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harmonyindark245 · 2 years

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Murder at Velaris [Chapter 2]

Welcome to The Velaris, one of the most prestigious buildings in Manhattan. Here we have famous artists, rich businessmen, royalties, topnotch doctors and lawyers as well as a murderer hidden amongst them.

When one of the residents of The Velaris is found dead, three fans of a true crime podcast decide to take it up to themselves to solve the mystery. Rhysand, a forgotten actor, Cassian, a stage director in great debt and Elain, whose past is just as suspicious and mysterious as the murder they’re investigating.

Will they be able to uncover the murderer’s identity before they become the victims themselves?

An Only Murders in the Building AU.

AN : All characters are owned by Sarah J Maas. The story is based on the tv show 'Only Murders in the Building' A lot of scenes and dialogue are directly from the source. There is usage of mature language and slightly graphic descriptions of violence because, well, murder. Enjoy reading!

MASTERLIST

Who is Tamlin Wrose?

It started with the opening theme song and a man handcuffed to a chair.

“You’ve got the wrong guy. I’ve got 20 eye witnesses saying that I was at my niece’s baptism last night.” The man started tearing up. “It was a beautiful service. Only wish my mother were alive to see it.”

“Spare me the bullshit.” A voice came from the corner of the room. Out of the darkness emerged a young Rhysand wearing baggy faded denim jeans and a white button up shirt. “I’m not some loner teenager looking out for a little bit of adventure. I’m the Death Incarnate. You can’t fool me.”

Elain rolled her eyes as she sat on her couch going through the episodes of Rhys’s detective show. She was also drawing on her iPad while fiddling around with the ring they found from Tamlin’s package.

“You think you’re so tough just because you had a rough father?” Young Rhys spat out. “Well let me tell you something about my father. He was a highly functioning alcoholic.”

Hearing this, Elain sat up straight and listened intently to the dialogue.

Young Rhys continued on. “My father and I are alike in many ways. We’re both right handed, but use scissors on the left. Can play any instrument by ear, but basic algebra, huh, forget about it.”

“You’re the spitting image of your father.” The man in handcuffs told him.

“People used to tell me that as a compliment. It wasn’t to me. He treated my mother awfully. He made her feel small, it made him feel powerful.”

“The fuck?” Elain said as she remembered her conversation with Rhys while breaking into Amren’s apartment. She shut her laptop in anger.

—---------------------

“Who is Tamlin Wrose?” Rhys said into the microphone, standing beside Cassian in a stuffy closet. “We know he lived on the ninth floor at the Velaris. We know he had a mailbox.”

“We know he had manicures done, or he just had a very naturally pleasing nail bed.” Cassian added.

Rhys sighed. “This is really bad.”

“I know.” Cassian said sympathetically. “I can feel myself aging while listening to you speak.”

Rhys looked affronted. “What? This is your writing. It’s terrible. You don’t know anything about the guy.” Rhys fanned the paper near his face. “It’s so hot in here. Do we have to do it in the closet?”

Cassian smirked. “Now you just sound like my ex-girlfriend.” Rhys gave him an unimpressed look causing Cassian to sigh. “Yes we do, the acoustics are much better here. And trust me, you need the acoustics.”

“I’m claustrophobic. I’m out of here.” Rhys walked out of the closet and saw Mabel entering the apartment. “How did you get in here?” He asked her.

“The door was unlocked.” She simply answered, holding a sheet of paper in her hand.

“Oh yeah,” Cassian answered. “I never lock my door. It’s neighborly.”

Elain raised one eyebrow at him. “I mean yeah, there’s probably a murderer roaming around here but I guess old men like you are just afraid of societal change and colon cancer.” She walked away. “Sad.”

Both Rhys and Cassian looked at her with their mouths open and eyes wide. Rhys recovered first. “There is definitely a murderer in the building because the security footage shows that no one from outside the building entered during the time of Tamlin’s death.” He folded his hands. “So, Elain, tell us what you found from the online world of Tamlin Wrose.”

She tilted her head. “I swear to god, you act like a 70 year old rather than your actual 35.” She shook her head, “Anway, there wasn’t much to find in his online world. He was a loner who had a sad, quiet life.”

“Well okay. And before I forget, we should keep all our evidence in the same place, so give me the engagement ring, I’ll hang onto it.” Rhys said, extending his hand.

Elain frowned. “Why do you get to keep it? Don’t you trust me, Rhys?” She said his name weirdly causing Rhys to frown at her. She sighed. “It’s at my apartment, I’ll give it to you later.”

Cassian snapped his fingers. “Guys, guys, guys. Our podcast isn’t going to pop until we figure out who is Tamlin Wrose.”

“Who was Tamlin Wrose.” Elain corrected.

Cassian shrugged. “Yeah, well I’ve already named the episode ‘Who is Tamlin Wrose’.”

“When did we finish the first episode?” Rhys asked.

“Dude, it’s called a work in progress.” Cassian said exasperatedly. “We need to make our episode in such a way so that the listeners can get to know the victim. Make them either sympathetic, sexy or interesting, none of which I feel towards Tamlin Wrose.”

Rhys clapped his hands together. “Someone had to know him in this building. We find that one person and question them.”

Elain was quiet as she remembered an encounter from a few weeks prior.

“Back off Elain.” Tamlin said as he got out of the elevator. “You can’t just vanish for 7 years and then randomly show up, bringing up shit from back when we were kids.”

Elain followed him angrily. “Az is getting out soon.”

Tamlin snorted as he started unlocking his door. “Good for you then. You could go back to eye fucking him from a distance. Or maybe you might take your chance because Gwyn’s no longer here to stop you.”

Elain narrowed her eyes at him “You can make things right. You know what happened that night, yet you didn’t say a thing.”

Tamlin sighed and turned towards her. “Look Elain, if this is all you’re here for… I don’t want to think about that time, okay. I’m a different person now.”

Elain shook her head in disbelief. “Jesus, we are different. And I don’t need people like you in my life anymore.”

Tamlin nodded his head. “Fine. Good. So, if you ever see me around the building, act like you don’t know me.” He opened his door and was about to walk in when he added, “Because you don’t.”

Elain scrunched her face in fury. “Happily. Fuck you.”

“What if Tamlin was a dick?” Elain said as she came back to the present.

Cassian shrugged. “Hmm, that is a definite angle. I mean, I wouldn’t want him to be dickier than Steve Carell in The Office. I’d still care if he got murdered, you know. Or would I?”

Rhys just rolled his eyes at Cassian’s statement. “We need to find someone who knows him.”

Elain got up from her seat. “I have an idea. It may be a long shot, but they’re holding a memorial for Tamlin Wrose. Maybe we’ll find something down there?” She walked off handing Cassian the pamphlet in her hand. Both of the men stared at her in astonishment.

“God, she’s good!” Cassian commented.

—-----------------

The three of them entered the lobby to see a bunch of people gathered.

“I don’t know anybody here.” Rhys commented as he looked around.

“Ooh, there’s food. Thank God.” Cassian rushed towards the food table. “Mmmm, Helion Day lives on the sixth floor. He owns DAY’S DELI. Great guy, great dips. One son. Doesn’t speak much.”

“I’m gonna go look around.” Elain said, walking off, leaving Rhys and Cassian alone.

“I’m gonna leave you alone with your food, okay?” Rhys said as he moved ahead. His attention was caught by a young woman with brown and golden hair, drinking coffee. He went to stand beside her and she offered him a smile when she saw him. She looked exquisite with gray eyes and pink lips.

“Good morning.” Rhys said awkwardly. Her smile turned into an amused one.

“Good morning.” She replied back.

Rhys looked down at the floor. “Um, did you know him?” She looked at him in question. “Tamlin Wrose.” He clarified.

The lady shifted uncomfortably. “Um yeah, kind of. We dated a long time ago.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry.” Rhys offered.

The lady scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Don’t be. Trust me, the world’s a better place with him dead.” She mumbled under her breath. “I’m Feyre Archeron, by the way.” She said, offering her hand.

Rhys took it and pressed a kiss to it, causing her to blush. Rhys felt a wave of pride go through him. “I’m Rhysand. Nice to meet you.”

“I’ve never seen you before.” Feyre said questioningly.

Rhs brought his hand to the back of his neck. “Yes, well I don’t really leave my apartment unless there’s an absolute necessity.”

“Ahh” Feyre nodded in understanding. “An introvert. I get it. So, I’m guessing you didn’t know Tamlin either?” Rhys just shook his head. “And the memorial of a guy you didn’t even know seemed to be a necessity?” She chuckled.

“Not exactly.” Rhys answered. He moved closer to her. “Don’t tell anyone, but I’m actually investigating him.” At her confused look he continued. “I- along with two other people, we don’t believe that this was a suicide. So we’re investigating the murder.”

Feyre instantly frowned. “I think you should let things be the way they are.” She whirled around, moving away from him. “Word of advice, don’t put your nose where it doesn’t belong.”

Rhysand was left confused and slightly suspicious by this encounter. He decided to find Elain and Cassian and tell them what he found.

—-------------------

Instead of going to find a place to sit, Elain ended up near the superintendent of the building’s office. She knocked on the door twice and waited.

The door opened to reveal an old man. He was about to slam the door back close when he saw Elain but she kept her hand on the door preventing him from closing it.

“Sir, please.” She pleaded. The man just sighed but didn’t close the door. “Is he in there?” She asked him but the man didn’t answer.

“Sir, I know you’re the only family he has left, but please let him know that he’s not alone. I really want to talk to him. Just please tell him that.” She knew she wouldn’t get any other answer so she turned to walk away when she heard him call her name. “Miss Archeron, you know you were the only one of Az’s friends that I liked. What happened with Gwyn that night and now Tamlin, I would suggest you be aware of your surroundings. And please let Azriel move on from his past.”

She was about to speak but he held his hand up to stop her. “I know you only want good for him. So please, leave him alone. Let him start off with a clean slate.” The man then closed the door leaving her alone and dejected.

—-------------------

Cassian found both Elain and Rhysand standing near the chairs, looking gloomy.

“What’s up with you two? Who died?” He asked, then at Elain’s stern look he added, “Sorry, bad timing.”

“What the fuck are you all standing for?!” A loud voice came from the front of the room. Amren, a really short but terrifying lady standing in front of them all. “Come on people, see these fucking chairs? They’re meant to be sat on.” She started clapping her hands to urge them on. “This won’t take long unless you make it take long.”

All the people hurriedly took a seat, not wanting to anger the short woman.

“Now-” Before Amren could continue, a man sitting at the front stood up.

“Um, Amren if I may?” He asked politely. Amren rolled her eyes and gestured at him to continue. He turned towards the crowd and started. “Hello, I’m Dr. Jurian, and I know we are all grieving the death of Tamlin Wrose. If any of you need to talk privately about Tamlin or whatever, I live on six and I take venmo.” With that he sat down and Rhys made a disgusted face.

“Oh, a therapist is always a fun suspect.” Cassian informed the two.

“Anyway,” Amren continued, “Due to the shocking nature of this incident, we are mandated to do this for some bullshit insurance purposes. The family’s in Australia where the body has already been flown.” Elain looked down towards her lap with a sad look. “So, does anybody have anything to share?” After a brief pause, she clarified, “About Tamlin Wrose.”

“Here we go.” Rhysand whispered. “Time for the killer to make himself known.” He leaned towards Elain and whispered, “That was from my show.” He said proudly. Elain closed her eyes in annoyance as Cassian started recording on his phone.

There was silence amongst the people. “A loving memory? A kindness?” Amren urged.

Pin drop silence.

Finally one woman raised her hand. “Does this mean we get to use our fireplaces again?” She asked.

“Yeah, he was the guy with the bad asthma, right?” The lady sitting beside her, Ianthe, added. “He’s dead right, so we should be able to use our fireplaces again.” Others around her started to agree with her.

“We’ll talk about fireplaces in the next board meeting.” Amren interjected.

“Wait, Tamlin was the reason we couldn’t use our fireplaces?!” Rhys asked. “I hated that guy!”

“He once yelled at me.” Ianthe claimed. “He yelled at me for smoking outside!”

Amren sighed. “Look, no one liked him anyway. Can’t we just be glad he’s gone and move on?”

“Shit.” Elain widened her eyes at the bluntness.

“Um, excuse me.” A lady with platinum blonde hair stood up. “That apartment is mine, hmm. I lived next to that miserable man for 8 years and I need the extra rooms.”

Amren nodded. “Yes Viviane, we have you on our waiting list-”

“Ah, ah, ah, ah.” She waved her finger. “There is no waiting list. The apartment is mine.”

“Wouldn’t be the first New Yorker to kill for real estate.” Cassian whispered to Rhys, causing him to softly laugh. In front of them, they noticed a man sobbing into his handkerchief.

Rhys tapped him on the shoulder. “Excuse me, were you close to Tamlin?”

“And do you consent to be recorded?” Cassian added. “Just say anything to agree.”

The man shook his head. “No, please.”

“Perfect, thanks.” Cassian once again started recording.

“Last night-” He broke off before sobbing once more. “I’m so sorry, it’s just that last night my cat, Amarantha died. I’m sorry, I don’t like doing this.”

Cassian waved his hand. “Time. Okay we’re gonna cut.” He placed his hand on his chin. “I love the emotion. Keep that, but I need you to enunciate better.” He turned towards Rhys. “Do you have anything?”

“Yeah, the crying is covering the dialogue.”

“Right, so I need you to work on that.” Cassian snapped his fingers. “So, it’s kind of an upbeat story in it’s weird way. Whenever you’re ready…and action.”

“My cat. My beautiful Amarantha. She died last night.” The man said without crying.

Elain tilted her head. “Your cat?”

“Hybern?” Ianthe called from ahead. “Did you say your cat died last night?” Hybern nodded his head ruefully.

Ianthe gasped. “What's wrong?” Someone asked.

“Amarantha died. The ginger tabby that used to come through the windows.” The people gathered there looked sad.

“Amarantha! Oh no!” “That’s so sad!”

Dr. Jurian stood up once again. “Yes I am sure we are all grieving the death of our beautiful Amarantha. I would just like to remind everyone, I live on sixth and venmo.” He smiled reassuringly.

Elain, Rhysand and Cassian all shared a look of disbelief. “Maybe we should make a podcast on Amarantha.” Elain piqued. Rhysand grunted in acceptance.

—-------------------

Cassian started keeping the unused dips in his pockets as Rhys and Elain stood there watching him.

“So, our victim is less likable than a dead cat.” Rhys said unhelpfully.

“You know what I think? We should ask Emerie.” Cassian told them. “She’s the building manager. I’m willing to bet that if anyone knew about Tamlin it would be her.” Behind him Amren came up to him.

“Cassian, can I have a word?” She asked.

“Sure Amren.” They moved away from the other two. “Let me tell you, you look like a cute little snowball in that outfit.” Cassian complemented.

“Mhm. Your building fees are eight months past due.” She informed him gravely. “This is your final notice before the board will be forced to take drastic actions.”

“Amren, we’re friends -”

“That’s why I’m using a friendly tone. Don’t fuck with me Cassian.”

Cassian shook his head. “Can’t think of anything less pleasant.”

“Well, that makes two of us.” She said as she left him standing alone. On the other side of the room, Rhys and Elain were distracted by Hybern’s crying.

“I didn’t even cry that much when my mother died.” Rhysand said.

Elain turned and looked straight at him. “Is that true or are you lying?” She folded her hands across her chest.

Rhysand gave her a weird look. “Why would I lie about something like that?” She just continued to look at him, distrust written across her face. “I’m not exactly sure what I’m supposed to do right now.”

Elain let out a sigh. When Cassian came up to them, she told them that she wasn’t feeling well and left them.

“What did you do?” Cassian accused Rhys.

“Nothing!” Rhys defended. “Just making conversation.”

Cassian hummed. “Not really your thing.”

----------------

Elain laid down on her couch, staring up at the patterns on the ceiling, the image of Tamlin’s dead body flashing in her mind.

She sat up and opened her laptop and started recording herself.

“Hi. I don’t know why I’m doing this. Maybe it’s because nobody gave a shit about Tamlin. I just want to leave something behind just in case…”

She picked up her iPad, showing a sketch of Tamlin. “Who is Tamlin Wrose?” She started swiping, changing into sketches of a younger Tamlin Wrose. “Who was Tamlin Wrose.”

“I met him here, at the Velaris, when we were 12.”

A young Tamlin Wrose was walking along the edge of the water fountain, coming across a young Elain, sitting there and sketching. “Who are you?” He asked in an Australian accent. “I know everyone in this building and I’ve never seen you.”

Elain looked up towards him. “I don’t live in this building, my sister does. Nesta Archeron.”

“12A” Tamlin said and Elain nodded. “She’s okay. A bit young, but okay.”

“She’s a banker at Goldman Sachs. She’s amazing.” Elain said childishly.

“She’s the one that gives out whole candy bars on Halloween.” Tamlin told her.

“I live in Long Island where they give out cigarettes and lighters.” Elain informed him.

Tamlin looked her over once and nodded. “Yeah, you do look pretty poor.” He sat down next to her. “What are you drawing?”

Elain handed the paper to him. “It’s the garden near my house.”

Tamlin looked at it for a moment before returning it to her. “It’s bad.” He said bluntly.

“It’s true, Tamlin didn’t get along with many people. He was direct, but he never lied. Maybe that’s why I liked him. We would spend weeks together, whenever my sister let me come visit her. I would pretend that I lived at the Velaris, and we would be our own Hardy Boys, looking for mysteries to solve. For years it was just me and Tamlin. Sometimes Feyre would tag along. Then we met Azriel and Gwyneth.

“Azriel was the nephew of the superintendent of the building. Gwyn convinced him to copy his uncle’s keys so that we could Hardy Boy in whatever apartment we wanted when the owners were out of town.

A teenage Elain entered the dark apartment, Tamlin coming up behind her with a flashlight. Behind both of them, a girl with copper hair and teal eyes entered holding a bunch of keys.

The last one in was a tall, tan skinned boy with dark hair and hazel eyes. Gwyn dropped the keys onto his open palm and pulled him in for a kiss. Elain instantly looked away from them, ignoring the hurt she felt.

“Gwyn’s parents owned an apartment on the 11th floor, but that wasn’t enough for her. She was the life of the party. But sometimes, she took things too far.

Gwyn went into the bathroom and screeched excitedly. “Full med cabinet! We’re camping down here tonight people!” Elain smirked at her antics. Azriel came up behind her and placed his arms around Elain’s shoulders. From the other side she could see Tamlin smirk at her.

“It was fun mostly. Until the end.”

Elain slammed her laptop shut, unable to think of the night when everything had gone to shit.

----------------

Cassian and Rhys were on the elevator, making their way downstairs to the building manager’s office.

“Okay, Emerie always has some sort of side hustle going on. So try not to sign up for any subscription box, timeshare or complimentary mammogram, while you’re down there. They are incredibly difficult to cancel.” Cassian informed Rhys.

��I always thought her name was Emily.” Rhys said.

Cassian looked at him with wide eyes. “How is it that you don’t know anyone?” He asked in disbelief. Rhys just shrugged. “So, you what? Put Emily on her envelope when you tip at christmas?”

“I don’t tip.” Rhys said plainly. Cassian gasped. “I think it’s elitist. I send out autographed photos instead.”

“And that is definitely not elitist.” Cassian said sarcastically. The elevator door opened with a ding and Cassian moved out, blocking Rhys. “You know what, I think you should go back upstairs.”

Rhys frowned in confusion. “Why?”

Cassian sighed. “Because I’m starting to think people like you less than Tamlin Wrose.”

Rhysand stood agape and watched as Cassian went off. He got out of the elevator and followed Cassian.

Cassian reached the building manager’s booth and announced his presence. “Emerie! My beloved. Even from here, you smell like a field of lavenders and french fries.” Cassian told her enthusiastically.

Emerie laughed. “My two favorite things.” She told him with a wide smile. “What brings your fat ass down here?” She enquired.

“Well, it’s just that I didn’t see you at the memorial for Tamlin Wrose and I thought I’d check in.” He made a glum face. “It was a tragedy.”

Emerie scoffed. “Was it really? Dude didn’t want to be at the party anymore so he left. Do you know how many complaints I got about him?” She brought out a very thick file labeled Tamlin Wrose with a small image of his.”

Cassian looked at the file with glee. “I would really love to take a peek at that file.”

“Emerie!” Rhys popped his head beside Cassian. “It’s me! Rhysand from 14!”

Emerie’s expression instantly soured and she took the file away. “Is he with you?” She asked Cassian.

Cassian waved his hand. “Not at all-”

“I am. I see you have my pho- oh.” Rhysand paused as he saw his autographed photo taped to the wall with a devil’s horn and mustache added onto it.

Emerie smirked. “Yeah, it’s a personal favorite, can’t you tell?”

“Look, the only reason I didn’t tip you is out of respect for you.” Rhys explained as Cassian let out a groan.

“Please don’t respect me so much.” She snarked.

“Emerie, please. I would really love to look at that file of complaints regarding Tamlin Wrose.” He shushed Rhys as he opened his mouth to say something. “Can’t we work something out here?” Cassian negotiated.

Emerie raised an eyebrow. “Well if you really want it.” She picked up a large carton box which made a sloshing noise as it moved. She placed the box in front of them.

“‘Gut Milk’?” Rhys asked as he read the words written on the box.

She nodded. “It’s a beverage and a business. First case is 250. Buy two, I’ll throw in the file. Three and I’ll fill you in on the stuff that was too juicy to write down.”

“That seems steep.” Rhys informed.

Emerie shrugged. “It’s up to you. But after tomorrow, this,” She showed them the file, “And everything else about that guy, gone.”

“Why, what’s tomorrow?” Cassian asked.

----------------

Elain opened her door as she heard a knock. She found Rhys and Cassian standing with wide smiles, one holding a plastic bag, the other a mic.

“They’re cleaning out Tamlin Wrose’s apartment tomorrow, so we’re gonna go down there and look for clues before everything’s gone.” Rhys said. He held out a pair of gloves. “Do you wanna come?”

Elain looked at the gloves with one brow raised. “Do I wanna break into a dead guy’s apartment and go through all his shit?” She shrugged. “Sounds like an afternoon.” They started moving out when Rhys asked, “Ooh, do you have the engagement ring?”

Elain nodded. “Yeah, it’s in my apartment.” She closed the door of her apartment and started moving ahead.

“Do you appeal to anyone?” Cassian asked.

Rhys shook his head. “Not for years.”

The three made their way down to the ninth floor, entering Tamlin’s apartment with Rhys’ lock picking set. “This is it, our one chance to know the dead guy.”

“Oh, that was a very nice high drama line” He brought the mic in front of Rhys, “But I need you to repeat that.”

“Why what was wrong with that one?” Rhys asked.

Cassian tilted his head. “You don’t want to know.” Rhys ignored him and showed the other two his bag as he started moving forward.

“I brought luminol and a blacklight just in case we find-”

“Ah! Blood! Blood! Oh my gosh so much blood!” Cassian screamed as he stepped into a pool of blood on the floor.

“Stop yelling blood.” Rhys reprimanded him.

“Oh my god, is it his blood? Is it my blood? Are my feet bleeding through my shoes?” Cassian asked dramatically.

“That’s just your brain leaking out of your foot.” Rhys told him. Elain walked up to the pool of blood, her breath stuck in her throat as she took in the pool of blood and the splatter of blood on the wall behind her. “Here, take these booties, they’ll prevent you from slipping.” Rhys handed them a pair of blue plastic booties.

“And remember to keep your eyes open, anything could be a clue.” Rhys told them.

Elain turned to look at the bookshelf that was filled with blue hardbound Hardy Boys books.

“Whoah.” Elain let out.

“What?”

She shook her head. “Nothing, it's just, really weird to be in here.” She informed them.

“Okay, well look out for any laptops or cell phones.” Rhys said.

“The cops probably took those.” Elain told him.

“Look at all these past due bills.” Cassian said as he went through the letters he found on the fireplace mantel. “Didn’t the detective say he was facing financial problems?” Cassian read out the different letters. “Rent, utilities, he’s behind in his building fees, poor guy.”

Rhys shook his head in disgust. “People who don’t pay the building fees are the worst. Ours goes up because of them. Now I really don’t like this guy.”

Cassian had a sheepish look on his face. “I don’t think it’s a sin to be slow to write a check.” He let out a nervous laugh. “I’m gonna go look in there.” He pointed deeper into the house.

“Well, no pictures of any girlfriend.” Elain said as she finished checking around the room.

“No? That seems strange.” Rhys wondered. Elain just shrugged in response.

“Sex toys!” Cassian came out waving a riding crop in his hand. “We got sex toys people!” He said excitedly. He placed a box on top of the center table. “Okay, remember, no judging. There’s nothing shameful about deviant sexual pursuits.” Elain scrunched her face in disgust as he took one toy out. “Ooh, looks like Mr. Vanilla took a turn down Rocky Road, if you know what I mean.” Cassian smirked.

“I don’t think you know what you mean.” Rhys said as he looked at the thing in Cassian’s hand with distaste.

“Goodbye snoozing, hello cruising” Cassian said as he took out another toy. “You know, we might be able to get DNA evidence out of this.”

“I just say, bag 'em up and maybe take a Z-pak.” Rhysand said. Elain ignored the both of them and walked further into the apartment. She couldn’t help but remember the last time she was in that house.

“Hey lady!” Elain turned to look at Gwyn in a dark green sleeveless dress, showcasing the whale tattoo, similar to the one Elain had on her shoulder. She smiled at her. “You look hot.” Gwyn informed her as she came to place her hand over her shoulder, playing with the pink strand in Elain’s hair.

“I hate New Year’s.” Elain informed. “It means that winter break is over.”

Gwyn frowned. “Yeah, and you have to return to shitty Long Island to get finger fucked by your cousins.” Elain scrunched her face as both of them laughed.

“You are so gross.” Gwyn smiled at her.

“You know you love me.” Elain noticed the carved rose necklace Gwyn was wearing and felt her heart break.

“Where’d you get that?” She asked Gwyn.

Gwyn just smiled as she looked at the necklace. “It was a gift.”

“Hey guys.” A voice came from the other room. Both the females turned around to look at Azriel walking in with a tie in his hand. “How are we feeling about this tie? I-” He broke off as he took in Elain’s cobalt dress. “Wow.” He whispered in awe. Elain bit her lip and looked down in awkwardness as Gwyn raised her eyebrows at Azriel. He instantly turned towards Gwyn. “What, I already told you. You look great.” He told Gwyn.

She walked away from Elain and moved towards Azriel, “Just don’t even.” She then kissed him and walked off, leaving both of them alone.

Azriel looked back at Elain and raised his hand helplessly, showing her the tie. “Help me?”

Elain softly smiled at him and held her hand out. She wrapped the tie around his neck and started tying it, her having to step onto her toes and him bending down slightly. As soon as she was done, she looked up to find him looking at her. Her breath hitched as she looked at his lips, desperately wanting to lean forward. Azriel started moving towards her but Elain instantly moved back.

“We can’t” She shook her head at him.

He let out a sigh. “I’m sorry Elain.” He raised his hands to hold her but she moved a step back. “I promise, I’ll break up with her. After New Year’s, I’m yours.”

Elain shot him a cold look. “After New Year’s, I’m gone.”

“Hey what are you guys waiting for?” Feyre’s voice came as she looked towards the both of them.

“What are you doing here?” Elain asked Feyre as she took in her state of dress.

Feyre shrugged. “Tamlin invited me.” At that Tamlin came out of his room wearing a three piece suit.

“Yes, I did. And, if we don’t hurry, it’ll get dark and no one will be able to see how fucking awesome we look.” Elain smiled at his antics, ignoring the empty feeling inside her.

“We need a picture. Feyre can you take it for us?” Azriel asked.

“Why don’t I get to be in the picture?” Feyre asked while smiling.

“Because you are here as eye candy Feyre, just for Tamlin to get laid.” Gwyn informed her somewhat harshly.

All the others present frowned at Gywn’s rudeness. She looked at them and smiled. “It was just a joke.”

Elain still frowned but posed for the picture as Feyre took it.

A few hours later, the party on the rooftop was in full swing. Music playing, people dancing and getting drunk.

Gwyn and Azriel were having a fight. She pushed Azriel away from her as he tried to talk to her. “You’re a goddamn asshole. What the fuck is wrong with you?” She exclaimed.

“I didn’t do anything!” He told her in equal anger.

“Oh, really?” She asked rhetorically. She moved inside near the staircase. “No, that’s like textbook cheating!” Azriel followed her inside, continuing his fight.

On the other hand, Elain was busy drowning her sorrows and feelings in alcohol. Feyre came towards her, her eyes red and filled with tears. “I’m going back downstairs, don’t be late.”

Elain reached out for Feyre. “Hey, what happened?” She asked, slurring a bit.

This irritated Feyre. “Nothing Elain! Just enjoy your stupid party with your stupid Hardy Boys!” She jerked her hand out of Elain’s hand and left.

Very soon, she heard a female scream which she was pretty sure was Gwyn. As she moved towards the source, she found Tamlin rushing away from there.

“Tamlin! What was that?” She asked.

Tamlin looked shocked with wide eyes. “I saw someone fighting with her.”

“Was it Azriel?” She asked, scared of the answer.

Tamlin shook his head. “No, it was someone else.”

“Bingo!” Cassian’s voice brought Elain out of her reverie. “Paw prints.”

Both Rhys and Cassian were crouched behind the sofa. “Bloody cat prints.” Rhys said, looking towards Elain as she walked towards them.

“What was that dead cat’s name? Amanda?” Cassian asked.

“Amarantha.” Elain told them.

“That doesn’t make any sense.” Rhysand told them.

“Oh no, it’s perfectly normal for people to name their pets human names.” Cassian told him. “I once had a parakeet whom I named Bryaxias. It was female but it had very masculine energy.”

“No.” Rhysand said sternly. “The cat was here after Tamlin died.”

“And the cat died that night too.” Elain added. The two men lifted their heads in realization.

“Hybern. That was the owner’s name, right?” Rhysand asked. Cassian nodded. “I think our list of suspects just got longer.” Rhysand flashed a bright smile towards Elain. “That was from my show.” Elain just rolled her eyes in annoyance.

----------------

The three of them entered Rhysand’s apartment, holding bags filled with important things they found from Tamlin’s apartment. Elain paused as she noticed the stack of ‘Gut Milk’ cartons. “What’s that?”

Rhysand entered, closing the door behind him. “It’s a beverage and a business.” They moved further into the apartment. “All in all, not a bad day. We got a list of potential suspects from the file that the photo lady from the basement gave us.”

“Emerie!” Cassian interjected.

“Yes, her.” Rhysand said as he placed his bag on the countertop.

“You know, I think we have enough to paint a clear picture of Tamlin Wrose.” Cassian told them.

Rhys shrugged. “Yeah, he was broke.”

“He liked dirty sex.” Cassian added.

“Asthmatic. No one liked him-”

“Can we not?” Elain asked abruptly. She leveled the two men with a look. “I don’t think being unlikable means he deserved to die.”

“Well no. I think what Rhys is trying to say is that for the podcast, we are still looking for a way to care.” Cassian said elaborately with hand gestures.

She gave them both looks of disbelief. “He was alone. Isn’t that reason enough to care?” She looked straight at Rhys. “You of all people should know how fucking sad that is.”

Rhys looked ashamed. “Look, I didn’t mean to-”

“His blood is still on your shoes.” Rhys looked down to his bloodstained shoes that he held in his hands.

“You’re right.” Rhys said. “We should be more sensitive. Tamlin Wrose was a person. He was a neighbor. Maybe a man in love. It’s easy to lose sight-”

“What episode is that from?” Elain asked innocently. “Can I just stream it later and spare myself?” Rhys looked confused. “The speech you gave me about your dad? I saw that bullshit on youtube this morning.”

“Whoah, whoah. Wait a minute.” Rhys said as he raised his hands.

“I am so confused here. Can someone fill me in?” Cassian asked. “Unless it’s boring. Then don’t.”

“I wrote that speech.” Rhysand said, slightly angry at the accusation. “That was the only thing they let me write for the show and every word is true.”

Elain looked unsure. “You just… said it verbatim?”

“Maybe.” Rhys shrugged. “Is that weird?”

“I can’t tell if you’re acting or not.” She said with narrowed eyes.

“Oh, trust me.” Cassian said loudly. “When he’s acting, you can tell.” Rhys frowned at him. “But let me tell you, when I direct a new show, the hardest part is to get the actors to trust each other. And you know what? That's what we’re doing here. We’re starting a new show.” He chuckled.

“We should just promise to not lie and trust each other.” Rhys suggested. “I can do that.”

“Me too.” Cassian supplied with a smile.

Elain folded her hands. “Yeah, okay.”

“You know what?” Cassian started. “How about we all try a trust exercise?”

“Yeah, no fucking way. Bye.” Elain walked out of the apartment.

As soon as the door closed Cassian leaned towards Rhys. “I so don’t trust her at all. She’s shifty.”

----------------

Elain walked back inside Tamlin’s apartment, the old camera sitting on a side table.

“Tamlin!” Elain ran towards him, who was entering the elevator. “They’re taking Azriel away! You said you saw someone else with Gwyn! You have to tell them!” She told him in a hurry.

Tamlin shook his head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Tamlin!” The elevator door closed with her standing all alone, slightly drunk and completely distressed.

“Aren’t you a little too old to be playing Hardy Boys?” She heard a familiar male voice ask. She turned to see Tamlin sitting on the floor, a hole through his head, wearing the same clothes he wore when she last saw him.

“Why did this happen to you?” Elain asked even though she knew that he was just a figment of her imagination.

“Why are you hanging out with a couple of old weirdos?” He questioned back.

“They’re trying to help me find someone who cared about you.” She answered as she walked towards him, sitting down beside him.

“Good luck with that.” Tamlin said with a self -deprecating smile.

“Tamlin, who was the ring for?”

He looked at the ring on her hand. “You want to know if I ever found someone to love me?”

She looked at him sadly, her attention drawn to his gunshot wound. “I’m just trying to figure out who you were. If you were a good guy or not. Should I even be sad that you’re dead?”

“Ouch that hurts.” Tamlin looked affronted. “Almost as much as this.” He pointed towards the hole in his head.

Elain laughed slightly and Tamlin smiled at her. “Why didn’t you tell the cops what you saw that night?” She asked. “And does this have anything to do with what happened that night?”

“I always enjoyed watching you figure things out.” And with the blink of an eye, Tamlin was gone, once again leaving Elain all alone.

Elain got up and moved towards his bookshelf, once again observing the Hardy Boys book collection. As she took one off the shelf, she heard objects clattering towards the ground. She opened the book to find it hollowed out and filled with rings. She took out more books and found them all filled with random pieces of jewelry.

“What the fuck?” She whispered as she saw the collection of jewelry that was now on the floor. She found one book that had two folded pieces of paper in it. She opened one to find the drawing she had made of her garden when they first met.

----------------

“Tamlin was always the kind of guy that made the sensible choice. That’s why none of this made sense. Which brings us back to right where we started.” Elain sat in front of her laptop, recording herself, as the floor around her was littered with jewelry.

“Who is Tamlin Wrose? He liked running across the courtyard fountain. He was observant and robotic, but also kind if you looked at him the right way. He never lied. Except once.”

An image of Gwyn’s mangled body on the ground after falling from the roof flashed in Elain’s mind.

“Who was Tamlin Wrose?”

Elain sighed as she stopped the recording and saved it, naming it as ‘IN CASE I’M NEXT.’

“I’m gonna fucking find out.” She said as she slammed her laptop shut.

----------------

AN: So, we got a Feysand interaction as well as a bit of Elriel past. As the story progresses, we'll be moving away from the original tv show story.

Also, almost every single character is going to be asshole-ish, nothing personal, just the way it is.

Taglist : @sakurakittypeach @devilorfling @sleepyyhead21

#elain archeron #cassian #rhysand #feyre archeron #azriel #nesta archeron #elriel #elriel fic #feysand #acotar #murder mystery #omitb au #murder at velaris

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