June 18th 1958 21:30

Clues have shown themselves, new players have join the scene and new alliances are being formed. 

Transcript

SPEAKER_04 0:00

Hey, it's Jess Brett, writer, director, and editor of the Cursed Cards Podcast. I wanted to say thank you for listening to the show. I would also like to give a special thank you to our cast for being a part of this adventure and this episode. Klaus Devden is played by Lord Nerdy Stepopod. Bree Rose is played by Fantasylover, and the narrator is played by yours truly, just Brett. Assorted voices and background are played by Just Bret and Bright Swords. For the cast that you'd like to hear them answer, email us at askcurscards at gmail.com. We would love to hear from you. And if you'd like to support the show directly, head over to Patreon under Just Bret. That is just Brett with three T's at the end of Brett, where you can see all the other projects I'm working on. Or check me out on Twitch. I'd be delighted to see you. Anyway. I hope you have a good morning, day, night, or whatever else you might be experiencing, and remember, my friends, to grab a cloak. It's cold outside. This podcast is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and instances are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance of actual persons, living or dead, or actual events are entirely coincidental. The opinions expressed are those of the characters not represent any real-world figures or organizations. June 18th, 1958. 21.

SPEAKER_02 1:28

I'm not surprised this happened to you. You did make that comment.

SPEAKER_04 1:33

Klaus didn't respond. His head was leaned back, his handkerchief was still on his bleeding nose.

SPEAKER_01 1:40

I'm just shocked you didn't arrest them for assault.

SPEAKER_02 1:43

We didn't have a warrant, and you were asking for it.

SPEAKER_01 1:47

Praying to Mary of Egypt so they wouldn't end up like that victim is rather distasteful, don't you think?

SPEAKER_02 1:52

How do you know a saint by its prayer? I thought you weren't a Christian.

SPEAKER_04 1:58

Else paused for a moment, putting away his handkerchief. His hand began to play with his keys once again.

SPEAKER_01 2:03

I'm not. But even I have a Sunday school. That's not. Oh, good! The devils are here.

SPEAKER_04 2:11

A truck with the letters D, E, V, I, L, professionally painted on it the side, began to pull up to the crime scene. Five heavily armed soldiers quickly exited the vehicle and started to try to quarantine.

SPEAKER_00 2:26

Sir, ma'am, this is now a devil operation. I'm going to need you to step back.

SPEAKER_02 2:32

We're actually with the New York police.

SPEAKER_00 2:34

You'll have to talk to my superior officer if you want to return to this premises. Until then, I need you to step back.

SPEAKER_01 2:42

Thank you so much for being an inconvenience.

SPEAKER_04 2:47

The devil soldier grunted in response as the two walked away.

SPEAKER_01 2:51

Just a real charming guy, that one. No wonder they wear those masks.

SPEAKER_04 3:00

She quickly stepped between the soldier and Klaus as the card reader walked away.

SPEAKER_02 3:04

I'm terribly sorry, officer.

SPEAKER_00 3:07

My name is Dave, ma'am.

SPEAKER_02 3:10

Dave. No last name?

SPEAKER_00 3:12

It's protocol that I don't share my details unless certain circumstances call for it, ma'am.

SPEAKER_02 3:18

I see. Well, Dave. Sorry about him. I just witnessed a horrid scene.

SPEAKER_00 3:27

You don't need to be vague for him, ma'am. Everyone on this unit knows Klaus Devdon is a dick.

SPEAKER_02 3:33

Oh, thank goodness. So you won't press charges?

SPEAKER_00 3:37

If I got paid a nickel, for every time I've been insulted, mocked, or ridiculed by that guy, I'd have my own Pullman car by now.

SPEAKER_04 3:46

Brie smiles, not sure how to handle that comparison, but understood it all the same. Before she could say more, Klaus called her over.

SPEAKER_01 3:53

You don't want to get too familiar and speak to them too often now, Bertie. They do have lease.

SPEAKER_04 3:58

Dave secretly flipped off Mr. Devden, just visible enough to make Brie crack a smile. She made her way back to him.

SPEAKER_01 4:06

Stay away from them, Rose. The bad luck made her ob off on you.

SPEAKER_02 4:11

They do help people, you know.

SPEAKER_04 4:12

Klaus pulls out his pipe and begins to smoke.

SPEAKER_01 4:16

Like the right to spread the plague.

SPEAKER_02 4:18

Let's just wait for my team to get here so there isn't any extra paperwork, okay? And don't start anything.

SPEAKER_01 4:26

Anything I start is more than justifiable.

SPEAKER_02 4:29

Yeah. And I'm the heir to the English throne. Your friend should be here, right?

SPEAKER_01 4:36

Aye. It has been a few weeks. I'm sure Abacus will have this resolved in no time.

SPEAKER_03 4:44

Agent Abacus, retired effective June 5th. I am his replacement.

SPEAKER_04 4:50

Cold stairs and hard heels hit the pavement as the woman approached. She was dressed in an outfit that was a mix of military and business suit. The logo of the devil was a caduceus with a sword instead of a staff. Over a five-point star was on her gloves. Her glasses were sleek, and her hair was long and braided. Her complexion showed she had heritage from the East and perhaps Central America. She pulled out a small journal and made a note before talking once again.

SPEAKER_03 5:16

You must be Mr. Klaus Devden, also known as Silvertongue in the Devil Files.

SPEAKER_01 5:21

Silvertongue? No one has called me that for years. And I'd prefer to keep it that way.

SPEAKER_04 5:27

The woman nodded and wrote something again into that black book. She closed it and extended a hand to Klaus.

SPEAKER_03 5:33

Agent Carmen Lee, level 4 kinetics. Code name radio.

SPEAKER_04 5:38

He takes her hand.

SPEAKER_01 5:39

Radio, huh? I can assure you that the name is not for your face.

SPEAKER_03 5:44

Abacus, warrant me, you weren't prone to a flattery. Please keep such blandishments to a minimum. I do not find you attractive.

SPEAKER_01 5:54

Fair enough, radio. Fair enough. So, uh, is Abacus still around?

SPEAKER_03 5:59

He plans to leave for his home country before the summer solstice. Here's the address if you'd like to see him.

SPEAKER_01 6:06

Thank you.

SPEAKER_03 6:07

Hello, I'm Detective Brieve Rose, born in Hell's Kitchen, New York. First lieutenant during your time during the Second World War. Your record is impressive. Thank you.

SPEAKER_04 6:18

The two women shook hands. It seemed like a friendly enough exchange, but the tension was palpable. And Klaus wasn't quite ready for these two to interact, so he pivoted.

SPEAKER_01 6:28

Now, I don't suppose you can give the old guard here clearance to do their own investigation of this, could you, Agent Radio?

SPEAKER_03 6:37

I could. But I'll need something from you, Mr. Depton.

SPEAKER_01 6:42

Klaus is more than just fine. I don't do deals like a devil, you know.

SPEAKER_03 6:47

I assure you. Klaus? I'd like to keep conversation to a minimum. What I am asking for you is legionnaire business. Nothing personal.

SPEAKER_01 6:56

Bad now. What do you need?

SPEAKER_03 6:59

Looking through Agent Abacus' paperwork, I noticed that the reason for your transfer here to New York was left blank.

SPEAKER_01 7:08

That doesn't surprise me. Abacus had his hands full with a variety of cases. Not just mine.

SPEAKER_03 7:17

Regardless, I'd like to have the reason you left Seattle, Washington, for the record, of course. Would you like this to be discussed in private?

SPEAKER_04 7:26

Before the witch could answer, the detective said her piece.

SPEAKER_02 7:29

Actually, if possible, I'd like to hear why you decided to travel here too.

SPEAKER_01 7:36

Sure. I'll play along. I left Washington State because I had a run in with the foot.

SPEAKER_02 7:47

Bigfoot?

SPEAKER_01 7:48

Uh variant of a Yeti or a Tutuna?

SPEAKER_02 7:51

Uh a variant of what?

SPEAKER_03 7:53

A large furred ape that has intelligence that is comparable to, if not equal, to our own. There have been a few sightings within the last few months of this creature in that area. Was your interception of this creature enlightening?

SPEAKER_01 8:16

And I did ruck his heart.

SPEAKER_04 8:19

The two women looked at the card reader with no amusement. His expression was genuine, but clearly clearly he wasn't interested in giving any more details.

SPEAKER_01 8:28

Can we start our investigation now, Agent Radio?

SPEAKER_03 8:32

Certainly. I would like a copy of all of your findings when you're done filling out your paperwork, Detective Rose. Is that equitable?

SPEAKER_02 8:42

The NYPD do our best to help with the Legionnaires whenever we can.

SPEAKER_03 8:46

That's good to hear. Refreshing even.

SPEAKER_04 8:50

Agent Radio took out something that looks similar to a checkbook and wrote something down.

SPEAKER_03 8:54

That will allow your department to go begin their investigation.

SPEAKER_01 8:58

Glad to hear that. Please, excuse me.

SPEAKER_02 9:03

Plus, don't. Sorry about him. I didn't realize that him and this abacus were close. I never met the guy.

SPEAKER_03 9:14

That isn't surprising, Agent. Abacus is rather a recluse.

SPEAKER_02 9:18

Another thing I didn't know. If the answer is no, that's fine. But can you tell me anything about Klaus? He isn't too chatty about his personal details.

SPEAKER_04 9:30

The agent looked through the detective, trying to understand her intentions. She then opened another book before nodding.

SPEAKER_03 9:38

As today today, handler of the Witch Depthon, I can see the benefits of giving you some of his personal details.

SPEAKER_02 9:46

That would be appreciated. Thank you.

SPEAKER_03 9:48

However, I do not have that file on me personally. Perhaps we can meet for lunch tomorrow. Or whenever Bows decides to go visit Agent Abacus.

SPEAKER_02 10:00

That works for me. Is there a reason we don't want Klaus to be at this meeting?

SPEAKER_03 10:06

Witches don't like their dirty laundry being exposed, even when they are working alongside the department. You'll have to excuse me. I have to see what cost to the mice of that civilian.

SPEAKER_02 10:18

And in the same vein, I should find out where Klaus wandered off to. You have a good night. And you as well.

SPEAKER_04 10:26

The two separated, both with their own charges. After a few minutes, Bree did find Klaus in a room where the body was. He was looking over the corpse, keeping his distance. The devil agents were nowhere to be seen. He was muttering to himself again, playing with the keys on that chain.

SPEAKER_02 10:46

You didn't tell me you were a witch.

SPEAKER_01 10:49

I'd rather not be called that.

SPEAKER_02 10:52

Why hide the fact? People at the department would probably take you more seriously, knowing you're a witch.

SPEAKER_01 10:59

Trying to fit people into categories is how we get situations like the red scare.

SPEAKER_02 11:04

Touche. What have you found?

SPEAKER_01 11:06

He was former military. Irish, obviously. And he hadn't been in church in past few months.

SPEAKER_02 11:15

How can you tell that he was in the military?

SPEAKER_01 11:17

Alas. His uniform is over there. And there are dog tags where his neck used to be.

SPEAKER_04 11:24

The detective quickly stepped over the corpse. A bit uncomfortable, but she managed to put on gloves and pick up the dog tags.

SPEAKER_02 11:31

Corporal Finn Murphy, born in 1924, bloodtight, O positive. He was a Catholic.

SPEAKER_01 11:40

I told you, Las.

SPEAKER_02 11:42

Yeah, yeah. How did you figure out the church thing? Did you talk to his neighbors? Not quite.

SPEAKER_04 11:49

He pointed to a cross that was near what was Mr. Murphy's Sunday best. A small layer of dust could be seen on the finely crafted silver.

SPEAKER_02 11:59

Alright, fair. But what can do something like this?

SPEAKER_01 12:04

Fair number of monsters, if I'm being honest. A fair number.

SPEAKER_04 12:08

The witch sticks his fingers into the spilled blood and brings it close to his nose, inspecting it.

SPEAKER_01 12:13

Brie, can you get away with this?

SPEAKER_02 12:15

Why? I am more than familiar with what blood smells like.

SPEAKER_01 12:19

There appears to be something off about it. Please?

SPEAKER_04 12:22

The detective rolls her eyes but does smell the dog tugs that were in her grasp. She too noticed something was strange.

SPEAKER_02 12:29

Is that why why are there hints of a a petting zoo?

SPEAKER_01 12:35

I do believe that's goat, specifically. Goat? Personally, prefer the teased over the animal. They tend to eat everything.

SPEAKER_02 12:44

That last bit is not helpful. But goats are a potential lead. I'll be back.

SPEAKER_04 12:50

She looked around the room and then inspected the entire floor of this housing development for any evidence that anyone owned a goat. All the tenants were perplexed that she asked that, as there is no pets rule in this complex. After another hour, both her and the devil's investigation came to a close for now. She found Klaus sitting on the ground, one hand shuffling his deck, the other playing with the chain of keys.

SPEAKER_01 13:12

In luck, loss.

SPEAKER_02 13:13

No one even has a relative that works on a farm with goats in them.

SPEAKER_04 13:18

He stood up and they began to head back to the police car.

SPEAKER_01 13:22

That's not terribly surprising. This isn't Cooper's town, after all.

SPEAKER_02 13:28

Don't patronize me. Did sitting there give you time to deduce what did this to Mr. Murphy?

SPEAKER_01 13:34

A mysterious butcher that vanished without any visible signs, other than a slight goat-like odor. Hmm. If it was found in Little Ireland, I just might have a few ideas.

SPEAKER_02 13:50

Good. Are there any that you'd like to share?

SPEAKER_01 13:55

Not without reaching out to a contact first. Just so we aren't wasting our time bottling up the wrong tree.

SPEAKER_02 14:02

I guess that makes sense. It's late. The devil set up a perimeter. You should be okay picking this up tomorrow.

SPEAKER_01 14:10

That's not a bad idea. Although, depending on what kind of creature we are dealing with, it just may strike again tonight.

SPEAKER_02 14:20

Do you want to stake out tonight?

SPEAKER_01 14:24

Besides, he is unlikely.

SPEAKER_02 14:28

And why is that? Oh great, not which.

SPEAKER_01 14:31

You heard all those prayers, did you not? That place is basically holy solemn ground.

SPEAKER_02 14:37

You never know.

SPEAKER_01 14:39

Trust me.

SPEAKER_04 14:43

Hey, it's just Brett, writer, director, and editor of the Cursed Cards Podcast. I wanted to say thank you to Tabletop Audio for the wonderful variety of music that you heard during this podcast. Tabletop Audio has a delightful selection of not only 10-minute long audios that are perfect for any RPG you may be a part of, but also soundboards so that your players and settings can feel crisp and immersive. It is a free service, however, they do ask that you give them a shout out whenever you use them. Which is what I'm doing right now. They also have a Patreon and gift shop if you do want to support them in that way. A special thank you to Tabletop Audio for being the music to our ears.