Poison City

 

“So, uh. Do we know it’s her for sure?” Kevin shuddered as he tuned the parameters for the filter, in an attempt to make the shadow appear clearer and more detailed. But no matter how many times he tried, the face of the shadow was still covered in some kind of bright flare and distortion.

 

“Looks like her. But, is it really her though?” Marcus thought for a while, then said: “Hey, you remember that time when you were here, and I came back and we discussed the case? That time where lights started flashing and the air got cold?”

 

“Yeah, yeah. I remember.” Kevin nodded: “Come to think of it - it did appear like you just saw a ghost, but I guess it makes sense now. You saw something, didn’t you?”

 

“Yeah, I actually saw HER - Lydia Mu.” Marcus nodded at Kevin as well: “I saw her in the hallway. But then she disappeared. I thought maybe she wanted to say something. I just didn’t get a chance to ask her. She seemed to be … dragged away? I don’t know - I was a bit occupied back then.”

 

“Wait, okay, when was that again? A few weeks ago?” Kevin shut down the video player on his computer screen, and just looked at the names of the security cam footage.

 

“Yeah, it should be. I can’t recount now. More than two weeks ago.”

 

“Yeah, this footage was right after the incident at the substation. So it’s definitely within a small window..” Kevin shook his head with a wry smile: “I’ll uh - I’ll keep trying, but first I’ll need to prepare additional talismans. You know - this clip is creeping me the fuck out. If I ask you to accompany me to the bathroom, please don’t mock me…”

 

A sudden knock on the door almost made Kevin fall off his chair. It was Keryn, with two folders in her hand.

 

“Hey, Keryn, what’s up?” Ignoring Kevin’s slightly unnatural facial expressions and faint reluctance, Marcus opened the door.

 

“Files for you. Because we’re the same ‘task force’ right now.” Keryn made an exaggerated quotation gesture: “One is the Ling family case, I’ve been meaning to share with you and now seems like a good time. And the other is the last member of the emergency reparations team - I just talked with Shrevas, we think that this guy, Luo Zhuge, must know something. About the ‘unnatural’ things that are happening, I mean.”

 

“Sorry, I don’t think we know anything, yet.” Marcus exchanged looks with Kevin, then shrugged.

 

“Yeah, we know as much as you do - have you guys found any lead on the last member’s whereabouts yet?” Kevin coughed and asked.

 

“No. It seems kinda bizarre that there are no records of the guy older than a couple of years. So I think he might have connections to people in higher up positions in the city.” Keryn sighed and pulled a chair to sit on: “And - uh, I was not expecting you to actually know something we don’t on this. But in the case of the Ling family - we looked into the records of the family. And on the surface there was nothing weird or not normal. And here’s the thing - the kid’s blood type did not match the parents’. We are still waiting on the DNA test to confirm this. But we're pretty sure that he’s actually adopted. There’s just no record of them adopting the kid. So - ”

 

“You’re going to look into the birth registration?” Marcus nodded.

 

“Yes, exactly.” Keryn nodded: “If they’ve somehow forged a birth record, I mean - ”

 

“Could it be that he’s the son of the mother, but not the father?” Kevin interrupted.

 

“That’s possible in theory. Shrevas is looking into it. It’s possible. But from what we found out about the couple’s social group, it’s not that likely. Not because they’re super faithful or super in love. But most people in their circle seem to - well, let’s just say they don’t have that close of a social circle. So the possibility of an affair is not that high. ”

 

“Okay. ” Marcus frowned: “I’m not 100% percent sure how this would turn out. But how old is the son on record?”

 

“He is - 10 and a few months old.” Keryn thought for a short moment then answered: “What are you thinking?”

 

“Hmm, I think forensic labs with certain equipment and chemicals can actually check how old a young boy’s age is right?” Marcus turned to Kevin.

 

“Ah, yes. But we will need to rush the city’s lab about it if you want the results in time. ” Kevin nodded and sighed: “You know how it is, the city’s lab is super busy right now.”

 

“Can you ask Dr. Flemmings for help?” Keryn leaned on the frame of the door and looked Kevin directly in the eyes: “You’ve grown quite close with her, haven’t you?”

 

“Well - uh - actually - I - uh - ” Kevin fell into a state of mini-panic and started stuttering. After a while finally a coherent sentence came out: “I can try. But no promises on anything, because she’s been slow to respond lately because - because of all the overworking.”

 

“No problem. Just - try to push it as fast as possible.” Marcus shrugged.

 

“But what are you trying to check, Marcus?” Keryn asked: “You’re thinking the kid’s bought, aren’t you?”

 

“That’s a likely scenario. And if the kid’s actual age is bigger than the registered age, it’ll be the more likely case.” Marcus nodded at Keryn: “He’s 10, assuming he’s taken at a very young age, it’d be quite normal if he’s actually around 12 to 13. If his record showed he was adopted, then it’s likely forged and the age would fit. Since there is no adoption record …”

 

“Got it.” Keryn nodded: “And I think you might be right. The height of the boy is - well, quite a more than the average boy of his ‘age’. We started looking into it because neither of the parents were tall.”

 

“Okay. Sounds like a good plan.” Marcus took a look at Kevin, then turned to Keryn: “How are you doing? And how’s Shrevas processing everything? It must be a bit hard for him to accept this without actually seeing something in real life?”

 

“Well, uh, he’s actually taking it surprisingly well.” Keryn shrugged and smiled: “I think he must have encountered things that are abnormal before, so I guess it wouldn’t be THAT big of a surprise to him.”

 

“Alrighty then. Let me know what you need.” Keryn waved her hand at Marcus and Kevin, then turned and walked away.

 

“Dude, what’s between you two?” Marcus turned to Kevin and chuckled: “Where’s the normal Kevin Loo when Keryn’s present?”

 

“What? No! Nothing.” Kevin immediately started shaking his head: “I don’t know what you’re talking about - ”

 

“Look, Kevin. Having crushes is so very highschool, so if you’re interested. Just ask.” Marcus laughed out loud.

 

“Nonono, it’s not like that … ” Kevin kept shaking his head.

 

“Alright, you think about that. I’ll be your wingman if you need me .” Marcus stood up, smiling: “I haven’t done it before, but I can try. Now, I need to go with Mick to check on Lydia Mu’s former colleagues. You take care. Call me if you need anything.” Then without hearing any further explanation from Kevin, Marcus went out of the lab.