One Golden Bullet

The Warren’s shop wasn’t open yet as Hoax had stopped in his tracks outside of it. Sitting on the sidewalk in front of the main entrance was a small wooden box covered in a strange brown peeling paint. The receptionist walks up behind Hoax and looks down at the box as well as he speaks, “I checked the cameras, it showed up during that break.”

Hoax tilts his head some, “And no one stole it overnight?”

The receptionist shakes his head, “Evidently not. A few people passed it by and anyone who opened it simply closed it and set it back down before walking away.”

Hoax gestures to the box as he steps aside, “If you could. With gloves of course.”

The receptionist nods as he pulls a single white glove out from his suit jacket. Hoax helps him put on the glove before the receptionist reaches down and picks up the box. Hoax in the meanwhile unlocks and raises the metal shutters before opening the door. The receptionist enters the shop after Hoax and sets the box on the desk. He flips open the lid and furrows his brow while peering in.

Inside is a small lump. At first it only seems like a piece of the peeling paint but on further inspection it makes more sense. The box is coated in dried peeling blood. Inside is a golden bullet covered in the same blood. The slight rusty and metallic scent that rises from the container hits them as they both take a step back.

The receptionist glances at Hoax, “It’s a bullet. Do you know much about firearms?”

Hoax nods and leans a bit to get a better look from a small distance, “Mostly revolvers but I could always learn.” He then takes another step closer and picks up the bullet from the box. The sides of the bullet seem engraved with small designs and patterns. He squints some at the fine details.

The receptionist speaks up, “I assume the thieves saw it and wanted nothing to do with being connected to any murders.”

Hoax shakes his head, “This bullet has never killed anyone.”

The receptionist tilts his head, “How would you know?”

Hoax holds out the bullet in his view, “It’s not just the bullet shell, this bullet hasn’t been fired yet.”

“Then what’s with all of the blood?”