[open log] [harassment welcome]

[decideformyself]

On January 2nd, a few people are going about their everyday lives.

---

Philip can be found in the library for much of the morning. He's working there for a couple of hours but, for once, leaves immediately after his shift is over.

Around noon he stops by the shop to pick up a couple of things and gets distracted by trying on some clothes. It would be nice to have more than just the jumpsuit, he figures. He leaves the shop carrying a few bags and a humongous whiteboard, heading in the direction of G-Block.

That evening he has a shift in the cafeteria. He can be found with his nose in a book even as he shovels food onto other inmates' trays.

---

Chaplin Sukegawa is stuck on laundry duty for much of the morning and janitorial duty in the cell blocks in the evening. She can also be found in the cafeteria at meal times, and out in the courtyard for much of the afternoon. After spending so long cooped up inside, it's nice to get some fresh air. Feel free to bump into her in the halls at any point, too.

---

Kousei Kougami has cafeteria duty in the morning. After that he spends a couple of hours in the kitchen, and most of the afternoon out in one of the courtyards manning his cake stand. Various cakes are on sale, available whole or by the slice. He also takes special orders for anybody who would like a particular kind.

He's back in the cafeteria at dinnertime.

Comments

[starcharted]

"I could forward you what we had put together so far, but one of our major problems is that their threats were quite encompassing." He put his hand to his chin, trying to make sure he didn't pass any important details. "They stated that they were out to punish liars, but that could be just about anyone. They're likely to have specific people in mind of course, however from our angle it's extremely hard to tell who they might be targeting."

He sat silently, thinking to himself for several moments before speaking up again.

"If I wasn't clear before, I will be working alongside you on this case. I made a promise to myself that the people in this prison would be under my protection. I can't just up and run away now."

That and he wanted to finish what they had started. In her memory.

[tanteiotaku]

He shrugged. "That's only natural. I'd need your input on some of the details as we went along anyway."

He considered a moment before he asked his next question: "You said you had a suspect in mind. Who?" And with one question, he pushed himself past the point of no return.

[starcharted]

He sighed, feeling like an utter amateur with how little information he had to offer.

"I suppose suspect is a strong word, but they did strike me as more than a little suspicious. It was someone I met at the masquerade so I can't tell you as much as I'd like to... but I do have a few points worth noting." John looked up to Philip and motioned him to come closer. He wanted them both to hear what he had to say.

"Firstly, they seemed very concerned in hiding every bit of their appearance. They wore a rather large mask of a wolf and a suit. I've reasons to believe the culprit is female, which would be in line with the height of the person I spoke to -- couldn't have been be taller than 5'4. Their voice was muffled so I couldn't be certain of gender, but circumstances considered they stood out quite a bit."

[decideformyself]

Philip had been listening from where he stood a few feet away, but when John gestured he stepped up beside Shotaro. He was in on this too, he guessed.

"What led you to suspect this masked person?" he inquired.

[starcharted]

"The mention of wolves has been somewhat of a keyword. It would be unthinkably foolhardy for them to believe no one would make a connection, which leads me to consider that the person I met may be only a pawn for someone with similar intention -- perhaps the same someone I spoke to on the network."

John ran his hands down his face, placing his palms together and tapping the middle of his forehead. "You must understand how difficult this has been to try and work out on my own."

[tanteiotaku]

"Of course. We don't have much to go on when it comes to finding out the backgrounds of the people we're in here with. All we have is the newspapers, and based on my experience, there's only a few slivers of truth there." Nearly every case that ended up at Deadman Wonderland caught some kind of sensationalist attention. His and Philip's had been no exception.

"Drawing parallels between the patterns of the anonymous person and those that use their names probably wouldn't do any good. They're likely maintaining two separate identities or even the Warden might catch on to what's going on. But, it's still worth a try.

"I'll need some time to go over the information before I can pick up any possible leads." He adjusted the knot on his tie. "But I will see you later when I have an idea of somewhere to start."

[starcharted]

John simply nodded his agreement, vaguely unsure of what else to add. Shotaro seemed plenty capable and much more equipped to handle the issue than he did, but bringing Philip along meant that he didn't have all the answers on his own. Maybe three minds and two fresh perspectives would be enough of a game changer to tilt things in their favor.

"Thank you." He held his hand out to Shotaro, both to make their work together official and to show his gratitude. Philip wasn't close enough for a handshake, but he did smile in his direction. "Whatever payment the two of you need I'm more than happy to give. Just say the word."

[tanteiotaku]

He shook his hand firmly. "I'll get back to you about that part. You're welcome. I won't disappoint you." Or so he hoped. For a first solo case, he may have collected a doozy.