"My Dilemma," Part II: "Sense"

The day of Lavernius’ death, James was to soon find out about it through Lexicus who met with James outside of the Aurelius cafe. The two were present at the scene of Lavernius’ death shortly afterward. James is sporting his police uniform and is looking with great disgust at the body of Lavernius that is being bagged up before him. More police officers can be seen closing off the scene from the public in a great display of force.

“I don’t understand,” James opens up, “nobody had a bounty on him, I am unaware of why he would be killed.” James speaks with grief. Although this is a part of his business, seeing the body of a person he just had a friendly exchange with earlier is quite haunting.

“My only assumption is that he would be killed due to his poor relations with Epoetah.” Lexicus whispers over to James as a reply for James’ confusion.

“That makes no sense, his relationship with Epoetah should not have led to his death.” James thinks to himself, “Could it be the item?” James whispers to Lexicus.

“It wouldn’t be the item, his body was untouched after it was shot.” Lexicus sighs and rubs his forehead, “Epoetah is an irrational man at times, I am not surprised by Epoetah’s retaliation against Lavernius for their tense relationship, however how it happened makes little sense.” Lexicus scratches the back of his head.

“Epoetah must have hired someone to do this.” James looks at Lexicus quickly, “I have to look further into this.”

“Tread carefully James,” Lexicus says while looking at Lavernius’ body bag, “Epoetah is unpredictable and too many questions to the wrong person may result in your untimely demise.”

James stands there and shares the same glance at Lavernius’ body bag, he then looks up toward Lexicus, “Does Marcus and Nero know about this?”

Lexicus then looks toward James and cocks an eyebrow, “I hope not, as of right now my understanding of this situation is to keep it as discreet as possible.” Lexicus sighs, “I fear for your safety James, I have bore witness to Nero’s incessant lust for power–I hope you do not become part of his grand schemes.” Lexicus places his hand on his mouth as he returns to look toward Lavernius’ body bag.

As if it is the work of the devil, another squad car pulls up to the scene. The car parks in front of the police tape and then two men exit the car to reveal themselves as Nero and Marcus. Marcus sports a pair of silver aviator glasses while the towering Nero carries the same mean attitude that he intends to carry to his grave.

“Where do you think the hired gun would go after a kill like this?” James takes no notice of the new squad car yet.

Lexicus does not bat an eye to the new squad car either, “My guess is that whoever committed this crime is long gone now–”

“James,” Nero breaks the conversation between James and Lexicus and throws his arms in the air, “My main man, how come you didn’t radio us.” Marcus and Nero make their way to the scene of the murder.

“The situation has been handled, Nero, there was no need to call for any backup.” James turns to face Nero completely.

Marcus then takes a look around at the scene, “Oh shit,” he says to himself, he then looks James in the eyes, “You know, we should be on the search for a suspect,” he points toward the ground, “instead of looking at shards of glass or whatever the fuck else.”

“Where were you two this morning? Isn’t this your jurisdiction anyway?” James places his hands on his sides as he leans his head toward the two cops before him.

“We had to take a little detour man,” Nero throws his arms up once more, “to talk to a certain…’friend.’” Nero uses air quotes.

Marcus places his arm in front of Nero, “It’s none of your business James, we are here now and that’s what counts.”

James then glares into Marcus’ eyes, “It is my business,” James points to himself, “Sirius has me in a higher position than the two of you, thus I am entitled to know any business you conduct without my supervision.” James points toward the two of them with two fingers.

“Alright then boss,” Nero looks down to his side, “I’ll tell you; we have been talking with Aaron.” Nero looks back up at James.

“Why do you need to talk to him?” James perks his head at the news.

“Because we heard from that fucking loser that Leon is planning another heist.” Marcus butts his way into the conversation, “we obviously are concerned about following Bosphorus’ rules.” Marcus exaggerates as he points toward himself and Nero.

“Leon hasn’t changed a bit, he lives to rob,” James then sighs, “Bosphorus’ ‘rules’ are meaningless, there is no need to follow them. I’m going to talk with Leon myself to get him to cancel this job.” James then turns around back toward Lavernius’ body bag.

Marcus then nods his head and smashes his lips together, “We’ll keep that in mind.” He says.

Then, Nero places his own hands on his hips, “James,” he chuckles, “don’t get in my way.”

James slowly turns around to see Nero hold a stern face, “You should not get in my way Nero. If you do, then there will be real consequences.” James glares directly into Nero’s eyes as Nero lifts his chin.

Nero snickers at James, yet the two leave the crime scene to just James and Lexicus. As Marcus and Nero enter their squad car, Lexicus places his hand on James’ shoulder as they continue to look down at the scene of the murder of Lavernius.