Log:Proteus and Ember, Scene 2

Proteus and Ember 2016/08/16 	 Night Marshal|Detective Carpenter Grimm Ellbeth Sapphire Ember Jaeger

2

A supervillain was found dead in his apartment in Harrisburg, apparently stabbed through the chest by something metal. The victim, Ember, was a model prisoner during his time in prison and looked to be trying to turn his life around. He had only been free for a few weeks before he was killed. The building he was living in burned significantly, as it appeared that Ember's powers went out of control when he was stabbed, setting the room on fire.

Other known information regarding the victim:

His wife lives on the east side of town. He was formerly associated with 'The Phantom Legion', made up of The Phantom (A mage), Amaryllis (Another mage, wife of Phantom), Proteus (A shape-shifting android), Jaeger (Light powers), and Ember (Fire powers).

Ember had a slight magical aura about him, but it was faint.

And Ember's real name is 'Charles Williams'.

Carpenter calls the heroes again, but this time to a local bank downtown. He's waiting outside for the heroes to arrive.

Grimm steps through a shadow gate a few meters from the police perimeter line after taking a peek ahead of the game. "Yeah, I know, I know, I'll be careful. It's nothing big," she calls over her shoulder before the gate shrinks down to a pinpoint. One may catch a glimpse of a garage filled with motorcycles.

As Grimm walks towards the police line, she gets a cheshire cat grin on seeing her favorite detective. "Detectiiiiive," she greets slyly. "Please tell me this is under better circumstances. Got the call. What's the sitch?"

The downtown district, and above all famed York Boulevard, is an area of skyscrapers old and new and the jewel of the city where most of the real money is made. From the lower, older buildings like that of the Colonial Bay Chronicle to the height of the Corporate Tower, the district is alive with bustle through the day; while at night it is well lit by the light of ads and news reporting across the sides of the buildings, and the action is focused on a few clubs and other hotspots.

Max monitors police radio bands and HeroNet when Ellbeth is in Colonial Bay. So when he informs her of the call she turns up to see if she can help, after asking Max to see if anything is being said about the bank on the city's media channels.

Carpenter shrugs and smiles. "No more dead bodies, at least. But it's related to the recent murder. I followed a hunch, and it turned up something interesting. I figured I should share it with you folks."

Carpenter beckons the heroes over, "Let me show you some security footage." He opens up his PDA, "This was recorded today. About three hours ago." On screen, the heroes see someone that looks like Charles 'Ember' Williams going into the bank. The person then gets access to a safety deposit box.

Carpenter looks to Grimm, "He look familiar to you?"

Ellbeth looks over at the detective. "I only returned to the city yesterday. You mentioned a previous event. A murder. I'll help in what ever fashion I can but someone else needs to take the lead role in this. While I provide supportive assistance."

Grimm gets up on her tip toes and looks over Carpenter's shoulder. She furrows her brow at the recording. "Wait, but...okay. This really points towards Proteus being the culprit. Does he think we'd still think Ember was alive? What was worth so much in that box that was worth killing for?"

Carpenter nods to Ellbeth, "This is a recording of our deceased. Well after he died. Which would indicate someone disguised as him. Presumably to get at the contents of that deposit box. I had called his wife to ask about his history, and one thing came up which clued me in to this location." He looks around, presumably to see who else is nearby. "Ember had his powers boosted by a magical amulet. When he went to prison, it was kept here. I'm not sure why it didn't end up held in evidence. But I wasn't involved in the case."

Carpenter then adds, "After I turned up this recording, I checked with the bank logs. Charles accessed the same deposit box a couple of weeks ago, prior to his death, two days after his release from prison. I suspect he pulled the amulet out and placed it somewhere else."

"So his former teammate is after the amulet? But it wasn't on his body, and it wasn't here...and he still had his powers to burn down his place when he died." Grimm purses her lips and taps her chin. "And the wife says she still doesn't know anything about this?"

Carpenter nods. "As far as I'm aware, that's correct. I need to have a chat with her. I've also found an address for another of his former associates, Jaeger.

Ellbeth nods, "Presumably the amulet was placed in a safety deposit box prior to his arrest. Which is why it wasn't taken as evidence. Detective Carpenter said the amulet boosted his powers implying he had powers even without the amulet. If we can determine where the amulet is located we can prevent it falling into the wrong hands and use it's presumed presence as bait for a trap."

While not versed in the minutae of magical theory, Vicki is enjoying being back home on Earth. She was out having a cup of coffee with her old partner from the CBPD. He gave her a run down on some of the goings on and she volunteered to assist to whatever degree she was able to, for old time's sake. So it is that she and Detective Hastings step out of opposite sides of an unmarked police issue vehicle. Vicki is dressed in what looks like a blue Starguard uniform now...

Vicki(#2451PenACcF?)

Mid-length brunette hair and gray eyes are two of the most striking features this young woman possesses. She will never be called beautiful, but is defitely someone whose features could be considered attractive. She's got the sort of build that an athletic tomboy would have, which means that she is not going to ever be called topheavy or voluptuous. She is however in excellent shape with a trim tummy and trim hips and legs. She moves with the sort of grace that many years of martial arts training will impart upon a person. In general, an athletic young woman who takes care of her body.

Today, she's dressed in street clothes. A simple pair of black flats are worn on her feet. These serve a dual purpose as shoes that still look okay with her suit, but are comfortable enough to run in should the need arise. Her french gray suit pants are nothing spectacular, but they are loose around the ankles and calves, growing tighter up along her muscular thighs. With a black belt about her waist fastened by a silver buckle, she has a simple white dress blouse on her torso and a black suitcoat over the top of it, she has a well put together look to her. She seems to lack obvious jewelry except for the blue stone in what appears to be a class ring on her right ring finger.

Grimm tilts her head at the name of the associate. It's a word her oma told her about. "Jaeger? The light guy? Doesn't that translate as 'hunter' in german? Is he using his own name instead of a moniker?" She glances around the bank entrance. "Was there any sightings of him around all this?"

Carpenter nods to Ellbeth, "The only question is where he stashed the amulet. He obviously didn't have it on him, or our assailant wouldn't have come here. I don't want to just assume it's Proteus, but it's probably him. It."

Carpenter looks to Grimm, "Right. No sightings of Jaeger at all, but since he's a former associate, it's pretty standard to beat the bushes and ask questions. The guy's name is..." He looks it up on his PDA "...Nelson Yeager. Well, I guess that explains the name change. The guy doesn't even have a record, and he's a lawyer on the west side."

"Maybe we should go and talk to this lawyer then?" asks Vicki as she steps up closer, "Sorry, I don't mean to poke my nose in uninvited. Just thought that since I was in the neighborhood..." she shrugs her shoulders and grins to Grimm, "Nice to be home huh?" she asks before looking to Ellbeth and the others, "Any way I can assist though? Seriously."

Carpenter smiles. "No need to apologize. I was just passing along information to some of the heroes. Besides, if I do find this Proteus, I'm going to be outgunned...pretty severely."

"Yeaaah, guess Jaeger sounds cooler than that," Gabrielle murmurs to herself. She looks over to Vicki and beams a grin at her. "No kidding. Space was cool and all. But there was someone I missed while I was gone." She looks back to Carpenter. "Well, since we don't know where the amulet is, I guess our lead is to check on Jaeger while we still can. Where's the address you have listed for him?"

Ellbeth smiles, "I'm like you, just arrived." she tells Vicki. "This heroine seems to be familar with the case. I suggest we follow her lead. Introductions might be in order as well. I'm Ellbeth Wyrd."

Carpenter smiles to Grimm, "Missed you too." He chuckles, knowing that he's not really the one being referred to, but he immediately moves on. "I should apologize, I should introduce myself. Detective Carpenter, CBPD. I usually end up with the Meta-related investigations."

The detective points to the Corporate Tower, "Ironically, Jaeger's law office is in this building, right across from the bank. Coincidence?"

"We've met." Vicki says to Carpenter, "I was homicide, so we didn't work together much, but.. Vicki Maitland, former CBPD, now Starguard." She offers Carpenter a hand and then looks to Ellbeth, "Codename Sapphire..." she remarks with a shrug. "So, that doesn't sound very coincidental at all, does it?" she adds.

Carpenter shakes Vicki's hand, "Ah...right. I remember you. Starguard, huh? Moving up in the world, so to speak." He smiles.

Grimm looks over her shoulder, expecting to see this lead heroine the others are saying they should follow. While she's distracted, Carpenter's response gets a quick double take from her, her pale cheeks blushing a little. "Hahah, oh right, you were missed," she teases back once she's had a moment to recover.

Carpenter smiles, "You're all welcome to join me when I go visit Mr. Yeager." He motions for the others to follow across the street.

Ellbeth looks at Grimm, "And you are?" she asks quietly.

"Don't mind if I do." offers Vicki with a shrug. "But you're the one with the badge." she says, gesturing for Carpenter to lead on. But to Ellbeth she adds, "The Mistress of Shadows. She's handy to have around in a pinch." She looks to Grimm and lifts a brow as if making sure she's correct when she says, "Gabrielle Grimm, correct?"

"Geez, a several days aboard a shuttle, and you already forgot my name?" Gabrielle asks with a hand to her chest, mockingly appaulled. "Yep, you got the name right," she grins and hopes she doesn't get called on remembering Vicki's full name. She just remembers the first name and oer code name. Dropping her hand to her side again, she glances at Ellbeth, raises a thin brow, and purses her lips a little. "You don't remember me." It's a statement, not a question.

Ellbeth shakes her head. "No, I don't. Should I?" she confirms then asks.

Grimm folds her arms over her chest, makes a short little grunt of offense, then looks back to Carpenter. "Anyway, let's get back to the case."

Carpenter raises a brow, "Hmm. Well...let's go, shall we?" He leads the group across the street and up to the 17th floor of the tower. The office in question is law firm of 'Smith, Smith, and Yeager'. The detective comments as he heads inside, "Made partner, I guess?"

Sure, the path up involves an elevator, but when they enter the teens, Vicki mutters an obscure paraphrased quote, "When we get to the twenties, lemme know.."

But she inclines her head and snorts. "Had to Americanize the German name huh?" she asks, as if thinking less of the guy for changing the J to a Y. But she shrugs, "Shall we see if they are in?"

Grimm follows along with Carpenter, eventually unfolding her arms. "...accuse me of being evil, and she doesn't even remember me. She must do that a lot," she can be heard muttering under her breath along the way. She reads over the sign. "Must be living the good life," she murmurs. "Lawyer sounds about right for an ex-villain. Wonder what sort of law he practices."

Ellbeth tags along.

The office is modern, with faux-leather furniture (since real leather has fallen out of favor to a degree), and it's decorated in soothing blues and greens. There's a woman seated at the receptionist's desk, who looks up as the group heads in, "Can I help you?" Carpenter flips open his badge, "Detective Carpenter, CBPD. I'd like to speak to Mr. Yeager."

The receptionist has a brief conversation over an intercom, and the door to the right opens up. Standing there is a man in a well-tailored suit. His blond hair is neatly styled, and everything about him is GQ-worthy. He steps out to shake Carpenter's hand, "Nice to meet you detective. Please...follow me."

Nelson leads you into his office, which is decorated in dark wood, for the most part, giving it a bit of an 'old world' feel. "How can I help you?"

And, doing her best to remain in the background so she can observe more freely, Vicki just silently follows along, noting the cut of the man's suit, his body language. He seems confidence, but not cocky about stuff. But she strides into the office and finds a nice wall to support with a lean of her shoulder.

The detective says, "I'm here following up on a case. You're familiar with Charles Williams, yes?" Nelson smiles and nods, "I am. Though I knew him as Ember. Nice guy, really. He was in the wrong business. Had his back against the wall." Nelson places a hand in his pocket, "What do you need from me? I haven't seen him in some time. Last I heard, he was in prison."

Carpenter nods. "He was released a couple of weeks ago. And promptly turned up dead. I have a suspect, and I was hoping you could give me some clues where to find him. I'm looking for Proteus. Another former associate of yours."

Nelson takes a deep breath, considering his options. He has a good poker face, it looks like. "Well, I haven't seen Proteus in some time, either. But he was a lapdog to The Phantom and Amaryllis. Phantom died a couple of years ago due to natural causes. Well, that's the claim. I believe it had something to do with an infernal bargain of some sort. But I'm not magically inclined, so what do I know?" He chuckles quietly, "But I believe that Proteus is now an agent directly for Amaryllis."

Gabrielle's eyes glance towards Nelson's hand as it slips into his pocket, trying to take a secret peek to make sure he isn't hiding something on him. Looking back up to the man's face, she smiles slightly. "So when was the last time you chatted with Amaryllis?"

Nelson rubs his chin, "We had a barbeque a few years ago. Maybe five? While Phantom was still alive. I think that's the last time I saw her in person. Last time I spoke to her was maybe two years ago? She was asking about some old contacts."

"This amulet." says Vicki, speaking up now. "Your friend.. Amaryllis... wait, my apologies, former associate..." she begins, "I aim thinking that the amulet might be useful in augmenting the sorceress's magical powers. That could be a motive."

Carpenter nods. He looks back to Nelson, "From what you know of it, do you think that's a possibility?" Nelson considers it a moment, "I'm not a magic person, remember. But Phantom had made that thing to help Ember out. It's quite possible that it was more generic than I originally thought. I figured it was for Ember specifically." He rubs his chin, "I know Amaryllis didn't have much skill in making artifacts. She was more of a 'by the seat of her pants' sort of caster, as opposed to one who studied a lot."

Ellbeth is keeping quiet and standing back. Secretly she's instigating a mental insinuation of Nelson's mind.

"Perhaps, but if the amulet could -augment- power, then wouldn't a ... by the seat of her pants magician want it even more?" asks Vicki.

Nelson nods. "Maybe that's the case. I'm sure there are others more qualified to say for sure than I am. After her husband died, she kept a low profile. I haven't heard of her trying to get the band back together. And it seems even less likely that the group is being re-formed if she had Proteus take out Ember."

Nelson furrows his brow, "Unless...Proteus is acting on his...its own. It had a pretty stubborn independent streak. It's devoted to Amaryllis, but it might be attempting to help her without her knowledge."

"Also possible. But we are merely speculating at this point. Is there anything more we can learn to give us some facts and insight into this?" asks Vicki.

The lawyer shakes his head, "Nothing comes to mind. But, if I think of anything, I'll give you a call." Carpenter hands him a card, "Please do. Thank you for your help."

Ellbeth speaks up briefly, "Do you have any idea where Ember may have put his amulet?"

Nelson thinks about it a moment, "Hmm. Well, if he didn't have it on him, and it's not at his wife's place...hmm... Well, they owned a cabin on the shore south of here. Perhaps there? I can get you the address. Or I'm sure his wife has it."

Ellbeth nods, "Thank you. If you have the address handy it would be useful."

Nelson looks up the address on his PDA and writes it down for the heroes. "Here you go."