[sup][h1][center][img]https://i.ibb.co/9kZ67HHr/Heroes-Steve-8-18-b.jpg[/img][/center][b][center][color=black] D E T E C T I V E  S T E V E  D O N A H U E[/color]
[COLOR=#F0E68C]D E T E C T I V E  S T E V E  D O N A H U E[/color][/center]
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[center][i]Lucky Noodle, Little Asia[/i][/center]

[indent]As the information began to roll in, Steve quickly realized that he had been correct about his intuition; there was [i]definitely[/i] something amiss here. Something that went far beyond a routine public disturbance case. He felt vindicated for suppressing his irritation and agreeing to take the call. It bolstered his confidence as he accepted the goggles from Julia Kray and studied them with keen interest.

As he turned them over in his hands, he noticed the weathering around the seams, emphasizing their age. He wasn’t familiar with the tech itself, but it certainly wasn’t something you’d typically find in a local pawn shop. They almost looked custom-made. Had the young woman built them herself? But why would she require a tool that allowed her to capture images in real-time? Did she work in surveillance—or was it something more nefarious?

The questions continued to pervade Steve’s mind as he lifted his eyes to meet the woman’s gaze. [COLOR=#F0E68C]"You’re a brave woman, Ms. Kray,"[/COLOR] he said evenly. [COLOR=#F0E68C]"Not everyone would admit to owning something like this, much less offer it up as evidence. I appreciate your cooperation."[/COLOR]

He rocked back on his heels and glanced at Donovan, silently confirming the exchange, before turning back to Julia.

[COLOR=#F0E68C]"But you have my word,"[/COLOR] he continued with a small smile. [COLOR=#F0E68C]"Once I’m through with my investigation, you’ll get these back. I’m not interested in dragging anyone through the mud for having a bad day. Especially not in a city like this."[/COLOR]

A certain weariness then flashed across his features, though his expression remained kind. He had noted her earlier apprehension, as if something had been holding her back. As a recent transplant to the city, he wasn’t about to speculate about the source of her anxiety; some things were better left buried—at least, for now. 

Nevertheless, he still felt obligated to reassure her.

[COLOR=#F0E68C]"You’re not the only one with a past,"[/COLOR] Steve uttered more quietly, lowering his voice so that it wouldn’t carry to the others. [COLOR=#F0E68C]"Whatever happened to you out there, I’m not here to judge… I’m just trying to make sure whatever’s coming doesn’t catch the rest of the city off guard."[/COLOR]

Again, he offered her a gentle smile before slipping the goggles into an evidence bag he produced from his pocket. As Steve sealed it up and tucked it securely into the inner lining of his jacket, he turned serious once more. His demeanor was all business. [COLOR=#F0E68C]"Once you’ve had a medic check you out, I’d like a full statement… preferably before you run out of here. Donovan will get your info, and we’ll follow up."[/COLOR] 

As he dismissed Julia with a slight wave, his gaze quickly shifted toward Shimazu and the girl. He noted the tension that seemed to exist between them, but to assume details about this strange partnership would be unprofessional, just as it had been uncouth for him to speculate about Julia’s past. It was best to stick with the facts.

And yet, his instincts told him the girl, Sarah, wanted out. 

She appeared eager… agitated… 

Shimazu suggested some fresh air to clear her mind…

Steve nodded once, acknowledging both the man’s courtesy and the weight behind his request. Unfortunately, he wouldn’t be doing his job if he allowed the girl to walk, especially with her odd behavior. If she truly had nothing to hide, why was she so nervous?

[COLOR=#F0E68C]"I won’t keep her long, Mr. Shimazu,"[/COLOR]  Steve replied in a measured tone, his gaze never wavering from the other man’s face. [COLOR=#F0E68C]"But considering someone just… [i]portaled away[/i] with another person, plus there’s talk of the Blue Dragons being involved, and the occult… well, I’d like to get names straight before anyone takes off. If she’s a suspect,"[/COLOR] he paused to dispel any objections by raising a hand, [COLOR=#F0E68C]"and I’m not saying she [i]is[/i] one, but people don’t get to walk out of a crime scene without at least confirming who they are and what they saw. That includes your ‘patron’, too."[/COLOR] 

Steve inclined his chin and regarded Kenzo with a shrewd expression.

[COLOR=#F0E68C]"This isn’t me being difficult, Mr. Shimazu. This is me keeping things from spiraling out of control. You understand."[/COLOR]  [/indent]