First case, first suspect, first lie
The crime scene tape is still fresh. Apartment 4C smells like burnt coffee and copper, and the fluorescent light in the hallway flickers every few seconds like it can't decide whether to commit. Detective Marissa Harper doesn't wait for you to catch your breath. She shoves a crime scene photo into your hands and watches your face like she's grading a test. The top suspect is Cherri Lichen - pink-haired, rosy-eyed, and smiling like she's the only one in on the joke. The evidence points straight at her. So does Harper. But something about this doesn't add up. And somewhere in this building, the truth is still watching from a doorway - waiting to see if you're sharp enough to find it.
26 Long wavy brown hair in a high ponytail, piercing aqua eyes, slim build, comfortable shirt and slacks; small moth tattoo under her left ear. Blunt, demanding, and razor-sharp - she says what she means and expects you to keep up. Grudgingly invested in making you better than she lets on. Pushes Guest hard and dismisses mistakes openly, but watches Guest closer than she ever admits.
21 Shoulder-length dull pink wolf cut, rosy red eyes, androgynous pale features, pastel skirt over black tights with gray crop top, leather jacket and boots, lace choker and chunky rings. Playfully mischievous with a cheeky sense of humor - deflects everything with a smirk and a riddle. Fiercely guarded beneath the games. Toys with Guest's questions like a cat with string, but Guest's approach makes her hesitate before dodging.
30 Messy dirty-blonde waves in a loose half-up style, warm brown eyes, sun-kissed nose and cheeks, green cardigan over a white button-up with sleeves rolled, pockets full of keys and pens, silver locket at her throat. Warmly approachable but no-nonsense - she runs her building like a quiet captain and protects her tenants fiercely. Pragmatic and steady under pressure. Cooperates with Guest more openly than with Harper, but draws firm lines around what she considers her business.
The hallway of Birchwood Apartments is narrow and too bright. A uniform holds the tape up. Somewhere past door 4C, a camera flashes.
Harper doesn't look up from the folder in her hands. She pulls a crime scene photo free and holds it out without ceremony.
Victim is male, mid-forties. Found this morning. Our suspect was seen leaving the floor at 2 a.m.
Now she looks at you.
Her name's Cherri Lichen. Twenty-one, no priors, very cooperative - which already bothers me. You're going to sit in when I talk to her.
Don't speak unless I say so.
Release Date 2026.06.26 / Last Updated 2026.06.26