Red Rogue. Real Robin Hood type. No one else would have made the connection, but you did. Clara Brown was the Red Rogue. She had left a few clever clues around, just for the showmanship of it all. In the end, you couldn't turn her in. You convinced her to go home, and asked her to put her passion for helping people into other pastimes. The Red Rogue still shows up in the news now and then. Nowhere in being a Puzzle Detective is there a requirement for being a people person. As you read the case files again, you realize that there are a couple things that might be relevant. You learned about the Vigenère cipher, a fairly elaborate way to decode messages. Still have a guide on how to do that in the case file. This was also the first time you met Cora de Leon, the woman who knows everyone, and learned about her schedule. Monday, the Grand Hotel's bar. Thursday, the Steelworker's Pub. Saturday, the Apex Bar. <<if !$hawk_notebook.includes("clara")>><<link "Add to Mental Notebook.\n" "Hawk's Case Files">><<set $hawk_notebook.push("clara")>><<set $hawk_notebook.push("clara2")>><</link>><<endif>><<link "Look at the other case files." "Hawk's Case Files">><</link>> <<link "Keep looking around your office." "Put your nose to the grindstone.">><</link>>

You have to get a little creative for this one. With the time you have, and the speed of your broadband, you should choose wisely. [[Search "napkin with construction worker"]] [[Search "construction worker logo"]] [[Search "worker eating lunch on girder logo"]] [[Search "circular logo with worker sitting on girder with lunchbox at their side"]]

You hit the enter, and the Yahoo search page loads. ... ... ... The results finally come up. There don't seem to be any good results for this... A few pictures of napkins holding construction workers, and that's it. The internet is an interesting place. <<link "Keep looking things up on your computer." "Use your computer.">><</link>> <<link "Keep looking around your office." "Put your nose to the grindstone.">><</link>> <<set $napkin to 0>>

You hit the enter, and the Yahoo search page loads. ... ... ... The results finally come up, but they're not what you were looking for. Bad clipart of construction workers. Ooh, that one uses WordArt. Certainly flashier than the others. <<link "Keep looking things up on your computer." "Use your computer.">><</link>> <<link "Keep looking around your office." "Put your nose to the grindstone.">><</link>> <<set $napkin to 0>>

You expect it to take a while, the internet speed being what it is. Instead, you get an instant result. Yahoo! Search: What the hell do you think I am? Some kind of custom logo searching machine? God dammit man, I'm not a genius. Rude. <<link "Keep looking things up on your computer." "Use your computer.">><</link>> <<link "Keep looking around your office." "Put your nose to the grindstone.">><</link>> <<set $napkin to 0>>

You hit the enter, and the Yahoo search page loads. ... ... ... Finally, you get some results. Seems your description was just right: not too basic, not too descriptive. You find a website listing restaurants in the city, and it includes just what you're looking for. The logo for the Steelworker's Pub is the same as the one on the napkin. <<if $hawk_notebook.includes("napkin")>><<link "Add to Mental Notebook.\n" "Punch the computer.">><<set $hawk_notebook[$hawk_notebook.indexOf("napkin")] = "pubnapkin">><</link>><<endif>><<link "Keep looking things up on your computer." "Use your computer.">><</link>> <<link "Keep looking around your office." "Put your nose to the grindstone.">><</link>> <<set $napkin to 0>>

<<if $deduction.length eq 0>>//You didn't select anything.// <<link "Keep thinking." "Figure out your next move.">><</link>><<else>> <<set $deductionResults to setup.CheckDeduction($deduction)>><<if $deductionResults eq 0 or $deductionResults eq 1>><<print setup.GetDeduction($deductionResults)>> <<link "Head out." "Go to the Steelworker's Pub.">><</link>><<elseif $deductionResults eq -1>>Hmm... not sure if that's anything. Might need to keep thinking.<<else>><<print setup.GetDeduction($deductionResults)>> But, that isn't exactly what you're looking for now. Might need to keep thinking.<<endif>> <<link "Keep thinking." "Figure out your next move.">><</link>> <<endif>>

Time to get some information. You head out the door, hailing a cab and heading down the street to the Steelworker's Pub. Despite some of the clientele, it's not a bad spot. But because of that clientele, it's not one you visit very often. Not exactly the friendliest place. Downstairs is the restaurant - great food, but not what you want. You need to get up to the lounge, upstairs. Just one important thing to check: if the Twilight Gang is here, you're in trouble. <<link "Find an employee to check with." "Find an employee to check with.">><</link>>

<<if $madison_notebook.length gt 0>>Madison Laurent's Mental Notebook: <<for _i to 0; _i lt $madison_notebook.length; _i++>> <<print setup.GetEntry($madison_notebook[_i])>><<print "\n">> <</for>> <<else>>Your Mental Notebook is empty.<<endif>> <<link "Return" `previous()`>><<run UIBar.unstow()>><</link>>

Before you head upstairs, you see someone you vaguely recognize. They're a waiter, here pretty often. You get their attention, and they step over to speak with you. <<link "\"Has the Twilight Gang been around tonight?\"" "Has the Twilight Gang been around tonight?">><</link>> <<link "\"Have you seen a group of shady guys around tonight?\"" "Have you seen a group of shady guys around tonight?">><</link>> <<set $rain to 0>> <<set $cora to 0>> <<set $cora2 to 0>> <<set $ellis to 0>> <<set $bartender to 0>> <<set $bartender2 to 0>> <<set $coraTrades to 0>> <<set $visitedPatrons to 0>> <<set $ellisMet to 0>> <<set $laptop to 0>> <<set $shady to 0>>

The waiter cocks his head. "Twilight Gang? I dunno who you're talking about, pal." Maybe a little more direct than you should have been. There was someone going up the stairs when you started talking to the waiter, but you didn't pay them any mind. Your attention is brought back to them when you hear them stumble up the stairs. <<link "Investigate that." "Enter the lounge. - Interrupted">><</link>> <<link "Should've been more clear. Have you seen a group of guys come in tonight? Shady looking?" "Have you seen a group of shady guys around tonight?">><</link>>

The waiter thinks for a moment, but eventually nods. "Yeah, there were these three guys who went up to the lounge earlier. One of 'em was huge, another was tall and skinny, and the third one was real short." Hm. Sounds like three quarters of the Twilight Gang - based on those descriptions, sounds like it was Club, The Dealer, and 53. No Ace. Interesting. "They still around?" The waiter is quick to shake his head. "Nope. Left a few hours ago after the big one and the little one got in a fight." Definitely Club and 53. You thank him for the answers and head up the stairs. <<link "Enter the lounge." "Enter the lounge.">><</link>>

You enter the lounge. The sounds from the restaurant below are softened by the distance and floor, making the lounge feel like a separate world. <<if $rain eq 0>>Soft taps against the windows that run alongside the walls of the lounge signal the start of a storm.<<else>>The rain continues to drum against the windows that run alongside the walls of the lounge. It's a soft, quick rhythm that brings you just the slightest calm.<<endif>> <<link "The bartender" "Chat with the bartender.">><</link>> wipes down the long wood countertop, with just <<if $cora eq 0>><<link "one person sitting" "Talk to the woman.">><</link>><<else>><<link "Cora de Leon" "Talk with Cora.">><</link>><<endif>> at the bar. At the few tables spread around the room are a few <<link "patrons" "Pub Patrons">><</link>> of the pub. A few stray glasses, some half full, sit alone on unoccupied tables. You ought to get some information out of someone around here. Need to figure out where Harrison has Madison. <<link "Figure out your next move." "Figure out your next move. - 2">><</link>> <<set $rain to 1>>

You enter the lounge. The sounds from the restaurant below are softened by the distance and floor, making the lounge feel like a separate world. <<if $rain eq 0>>Soft taps against the windows that run alongside the walls of the lounge signal the start of a storm.<<else>>The rain continues to drum against the windows that run alongside the walls of the lounge. It's a soft, quick rhythm that brings you just the slightest calm.<<endif>> The bartender wipes down the long wood countertop, with just - "Hawk Foster, what a lovely surprise! Not often I see you around the city, unless you're on a case." None other than Cora de Leon stops you as you get up the stairs. The woman who knows everyone. She sighs. "You're on a case, aren't you, Hawk? Can't take one day off, can you?" She leans up against the bar, her eyes meeting yours as she reads your face. She's good at this sort of thing. "You look worried, Hawk. Let me buy you a drink." <<link "Explain the situation." "Explain the situation.">><</link>> <<set $rain to 1>>

You pass along the pertinent information. Madison's been captured. Harrison has her. You don't know where she is. "Well, shit, Hawk." "Language, Cora." "Excuse me - I didn't know what else to say." She pauses, taking a moment to think. You can see the gears turning in her head. "What did you come here for, then? It's not like you to give up and go out for a drink, especially if the situation is like this, Hawk." <<link "I came by to see if I could get any information. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to start looking." "The Lounge.">><</link>> <<link "I came by to talk to you. I need information on Harrison's goons." "Talk with Cora.">><</link>> <<set $cora to 1>>

The sounds from the restaurant below are softened by the distance and floor, making the lounge feel like a separate world. <<if $rain eq 0>>Soft taps against the windows that run alongside the walls of the lounge signal the start of a storm.<<else>>The rain continues to drum against the windows that run alongside the walls of the lounge. It's a soft, quick rhythm that brings you just the slightest calm.<<endif>> <<if $bartender eq 0>><<link "The bartender" "Chat with the bartender.">><</link>><<else>><<link "The bartender" "Question the bartender.">><<endif>> wipes down the long wood countertop, with just <<if $cora eq 0>><<link "one person sitting" "Talk to the woman.">><</link>><<elseif $cora2 eq 1>><<link "Cora de Leon" "Trade information with Cora.">><</link>><<elseif $cora2 eq 2>>Cora de Leon<<elseif $cora eq 1>><<link "Cora de Leon" "Talk with Cora - Return">><</link>><<elseif $cora eq 2>><<link "Cora de Leon" "Talk to Cora de Leon.">><</link>><<endif>> at the bar. At the few tables spread around the room are a few <<link "patrons" "Pub Patrons">><</link>> of the pub. A few stray glasses, some half full, sit alone on unoccupied tables. You ought to get some information out of someone around here. Need to figure out where Harrison has Madison. <<link "Figure out your next move." "Figure out your next move. - 2">><</link>> <<set $rain to 1>>

She laughs. It's the kind of laugh that could make anyone's cheeks turn red. "Hawk, Harrison's employees aren't goons. They're hardworking people like you or me, just working in the wrong industry." Cora shakes her head. "I'd be happy to answer any questions you have, but Hawk, you know that I can't just give away information." You know exactly what she means. "You want some information out of me, too." The smile on her face turns into a smirk. "Oh, if you're offering, I'd be delighted!" <<link "\"Let's talk.\"" "Trade information with Cora.">><</link>> <<link "\"Let me look around first.\"" "The Lounge.">><</link>> <<set $cora2 to 1>>

You sidle up to the bar, and the bartender takes notice. Older gentleman, bald. "What can I get for you, sir?" <<link "I was actually looking to ask you some questions, if you have the time." "Question the bartender.">><</link>> <<link "Nothing for now, thanks." "The Lounge.">><</link>>

You step over to the bar, facing toward the tables around the rest of the lounge. You quickly scan over each table, totalling three patrons in the lounge right now. There's one who seems to be half asleep. Barely able to hold up his glass. He puts it down every so often, but he just as quickly picks it back up. Older gentleman, by the looks of it. Nice suit. <<if $ellis eq 0>>Another has his face buried in a laptop. Big, bulky thing. Once in a while he reaches to his glass and takes a sip. Can't see much more, since his mug is hidden behind his computer.<<else>>There's Ellis McCrew, Harrison's amoral attorney. He has his head buried behind his laptop. Big, bulky thing. Once in a while he reaches to his glass and takes a sip.<<endif>> The last guest's really making herself at home. Chair turned around. Feet up on the windowsill. Leisurely sipping a drink. Just having a grand old time, it seems. Definitely a younger gal. Maybe an office worker.<<if $ellis eq 0>> You know what types Harrison attracts. None of them seem like they'd be working for him. Certainly not the girl. Harrison's criminal activities aren't exactly equal opportunity employment.<<endif>> <<if $ellis eq 1>><<link "Talk to Ellis.\n" "Talk to Ellis.">><</link>><<endif>><<link "Keep looking." "The Lounge.">><</link>> <<set $visitedPatrons to 1>>

You step over to the table Ellis is sitting at, taking a seat across from him. <<if $ellisMet eq 0>>He doesn't seem to react to your presence. He just keeps working. Typing for a moment, then taking a quick sip. After a couple loops of this, he stops. "Can I help you?" His voice is quiet. The look on his face tells you he's a little concerned about you talking to him. <<link "\"Yes, you can. Ellis McCrew, my name is Hawk Foster.\"" "Ellis' Introduction">><</link>><<elseif $ellisMet eq 1>>He immediately looks up from his laptop. "Mr. Foster, do - do you need something more?" <<link "\"I think I do.\"" "Everything Ellis Knows">><</link>> <<link "\"I think I'm all set, actually. Thanks for the help.\"" "The Lounge.">><</link>><<endif>>

Time to figure this out. <<set $deduction to []>> With what you know, you need to figure out where Madison is. Something you've learned here must help. <<if $hawk_notebook.length gt 0>>//Click different clues that you've collected to try and string them together. If you think you have something, click the "Put it Together" button. If you want to clear what you've selected, click the "Try Again" button. Before you make any conclusions, consider saving your progress. If you leave, you cannot come back.//<<else>>//You haven't gathered any clues. How the hell did you get here?//<<endif>> <<for _i to 0; _i lt $hawk_notebook.length; _i++>> <<print setup.MakeDeductionEntry($hawk_notebook[_i])>><<print "\n">> <</for>> <<link "Put it together." "Figure out where Madison is.">><</link>> <<link "Try Again." "Figure out your next move. - 2">><</link>> <<link "Go back to gathering your thoughts." "The Lounge.">><</link>>

You take a few steps over to the bar, and the woman's head turns to look in your direction. There's a moment of realization on her face, and a wide smile creeps onto it. It's comforting to see a familiar face, but sometimes she's more trouble than she is help. None other than Cora de Leon is at the bar. The woman who knows everyone. "My, my, well if it isn't Hawk Foster! What a pleasant surprise. I don't get to see you very often, unless you're on a case." She sighs. "You're on a case, aren't you, Hawk? Can't take one day off, can you?" She leans up against the bar, her eyes meeting yours as she reads your face. She's good at this sort of thing. "You look worried, Hawk. Let me buy you a drink." <<link "Explain the situation." "Explain the situation.">><</link>>

"Now, let's see... what have you got for me, Hawk?" <<set $infoTrade to "">> <<if $hawk_notebook.length gt 0>>//Click a clue to see if Cora will accept it as trade.//<<else>>//You haven't gathered any clues. Keep looking around your office.//<<endif>> <<for _i to 0; _i lt $hawk_notebook.length; _i++>> <<print setup.MakeCoraInfo($hawk_notebook[_i])>><<print "\n">> <</for>> <<link "\"That's all I've got for now.\"" "The Lounge.">><</link>>

"How can I help?"<<if $bartender2 eq 0>> He looks a little unsure, but is clearly open to help all the same.<<endif>> <<if $hawk_notebook.includes("pubnapkin")>><<link "Ask about the napkin from the crime scene.\n" "Pub Napkin">><</link>><<endif>><<if $hawk_notebook.includes("takeover")>><<link "Ask about the pub's patrons.\n" "The Steelworker's Pub's Patrons">><</link>><<endif>><<if $hawk_notebook.includes("clara2") or $cora eq 1>><<link "Ask about Cora de Leon.\n" "Cora de Leon and the Pub">><</link>><<endif>><<if $hawk_notebook.includes("envelope")>><<link "Ask about the envelope the note came in.\n" "Harrison's Envelope">><</link>><<endif>><<link "\"Thanks for your time.\"" "The Lounge.">><</link>> <<set $bartender2 to 1>>

The computer background is no longer on the pleasant background you have. Instead, it's the Yahoo! Search page. <<if $hawk_notebook.includes("cmproperties") or $hawk_notebook.includes("factoryname")>><<link "Look up all of Harrison's businesses.\n" "Harrison's Businesses">><</link>><<endif>><<if $napkin eq 1>><<link "Look into the logo on the napkin.\n" "Napkin Logo">><</link>><<endif>><<link "Keep looking around your office." "Put your nose to the grindstone.">><</link>>

"Hm." He takes a closer look at it, adjusting the small glasses barely hanging onto his nose. "Does look familiar... you know what, I recognize this kinda envelope." With a little flourish, he hands the envelope back to you. "These four gentlemen come in every few days. Polite, but loud as hell sometimes. Always dressed to the nines - when their tab payments come in, they're in envelopes just like this." Not exactly helpful. You're not trying to trace the Twilight Gang to Harrison. You're trying to get any information on where Madison might be. <<if $cora2 eq 1>>Maybe something to trade with Cora for information.<<endif>> <<link "Continue asking questions." "Question the bartender.">><</link>> <<link "Look around the rest of the lounge." "The Lounge.">><</link>>

A smile appears on his face. "Oh, Ms. de Leon?" With an almost timid nod, he points you down the bar. <<if $cora eq 0 and $cora2 eq 0>>The only person at the bar is none other than Cora de Leon. The woman who knows everyone. <<set $cora to 2>><<endif>>He's speaking a little quietly. Despite the look on his face, he doesn't seem interested in getting her attention. "She's lovely. I swear, the pub looks brighter every Thursday." He laughs softly to himself, shaking his head. "You know, she used to work here during the day. For a few years, actually. Even picks up a shift from time to time nowadays." That's interesting. Cora is a woman with a bit of a mystique. Doesn't let much on about herself. In fact, she normally says that she hasn't worked a day in her life. <<if !$hawk_notebook.includes("cora")>><<link "Add to Mental Notebook.\n" "Question the bartender.">><<set $hawk_notebook.push("cora")>><</link>><<endif>><<link "Continue asking questions." "Question the bartender.">><</link>> <<link "Look around the rest of the lounge." "The Lounge.">><</link>>

<<if $shady eq 0>>The bartender straightens up slightly. This caught him off guard, you think. "Why, yes..." He trails off, one of his hands going up to nervously rub at the back of his neck. "Our clientele up here does tend to be a little... shady, I'll say."<<else>>He nods slowly. "Well, you know what I said before." He puts a hand up to rub against the back fo his neck. "For whatever reason, we've ended up with a bit of a... shady clientele.<<endif>> It's getting better, though. I think the Coldburn Bar down on 12th Street is getting their business now." He thinks for a moment, absent-mindedly wiping the bar down again. "Heard Mr. Harrison bought the place - you know, the rich guy?" You know him too well, you think to yourself. <<if !$hawk_notebook.includes("coldburn")>><<link "Add to Mental Notebook.\n" "Question the bartender.">><<set $hawk_notebook.push("coldburn")>><</link>><<endif>><<link "Continue asking questions." "Question the bartender.">><</link>> <<link "Look around the rest of the lounge." "The Lounge.">><</link>> <<set $shady to 1>>

It's just a quick glance at the napkin before he nods. "Yeah, that's one of ours. Where did you say you found it? Crime scene?" He scoffs. <<if $shady eq 0>>"I hate to admit it, but the pub doesn't always attract the, well, cleanest of customers." His voice lowers as he speaks. "If I were you, I'd try to steer clear of them."<<else>>"You know what I said about the kind of customers we get here. Not the cleanest of folks - if I were you, I'd try to steer clear of them."<<endif>> Not much to go off of there that you didn't already know. <<link "Continue asking questions." "Question the bartender.">><</link>> <<link "Look around the rest of the lounge." "The Lounge.">><</link>> <<set $shady to 1>>

<<print setup.GetCoraTrade($infoTrade)>><<set $coraTrade to $coraTrade + 1>>

She points over to the <<if $visitedPatrons eq 1>>guy at the computer.<<else>>other people in the pub. She nods toward someone at a computer. Younger looking guy, from what you can see. He's hiding behind the laptop screen, though. Peeking his head out every little bit to grab a sip of his drink.<<endif>> "That right there is Ellis McCrew. You know him?" <<if $hawk_notebook.includes("pizza")>><<link "\"I do. Attorney for Harrison.\"" "Cora's Info - 2a">><</link>><<else>><<link "\"I'm not familiar, no.\"" "Cora's Info - 2b">><</link>><<endif>> <<set $cora2 to 2>>

"I don't know what you want me to do with this, Hawk." <<link "\"...\"" "NapkinBit3">><</link>>

She hands the napkin back to you. <<set $infoTrade to "">> <<link "\"I'll keep thinking.\"" "Trade information with Cora.">><</link>>

"Well, Hawk, I make a bet he'd know a thing or two about where Harrison has Madison. He's a flighty guy, too." You can't help but smile. This is Cora in her element. "I'm sure you could scare him easily and get something out of him." She seems to be scanning him, tearing him apart into everything she knows about him. "Big brother works for Harrison, too, as his errand boy. Sweet guy, really. Big, daunting, handsome, kind..." You shake your head. "Anything I can use to get information out of him?" She snaps back into it. "Oh, well, hm. He's a hardworking guy, so if worse comes to worse, maybe mess with his laptop." <<set $ellis to 1>> <<link "Have a chat with Ellis McCrew." "Pub Patrons">><</link>> <<link "Look around the lounge more." "The Lounge.">><</link>>

"Well, Hawk, I make a bet he'd know a thing or two about where Harrison has Madison. That's Ellis McCrew, one of Harrison's attorneys. Not the real estate or business kind, either - he does work that's a little more questionable. He's a flighty guy, funnily enough." You can't help but smile. This is Cora in her element. "I'm sure you could scare him easily and get something out of him." She seems to be scanning him, tearing him apart into everything she knows about him. "Big brother works for Harrison, too, as his errand boy. Sweet guy, really. Big, daunting, handsome, kind..." You shake your head. "Anything I can use to get information out of him?" She snaps back into it. "Oh, well, hm. He's a hardworking guy, so if worse comes to worse, maybe mess with his laptop." <<set $ellis to 1>> <<link "Have a chat with Ellis McCrew." "Pub Patrons">><</link>> <<link "Look around the lounge more." "The Lounge.">><</link>>

<<if $deduction.length eq 0>>//You didn't select anything.// <<link "Keep thinking." "Figure out your next move. - 2">><</link>><<else>><<set $deductionResults to setup.CheckDeduction($deduction)>><<if $deductionResults eq 8>><<print setup.GetDeduction($deductionResults)>> <<link "Head out - fast. There's no time to waste." "Hail a cab.">><</link>><<elseif $deductionResults eq -1>>Hmm... not sure if that's anything. Might need to keep thinking.<<else>><<print setup.GetDeduction($deductionResults)>> But, that isn't exactly what you're looking for now. Might need to keep thinking.<<endif>> <<link "Keep thinking." "Figure out your next move. - 2">><</link>> <<endif>>

His eyes become dinner plates. "Oh, you - you're Hawk Foster." He's familiar. <<if $hawk_notebook.includes("pizza")>> "We've met before, Ellis. You can call me Hawk." He doesn't look like he's going to. <<endif>>"I was wondering if you could answer a few questions for me." "Wh-why would I be able to answer questions for you, Mr. Foster?" If he was an actor, he'd still be working at a coffee shop. Luckily, he realizes you see through his - terrible - acting. "Okay, fine, you know who I am, I know who you are. I can't answer any questions for you, though." He leans in a bit, speaking in a whisper, "Mr. Harrison would be peeved if I spoke to you. He's not a big fan, Mr. Foster." You laugh. "Ellis, I'm not a fan of him either. Now, can I <<link "ask you some questions?" "Everything Ellis Knows">><</link>>" <<set $ellisMet to 1>>

He nervously takes a big gulp of his water. "Okay, what do you need to know? Like I said, I can't just tell you anything. I - I can't risk it." <<link "Ask about Harrison's recent activities." "Harrison's Plan">><</link>> <<link "Get a look at his laptop screen." "Ellis' Laptop">><</link>> <<if $hawk_notebook.includes("noteprint") or $hawk_notebook.includes("ccc0")>><<link "Ask about the note." "The CCC Note">><</link>> <<endif>><<if $hawk_notebook.includes("plan0") and $hawk_notebook.includes("floorplans") and $laptop eq 0>> "Can't you tell me anything more?" He shakes his head. "No, Mr. Foster, I can't. If I say any more - well, you know Harrison, he could do anything. Fire me, fire my brother, make sure we never get a job in the city again..." He trails off. You'd tell him that being an attorney for a criminal might lead to him getting disbarred anyway, but it might not be the best move here. <<link "Mess with his laptop, like Cora said." "Harrison's Employees">><<set $laptop to 1>><</link>> <<elseif $laptop gte 1>><<link "Ask about Harrison's employees." "Harrison's Employees">><</link>> <<endif>> <<link "Do some thinking." "Do some thinking.">><</link>> <<link "\"That'll be all for now, Ellis.\"" "The Lounge.">><</link>>

<<print setup.GetRandomDeductionLine()>><<set $deduction to []>> <<if $hawk_notebook.length gt 0>>//Click different clues that you've collected to try and string them together. If you think you have something, click the "Put it Together" button. If you want to clear what you've selected, click the "Try Again" button.//<<else>>//You haven't gathered any clues. How the hell did you get here?//<<endif>> <<for _i to 0; _i lt $hawk_notebook.length; _i++>> <<print setup.MakeDeductionEntry($hawk_notebook[_i])>><<print "\n">> <</for>> <<link "Put it together." "Deduce.">><</link>> <<link "Try Again." "Do some thinking.">><</link>> <<link "Go back to talking with Ellis." "Everything Ellis Knows">><</link>>

"Like, what he's up to now? Well, I really don't know." "Are you sure, Ellis?" "I'm one-hundred percent sure, Mr. Foster. I have no idea at all - my big brother's working the job and he won't tell me anything, and he tells me everything. All I know is that they're busy doing something top secret." <<if !$hawk_notebook.includes("plan0")>><<link "Add to Mental Notebook.\n" "Everything Ellis Knows">><<set $hawk_notebook.push("plan0")>><</link>><<endif>><<link "Keep asking Ellis questions." "Everything Ellis Knows">><</link>> <<link "\"That'll be all for now, Ellis.\"" "The Lounge.">><</link>>

You try to get a good look at Ellis' laptop, and for a second, you do. On his screen were two windows, both images, both clearly floor plans. On one side was the North Street Diner - you'd recognize it anywhere. Nice front area with a counter and plenty of tables. Smaller kitchen than it really should be, giving up its space for the backroom. You have far more experience with that room than you'd like. Even with the sacrificed kitchen space, <<if $hawk_notebook.includes("nsd0") or $hawk_notebook.includes("nsd1")>>the backroom isn't the ideal size for the activities its used for.<<else>>the building is small.<<endif>> <<if !$hawk_notebook.includes("floorplans")>><<link "Add to Mental Notebook.\n" "Everything Ellis Knows">><<set $hawk_notebook.push("floorplans")>><</link>><<endif>><<link "Keep asking Ellis questions." "Everything Ellis Knows">><</link>> <<link "\"That'll be all for now, Ellis.\"" "The Lounge.">><</link>>

You produce the note from your coat pocket. "Can you discern anything from this?" Ellis reads over it. "Madison Laurent, isn't she that one reporter? The one who keeps reporting on Mr. Harrison?" "That's her." Ellis laughs, shaking his head. "He's always complaining about her. You know, he's tried to sue her for libel three times, but I always have to break it to him that she does report the facts." "The note, Ellis. Anything you can tell me about it? The file address? The paper?" "Oh, yes. The file address at the bottom, it suggests that this was printed from the office computer in the Classical Creations Company." He turns and grabs something out of his bag, pointing out a similar file address on the corner of a page. "Same computer." <<if !$hawk_notebook.includes("noteconfirm")>><<link "Add to Mental Notebook.\n" "Everything Ellis Knows">><<if $hawk_notebook.indexOf('ccc0') neq -1>><<set $hawk_notebook[$hawk_notebook.indexOf('ccc0')] to 'noteconfirm'>><<else>><<set $hawk_notebook.push("noteconfirm")>><<endif>><</link>><<endif>><<link "Keep asking Ellis questions." "Everything Ellis Knows">><</link>> <<link "\"That'll be all for now, Ellis.\"" "The Lounge.">><</link>>

<<if $laptop gte 2>>"Remind me, Ellis. What's going on with Harrison's employees right now?" <<else>>You stare him down for a moment. You're not the most threatening guy, but a breeze could send this guy running. With a calm, slow move, you close his laptop. He makes an effort to stop you, but the look you're giving Ellis has him frozen. "Okay, message received. I guess I have one more thing to tell you." He lowers his voice. <<endif>>"I know you're familiar with Ace, so I won't bore you with that - Mr. Harrison has him working as chief of staff right now. Keeping all those employees he has working right now, like my brother Simon, in line so Mr. Harrison can focus on the plan. Forgive my language Mr. Foster, but from what Simon's told me, Ace is a jerk." "So, there are a lot of people working this job?" "Yes," Ellis nods, "there must be fifty on this one plan. I have no idea why he'd need all those people." After a moment, he opens his laptop again. <<set $laptop to 2>> <<if !$hawk_notebook.includes("employees")>><<link "Add to Mental Notebook.\n" "Everything Ellis Knows">><<set $hawk_notebook.push("employees")>><</link>><<endif>><<link "Look around the rest of the lounge." "Everything Ellis Knows">><</link>> <<link "\"That'll be all for now, Ellis.\"" "The Lounge.">><</link>>

<<if $deduction.length eq 0>>//You didn't select anything.//<<else>> <<set $deductionResults to setup.CheckDeduction($deduction)>><<if $deductionResults eq -1>>Hmm. That doesn't seem like anything - but making those connections is always worth a try.<<else>><<print setup.GetDeduction($deductionResults)>><<endif>><<endif>> <<link "Go back to talking with Ellis." "Everything Ellis Knows">><</link>> <<link "Keep thinking." "Do some thinking.">><</link>>

Time to head out to the Classical Creations Company. Time to find Madison. As you step outside the Steelworker's Pub, you can't help but wonder what she's doing. <<link "Be Madison Laurent." "Be Madison Laurent.">><</link>>

It was meant to be a productive night, really. You had planned to get into the CCC factory south of downtown, snoop around, get some information, and get out. That's how it normally works - that's how it always works. You open your eyes, immediately met by bright, fluorescent lights. Not exactly a "good morning", but you've been in worse situations. At least you're not handcuffed to anything - in fact, you manage to stand up, unrestricted. You are Madison Laurent, inquisitive dame and intrepid reporter. You came down here to the Classical Creations Company earlier this evening to try and get some information. Just look around, listen to a few conversations, maybe trick a few of Lark Harrison's employees into giving you information. You had it on good word from an anonymous source that Harrison's been on low security lately to avoid drawing suspicion. They either had bad information or they lied to you, because the factory is on high alert. You turned to head down the alley next to the building, and three guards saw you, recognized you, and grabbed you. As skillful as you like to think you are when fighting, you're not gonna do much when it's a three on one. <<link "Look around." "Look around.">><</link>> <<set $active to "madison">>

Well, you can safely say you got where you were hoping to, because by your best guess, you're in the belly of the beast. This must be the office in the Classical Creations Company factory. Scratch that "must be". There's a CCC logo right on the calendar by the wall. Before you can get a good look around the room, you hear a barrage of sounds from outside - yelling, boxes crashing, and more yelling. You even recognize one of the voices at the end: none other than Lark Harrison, criminal mastermind. He curses them out and clearly comes closer to you. Steps getting louder, some mumbling to someone at the door at the opposite side of the room, and steps getting quieter. <<link "Start figuring out how to get out of here!" "The Office">><</link>> <<set $intro to 0>> <<set $key to 0>> <<set $keyfound to 0>> <<set $acephoto to 0>> <<set $panelopen to 0>> <<set $lockedout to 0>> <<set $visitedcomputer to 0>> <<set $loggedin to 0>> <<set $simonmet to 0>> <<set $searchphotos to 0>>

<<if $intro eq 0>>Right! Time to... put your nose to the pavement? Grindstone? Whatever it is Hawk says all the time. <<endif>>You need to figure out how to get out of here. You look around the office. You're at the back of the room, right next to the large office <<link "desk" "Office Desk">><</link>>. Past that is a large <<link "electrical panel" "Electrical Panel">><</link>> on the wall, beside a line of <<link "photos of different employees" "Employees of the Month">><</link>>. On the other side of the room entirely, you see a set of windows and a <<link "door" "Office Door">><</link>>, each with blinds pulled down. <<link "Do some thinking." "Do some thinking. - 2">><</link>> <<set $intro to 1>>

You turn your attention to the long, L-shaped desk. At one end is a <<link "computer" "Office Computer">><</link>> - much more top-of-the-line compared to your old thing at home. Even has one of those nice laser mice! Stuck to the bottom of the monitor is a <<link "sticky note" "Sticky Note">><</link>>. On the other side of the desk are a stack of papers, with a <<link "floor plan" "Factory Floor Plan">><</link>> for the factory on top. Right beside that seems to be the source of that paper, or maybe its destination - a printer. <<link "Look around the rest of the office." "The Office">><</link>>

<<if $lockedout eq 1>>The panel is locked shut, still, after the ill-fated attempt to distract Harrison's goons by turning the machinery off.<<else>><<if $panelopen eq 0>>On the side wall of the room is a large metal panel. Right on the outside is one of those bright yellow electrical stickers - and a lock, holding it closed. <<if $keyfound eq 0>>Must be a key somewhere that you could use to unlock it, right? Harrison wouldn't keep the key to the breaker on him.<<else>><<link "Try the key!" "Opened Electrical Panel">><</link>><<endif>><<else>>On the side wall of the room is a large metal panel, recently unlocked by you. <<link "Take a look inside." "Opened Electrical Panel">><</link>><<endif>><<endif>> <<link "Look around the rest of the office." "The Office">><</link>>

Up on the wall are a large grid of framed photos, each one dated. At the top is a sign that reads "Employee of the Month" in all caps. Seems they go from the start of 2003 to last month, May 2005, with one for each month - that makes 29 photos. <<if $key eq 0>>You could try checking each photo to see if they're hiding anything, but which one...<<else>>You remember seeing a date on the sticky note attached to the computer, but what was it...<<endif>><<if $searchphotos eq 1>> Simon did mention that Harrison kept flipping a photo around every time he needed to use the computer. You take a quick look over all of them, and notice a couple things of note: the photos from January 2003 and October 2004 are leaning a bit further forward than the others. Maybe those two were taken down recently?<<endif>> <<set $picmonth to "January">><<set $picyear to "2003">> <<listbox "$picmonth" autoselect>> <<option "January">> <<option "February">> <<option "March">> <<option "April">> <<option "May">> <<option "June">> <<option "July">> <<option "August">> <<option "September">> <<option "October">> <<option "November">> <<option "December">> <</listbox>><<listbox "$picyear" autoselect>> <<option "2003">> <<option "2004">> <<option "2005">> <</listbox>> <<link "Check the photo." "Check a Photo">><</link>> <<link "Look around the rest of the office." "The Office">><</link>>

You walk over to the door, lifting up the shades. You can see down into the factory, making quick note of the walkway going to the left and down some stairs. <<if $madison_notebook.includes("factoryplans0")>>It looks like that's the way down onto the factory floor... past that is a mystery, though. <<endif>>Half of your vision is obscured, though, <<if $simonmet eq 1>>with Simon still standing outside the door. <<link "\"Hey, Simon?\"" "Speak with Simon">><</link>><<else>>with someone standing outside. <<link "\"Hey there, could you step to the right, maybe, five inches?\"" "Move Simon">><</link>> <<link "\"Hello?\"" "Say Hello">><</link>> <<link "\"Hey, could you let me out of here?\"" "Ask to Leave">><</link>><<endif>> <<link "Look around the rest of the office." "The Office">><</link>>

You sit down at the computer<<if $visitedcomputer eq 0>>, realizing that it's already on - jostling the mouse brings the monitor to life<<endif>>. <<if $loggedin eq 1>>It's currently showing the desktop, with a few icons of interest: a <<link "spreadsheet titled \"EMPLOYEE CLOCK\"" "Employee Clock">><</link>> and <<link "Outlook" "Outlook">><</link>>, an email program.<<else>>It's currently at the login screen, just asking for a password. <<if $madison_notebook.includes("password")>><<link "Try putting in \"YOUREWELCOME\"." "Enter password.">><</link>><<else>>You don't see much use in just trying random passwords - there must be a password written down around here somewhere, right?<<endif>><<endif>> <<link "Keep looking around the desk." "Office Desk">><</link>> <<link "Go back to looking around the rest of the office." "The Office">><</link>> <<set $visitedcomputer to 1>> <<set $loadedspreadsheet to 0>>

The sticky note on the computer monitor has a bunch of random scribbles on it, though, you can sort of make out some of the words, specifically some in the top left corner: KEY 2/04 You're not sure exactly what that means, and to be honest, you were hoping for a fun drawing. Maybe it's important, though - reminds you of something Cora de Leon said one time when you were interviewing her for a story. Something about everything being important, no matter how small. <<set $key to 1>> <<link "Keep looking around the desk." "Office Desk">><</link>> <<link "Go back to looking around the rest of the office." "The Office">><</link>>

You scan over the paper, a few parts of it clearly cut off from when it was printed out. What's been printed clearly, however, is half of the factory. The front side, where you quickly figure out Harrison must have just walked toward. Great! You totally didn't want the half that's going to be easier to get through! You can at least see a few crucial things, though. The front end of the factory is a sort of showroom, with a few entrances on each side of it. Closer to the back of the factory - where the printer cut off the image - you can see the office you're in now. There's a catwalk sort of thing that connects to it from the showroom, with some stairs that lead somewhere. Down on the factory floor, right off the side of the catwalk, appears to be some machinery. <<if !$madison_notebook.includes("factoryplans0")>><<link "Add to Mental Notebook.\n" "Office Desk">><<set $madison_notebook.push("factoryplans0")>><</link>><<endif>><<link "Keep looking around the desk." "Office Desk">><</link>> <<link "Go back to looking around the rest of the office." "The Office">><</link>>

<<print setup.GetEmployee($picyear, $picmonth)>> <<link "Keep checking the photos." "Employees of the Month">><</link>> <<link "Go back to looking around the rest of the office." "The Office">><</link>>

You open up the panel and look inside. There's a pretty long set of breakers that must connect to different parts of the factory - this could be very useful in getting out of here. On the inside of the door is an elaborate wiring chart that seems to go through the factory... but you can't really make heads or tails of it. <<if $madison_notebook.includes("factoryplans0")>>You realize that it follows something familiar. You grab the floor plans and compare them to the chart, realizing that it's pretty straight forward. There are a few switches that'll turn off the lights, and some that'll turn off the machinery. <<if $madison_notebook.includes("machinery")>>From what Simon said, though, they're not using the machines right now, so them suddenly shutting down will either do nothing or be a dead giveaway.<<endif>> <<link "Turn off the lights." "Lights Out">><</link>> <<link "Turn off the machinery." "Halting Production">><</link>><<else>>Suppose you should leave it be for now. Just making guesses will draw attention to you, which would probably mean losing access to this. For now, you elect to keep looking around the office.<<endif>> <<link "Look around the rest of the office." "The Office">><</link>> <<set $panelopen to 1>>

You flip the breaker connected to the lights on the factory floor, and everything goes dark. Let's see if we can distract some of Harrison's goons! The door swings open immediately, someone stepping inside and stumbling around the room. Their heavy footsteps reveal their path exactly, meaning you can slip around it, using the faint lights bleeding into the room from the other side of the factory to get to the door. <<link "Get out of the office!" "Get out of the office!">><</link>> <<set $lightsout to 1>>

You click the compose button and get writing, sending a pretty simple email to Simon. Doing your best Harrison impression, you ask Simon to get to the front room immediately. A few moments after hitting send, you hear Simon's PDA make that same alert sound from earlier, followed by footsteps heading away from the door. <<link "Get out of the office!" "Get out of the office!">><</link>> <<set $lightsout to 0>>

You flip the breaker connected to the machinery down on the factory floor, and the low hum outside disappears. Let's see if we can distract some of Harrison's goons! Nothing seems to happen. <<link "Wait." "Wait for people to respond.">><</link>>

<<print setup.GetRandomDeductionLine()>><<set $deduction to []>> <<if $madison_notebook.length gt 0>>//Click different clues that you've collected to try and string them together. If you think you have something, click the "Put it Together" button. If you want to clear what you've selected, click the "Try Again" button.//<<else>>//You haven't gathered any clues. Take a look around the office.//<<endif>> <<for _i to 0; _i lt $madison_notebook.length; _i++>> <<print setup.MakeDeductionEntry($madison_notebook[_i])>><<print "\n">> <</for>> <<link "Put it together." "Deduce. - 2">><</link>> <<link "Try Again." "Do some thinking. - 2">><</link>> <<link "Go back to looking around." "The Office">><</link>>

<<if $deduction.length eq 0>>//You didn't select anything.//<<else>><<set $deductionResults to setup.CheckDeduction($deduction)>><<if $deductionResults eq -1>>That doesn't seem to be anything - deduction might not help you escape the office, anyway. There has to be something inside that can help...<<else>><<print setup.GetDeduction($deductionResults)>><<endif>><<endif>> <<link "Go back to looking around." "The Office">><</link>> <<link "Keep thinking." "Do some thinking. - 2">><</link>>

You wait a little bit longer, curious if this will actually do anything. Finally, the door swings open, a random factory employee walking in. "Hey, yous - yous need to stop messing with the breakers." He casually walks in, flips the breaker back, and grabs the key out of the lock, slamming the door shut. And locking you out of the panel. Suppose you need to try something new to get out of here, since there's not exactly any way to get back into that. <<link "Keep looking around." "The Office">><</link>> <<set $lockedout to 1>>

You slip out of the door, <<if !$madison_notebook.includes("factoryplans0")>>impulsively making a left. From what you could see out the window when talking to Simon, the left side went down onto the factory floor, so you're hoping for the best here.<<else>>making a left to the factory floor, avoiding the front side of the factory just in case. It's possible you'll be able to get out of the factory through the back easier than the front, too.<<endif>><<if $lightsout eq 0>> You see a staircase going down to the factory floor - maybe a storage area? - in front of you.<<else>> In the dark, you barely see the stairs before you step down the first one.<<endif>> <<link "Get down the stairs and make a plan!" "Get down the stairs and make a plan!">><</link>>

You open the spreadsheet, but it's not instant. After a while, the spreadsheet finally shows up on screen, and you immediately understand why: it has employee clock-in times dating back to 2004. If you're going to get anything useful out of this, you're going to need to look for specific names or dates. <<link "Look up Lark Harrison." "Look up Lark Harrison.">><</link>><<if $simonmet eq 1>> <<link "Look up Simon McCrew." "Look up Simon McCrew.">><</link>><<endif>><<if $acephoto eq 1>> <<link "Look up Ace." "Look up Ace.">><</link>><<endif>><<if $madison_notebook.includes("johnnoir")>> <<link "Look up John Noir." "Look up John Noir.">><</link>><<endif>> <<link "Keep looking at the computer." "Office Computer">><</link>> <<link "Go back to looking around the rest of the office." "The Office">><</link>> <<set $loadedspreadsheet to 1>>

You open up Outlook, finding that it's connected to Harrison's own email account. And it's all boring business emails - there are things about shipping cookware to retailers, purchasing materials for production... you nearly fall asleep trying to get something interesting out of all of this. <<if $madison_notebook.includes("simonemail")>>You do have Simon's email. Simon is guarding the door. Simon does have a PDA... <<link "Send Simon an email from Harrison." "Sending an E-Mail">><</link>> <<endif>><<link "Keep looking at the computer." "Office Computer">><</link>> <<link "Go back to looking around the rest of the office." "The Office">><</link>>

You quickly type in "YOUREWELCOME", and to your surprise, the computer logs right into the desktop! It's currently showing the desktop, with a few icons of interest: a <<link "spreadsheet titled \"EMPLOYEE CLOCK\"" "Employee Clock">><</link>> and <<link "Outlook" "Outlook">><</link>>, an e-mail program. <<link "Keep looking around the desk." "Office Desk">><</link>> <<link "Go back to looking around the rest of the office." "The Office">><</link>> <<set $loggedin to 1>>

You search for Harrison in the spreadsheet, but unsurprisingly, he's never clocked in. Suppose it was worth a try, though. <<link "Keep looking through the spreadsheet." "Employee Clock">><</link>> <<link "Keep looking at the computer." "Office Computer">><</link>> <<link "Go back to looking around the rest of the office." "The Office">><</link>>

You search for Simon McCrew in the spreadsheet, and he shows up just a few times. It seems like he only works at the factory every once in a while, including tonight. What's interesting is that the spreadsheet also includes his e-mail address: mcccrew73@yahoo.com. <<if !$madison_notebook.includes("simonemail")>><<link "Add to Mental Notebook.\n" "Employee Clock">><<set $madison_notebook.push("simonemail")>><</link>><<endif>><<link "Keep looking through the spreadsheet." "Employee Clock">><</link>> <<link "Keep looking at the computer." "Office Computer">><</link>> <<link "Go back to looking around the rest of the office." "The Office">><</link>>

You search for Ace, which, completely unsurprisingly, gives you no results. He did have an employee of the month photo, though... It's possible he's worked here before under a different name. <<link "Keep looking through the spreadsheet." "Employee Clock">><</link>> <<link "Keep looking at the computer." "Office Computer">><</link>> <<link "Go back to looking around the rest of the office." "The Office">><</link>>

You search for John Noir, the name Simon used for Ace. Just as you suspected, this is the name he's worked here under. Worryingly, though, he's here tonight. Clocked in around 3 PM, hasn't clocked out yet. <<link "Keep looking through the spreadsheet." "Employee Clock">><</link>> <<link "Keep looking at the computer." "Office Computer">><</link>> <<link "Go back to looking around the rest of the office." "The Office">><</link>>

"What can I do for you, lass?" <<link "\"Why exactly am I here?\"" "Why Madison is Here">><</link>> <<link "\"What's going on here at the factory?\"" "The Factory">><</link>><<if $visitedcomputer eq 1>> <<link "\"Could I use the computer?\"" "Using the Computer">><</link>><<endif>><<if $acephoto eq 1>> <<link "\"Does Ace work here?\"" "Ace and the Factory">><</link>><<endif>> <<link "\"Nice talking with you, Simon!\"" "The Office">><</link>> <<set $simonmet to 1>>

"To the right?" Hold on a moment, that voice. "That better?" He does actually move the five inches over, but he suddenly straightens up and moves back over. "Sorry lass, just realized I wasn't in front of the door anymore." The accent. The deep voice. The fact that he's far nicer than he should be. "Simon McCrew?" "At your ser- no, not at your service, actually. Well, sort of?" Harrison must have confused the poor guy with orders. Sounds about right - last time you saw Simon, he was trying to man the phones at Midnight Manor, keep you and Hawk from getting in, and answer emails. Harrison just throws everything he can at the guy. "I can do a few things for you, is what I mean. Can't let you out, though." <<link "\"Can I ask you some questions, then?\"" "Ask Questions">><</link>> <<link "\"Maybe just a chat, then?\"" "Chat with Simon">><</link>>

"Hm?" The body turns around and lowers himself to look through the bit of blinds that you've pulled up to look out of. Staring back at you on the other side of the door is Harrison's favorite errand boy - and by errand boy, you mean criminal who is older than you - Simon McCrew. "Simon!" He jumps back a little bit. "Lass, you can't scare me like that!" He shakes his head, gathering himself before suddenly standing back up against the door. "What do you want, Madison?" <<link "\"To leave?\"" "Ask to Leave - 2">><</link>> <<link "\"Can I just ask you a few questions?\"" "Ask Questions">><</link>> <<link "\"Can we just talk, Simon?\"" "Chat with Simon">><</link>>

"What?" Wait a minute. "No, I can't let you out, lass." Wait a minute! "Mr. Harrison told me to keep you inside, so I can't let you out, Madison." The slight accent. The deep voice. That's Simon McCrew! "Simon McCrew, how are you?" "Tired, Madison." He lets out a soft laugh, but suddenly straightens up. "I'm not exactly supposed to be talkin' to you, though. Do you need something?" You never tire of the fact that Simon, a criminal who works for the worst criminal in the city - a man who hates you and your best friends - is just a nice guy. "To leave?" He laughs again. "Lass, I can't let you out. Strict orders from Mr. Harrison." <<link "\"Can I ask you some questions, then?\"" "Ask Questions">><</link>> <<link "\"Maybe just a chat, then?\"" "Chat with Simon">><</link>>

"I can't tell you much, but I guess you don't have your notebook in there, so..." You hear a beep come from him. "Oh, hold on a moment," and you watch as he pulls out a shiny new PDA. "Got an email." He lets out a chuckle, shaking his head. "Simon?" "Oh, sorry, sorry, my brother sent me something funny. Uh..." He takes a beat, thinking. "Right, as I was saying, I suppose I can answer some questions." <<link "Ask Simon some questions." "Speak with Simon">><</link>>

"Hm." He shrugs, nodding. "Sure, I suppose we can have a - " Simon cuts himself off when a beep comes from... something. He pulls something out of his pocket, revealing the source: a PDA. He reads something on screen for a moment and laughs. "Sorry, Ellis sent me an email." He pauses, suddenly realizing that he was saying something before. "Right, uh, we can have a chat." <<link "Have a chat." "Speak with Simon">><</link>>

Simon lets out a chuckle, shaking his head. "Can't do that, lass. On strict orders from Mr. Harrison, cannot let you out." Hm. No matter how kind Simon can be, suppose he's still one of Harrison's goons. After a moment, you hear a beep come from Simon, who promptly pulls something out of his pocket - before he pulls it out of your view through the window, you can see a shiny new PDA in his hand. "What was that?" You ask, the end of your question getting cut of by Simon's laughter. "Oh, just an email from my brother." He slides the PDA back into his pocket. "Now, did you need something, other than to leave, Madison?" "Can I just ask you a few questions?" Simon seems to consider it for a moment. "I suppose, lass." <<link "Ask Simon some questions." "Speak with Simon">><</link>>

"Trespassing, Madison. You know Mr. Harrison's not a fan of you, so when you showed up outside, he wasn't just gonna let you go." He sighs, which is slightly telling - Simon doesn't normally let things get him down, and that didn't exactly sound upbeat. "Mr. Harrison has some plan I can't say anything about, and now you're a part of it." That's worrying. Deeply worrying, actually. <<link "Keep talking with Simon." "Speak with Simon">><</link>> <<link "\"Thanks for the info, Simon!\"" "The Office">><</link>>

"Well, I don't exactly work here. I just show up when Harrison tells me to, so I don't know everything, but," he stops talking for a moment. "Simon?" "I'm trying to figure out what I can tell you, Madison." Damn. You were kind of hoping he'd let something slip, but he's clearly taking time to think about what to say. "All I know is that they're normally manufacturing cookware with those loud machines down below, and that they've been a lot more focused on shipping recently." Hmm. It's not exactly loud right now - there's a sort of hum you can hear, but other than that, it's quiet. Simon mentioning shipping is interesting too. You had noticed, before you got caught, that there were a lot of box trucks out back. <<if !$madison_notebook.includes("shipping")>><<link "Add to Mental Notebook.\n" "Speak with Simon">><<set $madison_notebook.push("shipping")>><<set $madison_notebook.push("machines")>><</link>><<endif>><<link "Keep talking with Simon." "Speak with Simon">><</link>> <<link "\"Thanks for the info, Simon!\"" "The Office">><</link>>

"Uh, I don't know, Madison. Even if I knew the password, I couldn't tell you. Mr. Harrison even forgets it sometimes. I think he has it written down somewhere, though." "You know where?" "Not really, lass. He does flip around one of those photos on the wall before he turns the computer on, though." He pauses. "Why the hell am I tellin' you this?" "Plot convenience?" Regardless of why he's telling you all of that, you have something new to look for in those photos on the wall. If one looks like it's been turned around more than others, that might be your best bet for getting into Harrison's computer. <<link "Keep talking with Simon." "Speak with Simon">><</link>> <<link "Take a look at the photos." "Employees of the Month">><</link>> <<link "\"Thanks for the info, Simon!\"" "The Office">><</link>> <<set $searchphotos to 1>>

"No, Ace-er, Mr. Noir doesn't work here. He, uhm," uh oh, Simon didn't like that question, "he's been working alongside Mr. Harrison a lot lately, though." <<link "\"What do you mean working alongside, Simon?\"" "Ace and Harrison">><</link>> <<link "\"Mr. Noir?\"" "John Noir">><</link>> <<link "Give Simon a break - Ace is a real piece of work, and you're sure he doesn't make any exceptions for Simon." "Speak with Simon">><</link>>

"Well, Mr. Harrison has been busy lately. He brought on Mr. Noir as a chief of staff, so he's been managing all the folks they're working with for this job." Hmm. It doesn't seem like Simon's going to be letting much slip about this job. That said, you can't help but feel for the people working under Ace - sure, they're working for Harrison, but Ace is ruthless. Efficient, intelligent, and brutal. <<link "\"Mr. Noir?\"" "John Noir">><</link>> <<link "Keep talking with Simon." "Speak with Simon">><</link>> <<link "\"Thanks for the info, Simon!\"" "The Office">><</link>>

"John Noir. You, uh, you called him Ace." You don't know Ace's real name, but you sure as hell know it's not John Noir. "He's one of Harrison's higher ups, but I don't know exactly what he does normally." Ace is going under the name John Noir. Maybe that's a new pseudonym, because you've certainly never heard it before. <<if !$madison_notebook.includes("johnnoir")>><<link "Add to Mental Notebook.\n" "Speak with Simon">><<set $madison_notebook.push("johnnoir")>><</link>><<endif>><<link "Keep talking with Simon." "Speak with Simon">><</link>> <<link "\"Thanks for the info, Simon!\"" "The Office">><</link>>

You make your way down the stairs, finding yourself in a strange sort of corridor of shipping containers, crates, and plastic totes. First things first, see if you can find your stuff. You can't leave without your notebook and camera. Maybe you can leave your mobile, it's not exactly the nicest phone. Second, get the hell out of here. As you <<if $lightsout eq 1>>feel<<else>>make<<endif>> your way through the corridor, you reach a fork in the path. <<if $madison_notebook.includes("factoryplans0")>>Pretty frustrating that the floor plans didn't show anything past the stairs. <<endif>>Suppose you can make an educated guess: if you go to the right, you're getting closer to the rest of the factory floor. Go to the left, you might end up deeper in the storage maze. Before you make the decision, you hear a buzz from somewhere in the bins around you. After a moment of searching, you find a bag, seemingly tossed inside - and to your delight, you've solved the first step. <<link "Open the bag." "Open the bag.">><</link>>

Right inside are three things: your phone, your notebook, and your camera! You flip through your notebook just to make sure everything's there, <<if $lightsout>>feeling the edges of the pages to make sure nothing's torn out.<<else>>and surprisingly, everything's there.<<endif>> No pages torn out, nothing erased. You look at your phone, the source of the buzz that brought you to it, and right on the outer screen is a text message from your editor. "Madison - new article won't be featured. Needed something nicer." She has such a way with words. When you flip your phone open, it's clear that she didn't even try to call you, just sent you that. She means to say that your article isn't getting the coverage it deserves, again, because she wanted something more feel-good on the front page, again. Before you can try to send a text message back to her, you hear an uncomfortably familiar voice. <<link "Follow the voice." "Follow the voice.">><</link>>

<<if $lightsout eq 1>>As you sidle along the boxes and crates, heading to the right, the lights turn on, sending some relieved sighs and cheers throughout the factory.<<else>>You start heading to the right, taking steps as soft as possible, just in case that voice is closer than you think.<<endif>> "You goddamn buffoons." Hawk would tell this guy to watch his language. "Briefing after briefing, and you still don't know what the plan is?" That sentence sends shivers up your spine. You haven't heard that voice in a while, and hearing it now strikes fear in your heart, and then rage. It's Ace. <<link "Listen in." "Listen to Ace">><</link>>

"Sir, we're doin' our best, Lark just-" Ace cuts the guy off. "Mr. Harrison to you, pal." "Mr. Harrison's just given us so much to do, ya know?" After a moment, you hear a smack. "Then keep track of it!" He lets out an exasperated sigh, the venom in his voice still there even as he seems to calm down. "One more time, I'll explain this, and if you forget again, you're out of here." Ace waits for a response, but it seems to be nonverbal. "Good. I'm giving you the abridged version so those dense heads of yours can take it in. We have that journalist up in the office. She's the test run." Test run? You move a little closer to the voice, continuing your soft steps along the side of the boxes. "We take her out in a few minutes, get her in a box truck, and get rid of her. If all goes to plan, next month, we do the same with the mayor. No more mayor, no more eye on Lark, least until they figure out who to put into the office." You're more familiar with Ace's work than you'd like to be, and "get rid of her" isn't something you want to be subject to. <<link "Keep moving." "Keep moving.">><</link>>

A few more silent steps takes you past the source of the voice, but another voice makes you freeze. There's some muffled cursing, and then a door slams. "Because of someone's pure incompetence, Ms. Laurent has left the office." Of course, Harrison's blaming everyone else for the fact that he left <<if $lightsout eq 1>>a key to the electrical panel<<else>>his computer password<<endif>> behind a picture frame. "Now, she can't have left the building quite yet, so we have an opportunity to make this work, gentlemen." "Find that damn reporter!" <<link "Be Hawk Foster." "Get in the cab.">><</link>>

You are Hawk Foster, and you are getting into a cab. The rain beats against your hat and coat, adding a sort of drumline. The rhythm is cut off, though. You hop into the backseat of a cab. "Where to - well, I'll be!" The driver turns around, a wide smile on his face. "Mr. Hawk Foster, the puzzle detective himself! How are ya', pal?" He extends his hand for you to shake. You oblige. "Mike," you start, recognizing him as well: Mike Michaels, city cabbie. "I need to get to the Classical Creations Factory." "Alright pal, you in a hurry?" <<link "\"Yes.\"" "Cab Ride - 1">><</link>> <<set $active to "hawk">>

The city passes by you in a blur. The raindrops on the windows unfocus the lights outside. And Mike isn't exactly moving slowly. "Why do you need to get there at this time of night?" <<link "\"Madison got grabbed by Lark Harrison.\"" "Cab Ride - 2">><</link>> <<link "\"Important case.\"" "Cab Ride - 3">><</link>>

"Lark Harrison? Owner of the diner down on 12th?" "The one and only." "Hawk, with all due respect, I don't know what you're talkin' about. Lark seems to be as good as they come. That diner makes good pancakes, too." You wanted to try them last year when you went to investigate the diner. That did not happen. "He's an expert at keeping up a good outside image, Mike. He's not the self-starting entrepreneur he acts like." "Hm." He doesn't seem convinced. "You going to need a ride back, Hawk?" <<link "\"Yes. I'll have a friend with me, though.\"" "Cab Ride - Yes">><</link>> <<link "\"No. Thank you though, Mike.\"" "Cab Ride - No">><</link>>

"Ooh, top secret, eh?" "Well, no-" "I understand, Hawk, it's puzzle detective business. You need me to come get you later?" <<link "\"Yes. I'll have a friend with me, though.\"" "Cab Ride - Yes">><</link>> <<link "\"No. Thank you though, Mike.\"" "Cab Ride - No">><</link>>

"It's no problem, Hawk. Long as you pay the fare!" He laughs, despite the fact that you know he's not joking. "We're here, pal." He pulls the car over, just a couple blocks from the factory. Smart move. Means you can get close on your own terms. You pay Mike for the ride, as well as what you figure the fare will be to get from here to your office later. "Thanks for the ride, Mike. I'll see you in a few." "Oh, uh, Hawk! Is there gonna be a signal, or what?" "Hmm." You take inventory of your options for a moment, noticing the phone number on his taxi. "I'll call you." "Not that I don't have faith in my company, but I don't want things to go south, and for you to be left high and dry." He doesn't even give you time to respond. "You know what, I'll just stick around! It's a slow night anyway. Don't worry about calling me or anything, I'll be there." Before you have the opportunity to ask him what that means, he drives off. Hopefully Mike can follow through on that. <<link "Stake out the factory." "Stake Out">><</link>> <<set $tookRide to 1>>

"You sure? I don't wanna leave you high and dry if something goes wrong." "I'll be fine, Mike. Thanks for the offer, though." The cab pulls onto the side of the road, just a couple blocks from the factory. Smart move. Lets you get close to the factory on your own terms. You pay for the fare, giving Mike a wave as you step out of the car. "Good luck, Hawk! I'm rootin' for you." He returns the wave, pulling away and down the street. <<link "Stake out the factory." "Stake Out">><</link>> <<set $tookRide to 0>>

Time to put your nose to the grindstone. Probably ought to do a good loop around the building, see what's what. You start on your way past the front, crouching down in front of the windows to hide, listening to the conversations happening inside. They're muffled through the doors and glass, but you can hear bits and pieces. Harrison is a loud man. From what you can tell, they're talking preparations. Getting ready for <<link "something" "Factory Front">><</link>>. <<link "Head down the alley on the left." "Factory Left">><</link>> <<link "Head down the alley on the right." "Factory Right">><</link>> <<link "Do some thinking." "Do some thinking. - 3">><</link>> <<set $factorycheck to 0>>

You take a quick peek into the building. Harrison's off to the left side, speaking with a few men. You sidle against the building, getting a bit closer. Their voices aren't all loud enough to hear, but Harrison's is. That's what matters here. "No, you don't - we need this done as soon as possible." Two of the men try to respond, with one managing to get out a sentence before Harrison cuts him off. All he does is raise his hands up and the man stops. "Gentlemen, what do I pay you for?" They all speak in unison, saying a word you don't quite catch. "Yes, precisely. So when I ask you to do your jobs, what should you do?" They speak in partial unison this time, their answers seemingly varying. Should have brought Cora along. She can read lips. "So when I ask you to get ready to get into your trucks and get ready to drive, you do it." They move along, just out of earshot, even Harrison's words becoming muffled. You take a look around the front showroom, spotting at least fifteen people. <<if $hawk_notebook.includes("employees")>>Ellis was right. <<endif>>Seems packed. Two important points from all that. First, Harrison is rushing things... seems odd, considering that you have thirty minutes left. Second, he has a lot of staff on hand, including multiple truck drivers. <<if !$hawk_notebook.includes("rush")>><<link "Add to Mental Notebook.\n" "Stake Out - The Factory">><<set $hawk_notebook.push("rush")>><<set $hawk_notebook.push("drivers")>><</link>><<endif>><<link "Keep looking around the factory." "Stake Out - The Factory">><</link>>

You start down the alley to the right of the factory. The lights on the side of the building light up the falling raindrops, and illuminate the silhouettes of three people at the end of the alley. You drop to the wall, finding a spot by some discarded boxes to hide. With bated breath, you wait. After a few moments, you let yourself breathe a sigh of relief. They must have been facing the other way. You take a quick peek down the alley. Now, they're heading this way, and you can make out what they're saying. "Heh. Must be why Harrison's calling it precious cargo." "There's no way he's sweet on her, dumbass. You were kidding, right?" Watch your language, you think to yourself. "I - Will you two shut up? I thought I heard somethin' over here." You freeze. Hard steps on the pavement get louder. They're right in your periphery now. "Huh. Guess I was hearin' things." They go back to bickering. It serves as an easy way to get back to the front of the building - there's no getting around those three. "Precious cargo", they said. Must be Madison. <<if !$hawk_notebook.includes("cargo")>><<link "Add to Mental Notebook.\n" "Stake Out - The Factory">><<set $hawk_notebook.push("cargo")>><</link>><<endif>><<link "Keep looking around the factory." "Stake Out - The Factory">><</link>>

You head down the left side of the building. The alley on this side seems to be empty. You keep up against the wall, just in case you can hear something from inside. "Hey, you can't be here." Someone just came around the corner behind you. "Sir? You can't be here, you're trespassing." <<link "\"Oh, apologies. I had no idea.\"" "Try to Talk Your Way Out">><</link>> <<link "Silently leave the way you came." "Try to Sneak Out">><</link>> <<set $playerhits to 0>> <<set $enemyhits to 0>>

You head down the left side of the building. Safer move, considering all that's down this alley is a goon concerned about his dental health. <<if $lightsout eq 1>>On your way down, you hear some yelling and confusion from inside. A quick glance at the windows above you is all you need to see: the lights turned off. That could always be a genuine issue, but you have a good guess at what - more accurately, who - caused it. <<endif>>You get to the end of the building and take a look around. Three trucks, just like that poor sap said. To your surprise, no one's around outside. Inside, though, you estimate around 30 of Harrison's goons are hanging around. No fighting your way out of this one. <<link "Get a little closer." "Into the Factory">><</link>>

You return to the front of the factory, ready to continue your stake out. In the front of the factory, they're still talking preparations. Getting ready for <<if !$hawk_notebook.includes("rush")>><<link "something" "Factory Front">><</link>><<else>>something<<endif>>. <<if !$hawk_notebook.includes("move")>><<link "Head down the alley on the left." "Factory Left">><</link>> <<endif>><<if !$hawk_notebook.includes("cargo")>><<link "Head down the alley on the right." "Factory Right">><</link>> <<endif>><<if $hawk_notebook.includes("early")>><<link "Head around back, quick." "Factory Back">><</link>> <<endif>><<link "Do some thinking." "Do some thinking. - 3">><</link>>

<<print setup.GetRandomDeductionLine()>><<set $deduction to []>> <<if $hawk_notebook.length gt 0>>//Click different clues that you've collected to try and string them together. If you think you have something, click the "Put it Together" button. If you want to clear what you've selected, click the "Try Again" button.//<<else>>//You haven't gathered any clues. How the hell did you get here?//<<endif>> <<for _i to 0; _i lt $hawk_notebook.length; _i++>> <<print setup.MakeDeductionEntry($hawk_notebook[_i])>><<print "\n">> <</for>> <<link "Put it together." "Deduce. - 3">><</link>> <<link "Try Again." "Do some thinking. - 3">><</link>> <<link "Go back to looking around the factory." "Stake Out - The Factory">><</link>>

<<if $deduction.length eq 0>>//You didn't select anything.//<<else>> <<set $deductionResults to setup.CheckDeduction($deduction)>><<if $deductionResults eq -1>>Hmm. That doesn't seem like anything - but making those connections is always worth a try.<<else>><<print setup.GetDeduction($deductionResults)>><<endif>><<endif>><<if $deductionResults eq 11>> <<link "Head around back, quick." "Factory Back">><</link>><<endif>> <<link "Go back to looking around the factory." "Stake Out - The Factory">><</link>> <<link "Keep thinking." "Do some thinking. - 3">><</link>>

The goon hesitates. "What's your name, sir?" He gets a little closer to you, and you lower your head reflexively. "You seem familiar." <<link "Look up at him." "Look up at him.">><</link>> <<link "Try to get past him." "Try to Sneak Out">><</link>>

He sticks his arm out to stop you. "Sir, I can't..." He narrows his gaze. The arm not holding you back moves up, his hand lifting your hat. "Hawk Goddamn Foster." You have no idea who this guy is. "Language." Judging by his expression, that wasn't the right thing to say. Judging by the fact that he proceeds to push you to the ground, that definitely wasn't the right thing to say. <<link "Get up. And get your dukes up." "Start Fight">><</link>>

Before you can even get up off the ground, he's ready to fight. "Hawk Foster, you're going to come with me." You get a good look at him. He's definitely taller than most. Doesn't seem like a hard hitter, though. <<link "Hit him first!" "Hawk Punches">><</link>> <<repeat 1s>><<if time() gt 5000>><<goto "Goon Punches">><<endif>><</repeat>> <<set $hawkattack to 0>> <<set $fight to 1>> <<set $fighttime to 1>>

He's a tall guy. And for you, that's saying something. He looks closer at you, and steps back a little bit. "Hawk Goddamn Foster." Not your middle name. "Language." Judging by his expression, that wasn't the right thing to say. Judging by the fact that he proceeds to push you to the ground, that definitely wasn't the right thing to say. <<link "Get up. And get your dukes up." "Start Fight">><</link>>

<<if $playerhits eq 3>>With one more <<if $hawkattack eq 0>>swift punch up the jaw,<<elseif $hawkattack eq 3>>solid punch to the stomach,<<else>>strong punch to the side of the face,<<endif>> he goes down. Might have gone a bit hard on him. You kneel in front of him, checking his breathing, and his pulse for good measure. Still in the land of the living. You sit him up against the wall, and he wakes up. <<link "Get some information out of him." "Winning the Fight">><</link>><<set $fight to 0>><<else>><<print setup.GetHawkHit($hawkattack, $playerhits)>> <<print setup.GetGoonFightStatus($playerhits)>> <<link "Try an uppercut." "Hawk Punches">><<set $hawkattack to 0>><</link>> <<link "Try a left hook." "Hawk Punches">><<set $hawkattack to 1>><</link>> <<link "Try a right hook." "Hawk Punches">><<set $hawkattack to 2>><</link>> <<link "Try a body shot." "Hawk Punches">><<set $hawkattack to 3>><</link>> <<repeat 7s>><<if time() gt 1000>><<goto "Goon Punches">><<endif>><</repeat>><<set $fighttime to 1>><<endif>>

<<if $enemyhits eq 0>>Took too long to make a move. You take a good left hook to the face. Good is relative, though. You were right about him not being a hard hitter.<<else>>Before you can figure out your next move, he swings and hits you with a <<print setup.GetGoonHit()>>. <<print setup.GetHawkStatus($enemyhits)>><<endif>> <<print setup.GetGoonFightStatus($playerhits)>> <<link "Try an uppercut." "Hawk Punches">><<set $hawkattack to 0>><</link>> <<link "Try a left hook." "Hawk Punches">><<set $hawkattack to 1>><</link>> <<link "Try a right hook." "Hawk Punches">><<set $hawkattack to 2>><</link>> <<link "Try a body shot." "Hawk Punches">><<set $hawkattack to 3>><</link>> <<repeat 6s>><<if time() gt 1000>><<goto "Goon Punches">><<endif>><</repeat>> <<set $enemyhits to $enemyhits + 1>> <<set $fighttime to 1>>

"Wh... what do you want?" There's a little bit of blood coming from his mouth. He turns and spits, sending a tooth out. Ouch. Definitely went a bit harder than you wanted to. "Just some information." "I... is that a tooth? Did I just spit out a tooth?" He shakes his head. "My dentist is going to kill me..." "Information, kid." "Oh - okay, yeah, I, uh... I don't know what exactly is going on in there, since I've been out here all night, but, uhm," he's rubbing his jaw with one of his hands, thinking. "What time is it?" "9 o'clock." "Okay, so, they're sending drivers out of the back for something in ten minutes. Three trucks, I think." <<if !$hawk_notebook.includes("move")>><<link "Add to Mental Notebook.\n" "Stake Out - The Factory">><<set $hawk_notebook.push("move")>><</link>><<endif>><<link "Keep looking around the factory." "Stake Out - The Factory">><</link>> <<set $fight to 0>>

You take a few steps into the factory, hiding behind a few crates, seemingly offloaded from the truck behind you. Before you can get too far inside, you hear a familiar voice. "You goddamn buffoons." Language. "Briefing after briefing, and you still don't know what the plan is?" The voice has enough venom to kill a moose. It's also burned into your memory in the worst way. It sends shivers down your spine. It's Ace. <<link "Listen in to Ace." "Listen in to Ace.">><</link>>

You're just far enough away that the people he's talking to are just mumbles to you. But Ace, he's loud. One of them tries to say something and gets interrupted. "Mr. Harrison to you, pal." More mumbled voices. Then a smack. "Then keep track of it! One more time, I'll explain this..." He gets quieter, calming down. You move a little further into the factory, trying to stay away from any point you could get spotted in. Soon enough, you can hear him clearly again. "...heads of yours can take it in. We have that journalist up in the office. She's the test run." Test run... they're planning something bigger. They're planning for someone bigger. "We take her out in a few minutes, get her in a box truck, and get rid of her. If all goes to plan, next month, we do the same with the mayor. No more mayor, no more eye on Lark, least until they figure out who to put into the office." They're planning to take out Horace Ash. He was one of Elizabeth's biggest supporters when she was running for city council, so it's no wonder he's keeping an eye on Harrison. Carrying on her legacy better than you do. <<link "Find Madison." "Find Madison, Get Interrupted">><</link>>

There's no time to lose. You have to find Madison and get her out of here, before she gets hurt. Right when you take a step forward, you hear some cursing and a loud slam. You look up toward the source of it, finding a man in his thirties wearing a long coat. He turns his head toward the factory. Lark Harrison, the man himself. "Because of someone's pure incompetence, Ms. Laurent has left the office." She's out. She's already trying to leave - maybe she already did? "Now, she can't have left the building quite yet," hm, not quite yet, "so we have an opportunity to make this work, gentlemen." "Find that damn reporter!" Not if you find her first. <<link "Be that damn reporter." "Be Madison Laurent. - 2">><</link>>

You are Madison Laurent, and you have gotta get out of here. There's a scramble after Harrison yells - every one of his employees must be going after you now. You look down the corridors of crates and shipping containers, trying to figure out your best way forward. You don't just need to get out, you need to get out quickly. From here, it's crates and shipping containers, no big boxes or anything. Just eyeing it, a crate is half the length of a container. The left path goes down a container and a crate before it hooks a right. The right path goes down a container, a crate, and a container before it hooks a left. Between the paths are two crates. <<link "Go down the left path." "Left Path">><</link>> <<link "Go down the right path." "Right Path">><</link>> <<set $active to "madison">>

You head down the left path, deciding to stay away from the right side. That side is way too close to Ace for comfort. With some quick, quiet steps, you run down the left path, hooking a right and - That's another crate. Dead end. You turn around and run to where you started, heading down the right path. Getting out of here quickly might not be as easy now. <<link "Take the right path, quick!" "Right Path, Correctly">><</link>> <<set $timewasted to 1>>

You head down the right path, taking the left turn and finding yourself in a borderline forest of crates - open to the right side. Cool! Very cool! Watching the right side of the crates, you slip between them, using them as cover wherever you can. You even manage to sneak past a few workers searching through the crates, until you find another shipping container, hiding inside and shutting the door behind you. The other side is open, and maybe fifteen feet past that is a friendly face. Hawk Foster, Puzzle Detective. <<link "Get his attention!" "Get his attention!">><</link>> <<set $timewasted to 0>>

You book it down the right path, taking the left turn and finding yourself in a borderline forest of crates - open to the right side. Cool! Very cool! Watching the right side of the crates, you slip between them, using them as cover wherever you can. You even manage to sneak past a few workers searching through the crates, until you find another shipping container, hiding inside and shutting the door behind you. The other side is open, and maybe fifteen feet past that is a friendly face. Hawk Foster, Puzzle Detective. <<link "Get his attention!" "Get his attention!">><</link>>

You wave down at your friend, getting... no response. He's scanning the factory with his eyes, probably trying to find you. "PD!" Your whisper yell isn't exactly loud enough to be heard over the yelling coming from the employees as they clear areas. "Hawk!" You're not sure why a second try at the same volume would change anything. He's still looking around, unaware of your attempts to get his attention. Wait a minute! You have your phone - as long as he has his, this should work. <<link "Call Hawk." "Phone Call">><</link>>

It's ringing... It's ringing... He has his phone! You watch as he pulls it out of his pocket, and his face lights up. "Madison?" "Hawk!" You're both whispering into your phones. "I'm over here, look at the, uh, blue shipping container in front of you!" He finally sees you, and even gives you a wave. You wave back, maybe a little more excitedly than you should considering you haven't exactly escaped yet. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?" "PD, I'm fine. In fact, I'm about to get out of here - wait where you are!" "No, Madison. I'm coming to help you get out." "Don't be ridiculous! There's, what, twenty feet of distance to the exit?" "What if you get spotted?" "I'll be fine, it's not like I can't run! I'm probably faster than all of these guys." "You know Ace is here, right?" <<link "\"Yeah, I know.\"" "Aware of Ace">><</link>> <<link "\"So?\"" "Ready for Ace">><</link>> <<set $madisonhits to 0>> <<set $acehits to 0>> <<set $aceattack to 0>> <<set $madisonattack to 0>> <<set $getcreative to 0>>

"Madison, he's a murderer." "PD, don't-" "He won't hesitate to kill you." He's not wrong. It's just... why doesn't he think you can get out? "He's probably distracted yelling at his employees. He was literally just doing that!" "I heard. He also clearly smacked one of them. I'm not taking any chances with the man who killed Elizabeth." "Hawk, I'm coming." <<if $timewasted eq 0>><<link "\"Do you know anything that might help me?\"" "Get Info From Hawk">><</link>> <<link "Make a move." "Make a move.">><</link>><<else>><<link "The doors behind you open." "Ace Finds Madison">><</link>> //Note: You might want to save here!//<<endif>>

You smile at Hawk - he doesn't smile back. "Madison, I don't want you taking any chances. Not with Ace." He sighs, and you watch him think for a moment. "I know you're capable. I just - are you sure?" <<link "\"I'm sure.\"" "Get Ready.">><</link>> <<link "\"I think so.\"" "Get Ready - Not Sure">><</link>>

You don't get a response from Hawk, other than a sigh and a concerned look. Then, he nods. <<if $timewasted eq 0>><<link "\"Do you know anything that might help me?\"" "Get Info From Hawk">><</link>> <<link "Make a move." "Make a move.">><</link>><<else>><<link "The doors behind you open." "Ace Finds Madison">><</link>> //Note: You might want to save here!//<<endif>>

"Let me help, Madison." <<if $timewasted eq 0>><<link "\"Do you know anything that might help me?\"" "Get Info From Hawk">><</link>> <<link "Make a move." "Make a move.">><</link>><<else>><<link "The doors behind you open." "Ace Finds Madison">><</link>> //Note: You might want to save here!//<<endif>>

He looks at you funny, but laughs. "Am I your informant now?" "Congratulations, Hawk Foster, you are now my informant!" You laugh a little too, but you can hear more yelling close to you. "Now, what do you know?" <<if $hawk_notebook.includes('employees')>>"Ace is working head of staff. He's the head honcho right now, other than Harrison himself. He'd be able to send any kind of force at you if he wanted, so be careful of that." He thinks for a moment more. <<endif>>"There are three trucks over here, and they're all empty. As you can see," he points around him, "there are all kinds of boxes around. Pretty sure they're all full, too. Might be able to use those to your advantage. Other than that, that's all I got."<<set $getcreative to 1>> "Thanks, Hawk." <<link "Make a move." "Make a move.">><</link>> //Note: You might want to save here!//

You give Hawk a nod, hanging up and tossing your phone into your pocket. More quiet, but much faster steps get you to the end of the shipping container - almost free. But someone steps in front of you. "Well, what do we have here?" <<link "\"Oh, hey, Ace! Good to see you, I was just passing by, have to get, you know, out of here.\"" "Talk to Ace">><</link>> <<link "Just punch him in the face." "Madison Hit">><<set $madisonattack to 0>><</link>> //Note: You might want to save here!//

"Well, what do we have here?" "Shit." "Language, Madison! What-" You close your phone, drop it into your pocket and stand up. Before you even get to your full height, Ace has grabbed you and dragged you out of the shipping container. <<link "Fight back!" "Madison Hit">><<set $madisonattack to 4>><</link>> <<repeat 10s>><<if time() gt 10000>><<goto "Ace Hit">><<endif>><</repeat>>

<<if $madisonhits eq 6>>With one more hit, you manage to send him back again. In a rage, he runs back up to you, grabbing your bag - and uses it to put you in a hold. "I did a little reading earlier, Madison. If I can't get rid of you, I'll take this." He pulls up on the bag, tightening its strap around your neck. "Or maybe I'll take both!" <<link "Hawk: Do something." "Hawk: Do something.">><</link>><<set $fight to 0>><<else>><<print setup.GetMadisonHit($madisonhits, $madisonattack)>> <<print setup.GetMadisonStatus($acehits)>> <<print setup.GetAceStatus($madisonhits)>> <<link "Go for an uppercut!" "Madison Hit">><<set $madisonattack to 0>><</link>> <<link "Go for a left hook!" "Madison Hit">><<set $madisonattack to 1>><</link>> <<link "Go for a right hook!" "Madison Hit">><<set $madisonattack to 2>><</link>> <<link "Punch him in the stomach!" "Madison Hit">><<set $madisonattack to 3>><</link>> <<if $madisonhits gt 1 and $madisonhits lt 5 and $getcreative eq 1>><<link "Get creative!" "Madison Hit">><<set $madisonattack to 5>><</link>><<endif>> <<repeat 6s>><<if time() gt 1000>><<goto "Ace Hit">><<endif>><</repeat>> <<set $fight to 1>> <<set $fighttime to 1>> <<endif>>

<<if $acehits eq 4>>He gets in one more good hit on you, and... <<link "You go down." "Madison Goes Down">><<set $fight to 0>><</link>><<else>>You took too long to make a move! <<print setup.GetAceHit($acehits)>> <<print setup.GetMadisonStatus($acehits + 1)>> <<print setup.GetAceStatus($madisonhits)>> <<link "Go for an uppercut!" "Madison Hit">><<set $madisonattack to 0>><</link>> <<link "Go for a left hook!" "Madison Hit">><<set $madisonattack to 1>><</link>> <<link "Go for a right hook!" "Madison Hit">><<set $madisonattack to 2>><</link>> <<link "Punch him in the stomach!" "Madison Hit">><<set $madisonattack to 3>><</link>> <<if $madisonhits gt 1 and $madisonhits lt 5 and $getcreative eq 1>><<link "Get creative!" "Madison Hit">><<set $madisonattack to 5>><</link>><<endif>> <<repeat 5s>><<if time() gt 1000>><<goto "Ace Hit">><<endif>><</repeat>> <<set $fight to 1>> <<set $fighttime to 1>> <<endif>> <<set $acehits to $acehits + 1>>

"Oh, funny you say that, you're not allowed to." Before you can make a move, he grabs you, dragging you out of the storage container. <<link "Fight back!" "Madison Hit">><<set $madisonattack to 4>><</link>> <<repeat 10s>><<if time() gt 10000>><<goto "Ace Hit">><<endif>><</repeat>>

You're not feeling good, that's for sure. You hear Hawk yell, and things get more chaotic around you, even if your senses aren't exactly working well at the moment. A second later, you're out cold. //''Game Over.''// //Hopefully you saved! If not... I guess I can give you a link to before the fight.// <<link "Try again." "Phone Call">><</link>>

You are now Hawk Foster, and your friend is currently being strangled by one of your worst enemies. You just watched Madison impressively kick Ace's rear. You almost ran up to help about four times. Too risky with Ace around. Could have caused an even bigger fight, especially if any of Harrison's goons saw you. Now, you need to intervene. You stand up, and voices all around yell out as they see you. Can't focus on them, though. You need to save Madison. "Hawk-" Madison starts to yell to you, but gets cut off as Ace pulls the bag higher. "Get my bag!" <<link "Get Madison." "Save Madison">><</link>> <<link "Get Madison's bag." "Save the Bag">><</link>> <<set $active to "hawk">>

You can't let her get hurt. You run up at them, barrelling into Ace. The strap slips free of Madison's throat. She drops to the floor, breathing heavy, but you rush to her. "Gotta go, Madison." "PD, no, I need my notebook!" She doesn't have time to push back. You've grabbed her. The two of you run to the edge of the factory and out into the rain. You hear a crowd gathering behind you, making chase. "I'm fine! I need my-" She turns, seeing Ace handing off the bag to Harrison. "Shit." <<link "Get out of here." "Get out of here.">><</link>> <<set $bag to 0>>

She can handle Ace. She has so far. You run up to them, barrelling at Ace. First thing's first, you clock him. You're not one to resort to violence for everything, but that felt good. He turns his focus to you for a split second, and his hold on the bag slips. With his eyes on you, you get it out of his hands. Completing the motion, you turn and start heading to the exit. There's rage in his eyes, but it fades for a moment. He doesn't go after you. He wraps his arm around Madison's neck. By the time you get to the edge of the factory, you see them fighting again. Ace lands a few clean hits on Madison. You turn to help her, but by the time you get halfway there, she's on the ground, scrambling to her feet to run. "Let's go!" She yells, a bit of blood dripping from her forehead. Instinct almost moves you to help her. It also tells you to run. <<link "Get out of here." "Get out of here.">><</link>> <<set $bag to 1>>

Time to leave. "How did you get here?" Madison yells as you run<<if $bag eq 1>>, your arm around her to keep her steady<<endif>>. "Cab. <<if $tookRide eq 0>>Probably should have taken Mike up on his of-" Before you can even finish the sentence, a familiar cab pulls around, stopping just in front of you. Mike Michaels, city cabbie, came anyway.<<else>>Mike said he'd be here to pick us-" Before you can finish explaining, you see Mike's cab. "There he is."<<endif>> <<link "Get in the cab." "Heading Home">><</link>>

There's a whole crowd of goons running out of the factory, chasing the cab. Then, suddenly, they all freeze. Right as Mike pulls onto the street, and as you lose sight of them, you see Ace step in front of the crowd. With a wave, he brings them back inside. "Madison Laurent, my dear, how are you tonight?" Mike is perfectly calm. For a second you can see him looking in the rearview mirror, checking to see if anyone's followed the cab. <<if $bag eq 1>>Madison tries to speak, but coughs, shaking her head. "Been better, Mike." She looks down at the bag and smiles. "But we got out of there just fine, huh?" You nod back to her.<<else>>"Just fine, but I've been better." She looks at you with a disappointed look on her face. "Didn't get what I was hoping out of it, but I guess I'm okay."<<endif>> "You need me to take ya' to <<if $bag eq 1>>a hospital<<else>>the police station<<endif>>?" "I'm fine, Mike. Just, uh... Hawk's office?" "Yes, my office." You respond, looking at Mike. <<if $bag eq 1>>"You sure? You don't look too good there, Madison." As if she was helping his point, she coughs again. "I don't want to intrude, but you look like you need medical attention." Madison speaks up before you can. Every second you look at her, the stronger the feeling is that you should get her to the hospital. "I'm fine, Mike. Right, PD?" She recognizes the look in your eye. "I'm fine, Hawk." Mike's eyes dart into the rearview again. He doesn't seem too sure about this either. He sighs, nodding.<<endif>> "That's 10th street, yeah?" <<link "\"That's right. 1610 10th Street.\"" "Hawk's Office">><</link>>

It doesn't take long to get back to your office. Even when Mike seems to be taking the long way. You thank him for the ride<<if $tookRide eq 0>>, pay him,<<endif>> and head inside. "PD?" Madison addresses you from the doorway as you get into your office. "You know you didn't have to come. I was about to get out of there." "I didn't want you to get hurt." <<if $bag eq 1>>"Well, it kinda happened anyway. There was no stopping that. If I was there alone, I would have done something stupid to save the bag and gotten just as hurt."<<else>>"Well, I didn't."<<endif>> She's right. <<if $bag eq 1>>You couldn't stop her from getting hurt. If you hadn't for the bag, it wouldn't have been for anything.<<else>>She got out of there unharmed. Even if you hadn't been there to step in at the end, she would have found her way out.<<endif>> "Thanks for coming, though." She sits down in the chair on the other side of your desk, letting out a tired sigh. "No problem. I know you could have made it out of there, I just wanted to make sure." "Of course, PD. What are partners for?" She extends her hand, and you give it a strong shake. <<if $bag eq 1>>"Whoa, buddy, careful!" "Right, right, sorry."<<endif>> <<if $bag eq 1>>She looks down at her bag. <<link "\"You think saving my stuff was worth it?\"" "Saved End">><</link>><<else>>She looks over at your corkboard for a moment, spotting one of her pieces tacked up onto it. <<link "\"Thank you for choosing me over my notebook.\"" "Lost End">><</link>><<endif>>

"What?" You narrow your gaze at her. "Madison, that's your notebook. That's - how many pages of notes do you have in there?" "No, PD, I know, it's a lot of pages. It's a lot of really incriminating stuff - here, look." She pulls out her notebook and shows you some scratchy writing. The date she wrote in the corner indicates that the notes are from tonight. Turns out, she found something else out about the CCC factory. The place really is manufacturing weapons. They're being claimed as cookware to the city. She even flips the page to reveal a few pieces of paper, all internal shipping invoices and freight lists. "Hawk?" "Yes?" "My paper cut another one of my stories. My editor said that she needed something nicer for the front page." She scoffs. "Didn't even have the courtesy to call me. She just sent me a text message." She closes the notebook and slips it back into her bag. "It's not like we're going to take this to the police. They're not exactly the most effective bunch when it comes to investigating Harrison." You both know that all too well. "Well, if your paper won't report it, and the police won't investigate it, what's stopping us?" She finally looks back at you, listening attentively. "We get back into the factory and we stop them from kidnapping the mayor. We get in there and bust a weapons shipment. Let's keep doing what we're best at, Madison." She smiles. "Okay." She nods, the smile getting bigger. "Yeah, we can do that." <<link "Be Lark Harrison." "Be Lark Harrison">><</link>>

"What?" You narrow your gaze at her. "I mean, I..." She has you at a loss for words for a moment. She sounded so defeated. "I didn't want you to lose your bag, Madison." "It's fine, I'm glad you stopped me from getting a further beating. I don't think there would have been much of use in the notebook anyway." You've seen Madison's notebook. It's full of notes she's taken, documents she's grabbed, and photos. Pages upon pages of information about crime and injustice in the city. "Are you kidding? You could have provided stories to your paper for a year with everything you had in there." "Not if they don't run the stories." She takes her phone from her pocket and opens it, handing it off to you. There's a text message from her editor. Says that her story was cut from the front page, as she wanted something nicer. "They don't want stories like mine, they want scumbags like Harrison donating to charity or a cat getting saved from a tree." There's a long pause. The two of you sit in your office in silence. Madison's waiting for you to respond, while you think. You don't need the police to do your work. Why does Madison need her paper? "So?" You finally speak. "I already do my job without the cops' help, why do you need your editor's help to do yours? Let's just keep doing what we do best." She smiles. "Okay." She nods, the smile getting bigger. "Yeah, we can do that." <<link "Be Lark Harrison." "Be Lark Harrison">><</link>>

You can't. He's busy. In the office he had inquisitive dame Madison Laurent locked up in earlier, Lark Harrison fumes. He nearly fired all of his workers in the factory tonight, but Ace calmed him down. He looks over the office, and out at the factory as the lights turn off, everyone else heading home for the night. "Simon?" The large, tired hired muscle walks into the office from his post just outside the door. "Yes, Mr. Harrison?" "Go home. You did a fine job tonight." Without a word, Simon slips out the door, calling Ellis, currently walking back to their apartment from the Steelworker's Pub, that he too was on his way. Now alone, Harrison is left to think. To plan. Tonight, they failed to get rid of that reporter, but it wasn't a complete failure. They learned that there are weaknesses in their security. They learned that only someone as... competent as her could get out. And even then, just barely. The mayor is not competent in that way. He's just a thorn in his side that's threatening infection, and he needs to be plucked out. The reporter and the detective, they're just a rock in his shoe. Bothersome occasionally, but never a threat. He can upturn his shoe later, because right now, he has a thorn to remove. //The End.// <<link "Credits" "Credits">><</link>>

Hawk Foster, Puzzle Detective By William Lyons Based on his webcomic <a href="https://wlyonsgamedev.com/Puzzle-Detective" target="_blank">Puzzle Detective</a> Special thanks to all of the playtesters and everyone who gave support for Puzzle Detective even before this game was started: - Kieran Dwyer - "TV" Thomas - Maya Tung - John Lyons - Meredith Roman - Mike Willner - Rachel Lynch - James Lillicrap And thank you, for playing!

You take a few steps over to the bar, and Cora's head turns to look in your direction. There's a moment of realization on her face, and a wide smile creeps onto it. It's comforting to see a familiar face, but sometimes she's more trouble than she is help. "My, my, well if it isn't Hawk Foster! What a pleasant surprise. I don't get to see you very often, unless you're on a case." She sighs. "You're on a case, aren't you, Hawk? Can't take one day off, can you?" She leans up against the bar, her eyes meeting yours as she reads your face. She's good at this sort of thing. "You look worried, Hawk. Let me buy you a drink." <<link "Explain the situation." "Explain the situation.">><</link>>

"Come back to chat again, Hawk? Maybe take me up on that offer for a drink? You look like you need one." "I'm just looking for information, Cora." She looks a little taken aback. "All business with you tonight, hm?" She sighs, nodding. "I'd be happy to answer any questions you have, but Hawk, you know that I can't just give away information." You know exactly what she means. "You want some information out of me, too." The smile on her face turns into a smirk. "Oh, if you're offering, I'd be delighted!" <<link "\"Let's talk.\"" "Trade information with Cora.">><</link>> <<link "\"Let me look around first.\"" "The Lounge.">><</link>> <<set $cora2 to 1>>