Chapter Text
Sunday, October 17 (pt. 3)
It takes you several seconds to realize that the phone isn't ringing.
You hit cancel, then redial. Again, you hear nothing, and it’s about that time you realize your phone has no service.
Figures.
You pull out the new one, but you already know it’s no good; It’s not activated, and there’s no sim card.
You heave a sigh of annoyance, but in truth it's probably better to have a moment to collect yourself. Not only do you have no idea what you're going to say to Silco, but you have no idea what’s going on, or how serious the situation really is, or how Jinx expects you to fix it.
You need some time to assess the situation.
But speaking of Jinx, you can sense her anxious eyes following your every move, and you put the phone back to your ear, pretending to make another call as you gaze around the parking lot.
What are you going to do?
The girl expects you to be the magic fix-it in this situation, but Silco's no fool. You need to know what happened with Ekko so you can be properly armed with the knowledge to bargain with Silco on Jinx's behalf. All you know so far is that Ekko is banned from the shooting range. Why? That's the question you need answered, and you're not sure who's best qualified to do it. Thomas and Sevika both have personal skin in the game, and Marcus…
Marcus!
For the first time since you met your sister’s boyfriend, you feel a leap of excitement at the idea that he is nearby and available. If there’s anybody here who can tell you what really happened, no filter, it’s him.
You hurry back towards the group with a sense of purpose, and gesture towards the Sheriff, “I need to talk to you for a second."
He looks confused, even when you point at him to indicate that yes, I mean you. When he eventually determines that you actually are referring to him, he pinches his lips together, nods tightly, and follows your summons. You dodge an incoming vehicle, and come to a stop behind Sevika's 4 Runner.
“I need you to tell me what happened.” You say, without preamble.
“What do you mean, what happened?”
You forgot that talking with Marcus is like talking to a toddler. Recalcitrant for no apparent reason, though not necessarily on purpose. A lethal and frustrating combination.
You swallow back an impatient retort. “Why was Ekko banned from the shooting range? What happened between him and Silco?”
“Didn’t Silco tell you?”
“I didn’t ask. Besides, I feel like you’re the only one who can give me an unbiased perspective of the situation.”
A frown is locked firmly in place, something you've come to recognize as his signature expression. Allie told you once that it doesn’t always mean he’s annoyed, it’s just the way his face is. You’d informed her that her boyfriend looks like he hates people, which prompted her to retaliate, and remind you that Silco always wears an expression that says he thinks the world is inhabited by idiots.
She’s not too far off the mark, actually, though neither are you. It’s an odd sort of coincidence that you both chose to date men plagued with resting bitch face, and a general distaste for humanity.
“What do you want to know?” He asks at last.
“Everything. Just start from the beginning.”
His frown deepens into a scowl, which you have to consciously choose not to take personally. It’s probably just his thinking face.
He takes several seconds to collect himself before launching into a slow, almost reluctant explanation.
“There was a protest on campus about a month and a half ago. Ekko wanted Silco to take action against the perpetrator who was placing unsanctioned fliers across campus.”
“Unsanctioned fliers?”
“They were unmarked save for a number, and an offer of money to anyone willing to volunteer for an experiment. Nobody knows who put them up, and whenever one was torn down, three more would appear in its place. There was a lot of talk around campus regarding the fliers, and Ekko checked to see if any of his classmates had called the number, and asked the rest of The Firelights to do the same.”
“Firelights?”
“It’s Ekko’s club. They like to protest against anything and everything the board tries to pass that they think infringes upon student rights. They’ve been a real pain in my ass.”
“Why yours? I thought you worked in Piltover.”
His face twitches, and his voice takes on a hint of annoyance. “I do, but whatever happens in Zaun leaks into Piltover, so I’m often brought in to handle these kinds of situations before they get out of hand.”
That doesn’t make much sense to you. Why would Silco bring in a Piltover Sheriff to handle a problem with Zaun, especially since he seems so determined to keep the two cities separated?
“So what did he find out?” You prompt, as you file this intriguing question into the growing list of questions you want to ask Silco.
“Turns out several of his classmates called the number. All of them claimed they were texted an application, filled it out, sent it in, but never heard back. Ekko believed one of them was lying, claiming that the boy had been 'acting pretty sus'."
You suppress a grin as Marcus inserts air quotes, along with a look of intense distaste.
"So he confronted the boy, and although he initially denied everything, he eventually admitted that he had been selected for the experiment, though he refused to say anything more.”
“I’m sure his reluctance made Ekko more determined.”
Marcus snorts. “The kid fancies himself a private investigator. Or a conspiracy theorist, more like.”
“Well, what did he find out?”
“That all across campus there were other students behaving strangely, and though they all denied being chosen for the experiment, Ekko and his Firelights seem convinced that each one of them is hiding something. Especially after the incident."
At your blank stare he continues, "I'm sure you heard about it. It was all over campus. The boy Ekko interrogated went berserk in class, started spouting gibberish and hallucinating.”
Now that you think about it, you remember coworkers and students coming in about a month ago mentioning the incident. You hadn’t been sure how many of the stories to believe at the time, since they got more dramatic and far-fetched after each retelling.
“Was anybody hurt?”
“No, but somehow Ekko got his hand's on the the boy's medical examination report, and discovered that he had been taking experimental drugs. The event led Ekko to petition Silco to investigate. He got a reply saying investigations were under way, but he was apparently unimpressed by Silco's efforts. Soon after he sent in his first letter, several other students who claimed they hadn't been accepted began showing signs of similar side effects. That's when Ekko started sending letters every other day, until the day he incited the riot.”
“The protest, you mean.”
“Protest, riot, it’s all the same.”
“It's really not.”
“Look, when someone brings guns to what’s supposed to be a peaceful protest, you can’t blame Silco and the board for following protocol. The protesters made it pretty clear that they weren’t interested in friendly negotiations.”
“Someone brought guns?”
“Why else would Silco ban The Firelights from the guns shops and shooting ranges? Not that it would stop self-proclaimed revolutionaries from finding firearms through more underhanded means, but at least they’ll have to work harder to get their hands on them next time around.”
Your mind is reeling. “So Ekko told Silco he wanted a peaceful protest, then brought guns? It doesn't make any sense.”
“Oh he didn’t bring any of the firearms, but Ekko claimed in his last letter that he would go to drastic measure to ensure his requests were not ignored.”
“Hold on, wait. So Ekko didn’t bring the guns?”
“No.”
“Was it one of The Firelights?”
“Well no, but they were the ones who organized the protest, which means that they’re responsible for the conduct of every student who presents themselves.”
It feels so unjust, and yet you can’t blame Silco for taking action to protect the student body. Though it seems unfair that he’s punishing Ekko for someone else’s actions.
“Did Silco really ignore Ekko's requests before the protest?”
“Absolutely not," Marcus looks affronted at the very idea, and you feel relieved. "He was doing everything he could to discover who put up the fliers, but the security cameras never caught anything on tape. They somehow knew all the blind spots."
“What about the security guards? Didn’t anyone see who was putting up the posters?”
“Apparently not. But that's why he brought me in. I’ve got more resources, and I've been doing everything I can to track down the perpetrators. I even increased security on campus, which The Firelights have taken it upon themselves to protest," He scoffs and shakes his head. "We've finally managed to remove all the fliers, but whoever put them up must have changed tactics, because we're still getting reports of ongoing activity.”
It seemed impossible that anyone could pull a fast one on Silco for any length of time without being found out. Unless it was someone who knew Silco well, and knew how to circumvent security…
Someone like Charles Rodriguez?
The idea strikes like lightning.
The pieces all fit. Every interaction you've had with the man has been suspicious, from finding him in Silco's office, to the way he would suddenly appear and try to get information out of you regarding Silco and his plans. He'd even managed to turn off The Last Drip’s security cameras, without anyone realizing what he'd done until almost ten minutes had passed.
It's all starting to make sense.
It's Charles. I don't know what he's doing, but he's doing it, and getting away with it too. How is he getting away with it?
“What?”
You shake your head, pushing down your rising excitement and agitation as you pat Marcus rather forcefully on his arm. “Nothing, I just thought of something I need to ask Silco. Thanks for your help Marcus. Oh, wait! Could I borrow your phone real quick before you go?”
“No, it’s against regulations.”
“Oh okay, cool. Never mind then.”
He tips his hat and stalks off, leaving you alone with your swirling thoughts.
The real question now is why Charles would dare to create experimental drugs, and where he's doing it. You'd need a lot of money to source and experiment with pharmaceuticals. Surely something like that would require a big operation, with lots of moving parts. So why risk it? Does he need money to maintain his expensive tastes, or does he have delusions of becoming some kind of drug kingpin?
There has to be more to it than that.
I need to talk to Silco!
You pull out your phone, and after much wandering around you find service again. Several missed calls are registered from Silco, which makes it that much easier to make the call. You're so pumped full of adrenaline that you don't even care that he snaps at you when he answers on the first ring.
“I’m beginning to change my mind about assigning you personal security. Perhaps I should make you wear a tracking collar instead.”
“I’m just a girl with an old phone, Silco, not a dog who keeps wandering into the bad part of town.”
“I'll have to take your word for it, as I am rarely able to get a hold of you when the need arises.”
“Relax Mr. Spisak, I’m going to get my phone changed out tomorrow, and then you’ll have access to me whenever you please.”
“Theoretically. The collar would require less wasted time calling.”
You roll your eyes. “I'll pass. But if it makes you feel better, I'd consider a tracking anklet.”
“An interesting concession,” He drawls. “Though I believe I would be considered negligent if it appears that the manager of my coffee shop is a convict on parole.”
“Better Jean Valjean than Princess Leia in her slave era.”
“Hmm, I beg to differ.”
You blush, not sure if you're more shocked that he understood your pop culture reference, or at the idea that he'd like to see you in a Leia slave costume. Suddenly you're imagining yourself in the slave Leia costume, then imagining him imagining you in the slave Leia costume, and now you're blushing deeper and regretting having mentioned the slave Leia costume at all.
Come on, focus! You’ve got conspiracies to share and mysteries to crack!
You close your eyes, face blazing as you gather up your scattered dignity and reason, “Okay, so I actually do have a reason why I tried to call you, outside of arguing about tracking collars and french convicts.”
“Which would be?”
“I have a question for you. Well, several questions actually.”
“When do you not?” The ire in his voice is gone, and in it's place is something akin to amusement.
“Good point, but I wouldn't call you all the time if I had any other option.”
“I’m not sure if that is supposed to be reassuring or not.”
That pulls out a laugh. “I just mean that you’re usually the only person who can answer my questions. No matter where I go, all roads seem to lead back to Silco Spisak. If I didn't know any better, I'd say there's a conspiracy afoot.”
“I like to maintain an aura of mystery.”
His voice has taken on the familiar, smooth consistency of silk, and it's embarrassing how it turns your spine to jelly.
“Yeah, I can tell,” You say, mouth strangely dry. “But seriously, I do have questions. Really important ones, about Ekko and Charles.”
“I cannot think of two individuals I wish to discuss with you less, but if you insist…”
“I’m afraid I must.”
He sighs. “Then you’d better get to it.”
You cross your fingers and say a prayer before diving in. “I was just wondering if there was any way you could allow Ekko not to be arrested for showing up at the firing range today. Jinx invited him, and given her powers of persuasion I think it’s only fair that he be forgiven, just this once. For his dad’s sake if nothing else. Thomas is willing to let him get carted off, but he’s been so loyal to you over the years…”
You let the request linger, breathless as the silence stretches on the line.
“I suppose my daughter put you up to this.”
“Well yes, but I asked Marcus about what happened last month, and it sounds like it wasn’t Ekko who approved the guns at the protest."
"It doesn't matter whether he approved of them or not. He is responsible for the actions of any person who took part in his protest."
"I understand, and I’m not asking you to let the boy shoot with us. Just… give him a pass. For Thomas, and Jinx. I know they'd both really appreciate it. Especially your daughter. She's having a pretty hard time right now.”
Another worrisome silence follows, and then a sigh.
“I suppose I can let him off with a warning.”
You breathe out a sigh of relief. “Oh, thank you!”
“Just this once, mind you,” He says, voice clipped. “I will not be so forgiving next time.”
You find yourself nodding, adamantly. “That’s more than fair."
"I suppose your next question would be regarding whether or not Jinx is allowed to forego the shooting in favor of a tête-à-tête with the boy..."
"Oh! No, actually my next question is about who put up the posters at ZCC. Or maybe it’s not so much a question as a theory. Or maybe it’s not even that. I was thinking about who could circumvent your security parameters on campus, and figured that it would have to be someone who knows how you operate. It got me thinking about the day your security went down at The Last Drop."
"Ah. I see."
You can already hear the skepticism in his voice, and hurry to get out the rest of your theory. "What if Charles was the one who put up the fliers? Or maybe not Charles, but someone who works with him. You know, the same person who interrupted your security footage the first time. It just feels like more than a coincidence, don't you think?”
“I fail to see a connection, though I can’t rule out the possibility.”
“You can't rule out that it’s a coincidence, or that it’s a good theory?”
“Either.”
It’s tough not being able to see his face because his voice isn’t giving anything away, but you've got a sinking feeling that he’s not taking you very seriously.
“Well it’s worth checking out at least, right?”
“Perhaps, though I doubt Charles has the requisite skill sets or the proper resources to orchestrate such a scheme."
"Yeah, I thought so too. But at the same time, there's so many abandoned building out on the border of Piltover and Zaun, and he could be using one of them to run the operation. I'm sure you've probably already checked out that kind of thing because you own almost all the land in the city, but maybe he isn't doing any of the work nearby, but is paying someone outside the city to do it. I know it's a little out there as far as theories go, but I can't help feeling Charles is a part of this somehow."
Doubts creep in along with the silence.
It sounds ridiculous and far-fetched now that you've said it out loud.
“Marcus is currently following a promising line of investigation," Silco says at last. "but perhaps when he's finished I'll direct him towards a more thorough examination of my internal affairs. Although I cannot believe Charles is capable of such intricate deception, it is possible that something or someone was overlooked during the initial audit of my staff.”
Well it's not complete buy in, but considering Silco hasn't shown himself to be interested in your Charles theories in the past, it's something. And since you don't have any proof, just a gut feeling, you can't really expect him to do anything more.
"Okay, well thanks for humoring me."
"Is that all?"
The laugh in his voice is unmistakable, and you feel foolish for thinking your Charles theory would be received with any kind of consideration.
"Uh... Yep. That's all I wanted to say. We already covered Ekko, Charles, Jean Valjean, and Princess Leia. There really isn't anyone left in life or fiction that we could possibly want to talk about."
His laugh is low and guttural. "You certainly know how to cultivate stimulating conversation. I never know where our discussions will end up once they've begun."
You smile wanly. "I'm always happy to entertain."
"You are rather entertaining, though I confess that I much prefer being entertained by you in person."
A stomach flutter, then a zing.
"I'm beginning to fear that our relationship is going to be primarily comprised of stolen conversations over the phone rather than in person."
"I hope not. But --" You stop suddenly, when you see the tail of Jinx's hair flash around the corner of the van you'd been hiding behind for the last fifteen minutes.
You're suddenly remember that everyone's still waiting for you to bring back Silco's judgement while you're stand here, chatting with Silco about your silly conspiracy theories.
"Is everything all right?" He asks sharply.
"Yeah, fine. I'm sorry, Silco, but I have to go. I think I've kept everyone waiting long enough."
"Everyone meaning my daughter, I suppose."
The girl's head begins to peep even more obviously around the corner of the adjacent vehicle.
"Yeah. Did you need anything from me? I saw you called several times."
"The reason has become irrelevant."
"Oh, okay. Well try not to miss me too much before Tuesday, okay?"
"I won't need to, as I'm sure you'll find some excuse to call."
"Good point," You sigh. "But what can I say? I'm a sucker for men with an aura of mystery."
"Fortunate for me."
And me.
Your stomach flutters. "Good-bye, Silco."
When you hang up, Jinx immediately gives up her pretense of hiding and hops over.
"Well? What did he say?"
You put on a smile. "He said he'd let Ekko off with a warning, but he isn't allowed in the shooting range."
The girl practically melts in relief. "You did it again. You cast your spell and saved the day."
"He didn't actually need much convincing."
"You don't give yourself enough credit, Toots."
"Or maybe you don't give your father enough credit."
She looks skeptical. You take her arm and start your trek back towards the building. "Come on, let's go tell the others. I think I'm ready to start shooting things."
Her grin is ecstatic. "Hell yeah!"