fandomweekly | [#182] You're Just Harder to See than Most (Original)

Theme Prompt: #182 - Investigation
Title: You’re Just Harder to See than Most
Fandom: Original
Rating/Warnings: PG-13
Bonus: Yes.
Word Count: 881
Summary: Vera prepares for a séance to help solve a crime.

What makes Vera Belcourte good at her job isn’t just that she listens to the spirits when they talk. It’s that she listens to the surrounding people too.

She wouldn’t call it an investigation, exactly. Investigators have their detective agencies and enjoy putting themselves in danger. That’s never been her. That’s why she left home. In fact, she has the investigator for the case in the circle with them, so she doesn’t have to do the heavy lifting. They’re skeptical, usually, but by the end, they see the method to her madness.

Because more often than not, the murderer is at the table too.

She’s setting out her candles in the place of death—a little pre-séance ritual when she hears the crease of heavy dress shoes entering the space behind her. “Ms. Belcourte.”

“Detective Henderson,” she says, turning with her most polite smile. “I wasn’t expecting you for another hour.”

“Yes, well. I couldn’t help but be curious about your…process.” He sounds skeptical. She doesn’t blame him. Dealing with ghosts isn’t really a realm of skeptics. She can translate that much to wanting to see where the wires are, as though this is all some big con. Which is fair. Once upon a time, it used to be.

He’s handsome, Bella McGuire purrs in her ear. What a dish.

Vera smiles. Bella isn’t wrong—in fact, one would say she has excellent taste. But unfortunately for her, that taste put her in this position. She doesn’t respond to the dead girl, but directs her focus to the detective.

“Just setting up some candles. Making sure the space is safe.” The building has been abandoned since Bella’s body was found six months ago. Having a séance here is risky, but the foundation is sturdy enough to manage. “Business as usual, Detective.”

“Mmm. Forgive me if I inspect for myself.”

“By all means.” Vera gestures for him to continue while she goes back to lighting the candles and setting up her séance space. Her brother Seth won’t be joining them this evening. It will be just her, the family, the detective, and the killer.

And Bella, of course.

“I must ask, Ms. Belcourte,” Henderson says after a few moments of silence. “At first, I was convinced you were some kind of con artist, looking to take these people for all they’re worth. It is in your history, after all. But The McGuires said you’re taking no funds for this.”

“I was a child, Detective. I didn’t know better, and I made the mistake of trusting my parents.” A mistake many children make, she’s found. “These aren’t people that are looking for a laugh and a show. These are people looking for answers. My conscience feels better not charging them.”

“Are consciences and manipulations mutually exclusive?”

Vera certainly thinks so, but she knows not everyone does. Some people fancy themselves good people, so long as their manipulations are for good reasons. Her adoptive mother is one of them. But she prefers to keep her cons and good deeds separate. When you’re dallying on both sides of the Veil, shades of gray are things that are easily taken advantage of.

“For me, they are.” Footsteps sound on the stone path outside and Vera swallows, regaining her composure. “Looks like it’s time to begin.”

She doesn’t allow the detective to question her further. They can save those questions for after the mystery is solved.

* * * * *

Depending on the wherewithal of the killer, these things can take time. With Bella’s killer, it doesn’t take that long at all.

Ben Markham, Bella’s so-called friend, had grown frustrated with how easily Bella’s head turned to look at attractive men. He thought that based on the time he put into their friendship; it entitled him to something more. And all it takes is a few well-placed prods based on information Bella feeds her before he crumbles.

He also tries to take it out on Vera, but thankfully, Detective Henderson is there to stop him before he reaches his target. After placing him in handcuffs and loading him into the back of the police wagon, he returns to the séance space. Vera finishes comforting the parents, before glancing over to him.

“So, Detective, what do you think?”

“I’m still not sure I believe in ghosts,” he replies, hands sliding into his pockets. “But that was one of the most skillful confessions I’ve ever seen.”

“Oh, this was an easy one,” she nods. “Markham was all but ready to confess. He just needed a little prodding.”

“Well, I’m grateful for your help in clearing this case off my plate. Even if your methods are a bit … unconventional.”

“My pleasure.”

“Do you require an escort back to your hotel?”

She shakes her head. “My brother is waiting for me. I’m sure you have much more important things to attend to.”

“Yes, that’s true. Should get Markham processed.”

“But if you’d like to buy me a thank you drink, I’m at the Marlmont,” Vera teases, before going to gather her candles. She takes the last word for herself but leaves him laughing.

After all, Bella was right. He is quite the dish. After a séance like this, it’s important she spends a little extra time with the living.