Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Namtan threw one last look in the mirror, making sure she looked spotless.

She was wearing a blue suit today. One that she knew really made her look handsome.

It was her first day back from her business trip. Those two weeks had been excruciatingly boring, and she hated every second of it.

And really, she couldn’t wait to see the detective again.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

She hoped the saying also applied to Film, at least to an extent. It would tremendously help if it did.

Satisfied with her appearance, she grabbed the package she had prepared before heading out of her flat. She hoped Film would like it, though she had little doubt about it.

While travelling, she had gotten her hands on novels from an author she didn’t remember seeing in the detective’s collection and that she would no doubt immediately devour the moment it landed in her hands.

Was that a bribe?

Maybe. But she was looking forward to see Film's eyes sparkle as she read them.

And if it helped her progress into carving a place in the detective’s heart, she would do anything she could.

If Film was going to make her work for it, she would. She was worth it.

It was early afternoon when she reached Film’s office.

The area, and building, still looked as desolate as ever. As she walked the street, she noticed quite a lot of the buildings were now condemned, with red paper taped onto them.

Huh. How odd.

She didn’t really spare more thought to it, as she was more preoccupied with seeing the detective again.

When she reached the door to the office, she noticed that like usual, it was unlocked. How many times had she told the detective to lock it?

Namtan sighed as she opened it, getting into the office.

 Only to find it empty.

And in disarray, but it looked more like the usual Film messiness than a break in. The desk was covered in books and stray documents that should probably be filed in a case file. There also were books piled up on the floor, while the shelves, where they belonged remained empty.

Namtan couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment. After two weeks away, and a confession that she kept replaying over and over, this wasn’t the warm welcome she had expected.

The detective was probably out, hopefully not following a dangerous lead, and she was left with a dusty and messy office as sole company.

She put down the parcel she had brought with her, before hanging up her suit jacket. If she started now, she probably would be done in a couple of hours.

Perfect to surprise the detective.

Her new plan was quite simple. Clean the office, put the parcel on the desk and wait for the detective to appear. She couldn’t wait to see Film’s face again.

Maybe the detective would gratify her of one of her elusive dimpled smiles, once she saw the gift she had prepared.

Cleaning would just be a distraction while she waited.

As she looked closely, it seemed like the shelves had been emptied in order to be dusted. All she had to do was to put the books back.

Namtan grabbed one of the piles on the floor, checking if any of the books had a bookmark inside before putting them back where they belonged.

Most of them were books she was already familiar with.

So Film had actually been cleaning before she got interrupted? Namtan wondered what she was up to right now.

She was midway through filling another shelf when she thought she heard something, coming from the backroom.

Quietly listening in, Namtan froze in her movement. It wasn’t long before she heard another faint noise.

Kind of like a cough.

No.

That was absolutely a cough.

A coughing fit, even.

Putting down the books she was still holding, Namtan walked to the door in the back. Had Film been using it?

She had told her multiple times that she would get sick if she stayed there too long. The ventilation of that place was awful.

The door opened with a creaking noise, revealing the detective, flushed, hair damp from sweat. She was laying on her side, turned away from the door. Coughing.

Obviously very sick.

“Really, detective? I leave for two weeks and I find you at death’s door?” Namtan couldn’t help but let out her frustration. “Shouldn’t you be at home if you’re this sick?”

Film turned, looking startled at her sudden irruption.

“You’re back…” The detective said weakly, sitting up. Her eyes didn’t meet Namtan. “It’s not as bad as it looks. I just need a little bit of rest.”

As she said this, Film was assaulted by another fit of cough.

Namtan pinched the bridge of her nose. This wasn’t how she imagined their reunion to be like.

A quick glance across the room told her that Film had been there for several days. And knowing her, she had the sneaking suspicion she didn’t get her condition checked.

“You need to see a doctor.”

Before the detective had the time to react, Namtan took a few more steps inside the narrow room. It smelled stuffy, which probably did not help with her condition. Had she been living there?

“Wh-what are you doing?!” Film exclaimed. “Put me down, Tipnaree!”

“I’m taking you home.” Namtan said between her teeth, as the detective fought against her grip. “And then I will call a doctor to examine you.”

“I have cases to work on!” Film tried to argue, but she didn’t listen. “And besides I…” Another coughing fit cut her off. “…can’t go home.”

Namtan almost missed the end of the sentence. She stopped in her tracks as she processed the words.

“What do you mean, you can’t go home?”

“Have you not noticed the state of the area?” Film tried to slip away from her hold, but Namtan ignored her. “Please put me down. I really need to work. There’s a case that…”

So that’s what the red papers from earlier were.

“And you didn’t think about telling me? Do I matter this little to you, detective?”

This actually hurt her a bit.

“No, I…” The detective looked away, a little sheepish. “I didn’t want to worry you. You had other, more urgent things to care about.”

Namtan sighed, half frustrated, half worried.

 Evidently, confessing and taking a bullet for Film hadn’t been enough to make her understand that she was her priority, always.

Wondering what she had to do to get through her, she put Film down.

She grabbed the jacket she had hung earlier, before draping it over the detective’s shoulders. Film’s eyes widened as her cheeks reddened further, clearly not expecting the gesture.

The assistant had the sinking feeling that the detective had overworked herself to avoid actually processing those events.

“You need to take better care of yourself, detective.” She said gently, taking Film’s hand and leading her to the entrance. “I can’t have you dying before you return my feelings.”

Film looked away, holding on the jacket with a tense grip. “Is it really an appropriate time to discuss this? And…where are you taking me?”

“To my place. You can rest there. And I’ll get my personal doctor to examine you.”

“I have urgent work to attend to. You can’t just decide…”

“It’s a good thing your assistant is back then.” Namtan cut her off, leaving no room for discussion on that matter. “I’ll come back to grab the files you need, once I’m sure you didn’t catch death.”

It seemed that the concern on her features and her tone finally did away with the last bit of resistance the detective still had.

Good. Because while Namtan usually found her stubborn side endearing, she was this close to forego propriety and carry her to the car, kidnapping her in broad daylight.

She doubted people from the area would mind it much.

________________

As it turned out, the detective had caught a chest infection, probably due to the poorly aerated office. The doctor prescribed antibiotics and a lot of rest to which Film immediately objected to the minute he had left.

Once she was sure the detective wasn’t in mortal danger, Namtan had come back to the office, grabbing the case files Film instructed her to take as well as the present she had intended to give the detective.

What a surprise, indeed.

When she got back, she found the detective sitting up, seemingly surveying her new surroundings. She had swapped her clothes with the ones Namtan had provided, and looked quite preoccupied, playing with the fabric of her sleeve.

“You seem quite tense, boss.” Namtan couldn’t stop herself. “Is it because you ended up in my bed again?”

Almost immediately as the words left her mouth, the detective hastily pulled the sheets up, hiding her face behind them.

Was Namtan imagining things, or did she get flustered a lot more easily now?

After a few beats of silence, Film spoke.

“Where… where are you going to sleep tonight? I mean I’m pretty much taking your bed right now… I don’t want to impose. Do you not have a guest room I could stay in?”

“Well; we’ve shared a bed before, haven’t we, detective?” Namtan’s tone was teasing still, wanting to see how flustered the detective could get.

She actually did have a spare bedroom. But she didn’t want to reveal it just yet. She had missed getting reactions out of Film.

“And you’re not contagious. So, a second time wouldn’t kill either of us.”

Film started sputtering, practically hiding under the covers.” Wh-Wh-What are you saying? Aren’t you taking advantage of the situation right now Tipnaree?”

“Me?” Namtan said in mock offense. “Taking advantage of a situation like this? I could never, detective.”

Film briefly came out of under the covers to glare at her. “I have a feeling you did, multiple times; I just can’t prove it yet.”

Touché.

For a moment, Film stayed quiet, before mumbling. “Fine. Only because I am a guest at your house. But…If you do anything weird I…”

Namtan chuckled softly, before saying. “I was just teasing you detective. I will take the guest room.”

“I…. I knew that.” Film’s voice came quietly from under the sheets.

Namtan’s heart was thundering in her chest at the idea of having another sleepover with the detective.

It wasn’t like anything would happen, as while she enjoyed teasing Film, she wanted to wait for her to figure her feelings out before actually making a move, but the prospect was still far too exciting.

What was she, fourteen?

She grinned at the thought, before walking a couple steps closer to the bed, putting the package on the nightstand. It was now or never.

“Here, I got this for you.”

A providential peace offering, because I think I took the teasing a little bit too far. Namtan thought.

Film slowly lowered the sheet, eyeing the parcel with suspicion. Her face was flushed, but Namtan knew it wasn’t because of the fever.

Still, when after a long few seconds, the detective still hadn’t reached for the gift, she started worrying this was a misstep on her part.

Maybe she should slow down.

She had missed this terribly, but Film was sick, tired, and in a home that wasn’t hers.

“It’s okay if you don’t want it.” Namtan tried, as Film’s expression grew more and more conflicted. “I got this as an apology for taking off so suddenly.”

“I see.” For the first time since she came back, Film properly looked at her. After a moment, she took the gift out of her hands, posture relaxing slightly. “Thanks.”

Deciding not to dwell too much on it, Namtan changed the subject. One step at a time.

“I also brought the case files you requested. But you really should rest first.” She put them on the nightstand. “Just… let me know if you need anything.”

“Are you leaving already?” The detective asked, expression unreadable. “I thought we could discuss the case I’m currently researching.”

“I think you should rest for a bit now. But we can talk about it later.”

“I took the medication already. I should be fine. And besides…” Film coughed as she looked away, “I need someone to bounce off what I know so far.”

This was incredibly tempting, as Namtan wanted to know what had Film so eager to work on, but lack of rest was one of the reasons the detective had gotten sick in the first place.

“The doctor said what he prescribed you will make you extremely sleepy. You get cranky when you don’t think clearly, boss. I do not want to be a victim of your ire when it happens. Let’s do this in a few hours? I’ll prepare dinner while you rest.”

She walked out of the room before the detective had the time to argue. She knew if she remained any longer, she would probably give into her boss’s demands.

Saying no to her had always been a difficult thing.

________________

“So, what is this case you seem so desperate to get back to?” Namtan said after Film finished eating dinner.

She still looked weak, but it seemed like her fever had settled for now. Besides her, resting on the nightstand and already halfway through completion, was one of the books Namtan had gifted her.

It seemed like her hunch when buying them had been right.

She had also bought herself copies and read them on the way back from her trip, just so she could talk about them when the detective inevitably would prompt her.

For once, they’d be on equal ground when it came to books.

Kindaichi Kousuke, the detective in that series, actually kind of reminded her of her own detective. A bit rough and unpolished, yet brilliant in all the areas that mattered.

“Well…” Film tilted her head, scratching her hair. “How do you feel about Japan?”

“A very good destination for a romantic vacation. Are you planning to take me there?”

The detective threw her a barely disguised glare.

“For work. Yes.” She answered in a clipped tone. “I’d like you to book a room in a very specific hotel actually. I also would like to use your phone to call a friend, because I need a few more details before we head out.”

Namtan nodded, teasing now replaced with professional interest. She could see the shimmer of interest in Film’s eyes as she spoke.

“When do you want me to book it?”

“The gathering is scheduled in two weeks. We should probably come there a little bit before that; there’s some details I’d like to investigate ahead.”

“So, what is this about?”

Film grabbed one of the case files Namtan had brought from the office. Opening it, she looked through disorganised sheets of paper.

Namtan waited patiently as the detective looked for a specific cut of newspaper. The article was brief accompanied with a picture of a group of seven people wearing ski gears. All of their faces, except for one, had been blurred.

“Have you heard about the Thai national that died in Hokkaido in strange circumstances, about five years ago?”

Namtan frowned, trying to jog her memory. “It sounds vaguely familiar… Wasn’t it at a ski resort or something?”

Film nodded before continuing. “It’s quite a peculiar case. They had to break down the door of the room to access it. The cause of death of the victim was quite ambiguous. To add to this, the detective that was investigating disappeared a week after the crime.”

“What do you mean disappeared?”

“Vanished. Or so the newspaper says. But, personally? I don’t believe that. However, the reports are quite succinct, so it’s difficult for me to form an opinion on what actually happened.”

“So, we’re investigating… a cold case?” Namtan couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed. While they were interesting too, they mostly consisted of spending hours reading reports until Film put something together.

“Not quite.” The detective said, a faint smile appearing on her face. “You see, there’s a book that is about to get released detailing the events of the case in a “never-seen-before” retelling. The author of the book’s identity is still a mystery, but they have insisted on organising a pre-release party at the same hotel the incident took place all those years ago.”

“Let me guess… your client wants us to investigate the identity of the mysterious author.”

“Sharp as ever.” Film’s smile deepened, making Namtan’s heart skip a beat. “But it will probably be dangerous. Assuming the murderer is among the people that were invited, they may try and attempt to silence whoever wrote the book…for good.”

“Isn’t the book already with the publisher? Since it’s set to be released soon.”

“That’s the catch.” The detective leaned back against the pillows. “It seems like the author will give the last chapter of the book to the publisher at that launch party. So, for now, the only person that knows the ending is…”

“…The person that wrote the book.” Namtan completed her sentence without thinking.

Chapter Text

When Film stepped out the plane, she was hit full face with the cold.

 She knew it was going to be, but it was still much more than she anticipated. Shivering, she stepped down the ladder and into the airport, quickly followed by her assistant, who was carrying their suitcases, and seemed to be way too pleased about the weather.

In fact, Namtan had been overly pleased about everything. Especially having the detective at her mercy, in her home.

While she had teased her relentlessly on the first day, Namtan had mostly behaved for the rest of the week.

The books she had gifted her proven to be a great distraction. She had finished them in record time, since Namtan had been the one going in and out and collecting the information Film needed.

She could get used to this. This felt like a dangerous thought to have.

Part of her wondered if all of that was part of Namtan’s plan to romance her.

The gifts, the way she seemed to be more openly caring about her…

The way Film had missed her coffee when she was left on her own.

But the detective hadn’t been idle while Namtan was away.

No.

Since the office was quieter, she decided to do some research.

Maybe that’s why Film had been so flustered around her assistant. What she’d found out and the fever. Definitely not the confession.

Which neither of them had addressed directly since Namtan came back, even if the assistant had been a lot more purposeful with her words.

Looking at Namtan as they walked out of the airport terminal, she wondered when she had started to feel this way towards her.

The assistant was excitedly reading through a guidebook, blissfully unaware of the detective’s inner turmoil.

“Just remember we are here for work.” Film spoke, a bit bluntly.

“But… we’re in Japan. And that release party isn’t happening just yet.” The assistant looked up from the guide, almost pleading. “And based on the extensive research you had me do, none of the guests are checked in yet. There’s not much for us to do in the next few days. So… please?”

Film pinched the bridge of her nose. Maybe she should let Namtan have it. After all, she had been working tirelessly since she came back while making sure she’d get back into shape to investigate.

“Fine. Only a little bit.”

“Great. Let’s get some food then. And then we can visit the city before we get to the resort. I have seen that there’s quite a lot of interesting things to visit as…”

Film immediately regretted agreeing as Namtan started rambling off what she’d read in the guide. At least, she wasn’t turning this into an opportunity to tease her. She had a feeling it would be coming soon though.

“…I am starving, and you must be too. You barely ate during the flight.” Namtan adjusted the strap of her suitcase, before flinging it over her shoulder, freeing her hand.

Before Film had the time to register what was happening, she was being dragged out of the airport in the cold, as Namtan raised her hand to call a taxi.

Despite wearing gloves, the warmth of the assistant’s hand didn’t feel unwelcome, especially as the Japanese weather had been an assault on Film’s senses so far.

“By the way detective,” Namtan spoke, this time a lot more serious. “How are you planning to interview the people you wanted to meet before the party started? I’m guessing the hotel staff will probably speak English but what about…”

Film smiled proudly. Finally, something she’d have the upper hand over her assistant.

“Oh, you don’t have to worry about that.” She said, posture relaxing. “I have been attempting to read Dogra Magra as well as other novels a while ago, but I couldn’t find any decent translation for it. So, I just picked up Japanese. I’m nowhere near being able to read those books, but I should be able to conduct my investigation. The questions I have to ask are fairly basic anyway.”

Namtan looked at her with awe, momentarily stunned. “You’re very dedicated to things you like.”

“Of course,” Film said confidently, puffing her chest a little, “when something catches my interest, I will want to learn everything about it.”

“Then, is there anything you’d like to learn about me, detective?”

Film swallowed abruptly, choking on her own spit. How much bolder could her assistant get? Though, she wouldn’t deny she did want to know more about the woman, especially since lately, she had been spending every waking hour by her side.

“That’s…” Film opened her mouth to retort but Namtan’s gaze was as direct as her words, which made it die in her throat as the taxi pulled over abruptly.

Namtan looked through the window, eyes sparkling with excitement. “Looks like we’re here. I hope you like crab, detective.”

______________

Crab legs, sea urchin and scallops were put together on a platter. It was almost too much food for two people.

As always, Namtan had over done it.

Well, Film took another crab leg, removing its shell before eating the meat, not like she was actually complaining. The food was great, as always with her assistant.

Right now, Namtan was more focussed on watching her eat, rather than eating herself. Just as Film was about to say something, it seemed like Namtan had spotted something, or someone behind her.

“Ciize?” Namtan called out, as Film turned, still chewing on crab meat. “What are you doing here?”

The short socialite, clad in ski gear, smiled as she walked up to their table, followed by two other women.

“Well, as you can see, I am on vacation.” Ciize said, grinning. “It was a bit last minute, because Tu and Prim just decided to go on a whim, and I tagged along.”

When was she not on vacation? Film wondered as she took another bite.

Ciize pouted at Namtan before continuing. “I can’t believe you didn’t call me to let me know you were back from your business trip.” Her eyes landed on Film, who was still eating food. “I can see you had other priorities but still...this sting ‘Tan.”

“Long time no see, Namtan. I hope you’re doing well.” One of the women that was with Ciize said with a low voice, leaning forward, and placing her hand on the assistant’s.

Film glanced in her direction, as Namtan returned the greeting with a polite but slightly tense smile. For some reason, the crab suddenly wasn’t as flavourful as it had been.

“Prim. I haven’t seen you in ages.”

“We definitely need to catch up.” Prim smiled, before continuing. “Would you like to join us? We’re planning on going to ski tomorrow, I remember you were quite a good…”

Namtan laughed softly, interrupting her. Eyes briefly meeting with Film as she spoke.

“I’m afraid this will depend on my boss. I’m here for work after all.”

“Well, if they don’t allow you to join us, they sound like quite a bore. You should be able to mix business and pleasure.”

A bore? The word stung Film even though it shouldn’t have. The shell she had been holding hit her plate audibly. She suddenly didn’t feel hungry anymore.

“We will join you.” The detective said, words leaving her without registering fully. “After all, there’s not much to do for a few days, right, Tipnaree?”

Namtan swallowed nervously, moving her hand away from Prim’s, while Ciize’s expression morphed from surprised to amused.

Film’s eyes widened when she realised what she had just offered. Never in her life she had set foot on a ski resort, let alone skied. She didn’t know why she just said this.

“I’m guessing you’re the boss in question?” Prim turned, greeting her with a pleasant smile. “I’m sorry for calling you a bore, I was perhaps a little too eager to have Namtan join us. Of course, you can come as well. I’m Prim by the way.”

As they continued speaking, they quickly realised they were coincidentally staying at the same hotel. They joined their table, ordering more food, and for a moment, the conversation flowed naturally.

“I heard this hotel was haunted. Is that what you’re investigating?” Ciize asked Film after a moment.

This time, it was Namtan who dropped her food, startling everyone at the table.

“Haunted?” The assistant frowned, looking a little displeased, eyes shifting toward the detective. “Where does that come from?”

“Oh, some of the hotel staff. They didn’t elaborate though, so it may just be a baseless rumour. Or a way to scare impressionable customers.”

“Mhm…” Film tilted her head. “I’d be curious to learn how this rumour came to be.”

She filed it for later, reaching for another scallop. Eyes slipping toward Namtan, who had regained her composure, instead chatting away with the other women at the table, planning their outing on the next day.

Right. That. The thing Film had committed to without thinking.

As they finished lunch, Film waited for the three women to be out of earshot, reaching out for her assistant.

"Namtan...wait." Film's fingers tightened around the hem of the assistant's jacket sleeve. Namtan stopped in her tracks, looking at her.

"I... I don't know how to ski." The detective muttered quietly. "Maybe it's best if I stay in tomorrow, and meet with the policeman I was..."

"I will teach you." Namtan's hand came to cover hers on the sleeve. "If you let me of course."

Film looked away before nodding. Sheepish. While she didn't want to make a fool of herself, she also didn't want to back down.

That Prim woman and her assistant seemed to have history together, and she couldn't help but want to know more about it.

Call it professional hazard, but she felt like it was her duty to investigate her assistant and the people that surrounded her thoroughly.

A thought flickered in her mind briefly.

What if Namtan had already started to be tired of waiting for her? She'd always thought her assistant was fickle, so maybe...

"How peculiar, detective. I wasn't sure you were interested in me, yet somehow you keep on giving me opportunities to court you. Are you sure you're not in love with me?"

Film looked at her shoes. "I'm not doing this on purpose. It just keeps on happening."

"Then, it's almost as if fate keeps on pushing us together, huh?" Namtan said with a teasing grin.

Or it's because you forced a genre switch on me. Film thought, a little bitterly, as she tried to calm her unsettled heart down.

At least this time people weren't dying as this was happening.

Still, Film thought, she was feeling rather out of sorts.

It was like the confession had somehow moved one of the pieces of the well-oiled gear her life had been up until then.

_______________

After lunch, they separated from Ciize’s group, heading to the hotel to check in. It was quite far away from the city, so Namtan hailed another taxi.

She couldn’t help but think that the detective’s attitude at lunch had been… off. It wasn’t like Film to agree to do something strenuous. When she wasn’t on a case, she was a homebody through and through.

Skiing was a sport that could be quite tough, especially when you were out of shape.

On the other hand, this was a perfect opportunity for her. Teaching Film would just be an excuse to be close to her all day.

Namtan walked into the lobby with a satisfied grin.

“Let me check in.” The detective said, parting from her and confidently walking to the counter.

Knowing the detective, she probably couldn’t wait to test out her language skill in real conditions. Following her, Namtan stood a little away from the counter, holding onto their suitcases as Film caught the attention of an employee.

「すみません、チェックインお願いします。」

「畏まりました,ご予約は？」

「マハワンです。2つの部屋。」

「大変申し訳ございませんが、お間違いです。そのお名前で予約されているお部屋は1室のみです。」

「どう言う意味ですか？！」

The detective’s voice raised a little, startling Namtan. She pinched the spot between her eyebrows, sighing, before speaking again to the employee who shot her an apologetic smile. Namtan didn’t understand the words, but she could tell from Film’s expression that something had gone wrong.

Was there an issue with the reservation? Did she mess it up when she called the hotel?

「じゃあ、他の部屋はありますか？」

Film spoke again, in a hurried tone, seemingly attempting to sort whatever the issue was. But the employee didn’t seem to budge, reaching for a board full of keys behind him, and grabbing a singular key.

「すみません。他に空いているお部屋もございません。」

Film’s face fell in resignation, as Namtan connected the dots.

Decidedly, this trip was going to be good.

_______________

Film’s hand trembled sightly as the hotel clerk handed her the singular key. She could feel Namtan’s watchful stare on her, and was pretty sure her assistant had broken into a satisfied grin.

“Do you like sharing a bed with me that much, detective?” Namtan leaned forward as Film was unlocking the door. She was so close, Film could feel her breath against the shell of her ear.

Film abruptly stepped forward into the room, feeling her pulse quickening at the proximity.

 It was a japanese style room, a little narrower to what she was used to, and with two futon bed laid out in the middle of it. Sensing her impending doom earlier, Film had requested extra pillows and bolsters to shield herself from her assistant.

“Keep teasing me, Tipnaree, and I’m making you sleep outside.”

Behind her, she heard Namtan chuckle softly, before adding, with her trademark teasing tone. “Huh…I wonder if Ciize or Prim would let me sleep with them then? Should I go ask them now, detective?”

Film froze in her step. “Don’t be ridiculous. They are on the opposite side of the hotel. It will be terribly inconvenient if you have to go back and forth.”

“I thought so.” Namtan let herself inside the room, putting down their suitcases and starting to methodically arrange an office space for Film.

“By the way, it looks like that room hasn’t been used in quite a while.” The assistant commented, as she removed some of the dust on the desk.

“Yeah,” Film said, as she was finishing taking her clothes out. “That’s because it’s the room the victim of our case used.”

“I don’t like this.” Namtan spoke quietly, now a lot more serious than earlier. She was taking the case files from her suitcase, laying them on the desk. “This whole ghost rumour. It just feels like they are treating something… sinister as a joke.”

Film sat down, deep in thought. “Mhm…It all depends on the place it comes from.”

“It’s just…” Namtan’s back was facing her, so she couldn’t see the expression the assistant was making. “Rumours are…”

She didn’t finish her sentence, but Film knew how it must be making her feel.

______________

Film was deep into rereading “And then they were none”, when she heard a cracking sound, probably coming from the pipes in the wall, followed by a very quiet whimper and apology coming from the right side of the bed.

Like last time, she had built a barrier with the pillows that were provided, obscuring her assistant from her view as she laid down.

It was late in the night, and she thought Namtan was already asleep.

Another sound came from the wall.

This time, she felt the bed move as Namtan shifted, turning toward her.

Film sighed. “Can’t sleep?”

“Did I bother you?” Namtan’s quiet voice answered after a moment. “Sorry.”

“Not really. I’ve read this book many times already anyway.” Film said.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Film thought it would be it until another pipe rumbled, making Namtan take a sharp breath.

“Can you…tell me about it?”

“About what?” Film asked. “The book?”

“Yes. What are you reading?” The words fell out of Namtan’s mouth hurriedly.

Film wondered if she was still bothered by the ghost rumour from earlier. Maybe she actually believed in it.

It felt kind of ridiculous to the detective. Especially given the woman had taken a bullet that could have killed her.

But she still answered Namtan’s question. She wasn’t about to pass on the opportunity to discuss one of her favourite books after all.

She lifted the book above the pillow barrier as she spoke. “I’m surprised you haven’t read that one. It’s probably one of Agatha Christie’s best.”

“It wasn’t on your shelf when I borrowed them… I must have missed it. What is it about?”

So Namtan directly took books from her collection. Interesting.

“Ten strangers invited to a gathering in an isolated house on an island by a mysterious host. On the evening of the first day, they all get accused of having committed crimes, which they all deny. One by one they start dying, following the order of a nursery rhyme.”

“That sounds promising and also… concerningly similar to our current situation. Minus the nursery rhyme murders…”

“How so?” Film sat up slightly, now intrigued. Despite the pillow barrier she could kind of feel Namtan’s warmth next to her, as the assistant shifted closer once again.

“Well… Our mysterious author just invited people that were involved in a past incident, in this secluded location.” Namtan said, seemingly deep in thought as she shifted on the bed, making the sheets rustle as she did. “Let’s just hope it doesn’t keep the part where the guests all start dying too.”

That was actually quite an astute observation, Film was a little upset at not having made the connection. That being said, it wasn’t entirely correct.

“Our situation is slightly different than in the book though. For starters, the ten people invited are strangers to each other, and none of what they have been accused to connects. Besides, the author’s intentions in our case may be different from the…”

Film stopped herself, as she realised, she was about to accidentally reveal part of the solution. Clearing her throat, she continued. “Anyway. This is a great piece of fiction. I can lend it to you if you want.”

She paused, before continuing. “Though it seems you’ve been borrowing my books without asking me already.”

“Well… you told me, and I quote “there’s a bunch of books in your hands, just pick one” when I asked you about it before.” Namtan sounded a lot more relaxed now, almost as if she had forgotten about the imaginary ghost.

“And how many books have you borrowed from me, exactly? I said one.”

Film actually didn’t even remember when this occurred. It would help if she did, because then she would learn when exactly Namtan started getting interested in her hobby. And by extension, in her.

“I maay have read half of your bookshelf already.” Namtan drew out the words, sounding a little hesitant. “By the way… I have been wondering.”

Maybe she worried that Film would react badly to her taking her things without permission.

“Yes?” The detective asked.

“You don’t have a lot of books that suggest the murderer could be anything but human. I mean… Dickson Carr seems to sometimes flirt with the idea, but he never really commits to it. Do you not like…those?”

Huh. Was she probing to see what Film’s beliefs on that subject were?

“I don’t believe in ghosts, Namtan.” Film answered softly. “Everything has a rational explanation. Like the noises that have been making you jump for the past half hour, for instance.”

“You’re right.”

“Exactly. No need to be scared.”

Though, Film secretly enjoyed how her normally unflappable assistant was. It felt a little refreshing.

After this, the conversation died down. Film returned to her book. Across the pillow barrier, Namtan’s breathing evened out, signalling the assistant had finally fallen asleep.

_______________

The early awakening the next morning made Film regret her impulsive decision further. Why on earth couldn’t they have agreed on a later time, at the very least?

Namtan had simply smiled when she audibly complained about it, handing her clothes and walking out of the room while she changed.

They were in the lobby on their way to breakfast when suddenly Film heard someone call out her name.

“No way. Rachanun? What are you doing here?”

When she turned to see who it was, Film frowned. The day couldn’t get more unpleasant.

“I could ask the same to you. I thought you didn’t work internationally.” She said plainly.

“Well… this one is a special one. I’m sure you are aware that the detective that disappeared five years ago was a member of my agency.”

Right. The name had seemed familiar when Film read up the case. She wished she could have placed it earlier, because it would have avoided the jump scare that Nanon’s appearance had given her.  

“It seems we haven’t been introduced yet. I’m Miss Mahawan’s assistant.” Namtan walked up to him, extending her hand. Her smile looking a little tight.

“Ah yes. I’m aware of who you are.” Nanon took her hand. “You’re that rich heiress that was accused of murder last year.”

The assistant visibly bristled under the comment. When were people going to stop mentioning this? Film thought.

Though, it wasn’t surprising coming from Nanon. He’d always doubted her skill as a detective.

Nanon turned back to Film.

“I heard the block your office is about to be demolished. Feel free to join my agency. We do need a new secretary.”

Namtan opened her mouth to defend her but Film put a hand on her arm, shaking her head with a warning glare.

“Thanks for the offer, but I’d rather not.” The detective said between gritted teeth, before turning to Namtan. “Come, we’ll be late for breakfast, and I wouldn’t want to make Ciize wait.”

“Racha, wait.” Nanon called out as they started walking away. “I have a proposition for you.”

Film stopped in her steps turning. “What is it?”

“How about a friendly competition? It’s been a while since I have worked with another detective. I miss that.”

Film clenched her jaw. Once upon a time, she may have agreed to it, but she was wiser now.

“Why would I do that?”

“Why not?” Nanon clapped his hands. “You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Maybe even… recognition.”

“She already has gotten plenty.” This time Film didn’t have the time to stop her assistant before she spoke.

“I’m talking… within our profession.” Nanon said flatly. “If you beat me, I could put a good word in for you.”

Right. It could significantly help Film’s finances.

She wouldn’t have to rely on Namtan’s acquaintances to get cases. But betting on a case? She didn’t like making this feel like a game, especially not when real lives and real people were involved.

“You said your partner was involved in this case, right?” Namtan asked, tilting her head. Looking incredibly tense. “Wouldn’t that give you a bit of an unfair advantage over us?”

“Correct. Which is why if Film agrees, I am willing to share the casefiles and the notes my partner left behind.”

That would be very valuable information. With the police report Film needed to pick up and that, she would finally get an almost full picture of the previous case.

Her eyes met with Namtan. Judging by the look on her face, the assistant thought the same thing.

“Then, let’s do this.” Film said, hoping she wouldn’t regret this later.

“Great.” Nanon said, smiling. “What is your room number? I will hand them to an employee later today.”

Once he was told, Nanon walked away, leaving them alone in the lobby.

Film could feel Namtan’s inquisitive gaze, but decided to ignore it for now. This wasn’t the time.

“Shall we go have breakfast? I really do not want to be late for our appointment. We will talk about this later.”

Namtan nodded, still looking tense. Film wondered what she was thinking of the exchange.

One thing was sure, if Nanon was there, the situation was probably much more complex than it first appeared.

Chapter Text

The shoes were impractical and dug painfully into her heel. The pair of skis, which were so heavy she had to drag them instead, kept on splitting and Film had to stop every few meters to put it back together.

Not to mention, despite the ski gear Namtan had bought for her, it was freezing.

What possessed her to agree to this?

The detective severely regretted her life choices. If she hadn’t spoken so recklessly, she would probably be in a koban, drinking coffee and looking over files that the local policeman had agreed for her to read through.

Sighing, Film resumed walking.

In front of her was Namtan, laughing at something Prim had said, while Ciize kept glancing at her, as if checking for a reaction.

The assistant had offered to help her carry the equipment, but Film, too stubborn and not wanting to be seen as needing assistance, refused, saying she could do it herself.

That was before having to walk five hundred meters with shoes that were probably making her heel bleed by now.

Skiing was not fun. Maybe Namtan had some masochistic tendencies.

That would explain a lot of things.

“So, what’s the plan for today, Namtan?” Ciize asked, loudly enough for the detective to hear.

“You guys go on ahead, and Film and I will join you when I’m sure she won’t break her neck.” The assistant said.

“Aw, I really wanted to race you.” Prim said, looking a little disappointed.

“Next time.” Namtan flashed her easy smile. “Besides, I only compete when there’s a prize.”

She winked, earning a giggle from the other woman. Prim leaned forward, whispering something in her ear.

Namtan laughed, for what felt like the fifth time since they started walking, before shaking her head. Unlike the detective, she seemed to be having a good time and be completely in her element. It looked like she hadn’t left behind her philandering tendencies.

“Unfortunately, I do not accept these kinds of prizes anymore.”

“That’s a shame,” Prim exhaled, shrugging, “but if you change your mind, you know where my room is.”

Ciize kept on glancing between them, seemingly having been forced to third wheel, while their other friend just walked ahead, unaware of the exchange.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Namtan said as she turned to check on Film.

They had finally reached the bottom of the slopes, and the other women busied themselves getting into gear.

Taking a couple steps, Namtan put down her gear, before reaching for Film with her gloved hands, immediately fussing with her helmet, which had shifted during the walk.

The detective swallowed under Namtan’s watchful gaze, as her fingers fiddled with the strap, tightening it.

“Is this too tight?”

Film shook her head, swallowing, feeling the heat of the assistant’s gloved fingers under her chin. She looked up, only to realise how close Namtan’s focussed expression actually was.

It was over as quickly as the assistant had come over.

“Good. Wouldn’t want to risk damaging your precious head.” Namtan separated her skis, stabbing the poles on the ground, before doing the same with Film’s gear. “Are you… sure you want to do this? If you’re not feeling it, you could…” she asked, looking at the detective with a bit of concern.

Film glanced at Ciize and her two friends, who were already gliding away. It didn’t look that hard.

“I’m sure.” She was already there anyway. And she really didn’t feel like walking all the way back on her own, assuming Namtan would probably stay here.

“Alright.” Namtan grabbed at her poles, tapping her shoes against ski lightly, making the snow that covered them fall. Slotting her feet in the space where the mechanism was, she pressed until it clicked. Repeating the motion with her other feet, she looked at the detective. “Did you see what I did?”

Film nodded, immediately copying her movements.

“It’s really important you hear it click. If not, it means your foot isn’t properly secured.” Namtan explained seriously, eyes focussed on the detective’s legs as she kicked her feet in the mechanism. “Great, you’ve got it immediately.”

“It really isn’t that hard so far.” Film said, a little bit nonchalantly.

“That’s because we haven’t started with the hard part, detective.” The assistant teased. “Okay, now let me show you how to move.”

Namtan angled her skis in a V shape, before shifting her weight from one side to another, feet shuffling.

After a few seconds, she finally started taking up some speed, gliding on the snow. She quickly looped back right next to the detective.

“Do you want me to show you again, or did you get it?”

“I’ve got it.” Film said assuredly. It felt a little bit like the assistant was underestimating her.

And that, the detective didn’t like it very much. While it was true she didn’t really do any sort of exercise and was pretty weak, that didn’t mean she was completely incapable when the situation called for it.

Like right now. It seemed like the assistant wouldn’t have to spend too much time teaching her after all. Maybe they’d be able to join the others sooner than Namtan expected, even.

Though, Film didn’t really look forward to this. There was still a chance she could make a fool of herself.

As she attempted to copy Namtan’s movements, she felt the ski slide further than she intended it to go.

She tried to stab her pole on the ground to catch herself, but she missed, arms flailing uselessly.

Her heart skipped a beat as she lost her balance.

Threatening to fall backward.

Closing her eyes, Film braced for impact, expecting to hit the ground.

But instead, a steady hand came to wrap around her waist, as Namtan slid one of her legs between hers, breaking the fall.

“Not so easy after all, heh, detective?” The assistant’s voice was teasing, as usual, but a bit muffled. Film could feel the warmth from her radiate through her clothes, making her heart race faster. “Don’t worry though, I’ve got you.”

Her back was fully pressed against Namtan’s front. Her own heartbeat thundered in her ears and for an embarrassing second, she briefly wondered if the assistant could hear it too. Rationally, it was impossible.

“Your centre of gravity is too far back. Keep your weight forward.” Namtan continued speaking, tease absent for her tone this time.

Now that Film was stable, she let go of her, pulling back enough so the detective had space.

“Try again, I’m sure you can do it.”

It took her half an hour, but the detective finally managed to not only start moving without threatening to face plant into the ground, but also turn and slow herself down without too much difficulty.

The assistant beamed when she saw how fast Film was progressing.

Good.

She had seemed to be looking forward to skiing quite a lot, and the detective really didn’t want her to have to spend the entire day only teaching her, when she wanted to have fun.

“I think you’re ready to try and go down your first track.” Namtan said, flashing her trademark smile. “Come on, let me show you how to use the platter lift.”

The what now?

Just when Film thought she was finally on equal footing with her assistant, a new obstacle appeared.

Leading the way, Namtan brought them to an area where people were queuing. Film, holding tightly on her poles, tried very hard not to accidentally bump onto her, as the assistant came into a halt.

Namtan turned, smiling. “Don’t worry, this is kind of fun. Just remember to keep your skis parallel, and you should be fine.”

By now, Film knew that Namtan’s idea of fun was quite different from her own at times.

This seemed to be one of those, as the employee handed the lift to her assistant and Film watched her lift her legs, placing the bar between them, before speeding off.

This couldn’t be comfortable.

The employee motioned for her to move into the slot, handing her another lift. Namtan looked behind her, raising her thumb up as Film imitated her again.

It wasn’t actually that uncomfortable, now that she was sitting on there.

But the employee let go, Film reviewed that statement.

Immediately, she was pulled forward. The pole between her legs gripped at the fabric of her pants.

Trying to adjust herself and narrowly losing her balance as she held on the bar for dear life, the detective remembered Namtan’s parting advice, and focussed really hard on applying it, despite the uncomfortable feeling between her legs.

Keeping her ski parallel wasn’t that hard. But when she saw the end of the lift was approaching, she suddenly worried.

How was she supposed to get off?

The assistant hadn’t told her that.

Namtan was waiting at the top, quickly helping her out of it, her hand resting on her shoulder briefly.

“I was worried you’d fall down, but you did really well, detective. Come on, let’s do that green track right here.”

As Film finished going down the slope, she realised that she didn’t actually hate this. She probably wouldn’t do this every day, as her legs were already trembling from fatigue, but with Namtan’s teaching, it had proven more entertaining than she’d initially thought it would be.

Not only that, but she was starting to see why Namtan attracted so many women. Correction.

She already knew why. Seeing it up close was something else entirely.

Before Namtan confessed, the detective had tried to ignore this aspect of her that she found so infuriating. But now, she wanted to see more of it.

To understand her. To understand why on earth Namtan would pick her, out of everyone she could have.

She was just a detective.

It was only fair for her to try and get interested in what the assistant was into. After all, Namtan had done so for her.

And maybe, eventually, she would figure out what answer to give her.

Before the assistant stopped waiting for her. Even though she said she wouldn’t.

Namtan handed her a water bottle, right as Ciize and Prim came down from the slope.

Film opened the cap, her tired body relaxing the moment water touched her mouth.

“The snow is really good this year!” Ciize exclaimed as she came closer to them. “We were planning on going a little bit further up, maybe do one of the most difficult tracks in the station. How is it going, detective?”

The short socialite turned to Film, who wiped her mouth, screwing back the cap of the water bottle.

“I’m very impressed at how fast she’s been learning actually.” Namtan spoke before Film could answer. “I really thought we wouldn’t be able to go down a slope today but… she surprised me.”

“Well.” Film handed her the bottle back. “It’s really not that hard to master. Especially because you explained it well.”

Ciize gave them a look of amused disgust, which Film wasn’t sure how to interpret.

“In that case,” Prim spoke, “if you’re feeling confident, do you want to come with us?”

Film glanced at Namtan, who was looking toward the mountains. It seemed like she was longing to explore them.

Which… made sense. She had been stuck at the bottom of it because of the detective. She had already wasted half a day teaching her.

Since learning they were going to a ski resort in Japan, the assistant had been more than ecstatic about the free time they had before the release party.

And yet, Film, because she spoke so foolishly, had taken away from that time.

Even if it was a work trip first and foremost, she knew Namtan could be more than professional when needed.

And as it currently stood, she was helping her for free. Maybe she had ulterior motives, but it wasn’t fair for Film to stop her from doing something she seemed eager to do.

And… she glanced at Prim, who looked at her expectantly.

Something curled in her stomach. She couldn’t leave Namtan with that woman. Especially since she still hadn’t determined what their relation to each other was.

Film just nodded.

Prim and Ciize’s friend, whom the detective had already forgotten the name of, squealed in excitement while both Namtan and the short socialite looked at her with puzzlement.

And something that looked a little like concern in the assistant’s eyes.

But she would be fine. She had gone down that slope earlier with little to no help from Namtan.

Even if her legs had begun to start tremble more often since they reached the bottom of the track, she had enough energy to do another.

Probably.

__________________

When they made it at the top of the mountain, Namtan checked the map.

“All of the tracks from that point are red or black tracks. Maybe we should…”

“You’re worrying too much.” Prim cut her off. “Your boss said that she was fine, you should trust her judgement.”

“It’s her first time; I want her to have a good time.”

“She’ll never learn if you keep on coddling her.” Prim argued, as Film and Ciize got closer.

“I’m not…” For the first time today, Namtan appeared a little defensive. Almost as if she really didn’t like the idea of Film going on these tracks.

Had Film misread the situation entirely? Would Namtan have preferred she went back to the hotel, rather than following them?

“So, what’s the plan?” The detective asked, interrupting the conversation.

The fact that she was partially agreeing with Prim made her a little uncomfortable. Because, she wanted the assistant to see her as capable, and not constantly needing her help.

Even if there were things that Namtan did that she couldn’t do when they investigated, this was a partnership. They should be on equal footing.

“We’re going to do this one. It’s a red track, but it’s easier than the other ones.” Prim said. “It’s red because it is very steep, and there’s a turn to make toward the end, because there’s an edge…right there.” She pointed at the map.

“I see.” Film said, before casting a glance at her assistant. Unlike earlier, Namtan looked tense. Her jaw was tight, and her eyes betrayed her concern.

As they approached the track, Film being a bit behind from the group, the assistant turned sharply.

“I will be right besides you, boss.” She said, trying to sound reassuring. “If you do exactly what we did earlier with the green track, you should be fine.”

“I’ll be okay, Tipnaree.” The detective answered, feeling irritation peer through her. She wasn’t made of glass, and Namtan had been praising her all day for how quickly she was learning.

She could do this.

But then, she looked at the track.

It was steep. Almost a ninety-degree angle. Maybe, after all, Namtan wasn’t just being overbearingly protective.

Maybe, Film had bitten more than she could chew.

“Besides,” Film spoke again, realising her words had been too harsh. “You’ll catch me if I fall, right?”

Namtan smiled, relaxing a bit more. “Of course, detective. You’re in safe hands.”

Previous experiences proved this. Whatever the situation was, Namtan would keep her safe.

This was just skiing, not someone gunning at them. Statistically, there was a much smaller risk for something deadly to happen.

As they started going down, the detective followed Namtan’s movements, turning where she did, slowing down at times when she felt she was going too fast.

Ever so attentive, the assistant would look back, and make sure Film was still following.

See? Film thought, she could do this.

The only hard part was how intense this was for her body, really. She could feel like her legs were about to give out.

But she pushed through. Falling on her face right now would be humiliating.

Especially since it wasn’t just Namtan.

It was also Ciize, who was her long-term client, and more importantly, that woman.

Prim.

Since they regrouped, she kept on hovering around Namtan, either saying something that would make her laugh, or distract her by calling out her name.

The more they spent time together, the less Film liked her. She just found her existence irritating.

And some of the glances her assistant threw her way… distracting.

Right as she was making a turn, Film’s left leg gave out, making her lose her balance.

Before she could fully register what was happening, her back hit the ground, skis flat, and she slid uncontrollably.

All she could see was snow.

She tried turning around, to grip something, but nothing held.

It was just one long descent.

Besides her she could hear the sound of skis sliding on the track.

“You need to put your skis perpendicular!” The assistant shouted, frantic, as she tried to catch up with her.

Because of the snow, Film couldn’t see her.

She tried doing as she said, but her legs refused to obey her.

It was too fast.

Film suddenly remembered what Prim had said earlier. About the turn at the end of the track.

How close of it was she?

What would happen if she didn’t turn?

The feeling of cold snow entering her jacket shook her off her thoughts.

Not now.

She tried steering the skis again, in hope to stop herself.

But she couldn’t.

Closing her eyes, she braced for the inevitable.

But instead, her body hit something soft, as a hand pulled on the collar of her jacket, holding her in place.

Namtan.

Film briefly opened her eyes to see her assistant, breathless, towering over her in an awkward position, as Film’s skis where against her legs.

Moments before she tripped as well, falling onto the detective.

Film let out a pained yelp as the assistant’s weight hit her chest.

“Sorry.” Namtan breathed shakily.

Film, eyes closed could feel her warm breath on her face.

Their bodies were pressed together as for the first time in what felt like an eternity, the detective wasn’t slipping down.

Slowly, she opened her eyes, only to be met with Namtan’s terrified expression.

“Are you…are you okay?”

Film nodded shakily.

The cold snow that had slipped inside her clothes contrasted with the feeling of Namtan’s warmth against her, as the assistant shakily held onto her shoulders.

When she looked past her, she could see how close they were from the edge of the track. A few meters further, and she could have gotten seriously hurt.

Namtan leaned forward, as she sighed in relief, resting her head against Film’s front.

They stayed like this for a moment, as the detective’s breathing evened out.

Never again. The detective thought, briefly, as she registered the sound of ski ripping on snow was approaching.

“Oh my god!” Ciize’s voice tore through the snow. “That was so scary. Are you okay?”

Both Prim and her friend followed suit shortly, staying at a safe distance from where they were laying.

Namtan pulled away, kneeling as she stood up, her hands still lightly shaken.

“I think so.” She breathed, eyes still on the detective. “Can you stand?”

She offered her hand, waiting for Film to take it.

After a few more seconds of steadying herself, the detective grabbed Namtan’s hand. When Film managed to stand up, her legs couldn’t stop trembling.

She wasn’t sure she could go down back to the station on her own, but didn’t want to embarrass herself further than she just did.

Almost immediately as the thought finished forming, her legs gave out again, and she fell to her knees. It was like her body had made the choice for her.

She heard ruffling in front of her, as Namtan got out of her skis, leaving them on the track.

“I’m feeling rather hungry, so I’m afraid the detective and I will call this a day.” She heard the assistant say to the other women, before she walked closer, putting a hand on her shoulder. “I’m going to lift you now so try not to move too much detective.”

“Wait- “Film opened her mouth to protest, but Namtan didn’t give her the chance to. Crouching, she grabbed the detective’s arms, pulling her up on her back.

“Hold tight, please, boss.” Namtan said as she stood up, before walking calmly toward the skis.

Today was a disaster.

Not only Film made a fool of herself, but she also did it so… publicly.

“Do you need help?” Behind them, Ciize asked.

“Nope. The detective is light as a feather, even with the equipment.” Namtan said confidently, before whispering. “You really should eat more, detective. Good thing this is exactly what we are going to do once I get us down.”

Was Namtan actually hungry, or was it just an excuse to get away?

Film wasn’t sure. Now that adrenaline had gone down, exhaustion was taking over her. All she knew right now, was she wanted to be as far away from the tracks as possible.

Using the poles to keep herself stable, Namtan once again put her skis on, before commencing her descent.

Since Film had fallen off most of the way, there was only a few hundred meters for them to get back to the green track they had done earlier.

For the rest of the journey, Film stayed quiet, still mortified at what just happened.

“I wonder what specialties we could try.” Namtan said, slightly breathless as she continued skiing down the slope. “I feel like nabe would be the appropriate one after a ski day. Though there’s a thing called Jingisukan that sounds good too…”

Film hadn’t even lasted a day.

This was pathetic.

As they walked toward the restaurants that were near the station, Film spoke for the first time since she had fallen.

“I’m sorry for cutting your ski day short.”

They had removed their skis and left the gear in one of the lockers that were right before the entrance.

Namtan looked at her, frowning as confusion painted her features.

“I wouldn’t have agreed to it if you weren’t coming anyway. We’re here for work, right boss?”

Film looked away, a bit bashful. So Namtan really wouldn’t have minded if she’d just said no?

“I just… didn’t want to restrict you. You seemed to be looking forward to this trip for reasons other than work, so I figured you…”

“I have been looking forward to this trip because it’s with you, detective.” Namtan cut her off. “I have been away and you’ve been sick, so we haven’t spent that much quality time together as of late…”

“This is still a work trip.” Film said but the words were much softer than she intended them to be.

“Just because it’s work, doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy ourselves. Speaking of work, should we examine the crime scene after lunch?”

As the assistant said the word, Film’s stomach made a loud noise. The detective flushed, both surprised and embarrassed as Namtan laughed softly.

“See, I was right to call it a day. Come on,” she grabbed Film’s hand as if it was the most natural thing in the world. “You need energy for your little grey cells to work properly.”

As they started walking, Film wondered when she had started letting Namtan lead her so readily.

She couldn’t help but notice that while the assistant had always been quite tactile, as of late, Namtan had been reaching out for her a lot more than before.

And she found herself not minding the touch at all.

___________

In front of the hotel, smoking cigarette after cigarette and pacing anxiously, was Emi. A long scarf was draped over her shoulders, as she crossed her arms, repressing a shiver.

The door opened, letting another woman, Mint, out. She gestured at Emi’s mouth, asking for a cigarette.

The short haired woman reached for her pack, taking it out of her pocket, before handing it to her. Her hand was trembling slightly.

“How long has it been?” Mint spoke, as she grabbed the cigarette out of the pack. “Since we’ve all been together like this.”

“Five years. I can’t believe how fast time passed.” Emi stopped pacing. “It still feels like… yesterday.”

“You know, out of all of us, you’d be the most suspicious but…” Mint brought her cigarette to her lips, lighting it up. “… unless you’d changed drastically, I don’t think you’d go that way to tell the truth.”

Emi took another inhale, looking into the distance. “Just because I’m a travel writer, doesn’t mean I’m a sellout. And besides…I’d rather tell the kid directly about what we…” she paused, taking another drag, “than doing it in such a public display.”

“The “kid” is twenty-one.” Mint said, “and is absolutely obsessed with you, even though you’re never around anymore.”

“It’s a mistake she will regret.” Emi crushed her cigarette with her heel before pulling another one from her coat pocket.

“Did you know she wants to become a writer because of you?”

Emi paused her movement, looking at Mint, mouth opening in surprise. Her unlit cigarette dropped in the snow.

“You can’t be serious.” She crouched to pick up her cigarette, dusting it up, before adding. “She really shouldn’t base her aspirations on someone she will despise once the truth comes out.”

“If the truth comes out.” Mint corrected. “We have yet to know the content of the book.”

“Oh, come on.” Emi said, a little exasperated at her friend. “You and I both know that if it wasn’t a serious threat, none of us would have come to this wretched place again. Speaking of which… where are all of them?”

“Well… Bonnie wanted to visit the town, since it’s her first time here. The guys are showing her around.”

Emi lit up her cigarette. “I see. Why aren’t you with them?”

Mint playfully hit her shoulder. “I had to make sure you weren’t going to disappear on us again.”

“Sorry.” Emi looked away. “Couldn’t handle it. Especially not after seeing Bonnie at the funeral. I almost cracked then. Had to get away before I broke our promise.”

Mint didn’t respond immediately, instead looking at the smoke coming out from her unsmoked cigarette.

“You were always the closest to him. But remember,” Her eyes met Emi, as her expression turned serious, “if the truth comes out, it’s not just Bonnie that will be hurt. Because whoever wrote that book… I don’t think they have good intentions, even if they are supposedly one of us.”

The sound of hurried footsteps in the snow startled both women. Emi took a couple steps away from Mint, as a dishevelled woman came to view, dragging a large suitcase behind her.

Her attire felt more appropriate for the city rather than an out-of-town traditional Japanese inn. Taking a tissue out of her pocket, the woman wiped sweat off her forehead, before noticing the both of them, staring at her.

“Excuse me! Are you thai by any chance?” The newcomer exclaimed, huffing as she continued dragging her suitcase, walking towards them.

“Yes.” Mint was the one that answered her.

“Ah! Then you two must be here for the prerelease party!” Stopping in her tracks, the woman beamed. “I’m Sammy, the editor. I may have spoken to one of you on the phone?”

The tension that Mint previously held all but evaporated, as she stepped forward, offering her hand. “That would be me. Apologies if I sounded rude over the phone, I had to make sure you weren’t someone attempting to scam us… or another journalist. I hope there won’t be any of them tomorrow?” The question sounded more like a threat, which the upbeat editor seemed to miss entirely.

“No, the author wanted this party to be mostly…private. There’s a couple of detectives joining us though. I think one of them is pretty famous, and his partner was the one that investigated the case!”

At this, Emi’s face decomposed. “Hasn’t that detective… disappeared?” She muttered, too quietly for the editor to hear, but loud enough for Mint to turn and throw her a warning glare.

She turned back, smiling tightly at the editor. “Do you know who hired the other detective?”

“I’m not sure. She’s a mystery book enthusiast, so I think she may be joining due to personal interest. Her assistant on the phone was… pretty convincing, and even though my client didn’t initially allow outsiders, I managed to make an exception.”

Emi’s face grew paler, and Mint’s smile faltered slightly at the information. Sammy shivered, looking at her watch.

“I apologise for cutting this conversation short, but it’s been a long way, and I have yet to check in. I will see you at dinner though, I hope? My client has instructed me to pass on a message to all of the party attendees.”

___________

Film looked at Namtan who was effortlessly carrying their gear, as if it was weightless.

It shouldn’t be surprising, given how the assistant had carried her on her back with the gear, but Film found herself marvelling at how strong the assistant seemed to be.

Shouldn’t she be tired after this morning?

They were walking back to the hotel.

“So, where is the crime scene actually?” Namtan spoke, slowing her walk down.

“Well, conveniently enough…” the detective trailed as they approached the equipment storage cabin, “it’s there.”

“Seriously?” Namtan said looking at the small building.

Film didn’t understand why she sounded so surprised. This definitely wasn’t the most unique crime scene they had encountered.

If anything, from the outside, it looked deceptively simple.

But Film knew from her research, that if it was, the police or the detective at the scene would have figured out what happened.

They did not. Which is why she was here today.

Hopefully, she would be able to solve this, and figure out who the mysterious author was.

The door had axe marks all over it, a result of the employees attempting to open it when the body was found.

While the door had been put back together afterward, there was a sizeable missing piece at the bottom of it, which let cold air from the outside enter the room.

“Yes,” Film said, before her eyes widened as she realised something. “This might actually be our first locked room mystery together.”

Chapter Text

The wooden cabin was narrower than it seemed on the outside.

When Film stepped inside, it became clear that it would be impossible for someone to hide there.

On both sides, narrow lockers lined up the walls. In front of them, two benches. Toward the back of the room was a gas tank, which explained how nicely warm the room was, despite the remaining hole in the door.

Right above it, a small window, of which the top part was half opened.

Namtan put down their gear, opening one of the lockers.

When Film looked inside, one glance confirmed it was too narrow for anyone to fit in.

Opening another one, she noted each locker had a roll of grip tape as well as wax, probably left there by staff for people that needed it.

“So… can you walk me through?” Namtan asked once she made sure the gear was secured, closing the locker. “What happened here?”

Film exhaled, closing her eyes as she tried to recall the information she’d read on the file.

“The victim was found face down between the two benches.” Tapping her temple, she went to stand where he was found. “Fully dressed as if he was planning on going to go skiing, but based on the autopsy report, he died around one in the morning. There was also a large quantity of alcohol and sleeping pills in his stomach, so this would have made it difficult for him to actually get there on his own. Remind me, how far is this cabin from the hotel?”

“It’s only a few minutes’ walk… 5 minutes? If I remember correctly.”

“Hm.” Now that the adrenaline of the earlier events was coming down, the detective started to feel exhaustion seep through her bones. “We probably should check that when we get back inside. Anyway.”

She sat down on the bench, looking at her assistant, who was leaning against the lockers, listening to her attentively, mouth pressed in a thin line.

“There was one set of footprints coming in, but more importantly, and the reason why the door had to be taken down, was because they couldn’t open it despite it being unlocked.”

Pausing, her eyes narrowed as a thought crossed her mind.

 Maybe this was where that ghost rumour came from. It seemed like human nature to try and find any kind of solution for something that lacked a clear, rational explanation.

Glancing at the opened window, Film knew it had to be something much more straightforward. Something so simple that the possibility wasn’t entertained due to the strange nature of the incident.

“So,” Namtan asked tentatively. “How did he die?”

“The mix of alcohol and pills is what killed him.” The detective looked at the window, standing up to examine it closer. “Because of the peculiar way his body was found, they weren’t sure what they could rule it as.”

The assistant crossed her arms, seemingly a bit puzzled. “So… what are you looking for?”

Good question. Film exhaled, as she thought about it further.

Her instincts told her there were many issues with this crime scene. Something was very wrong with it.

“There’s three things that come to mind right now.” The detective tapped on her temple again, “One. How did he get in there? If this was enough alcohol and pills to kill him, I doubt he would be able to wear ski gear, walk outside in the middle of the night and end up in here on his own.”

Unconsciously, she took a couple steps towards her assistant.

“Two. How did the door get blocked? And additionally, shouldn’t this cabin be locked up at night? So, and assuming the employee didn’t forget to lock the door on that day, how did he get access to begin with?”

As she spoke, Film walked toward the door, examining it closely. Like the rest of the cabin, it was made of sturdy wood. Maybe… she glanced at the heater in the back of the room.

Was the window opened or closed when they found the body? The more she looked at it, the more she felt this detail was important.

Film narrowed her eyes when she looked at the remaining hole from the axe. Unlike the others, it hadn’t been filled when the door had been fixed.

She wondered if this would make a difference on whether or not the room could be sealed off the way it had been.

“Maybe… the lock is easy to pick on?”

Film studied her, raising an eyebrow in disbelief. “I find this unlikely.”

Even if it was possible, there was no light on the path leading to the cabin. At least none that she had seen when walking there.

“Then…” Namtan trailed off, deep in thought. “Maybe we should check where the key was stored.”

“Good idea.” Film said with a satisfied smile. Before turning her back, continuing to pace. “The third thing I’m wondering… If he was murdered, which… at this stage, seems likely, how did the murderer come back and forth without making a mess of the snow?”

“Wouldn’t it be easy for them to just erase their tracks? Depending on the state of it, snow is easy to manipulate.”

“Maybe…” Film started but Namtan suddenly cut her off.

“What makes you think he came after he drank? What if he came in before and then drank in there?”

“There was no bottle anywhere around him.”

Film sighed, legs shaking. She really needed to rest after their tumultuous morning. And maybe a hot bath, a book, and no interaction with people for a couple hours.

“I’m going to be honest.” Wincing, she stretched. “I don’t think we have enough information for me to make an educated guess just yet. In five years, it’s possible some stuff has changed. I’d need to look over the notes Nanon has lent us to see the bigger picture.”

Hearing the name, the assistant visibly bristled. The detective ignored it for now, not wanting to latch on something that may not have anything to do with the case she was hired to work on.

She knew that it would happen sooner or later, regardless of her will.

“We probably also should find an employee that was there when the incident happened so I can ask about the key and how this cabin was set up. But for now… I think I really need to rest. Let’s get back to the hotel.”

Nodding, Namtan moved from her spot.

“Do you want me to carry you again?” She grinned, instantly reminding the detective of how embarrassing the earlier incident was.

“No thank you, Tipnaree.” Film opened the door of the cabin, walking ahead.

Putting her hands in her coat pockets, Film continued thinking about the case, as they walked on the path. Like Namtan said, it was just a five minutes’ walk.

“Regarding our current predicament…” The assistant spoke, as she caught up with her. “What do you think this is?”

“In my opinion… there’s only a few reasons as to why this is happening.” She answered sombrely. “None of them bode well however.”

Namtan nodded. “I mean the fact that this whole thing is so… public, with the book getting released… yet the release party is only involving people that were there when the incident happened... it really makes me feel uneasy. I can’t explain why.”

The detective stopped in her tracks.

So she wasn’t the only one that found this weird.

Usually, those types of pre-release party involved a lot more people; especially people from the publishing world, press and public figures that would be likely to help in the book’s promotion.

Yet the mysterious author requested utmost privacy and only for the friends of the victim, the partner of the detective that was in charge of the case and the victim’s sister to be there.

Namtan had to spend over an hour on the phone to charm the editor so they could earn their spot here.

“It feels like…” Film thought out loud. “…a trap. Either intended to reveal the truth, or to bury it.”

“Who do you think could be responsible for this?” The assistant, who had stepped ahead of her, stopped, turning as she asked.

“Who is the person that has the most to gain if the truth is revealed? And who is the one that has the most to lose?”

Both questions had different answers. Both cases also probably would have different outcomes.

However, one thing was very clear, both possibilities could lead to murder.

_____________

Bonnie walked around the town, stopping by every few meters to take pictures.

This was her first time in Japan, and despite the circumstances, she was still trying to enjoy it.

She had just graduated from university, and hadn’t seen most of her brother’s friends since his funeral.

There was one of them that she couldn’t wait to see again, specifically, but the woman had remained elusive. So instead, she was currently walking around town, with the rest of them showing her around.

Before her brother’s death, it was clear that the group held this place dear, doing annual trips together, which she had always envied joining, but never could.

Sing always told her she was too young. Yet his death forced her to grow up.

Her relatives had immediately whisked her away to boarding school right afterward, not wanting to bear responsibility.

When this happened, she was only 16, and yet that year had been marked by tragic events. At its beginning, both her parents were gone in an instant, taken by a plane crash as they were dealing with business abroad.

At the end of it… Sing was gone.

Her only comfort had been her brother’s friends, who unlike her distant relatives, were there for her.

In different ways, all of them had provided care. Either by paying off tuition fees, attending school events, or simply with letters. Some of which she always carried around.

Yet, despite that, she couldn’t help but feel like all of them were hiding something from her.

She had almost put the incident behind her, resigning herself to never knowing the truth. That was until she got home from university and went through her brother’s things for the first time since he had gone.

What she’d found made her question everything. Made her wonder if the care all of them exhibited towards her was born out of atonement.

“You seem… cheerful.” Jimmy, who was walking next to her, suddenly said. “I would have thought… you know, given the circumstances…”

Bonnie stopped fiddling with her camera, looking at him.

“Why would I not be?” Her fingers tightened around the objective. “This is an opportunity for me to finally learn the truth about my brother, since none of you had the courage to tell me.”

“That’s…” The man sighed, looking away, resigned. “Some truths are better left unsaid.”

Frowning, Bonnie tapped her feet. This really irritated her.

It wasn’t the first time since they had this conversation, and it certainly wasn’t the last. Yet every time the outcome was always the same.

“Is there something you feel guilty about, perhaps?” Her tone raised slightly. “Maybe something you haven’t told me? Like the fact that you owed my brother money?”

“How do you…” Jimmy’s face paled, recoiling in surprise, before he crossed his arms. “And anyway…I paid your university tuition with that money!”

Bonnie rolled her eyes, starting to walk away.

But Jimmy grabbed her by the arm, forcing her to face him.

“You don’t think I could have…”

“Let go of me.” She looked at him defiantly, squaring her shoulders. “None of you told me anything in 5 years. I had to look into it. I don’t want to believe it but… all of you had reasons to want him gone.”

As she finished her sentence, Thor and Arm who had been walking far back, caught up with the group.

“You’re being ridiculous. We all loved your brother.” Jimmy let go of her wrist.

“Right.” Bonnie mumbled, looking away. “It’s easy to say that now.”

“Come on.” Arm spoke with an awkward smile. “Let’s not… fight now. It’s your first day in Japan, we should show you around. We can discuss this… later.”

Later usually meant never with them. Were they hiding the truth because they still thought of her as a child?

Or was it something else?

______________

Film sprawled on the futon, eyes closed. After a quick bath, in which she almost fell asleep, she had lain down there, completely boneless.

It had been an hour since then.

She hadn’t read the notes or reviewed the case files. Forming thoughts was too difficult currently.

Never again she would behave this foolishly. Film thought as she felt pain on her lower back. 

“Are you going to be okay for dinner?” The assistant said as she walked back into the room.

Film grunted in lieu of response.

The room fell completely silent, aside from the sound of Namtan’s feet shuffling on the tatami, abruptly stopping in front of her.

The detective felt her gaze on her. She bit her lip, bracing for one of Namtan’s usual teasing remarks.

But none came.

Instead, she heard more shuffling, before suddenly feeling warm hands on her front.

Film’s eyes flew open at the sudden touch, a shiver coursing through her spine.

Namtan’s hands were on her belt, which had gone loose, letting the yukata slide off, threatening to open.

“What do you… what do you think you are doing?”

“Your belt… it’s come undone.” The assistant said, as she fastened it again.

Looking away from her. As she stood back up, Film noticed that the tip of her ears was reddened.

“You should be more careful, detective.” Toying with her sleeve, Namtan walked toward their makeshift desk, her back facing away from her. “If you’re that open, people are bound to take advantage of it…”

Did she mean…herself? Film swallowed nervously as she watched her.

Unlike her usual poised attitude, the assistant started tidying the already neatly organised documents that lay on the desk.

This was new.

Maybe, mildly worrying, based on her research. The book she had read while Namtan was away still haunted her thoughts.

But… seeing the assistant’s usual composure crack, some part of her couldn’t help but want to see more of that.

Her ears never turned red when she flirted with other women.

Under Film’s watchful eyes, Namtan stood up, walking toward the closet. Still avoiding her gaze.

“We should… get ready for dinner.”

“Right.” Film sat up with difficulty. “You’re going to need to keep your eyes and ears open for me, because I don’t believe I’m going to be efficient at all.”

“Is there anything you want me to watch out for?” Namtan turned to look at her, clothes in hand.

For a moment, the detective stayed silent, before shaking her head.

“Just don’t get distracted.” Film said, more for herself than the assistant.

“It is very difficult when I’m by your side.”

Before Film had the time to react, Namtan had already returned to the bathroom.

The words lingered in the air, making Film’s pulse quicken unexpectedly.

Covering her face with her hand, the detective sighed.

______________

As they entered the dining room, they were immediately ambushed by Ciize, flanked by Prim and her friend.

“Are you okay now, detective?” The socialite asked immediately as she saw Film. “I still can’t believe that fall.”

“Me neither,” Film said, with a weary smile, already dreading the social interaction that was going to follow. “Which is why I’m never doing this again.”

“I don’t blame you one bit. Thankfully, you didn’t break anything, which would have been regrettable.” Ciize smiled, before leaning closer. “Though, I’m sure Namtan wouldn’t have minded looking after you.”

Film glared at the socialite, who just laughed, covering her mouth with her hand.

Her gaze drifted away towards Namtan, who stood a little bit away from them, a serious expression on her face as Prim was telling her something.

The assistant shook her head, before looking back toward the detective. Prim followed her gaze with a sudden look of realisation on her face.

Film wasn’t sure what to make of it.

Before she could give it more thought however, Ciize’s friend eyes widened as she looked at the door.

“Oh my god, is that Nanon Korapat?” Her voice, almost a squeal, startled Film.

Of course. Dinner couldn’t be something where she could disappear, let Namtan handle people that came their way, and quietly listen in other’s people interactions.

The woman pushed past her, immediately making a beeline for the other detective, quickly followed by Prim, who seemed in a similar state of adoration.

The assistant, joined her and Ciize, looking at the man, frowning in intrigue.

“Is that guy famous or something?” She asked, tilting her head. “Why are they acting like they are seeing a celebrity?”

“Well… he is quite famous as a detective.” Ciize responded. “I was initially going to hire him when your… misfortune happened, but his secretary was so unpleasant on the phone, I had to look for alternatives.”

“Wait, really?” Namtan asked, looking at her with shock.

Ciize nodded. “It was very lucky that I saw Film’s newspaper advertisement immediately after.”

“Indeed.” She assistant said quietly, glancing at Nanon with a scowl on her face. “It’s a good thing you didn’t hire him. There’s something about him that makes me uneasy. And besides… Unlike Film, I don’t think he’d have believed I was innocent which…”

“His specialty is impossible cases.” Film cut her off, sensing the tension radiating from her. “Locked rooms, improbable murders…” Trailing off, she glanced at the socialite. “It makes sense that he was your first choice. What I wonder though… is why was his partner investigating this case.”

“Why is that?” Namtan frowned.

“Because he was notoriously… I wouldn’t say incompetent but… let’s just say, him getting the solution right was more of a gamble than a guarantee.”

“I knew you were blunt, but did you really need to be that harsh, detective?” The assistant looked a little amused. “Was he that bad?”

For a beat, the three women stayed quiet.

The detective believed that she was just being objective.

Most of what she heard from her peers about that man was that he would always come up with theories that bordered on insane at times, often easily disprovable.

“I didn’t know him personally but…” Film trailed off. “Maybe it would be better to ask Nanon about it.”

“Speaking of which, you still haven’t told me how you two knew each other.” The assistant crossed her arms. “You two seem quite… familiar.”

“It’s just an impression.” Film looked away.

It really was.

Before Namtan came into her life, they had worked together a couple times. Each of those ending with Nanon solving the case faster than she did.

But this time, Film hoped it would be different. Glancing at the assistant, she was sure it would be.

The tension in Namtan’s shoulders didn’t disappear as Nanon waved at them, flashing a smile. Making his way towards them.

“Ah Racha, always a delight to see you.” He said as a greeting. “Have you had the time to review my partner’s files? I would love to hear your opinion when you do.”

“Didn’t you say it was a competition?” Namtan intervened, voice overly saccharine as her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Wouldn’t sharing this kind of information give you an advantage?”

Nanon laughed. “You’ve got quite a sharp assistant here. But,” He paused, looking smug as ever. “If she thinks I need your reasoning to solve this case, she’s sorely mistaken.”

Right. Film forgot how unsufferable that man was to deal with.

Much more than her own assistant at times. However, his jab didn’t quite get under her skin.

“Actually though, I’d like to know about your partner… Ohm, was it?”

The moment the words left her, Nanon’s smile stopped reaching his eyes.

“What do you want to know?”

“Quite a few things, so perhaps this setting isn’t the most appropriate to discuss this.”

The topic seemed quite sensitive, despite how much time passed.

Up until recently, Film probably wouldn’t have understood how it felt to lose their partner but… things had changed.

She stole a glance at the assistant, whose demeanour seemed relaxed as usual, but the subtle way her jaw was clenched betrayed her.

“Then…” Nanon responded after a moment. “How about tomorrow after breakfast?”

Film nodded as she observed a stocky, quite dishevelled woman, make her way towards them.

Her perfume invading the already overwhelmed senses of the detective.

“It’s good to finally meet you.” She beamed at them when she saw Nanon, quickly pressing her hands in a wai, before focussing her gaze on Namtan. “And you must be the other detective that is joining us,” she said, extending her hand. “I’m Sammy, the editor. Your assistant had me on the phone.”

“Oh no,” Namtan quickly corrected. “I’m the assistant. She is the detective.”

The woman froze for a moment, cheeks flushing in embarrassment.

“My god, I am so sorry about this! I figured…”

“It’s fine.” Film said bluntly, to avoid the editor embarrassing herself further. “Thank you for letting us take part to this.”

“Well,” Sammy fidgeted on her feet, glancing at Namtan. “Your assistant has been very convincing and… my client thought it could be interesting to have another detective attending our gathering.”

Film’s eyes narrowed, but she didn’t comment on it.

“All of this sounds very interesting.” Ciize, who was still standing there, spoke suddenly. “Would there be any opportunity for me to join?”

Sammy shook her head.

“Unfortunately, the instructions I have received from my client were very clear. Only the attendees must attend this gathering and everything pertaining to it.”

The socialite looked mildly disappointed, probably due to the loss of an opportunity to entertain herself, but just shrugged.

The editor clapped her hands. “Speaking of which! I have instructions from my client regarding the gathering. Once you’re done with dinner, you and the other attendees should join me in the conference room.”

The detective and her assistant shared a look.

This one line sealed what Film already suspected. This was much more than just a pre-release party.

And whatever it actually was, all of her instincts screamed danger.

Chapter Text

“Thank you for joining me on such short notice.” Sammy opened, as guests entered the room. “I know the gathering is tomorrow evening, however my client has made it necessary for me to make sure every attendee was aware of the following information.”

As the editor spoke, Film took that opportunity to observe the other attendees.

Despite being her first time meeting them in person, she was fully aware of who they were. Five of them were friends of the victim, and were present at the time of his death.

The sixth one, the youngest of the group, was the victim’s younger sister.

Right now, most of them seemed tense just being here.

And unfortunately, all of them had the capacities to potentially be the mysterious author.

All of them were alumni of the same university, and while their degrees varied greatly, all of them had been part of the writing society.

From what the detective had gathered, this was how they met.

Although, only one of them actually pursued it further than that.

Sitting on the window sill, chain smoking, was who Film recognised as the travel writer.

Emi Thasorn Klinnium, who hadn’t set foot in either Thailand nor Japan since the incident, was also the most anxious looking out of all of them.

Her eyes were fixated on the scenery outside; however, the clenching of her jaw made it clear that she was listening intently to the editor.

Film’s attention shifted as she noticed that the younger sister of the victim, kept on stealing glances at the woman.

She wasn’t subtle at all either.

Standing among the other friends, who were surrounding her as if yielding a protective shield, most of her attention was on the short haired woman smoking by the window.

“Excuse me.” One of the guys, which Film identified as Thor Thinnaphan spoke up quite abruptly, interrupting the editor. “Wouldn’t it be easier if your client was the one speaking right now? I mean, I think this is what we are all here for, so, if it is that important, they should just come out and say it themselves. Some of us have businesses to run, so it would be much better if you just got to the point.”

Fidgeting, the editor shook her head. “Unfortunately, per my contract and for their own safety, my client has asked to remain anonymous until the book comes out. I’m afraid I cannot do anything about it.”

She reached for her pocket, grabbing a tissue and wiping her neck, as Thor clicked his tongue, mumbling something the detective didn’t quite catch.

Besides her, Namtan was also discreetly observing the other guests’ attitudes.

Sammy cleared her throat before continuing. “As you may know, I don’t currently have all of the chapters of the book.” She put back the tissue in her pocket. “My client shall be meeting with me sometime tonight to give them to me.”

“That’s odd.” The only other woman of the group, Mint Thishar Thurachon spoke up. “I’m no expert, but I’m pretty sure this isn’t how the publishing world works… especially not for a new writer. Isn’t it right, Emi?”

She turned toward the woman at the window.

Emi took one final drag of her cigarette, before crushing it into an ashtray that clearly belonged to the dining room, finally looking at the group.

“Nothing about this is right.” She muttered, more to herself than the rest of the room.

“Well…” Sammy said, “this was a special case. I mean this case was such a… pardon my terms,” she looked at Bonnie when she said this, “major news event, my boss accepted every single condition when someone this… integrated to the case sent the first few chapters to our office.”

“Still.” Mint continued, eyes narrowing. “Something’s amiss.”

“This has to be some sort of a joke.” Thor said audibly, face reddening in anger as he marched toward the editor. “You call us all, make us come back to this godforsaken place, and there’s no book nor author for us to see. What’s the meaning of this?”

Film saw Namtan take a step forward, intent on intervening, but she put her hand on her arm, shaking her head when her assistant looked at her. She needed to see how the people involved would react.

The assistant shot her a confused look but didn’t move nonetheless.

Nanon slipped in front of Sammy, while Arm and Jimmy rushed to stop the man whose anger was growing with every step he took.

“Come on, she’s just the messenger.” Arm said to him, in an attempt to calm him down. “The real person we should direct our anger at is the person that is stirring this up. Why would they put this poor girl through…” He trailed as Thor tried to fight him off. “That’s enough. Please.”

“Then which one of you did this?” Thor erupted, glaring across the room, as Jimmy and Arm tried to pull him away. “Which one of you is responsible for that sick joke?”

“Come on.” Jimmy said to him, “you know none of us would do something like this.”

Both him and Arm tried to pull him towards the door, no doubt in an attempt to prevent him from exploding further.

Film couldn’t help but notice how everyone in the room avoided his gaze as he was getting removed.

Was it embarrassment at the outburst? Or an attempt to conceal guilt?

“I think we should take our leave too.” Mint said after a moment. “Was there anything else you needed to tell us?”

Sammy shook her head.

Seeing this, the other woman walked toward the door, beckoning Bonnie to come with her. The younger woman hesitated, opening her mouth to say something, glancing at Emi, who immediately pushed past, leaving the room. Very clearly avoiding to acknowledge her.

It seemed that Namtan had also noticed it, as she tilted her head, looking a little intrigued at the interaction. The detective wondered what she was thinking right now.

Once it was only the four of them left in the room, Nanon turned towards the editor. “Are you okay?”

The woman nodded, still shaken from the ordeal.

“I don’t think meeting the author alone is a good idea.” Namtan spoke up. “It’s…”

The editor shook her head. “I’m sure I will be fine. My client is the one that is at risk here. But it’s important the truth gets uncovered.”

The detective raised an eyebrow, but didn’t comment on it yet. Something about the phrasing felt off to her.

“Then,” Nanon intervened, “maybe you should reveal to us who the author is, that way, we would be able to protect them.”

But Sammy looked at him, once again shaking her head.

“That would be a breach of my contract. I can’t risk losing the entire deal. If you excuse me, I must take my leave now.” As she walked away, Nanon followed her.

“Then, at the very least, let me buy you a drink, after what just transpired, I think you need one.”

“I’ll gladly take your offer.”

As they were left alone in the room, the assistant glanced at the detective.

“He’s going to try and get the information out of her regardless, isn’t he?” She said in a bit of a brisk tone, startling Film. Clearly, she wasn’t a fan.

“Probably.” The detective yawned, blinking slowly.

“You’re still tired.” Namtan reached to fix her collar, which had inexplicably gone crooked again. Like usual, the touch made Film’s heart go haywire. “Go rest detective. I don’t want you to get sick again, especially as things are getting interesting. I will be your eyes and ears, like I promised.”

As she turned to leave the room, Film suddenly grabbed her wrist, pulling back quickly when the assistant stopped in her step.

“Please be careful not to put yourself in danger.” The detective mumbled, speaking a little too quickly. Her eyes were glued to the ground. “We don’t know yet what we are dealing with, but based on this interaction, I have a feeling most of them don’t want the truth to come out. I don’t want you to get caught in the crossfire.”

She was just saying that because she didn’t want a repeat of their previous case. There was nothing more to it.

“Worried about me, boss?”

“No.” Film said, looking anywhere but where the assistant stood. “I just don’t want to look for another assistant.”

“Whatever you say.” Namtan continued as Film started to walk away. “Don’t worry, unless you’re in danger, I’m not letting myself getting shot again.”

The detective hoped, if she were to be in danger again, no firearms would be involved. As Namtan had said before, none of them could die before she gave her an answer, whatever it was.

_____________

As Namtan watched the detective head out, she couldn’t help but think how very clueless about the matters of the heart Film still was.

Specifically, that man.

The way he looked at her.

Namtan couldn’t stand it.

It didn’t help that Film had been remarkably elusive on the history they had. The assistant wasn’t fooled for a second. There had to be something.

Perhaps nothing of romantic nature, given how oblivious Film was, but whatever it was, and especially because the detective wasn’t hers, it made her irrationally insecure.

Then again, she was in no position to speak out.

Though, at the very least, she had finally managed to set things straight with Prim. It had been surprisingly easy too.

In the past, and because the detective’s strange behaviour was definitely because of the woman, she probably would have milked it.

Her jealousy towards Nanon was irrational, and Namtan knew it.

Objectively, she knew she had not reasons to feel threatened.

She was Namtan Tipnaree Weerawatnodom, heir of one of the most powerful families in Thailand.

Compared to that, who was he?

No one.

But because of how vulnerable she felt around Film; she couldn’t help herself. It didn’t help that ever since she confessed, she had no control anymore.

The ball was in the detective’s camp.

Whether she realised it or not, the woman had her whole heart, and that made it much more… fragile.

And while Namtan tried to put up a brave front, she felt restless.

She wasn’t sure what more she could do to tip the balance further in her favour.

Per staying by her side, the assistant already knew her usual techniques were thoroughly ineffective.

Pick-up lines fell flat.

Teasing her had some measurable amount of success, but it felt like the more she did it, the less the detective took her seriously.

But she’d always been serious about her.

Okay, maybe not at the beginning, when she believed her feelings were just… a passing infatuation, like many before her.

What a cruel twist of fate this was, for her to fall for the one person that seemed completely immune to her charming self.

It wasn’t about winning.

No.

But now wasn’t the time to focus on this. The assistant had a job to carry out.

Be Film’s ear and eyes, while the detective finally got the rest she deserved.

Deciding to head to the hotel’s bar, she saw Sammy at a table, in a conversation with the other detective.
If he was anything like Namtan thought he was, he was definitely trying to charm her into letting the author’s name slip out.

After her revelations about the book, it was natural for him to be concerned about her safety.

Sighing as she realised there was no smooth way to join that conversation, Namtan looked across the room. Hoping to find some way to redirect her efforts.

That’s when she saw her.

The victim’s sister.

Reading the menu intensely, almost looking in distress in front of the many, many options it offered.

Who is the person that has the most to gain if the truth is revealed?

Remembering the detective’s words, Namtan course corrected. Right now, she had the perfect opportunity.

That woman was probably as after the truth as they were, and looked much more approachable than the rest of the group.

All alone, she was easy pickings. And if the assistant intuited correctly, there may be more to her than met the eye.

There was only one way to find out.

"May I offer you some company?" Namtan chanced, as she walked to the bar. Flashing the smile that usually opened all the doors.

The younger woman looked up from the menu, eyes widening in recognition.

"Oh. You're that... detective? Please, do sit down."

"Assistant. The woman that was with me is the detective."

"Oh. I'm sorry. Because that other detective is so stylish I assumed..."

"It's okay." Namtan smiled, before waving at the bartender. "We haven't been formally introduced. I'm Namtan."

"I'm Bonnie. But you must already know that if you are any good, miss assistant."

Namtan chuckled. Bonnie looked back at the drink menu, seemingly hesitant.

"Not very used to drinking, are you?"

"Well... not in fancy bars like these." The younger woman flushed a little, her eyes drifting towards the door, as if she was waiting for someone to appear through it.

When no one came, she went back to the menu, frowning as she tried to pick between the numerous options.

"Let me buy you a drink then."

"Is your tactic getting me drunk so you can get information from me?" Bonnie said, with a mischievous smile.

Busted.

Well, not exactly. While Namtan did have that as an ulterior motive, the interaction she had witnessed had piqued her interest.

"No. I'm off work right now and... I believe we may be kindred spirits. In a way."

Bonnie looked at her quizzically. "How so?"

"That short haired woman. The skittish one... you're... interested in her, aren’t you?"

"You're quite... perceptive. Are you sure you aren't a detective?"

Anyone with eyes and a little bit of common sense would be able to sense that, but Namtan smiled at the praise regardless.

"No miss. I just happen to have a good eye for people. And to be in a similar situation as yours."

Namtan waved to the bartender, ordering them plum wine.

“You said we were… kindred spirits.” Bonnie said after a moment. “Then I must ask you, is the person you’re interested in, the detective you work for?”

“Correct.” As the bartender put the drink in front of them, Namtan lifted the glass, admiring the colour. “But I’m afraid it is unrequited for now.”

Bonnie sighed. “So, we really are alike.”

She took a sip of the drink in front of her, eyes widening at the taste, before taking another one.

The assistant almost had in her to stop her from drinking too fast, but this perhaps would serve her actual purpose.

“Indeed.” Namtan took a calculated sip, before adding. “I may come off as rude, and I apologise in advance but, why her?”

Putting down her glass, Bonnie turned to look at her, face serious now. Her cheeks were lightly flushed, probably due to the alcohol she had just downed.

“Her letters.” She answered simply. “You may think I seem too… unaffected or cheerful by the death of my brother, but it caused me great pain when it happened. He was… all I had left, and once he was gone, I found myself all alone. There was a point in time where I thought I would be better off joining them.”

She stopped speaking, lifting her glass, and taking another sip.

“But his friends… they were there for me and… Out of all of them… her letters were always the most… comforting to me. She’s the only one that wasn’t afraid of speaking about him, and always in the best of words. It almost felt as if… he was still with us. Perhaps that’s why my grief has been… manageable.”

Namtan finished her own glass, listening intently. Interesting.

She gestured for the bartender to bring them another, while Bonnie continued.

“And yet… despite her words being so warm in writing she’s been so… cold to me. Avoiding me even. Never visiting.”

“Perhaps, it’s because she’s afraid of something.” Namtan suggested.

“All of them seem to be.” Bonnie said as she picked up the glass again. “And most of them… should be. But enough about myself. I want to hear about you and the detective.”

_____________

Film walked in the lobby, passing the front desk, and making her way to the stairs.

As she glanced at the lone employee, she remembered that she wanted to ask about the key, and hadn’t had the occasion to do so. How accessible the key was had the potential to change everything.

Turning on her heels, she marched toward the counter, where the employee, a weary middle age man, greeted her.

「すみません、質問があります。」

「はい？」

「スキー用具を保管する小屋の鍵がどこにありますか？」

The man scratched his head, before lifting a wooden box that was kept on the reception desk.

「安全上の理由から、この箱に保管しています。お使いになりたい場合は、ホテルの従業員にお尋ねください。」

So, the key wasn’t easily accessible now. But was it always the case? Or had this changed because of the incident?

「失礼ですが、五年前には同じですか？」

「従業員が不在の場合でもゲストが鍵を利用できるよう、フックに掛けておいたものです。」

As the employee answered, the detective’s gaze drifted toward the now empty hook that was right above the reception’s counter.

Interesting.

The detective was a bit miffed at the revelation. That meant that everyone could have had access to the key and easily unlocked the cabin, including Sing himself.

So that meant, she probably should be looking at why he had to die, rather than how, though perhaps knowing how, would be instrumental to understand the why.

______________

When Namtan stumbled back into the room, having drank perhaps one glass too many, she found Film asleep in the middle of the futon, face covered by the casefile.

“You’re going to be the death of me, detective.” Namtan, amused by the sight, slurred as she removed her shoes.

Tiptoeing with as much grace as her tipsy self could, she got closer to the futon, before kneeling down, slowly peeling off the file from Film’s face, revealing it.

The detective frowned at the intrusion of light, whisker dimple appearing, but she didn’t wake up.

Instead, she turned towards Namtan, mumbling incoherently.

“Was…the window…”

A strand of hair had come out of her ponytail.

For a moment, the assistant didn’t move, looking at her sleep. Film looked just all too adorable despite how exhausted she must have been.

This was a part of the detective only she had access to. It had taken her so much time to reach that point, but she didn’t regret her effort.

Tucking Film’s hair behind her ear, the assistant felt very tempted to just lean in. Thumbing the detective’s dimple, she drifted closer.

Just as Film’s eyes blinked open. Gaze unfocussed.

“You’re back?” Her voice was full of sleep, seemingly still not realising how close Namtan was standing. The assistant straightened almost immediately, as Film’s hand reached for her sleeve, holding onto the fabric.

“Yes.” Namtan’s heart threatened to burst out of her chest. What would have happened if the detective hadn’t woken up just now?

“Good.” Film closed her eyes again, immediately falling asleep.

Hand not letting go of the fabric she’d unconsciously grabbed on.

For a moment, Namtan remained there, watching her sleep. Not daring touching her again.

When she tried to stand up to get changed, she realised the detective was holding onto her.

“Er…boss?” The assistant called out softly.

Nothing happened.

“Film?” She tried again, getting no more reaction.

Shaking her gently only made the grip on her sleeve tighten.

It seemed that this time, the detective wouldn’t wake up easily.

And of course, Namtan wasn’t sitting on the futon side, but on the tatami side.

Still, thanks to the copious of amount of plum wine she had drank, it wasn’t long before sleep claimed her.

_______________

Warmth and the smell of alcohol mixed with a familiar perfume hit Film immediately as the shrill sound of the alarm clock rang in the room.

Why did they always have to get up so early when they were working on cases away from the office?

With a groan of displeasure, she slowly opened her eyes, before freezing, immediately tensing up.

The assistant was asleep on the floor next to her, in a position that couldn’t be comfortable. Looking down, Film realised she was holding Namtan’s sleeve.

Letting go quickly, she frowned.Why hadn’t she woken her up?

Even more surprising, was that Namtan, who was usually an early riser, was still asleep. But judging by how much she reeked of alcohol; it was likely that this was the cause of it.

Namtan frowned, inching closer to her.

“Why…” The assistant let out a whine, “…is this clock so loud today…”

Film’s lips couldn’t help but curl up at this. How interesting.

Her usually flawless assistant, whining because of the sound of an alarm clock.

She wondered if she was only starting to notice the cracks now, or if the confession had led her assistant to lay her armour down in front of her.

Film sat up, turning the alarm off.

The assistant rolled on her back, groaning softly.

“Why does everything hurt so much…”

“Maybe because you slept on the floor instead of the futon.”

“You weren’t exactly letting me go detective.” Namtan covered her eyes with her palms, a faint smirk appearing on her face. “Is the pillow barrier to hide how clingy you are?”

“I…” Film choked slightly, before clearing her throat. “It’s too early for me to dignify your teasing with an answer, Tipnaree.”

Namtan sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes. “And yet…”

“You really should shower. You reek of alcohol. Was...whatever you did yesterday useful in any way?” Film spoke a bit briskly, her mood souring rapidly.

She needed coffee, and for Namtan to be her quiet self again.

It was much more agreeable when she wasn’t peacocking or teasing.

The assistant nodded.

“Most useful, you will find.”

“Mhm.” Film stood up, walking to the desk, grabbing the casefile she was reading yesterday.

A sharp knock on the door startled the both of them.

“Are you expecting someone?” The assistant asked, before standing up to open the door.

The detective shook her head, moving to stand behind her assistant.

Namtan opened the door, only to be greeted with the sight of the short haired travel writer, arms crossed.

Clearly very upset.

What had Namtan really been up to yesterday? The question flashed in Film’s mind.

“Stay away from Bonnie.” Emi said in guise of greeting. “I don’t know what you’re scheming, but… I know people like you. Using alcohol like that… do you have no shame?”

Namtan crossed her arms, quirking an eyebrow. An amused glint in her eyes.

“What makes you think I’m scheming anything? Maybe we had a genuine connection last night.”

“By getting her drunk out of her mind?” Emi glared at her. “So much so that she… No, this is none of your concern. That girl has been through enough. You shouldn’t be…”

Namtan tilted her head, leaning forward.

“Oh. So, you do care about her.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing.” The assistant smirked. “But…noted. I will not approach her again.”

Namtan had a lot of things to explain once they were alone again. Film couldn’t help but feel uneasy at the confrontation.

An inexplicable pang of hurt stabbed her chest, similar to when the assistant had interacted with Prim earlier. She had no reason to feel upset like this.

This was one of the ways Namtan used to collect information. Something Film was unable to do.

“Good.” Emi walked away, hand reaching in her pocket for a cigarette.

Namtan slowly rubbed her temple, closing the door behind her.

“Things just got more interesting.” She mumbled with a smile, realising the detective was staring at her.

“Would you care to explain to me? Why one of our suspects just came at the door right now, accusing you of…I’m not actually sure what she was accusing you of.”

“Don’t worry, detective, I didn’t do anything… compromising with any of the suspects last night.” Namtan smirked, looking a little bit too smug. “If anything, I may have helped someone…”

“I’m going to need you to be less vague, Tipnaree.”

Namtan raised her hands defensively. “Calm down detective, this really isn’t what it looks like. The victim’s sister… Bonnie. It seems like she likes… this woman. I don’t really understand why, but I decided to…help a little bit yesterday. I only gave advice. I promise.”

Film softened slightly, turning away to compose herself. “Right. And did you learn anything useful about the case… or the suspects?”

“Sure did.” Namtan relaxed a little bit. “All of them had reasons, direct or in direct to want him dead. And…” She took a couple of steps, standing closer behind the detective. “Who is the person that has the most to gain if the truth is revealed?”

“Hm.” The detective tapped her temple. Namtan did make a good point.

But it was too soon to jump to conclusions. For starters, they had no idea about the actual contents of the book.

Nor the intent of the author.

 Something about what the editor said last night still felt off to the detective.

It’s important the truth gets uncovered.

Something about the phrasing still rang wrong in her mind. But she couldn’t place it yet.

Checking her watch, she realised that they needed to get ready now.

Nanon awaited them, hopefully with more answers that would lead to something concrete.

The more information she collected, the more the detective’s instincts were screaming at her that something dangerous was about to happen.

And that she was, once again, powerless to stop it, as she wasn’t sure which direction it would be coming from.

Chapter Text

Coffee.

That’s all that was on Film’s mind as they walked through the hotel’s seemingly interminable corridor to get to the restaurant.

Then she would be ready to face the world.

Or more accurately, the other detective.

Her body still ached from yesterday’s events, though the pain was starting to dull.

Namtan, meanwhile, looked completely unaffected despite her earlier attitude. It was as if her hangover was already gone.

If anything, she seemed to be in a great mood despite the early hours.

Sometimes, the detective wondered if she was even human.

“Ah!” A voice rang behind them, startling them.

Both turned around at the same time, only to see Bonnie stand at the end of the corridor, walking toward them with a bounce on her step.

Looking very pleased to see her assistant.

A little too pleased, maybe, Film thought.

“Morning!” Bonnie greeted the both of them before turning her full attention to Namtan, putting a hand on her forearm. “I wanted to thank you for last night. It’s been very… educational.”

The detective felt her eyes widen at the statement, almost bulging out. She looked at Namtan, who seemed awfully pleased with herself.

Film suddenly felt like she wasn’t sure if she could trust the assistant’s earlier statement. What had she done last night, really?

And more importantly, why was Film so preoccupied by it.

“Well… judging by the visit I had this morning,” the assistant said with an amused look, “it must have been worth it.”

“Oh?” Bonnie looked intrigued briefly before switching to a more serious expression, “have you seen one of my brother’s friends perhaps? Lucky you, because I can’t seem to find any of them. They aren’t in their rooms.”

“Oh my,” Namtan said, “have you checked the dining room?”

Bonnie shook her head. “I was on my way to it, actually.”

“So are we. If you don’t find them, shall we have breakfast together?” Namtan offered.

Film remembered distinctly she had just been told to stay away from the younger girl less than an hour ago.

It seemed like Emi’s warning was being completely ignored. Whatever her assistant was scheming however, she didn’t want any part of it.

It felt like trouble. Getting this close to people actually involved in their current case.

Namtan should know better.

What was she gaining from this?

They had only spent an evening together, and yet the younger woman already seemed to be quite fond of her. Film felt both in awe of her assistant’s social skills and concerned about how friendly she was around the victim’s younger sister.

For many reasons she wouldn’t dare name.

Bonnie shook her head, casting a mischievous look at the detective. “No thank you. If I don’t find anyone, I’ll just grab a quick snack and go back to sleep. I haven’t had much of it last night… thanks to you.”

Film clenched her fist, before walking away.

She really needed coffee.

___________________

Emi crushed her cigarette in the snow with her heel.

Mint had woken up everyone in the early morning hours, deciding they should have a private meeting regarding the events of the previous night.

Before the sun even came out, they were outside of the hotel, not too far from the storage cabin.

“I still think we should tell her. About what happened…” As Emi spoke, she rubbed her hands together. The wind was quite strong, making her shiver.

“Have you lost your mind?” Arm cut her off. “After so long, what good could it do?”

“With the book… we may have not much time to explain to her before she finds out.” Jimmy, who was leaning against the hotel wall, intervened. “It’s better we come clean now.”

“What if there’s no book?” Mint retorted. “Maybe the goal is to make us paranoid enough to come clean to her.”

“You don’t think…” Thor looked at her. “…she could have done it? Seriously? After all we did for her?”

“It’s natural she’d want answers about her brother…” Arm said, “But…would she really go that far?”

Emi shook her head. She couldn’t believe this. Bonnie wasn’t like that. Or was she?

It had been five years since they last met in person. Could she really have changed this much?

Emi still remembered the bright-eyed kid that used to follow them around.

How Sing always teased her for wanting to be around them. How Bonnie would argue, say she was old enough to be around his friends. That they were cooler than people her age and he shouldn’t be keeping them away from her.

How Sing would then laugh and wave his hand dismissively, only fuelling her irritation at him.

The way Bonnie’s expression would quickly shift from a pout to excitement when she or Mint intervened, or took her shopping.

How utterly broken she had looked during the funeral.

So broken that guilt had eaten at Emi so bad, she had to flee the country. Because she couldn’t stomach seeing her like this.

Telling her the truth then, would probably have killed her. Emi knew that, but it didn’t make lying any easier.

And unlike the others, she simply couldn’t pretend this never happened.

She wasn’t as strong as they were. And it was impossible to trust herself around Bonnie about this.

Any moment, she could crack.

And Bonnie would get unbelievably hurt.

This was the whole point of this sick plan they formulated together.

Why she had to run. Because else, the guilt would have felt unbearable.

Meeting her again a few days ago was a shock to her system. Gone was the awkward teenager.

She had grown into a gorgeous, confident young woman.

Except for the spark in her eyes, the way she had smiled when she caught a glimpse of Emi, which still held some traces of the child she used to be.

But last night… Bonnie had made it very clear she wasn’t a child anymore.

“Do you not like me anymore?” The words were slurred lightly, as she leaned forward, looking up.

Biting her lip as she pressed herself against Emi’s arm. Her perfume was mixed with the smell of alcohol.

“You’re… drunk, Bonnie.” Emi had said, weakly. Trying to remove her arm from the grip the younger girl had on her.

But it only fuelled Bonnie to press herself closer. Her shirt was slightly unbuttoned, making her cleavage visible.

“Why are you avoiding me? Do you… hate me this much?”

Emi looked away from her, as she realised she was staring a little too much, too long.

“Of course not.” She mumbled, hands coming to pry the younger woman away from her.

But Bonnie stubbornly refused to move.

“I won’t…l-leave until you tell me why you’re being so cold.”

“Who have you been drinking with?” Emi deflected. And how come it got to that point? That was so irresponsible. If the guys did this… she’d have to have a chat with them.

“The detective’s assistant. She’s actually really nice. Not at all like I thought she would be like. Really my type too…” Emi’s heart skipped a beat as Bonnie giggled against her. “But…” her voice grew quieter. “…I’d much rather it’d been you instead.”

Emi’s breath hitched as Bonnie leaned on her further, pushing them both into the room. Not giving her enough time to process what she’d said as her hand clumsily went to move the hair from her face.

“Your hair is such a mess…” Bonnie leaned closer, so close to her she could feel the alcohol in her breath.

Emi put her hands on her shoulders, pulling her away. “Let me just… take you back to your room.”

“Why can’t I stay here?” The younger woman pouted. “You didn’t mind sleeping with me before…”

“That was different.” Emi answered, a bit more coldly than she actually intended. “You were a kid.”

At this the drunk girl blinked, lips curling into a smile. “So, you don’t see me as a kid anymore…” She mumbled, looking pleased with herself.

“That’s…” Emi startled. “How I see you doesn’t matter. Come on.”

Still, she couldn’t believe she had changed that much. There was no way she’d do something like this.

“Or maybe…” Thor interrupted Emi’s musing, “One of you did this.”

He slowly peered at them, one by one, almost as if he was trying to figure out which one of them was the culprit.

“This again?” Arm sighed. “None of us has anything to gain from it.”

“And yet these two…” Thor looked at Jimmy and Emi, “…are so ready to just drop this immediately.”

A cold chill ran through Emi’s spine.

To think that one of her longest friends would so easily turn on them made her regret their pact further.

Not only it destroyed her, but it was actively eating at their friendship.

“You’re being paranoid.” Jimmy shot back. “We all have something to lose from the truth being revealed.”

“And yet this hadn’t stopped you from suggesting we…” Thor raised his voice again, only stopping when he realised there were people approaching.

Mint fixed her scarf. “Let’s go back. If we’re starting to throw accusations like this it’s clear this conversation is no longer productive.”

_____________

Maybe Film should have set the rendezvous with Nanon after she had breakfast, rather than during. At least, she would have had a moment of calm before the storm.

And maybe, she would have had the time to actually absorb the caffeine before getting the information.

Luckily, Namtan seemed to have sensed this. Her assistant was smiling tightly as the other detective approached them.

Looking at her closely, Film noticed right away that her smile didn’t actually reach her eyes. Right now, she was performing.

It actually felt fascinating to watch.

A lot of what she thought was Namtan being perfect, was actually a carefully constructed façade. Built to face any and every social situation she was thrown into.

“You know,” Nanon spoke as he sat down at their table, “I didn’t expect you to be up this early, Rachanun. Is that your assistant’s influence?”

Film nodded before answering him. “And the fact that there’s a finite time to gather information before something actually happens.”

She’d learned her lesson.

The other detective looked at her with interest. “So you think something is going to happen too?”

“It would be foolish not to.” Film took another sip of her coffee. “And… you should already know I am anything but.”

She said, almost as a challenge. Nanon, being the more experienced detective, always had a tendency of underestimating her.

Namtan cleared her throat, bringing back Film’s attention on her. “Maybe we should get straight to the point. So we don’t waste anyone’s time.” She suggested, eyes shifting between them.

“You’re very sensible.” Nanon commented. “But don’t worry, if it’s to answer Racha’s questions, I have all day.”

He flashed a charming smile, which made Film internally shudder.

“You may, but we don’t.” The assistant’s answer bordered on rude, which took Film aback.

She was making it way too obvious that she disliked him. But Film wasn’t sure exactly why.

It started to feel less like cautious professionalism and more like… something else. Though, she didn’t really understand why.

Thinking back, this wasn’t the first time she had behaved like this around her.

Her behaviour around Kapook before felt oddly similar. Film still wasn’t sure how to read this.

Nanon didn’t seem to realise it, his attention focussed on her.

“So, what do you want to know?” His tone was a lot more serious now. “This is about Ohm, isn’t it?”

“I was only starting out when this incident happened, so I have never gotten the chance to meet him.” Film spoke carefully as she noticed the other detective’s expression morph into something unreadable. “So, could you tell me what was he like?”

She’d only heard that he was… eccentric and that his investigations methods were seen by many of their peers as ridiculous.

“You’re very thorough.” Nanon noted, almost surprised.

“I just want to make sure I have every element before I make conclusions. And right now, all I know is that he was investigating the case before disappearing, and that his investigation methods were seen as “questionable”. Which basically tells me nothing.”

“He was… certainly something.” Nanon leaned back on his chair, seemingly reminiscing. “To be perfectly honest, I was the one that was supposed to work on this case.”

“Why didn’t you, then?” Namtan asked.

“I caught food poisoning two days before I was supposed to take that plane. Maybe… if I did, everything could have been different.” The detective took a deep breath, playing with some leftover food on his plate. “He offered to replace me. That’s the only reason he was there to begin with. If only I didn’t eat that tuna…”

At this, the assistant’s gaze softened slightly. It was clear she sympathised with him.

“It wasn’t something you had control over. You shouldn’t beat yourself over it.”

She was right, Film thought. Wallowing in what-ifs never did any good.

This kind of thinking was a waste of time.

Nanon’s gaze grew sharper at this. “I’m not. If anything, it just fuels my motivation. I’m doing this for him.”

“Then,” Film said, “let me help.” She took another sip of coffee, before asking, “What were his methods like?”

This was the part she was particularly interested in finding out.

“Method acting.” Nanon looked away, pressing a hand against his cheek as he leaned forward.

“Method…acting?” Namtan repeated, incredulous.

Nanon nodded, before continuing. “He would put himself in the same condition as the victim was before their death, and act out what they set out to do, and what they would have done if their lives weren’t cut short by… well the murderer.”

This, Film thought, changed a lot of things.

Because it opened another possibility about the detective’s disappearance.

“This is…absurd.” Namtan tilted her head. “What would that help proving?”

“Honestly…” Nanon said, shaking his head with a fond smile on his face. “I never really understood his investigative methods. But he was a firm believer that they would help him reach the truth. I’m not sure how.”

“Perhaps… whether or not what we thought the victim intended to do was possible…maybe?” The thought involuntarily escaped Film as it formed.

It had been spoken so quietly, and yet she could feel both gazes on her. Namtan with awe at her idea, but Nanon frowned.

“Then… like I thought…” He started speaking, but before he could finish his sentence, an ear shattering scream rang through the hotel.

The voice, unmistakeably familiar, came from outside, startling everyone.

“Isn’t that…?” Namtan shared a panicked look with her as they stood up.

“We should hurry.” Film said.

Like she had predicted, something tragic had happened.

____________

Repeated knocks on her door woke Ciize up that morning.

What kind of vacation was this, where she was woken up at absurdly early hours?

Oh well, at least, none of her friends were getting murdered this time.

Rubbing her eyes, she stood up, before slowly making her way to the door.

Behind it, were Prim and Tu, looking way too enthusiastic to the short socialite’s liking.

“We thought we could go skiing at sunrise.” Prim said in guise of a greeting.

“Why would we do that?” Ciize grumbled, trying to keep her eyes open.

“Apparently it’s really pretty.” Tu chimed in, looking very excited. “And we would pretty much have the station all to ourselves.”

Yeah, Ciize thought, because everyone else wasn’t foolish enough to wake up this early for this.

“Right. I’m going back to sleep.” She turned in her heels, intent to leave, but Prim put her foot in the door, grabbing her by the collar of her pyjamas.

“No, you’re not.” She said, grinning. “It’s a once in a lifetime experience. The weather forecast is saying the weather isn’t going to be good in the next few days, so it may be our only opportunity. Come on.”

Sighing, the short woman had no other option but surrender.

This better be the best view in the world, or else she would be sure to hold a grudge over her friends for the reminder of the trip.

“Fine. But next time we go on a trip, I choose our activities.”

After quickly dressing up, they had a quick breakfast before heading to the reception desk, asking for the key to the equipment cabin.

As they exited the hotel, Ciize noticed a group of people standing outside. She remembered them as the people that were involved in the case Film was currently working in.

They were heading back to the hotel.

The nosey part of the socialite really wanted to know what this was all about, especially after being sidelined the day prior.

But Prim, seemingly sensing she was being distracted, decided otherwise.

“I know you’re upset about being woken up that early so… how about you pick what we do this afternoon?”

Predictably, Ciize forgot all about her previous thoughts. “Really? Can it be anything?”

Both of her friends nodded, an amused look on their faces.

They had reached the cabin.

But when she inserted the key in the lock, she felt some odd resistance. Almost as if something was stuck inside it.

She tried turning it, but nothing happened. Frowning, she tried again.

The key didn’t budge.

“What’s wrong?” Tu asked over her shoulder.

“It’s not unlocking.”

“Let me try.”

Her friend was unsuccessful too.

“I’ll go tell the guy at the reception,” Prim said, heading off.

This was strange. Maybe something was blocking the door?

The socialite thought, as she walked around the cabin to look through the window, of which the top part was slightly open.

Ciize pressed her face against it, as it was foggy from the difference of temperature.

That’s when she saw it.

Her.

In the middle of the room, laying on the floor between the two benches.

The editor from yesterday.

Surrounded by sheets of paper.

Ciize let out an ear-shattering scream.

Loud enough to alert people.

 She took a step backward pointing at the window.

Hand trembling.

No way. Not again.

Was that some sort of curse placed upon her?

Would she witness murder every time she went on vacation somewhere?

Chapter Text

“By the way, detective, what’s this?” Namtan said as she pulled a craft covered book out of a pile of books that laid on her bedroom floor. This was a week before they were set to go to Japan.

At Film’s request, she had brought them from the office to her flat, as she had already read the books she had bought for her.

The detective’s eyes widened when she realised what her assistant was holding. She was sure she had discarded this.

“It was in the pile you asked me to bring but it doesn’t look like your usual…” Film all but ripped the book out of her hands as she sprung out of bed in a surge of adrenaline.

“Nothing!” She said quickly. “This is nothing! In fact, I meant to throw it away.”

Swallowing nervously, a chill coursed through her spine as she watched Namtan’s eyes narrow.

“Well now, that’s awfully suspicious of you.”

Film’s eyes shifted across the room, almost trying to find her way to escape this. Despite the cough dying down, she was still feeling weak, and Namtan’s bed was probably the better hiding place.

This was the worst. She didn’t want Namtan to find out about what she did when she was away.

In an attempt to research more about her assistant’s feelings, and perhaps understand her own, she had turned to what she thought were her reliable friends.

Books.

Except this time, she had been betrayed.

“I assure you; this is really nothing to be fussy about, Tipnaree.” The detective said, trying to keep her voice steady to conceal the upcoming wave of embarrassment she felt coursing through her as she remembered the content of the book.

Namtan’s expression slowly morphed into an amused grin. Film didn’t like that one bit.

Taking a couple steps and closing the distance between them, she tried to grab the book the detective was holding. But Film would rather die than let her see it.

She quickly put her hands behind her back, slowly stepping backward until the back of her knees hit the mattress. Before sitting down on the book.

The assistant wouldn’t dare try taking it now, would she?

Currently, she seemed to be taken aback. Staring at the detective with growing curiosity. And Film knew perfectly well that once Namtan had found something to tease her about, she would be like a dog with a bone.

“Now why would you do that, detective?” She asked, with a lull in her voice that made Film tremble in anticipation. “If it truly is nothing.”

“It’s research!” The detective blurted out, hoping this would stop her assistant from inquiring further.

“Research?” Namtan repeated, a brief flash of confusion in her face.

“It wasn’t… conclusive.” Film swallowed, eyes shifting away.

It was nothing really. Just a misguided attempt to get more familiar with the concept of… romance… Purely because she felt bad for leaving her assistant hanging for too long.

And besides… she had to find something to busy herself with when she went away without warning, as the office was feeling too quiet without her incessant nagging.

It wasn’t that she missed her. Really.

So, she went to her local bookstore. Perused the shelves, tried to look for something that would fit.

Perhaps something similar to her situation.

It felt almost embarrassing to ask the bookseller for recommendations.

The enigmatic smile that lit up his face the moment she described, perhaps poorly, what she was after should have been the first warning sign.

Then the fact that he pulled the book from behind his counter, saying something akin to “this is much better than what I have on the shelf, especially for the intensity you seem to be looking for”, should have been the second one.

The third, and final one, should have been the fact that the cover of the book was obfuscated by a paper craft cover.

And yet, at the time, for some reason, the detective didn’t really pay attention to those warnings.

Perhaps it was because she was too eager to get something that would help her answer Namtan’s confession.

Whatever the reason was, she bought the book, and headed back to her office, starting it almost immediately.

At first, the book, was innocent enough. Almost boring even, which lulled Film into a false sense of security.

A naïve, kind of sheltered woman meets the heir of a prestigious company. Said heir inexplicably starts showing up everywhere, and tries to woo her in various ways.

It sounded vaguely familiar, and Film thought, maybe she was on the right track.

Even if the heir didn’t feel quite like Namtan. The detective found him to be quite superficial, egoistic, and worst of all, incredibly pushy.

Constantly forcing the heroine into situations she seemed to be uncomfortable with, springing stuff on her last minute, disrupting every single aspect of her life without caring about the consequences.

And while she could definitely see some minor similarities with her assistant, there was something… really off about this character.

She wasn’t sure if it was common in romance novels.

After twenty minutes, the book seriously started grating her. Yet, she pushed through.

A decision she quickly regretted when she started reading the next chapter. Because what had been a mostly boring book with flat characters suddenly turned… filthy.

Worse, all of the traits Film disliked about the male protagonist were magnified during this part.

The detective lasted two pages, before closing the book, resisting the urge to throw it across the room.

While she wasn’t a prude, this felt like too much for her. Worse, even though they were dissimilar, she couldn’t help picturing Namtan doing those things instead of the male protagonist.

And that really bothered her. Even though she wouldn’t admit it out loud.

Because suddenly she started wondering what was her assistant’s usual modus operandi in this type of situation.

The detective wasn’t naïve, Namtan’s philandering definitely didn’t stop at sharing drinks with the women she’d been with.

And while she didn’t really want to know that many details about what Namtan had done with other people, if she liked her… that way, didn’t that mean she wanted to…partake in those activities with her too?

The thought didn’t leave her even as she got sick a few days later.

And since the assistant had gotten back…taken her to her flat and let her use her bed, she couldn’t help but have those fleeting thoughts coming back at the wrong times.

Especially when Namtan teased her like she was.

Feeling the assistant gaze on her as she sat further into the bed, still concealing the book, Film swallowed.

The question that burnt her didn’t feel appropriate.

But perhaps it would soothe the unease that had installed since her misguided attempt at understanding.

Namtan tilted her head to the side, as if sensing the mood had shifted, and she shouldn’t be teasing her any longer.

“Can I ask you something?” Film shifted on the bed, suddenly very interested in the colour of the wall. The book was actually quite uncomfortable to sit on.

“Of course.”

“Why haven’t you been… pushier?” She paused, realising how bad her phrasing sounded. “I mean! You’ve been acting like usual ever since…” Confessing stayed stuck in her throat. “It puzzles me.”

“Were you expecting my behaviour to change?”

“A little. I don’t know I expected you to try and do something to sway me.”

“Do you want me to do that?”

“Well…no. I’m just curious as to why.”

Namtan smiled, sitting down by her vanity. Eyes not leaving the detective.

“If it’s returned; if you actually want me, it won’t be because I tried to sway you.” She paused, before continuing with a small, almost shy smile. “You’re the type of person that needs to reach her own conclusion in her own time. And you’re too stubborn to be actually pulled toward one direction or another.”

“I’m not that stubborn,” Film mumbled under her breath.

“I have been watching you for an entire year. I know painfully well how you work.” Namtan continued with a chuckle. “But I can’t help but wonder… what was in that book that made you so rattled?”

“It’s classified.”

“Come on. I’m your assistant. One of your conditions for me working with you was that we shared every important information.”

Film really hated how Namtan had gotten to use her own rules against her. She had established that one when she wasn’t sure she could actually trust her, when the assistant, who wasn’t her assistant then, had offered to help her solve the crime she was accused of.

“It…” The detective flushed, as she spoke, “It’s filthy. And… when you teased me about getting into your bed earlier, I may have overreacted.”

Namtan let out an incredulous laugh.

“You have quite an overactive imagination, detective.” Standing up, she took a step forward. “I was wondering why you seemed more flustered than usual…this explains so much.”

Film hid her face with the covers.

“Please be quiet.”

But Namtan didn’t seem to want to stop.

“Ah, don’t worry though. People that end in my bed that way are usually enthusiastic participants. Not sick detectives that neglected themselves in my absence.”

Film briefly looked up from the covers. While Namtan was teasing her like usual, she could still see a glint of concern in her eyes as the words left her.

“…I’m sorry.” She muttered, feeling a bit guilty.

She averted her eyes again.

Unsettled.

Why did she have to care so much?

It just didn’t make sense. Or maybe it did. Film never really had someone that would go to the lengths Namtan went for her.

The room became quiet for a moment, before Namtan spoke again, barely above a whisper.

“Just… don’t scare me like that again.”

Film fought against the urge to say the same thing to her. A chest infection was nothing compared to getting shot. But she bit back the words, instead shifting in bed, laying back down.

There was no point in arguing.

_____________

A few days later, as Film was finally well enough to stop being confined to bed, Namtan suddenly asked:

“About your living situation…” She said cautiously, “have you figured what you will do?”

The detective shook her head, sighing. “I have tried ringing a few places but all of them are out of my price range, even with the money I will get from the office. Ideally, I’d like to buy something but…it is looking more and more unlikely.”

She wasn’t sure what to do about it.

“Then…” Namtan stared at her, deep in thought. “If I had a solution, would you allow me to help you? If I ask now, I may hear back when we are back from our trip to Japan.”

Film didn’t answer immediately.

Of course Namtan would offer this. And despite knowing she meant well, the detective couldn’t help but feel uneasy about it.

Like she was a bit of a burden. Or taking advantage of her in some way.

Whenever she needed help, Namtan would always appear miraculously, solve her issue and never ask anything in return.

She had started to notice this since staying in her apartment, but she was sure this was already the case before.

Even before she confessed.

And this…Film wasn’t sure how to understand it. It didn’t seem like a trick nor a scheme.

Perhaps, she had misjudged her assistant even more than she initially thought.

“Why… do you always involve yourself in my business without asking for anything in return?” The question slipped out almost involuntarily, too blunt.

Almost sounding accusatory.

But the assistant didn’t flinch. Didn’t look upset.

Just had the same almost shy smile she had when she was being truthful without teasing.

“Because I believe that love, true love that is, isn’t about doing things in order to be something in return.” Her hand reached for Film’s collar, fixing it absentmindedly as she continued speaking. “Though, I would be absolutely lying if I said I wasn’t hoping for you to return my feelings.”

Film swallowed, feeling her face heating up. Maybe something did change since the confession.

The assistant had not gotten bolder with her words. But the sincerity she said them with now was dangerous.

And yet, Film wasn’t sure she wanted her to stop. It shook her each time, but… it felt easier.

Sure, she wasn’t any closer to understand what was going on in Namtan’s head. Or why she acted the way she did most of the time but…

Her perception of her had slowly been shifted. Almost against her will.

But she didn’t hate what she was learning. On the contrary.

And while her research was still inconclusive, while she still didn’t understand the way she felt about Namtan.

She still was starting to get a clearer picture of the person her assistant was. Truly was.

Not the image she had created in her head over a year ago.

That she still sometimes latched onto to explain why Namtan was acting the way she was around her.

It was hard to let go of it. Even harder when her assistant still behaved the same way when they were around other people.

But Film started to realise that maybe she was just…

Peacocking. Posturing in front of strangers.

Though, part of it still doubted this revelation.

Maybe because she had been absolutely certain of her assessment all year long.

She needed more conclusive evidence to be sure of it.

Maybe then, she would get clarity on her own feelings.

Chapter Text

Film crouched next to the editor’s dead body. The faint scent of almonds mixed with alcohol gave away instantly how she’d died.

Cyanide.

A classic but painful method.

As she continued her quick examination, she could feel the chill of the wind coursing through the room, and the stares of the people standing outside of it.

The door to the cabin had been broken down by the hotel employee Prim had brought back with her, and the police was on its way, leaving her plenty of time to examine the crime scene before that.

Namtan had stayed outside, comforting Ciize and her friends, while also trying to prevent other guests to enter the room and potentially tamper with the scene before the authorities came.

Surprisingly, Nanon had also elected to stay outside.

“Well, we both know the police isn’t quite fond of too many cooks in the kitchen when it comes to crime scenes.”

Film quirked an eyebrow, feeling sceptical of the argument. This wasn’t how he usually operated, at least not in the few cases they had worked together before.

If anything, he tended to always be the first one on the scene, almost uncannily so, but she knew better than challenging this right now.

Especially when the senior detective added with a smirk:

“Think of this as me giving you an advantage in this race, especially with how slow you can be.”

Film visibly bristled at that, and in the corner of her eye, she saw Namtan, whose back was turned away from them, tense up, clearly having heard it too.

Turning her head, she made eye contact with the detective, who shook her head.

Causing a scene over this would be counterproductive.

It was better to focus on the crime at hand. Both for the victim and the parties involved.

Her gaze lingered a second longer on the other detective before she’d turned away, getting into focus.

As she had entered the cabin, she hoped that Namtan, as much as she usually was ready to defend her, would be mindful of the time and place.

As she was still crouching near Sammy’s lifeless body, the wind blew harder through the still open window, making some of the scattered sheets of paper in the room fly away.

Springing up, she reached for them, catching them as she stood awkwardly. Her shoe getting stuck on something as she stepped closer to the door.
Putting the pages in her jacket pocket for now, the detective dropped on all four on the floor, moving her foot away.

The substance, whatever it was, had a distinctive smell of pine tar, resin and something chemical.

Film looked up from the floor. The stain was awfully close from what was left of the door. She stood up.

If her hunch was correct, this is what prevented the key from turning in the lock earlier.

She leaned forward, getting close to the lock, inhaling.

Sure enough, the smell was similar.

So that’s how the locked room had been created.

Because of the state of the door, she couldn’t fully check her theory, but she felt like it was safe to assume the murderer probably had coated the door and its lock with this sticky liquid.

The cold weather probably made it harden, which ended up sealing the room.

Now, all she needed to know was… what the sticky substance actually was.

The liquid probably came from this very cabin.

And maybe… its container was still there, somewhere.

This was just a hunch, and perhaps, she was completely wrong, but…it would make more sense than the murderer carrying it around.

And the smell was so specific.

So similar to something she had smelled before when her and Namtan had gone to the ski rental.

It must be something to do with ski equipment. It was only logical.

Looking around, Film’s eyes landed on the ski lockers.

She stood up, marching towards them. Opening the door, of the first locker, her eyes immediately drifted to the shelf on top.

There was a bottle, one Film remembered seeing the day prior when they went back from skiing.

Grip wax.

But the state of the bottle was very different now. The lid was half open, and its rim was covered in what she assumed could be the same liquid she’d found near the door.

She remembered it to be almost full when Namtan had opened the locker before, but it looked like two thirds of it were gone now.

Taking the bottle in her hand, and feeling it stick to her glove, Film brought it to her nose.

Unsurprisingly, the smell was the same she’d smelled earlier.

It confirmed her hypothesis.

Was it like this too, five years ago?

Something felt wrong about this. Film wasn’t sure she could exactly place it yet.
This felt too obvious.

Too straightforward.

It felt a little vexing honestly.

Was this really the truth? Or was this a trick?

Because it would be really surprising no-one had been able to figure it out.

Something was amiss.

Film tapped her temple. She refused to believe this was it.

There had to be more to it.

As she was deep in thought, the wind blew once more, sending more sheets of paper flying outside of the cabin.

___________

Outside, in the rapidly dropping temperatures, the guests were standing still, various expressions of shock on their faces.

Namtan was still rubbing soothing circles on Ciize’s back. The short socialite, who was still shell-shocked, was mumbling. “Next time, please warn me when you are going somewhere with Film, so I can be sure to avoid it. I can’t believe this is the second vacation that has been ruined by murder.”

“Right, I’ll make sure to let you know about our whereabouts, so you can avoid us next time.”

“Good, although it may be already too late. I can’t go to the sea anymore, and now skiing has joined this… what’s left?”

“Sightseeing in another country?” Namtan tried.

“We’re literally in Japan right now.”

“But it wasn’t a sightseeing trip! See, you still have plenty of vacation options for us to ruin.”

The assistant was mostly trying to lighten the mood despite the situation, and despite how she was feeling. Nanon’s earlier remark was still making her blood boil, but she knew better than starting a fight right now.

It would severely impact Film’s reputation if she went and challenged him in front of these many people, right after a body had been discovered, and no matter how much she wanted to put him in his place, this would have to wait until everyone else had gone.

Ciize rolled her eyes. “Is it supposed to make me feel any better?”

Namtan shrugged, before focussing her attention on the rest of the guests, trying to spot any suspicious reaction.

_______________

“Something’s…off.” Arm muttered, mostly to himself, as the group made way through the crowd, now seeing the cabin in full view. “This wasn’t like this before…”

“What an astute remark” Mint said sarcastically, rolling her eyes, “of course it isn’t, they just broke the door down.”

“You know perfectly well what I meant, don’t play dumb.” Arm retorted. “It looks like before but…”

“How would I know?” Mint shot him a warning look. “It’s not like we know anything about before.”

“Maybe we should change that stance, and change it quickly.” Arm shot back, before quieting as Thor and Jimmy joined them.

Emi frowned, unsure of what he meant, but before she had the time to process further, her eye caught on sheets of paper that had flown out of the cabin.

Picking them up, she quickly read through them, eyebrows shooting up when she saw the content.

A devastating thought forming in her mind.

Right in this instant, she heard Bonnie’s voice behind her.

“What happened?”

Turning, she saw the girl in a bathrobe, breathless. Hair a mess, almost as if she had just woken up and ran there.

“Someone’s killed the editor.” Mint offered as an explanation, nervously fiddling with her sleeve.

The younger woman’s expression morphed into something unreadable, and for a moment she stood there, unmoving.

Before attempting to push past other guests and see the scene. On impulse, Emi reached out, holding her wrist.

Bonnie turned to look at her with a questioning look, but the short-haired woman just shook her head.

“You don’t need to see that. Trust me.” Emi said, almost pleading with her.

“Why? Maybe it would help me understanding what happened bef…”

“No. It will just… never leave you.” Emi’s grip on her wrist tightened, as she felt Bonnie stepping away, still. “You’ll just feel worse.”

The younger girl stopped resisting, instead looking at her, with the same unreadable expression she had been sporting since hearing what happened.

It made Emi feel uneasy, especially since it wasn’t the reaction she’d expected from her. She’d expected Bonnie to be shaken, distraught even, but right now…

She felt almost frighteningly calm.

And that, coupled with the doubt that the pages had started to instil in her mind, terrified her. Could she… have anything to do with this?

Emi didn’t want to believe it. She let go of her wrist, looking away.

Catching sight of her friends. This, today was… most likely a consequence of their collective decision.
Maybe Bonnie changing was a consequence of it too.

_____________

“The problem with Racha, you see, is that she’s a chronic overthinker.”

 Nanon spoke suddenly after they had returned to the hotel, once the police had arrived. Film had stayed behind to ask the officers to confirm how and when Sammy had died, leaving Namtan and Nanon on their own, as Ciize and her friends had elected to go back to their rooms.

The statement took the assistant aback, and she frown, as the senior detective continued.

“Oftentimes, the correct conclusion is right in front of her eyes already, but she stubbornly refuses to accept it until she’s checked every single possibility. It’s a waste of time.”

The nerve of this man.

Consequences be damned, and despite Film’s earlier silent warning, Namtan couldn’t let this slide.

Not when he had contributed to nothing in the inquiry, letting Film do all the field work, including speaking to the police, and yet still had the audacity to disparage her like this.

If he was being this unprofessional, then it was only fair she’d retaliate.

“I’m actually so glad my friend didn’t hire you on my case.” Namtan said condescendingly, staring him down with a smirk. “Because, clearly, if you think being thorough is overthinking, I can’t help but shudder at the thought of how you are conducting your inquiries.”

Nanon opened his mouth to respond to her, but she didn’t give him the time. Instead, she stepped forward, continuing to speak.

“And because of how thorough she is, the conclusions she delivers are always, without exception, the full truth. Are you capable of doing that? Because frankly, with your attitude, I don’t believe so.”

For a moment, Nanon didn’t say anything, jaw slack. It seemed like she had hit the right nerve.

Not yet satisfied by this, however, Namtan was about to double down, to obliterate him completely for even daring to say those things in her presence.

But as she opened her mouth to taunt him, Film walked in the room, holding a bound envelop under her arm.

Looking particularly confused at the scene.

Immediately, Namtan stepped back, looking away. Aware she’d done exactly what the detective had asked her not to.

“What’s going on?” Film asked, eyes going between them.

“Your assistant was having some very… passionate words about your ethic.” Nanon said, shrugging. “Let’s get back to the case at hand.”

Film’s stare lingered a little on Namtan, before she turned her attention back to the senior detective.

“Right. The police confirmed what I observed and the time of death. 1 AM, like five years ago. Now, I think that the reason Sammy was killed may have been…”

“This is clearly a mistake made by the murderer.” Nanon immediately interrupted her, only making Namtan tense up further. “It’s clear that their real target was the author, and that the editor was just a collateral. Which is why, I think we should go check the victim’s room together for any clues.”

He was pointedly looking at Film, in a way that was exactly what bugged Namtan. She didn’t like the idea of the detective working in close proximity with him, at all.

Especially not when it was clear he didn’t see her as an equal. Maybe not even a professional rival, if his words to be believed.

Namtan wondered if this was something that had happened often in Film’s career. Maybe this was why the detective wasn’t pushing back right now.

“I’ll come with you.” She said, voice a little clipped. “Another pair of eyes would be…”

“No.” Film cut her off, surprising her. “You’ll just get in the way.”

The assistant looked at her, frowning with confusion. In the entire year they had worked together, Film had never outright refused for her to work with her.

Especially not that bluntly.

She’d be annoyed at her, rolled her eyes multiple times, but she had always, without exception, had her let accompany her when examining potential clues. Her reasoning being that Namtan sometimes saw things that she couldn’t.

What was different now?

Film stepped further into the hall, beckoning Namtan to come aside. When they were out of Nanon’s earshot, she handed her the envelop she had been holding.

Namtan blinked confusedly before taking it, their fingers brushing as she did.

Cheeks lightly flushing, Film jolted at the contact, immediately pulling her hand away.

Which Namtan didn’t miss. This hurt even more than the dismissal.

Especially since Film’s gaze was pointedly focussed on the envelop she had just handed her, as if trying to avoid meeting her eyes.

“I need you to find out the guests whereabouts at the time of the murder.” The detective said quietly. “That way…it won’t be distracting me from...”

She glanced away, towards the senior detective, who looked like he was getting impatient, before looking back at Namtan, fidgeting with her sleeve.

It was clear she was uncomfortable around her, but she didn’t understand why. Had she done something wrong, and hadn’t noticed?

“I…understand.”

She didn’t. At all.

If Film truly was uncomfortable around her, however, maybe she should be more professional. Maybe then, the detective wouldn’t feel like Namtan was a distraction from the case.

Maybe defending her just now when she had quietly asked her not to earlier had been the wrong move.
Maybe Film felt she was being overbearing, especially since she had… feelings involved.

This wasn’t… She hadn’t meant to make her feel uncomfortable.

“Good.” Film nodded at her. “Let’s… reconvene in our room later. Make sure to keep this safe with you.” She pointed at the envelop she had entrusted to the assistant, before turning on her heels, walking back towards the other detective.

Leaving Namtan behind, still trying to understand what she’d done wrong.

________________

In the hotel lounge, Thor was pacing around, running his hand through his hair. Both Jimmy and Arm were sat on the couch, the former leaning forward, holding his head in his hands, while the latter was biting his thumb, seemingly deep in thought.

Outside, snow had started to fall, getting denser by the minute.

Mint, by the windowsill, suppressed an eyeroll as she watched them.

“All of you need to calm down. You’re acting like we are guilty of something.”

Jimmy lifted his head abruptly to look at her. “Aren’t we...?” He asked quietly.

“Have you done something to that woman...?” Mint asked, eyes searching his.

Jimmy shook his head.

“Then you have nothing to worry about.”

This is obviously related to what happened to Sing.” Jimmy argued. “What if they start probing? I still think we should just…”

“Are you out of your mind?” Thor, who had been pacing up until then, stopped abruptly in his tracks. “Do you not realise how much we could lose if we did this. Mint is right, we should keep doing what we’ve been doing.”

“Exactly.” Mint said, walking away from the window to stand in front of the couch. “Like before, we know nothing about this.”

“I think we should leave before it’s too late.” Arm, who had stayed quiet up until then, suddenly spoke. “I have a bad feeling that I cannot shake.”

Mint looked outside.

The snowfall had grown exponentially since their conversation started, coupled with wind, which they could hear echoing against the hotel wall.

“I don’t think we can anymore.”

Jimmy looked up, face suddenly paling.

There was no escape.

Even if they managed to get out of the hotel and reach the airport, with this amount of snow, all of the planes would be forced to stay on the ground.

“Even the weather is trapping us there, just like five…”

“Please just stop mentioning it already!” Thor raised his voice. “We were all there. And that woman getting killed like that… it’s just going to stir things up again. The police may even assume that we…”

Thor suddenly stopped talking looking around. Almost like he was suspecting his friends of having to do with Sammy’s death.

The room suddenly quietened, almost as if the realisation had hit everyone simultaneously.

But before anyone could say anything more, the door to the lounge opened, and behind it, was Ciize flanked by her two friends.

They had come down to the lounge to relax, and had run into something that seemed like a tense situation.

The group disengaged, with Mint walking back toward the window, while Thor left the room, presumably to cool himself down.

________________

Ever since she had come back to their room, Namtan had been quiet.

Too quiet.

Film didn’t like this. It didn’t feel like her, and while her constant teases made her roll her eyes more often than not, it had become part of her routine.

And… it only reminded her of the time where she’d been quiet because she couldn’t tease her.

The thought made her blood run cold.

She had to remind herself that her assistant was still there, alive and well.

Currently organising their make shift evidence board with the information she had gathered while Film was going through Sammy’s room with Nanon.

While this hadn’t returned many results, the hunch that was slowly growing in the back of her mind had started taking roots. Perhaps, the lack of results was what the detective had been secretly hoping for.

But it still felt…abstract.

Slightly ridiculous even, and she didn’t want to voice it until she was absolutely certain of it.

Because stupidly, ever since Namtan confessed to her, she didn’t want to seem more of a fool in front of her. Especially since apparently, everyone but her had been aware of it for months.

“All done, detective.” Namtan said, taking a few steps back from the wall where the makeshift board had been arranged.

Film couldn’t help but notice that her voice was tight, a little strained. And…

Where she usually would turn around and ask for the detective to praise her skills, the assistant was just…standing there.

When had them become this close for her to even be able to notice this?

Her back was facing her, still looking at her handywork.

The uneasy feeling in the detective’s chest only growing.

Something was off. But she wasn’t sure she should push for it.

“It looks like… everyone has an alibi, confirmed by everyone else.” Film said after a moment. “Which… doesn’t help us in the slightest, because… if it is like the incident five years ago, they could have lied to cover each other.”

When Namtan didn’t say anything, Film swallowed nervously before continuing.

“Not to mention, if Nanon’s theory is to be believed, then… all but one have a strong reason to try and get rid of the author.”

Though, Film couldn’t help but feel like there was something amiss. If this truly was a mistake, why was the body arranged like this?

Not only this but the poison that had been used was quite fast acting.

It just didn’t seem logical at all.

And yet Film didn’t want to fully dismiss it. At least, it did make more sense than the ridiculous hunch she had.

“We should focus on the crime from five years ago.” She continued, watching Namtan who by now should have already said something. But she was only met with silence.

It looked like the assistant was elsewhere. Looking through the window at the snow that was rapidly falling down.

As she stopped speaking, the detective felt overwhelmed by how eerily silent the room was. She hated it.

It felt like something was wrong.

Film stepped closer to her. “Is... there something wrong? Did something happen?”

Please say something.

Film felt her palms grow clammy as she waited for her answer. From where she stood now, she could see her assistant profile.

Her mouth was closed in a tense line, and her gaze, while distant, seemed almost… resigned, perhaps, sad even.

Film’s mind started racing. Trying to figure out what could have happened to make Namtan look like that.

The assistant’s gaze drifted towards her briefly, before shook her head. “Maybe you should… team up with him for this case. You two are professionals, so that way, I wouldn’t be getting in the way.”

Film’s heart dropped to her stomach. Her own words, cutting her like a knife.

She hadn’t meant them that way.

It only made more sense for them to split up, especially since they were technically competing with the other detective.

Especially because of how… heated Namtan was getting around him. As much as she was glad to see Nanon getting knocked down a peg, this would have been disrupting.

She wouldn’t have been able to focus on what was important.

But she hadn’t anticipated her delivery to be this misunderstood.

This was all a misunderstanding.

“I misspoke earlier… I didn’t mean…”

A sharp set of knocks interrupted her before she could finish her sentence.

Namtan abruptly turned around, walking toward the door.

Tension radiating from her with each step she took, as she slowly opened the door.

She took a step back in surprise when she realised who was standing behind it.

“Ah, miss…Kinnium.” Namtan’s voice dropped in surprise, before she regained her composure, speaking to her with her usual, albeit feeling slightly forced, teasing lilt. “Are you here again to accuse me of something?”

“I need to talk to your boss. It’s urgent.”

Namtan stepped aside, giving way to her.

“By all means, do come in.”

Emi came in, waiting for the door to close, before she spoke again.

“I wrote the book.”

Chapter Text

Bonnie had stood still, lost in thought, as all of their friends had quickly left to go back to the hotel. Not even sparing a second to check on her.

Emi couldn’t help but feel a bit of resentment build up towards them.

Despite her attempts to avoid her earlier, fearing she’d reveal too much if she stayed close, Emi stayed behind, not wanting to leave the younger girl alone with her thoughts.

It was clear she was troubled, even though she still bore the same unreadable expression as earlier.

“You’re shaking.” Emi took off her jacket to wrap it around Bonnie’s shoulders. What she was wearing right now, definitely wasn’t suited to fend off the biting cold that had been getting progressively worse. “We should get inside. There’s no reason for us to stay here.”

Bonnie nodded absentmindedly, fingers gripping at the fabric of Emi’s jacket. Following behind her when the older woman started walking.

“Did it feel this dreadful, when you found my brother?” She asked quietly, as they were almost reaching the hotel.

Emi paused in her steps. Considering what to say.

It probably was better to be honest about it, even if she’d sound a bit cruel towards the editor.

“No.” She turned on her heels, glancing at her. She could see her eyes were downcast, expression much softer than earlier. The gravity of the incident having clearly registered now. “It was much worse, because your brother was someone I… we deeply cared for.”

And perhaps, it was why they ended up choosing the path they did five years ago. It had seemed like the right thing to do at the time. But now… she wasn’t sure anymore.

Especially when she’d seen how the other had been scrambling, seemingly more concerned about themselves than the person they had supposedly done this for.

This wasn’t what she signed up for.

As they were entering the lobby through the side door, she was considering telling the younger girl the truth, pierce the abscess that had been festering for so long.

It was the least she could do, especially after this long.

Perhaps, it would stop this before further damage was done.

But just as they were about to cross the hall, they heard the woman that had been so… uncomfortably close to Bonnie argue with the male detective.

Curiosity both about what this was about and what they knew about the case so far ate at her.

She glanced at Bonnie who met her gaze, seemingly getting the same idea as her, as they hid behind the wall, listening in to the conversation.

It seemed like… the assistant was defending her boss over some pretty unsavoury comments the other detective made.

“She’s in love with her, you know.” Behind her, Bonnie spoke suddenly.

Emi turned to glance at her, unconvinced by her words. She glanced back at the assistant, who was still arguing, hands moving in the air.

That woman?

With… the detective?

Emi had seen stranger things during her travels, and yet, for some reason, her mind had trouble conceiving it. They felt just so… different.

Opposites even.

And…

She glanced at Bonnie again. Didn’t that woman make a pass at her last night?

“You look like you don’t believe me.”

“I’m sorry for being sceptical, but… are you sure? She seems more like a player.”

Bonnie chuckled, some of her earlier distress disappearing.

“Oh no, three drinks in last night and all she could talk about was the detective.” She paused, looking back at the scene, as Film had entered the lobby. “It was cute though… how devoted she is. It kind of made me envious, you know, someone that would do anything for the person they love.”

Maybe Emi had misjudged the woman. This was… unexpected.

Especially since, unlike her male counterpart, Film’s presence had been unremarkable. During their brief meeting with the editor, Emi had almost forgotten her presence entirely, as she’d remained silent the entire time. Probably more focussed on observing them as Sammy spoke.

It was the same on the crime scene. The detective had seemingly barely acknowledged them, instead slipping immediately into the cabin to examine it.

From where she’d stood however, Emi could tell that she’d been pretty meticulous with the way she moved.

So maybe, the feelings her assistant seemed to harbour towards her and the passionate defence she’d just given her were more than justified.

“Well,” clearing her throat, she shuffled awkwardly on her feet, hand reaching for her jacket pocket to grab her cigarette pack and fiddle with it. Only to realise she didn’t have it. She must have had forgotten them somewhere. “I’m… sure you’ll find someone that treats you that way. You deserve it.”

She chose to ignore the prick of unease under her skin as she said this.

It was sincere. She was being realistic too. Once this was over, the younger girl would finally move on. Find someone that she deserved. Truly deserved.

All Emi needed to do, was to make sure that those pages she’d found earlier just disappeared.

At least, that was her plan, up until she heard Nanon say:

“…It’s clear that their real target was the author, and that the editor was just a collateral…”

Her blood ran cold when she heard this.

Everything she’d been thinking of doing before that, telling Bonnie about what happened to her brother, erasing the pages she’d found collapsed instantly.

Under no circumstances, and until the murderer was caught, could she tell Bonnie the truth. Because if what the detective said was correct, then there was someone trying to stop it from coming out.

And clearly…

The hand she still had in her pocket felt the pages she’d caught earlier. Right then and there, she knew.

The only way for her to take responsibility for what they did five years ago, the only way to keep the promise she’d made to look after the younger woman, to keep her out of arms way, was this.

And oh, ordinarily she would protest against this with every fiber of her being. This was an absolute disgrace to her profession.

And yet…

She glanced at Bonnie once more, only cementing her decision.

This was one way to atone for her lies.

“Are you okay?” Bonnie asked, startling her. Emi abruptly took her hand out of her pocket, fixing her hair nervously.

“Yes. We should probably get back to our rooms.” She spoke quickly, eyes shifting away. She didn’t want risking the detectives to potentially catch them listening to them right now.

As they reached Bonnie’s hotel room, the younger woman grabbed her arm.

“Can you stay with me?” Bonnie asked, eyes already pleading in that way that was terribly difficult for Emi to resist. “At least until I fall asleep. I just… I don’t want to be alone while there’s a murderer on the lose.”

And in that instant, she looked so frail, so vulnerable.

So unlike the young woman she’d met again a few days ago, that had been so fierce and dangerous.

Emi knew she probably shouldn’t. That staying would risk her revealing more than she should.

But the sight tugged at her heartstrings.

The rest of their friends was nowhere to be found. Bonnie was vulnerable right now.

She couldn’t leave her like this.

As she stepped into the room, familiar looking envelops on the nightstand caught her eyes.

“You’ve… kept those?”

“Of course.” Bonnie said with a small smile. “They’re the reason I’m still here after all.”

This felt like another blow. A stab of guilt aimed straight at her heart.

She had no idea.

The letters, which she’d written each week religiously until now, started as something to ease her guilt.

An apology for her cowardice perhaps. Or overcompensating for the one letter she could never let her read.

“They were the only thing I was looking forward for a long time.” Bonnie continued. “Everyone else just kept on pitying me. I was “that poor girl that lost her entire family” and nothing else in their eyes. But in your letters, you continued to treat me like you always did. You weren’t… afraid to talk to me about Sing, when it felt like everyone else was pretending that he didn’t exist anymore. And it saved me.”

“W-Why?” Emi asked, her voice trembling. Bonnie was making a mistake.

“Because there was a point, a few weeks after the funeral, where I started to believe that maybe, what I should do was join them all. But then your letters started coming. And I just… it made me realise that eventually, I would be okay. That at least someone cared about me.”

“Everyone cares about you.” She argued weakly, unsure if she still believed it.

“No.” Bonnie shook her head. “They feel really guilty about what happened to Sing. It’s different.”

She took a step forward, closing the distance between them further.

“Do you think… do you think my brother was killed by the same person who killed Sammy?”

“No.” Emi answered with perhaps too much conviction. “I’m sure of it.”

Bonnie frowned, the confusion on her features slowly getting replaced with something else. Something akin to the expression she had when they were at the crime scene earlier.

Uneasy at the sight, Emi swallowed. Her hands came to grip the hem of her jumper, yet she was unable to look away from the younger girl.

Something about her made it impossible to lie, even now. She knew she couldn’t stay in this room for long.

“If I asked you to tell me what happened to my brother, would you?”

The air was sucked out Emi’s lung when she asked this question.

The one question she couldn’t answer, especially not now.

“I… when all of this is over, I will.” Emi said weakly, causing the younger woman to take another step forward.

They were so close now, it made her heart stutter, especially because Bonnie’s gaze didn’t leave her.

The way she stared at her so straightforwardly made her a little uncomfortable. It was like Bonnie was trying to see through her.

Maybe figure out whether or not she could get the truth from her.

She wished she could, like she wished Bonnie didn’t held her in such high regards.

Because when the truth finally came out, Emi knew she would never look at her the same.

And she deserved that.

______________

“I wrote the book.”

Oh. Film thought as the room fell completely silent. Well, that was unexpected.

But something was amiss. She couldn’t tell what yet though. Perhaps it was the way Emi didn’t meet her eyes when she said it, or the fact that she didn’t seem to know what to do with her hands, alternating with putting them in her pockets or running them through her hair.

It could just be nervousness, especially because the book already had dramatic consequences, but the detective’s instincts whispered to her that there must be more to that.

As she stared at the short haired woman in front of her, her gaze actually focussed on her assistant, who stood right behind her.

And too close to the door for the detective’s liking. Their conversation wasn’t over.

But she had more pressing matters at hand right now.

Her eyes drifted back to Emi, which looked like she was expecting a reaction from her.

“Does anyone else know?” She asked carefully.

“No. Nobody knows.”

“Very good. Don’t tell anyone else for now. Not even people you are close with. The least people know, the better.”

Her gaze drifted to Namtan once more. Her face was a mask of neutrality but when Film met her eyes, her breath caught in her throat.

The assistant looked away but it was too late. Film had already seen how hurt she actually was. How her words really had cut through her, and how the more time passed, the more it seemed like she was getting worse.

Perhaps the only reason she remained in the room was probably Emi’s ill-timed revelation. She needed to fix this. Quickly.

The pit in her stomach, which had started earlier when the assistant been acting distant, returning her words to her, continued to grow.

She really didn’t like how close to the door Namtan remained.

How quiet she was, when she usually interjecting whenever she could.

And worst of all, the detective really hated how easily distracted this made her.

Because right now, she should be focussing on asking Emi more details about the book, and perhaps see get a clearer picture, if not the whole truth, of what exactly happened to Sing.

But right now, all she could think was how upset Namtan was.

And she’d unwittingly hurt her again.

“I need you to trust me on this. I know my actions may seem a little odd, but I need you to work with me. I’ll explain everything soon.” She hoped her words would reach Namtan as much as they reached Emi too.

She couldn’t have her go around and tell people about the book. But she also needed her assistant to stay.

Namtan took a sharp intake of breath, and the expression she was making had the detective’s composed façade crumble slightly.

Film tried to ignore it. Ignore the way Namtan had straightened, her brows furrowed, seemingly even more confused by her words.

Instead, she turned back to Emi. Clutching the sleeve of her shirt, which happened to be the one the assistant had bought for her, Film attempted to ground herself.

“Like I said… work with me. I need to know anything that could help me identify the murderer before he strikes again. What made you want to write this book? Why now?” She asked, a little too bluntly.

Snapping back into investigative mode. Hoping the words had reached her assistant appropriately, because for now, she needed to focus.

Work was more important, especially with a murderer still roaming around.

Namtan understood this. Usually.

“I was…” Emi stumbled on her words, luckily too nervous to realise the on-going inner battle in Film’s mind. She reached for her pocket absentmindedly, feeling something in there, before pulling her hand out. “I mean I felt guilty so I decided that… I wanted the truth to come out?” Her voice raised up unnaturally high, as her eyes locked onto the make-shift evidence board that was behind Film.

Earlier, Namtan had not only added the whereabouts of everyone when Sammy was killed, but also the book pages Film had taken from the crime scene.

And this seemingly made Emi even more anxious.

“Why now, specifically?” The detective continued to press. “You must have had a reason after so long?”

“It was just… getting unbearable.” Emi said, this time a lot more assured than she had sounded earlier. “It’s funny how… a lie snowballed into something this big. First that detective, and now… the editor. If I could go back, I would probably make sure we never set foot in this resort to begin with. Maybe Sing wouldn’t have done… what he did.”

Her eyes didn’t leave the book page on the board. From where she stood, she couldn’t see what was written on it.

“That book… How much of it have you read?”

“Only the few pages I have managed to catch before the wind blew them away. The police have taken the rest away and…” Film looked through the window, seeing the snow, thick, pile up outside as it continued to fall. “…I don’t think it will be wise to attempt to go to the station with this weather.”

Film watched as Emi reached for the thing in her pocket again, before taking her hand out, and straightening her hair once more.

“Perhaps… since you wrote the book, do you happen to have any earlier draft lying around? Or a copy of the final draft?”

“I…uh…I only brought one copy to give to Sammy.” Emi stammered. “But I don’t think…”

“Then, can you tell me what exactly happened five years ago?” Film decided to just pierce the abscess.

Beating around the bush was pointless. And if this cut the conversation short, gave her the information she needed and let her clear the air with her assistant whose dismay kept on growing as the minutes passed, then Film was willing to be more than direct.

But this was a bit of a miscalculation, as Emi just paled, closing up completely.

“I… I don’t think I can talk about it. I fear that telling you this would actually put me in more danger than I already am.” She said, eyes darting towards the door.

“The more I know, the faster I’ll be able to put pieces together.” Film tried to assure her, but it was clear the woman wasn’t ready to talk.

“I…” Emi tensed up, frowning. Hesitating. Clearly conflicted.

“If we wait too long,” The detective continued, a little hurriedly, “the murderer could strike again.”

Behind Emi, Namtan threw her a brief, confused glance.

“I need to think about it.” Emi said, “can you… can you give me time? This isn’t something easy for me to…”

Film frowned, opening her mouth to retort that murder didn’t wait, but the assistant, who had remained quiet for the entirety of the conversation spoke instead.

“Of course.” She said with a comforting tone. “We completely understand. What happened to your friend… must have affected you greatly. Please take all the time you need.”

“I…” Emi turned around to look at Namtan. “Thank you. It’s just… these last few days have been especially hard.”

“I can only imagine.” The assistant walked away from the door, and closer to her. “You’ve lost someone you were really close to and now… you basically are forced to relive it.”

Giving the woman an empathetic smile, the assistant still avoided Film’s gaze. And the detective watched as Emi’s demeanour, which had grown more and more anxious since she’d stepped foot in the room relaxed, as the assistant continued to talk to her with carefully chosen words.

Where Film’s rushed questioning had only made her close up, Namtan’s patient reassurances was making her relax.

The detective realised, she’d let her emotions get the better of her. If the assistant hadn’t intervened and redirected Emi’s attention onto her, she might have botched this all together.

She’d let her worry over Namtan’s growing state of hurt take over her professionalism.

This wasn’t like her. At all.

“All I can tell you right now…” Emi said. “Is that what happened to Sing isn’t what most people assumed it was. I’m… I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful right now.”

Namtan walked to open the door for her, letting her go out of the room.

“Oh, by the way.” She said, before Emi left. “If anyone ask, you can just tell them you were summoned here.”

The short haired woman nodded, before leaving hurriedly, looking around in the corridor to make sure she hadn’t been seen.

The assistant closed the door behind, letting out a heavy sigh. The detective felt it in her bone.

“I wonder…” Namtan trailed off before suddenly closing off, probably remembering their conversation before Emi had interrupted. “No, never mind. You probably do not want to hear my opinion, detective. I should just…”

“Tell me.”

“It’s just…” The assistant took a step forward in the room, towards the makeshift board. “You saw it too, right? How she reacted when she noticed the pages there?”

She turned to look at her, perhaps for the first time since earlier. “But… it wouldn’t make sense for her to react like this wouldn’t it? She just came to accuse herself of having written the book. Which also doesn’t make sense to me. Because if it were me, I would keep that fact hidden. I mean this book… it has caused a lot of issues by existing. So even if the murderer wasn’t after me, it would be like… putting a giant target on my back. Unless…” She paused to stare at Film, suddenly deep in thought. “Unless I thought someone I care for could be in danger.”

“So, you think… she lied?” Film said. She’d had a similar feeling when Emi spoke earlier, but couldn’t understand why she would lie like this.

What Namtan said just now made a lot of sense.

The assistant nodded with a sad, resigned smile.

“But… what do I know, right? This is just the thought of someone that gets in your way.”

She turned to leave the room.

“No that’s not…” Film said, but the voice got stuck in her throat as something suddenly hit her.

Why was it that every time Namtan was upset, it was the only thing she could focus on?

This kept on happening too, and it wasn’t just because of the confession.

Even during their previous case, when they’d fought, it had knocked her completely off course.

Since when had she started to care about her employee’s feelings this much?

But before she could examine this further, the assistant opened the door.

“I’m going to… get some air. You look like you need to think, and I don’t want to get in the way of that, especially if it prevents you from finding the murderer, detective.”

A cold, choking feeling pressed against Film chest.

Without thinking, she took at step forward, hand reaching for the assistant’s sleeve.

“Wait.” Her voice was a little strangled.

And Namtan did stop in her tracks, looking down at the hand that was on her sleeve.

But Film didn’t know what to tell her.

She didn’t know how to fix it.

It was tearing her apart, the idea that somehow, the assistant was hurt because of her.

That she would leave, just like that, because of her inability to communicate properly.

One thing was clear; however, she didn’t want Namtan to leave the room. She needed her to understand why she was feeling like this.

Why this, of all things felt so devastating to her.

“I need…”

“You were perfectly clear.” Namtan cut her off, clearly not hearing her. Tone colder than usual, but Film could hear a light tremble as she spoke. “And you really don’t have to try and make me feel better. I’m a fool for misreading things. I just… I need to go.”

Film’s hand fell.

Namtan took that opportunity to walk away, leaving her behind.

And as the door closed behind her, the detective stood, frozen in place.

Pain piercing her chest like she’d been stabbed with an invisible knife.

This wasn’t what she wanted. Why was this happening?

It hurt, so badly the room around her started spinning.

Clutching at her chest, Film tried to breathe, despite feeling like she was under water.

Mind racing endlessly, just like when she was solving a case, and the last few puzzle pieces were clicking together.

And suddenly, she started to make sense of some of her behaviour.

How seeing Namtan so close to another woman, one she’d history with, had pushed her to go skiing, something she’d never have done in a million years.

How she’d deluded herself into thinking all she had missed when she’d been gone for two weeks was her coffee and not Namtan’s endless teasing.

How she’d started noticing the small reactions her assistant had around her, despite how unaffected she pretended to be. And how endearing she found them despite herself.

How Namtan, despite the uncertainty of her answer, had remained by her side, just like she’d promised her when she’d come clean about her feelings.

None of this had been professional behaviour.

She’d been deluding into thinking it was.

Oh.

Oh no.

____________

The group of friends was back in the common room, arguing.

It was serious this time. When Emi was getting back from Film’s room, still thinking about what the detective had asked her, she had seen Mint pacing in front of her door.

Waiting for her.

“Something really bad happened.” Mint said, looking shaken. Which, knowing her, was rare. “Someone… someone came into mine and Arm’s room…maybe Thor and Jimmy’s too.”

“What?” Emi’s breath halted, as she hurriedly went to unlock her door.

At first glance, the room seemed completely normal.

“In the bathroom.” Mint said, as she followed her inside. Emi kicked out her shoes, quickly putting on her sleepers, before entering the bathroom.

Inside, on the mirror, in bright red, was a brand-new inscription.

“I know what you did.”

Emi’s heart dropped.

“It’s the same as in my room.” Mint said. “Arm’s room too.”

Who could have done this?

And why?

If they were aiming for the author to silence them then this…

This didn’t make sense. But she couldn’t share her suspicions with Mint.

Especially not when she wasn’t sure she could trust her anymore.

“The guys are already downstairs. We should… we should join them and figure out what to do.” Mint pulled on her arm, pulling her out of the room.

When they got to the common room, Thor was already in a shouting match with Arm, while Jimmy was just pacing around the room, febrile.

Trying to busy his hands by putting them in his pockets, and pausing to look through the window.

Mint tried to calm down the other two men, which only added more oil to the fire.

Emi sighed, walking towards the window, and sitting on the windowsill.

“Panicking like this isn’t going to help us.” Mint said, trying to reason with Thor.

But the man didn’t want to listen to her, instead throwing accusations at both her and Arm, who defended themselves, before throwing them back at him.

As they were speaking, Emi pulled out her cigarette pack out of her pocket. She’d grabbed it absentmindedly before exiting her room again. It was in her closet, underneath her coat hanger.

It probably had fallen off the pocket at some point and she hadn’t noticed with everything that had happened during the day.

Bringing the cigarette to her mouth, she watched as the last remnants of her friend group fell apart, as they started tearing into each other.

“Can I have one?” Jimmy asked her suddenly. He rarely smoked.

Only when stress was getting too much.

She remembered how he’d smoked cigarette after cigarette when they found Sing.

Taking the cigarette, she was about to light up, she handed it to him.

Jimmy took it with an appreciative nod.

“Can you light it for me?”

Emi nodded, reaching for the lighter in her pocket.

“I’m not controlling, I’m just trying to think about our best interest.” Mint argued, “besides, I’m not the only one that left this room earlier. You did too. You’re suspicious too.”

“Oh yeah?” Thor said, “And why would I do that exactly?”

“Wait.” Arm said suddenly. “Emi wasn’t with us earlier.”

Suddenly, all eyes were on her, causing her to drop her lighter in surprise.

Awkwardly, she started laughing.

“You seriously don’t think I would do that?” She said in disbelief. “I was with Bonnie, who you just… left behind.” She bent down to retrieve the lighter, the tip of her fingers whitening as she grabbed onto it.

The accusation was ridiculous.

“You weren’t coming back from Bonnie’s room when I found you earlier.” Mint said.

Oh. Emi paled slightly.

“Well… the detective summoned me to ask me about my… whereabouts when Sammy was murdered.”

“And what did you tell her?” Arm asked, eyes narrowed in suspicion.

“The truth. That I was in my room all evening, alone. Until Bonnie knocked on my door.”

“It’s awfully convenient that you were with Bonnie both times.” Mint argued. “Could it be… you’re covering for her?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Jimmy said as he reached for Emi’s lighter, which she handed him. “Bonnie wouldn’t be doing something like this.”

He rubbed his finger against the stone, lighting up the flame and bringing it to his cigarette, as Emi ruffled through her pack, pulling out another one for herself.

Jimmy took a long drag of his cigarette before handing back the lighter to Emi.

“I don’t know what to believe anymore.” Arm said, voice low. “At this point, the ghost rumour that I heard some other guests talk about is starting to feel very plausible. I mean think about it. If what Emi said is true, and we were all together downstairs then there’s no way…”

Before Arm could finish his sentence, Jimmy started coughing violently, his hands coming around his throat, as the cigarette in his mouth dropped to the ground.

Blood splattering out of his mouth.

The group of friends quietened in horror as he collapsed to the ground, his lips red.

Besides him, the cigarette he had just lit up.

The light entirely gone from his eyes.

Dead.