The Mercurius Express — Chapter 3
It would appear that Graves hadn't left his compartment since breakfast, according to conductor Dupont when Leon went to ask. After thanking the Malinois, the cougar went towards compartment number 7 and rapped on the door.
"Who is it?" Came the colonel's voice from the compartment.
"It's just me." Leon answered.
The door slid open slightly, and Graves' face peeked out. The panther immediately beamed when he saw Leon and quickly lead him into his compartment. The whole room smelled of bacon and eggs, evidently the colonel's breakfast which was lying on the small table. It was also somewhat dimly lit as the blinds had only been pulled a fraction over the window.
"How are you feeling, colonel?" Leon asked as he closed the door behind him.
The colonel, clad in his dressing robe and pyjama pants, replied, "A bit better, thank you." He smiled and sat down on the corner of the sofa. He then gestured to the tray set on the table. "I was just going to call for the conductor to clean this up when you knocked."
Leon chuckled. "Well then, by all means. You turned up the heating?" He went to add as he took off his jacket. It did feel exceedingly warm inside.
"Sorry about that. The heater in my room had been acting up since this morning. I couldn't turn down the heat." Graves apologized as he pressed the bell for the conductor.
Leon nodded understandingly. "You might want to have the conductor to check it." He said, lifting up the blinds slightly. "It's still snowing outside."
"I saw." Graves nodded with a disbelieving chuckle as he gazed to the heavy snowfall outside the window. Leon moved to sit beside the panther.
A moment later, Dupont knocked on the door and Graves went to hand him his breakfast tray, and also a request to look at his compartment's heating apparatus. The uniformed Malinois nodded curtly and promised that he'll have the train engineer look at it once they reached the next major stop.
"Anyway..." Leon began as the conductor left. "How's your head feeling now?"
The panther smiled. "It didn't feel like it's going to explode anytime soon. The painkillers your brother gave me helped immensely."
Leon nodded. "That's good to hear. He made it himself you know. The painkillers."
"Really?"
Leon nodded, allowing himself a small grin. "He's always been medically gifted. Saved my hide from close scrapes too many times to count." He made an awkward gesture to touch his shoulder, where the flesh merged with machinery.
"He's a big help."
Graves, who noticed the gesture, nodded understandingly. "You're lucky to have him as your twin brother."
Leon smiled back gratefully. "Thank you. Ah, also, I'm correct to assume that he had advised you against drinking so much and so often hmm?" He added.
The panther shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, I'm always up for a good drinking game. Besides, Viktor was quite charming."
"Viktor who?"
"The Rosvenian hare. Viktor Lebedev."
"Oh. Charming, is he now?" Leon's eyebrow rose.
"Yes." A playful grin stretched on the colonel's muzzle. "Did I detect a hint of jealousy in your tone, Cross?"
Leon gave the panther a wry smile. "Well, seeing that you and him are on first name basis..."
"You not need to worry." The colonel laughed, patting Leon's shoulder reassuringly. "We did nothing more but drink and swap stories." He said.
"Ah." Leon nodded. "Well, nothing wrong with that I suppose." He allowed himself a light chuckle. He shifted himself to sit closer to Graves.
"Exactly. Though, we did flirt around somewhat, also he did have some very inquisitive paws..."
"Graves."
The panther burst out into a small laugh. "I'm joking, I'm joking." He raised his paw placatingly. Leon rolled his eyes and snorted.
"Well then. Anymore... details I need to know?" The cougar added playfully, poking Graves chest.
Graves shook his head, a chuckle rumbling on his throat. "Nothing of that sort. However, ..." His paws slid to Leon's thigh. "Perhaps we could entertain ourselves for the meantime?"
The implication was not lost on Leon, and frankly, he wouldn't mind some form of entertainment. "Hmm... feeling stuffy are you now, colonel?" He pretended to hum thoughtfully.
"I do remember we have some unfinished business from yesterday morning." Graves murmured, wrapping his arm around the cougar's waist and leaned over the feline.
Leon felt his heart skipping a bit as he looked to the panther's hungry deep green eyes. "Mmm... I like that idea." He replied with a small grin as he tilted his head and pressed his lips against the panther's own.
Graves was quick to return the gesture. Leon noted with a slight surprise and amusement with just how fast Graves' paws found their way to the buttons of his clothes and slowly undid them. Leon simply took his time by roaming his paws on Graves' chest, down to his abdominals, feeling every inch of the panther's smooth fur and the contours of his well-trained muscles. Graves gave a pleasant purr as Leon ran his tongue across the length of the panther's exposed neck and giving it a couple of loving nips.
"Would you lead the reins this time, or should I?" Leon asked Graves shed his shirt. His paws worked to unbuckle his belt.
A wide, toothy grin stretched across Grave's muzzle. "Don't mind if I do." As soon as the words left his lips, he pushed Leon flat to the sofa and proceeded to smother the cougar with a passionate kiss. Leon writhed under the weight of the panther, letting out a moan as Graves' paws sneaked down through his trousers squeezed his swollen privates.
"Aaah..."
"I'll have my prize..." The colonel murmured huskily as he tugged Leon's trousers loose. He blinked in surprise when he saw the cougar's manhood springing up to attention. Apparently, Leon did not feel the need to wear underclothes this morning. "Feeling adventurous, Cross?" He chuckled.
Leon simply grinned, letting out a pleasured sigh as Graves nuzzled and teased his member with his lips. Before long, his rough, slippery tongue was teasing the numerous, sensitive barbs of his manhood and Leon expelled an involuntary moan.
A large paw quickly clasped over his muzzle.
"Not so loud." Graves murmured.
Leon nodded, biting his lips as he watched Graves dipping his head into his erection, engulfing it with the warmth and slickness of his maw.
"Mmmph..."
The cougar could only sink into the pleasure as Graves continued to suckle his member, letting out muffled moans once in a while.
Graves soon withdrew with an intense look on his eyes. Leon couldn't help but yelp as the panther pulled his legs and proceeded to bury his muzzle to his backside. He could immediately feel the sandpapery texture of the panther's tongue on the base of his tail, and down to the sensitive nub of flesh.
"G-Graves..."
"Hmrrr..."
"Ooh... that feels good..."
Leon heard the sound of something dropping to the floor. No doubt the colonel had decided to discard the remaining article of clothing on his body. Between the pleasant purring from Graves, the sinfully pleasurable feeling on the base of his tail, and the increasing level of heat between them, Leon was completely caught off guard when a series of knocks came from the door.
"Excuse me, Mr. Cross sir?"
Both felines looked up, turning to the door. It was Dupont's voice.
"Y-yes?" Leon replied somewhat breathlessly. "What is it?"
Dupont answered from the corridor outside. "Sorry to interrupt sir, but your presence is needed at the Vermeil coach. Compliments from the chef du train, sir."
"Of all times..." Leon muttered as Graves set him back down on the sofa. He gave the panther an apologetic look. Graves merely chuckled in a, 'Well, what can you do?' manner.
"I'll be right there in a few minutes." Leon replied to the conductor.
"Very well, sir."
Leon turned to Graves with a sigh. "That's certainly a way to kill the mood." He remarked as he sat up, running a paw through his neck. "I wonder what's the emergency."
"Not to worry." The panther chuckled lightheartedly. "I'll come with you. Might as well see what's so important." He said, getting up and went to fetch a fresh pair of clothes. His paw went over Leon's backside and gave it a firm tap however. "I'll still be taking my prize later today, hrmm?"
A snort escaped Leon's nose as he swatted the panther's paw away and planted a lingering kiss on Grave's lips.
"It's not like I'm going anywhere." He murmured as they parted.
"Well, that is true." Graves concurred, his paw trailing the contours of Leon's defined chest muscles, feeling the firm flesh underneath the smooth fur with his fingers.
Leon purred.
"However, I will depart at Obersthaven tomorrow evening. Might as well make the most of it, don't you think?"
"Hmm... quite." Leon chuckled, turning around and trying not to think of tomorrow where it was possible that they might not be seeing each other again for a very long time. He really enjoyed his time with the colonel, but every meeting has their goodbye eventually.
Just his luck every decent companion he found never seem to be able to stay around much. Even his brother's dates stayed around longer compared to his own.
Shaking the melancholic thoughts out of his head, Leon focused on getting himself to look presentable.
Fifteen minutes later, Leon headed to the second sleeping car with Graves in tow. A small crowd had gathered just outside compartment number 1. He immediately identified the wolverine and the fox as well as their conductor. The uniformed otter was looking decidedly uncomfortable. The sentiment seemed to be shared by the burly polar bear who must be the chef du train.
"Ah, monsieur Cross. I'm glad you're here." The conductor said, seemingly breathing in relief. "This is monsieur Richard Caine and monsieur Trent Warren." He gestured to the wolverine and the red fox respectively. "They will be requiring your assistance."
Leon nodded, looking at the fox, and then the wolverine. Richard Caine was a wolverine in his late 20s or early 30s, dressed in a comfortable, but well-worn brown jacket. He had an air of a seasoned traveler. Trent Warren, the red fox, possessed the typical smug expression and the air of cunning of his kind. Judging from the fine material of the forest green jacket and silk tie, he definitely looked more financially comfortable compared to his wolverine friend.
Both didn't look pleased with the situation at hand.
"What seems to be the problem?" Leon went to ask.
"Yes, er, well..." The conductor fidgeted. "Someone had broken into their compartment and stole something."
Leon held back a groan. He really disliked moments when his brother was right.
"It is a highly... precious artifact," said Richard Caine.
The red fox masked a cough. "It is highly sensitive material." He added. "I do wonder why anyone would ever steal such a thing..."
Caine shot his friend a look. "We have searched everywhere and couldn't find it. So, we went and asked if anyone could help, but it seemed to have vanished." He sighed. "Luckily we have a couple of detectives on board."
Leon raised an eyebrow. "How did you come to hear about me and my brother?"
"Our passenger manifest is quite thorough, and Herr Förstner also personally informed me." The chef du train told them. "In fact, there are three private detectives onboard."
"Three?" Leon went to ask, but the polar bear had continued.
"Yes, but the other was quite indisposed at the moment, and your brother isn't in his compartment. So we went to fetch you."
"Ah." Leon nodded. "Alright... are you sure you haven't simply misplaced this artifact?" He turned to Caine and Warren.
"We are certain." Warren nodded with a firm certainty.
"Very well then." The cougar hummed. "When did you notice this artifact was missing?"
"Just about an hour ago." Caine replied. "After we left Pallas."
Leon nodded. "Very well. Would you mind if I have a look inside your compartment? Oh, and this is Colonel Achilles Graves." He added, gesturing to the panther. "Usually I would ask my brother to help but I have the colonel for the moment. Not to worry, you can trust him."
The wolverine nodded after looking up and down the panther. "By all means." He said, letting Leon and Graves pass into the compartment.
It was a Second-Class compartment, identical to the one occupied by Gideon. The first thing Leon noticed was how cluttered it looked. The overhead rack was laden with suitcases, several bags had been placed on the sofa with their contents strewn about, and on the small chair opposite the sofa was a large, square shaped black trunk. Its lid was lying open.
If Leon hadn't known better, he'd thought that the compartment had been ransacked. However, it was clear that the clutter was a result of Caine and Warren looking for the missing artifact.
"Was anything out of the ordinary when you found your trinket was missing?" He turned to Caine, who had come to stand behind him.
"Oh yes. The case was lying on the floor, unlatched, open." The wolverine replied.
Leon blinked. "A case?"
Caine seemed to pause at the question. He glanced to conductor Faber who suddenly looked quite uncomfortable. "Er... fair bit of warning. It is a most unconventional casing."
"I see..."
Conductor Faber cleared his throat. "I'll be waiting outside." He said. The otter quickly disappeared through the door.
Leon shook his head, wondering what caused the conductor to act so squeamish. "Well then. Let's see this case you speak of." He said, turning to the wolverine.
Caine nodded and went to reach into the trunk. From it, he reached a pyramidal shaped box. As it was quite large, the wolverine had to hold it with both of his paws. It seemed to be made out of gold, with intricate carvings and studded with precious gemstones: lapis lazuli, topaz, ruby...
It looked like an intricate jewelry box at first glance, but Leon quickly found out what made it quite--as how Caine had put it--unconventional.
"Ah." He voiced.
"That's... an interesting design." Graves remarked, blinking repeatedly at the sight in front of him.
Leon reached for the box. "May I?"
The wolverine nodded and carefully placed the pyramidal box on Leon's outstretched paws. The cougar lifted it close to his face to have a better look at the engraving of the golden surface. It depicted a scene of a party from what Leon could discern, entirely filled with virile males, bare of any clothing, engaging in various sexual activities, framed with ancient Misaryan symbolism: hieroglyphs, lotus flower motives, and winged solar disks are all over the golden surface.
On one side, it depicted a male bull holding a goblet of wine, which was being filled by a male goat servant. A jackal was leaning on the bull's well-muscled chest, one arm wrapped around the bull's shoulder while the other was gesturing with an open palm to a pair of crocodiles who were caressing each other's erections. On the other side, two leopards were depicted embracing each other rather sensuously. Right across them was a small jackal kneeling in front of a huge ram, caressing the ram's phallus. Another jackal was in the background, depicted lounging on a divan-- no, a klinai-- head tilted back, his snout touching the snout of a leopard. Both were depicted with their phalluses erect.
Interesting...
Leon drew his gaze from the decorative, gilded case and went to inspect the bottom. It was, surprisingly, simply a smooth wooden surface with small stubs which must be the support. However, there was a tiny engraving by the centre. Leon managed to make out tiny words which reads: 'A M OCT TI V'
"What does this engraving mean?"
"Ah, we believe it alludes to the name of the Inotrian senator who previously owned this artifact." Caine said. "But we are not quite sure yet. The auctioneer wasn't quite knowledgeable about this artifact's history."
"I see..." Leon nodded slowly. "And you found this lying on the floor with the lid open?" He added.
"Yes, it's like... hmm, might as well show you how it opened." He said. "Put it by the table, and careful. I wouldn't want any more scratches."
Leon blinked. "But this case is in a pristine condition."
"It was a figure of speech, Mr. Cross but let's hope there won't be any," said the wolverine somewhat exasperatedly as he cleared the small table and let Leon place it down.
"Anyway, the case will only open if you press the ruby right here." He pointed to the relief of a winged solar disk on one side, studded with a round cut ruby, right below a carving of a jackal sitting on a wolf's lap, his tail raised--Leon tore his eyes away from the particularly distracting image and went to press the tiny ruby disk.
He watched in fascination and wonder as the sides of the decorative case slowly swung open and parted on its seams, until it resembled a huge golden flower.
Graves whistled.
There was nothing inside the case was safe for the soft blue silk covered cushions which lined the interior of the case. There was also a circular indent and secure clamps on the cushion, probably where the artifact must have been placed. Beyond that, there was nothing really remarkable on the inside of the case.
"The artifact was stored inside, as how we had acquired it." Caine explained as Leon ran his fingers on the indent.
"Hmm... where did you obtain this, ah, artifact?" Leon went to ask. "It had aspects of ancient Misaryan and Inotrian craft."
Warren smiled broadly. "I see you're a man of history Mr. Cross. This case is an ancient Inotrian artifact. We speculated it was crafted around 30-32 BCE. We found the artifact in Al-Q'air, in the night auctions. It took us a lot time and effort to get this.
"Why were you looking for it in the first place?"
"We were contacted by Mr. William Ainsworth." Caine told him. "He's a collector of sorts, and he was particularly anxious to get this artifact." He said.
"Well, he certainly won't be pleased with us." Warren complained. "Of all the trouble we went through to get this..."
"That doesn't matter now." Caine interrupted his friend before the fox could ramble on, running his paws through his hair, exhaling in frustration.
"Either way, what exactly was stolen?" Leon quickly spoke up.
"The artifact that's housed inside the case. We, uh..." Caine and Warren turned to look at each other, communicating silently.
"Best if we showed it to you." Warren said after a few seconds.
"Better brace yourself Mr. Cross." The chef du train intoned gruffly. His face slowly reddened. "It certainly took me and little Faber there by surprise."
Both Leon and Graves stared at the polar bear, wondering what could be more shocking than the exceedingly graphical art on the jeweled box.
Warren had pulled out a thick, worn leather bound journal from his bag and flipped through the pages until he stopped when he was nearing the end of the book.
"I often recorded illustrations on whatever piece of history we found on our journeys." The fox explained as he handed the journal for Leon to see. "This is the sketch of the... trinket that was stolen, and also I have the photograph of the object pinned right here..."
Leon simply stared at the image, his lips parted in surprise.
Graves made a soft noise of exclamation and turned to the fox. "You're pulling our legs!"
"I assure you, sir. I am not." Warren shook his head. "This, er, phallus, was the object that was housed inside the gilded case."
It was indeed a phallus. Or rather, an ornamental piece of obsidian cut into a shape of an erect, canid phallus, complete with the bulbus glandis. It was decorated with gold and silver. Leon was simply at a loss of words of how much detail went into the sketch. It matches the colored photographs of the real object itself, which were attached in between pages.
Warren had drawn the ornamental phallus from four different sides, also from the top and the bottom angle (which detailed the large circular wooden base of which the phallic object stood). Scribbles of notes detailed the symbolism etched into the object.
"Am I correct to assume that this object was a good luck charm of sorts?" Leon voiced, flipping to the next the page, which contained a detailed diagram of the pyramidal case.
"Yes, it was indeed a good luck charm." It was Caine who had spoken. "Of sorts."
The chef du train spluttered, obviously not expecting that piece of information. Caine raised an eyebrow to the bear before he turned back to Leon.
"Ancient Misaryan and Inotrian culture regarded reproductive organs as... lucky, as one way to put it." Leon explained.
Graves hummed. "I see."
Leon nodded, turning his attention back to the case. "This case... it wasn't originally a part of the... ah, charm, was it?"
"That is indeed correct. It was of Inotrian craft, influenced by Misaryan culture," said Warren.
"I thought as much." Leon nodded. "Perhaps one of you gentlemen could show us the position of this case when you found it?"
Caine gave Leon a blink. "I... of course, sir." He nodded.
Leon, Graves, and Warren watched as Caine carefully placed the golden case on the floor, lying on its side with its flaps lying open. Leon took note that it was facing to the wall. "So it was not facing the door, hmm?"
"It was like this when we found it, yes." Warren nodded. He watched as the feline detective made a quick stride towards the washroom and opened the door. "We have checked every corner of the place. It was not there."
"Hmm..." Leon turned his gaze about, going into a crouch as he inspected the tiled floor, peering into the small cabinet under the washbasin which housed the plumbing. There was nothing of note inside. His reflection on the mirror gazed back at him as he stood. The cougar proceeded to tug the door which opens to the compartment next door. It was locked.
"Is the door, from your compartment, to the washroom open when you returned?" He asked yet again. "And uh, who's next door?"
Caine turned his gaze to his companion. "I... didn't pay much attention you see, and the compartment next door had been empty since yesterday."
"I'm pretty sure we left it closed before we left." Warren added for his friend.
Nodding, Leon hummed. "What time did you leave your compartment this morning?"
Warren looked thoughtfully. "Around a quarter past nine, I believe. We were somewhat late for breakfast."
"And after breakfast?" Leon went on.
"We stayed on the dining car for a while and then returned to our compartment." Warren replied. "It was around... half past ten I believe? Definitely after the train left Pallas."
"Ah, well, I did go back before that." Caine added. "I went back to grab my watch. I don't remember when, but it was after we reached the restaurant car. The case was still sitting on the table when I came in. I even checked the case before I left."
Leon gave a thoughtful nod. "I see... ah, yes. Was anything changed in this compartment when you finally returned from breakfast?"
Caine gave a small nod. "The beds had been made away... and the case was lying on the floor, open, and without the trinket."
Nodding, the cougar then turned to the chef du train. "I believe I would need to ask the conductor of this coach a few questions, monsieur."
"Certainly monsieur. I shall fetch him at once."
Leon quickly shook his head. "Oh no, no. Colonel Graves and I will see him at his post ourselves." He told the polar bear.
Graves quickly turned to his friend. "You believe the conductor was involved?"
"Possibly, but I cannot tell just yet." Leon replied. He turned his eyes back towards the pyramidal case, which had not been moved by Caine from the floor. After giving it a long, thoughtful look, he bent down and picked it up carefully with his paws. "Would you two gentlemen mind if I study this for the time being? I assure you, no harm would befall it."
Caine seemed to hesitate, but he finally nodded. "Very well. I presume you'd like to study it in more detail?"
"That would be correct, yes." Leon nodded. "Oh, and if it wouldn't be too bothersome, if you have a copy of photograph of the... charm, perhaps I could have it?"
"I believe we have a few copies." Warren spoke up. "I'll give it to you once we found it."
Leon smiled. "Very well. That would be all for the present. I shall take my leave." He said. "I will inform you if I have found any leads."
"Of course, of course." Warren nodded eagerly. "Thank you for offering your assistance, sir."
With a parting nod, Leon and Graves walked out into corridor with the chef du train. The pyramidal case, now wrapped in foam lined box, was hefted on Graves' arms. The three quickly made their way towards the conductor, who was sitting by the end of the corridor.
The otter blinked when he saw the three males approaching him before he quickly stood up and gave them a small nod. "Can I help you, messieurs?"
"Yes, would you mind if we ask you some questions about this morning, and also... perhaps you could find the coach attendant?"
"Monsieur?" The conductor stared in surprise and apprehension.
Leon waved his paw dismissively. "Nothing to worry about, conductor. I simply want to know the events leading to the theft." He said. "Is there somewhere we could interview you in private? Maybe one of the empty compartments?"
Nodding, conductor Faber led them to compartment number 5, which was a First-Class compartment. It was devoid of signs that it had been occupied by anyone, but it was definitely clean. The conductor went to fetch the attendant as Leon and Graves made themselves comfortable.
A moment later, Faber returned with a young, tall grey wolf whom Leon had seen a couple of times. The wolf glanced curiously at Leon and Graves and to the conductor. His expression went alarmed for a second as the conductor explained the situation to him in hushed, rapid Gallian.
Leon gestured for the conductor to sit by the small chair. The chef du train stood guard outside on the corridor, standing watch stoically, while the decidedly nervous attendant simply stood at attention.
"I will simply ask a few questions. Nothing to worry about." Leon chuckled, his paws moving to placate the wolf. "If you'd like, you could wait outside while I interview the conductor. We will call you when we are done." He added as he sat down right across the said conductor.
The wolf made a small bow of his head and quickly left.
Turning to the otter, Leon began. "Could you perhaps tell us your full name and address?"
"Andrei Rene Faber, monsieur," said the otter. "And my address is 17 Rue de Mont-de-Javier."
"Thank you." Leon smiled and began to speak in an easy, relaxed manner to calm the tense nerves on the train worker. "Very well. Perhaps you could tell us your movements this morning? Particularly between eight and eleven o'clock?" Leon leaned back, steepling his paws as he waited for the conductor to tell his story.
"Well, around eight, I went to make the compartments, monsieur... folding the beds back into couches, cleaning, and making sure everything was tidy." He said. "It was a slow morning. The passengers didn't get up until at least eight thirty. I uh... Mlles. Brunner and Stuart were the first to rise and they asked their compartment, the number 8, to be made. Messieurs Cross and Lucciano on compartment 3 was next. I made messieurs Warren and Caine's compartment after that. Compartment 1."
"I see." Leon nodded as he wrote it all down on a small notebook. "Did you make up compartment 1 when the train stopped at Pallas?"
"It was sometime before the train arrived in Pallas, monsieur." Faber replied. "I finished just as the train stopped in the station. After that, messieurs Schröder and Schröder asked their compartment to be made. They are in compartment 4."
Leon hummed. "Did you see anything out of the ordinary in Compartment 1? Was the gilded case still on the table?"
"Why, yes monsieur." The conductor inclined his head. "It was still sitting on the table when I entered. I er..."
"Yes?" The cougar prompted.
The conductor looked decidedly uncomfortable. "To be truthful, it took me by surprise, monsieur. I almost dropped my keys. It looked so unusual that I dare not touch it."
Leon tapped his pen on the page of his notebook lightly. "And while the train was in Pallas, you're standing in front of the coach with your fellow conductors, correct?"
"Oui, monsieur."
"Which passengers got off this coach while it was still in Pallas?"
Furrowing his brows, the otter hummed for a few seconds before he said, "Most of the passengers had walked down to the platform, or are still at breakfast monsieur. I believe only the Vasilvey family, and the musicians are present on the coach."
"Musicians?" Graves and Leon voiced at the same time. "Er... sorry." The panther added apologetically.
Leon gave him a reassuring smile. "It's alright colonel. When you say musicians..." he turned to conductor Faber.
"Oh, they're from the Luciere Philharmonic Orchestra, monsieur. They are returning from their tour in Anatolia." The conductor explained. "Currently, there are only five of them on this train. They always travel on the Mercurius Express, monsieur. It was most unfortunate you see. They couldn't book an entire coach for the entire orchestra members so they have to split up and board different trains. It is not a rare occurrence that they give a little concert to entertain the guests."
"Ah, that's nice." Leon nodded with a small chuckle. "So they are pretty much regular passengers then?"
"Oui."
Graves grinned broadly. "Well, you certainly have a rather interesting group of passengers."
"We do, monsieur."
"Very well. Oh right, one more thing. Did the attendant on this coach go into any of the compartments this morning?"
Conductor Faber nodded. "Of course, monsieur. Young Julien assisted me with cleaning up the other compartments. I also tasked him to inspect the empty compartments you see."
"Which brings me to my next point of questioning." Leon smiled. "Please bring in the attendant. We're all finished with you, conductor."
With a tip of his head, the conductor exited the compartment and called for the wolf. Leon wasted no time to get through the pleasantries and the standard opening questions.
"Julien Hugo Travert. My address is 44 Avenue De Marlioz." The attendant relayed.
"Very well. Can you tell me your activities this morning?" Leon asked.
The young wolf hummed thoughtfully. "Well, I did a lot of cleaning." He replied. "I dusted the corridor and the fixtures around six in the morning... that's when my shift started for the day and Conductor Faber took his usual nap. Around nine, I assisted Conductor Faber to make up the compartments. I did compartment 10 first, which is occupied by M. Feodorov and his nephew... after that I went into the next compartment, number 11, occupied by Mme. Vasilyev and her niece. M. Valois and M. Nielsen's compartment, number 7 was next--they're one of the musicians you see--and then M. Lebedev in compartment 12 rang for the conductor but M. Faber was busy with Compartment 1 so I went to make his bed for the day, and then I went to stand by in the attendant's pantry at the other end of this coach. After the train arrived in Pallas, Conductor Faber tasked me to make up the rest of the compartments when he was about to stand guard on the steps into the coach."
"Ah... and did you see anyone coming in or out of the coach? Anyone suspicious?"
Julien tilted his head thoughtfully. "There was M. Gideon Cross from compartment 3 who got down from the train, followed by M. Lebedev from compartment 12... oh, and before that, M. Casseaux left the coach to the salon after he and M. Laflèche returned from breakfast. M. Laflèche had a headache so he remained in Compartment 6. Also... The musicians on compartments 7, 8, and 9 returned from the dining car and immediately went to their compartments and began practicing. I think two of them left for the lounge, but I can't be sure. And then... hmm... oh, I also saw you and M. Gideon Cross getting on a few minutes before the train departed."
"Very good." Leon smiled. "And you saw no one else getting onboard the train or getting into other compartments?
"No, monsieur. I could see no one who wasn't on the passenger manifest."
"What about passengers from the other coaches?"
"There was only you, monsieur."
"Alright. What did you do next?"
"Well... oh, M. Faber tasked me to inspect the empty compartments just after the train left the station, monsieur."
"I see... How many empty compartments are there on this coach?"
"Only two, monsieur. Compartment 2, second class, and this one, compartment 5." The wolf explained. When he saw that Leon was motioning to go on, he added, "I inspected and cleaned compartment 2, and then I went to inspect this one.
"I see. Did you also clean the adjoining washroom by any chance?"
Julien inclined his head. "Of course, monsieur. It is part of my routine."
"Did you see anything suspicious in compartment 1? I believe the washroom connects compartment 1 and 2, is it right?"
"Oui, monsieur. Everything was in order. There was nothing out of the ordinary."
"Are you sure?" Leon prompted.
Julien blinked in surprise. "Oui, monsieur."
"Positively sure?"
"I--yes, of course."
The cougar detective nodded as he wrote something down quickly on his notebook. He closed it with a light snap and stashed it into his jacket pocket. "That would be all for now. Thank you for your kind assistance."
"Monsieur." The wolf gave a parting nod and stood up.
The conductor locked the compartment once everyone walked out. The otter quickly headed back to his chair while the attendant made a beeline towards the pantry, keeping watch until some passenger needs a small snack or a drink. Leon and Graves made their way back to the Azuré coach. The chef du train himself lumbered away soon after, presumably back to the staff coach which was up front.
"What do you make of this case?" Graves asked as they stepped into his compartment and sat down.
"I haven't all the necessary data. I might need to conduct a bit more investigation." Leon replied as he untied the cloth which held the golden pyramidal case. "This is the most unusual artifact I've ever seen."
"Hear hear." Graves intoned dryly. "Do you think your brother would be interested?"
Leon cocked his head to the side as he traced a finger on the carving of two leopards. "Perhaps, perhaps... but the question is, why would someone even steal an artifact like this?" He voiced somewhat exasperatedly. "It is most unusual. I might have to interview the passengers who stayed inside while the train was stopping in Pallas."
"That would be useful." Graves nodded. "How many stayed on board on that coach?"
"The Vasilyev family, M. Laflèche, and the musicians according to the conductor..." Leon trailed off as he read through his notes. He suddenly stood up. "Ah, I have to fetch something. Be right back." He said and quickly left the compartment.
Graves stared at the retreating form of the cougar, wondering what the detective might need. His question was answered a moment later when Leon returned with a small folder containing a sheet of green hued paper on his paws.
"The passenger manifest for the Vermeil coach." Leon revealed as he sat down next to Graves. "I borrowed this from Faber. Took a bit of convincing." He said as he sat down and quickly began to write down the names on his notebook.
Curious, Graves leaned in and glanced at the passenger manifest. It detailed the passengers staying in the coach, as well as details of their nationality, species, point of travel and destination.
"Looks like you have to interview eleven people." Graves couldn't help but point out after reading that the five musicians were spread across compartments 7, 8, and 9, and that Vasilyevs were three huskies occupying compartments 10 and 11, along with one 'Gavriil Feodorov', also a husky.
"Maybe not necessarily." Leon murmured as he wrote down, 'Compartment 4: Wilhelm & Friedrich Schröder, Compartment 5: Empty, Compartment 6: Lucien Casseaux & Damien Laflèche...'.
"What do you mean?"
"Hmm? Oh, nothing." Leon said with a shake of his head. "Huh, interesting. It would seem that our friend Mr. Caine is a last-minute passenger." He murmured, reading the conductor's remarks typed under the manifest.
"There of course will be some last-minute passengers on trains."
"True, true."
Soon, the detective finished copying everything down and flipped his notebook close. "Well, that's everything for now. Say, what time is it?"
"It's almost eleven." Graves replied. "So, what are you going to do--"
"Le train entre en gare de Rodios! Gare de Rodios! Cinq minutes d'arrêt!"
Turning to the window, Leon and the colonel watched as the mountains gave way into a valley which overlooked the sea. An Illadian seaside town came into view and the Mercurius Express was slowing down towards it.
Looking away from the view, Leon gave Graves' shoulder a little nudge. "What do you say if we go and grab a drink on the lounge?"
"Sounds good to me." The panther nodded quite eagerly.
Leon made sure to return the passenger manifest to conductor Faber along the way. The train rolled to a stop at Rodios station as the two felines left for the lounge car. However, instead of finding the bar, they found themselves inside a small space occupied by a glass enclosed counter, manned by a bull in the train company's uniform. The bull quickly stood to attention when he noticed the two passengers and was all smiles.
"A gift shop? This is certainly an interesting addition." Graves remarked as they walked past the small gift-shop compartment and pushed the ornate leaded glass door.
Leon whistled as his eyes immediately fell on the mini grand piano sitting right next to the small serving bar. It was a piece of art itself, with the beautiful geometric marquetry and smooth, rounded edges. A bespectacled grizzly bear was currently playing soothing jazz tunes, entertaining the guests who were seated on the plush armchairs and sofas which green leather complimented the fine mahogany paneling. Fine gold leaf lining and etched glass added to the opulent leisure atmosphere of the car.
"Good morning sir. Welcome to the lounge car. How may I help you?"
Leon and Graves turned to the leopard who had addressed them from behind the bar.
"Ah, I guess this is the famed Music Lounge then." Graves remarked with a small grin.
The leopard inclined his head. "Indeed, sir. This car is informally known to be the 'Music Lounge' by most of the passengers." He gestured to the mini grand piano. "I would also like to remind you to refrain from lighting any pipes or cigarettes while you are in this car."
"Duly noted."
"By any means, what do you serve?" Leon went to ask.
There was a loud blaring whistle followed with a strong jerk as the train started moving once again.
"We offer a variety of light treats and cocktails, sir." The leopard pulled out a couple of menu cards from under the counter. I recommend the daily special, sir, which is here..."
Leon settled on the corner of the lounge with Graves sitting across him. Two plates of cinnamon roll with delectable white glaze sat on the small table between them, brought by the waiter. While the panther was enjoying his drink and the sweet roll, Leon on the other hand was studying his notes. The cougar had drawn a rough diagram of the Vermeil coach with scribbles of the passengers occupying them. Occasionally, he would tap the page with his pen and mutter under his breath, eyes closed.
Graves, who had been watching his travel companion doing this for the past half an hour, went to ask, "Something on your mind?"
The cougar blinked, staring at Graves for a few seconds. "I have a few possible theories."
"Do tell."
Leon waved his paw dismissively. "It is possible that the conductor or the attendant was lying, but I couldn't see them wanting to take the phallic artifact." He said. "The conductor is too much of a decent man, and the attendant seems like an honest worker. But... looks can be deceiving."
Graves hummed. "They seemed honest enough from my point of view." He remarked.
"That they do." Leon acquiesced, closing his notebook. He took a bite out of his cinnamon roll and gazed out of the picture window. The snow had stopped falling, and the entire countryside of Illadia was completely blanketed in white. However, the silvery white view suddenly disappeared as the entire train plunged into darkness. They just entered the tunnel.
Blinking as his eyes adjusted to the dark, Leon sipped his cocktail--the daily special, which was a curious blend of bourbon, blackberry, honey, and tea. It has the right amount of sweetness and slightly smoky, corn-like flavor from the bourbon. Leon found himself liking the mix very much.
There was the telltale sound of the door opening, and Leon's eyes fell upon a female leopard and a vixen who easily made their way to the nearest empty chair they could find. Leon glanced back to his list and found that there were indeed a leopard and a red fox in the group of musicians occupying the Vermeil coach.
Light flooded back into the car as the train left the tunnel behind. Leon blinked from the sudden bright light.
"What were you writing on your journal Katie? Seems like a really interesting novel." The vixen intoned playfully to her leopard friend in distinct Arleman accent.
Katie-- who Leon could only assume as Katrina Brunner--gave her friend a pointed, but amused look. "It was nothing, Claudette. I was simply writing about how Henri was in his fervent moods once again... and also about this impossible snow we are having."
Claudette Stuart chuckled and turned as the waiter approached them and asked if they would want anything to drink. "Just coffee for us, thank you. With cream and sugar."
"I wonder how the rest of the troupe are doing." Katrina voiced a few moments later.
Claudette nodded her head. "Well, I'm sure they are doing fine. Did you know they just fixed the wireless? I just received a telegram from Antoinette and Helga. They are doing pretty well on their train."
"Didn't they board the morning train?"
"Yes, they did." The leopard nodded once again. "But the snow is quite thick in Inotria, they say. Their train have to slow down and would not reach Romus until late in the evening."
"Well, I do hope the baggage van have adequate heating. It would just not do if our instruments froze over." Katrina said just as the waiter brought them their coffee.
Leon couldn't help but wonder if these two friendly looking girls were really musicians of the Luciere Philharmonic. They certainly looked young. They certainly seem so if their conversation was any of note.
"Something on your mind?" Graves asked.
"Shh... they might know something the conductor and attendant don't."
The panther chuckled. "How could you be sure?" He asked with a small grin.
Leon shook his head. "I don't, but I found listening to idle conversation might gain something worthwhile. If not, I'll just go and ask them."
"Alright. Go easy on the ladies." The colonel grinned cheekily.
Leon huffed. "I certainly won't be going easy on you later." He added for measure.
Graves' grin widened a fraction. "I'll be counting on it."
Leon rolled his eyes and leaned back on the chair, drinking his cocktail as the ladies continued to talk.