Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

You walked down the street with pride on your chest, a pep in your step. You were finally allowed to patrol the streets as the newest bobby!

One of the first female constables!

Some of the people were quite upset, even the other constables!

'It's a man's job!'  They yelled,

'This is something a lady like you shouldn't be involved in.'

'This isn't a game of pretend.'

'You should be in the kitchen cooking and doing the laundry.'

Their words did not deter you! You just popped a Joy and carried on your merry way.

"You seem cheery this evening." Came that voice you do enjoy listening to, your [EYE COLOR] eyes trailed up the tall man, taking in the sight before locking with his gaze.

"Why must you always sneak up on me?" You playfully smacked his arm,

"Just got to keep you on your toes." Winslow chuckled to himself, the male had to slow his strides for you to keep walking side-by-side. You rolled your eyes,

"Nothing ever happens here, Whinny." You playfully bumped into the policeman's side, you actually wanted for that to be true but something keeps nagging at the back of your mind. "But I do suspect something is amiss. I just can't put my finger on it..." You had heard of the killings, they were of Foggy Jack's.

But he had been captured!

It must've been a copycat killer.

It just makes you fearful and frustrated at the same time!

"You should put your mind at ease, [NAME]. Nothing rarely happens! Only a few Downers here and there and when they pop up, the good doctor always got'em." You nod, that's true... Your eyes glanced towards the tall man before locking back with the rainbow road before you, guilt filled your very being, you with held information from Winslow and the rest of the Police Department. You've actually been following this case very closely  before becoming a Constable... You actually stopped at a dead end and the thought of becoming a bobby crossed your mind. You just became one to get a nightstick and access to the records room.

Shaking your head, you lost tack a little bit there.

"Will you be coming home for dinner tonight?" You had to ask, Winslow has been working late into the night, it didn't help when he only ever works the night shifts. You actually miss sleeping next to your boyfriend, you miss the additional warmth he gives off.

Winslow shook his head,

"I'm sorry, Love. I have to travel to the Garden District to relief one of the boys. I won't be home until the morning." The tall male couldn't help notice how disappointed you were, wrapping a long arm around your shoulders. "I promise; When holiday comes by. Which it will. We'll have the grandest little home dinner." You [EYE COLOR] eye glanced up to the tall man, the way you were looking up at him, it made your eyes appear doe-like.

It must be your good looking side.

You on the other hand didn't believe him, you gave up looking forward to these promises. Winslow always broke them. But you just smiled, playing the part of a hopeful girlfriend.

"That sounds absolutely lovely, Whinny!" Careful with avoiding your constable hat, the feeling of lips briefly pressed against the side of your head before disappearing.

"Okay, Love. I gotta go." Winslow planted one last kiss before parting from you. "I'll see you in the morning." You waved as you watched the tall police officer walk away, you weren't going to see him in the morning. He won't be home anytime soon, you were pretty sure he's cheating on you.

CLIFF HANGER!!

Chapter Text

The evening soon turned to night, dinner for two was made and eaten. Of course you left a full plate in the fridge for your boyfriend.

Night stick strapped to your side, uniform fixed and clean, the final thing was the spare gas mask Winslow always kept for emergencies.

He wouldn't mind if you used it.

Locking up your house's door and any windows, you've heard rumors from other constables that there were a series of break-ins and you didn't want to be among those people. It also helped your Joy withdrawal paranoia, since the Joy Lady is taking her sweet time making a new batch of the special kind. The streets empty of civilians, only bobbies and search machines, all looking out for law breakers and Downers alike. Your shoes tapped against the rainbow road, the sound echoing as you walked through the green fog.

"Wonderful night." A passing constable greeted with a tip of his hat, you returned the greeting with one of your own. You were glad they hadn't stopped you for a chat, you really need to get to the crime scene before the cleaners come by. It was another Foggy Jack murder- latest one in the long line of deaths.

You're so close capturing that man!

But he always finds a way to slip through your fingers and laugh in your face.

Your lips pulled back in a frown, hands curling into fists when you felt the anger rise at the thought. Rounding a few corners and even by passing a Joy Detector Gate, being a bobby sure does have its advantages. Soon you would find the very spot, a few bobbies standing guard but seemed bored in their position. The two took notice of your presence but did not dare to question you, you think its kind of weird how constables work. They turned a blind eye upon entering the crime scene, no yellow tape instead were the wooden horses the police would use. No cleaners in sight, that's a good thing, you got plenty of time. Before you got to work, you took in the sight of the victim.

Blonde female. Possibly in her thirties- early forties.

From the sight, it appeared as if she were disemboweled. You honestly won't fully know until the forensics states other wise, it could be possible the killer killed her first before chopping her open but you won't know for sure. Tugging your gloves further on, securing them in place, no need for them to fall off. Kneeling down but not close enough to catch any blood, you honestly don't want to get your uniform filthy.

If you had to guess, the constables have already collected whatever evidence they needed. Leaving you with very little but there was always a chance they could've overlooked something. From your past discoveries and the good doctor whose on the ride with you, had shared with you about these little notes left behind. The killer had never done that before until recently, these messages always left the two of you confused- always containing a single word or a full sentence. Leaning forward to check the corpse, you couldn't be bothered with the pockets, it's not that obvious.

"Where are you hiding, little buddy?" You murmured to yourself, gloved fingers gliding along the open wound. Usually pieces of parchment would be located there, remembering what the doctor taught you. Feeling around in the obvious areas where it mostly would be, nothing's there. The corner's of your mouth tugged downward, removing your stained gloved hand- red staining the white fabric. "Not there..." [EYE COLOR] orbs glancing up to the masked face, the blonde's eyes once blue, well one eye, now's a milky color. It seems Foggy Jack had removed one of them during the scuffle. Eyes lowered to the woman's plump lips, they remained oddly closed. As if she was silent during the murder, a brow rose upon your face. You've never seen such a thing with corpse, granted you only looked over the ones that were involved with the infamous murder.

It was hard at first, rigor mortis setting in, but you were able to crack open the jaw. The sound made you cringe and the feel wasn't something you liked, the light from your hat revealing the inside of the woman's mouth. [EYE COLOR] eyes locking onto what you were expecting, something small and folded. You were prepared to see the stained paper, saliva making the words smudge and unreadable. You were pleasantly surprised about the lack of damage, the ink not even seeped through.

"Got you, little bugger." Opening the parchment, whatever liquid there was had dried up long ago.

'𝒮𝓊𝓇𝓅𝓇𝒾𝓈𝑒!'

That's what all was written, the cursive a little hard to read. Flipping the paper back and fourth, of course it's going to be one of these! You scoffed at this, looking to the victim once more.

Is this really all she's going to give you?

Standing to your feet, dropping the paper into an evidence bag you brought along.

"Well thanks anyway, Miss." You said to the corpse, shaking your head. Maybe hanging out with that doctor was to much, picking up on some of his mannerisms. You don't need to stay close anymore, she'll be shipped out soon and you'll get more information once the forensic team took a look. While walking away from the crime scene, you removed your gloves. The cool air hitting your heated hands, wearing gloves all day usually made your hands sweat from the insulated warmth. Sliding the stained fabric into the cleaner of the two, you pocketed it, patting your other pocket that held the prize.

On your walk back home, you thought about what you'll do tomorrow. Visiting your 'partner-in-crime' would be your main focus, even though the doctor is helping you. You just couldn't help but think that man is hiding something from you, he tries to play it off so calmly.

While you were buried in your thoughts, you hadn't noticed a dark figure following. They weaved into alley ways and even walking along the pipes that were suspended.

Always watching...

Always following...

You came to an abrupt halt, being dragged out of your reverie upon something before you smacking into the stone ground. Looking up in surprise, eyes glancing anywhere to find some form of indication of who or what could've thrown that. Upon finding nothing but closed windows with potted plants, [EYE COLOR] eyes looked to what was before your feet.

A rotted apple.

The soft parts splattered across stone, some bits lying on your black shoes. The colors contrasting from one another, you couldn't help but grimace.

"Eww, gross." You made an attempt to shake the clutter off but to no avail, "Darn birds." You blamed, it wasn't uncommon for those flying creatures to drop something. Food or bodily fluids, you were kind of glad it wasn't the latter. Pulling out an handkerchief, flopping the fabric into the rotten apple. You didn't waste any time throwing the thing away, both apple and handkerchief.

It's best to keep the streets clean much as possible.

Now you feel gross! Even though you hadn't touch it physically, it still made you feel dirty. Mold and rot being the least favorite things to touch. When you get home, you'll take a quick shower and head straight to bed. Needing to work in the morning, no need to be late due to staying up later then usual.

---

The lights of your home clicked on, revealing your small kitchen. Gas mask discarded upon the counter the that connected to the sink, you'll put it away when you get up for work. Work hat had been unclipped and rested upon the coat rack along with your blue jacket, you starting to feel so much lighter now. A yawn escaped your parted lips as you locked the door, checking it three times before deeming it acceptable. You usually forget to lock the darn thing at night... Shoes were the next to come off, using the table as a means to keep you up straight while removing the boots. They sat neatly beside the door, not caring if you'll trip over them later. You sighed at the feeling of how lonely the house was, memories surfacing from the past. They started off as headaches but soon turned into annoyances.

You didn't want to remember your parents...

Each step you took made the stairs creak and whine, the orange carpet muffling the sounds. The hallway at the top of the stairs was weirdly in the form of an 'L', on the right is the storage closet and to the left; An guest room and washroom- both doors side-by-side. And finally, if you continue further and took a left is the shared room of yours. You went straight for the bathroom, you just couldn't wait and feel the spray of water against your flesh. Lazily shutting the white door behind you, no need to have it locked (The lock doesn't work anyway). Tossing your used clothing into your hamper, briefly forgetting which one at first. You and Winslow don't share the same one, none of you didn't want to mix any of them together...

Welllll, a few of his button-ups do find their way into your mix. You may or may not wear a few to bed, they're big and comfy! They also tend to smell like his detergent and whatever's left of cologne, it makes you feel less alone. They're yours now.

The sudden coldness made you jolt back with a yelp, shivering from the freezing water.

"Why shower must you betray me! Ahh!" You couldn't help but fake cry, softly laughing to yourself. After a few more minutes, you slipped under the heated water. Shoulders and muscles relaxing under the spray, "Ahh, that's nice!~" You just stood there, letting the water calm you. "I should call off and take a long nice hot bath for myself instead. Mmmm.~"

Reluctantly, you slightly moved out of the raining water to retrieve your shampoo and conditioner.

Why must you torture yourself by having them so far away?

Waterfall scented shampoo was the first, lathering your [HAIR COLOR] hair. Foamy soap slipping down your face and neck, eyes closed to keep the substance out. You really didn't want to have your eyes burning up from the soap getting into them! You froze when the feeling of a set of hands glided along your sides, quickly turning to find that no one was there. Pulling back the curtain just enough to spot someone, still nothing.

You swear there was somebody with you at that moment, before you could ponder on this further. You sucked in a breath, soap seeping into your open eyes.

"Fuck that hurts." You mumbled, quick to rinse the chemicals out.

Chapter Text

In the morning, you got ready straight away- Your alarm refused to let you sleep in longer and kept annoying you, kinda like a fairy tale creature that kept pushing the princess to awaken... It also didn't help the darn thing was broken and just wouldn't shut up! So, you always stuffed the alarm deep into a clothes bin, so far down until it now was muffled and bearable.

You hated that thing.

Once ready, you double checked windows and doors before heading off to the constabulary for a clock-in and a quick snack, there was a vending machine there that always have delicious good snacks!

You may not like pickles but these ones imported from the Parade District just tasted so good! Juicy and thick! Your sleepy brain kept bringing up this image, causing you to nearly drool in mindless thought.

Why are you like this in the morning?

While dreaming of your future breakfast and the barely there plan, those wondering thoughts were then interrupted upon coming into contact with something or someone. The person before you stumbled a little with an 'Oof'.

"My goodness! I'm sorry!" You apologized, quickly smoothing out any wrinkles and few speckles of dust. A tall figure turned, curious to whoever walked into them. "Oh! Constable Wright! Sorry again!"

"Constable [LAST NAME]. It seems you're making this a habit or you just can't keep away from me." The man joked with a chuckle of his own, you huff with a pout, arms crossed.

"If Whinny-" Constable Wright hadn't let you finish when he heard that you called Winslow.

"Whinny?" He laughed, that's the most hilarious thing he's ever heard! Your lips pursed, fractious with the man before you. Rolling your eyes, maybe if you changed the topic then he would probably forget what you previous said.

"Has that new batch of Blackberry Joy been delivered? I'm critically low." You failed to mention your lacking of said pills- None on your person and at home and not mentioning you've been off it for a few months now. (Even your secret stash of extras had mysteriously disappeared over the beginning weeks.) Memories of both mother and father brought shame and anger to your drug with-drawled mind.

"Y'up! But the down side; It's only being distributed among the higher ranks before making it into our hands." That had been very disappointing to hear, letting out a frustrated sigh.

"Of course." You muttered, the tall officer noticed your soured expression.

"Don't look like such a Downer." Wright patted your shoulder, "You're not the only one alone. I'm in the same boat." The constable's sympathetic pats stopped, his gloved hand suddenly hesitant to touch you again. "You're... Not a Downer are ya?" Wright had became concerned, he sure didn't want to chase his new friend into the disgusting land with all them wastrels. Shaking your head with frantic waving of your gloved hands,

"No! No, no, no! But I could really use some joy before that happens!" You partially lied, you've been off the stuff but you really wanted to get back on it! You hated your family and hated the past- It all pained you! Wright nodded in agreement,

"I hear ya on that, love."

"I'll be seeing you around Constable Wright! I got to go, those pickles won't eat themselves now." You walked away with a wave of your gloved hand,

"You should try the Eclair's, they taste a lot better then sour dills!" Wright called out, you laughing to yourself.

---

Upon entering the station, there had been an off duty bobby speaking to another behind the counter, the one at the desk sent you a friendly wave as the other simple nodded his head in acknowledgment. Walking down the hallway, you were greeted with the sight of Constable Bevan who held a few papers, looking over whatever maybe written.

"Hello Mister Bevan!" You greeted, the officer looked up and around until his eyes eventually rested upon your form.

"Miss [LAST NAME]," He greeted back, fixing the papers until they were all aligned properly with one another. "How's your morning?"

"Just wonderfully! Have you any news if they restocked the vendor yet?"

He nodded,

"Sure has, they should've finished up by now."

"Thank you, Constable Bevan, I shall be on my way. Have a good day!" As you walked away, Baven bid his farewell as well. You had one destination in mind and that is to visit your doctor friend in the newly built morgue, since the hospital had been on locked down for quite some time, so the constabulary had to make additional room for the Doctors that would be working closely to the police.

Of course you stopped for that juicy pickle, slipping a few coins into the machine and punching in a number and a letter. The case opened, allowing to easily grab whatever laid within.

Aw, yeah!

Tearing open the package as you made your way down to forensics, the once normal cucumber had this amazing crunch you absolutely loved! And the sharp bitter tang that flooded your taste buds was divine! You do enjoy the taste of bitter but you know you can't have to much or you'll make yourself sick.

You had finished your light snack upon making it to the room you desired, drinking the juice from the packet before discarding it into a nearby trash bin. Slipping on your new white gloves as you entered through the double doors, there Doctor Blake examined a victim, not of the woman but what appeared to be a wastrel. Blake's hat sitting upon his work desk as his coat had been draped over the wheelie chair.

"Well, good morning Dr. Blake!" You greeted the older man, he hadn't looked up from his clip board as he mumbled a 'Morning'. Making your way over to the cluttered desk, you struggled at first, rifling through the mess until you could properly find binder you sought after.

"Your desk is messier then my cooking." You joked, opening the purple plastic folder, flipping through several pages. This booklet is a collaborative piece between you and Blake, noting, highlighting, and connecting key pieces. You weren't the only one keeping up-to-date with this whole Foggy Jack situation as it turns out so did the doctor. It was like you guys were the perfect partners, he had discovered things you hadn't and vice-versa with information you had gathered.

"I haven't had the chance to taste your cooking let alone to judge it." Blake nonchalantly dropped the clip board upon the steel trolley, the loose screws of the clip and tools rattled. You now stood on the other side of the examination table, the doctor rested against the it, his hands supporting his weight as his green eyes roamed over the nude cadaver. He looked frustrated but you could never tell, he always has that resting face when concentrating.

Just like most Bobbies, the Doctors were difficult to tell apart, especially when doctors virtually all acted the same. But for Blake he was a little more identifiable. Preferring to have his coat off most times and his white sleeved rolled up to his elbows, he also didn't have that iconic turkey neck wobble like most doctors and didn't hid the graying hair that somehow clung to the side of his head.

For a man in his forties, he looked more like those handsome noir detectives you read in some romance novels... And those special themed magazines you discovered a near week ago; The ones you've kept hidden deep within your dress drawer.

Man the thought alone had made you realize your boyfriend hasn't been putting out, in fact, it's been a long while since the last time you both fooled around. Maybe if you focused on work, you'll forget about it again. Looking back to the open book, you taped the new paper onto the page with the others. When You first started this investigation, you couldn't figure out what these little slips could mean until you met Blake, he was able to click it together right away- The slips were to bet put in the order that the victims had been.

"Got a new note for our collection." Doctor Blake finally looked up, cocking his head in curiosity.

"What does it say?" Blake asked, you hummed to yourself, silently reading it before finally telling the older man in front of you.

"Good Evening, are you enjoying our wonderful game? Cat and mouse one would say. This fun will come to an end and I'll be waiting with a big surprise!"

Your [EYE COLOR] eyes locked with green ones,

"He's messing with us again!"

Blake held a gloved hand out, offering to take the binder from you, he didn't need to say anything, you handed it right over. The doctor looked over the mix-matched words, scanning over it at least twice.

"He must've knew from the beginning but I wonder what is this 'surprise' he mentioned?" You shrug, you haven't found anything that eluded to this thing he had mentioned.

"I have no idea to be frank." Crossing your arms over your chest, "Maybe in his sick twisted mind it could be some weird chopped up corpse tea party and we're the main guest." Blake shot the binder closed, his eyes locking with your's.

"I'll look more into this- Maybe we missed something in the process."

You nodded,

"Alright, I'll leave it to you. I'll see you around." You turn to make your leave, with a hand on the door you were about to open it until Blake spoke once more.

"[NAME]," You didn't drop your hand, it stayed in place as you looked over your shoulder.

"Yes?"

"I- Erm- Nothing." A brow rose upon upon your face, that's something weird you've never seen the older gentleman hesitate when speaking before. "Go on, we'll discuss this some other time." 

"Okay? See you then." You bid farewell as you took your leave, the doctor now stood there in silence, looking down at the corpse instead.