“How long are you going to mope?” I asked Richard, who stared out at the open sea with a scowl on his face. If I weren’t so close to him, the fog would have hidden it.

“Shut it you Delinquent. What luck. Yoko Okino’s in town tonight only while Famous Detective Richard Moore is on some boat going to some island in the middle of nowhere. And it’s all thanks to that irritating letter I received.”

I rolled my eyes. This is the fifth time he’s complained and that’s on the boat alone!

“Famous Detective Richard Moore’s about to be thrown overboard.” I grumbled, making him shoot me a glare.

Normally he can refuse cases he doesn’t want, but this one was strange. The letter he’s referring to is one that was used with magazine cutouts of letters.

The next night on the full moon Shadows will begin disappearing from Moonlight Island. Please investigate. And it was signed by Casper Austin.

Then two days ago he received a phone call reminding him of it. They even deposited the cash into his account before he could accept or turn it down. It was really weird.

Richard said that they had used something to disguise their voice but claimed to be Casper Austin. 

This case is going to be a serious pain in my ass, I can tell already. It’s more creepy than anything. And what the hell are the ‘Shadows’ the letter mentioned anyway.

Of course the Dweeb jumped on the chance at another case, and it wasn’t hard to convince Rachel of it. I wanted to continue my investigations, but because something doesn’t feel quite right about this case I tagged along.

I didn’t go to the last few cases recently but they weren’t anything too interesting. Although I heard Rache almost exposed the Dweeb. Gave me a heart attack when he and Rachel told me about the experience. 

Rachel tried cornering me into telling her where he is. I said he was across the country working on another case but she’s getting really tired of that excuse.

I’m not sure how much longer I can use it before she just stops believing in me. I wanted to say he moved but Jimmy’s not really okay with that.

He wants to wait as long as possible before resorting to that. I’m guessing it’s because if we do use that she’ll either not believe him or she’ll hate him for not saying good-bye. Maybe even for moving away from her.

The two are practically together after all. Rachel’s never dated anyone and neither has my brother. Both have been obsessed with each other since childhood.

It's almost sickening.

Though they are both very important to me. Rachel’s been my friend since childhood, and she and Harley are the only ones I know would always have my back. Sure I have other friends but it’s different.

And Jimmy’s my little brother. No matter how much he pisses the ever living fuck out of me. So I’m holding my tongue, waiting for Jimmy to tell me what lies to tell her.

Hm. Oh, we’re almost to the island. Thank god. Anymore of Richard’s bitching and I really was going to push him overboard. Richard sighed. “I hate difficult clients.” He complained.

I leaned on the railing, watching as we quickly approached our destination. “You got five grand. Suck it up, the rent’s coming up.” I slapped him on the back. 

Rachel smiled, tightening her grip on her backpack straps. “She’s right. Besides, I’m more excited about going to this island so we can relax. Aren’t you Conan?” She asked the little runt, who, as always, happily agreed with her.

I don’t know about relaxing, but it’s better than studying that’s for sure. As soon as the boat docked, we quickly got out and headed towards some building where we can search residents.

I hung back with Jimmy and Rachel while Richard asked one of the front desk men for Casper Austin. But the guy was having trouble finding his name. The young man frowned, staring at his binder in confusion. “I can’t find anyone with that name on my list here.”

We frowned. The island isn’t too big where it’d have that problem. Well, I don’t think it is at least. “Then check your records again. I know he’s here. How can I get a letter from him if he doesn’t exist?” Richard demanded, a little too harshly.

I moved forward to stand behind him, before bending my knees forward, knocking into the back of his and almost making him fall. “Stella!” He hissed.

I stared at him uncaringly. “Dude, chill. He’s trying his best.” I defended him. The young man rubbed the back of his head, a nervous look on his face. “I don’t know sir, he’s not on the residence list. I’m new on the island so maybe he just wants to stay anonymous.” He explained. 

Of course our little group caught the attention of another man who walked over, a friendly smile on his face.

He’s probably the manager. “Is there a problem here?” He asked politely. The younger man seemed relieved at his arrival, so he’s definitely a higher up.

“Uh, sort of. This gentleman claims a resident on the island hired him, but we can’t find his name on the list.” The older man seemed surprised by this which only annoyed Richard further. “Apparently by a man named Casper Austin.” He continued.

The moment he said that the older mans face went deathly pale as a mixture of shock and horror took over his features. “What? Did you say Casper Austin?!” He shouted, to which it caught everyone, and I mean everyone in the room's attention. 

The all began to whisper, eyes darting over at us as they did. “Well that’s not a good sign.” I grumbled. My brother nodded in agreement as we turned back to look at the shocked man.

“That can’t be true! Casper Austin couldn’t have contacted him, it’s impossible! He’s been dead twelve years!” 

What?! 

Seeing as how a scene was created the older man escorted us to a more private room to explain the situation better.

“Casper Austin was a famous concert pianist that lived on this island. He was an amazing talent whose fingers could create the most angelic sounding music. About twelve years ago on a night with the full moon he played his last concert. It had been a while since he had been on the island due to touring so this performance was quite special. After the show, without any warning he locked his family inside of his house and set it on fire. He stabbed his wife and daughter with a kitchen knife.”

Rachel had gripped her fathers arm, thoroughly creeped by the story thus far and Richard really isn’t doing any better.

I mean, really shitty things happen, but I’ve seen a lot of messed up shit. 

“It’s said that he then played the piano with walls of flame surrounding him until he succumbed to the smoke. As if some terrible power had taken over him. “He died that night. Playing Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.”

I mean famous people do tend to snap under pressure and do those sorts of things. “But this letter . . .” Richard finally found his voice, though he’s a little weirded out by the turn of events.

The man shook his head. “I’m sorry. I don’t know who would have sent that, I wish I could help you more.” 

Seeing as how we weren’t going to get any answers here, we said our goodbyes and went outside. However we came all the way here so we couldn’t leave without anything.

But what to do?

We sat down underneath a tree to regroup our thoughts. We all stared intently at the letter in Richard’s hands, thinking. Rachel sat on one side of him, I sat on the other with Jimmy next to me.

Well, at least it’s not foggy anymore, though the blinding sunlight is annoying. “Hm. A letter from a dead person. That’s what I call a practical joke.” He decided.

My eye twitched and I snatched the letter from his hands. “If it was a joke, it was an expensive one. What kind of prankster pays you five grand? Nuh-uh, someone wanted you to do something.” 

Jimmy motioned for the note and I handed it over. “She’s right. The post mark is from this island as well, so it did come from here. I bet there’s somebody on this island that wants you to do an investigation on Casper Austin instead of for Casper Austin.” He added passing the letter back to Richard.

“That’s right. We can question the mayor about who Casper's closest friends and fans were before he died. Then maybe we could find some clues.” Rachel agreed, a smile ever present on her face.

Richard stared at the letter more intently before sighing. “That’s enough. Didn’t someone tell us the mayor would be at the community hall today?” He looked up thoughtfully.

I hummed in thought. “Honestly I wasn’t paying much attention until the dead guy conversation came up.” I stated nonchalantly, making the three sweat at my unashamed claim.

“Yeah, someone did.” Rachel confirmed after a moment of silence. Richard stood, shoved the letter in his jacket pocket. “Alright, let’s go do this.” The three of us looked at each other before following his lead. 

~

“We’re lost.” I stated.

“We are not lost.” Richard argued, making me snort. We’ve been wandering around trying to find this damn place and it’s become apparent that Richard has no sense of direction.

I mean seriously dude, you’re a detective. “Oh look, there’s someone over there!” Rachel pointed to a woman outside a clinic watching a little boy leave.

Thank god. I want to get this over with, it’s hot. We hurried over to see as the woman was about to head back inside. “Uh, excuse me.” Rachel spoke up. The woman turned back to us curiously.

Oh, she’s kind of a beauty. Rachel smiled shyly. “Could you point us towards the community hall.”

The woman returned the smile and pointed to where we just came from. “Yes. Take a left at this corner here, then follow that and it’s on your right.” 

My head snapped to glare at Richard. “I told you we were going the wrong way.” I hissed.

He scowled at me, throwing his hands up. “How was I supposed to know!” Our lightning glares clashed, making the woman chuckle. “I don’t suppose you’re all from the city?”

I guess it’s kind of obvious, especially to a local. “Yes. We just arrived by boat.” Rachel explained. The light in the woman's eyes sparked excitedly. “Really? I used to live in the city myself a few years back. I loved it there. But this island does have its advantages. The air is clean and crisp and it’s always so tranquil and quiet-”

As she spoke the last few words a van zoomed by, some woman shouting something through the megaphones about protecting the fisherman?

I don’t know, they left as soon as they came. 

The woman smiled, glancing after the vehicle. “Well strike that. Maybe not so quiet with the election coming up.” She admitted.

Huh. I kind of like her. That’s weird. I don’t like anyone. “Oh, an election huh?” Richard mused, staring back where the van once was.

“The candidates are Mr. Schumacher who represents the fisherman and is from the town of Schumacher. The current mayor Mr. Kinsella whose popularity has waned. And Mr. Kavanaugh, the island's wealthiest man. According to some of my patients, Mr. Kavanaugh has a small lead-”

Before she could go into greater details of the election Richard hurriedly interrupted her. “I’m sorry to interrupt the nurse, but we’re not interested in this island's politics.” 

Or politics in general.

She smiled lightly, unflinching and still kind. “Well I am sorry too Sir. I’m not a nurse. Dr. Nadia Adams.” I couldn’t help the laugh that escaped as I looked at Richard.

“Ha. She’s a doctor, Richard.” I repeated smugly. He couldn’t shoot a reply back to me as he rubbed the back of his head, embarrassed. “Oh, yeah, sorry about that.” He apologized.

Nadia didn’t look offended though, she seems rather patient and has kept her friendliness. “You know, if you’re going down to the community hall you’ll be able to meet all three of the candidates.They’re holding a memorial service tonight for the former mayor, Mr. Kirk Patrick who died two years ago.” 

“He died in office?” Jimmy asked. I nudged him harshly with my leg, making him stumble forward. “I think the thing you missed is ‘memorial service’ twerp. Wouldn’t it be rude or something?”

Rachel stared at me with dazzled eyes. “Are you being considerate?”

I made a face at her gawking. “Whatever, let’s go.” I turned, heading away before them.

“Hey! Stella! Thank you Dr. Adams. Wait!” I heard their footsteps follow and they caught up easily. “No need to be embarrassed. I’m proud of you. You’ve really grown.”

I groaned loudly, running my hands down my face. “Rach, can you not? I’m gonna hurl.” But she just laughed. 

Jeez. Why does she have to make it weird? “I’ll make sure to let your mom know how considerate you’ve become.” Jimmy and Richard both snorted.

My anger flared and I smacked the two of them harshly on their heads. They let out shouts, clutching their newly forming bumps heads. “Or maybe I won’t.” Rachel said on closer inspection and laughed nervously.

What was she thinking?

Giving a report to my mom? She doesn’t care that much about me in the first place.

As much as people revered my folks, they weren’t that great at being parents. They were always absent and even if they were home they were busy. Even on family vacations we didn’t really spend much time together.

While they may favor Jimmy even he couldn’t get between them and work.

I think what gets me too is the fact that Jimmy looks just like dad and likes to pretend to be him.

He’s always admired him and dad was the one who taught him the things he does know. So a report like this is unnecessary.

At least Richard goes to see Rachel at her events. May not be all the time and she has to threaten him sometimes, but he still shows.

Oh god, I want them to be more like Richard? Kill me now. 

We soon made it to the Community Hall with no problems this time around. And it was being protested? During a memorial session?

Well that’s tackless but whatever I guess, not my problem at the moment anyway. I’m not into politics. So the four of us headed inside.

We found a man running around and asked him for the mayor. He wasn’t going to fetch him though, probably didn’t trust us. But once Richard brought up he was a detective his tune changed and he led us to a waiting area and went to fetch him.

Of course it was beginning to take a long time. Richard sat impatiently, lighting up another cigarette and the Dweeb began to venture. As usual the other two didn’t notice right away so I followed after him.

Watching him go around room to room, touching things, and overall being annoying brought back memories of childhood. “Seeing you like this reminds me when you kept looking for my diary when we were kids.” I stated, making him jump since he wasn’t paying that close attention to people in his surroundings.

He may have been observing, but he didn’t notice me follow him. “You know, there is such a thing as personal space, Dweeb. Nobody likes a nosey busybody.” I informed him.

He briefly looked over at me, opening another room, this one having a piano in it. “We need to look for clues regarding this case.” He shrugged uncaringly.

I raised an eyebrow. “In a community center? Right.” I rolled my eyes. 

Footsteps sounded and soon Rachel and Richard both made an appearance having looked for us. “What are you two doing?” She asked as her father stepped in, no issues with the snooping Dweeb.

“Well what’s going on in here?” Richard asked. I glanced around noticing how bare this room is compared to the others. Just the piano. It’s pretty dusty too.

Richard and I ventured to the window and admired the view of the ocean from it. “Nice. Great View of the water from here.” Richard whistles. I nodded, though couldn’t imagine it’d be the greatest during a hurricane or a tsunami. 

I didn’t particularly like the ocean. It’s too big and we don’t know anything about it. We’ve only explored 5% of it. Five. Not to mention any natural disaster involving it will bring you to a watery grave.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not really afraid of it. I used to go on a lot of cruises and scuba diving trips with my family. It’s just I don’t have a particular fondness for it.

“This piano is filthy.” Rachel noted. I looked back to see her and Jimmy looking at the only object in the room. “Why don’t they just clean it up a bit?” My brother wondered aloud.

Richard and I ventured over to examine it as well. Rachel was just about to touch it when a voice shouted. “Stop! Don’t touch that!” Rachel jumped at the sudden voice and we turned to see the glasses guy from earlier.

“That’s the piano! Casper Austin played his last concert on the night he killed his family! That wretched thing is cursed!” He shouted, fear evident on his face and his voice. 

I glanced back at the piano, doubtful. “You’re kidding right? How can a piano be cursed?” Richard asked our question out loud.

But it didn’t deter this guy. “Mr. Austin wasn’t the only one though. Our last mayor died in very much the same way.” Huh?

“In flames?” I asked, placing a hand on my hip. “Which is the Mr. Kirk Patrick you’re having the memorial service for today?” Richard added.

“Yes. And no, no flames, but very much similar. It all happened two years ago today. "

"There was a full moon that night. I was walking home when I happened to pass by and hear the sound of a piano coming from, what I thought, was an empty community hall. I called out, asking if anyone was inside and then suddenly the music stopped. I walked into the room and found Mayor Patrick dead. The cause of death was listed as heart failure but what was really haunting was the song he died playing. The same song Mr. Austin continued playing as the flames engulfed him. The Moonlight Sonata. Ever since that horrible day this has been dubbed ‘The Cursed Piano’ and no one has touched it.” 

Uh-huh. Interesting.

Hm? Jimmy ran over and lifted the lid before playing some keys. “Hey!” I shouted, smacking him a little too hard on his head and making him fall.

“Conan!” Rachel chastised. He groaned, rubbing his head. “I don’t see what the problem is? It works fine.” I grabbed him by the collar as the man ushered us out quickly.

He slammed the doors closed, forcing a smile. “Now if you don’t mind, please wait in the lobby until the service is over. He cleared his throat, beginning to scurry off.

I glared at my brother, dropping him. “You always have to prove someone wrong don’t you?” I scowled.

Before he could respond a familiar face showed up. “Hey! What are you guys still doing here?” Nadia asked. It appears she’s here for the service as well.

Oh, she’s with someone. “Looking around. You here for the service?” Rachel asked, a smile slipping onto her face. “Yes. My first patient on the island was Mr. Kirk Patrick so I thought I’d pay my respects. He would probably do the same for me. Oh! This is Mr. Schumacher. I met him on the way inside.” She introduced.

The man gave us a million dollar smile. “Matthew Schumacher. It is a pleasure to meet you.” Hm. Surprisingly enough he seemed well fit for politics. 

But I don’t trust politicians. 

They’re all guilty of something.

The two had to leave and here we are, waiting again. “Ugh. This is taking forever, I’m going outside.” I grumbled after an hour.

The others followed me with agreement and we waited outside, sitting on the steps. Man it’s gotten dark out.

“Why are they doing a service for someone who died two years ago? You know westerners have one service, maybe two but its back to back and that's that.” I stated, throwing my hands behind my head as I leaned back, laying on the steps. 

“Well we’re not the west.” Rachel stated, leaning against a pillar.

Obviously.

I’m bored. I’m beginning to think this was a waste of time. “Hey Stella.” Jimmy whispered lowly to me. Hm? I glanced at him before Rach and Richard. They hadn’t heard him, they’re lost in their heads. “What is it, Dweeb?” I whispered back, not moving from my lying position.

“Don’t you think it’s strange? According to what Mr. Haddley said that piano hasn’t been used for several years. Yet when I played it earlier the sound was quite accurate. Someone must be secretly tuning that piano. Otherwise it would have sounded much worse. And how does the letter Richard got play into this?”

I sighed looking up as the clouds moved from the moon, revealing it to be full. “I’m not sure, Dweeb.” I admitted, watching the brightness of the moon shine. 

I’ve always been a fan of the moon, the stars. Astrology was the one thing I took interest in at school. I’d visit the conservatory almost daily.

Wait a second. A full moon. The two deaths we knew about happened on a full moon like tonight. And the letter . . . A chill went down my spine.

Was it a confession to a future murder? Just as the thought crossed my mind, a familiar tune began to play, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand. I quickly sat up, eyes wide and shot to my feet. 

I turned and ran inside, not even a second later my brother was running as well.

He must have the same unsettling feeling.

“Stella! Conan!” Rachel called, but we ignored her, heading straight for the piano room. There were people already gathered around, but none of the, dared to open the door. Cowards. “Hey, don’t go in there!" Haddley shouted but Jimmy and I ignored him and burst through the doors.

Screams erupted behind us as everyone tok in the scene.

A man is slumped on the piano, drenched.

Shit! I ran over to take his pulse, but there wasn’t one. He’s dead. “Mr. Kavanaugh!” Richard exclaimed.

Yeah, he’s the candidate for mayor. It’s starting to make sense. The letter, the dead sender, the song, the election. This was all planned out, and probably aimed at the candidates or those involved in the election itself.

Probably because of something unjust. It usually is from my experience. 

“Is he . . ?” Rachel murmured, both still at the door. I sighed, removing my hand. “Looks like you’ve got a case.” I spoke.

Of course it was insinuated at Richard but I meant it for my brother.

I stand by what I said earlier.

All politicians are guilty of something. Even those that are dead.