David Jones (holding a coffee cup): Hey, <Name>. Sorry, I haven't finished my coffee yet. Between Zoe Kusama in the hospital and Tony Marconi popping up, I've hardly slept in days.
Jones: At least Zoe's doing better. She still doesn't remember me, or what happened to her. But she's starting to sound like her old self again.
Jones: I'm still convinced Marconi had something to do with her disappearance. There must be a reason why he's the only person she remembers!
Jones: We knew he had some mysterious business in The Greens, and learning that it's a security company only makes him more suspicious, if you ask me!
Gabriel: Now, Jones. You've been under a lot of stress. Are you sure you're not projecting all this towards an obsessive suspicion of Marconi?
Jones: I'm positive! So we've got nothing on him, and he looks completely clean. But I know Marconi... something's definitely off!
Gloria: <Name>! The Greens precinct just called... someone's been murdered in Bronson Lane!
Jones: A murder? Well, throwing someone behind bars is just what I feel like doing right now!
Jones: <Name>, we'd better get down to Bronson Lane, I'll drive!
Chapter 1
Investigate Trendy Street.
David Jones: Ugh, that's one gruesome murder, <Name>! No wonder everybody's fled the scene... at least we can work in peace.
Jones: Wait, that's Ash Bison, the former leader of the Vipers street gang! I hardly recognized him!
Jones: Remember those days, <Name>? When the gangs ran the Industrial Center. But that was years ago. We've not heard a peep from Ash since.
Tim: Ah, detectives! I'm Officer Cooper from The Greens precinct.
Jones (presenting his badge): Officer Cooper, I'm Detective Jones and this is <Rank> <Name>. Were you the one who reported the murder?
Tim: Affirmative. I proceeded to the scene and sealed it off immediately.
Jones: Nice work, Officer Cooper. We'll speak with you shortly. Meanwhile, what've you found, <Name>? It looks like Ash dropped something. Let's piece that broken glass together and see what it is.
(Tim leaves.)
Jones: And you think we should search through that advertising material? Good thinking, it might help us get a better feel for the area.
Jones: We've got our work cut out for us, <Name>! Ash Bison returns, this time a victim of murder. I hope this isn't the start of another gang war!
Get a report from Officer Cooper.
Tim: Alright, <Rank> <Name>, here's my report. The victim's name is Ash Bison. A nasty character who caused a lot of trouble when he ran the Vipers gang.
Jones: We're familiar with Mr Bison's record, Officer Cooper. Is there anything you can tell us about the murder?
Tim: Not much. I rushed to the scene as soon as I heard screaming. But when I arrived, everyone had dispersed.
Tim: The killer must've sliced the victim and slipped away without a trace.
Tim: Argh, this neighborhood isn't what it used to be, <Rank> <Name>. Life was tough back when it was the Industrial Center, but at least it made sense.
Tim: But then those so-called "hipster" people moved in, and it's like the whole world's been turned upside down!
Tim: Keeping the streets safe from hoodlums I understand! But farmer's markets, quinoa and barber shops are all a mystery to me!
Jones: We appreciate you keeping an eye out, Officer Cooper. Keep in touch if there is anything else you can think of.
Examine Broken Glass.
Jones: There's something very familiar about the logo on that beer bottle Ash dropped, <Name>: Skulls Microbrewery.
Jones: Oh, you're right, we're standing in front of the place! I'd get lost in a paper bag, <Name>!
Jones: If the victim ordered a drink from the microbrewery, we should definitely look around inside!
Investigate Microbrewery.
Jones (holding a menu): This is a nice place, <Name>, I'd love a cold drink. But the beers here are... strange. Does this say mango and hibiscus lager?
Jones: You're right, we have work to do. Like this framed photograph of the victim you've found. Apparently he was a regular customer!
Jones: Let's run a search for his friend here. Maybe he can tell us something about the victim.
Jones: And that pendant with two snakes on it, you think that was the victim's? Ash was the leader of the Vipers after all. Let's dust that engraving and find out!
Examine Unknown Man.
Jones: I can't believe what I'm seeing, <Name>! The guy in this photo is Troy Cassidy!
Jones: You remember Troy, don't you? He was the leader of the Skulls gang! That's why that beer logo was familiar!
Jones: The Vipers and the Skulls used to be a menace, and Ash Bison and Troy Cassidy were bitter enemies.
Jones: But according to the database, Troy's now running a microbrewery. And he and Ash were friends? What's going on, <Name>?
Jones: The only one who can answer these questions is Troy Cassidy! Let's head back to the microbrewery!
Ask Troy Cassidy what he knows about the victim.
Troy: Well, if it isn't <Rank> <Name>! How long has it been? I'll pour you a pomegranate pale ale, on the house!
Jones: We're on duty, Cassidy. We'd like to ask you about the murder that took place out front. We-
Troy: What?! Murder? Is that what all the commotion was about?
Jones: So this is all news to you? Ash Bison, your biggest rival, is murdered on your doorstep, but you know nothing about it?
Troy: Ash was the one who was killed?! Oh man! He just ordered a drink half an hour ago!
Troy: You'll probably find this hard to believe, <Rank> <Name>. But Ash and I had moved on from our criminal past. Strangely enough, we actually became good friends!
Jones: So you expect us to believe that you've turned over a new leaf?
Troy: Yes, quite literally! I settled down and learned how to brew beer... I invented a new strain of green tea infused yeast! Are you sure you won't have a drink?
Jones: Another time, Cassidy. Just be sure to stay close, we've got our eyes on you!
Examine Pendant Engraving.
Jones: The engraving on the back of that pendant says: "Ash and Joy Forever." So this did belong to our victim! But who's this Joy?
Jones: I've got it, <Name>. Ash's FriendNet profile says he's in a relationship with a Joy Schneider.
Jones: I'd never have pegged Ash to the "relationshp" type. Nevertheless, we had better go talk to Joy Schneider.
Inform Joy Schneider of Ash's murder.
Jones: Excuse us, Miss Schneider. <Rank> <Name> and I are from the Grimsborough Police Department. We need to speak to you about your partner, Ash.
Joy: Oh dear! Is he in some sort of trouble, detectives?
Jones: I'm afraid we have bad news. Ash has been murdered.
Joy: Murdered? Ash is dead?! Oh my God, how did this happen?
Jones: We'd hoped you could help us with that. We found his pendant at the Skulls Microbrewery, not far from where he was killed. Were you with him today, by any chance?
Joy: No. I kissed Ash goodbye at breakfast this morning. I can't believe that was the last time I'll ever see him!
Jones: You have our condolences, Miss Schneider. We're sorry for your loss.
Joy (crying): How will I go on without my darling Ash?
Examine Flyer Stand.
Jones: The last thing I expected to find in that flyer stand was a blood-stained razor, <Name>! I'd bet a month's salary it's the murder weapon!
Jones: Let's get this razor to Rupert on the double!
Analyze Bloody Razor.
Rupert (with Amir): A travesty, <Name>, using a magnificient instrument like this to take the life of another!
Jones: So you've determined this razor is the murder weapon, Rupert?
Rupert: Indeed. These blood splatters are a match for the victim.
Rupert: But the implement itself is marvelous, an authentic Ginette! I had one of these when I was a lad!
Jones: Which is fascinating, but what does it have to do with our investigation?
Amir: We're getting to that. While admiring the razor's craftsmanship, Rupert noticed a stain on the handle. Upon closer analysis, we've determined it's a mixture of diphenhydramine and melatonin.
Rupert: These are the common ingredients of sleeping medication, the kind prescribed for insomnia. Now, given that this razor belonged to the killer, it's obvious that-
Jones: That the killer's an insomniac! You know what they say, <Name>... there's no rest for the wicked!
Autopsy Victim's Body.
Martine: <Name>, there's an English expression, "spill your guts," non? Your victim seems to have taken it literally!
Jones: Please, Martine... I just ate!
Martine: Sorry, Jones. I forgot about your weak stomach!
Martine: In any case, your killer wasted no time getting the job done. The fatal incision is precise and deep, severing a number of vital arteries. The victim would've died in minutes.
Jones: That's great, <Name>. If Ash's killer was gone in a flash, how will we possibly find them?
Martine: Well, the killer was swift, but sloppy. I found a splash of brown liquid on the victim's shirt, near the wound; a combination of caffeine and turmeric.
Martine: Which may sound strange, but they're the main ingredients of a popular beverage in The Greens... turmeric spiced latte!
Martine: The victim only ingested alcohol before he died, meaning the turmeric spiced latte was spilled by the killer!
Jones: This clue is grounds for celebration, <Name>! We're looking for a killer who drinks turmeric spiced latte!
Later, at the precinct...
Jones: I don't know what to make of Ash Bison's murder, <Name>.
Jones: On the one hand, Officer Cooper says the Industrial Center is a quiet, tranquil neighborhood since it was redeveloped into The Greens.
Jones: And Troy Cassidy, the former Skulls leader, claims he and Ash had turned over a new leaf and were close friends!
Jones: But here we are with Ash murdered on the doorstep of his old rival. It all seems too coincidental to me, <Name>!
Gloria (with Carter): Sorry to interrupt, Jones, but you'll want to hear this.
Gloria: Carter has something he'd like to tell you... about Ash Bison!
Chapter 2
David Jones: I don't know what to make of Ash Bison's murder, <Name>.
Jones: The former leader of the Vipers was a bad seed. I'm struggling to accept that Ash would abandon his life of crime.
Gloria (with Carter): Sorry to interrupt, <Name>, but Carter has something important to tell you!
Carter: Well, <Rank> <Name>, I overheard mom talking about Ash Bison, how he was dead. And it kind of got me bummed out.
Jones: Bummed out? Why? You can't have known Ash!
Carter: Of course I did! Ash is the main character in Double Vipers, the arcade game!
Jones: What?! Ash is in a video game?
Carter: Yeah! You get to play as Ash and his gang members, fighting your way across the city! I play it all the time at the arcade!
Gloria: Umm, yeah. About that. We need to talk about the kind of games you're playing, Carter.
Jones: Ash in a video game... everything really HAS turned upside down! <Name>, let's get down to the arcade and check this out!
Investigate Arcade.
Jones: Carter was right, <Name>... there's the Double Vipers machine! The logo has been adapted from the Vipers' symbol and colors!
Jones: I don't get it. Why would Ash have anything to do with a video game?
Jones: You're right, maybe that bandana could tell us more, it looks like merchandise for the game. The label on the back is barely legible, though.
Jones: And that toy's been broken for some reason. Let's put it back together to figure out what it is.
Jones: <Name>, this is getting more confusing by the minute. But hey, maybe we'll find something cool for Carter in that prize bin!
Examine Prize Bin.
Jones: Is that blood on that strip of tickets you found among those prizes, <Name>? We shouldn't take any chances, let's send them to the lab!
Analyze Ticket Strip.
Rupert: I'll get right to the point, <Name>. That blood on those tickets is a match for the victim.
Rupert: Which means his killer was present at that amusement establishment!
Jones: So, we have another crime scene on our hands! But why was the killer at the arcade? Could it have something to do with that video game, Double Vipers?
Amir (with Rupert): Well, <Name>, I can field that question!
Amir (with Rupert): As you might've guessed, those tickets can be exchanged for prizes. The more points a player scores in a game, the more tickets they receive.
Rupert (with Amir): And Amir tells me this particular strip was printed from the Weirder Stuff machine. And these numbers represent the highest score in the game.
Jones: So our killer slashed the victim, then casually went to play video games? That's harsh!
Amir (with Rupert): In any case, these tickets prove your killer is an ace player of Weirder Stuff!
Jones: Well, it's game over for the killer, <Name>. Their high score on Weirder Stuff has given them away!
Jones: Good idea. If the killer went from Bronson Lane to the arcade, we can backtrack their steps. Let's return to the murder scene!
Investigate Cafe Table.
Jones: Sharp eyes, <Name>. Someone's written Ash's name on that newspaper. I imagine there's more written underneath that green powder. Let's gather it up!
Jones: But why do you think this scooter belongs to our victim, <Name>?
Jones: Oh right. It has one of those vanity plates where you use numbers as letters. Let's see... "5" must be "S" and "3" would be "E"... That makes it "ASH RULEZ"!
Jones: I assumed Ash would be the motorcycle type. Anyway, let's unlock that scooter's storage compartment and search his belongings!
Examine Top Case.
Jones: What the heck is a cremation urn doing in Ash's scooter? Do you think there's... actual human ashes inside it, <Name>?
Jones: Oh, I didn't see that engraving: "Ash to ashes, dust to dust!" That play on words with the victim's name is a definite threat!
Jones: We should probably open this urn up, but how about we let Rupert take care of that instead, <Name>?
Analyze Cremation Urn.
Rupert: You can relax, <Name>. There weren't any human ashes inside of that cremation urn. Which is rather a let-down. I was relishing the challenge of a posthumous analysis!
Jones: We're sorry to disappoint, Rupert. So the urn was empty?
Rupert: No, inside was a grain-like substance, brown in color. The residue turned out to be yeast... but with traces of green tea. For what I have no explanation.
Jones: Yeast residue with traces of green tea? Where have we heard that before?
Jones: Of course, <Name>! That's the special blend of yeast Troy Cassidy uses at his microbrewery!
Jones: Troy claimed he and Ash had buried the hatchet, but this threat says otherwise. It's time for another word with the former gang leader!
Confront Troy Cassidy about threatening the victim.
Troy: <Rank> <Name>, could we make this quick? I'm closing up early after everything that's happened. I'm gonna go clear my head playing a little Weirder Stuff.
Jones: You're not going anywhere until you explain this cremation urn you gave to Ash. You said you guys were friends!
Troy: We WERE friends! But Ash betrayed my trust!
Troy: He hooked me up with a new supplier, selling everything from malt to the turmeric for my spiced latte. All at really good prices.
Troy: It didn't take me long to realize the goods were stolen!
Jones: So Ash was still getting his hands dirty... and in return you threaten to kill him?
Troy: Man, do you know how many sleepless nights I spent, worrying the police would trace the stolen goods back to me?! He deserved a warning!
Jones: A warning, maybe. But if it turns out you made good on your threat and eliminated your former rival once and for all, your legitimate business days are finished!
Examine Newspaper.
Jones: The message on that newspaper reads: "Ash, if this was you, I swear I'll skin you alive!"
Jones: What's that article about? Oh, it says someone hijacked an armored vehicle!
Jones: I'm not the only one skeptical about Ash's change of heart; someone thought he might've been responsible for this!
Jones: Good idea, <Name>. That green powder you collected from the newspaper might give us some answers! Let's put it under the microscope!
Examine Green Powder.
Jones: That green powder you collected from the newspaper is gun polish residue, <Name>. I should've known, it's standard Grimsborough Police Department issue.
Jones: So that threat to Ash was left on the newspaper by a policeman, along with their gun polish.
Jones: Wait a minute! You don't think this message was written by Officer Cooper, do you?
Jones: There's no point speculating, let's ask Officer Cooper himself.
Ask Officer Cooper about the newspaper article.
Tim: You're just in time, <Rank> <Name>, I'm going off duy, heading to the arcade to beat my Weirder Stuff score. It's sort of a guilty pleasure of mine!
Jones: Before you clock out, we wanted to ask you about this newspaper article. Did you suspect Ash Bison of hijacking that truck?
Tim: Yes, I wrote that! That robbery had "Ash Bison" written all over it!
Tim: I nearly spilled my turmeric spiced latte when I read that story!
Tim: That heist is exactly the kind of stunt Ash would pull; he was ALWAYS up to something, but I could never prove anything. No wonder I can't sleep at night!
Tim: You can dress them up with microbreweries or video games, but a leopard can't change its spots, <Rank> <Name>. Once a gang member, always a gang member! The guy's been dogging me for years!
Jones: It sort of sounds like you had it in for Ash, Officer Cooper.
Tim: Are you questioning my professionalism?! I'm not the criminal here! I'll find the evidence of Ash's crimes, mark my words!
Examine Broken Figurine.
Jones: That's one of those funky figurines, <Name>; they're super popular right now. And judging from the shirt, this one's a character from the game, Double Vipers.
Jones: That big, bubbly face is familiar... where have I seen it before?
Jones: Wait! That's no character... that's a figurine of Big Baby! You remember him, <Name>? He was in the Vipers with our victim!
Jones: Ash can't tell us anything about this game, but maybe Big Baby can. Let's go get reacquainted, <Name>!
Ask Big Baby about the game Double Vipers.
Big Baby: Well, well, well. <Rank> <Name>! I knew I could smell bacon, you know how much I hate cops.
Jones: We're not too fond of street gang hoodlums either, Big Baby!
Big Baby: Street gangs? That's old news, man! Ash and I hung up our bandanas years ago. We're video game stars now!
Big Baby: See, I'm kinda good wth computers, so I programmed a game about the gangs. And it's a mega hit! So Ash and I split the profits!
Jones: So that explains the video game. But not Ash's murder.
Big Baby: What? Ash is dead? There's gotta be a mistake. There ain't nobody who'd dare cross Ash!
Jones: Oh, he's dead alright. And you're telling us you have nothing to do with it? Wouldn't you become the Vipers' leader with Ash out of the picture?
Big Baby: I told you man, those days are over. I was Ash's boss now!
Jones: Well, you're not off the hook, Big Baby. We may need to talk to you again!
Examine Bandana Label.
Jones: This bandana belongs to a certain Kaitlyn F., <Name>.
Jones: I guess we'd better speak with this Kaitlyn. She must be around here somewhere!
Question Kaitlyn Flynn.
Jones: Excuse us, Miss Flynn. We found your bandana and wanted to ask you about-
Kaitlyn: Urgh, the bandanas. We're supposed to wear those silly things to promote Double Vipers, but I wouldn't be caught dead wearing that.
Jones: We're curious about that game, actually. Ash Bison, one of the game's characters, has been murdered.
Kaitlyn: A video game character's been murdered? Are you the joke police or something?
Jones: No, Ash Bison is a former hoodlum who's now apparently a character in Double Vipers.
Kaitlyn: Look, I don't know anything about Double Vipers. Except that it's the most popular machine in here. Which keeps my boss happy.
Kaitlyn: Apart from that, I just work here. Babysitting a bunch of kids at the arcade isn't my career, I'm saving for college.
Kaitlyn: Now, if that's everything, I gotta get back to work. Someone's jammed chewing gum into the Magical Ride machine!
Later, at the precinct...
Jones: Grimsborough's gang war might've ended years ago, <Name>, but apparently Ash wouldn't let go of the past.
Jones: Sure, he and his former cohort, Big Baby, had apparently gone straight with that video game of theirs.
Jones: But Troy, Ash's former rival, was angry his so-called friend was putting his business at risk, selling him stolen goods.
Jones: I guess Officer Cooper is right, a leopard really can't change its spots.
Gloria: <Name>, you have to get back to the microbrewery, now!
Jones: What is it, Gloria? What's going on?
Gloria: It's Ash's girlfriend... she and Troy are about to have a fist fight!
Chapter 3
David Jones: Grimsborough's gang war might've ended years ago, <Name>, but apparently Ash wouldn't let go of the past.
Jones: I guess a leopard really can't change its spots. I-
Gloria: <Name>, you have to get over to the microbrewery! The victim's girlfriend and Troy Cassidy are about to have a fight!
Jones: Urgh, just what we need.
Jones: We'd better go break this up, <Name>!
Outside the Skulls Microbrewery...
Joy: Admit it, Cassidy! YOU murdered Ash! You've always had it in for him, you and the rest of the Skulls!
Troy: You're crazy, Joy! Ash was my friend!
Joy: You were never his friend! Nobody knew Ash like I did!
Jones (presenting his badge): Alright, everyone calm down! If I hear another word out of either of you, you'll both be in holding cells!
Joy: Go ahead and lock this goon up now, <Rank> <Name>. I know he's guilty!
Jones: That's enough! Everyone move along and let us get on with our investigation!
(Joy leaves.)
Jones: Urgh, the last thing we need are public disturbances, <Name>. There's a murderer out there and we need to find them!
Jones: With that in mind, we should get back to work. Let's go inside and have another look around the microbrewery!
Investigate Beer Tanks.
Jones: This open envelope you've picked up has a set of Ash's keys in it, <Name>. And I think something's written on the envelope; I'll grab your dusting kit.
Jones: And that surveillance camera could be just the clue we're looking for. If you can crack that password, we may find some useful footage.
Jones: As for that torn paper, it might just be garbage, but it can't hurt to check. We must follow any lead if we're going to catch our killer!
Examine Security Camera.
Jones: Alright, <Name>. Let's have Cathy look at this footage to see if it recorded anything important!
Analyze Security Camera.
Cathy: I never had the pleasure of meeting Ash Bison, <Name>... and judging from this security footage, that's probably a good thing!
Jones: There's footage of the victim on that camera?
Cathy: There sure is. You'd better look for yourself!
Start of recording...
Ash: Listen, BB! We're making a lotta cash from Double Vipers, but we should be making more. Let's raise the price to $2 a game!
Big Baby: Nah man, that's too much. The kids will stop playing!
Ash: That wasn't a suggestion. Just change the price!
Big Baby: Are you serious? I don't take orders from you anymore, Ash! Don't forget I invented that game, I'm the one who owns it!
Ash: And don't YOU forget who you're talking to, Big Baby! I'm the one who owns you! You swore an oath to the Vipers!
Big Baby: You're still harping on about the Vipers? That's ancient history. I don't owe you nothing!
Ash: This isn't over, BB! You hear me? This isn't over!
End of recording...
Jones: Never mind a gang war with the Skulls, <Name>. The "Double Vipers" were fighting a battle of their own!
Jones: Big Baby forgot to tell us about his dispute with the victim. Let's go refresh his memory!
Ask Big Baby about his argument with the victim.
Big Baby: Back again, <Rank> <Name>? Nobody can get enough of Big Baby!
Jones: You won't be so happy once you find out why we're here. You didn't tell us you and your business partner argued about your game!
Big Baby (sweating): How... how did you find out about that?
Big Baby: Anyway, it doesn't matter. So we fought about the game. People argue in business all the time!
Jones: But not all of them wind up murdered! We saw how angry you were, refusing to take Ash's orders!
Big Baby: And you also saw Ash getting all up in my face, playing the "gang leader" card! Once Double Vipers was released, he wanted to control everything!
Big Baby: But the game was MY invention! I'm the one who was up every night coding Double Vipers. At least there's one bright side to insomnia.
Big Baby: Ash could never accept that the Vipers are done! I didn't owe him anything!
Jones: Well, Big Baby. Let's hope you didn't take care of business by taking care of Ash!
Examine Torn Document.
Jones: Well, I'll be, <Name>. This is a birth certificate, and Ash is listed as the father!
Jones: It says here the child's name is Kaitlyn Flynn. That's the girl who works at the video arcade! She's the victim's daughter?!
Jones: She said she'd never heard of the victim. Why would she lie about that?
Jones: We should speak with Miss Flynn again, <Name>, and find out what's going on.
Question Kaitlyn Flynn about Ash, her father.
Kaitlyn: Just one sec, <Rank> <Name>, I'm recalibrating the Weirder Stuff machine. With all the time I spend on this game, I'm getting pretty good!
Jones: I'm afraid this is rather important, Miss Flynn. Why didn't you tell us that Ash Bison is your father?
Kaitlyn: So you figured that out, did you? Wonderful.
Kaitlyn: Yeah, Ash Bison was my father. But he wanted nothing to do with me, so I didn't see the point in explaining everything.
Kaitlyn: Ash walked out on my mother when I was a baby, so I never knew him. But when mom died last year, I decided to find my father.
Kaitlyn: But when I told Ash, he didn't want me to be a part of his new life. And now that he was rich, he said I was only after his money!
Kaitlyn (crying): All I wanted was to know my father. But now he's gone too, and I'm all alone in the world!
Examine Envelope.
Jones: This message is pretty harsh, <Name>: "Here are your spare keys, Ash! We're through!"
Jones: That's obviously from Ash's girlfriend, Joy Schneider. And it seems she was walking out on the victim!
Jones: So much for Ash and Joy forever, <Name>. Let's find out why Miss Schneider wanted to break up!
Find out why Joy Schneider was breaking up with the victim.
Joy: I'm sorry for making a scene earlier, <Rank> <Name>. But Cassidy and Ash were enemies for years, I KNOW he's guilty!
Jones: Apparently Troy's not the only one you're angry with. Were you breaking up with Ash?
Joy (sweating): Erm... I...
Joy: I wasn't really going to leave him. I just wanted Ash to grow the hell up!
Joy: You see, I never planned on falling for a gang member, so I was relieved when Big Baby came up with the idea for Double Vipers.
Joy: After all, I'm pretty good at video games, I'm an expert at Weirder Stuff. So I knew they were onto something!
Joy: Sure enough, before long, we were rich! We could buy nice clothes, drive fancy cars! I started to drink those expensive turmeric spiced lattes!
Joy: But Ash kept making trouble; taking things that didn't belong to him, roughing people up.
Joy: I was so worried he'd do something stupid, I often couldn't sleep at night!
Joy: Then I asked myself why I was putting up with it? He was the one who needed to change! So I gave him a choice, a life of crime or a life with me!
Later, at the precinct...
Jones: Murder cases are fickle beasts, <Name>. Sometimes it's a struggle to find anyone with a motive...
Jones: ... while other times, like today, every suspect had reason to want Ash Bison dead!
Jones: Ash's girlfriend was tired of his criminal ways, threatening to leave him.
Jones: While tensions between Ash and his business partner were coming to a head!
Jones: Then there's Kaitlyn Flynn, the victim's long-lost daughter. Ash claimed she was only interested in his money.
Jones: The question is, which one of them was pushed to the point of murder?
Jones: Let's make one more sweep of the video arcade, <Name>. The final pieces of this puzzle could be there!
Investigate Game Station.
Jones: <Name>, this is a vintage Ginette razor box! It must be the case for the murder weapon!
Jones: Obviously this box was discarded by the killer. Let's hope a sample of that clear liquid will lead us right to them!
Jones: Oh! That's one of those candy jars where people have to guess the number of sweets! I say... 811!
Jones (sweating): Of course that's not why you picked up that jar, <Name>. It's part of our investigation. Let's search through it!
Examine Razor Box.
Jones: Let's rush that sample of clear liquid you collected from that razor case to the lab, <Name>. Fingers crossed it tells us something about our killer!
Analyze Clear Liquid.
Amir: I understand you collected this sample from a vintage Ginette box, <Name>. I think I might get Jasper one for his birthday!
Jones: Well, I think we'd like to get the results of your analysis, Amir.
Amir: You're right, I should think about presents later. So, about that clear liquid.
Amir: My analysis confirms it to be sweat. Now, given the razor case belonged to the killer, the residue can only have been left behind by them!
Amir: I identified a number of key genetic markers from the sample, the most interesting of which is this: the killer has green eyes!
Jones: Nice work, <Name>! It won't be long before you look into the killer's green eyes and arrest them for murder!
Examine Candy Jar.
Jones: So was I right, <Name>? Were there 811 candies in that jar?
Jones: Nah, of course I know you weren't counting. But you found some strange golden object at the bottom of those sweets?
Jones: Let's have Rupert run an analysis on that blood. Maybe he can tell us what this metal thing is!
Analyze Gold Object.
Rupert: I won't delay in giving you the results of my analysis of that metal object, <Name>. I wouldn't want to keep you in "suspense!"
Jones: I get the feeling you're making a joke... but I'm not getting it.
Rupert: Well, I've not told you the results yet! This metal object is a clasp for a pair of suspenders! Get it? Suspense... suspenders!
Jones: Hilarious. But, we're kind of in a hurry, Rupert.
Rupert: Very well. The crux of the matter is the blood on the clasp is a match for the victim. Meaning those suspenders can only have been worn by your killer!
Jones: So Ash Bison's killer is wearing suspenders! Brace yourself, <Name>, we're about to arrest them for murder!
After completing all the tasks...
Jones: Alright, <Name>. Ash Bison's killer has played us long enough. Grab the handcuffs, it's game over for them!
Take care of the killer now!
Jones: Joy Schneider, you're under arrest for your boyfriend's murder!
Joy: What?! Why would I murder my dear Ash?! I might've been angry with him, but I wouldn't kill him!
Jones: Then how come we found traces of your turmeric spiced latte on his shirt?
Joy: Even if that was mine, I could've spilled that on Ash any time. I did live with him, you know!
Jones: But that doesn't explain how Ash's blood was on those tickets you won, or on your suspender clasp that we found at the arcade!
Joy: It wasn't me, I swear! It was Cassidy, he's the guilty one! Or that hoodlum, Big Baby!
Jones: The game is up, Miss Schneider! Your sleeping medication was on the murder weapon, the razor you slashed your boyfriend with!
Joy (sweating): I... no, I...
(Joy facepalms.)
Joy: Fine, I admit it! I did murder Ash! But he deserved it... that lowlife was cheating on me!
Jones: Cheating on you?
Joy: Yes! At first it was just mysterious phone calls. But before long, he was texting the young floozy all the time!
Joy: So one day I followed him to the arcade, when he was there "promoting" his game. But he was really meeting his mistress. She works there!
Jones: Ash's mistress works at the arcade? Wait a minute... you think Ash was having an affair with Kaitlyn Flynn?!
Joy: Kaitlyn, that's the one! That harlot!
Jones: Ash wasn't in a relationship with Kaitlyn... she's his daughter!
Joy: What?! His daughter?! But... but...
Joy: Ash never said anything about having a child. This... this isn't possible!
Jones: I'm afraid it is, Miss Schneider. Kaitlyn Flynn wasn't Ash's mistress, she was the daughter he'd abandoned long ago.
(Joy is shocked.)
Joy: Oh my God, Ash! Why didn't you tell me? What have I done?!
Jones: What you've done is land yourself in a world of trouble, Miss Schneider. You're under arrest for murder!
Judge Powell: Joy Schneider, you stand accused of the murder of your partner, Ash Bison. How do you plead?
Joy: Guilty, your Honor. I killed him... but it was a terrible mistake!
Joy: I thought my boyfriend was cheating on me! If Ash had told me the truth, none of this would've happened!
Judge Powell: I'm familiar with the circumstances of this case, Miss Schneider. Your mistrustful actions have had devastating consequences, not only for yourself but for others.
Judge Powell: Given the ramifications of your crime, I'm sentencing you to 20 years in prison for the murder of Ash Bison!
Joy (crying): Ash and I were soul mates, we were supposed to be together forever!
Later, at the precinct...
Jones: <Name>, it's bad enough that Joy Schneider resorted to murder, just because she suspected Ash of cheating.
Jones: But what makes it all the more tragic is the so-called mistress was his long-lost daughter, who merely wanted to restore a broken relationship with her father!
Jones: If they'd just been honest with each other, maybe this could have been prevented.
Jones: Nevertheless, although Ash Bison's murder had nothing to do with his life as a gang leader, it all seems a bit too convenient for me, <Name>.
Jones: Three former gang members are involved in a murder case right after we discover Tony Marconi is out of prison, operating a "legitimate business!"
Jones: If you ask me, something's up. And I intend to find out what it is!
Is This Just Fantasy? (2/6)
David Jones: <Name>, am I the only one who thinks it's rather convenient that three former gang members are involved in a murder investigation...
Jones: ... right after Tony Marconi resurfaces in The Greens?
Jones: If you ask me, this has organized crime written all over it!
Jones: And let's not forget that despite her amnesia, Zoe somehow recognizes Marconi. He must have something to do with her disappearance!
Chief Parker: While I'm concerned about your objectivity, Jones, I agree this warrants investigation.
Chief Parker: That officer, Tim Cooper, kept a close eye on Ash Bison's activities. Maybe he can shed some light on the matter?
Jones: You're right, Chief! Officer Cooper does keep his ear to the ground. If anything suspicious has been going on, he should know about it!
Alex: <Name>, I've got a million-dollar idea, literally, that I'd like to run by you!
Jones: Alex! It's been a while... You're not looking after baby Sammy today?
Alex: Nah, he's staying with his grandparents. Which has given me free time to play that video game Big Baby developed, Double Vipers. It's pretty addictive!
Alex: Anyway, I think it would be an even bigger success if it was released as an app. So I figured we should convince Big Baby, and I could help him code it!
Jones: I don't know, Alex. We're about to conduct an important investigation. As soon as <Name> is available, you can speak with Big Baby.
Jones: Meanwhile, <Name>, let's find out what Officer Cooper knows about possible gang activity!
Convince Big Baby to make an app version of his game.
Alex (sweating): Excuse me, Mr... Baby. I mean, Big... ummm.
Big Baby: Come on, little man! Spit it out! Just call me BB, all my friends do!
Alex: Alright, B... B. I wanted to share an idea I had about your game, Double Vipers. I've been playing it a lot and it's really cool!
Alex: But I think it would be a worldwide hit if it was launched as an app! I could help you code it!
Big Baby: I dunno. I created the game specifically for the arcade. That's where I hung out as a kid, you know?
Alex: I understand that, and you can still keep the machines. But if I could analyze your code, we could develop a downloadable version... you'd make millions!
Big Baby: Millions? Well, now you're talking... I'm all about big, baby!
Big Baby: Just as long as it's not VR. Those guys at DreamLife are jerks! They laughed at me, saying a hoodlum could never be a coder.
Alex: No, nothing to do with VR. It would be an app users could play on their phones.
Big Baby: Well, go ahead and work your magic, my micro friend! I keep my code locked up here at the arcade!
Alex: Alright, <Name>, we're doing this! Let's get to work!
Investigate Arcade.
Alex: Don't you just love arcades, <Name>? The neon lights, the blinging sounds... even the sticky floors are part of the charm!
Alex: I know, we're here to work, not play. That wall safe must be where Big Baby keeps his code. Let's open it up!
Examine Safe.
Alex: You've found Big Baby's laptop, <Name>. His source code must be on there!
Alex: A few hours sifting through those files is all I need to determine how the game can be adapted into an app!
Analyze Big Baby's Laptop.
Alex: <Name>! I've been like a kid in a candy store, going over Big Baby's files! Playing Double Vipers is one thing, but looking at the source code is pure joy!
Alex: The good news is that Big Baby's a talented developer. His code is well-structured and bug-free. I'll have no problem working with him to port Double Vipers!
Alex: The game's source code is written in the D++ programming language. All I need to do is translate the code to Objective-D, the language used for mobile apps.
Alex: Once it's programmed and tested, it can be released worldwide!
Alex: Now all that's left is to explain all of this to Big Baby! Let's go, <Name>!
Talk to Big Baby about coding his app.
Big Baby: Hey, little man! I see you found my laptop. So, what's the 411?
Alex: The... 411?
Alex: Ah right... what have we found! Well, your code's very impressive. I'm happy to say porting Double Vipers for a worldwide release won't be hard.
Alex: It's simply a matter of adapting the code to suit the proper specifications. We can get started whenever you're ready!
Big Baby: Right on, man! And thanks for your help, <Rank> <Name>! You cops aren't that bad after all!
Big Baby (throwing money): And don't let it be said Big Baby is a cheapskate. Have an advance share of my profits!
Question Officer Cooper about possible gang activity in The Greens.
Tim: Congratulations on solving your case, <Rank> <Name>. After everything he was involved in, who would've thought Ash would be murdered by his own girlfriend?
Jones: Well, Officer Cooper, our investigation's raised some other questions. The Vipers and the Skulls used to be a menace, as you know.
Jones: And although the gang war is over, I find it suspicious that three former gang members were connected to our case.
Tim: I couldn't agree more, <Rank> <Name>. And you've come to the right place! I keep extensive records of all the former gang members' activities.
Tim: I'd have to consult my notes right... Ah, darn it! I've misplaced my notebook!
Tim: I must've dropped it when I was patrolling Bronson Lane!
Jones: Don't sweat it, Officer Cooper. We'll find it, won't we, <Rank> <Name>?
Investigate Trendy Street.
Jones: This must be Officer Cooper's notebook, <Name>! The pages are tarnished from lying on the street. Let's give them a good dusting!
Examine Cooper's Notes.
Jones: Alright, <Name>, let's... argh, these notes are written in shorthand! And Officer Cooper wasn't exaggerating, there's a lot of information here.
Jones: Let's have Gabriel - our resident shorthand expert - narrow things down and see if there's anything relevant in these notes!
Analyze Cooper's Notes.
Gabriel: It's a good thing these notes are written in shorthand, <Name>. They're... quite extensive.
Gabriel: Officer Cooper goes into the minutest detail in his reports; dates, times, names, locations. It's all here.
Jones: Is there anything in there supporting my suspicions about the gangs? Or better yet, Tony Marconi?
Gabriel: In fact, there is. According to Officer Cooper, Marconi's been regularly meeting with Troy Cassidy!
Gabriel: Apparently the two of them have been meeting once a week; every Tuesday at 4:30pm, like clockwork!
Jones: I told you, <Name>! I KNEW Marconi was up to something! Let's return Officer Cooper's notebook and find out what he knows about these meetings!
Ask what Officer Cooper knows about Tony Marconi.
Tim: Thank goodness you found my notebook, <Rank> <Name>! All of my work is in there!
Jones: We wanted to ask you about your observations. Namely, Tony Marconi's regular meetings with Troy Cassidy!
Tim: Ah, yes. Marconi! I was shocked when I first saw him strolling in Bronson Lane, I didn't know he'd been released from jail.
Tim: He came back the following week, and then the one after that. It didn't take long to see the pattern. Every week, Marconi would go inside the Skulls Microbrewery.
Tim (reading his notes): It piqued my interest, so I followed him inside. Marconi would go up to the bar and the owner, Troy Cassidy, would slip him a coaster.
Jones: A coaster? Nothing else changed hands?
Tim: Negative. And I never got close enough to hear what they were saying.
Jones: Just what I suspected, <Name>! Marconi is up to his old tricks, in league with the gangs!
Jones: Whatever it is they're up to, they won't tell us about it. But we're sure to find something in the microbrewery! But let's stop for a snack at the food trucks on the corner!
Investigate Microbrewery.
Jones: Troy's nowhere in sight, <Name>, which is good. If we're going to find evidence he and Marconi are colluding, it's best he doesn't know we're here!
Jones: Officer Cooper said they would make an exchange at the bar, so that tray is worth looking through. Let's do this!
Examine Bar Tray.
Jones: You found a coaster on that tray, <Name>! Exactly what Officer Cooper said Troy gave to Marconi!
Jones: That's weird. There's just a list of names written on that coaster.
Jones: Wait a minute! I know those names; they're all former members of the Skulls!
Jones: So I guess Troy isn't so squeaky clean after all. He's clearly working with a mob boss, he and his former cohorts!
Jones: I agree, <Name>. It's time Troy explained himself!
Confront Troy Cassidy about his meetings with Marconi.
Troy: I wanted to thank you, <Rank> <Name>. Although I'll miss my friend, I take comfort knowing his killer is behind bars!
Jones: Can it, Cassidy! We know you're still nothing but a no good criminal!
Troy: Excuse me? I have no idea what you're talking about!
Jones: No idea? Does the name Tony Marconi ring any bells? The mob boss you've been meeting with?
Troy: Marconi? A mob boss? That's ridiculous!
Jones: Then how do you explain slipping the names of a bunch of hoodlums to him?
Troy: How many times do I have to say it? The gang war is over! Every one of those guys is on the straight and narrow.
Troy: Marconi runs a security company, and he asks me for recommendations; guys he can rely on to work for him.
Troy: And as far as Marconi goes, he did his time. He's a free man now, running an above-board operation, just like his nightclub!
Troy: Listen, <Rank> <Name>. Take these so you know there's no hard feelings. It's just that someone like me knows everyone deserves a second chance. Even Tony Marconi!
Jones: Well, I trust Marconi as far as I can throw him!
Jones: We've learned all we can here, <Name>. Let's get back to the station!
Later, at the precinct...
Chief Parker: I suppose stranger things have happened, <Name>, but sometimes you really can't judge a book by its cover.
Chief Parker: Big Baby, a former Vipers ruffian, is now a software developer. Who, thanks to you and Alex, is on his way to making a fortune with his mobile app!
Chief Parker: And then there's Troy Cassidy, the former leader of the Skulls, running a microbrewery!
Jones: It's a little hard to take Cassidy's word for anything, now that we know he's been meeting with Tony Marconi!
Jones: Marconi's so-called security company must have something to do with Zoe's disappearance!
Chief Parker: I understand your frustration, Jones. But for all we know, Marconi's security company and the Blue Flamingo nightclub are legitimate operations.
Chief Parker: If you want hard evidence, you're going to have to find it!
Jones: Then that's exactly what I'll do, Chief! Starting at the Blue Flamingo! Are you coming, <Name>?!