INDEX

1. Seeking what is lost
2. The first Clue
3. Flowing Rivers
4. Missed chance?
5. Aesteria
6. Floria
7. Reconnection
8. We are Family
9. New perspective

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Couple of days passed since Averie let Gramble know about their plan to investigate the case of the missing grumpus. During this time the orange grumpus would continue their work as the mayor assistance, spending time with their friends, and support Filbo. Then, finally, a call from Officer Troubleblog happened and now both grumpuses were meeting at a cafe during their lunch break.

"One cup of latte and one cup of hot chocolate, please." the officer ordered with a smile to the waitress Lin. Averie glanced between the two and it was quite obvious that both liked each other. It's only a matter of time until one of them invites the other to a date.

As soon as the waitress walked off to obtain the orders, the two grumpuses were on their own. Both were silent, with Averie trying to approach the situation. Luckily for them, it was Tobiano himself who would get the first words.

"So...Gramble has told me about your situation." the light green grumpus remarked, chewing on a twig, like he usually did. "It's not common to investigate a cold case...but it's not unheard of." Tobiano leaned over the table as he glanced to Averie. "However...thirteen...almost fourteen years passed since the disappearance of Minette Fiddlepie. That's a time where I haven't even worked in the police department yet. So...the chances to find her, alive or not, is probably very low."

Averie sighed as they listened to the deep and, slightly rawly, voice of the police officer, while they leaned over the table as well. "I know." they sighed and then glanced back to the light green grumpus. "I know that...I know I shouldn't get my hopes up. But...I'm not doing this for myself..." They put the newspaper article on the table, along with a photo of the missing grumpus and their father. "I do this for them...my dad and my boyfriend. I want to try at least..."

Tobiano picked the photo and the article as he read those over, before shoving them back to Averie. "And this is why I got to talk to a former police officer from the department, who was part of the investigations." he responded. "It may not be much...but it could be a start. He said that...the day where the car accident happened, that one of the eyewitnesses watched how the victim, a seafoam grumpus, has wandered off from the road, straight into the woods."

The police officer stopped a moment to allow Averie to process what he just said. "He has written down in detail what the investigators found...and the location. Maybe there we could start our search."

Immediately Averie's head lifted up, staring at Tobiano with open mouth. "Wait...did you say...we?" Then a chuckle sounded from the light green grump and his eyes lit up. "Yes, I said we! There is not going on much currently in my department...and...my colleagues say I'm not experienced enough for the tough guys...although I could handle those..." Tobiano then chuckled again, placing his paws on the table. "But yeah...I will help you with your investigation, if you let me."

Averie put their paw over their mouth as they considered this option. Tobiano got to ask his former colleague and he got the detailed informations. They...they only got the photo and a vague idea where the accident happened.

Later on Lin brought the two grumpuses their beverages. Taking a sip from their hot chocolate, Averie eventually decided that it has more advantages if the police officer tags along. On their own they might not get the result they wish to find.

"I agree." the orange grumpus confirmed to the police officer his offer to help them out. "Accompany me through my investigation. Tell me about the location. I...think it may work best if two pair of eyes work together."

Tobiano nodded to the orange grumpus, as he drank up his latte macchiato. "I guess we're investigation partners then...partner." Both grumps proceeded to drink their beverages and pay, before their breaks would end and would go back to their jobs.