Secrets of the Valley
Authors Note: This is a series I’m starting about a stardew valley murder mystery. Grandpa has been found murdered on his farm and his grandson, John Doe, who is a detective in Zuzu City has come to investigate. In the valley John will meet the neighbors, investigate his grandfather’s untimely death, and unveil stardew’s secrets.
Warnings: Talk of murder, death, loss of loved one
Prologue:
It was a long drive to Pelican Town from Zuzu City, especially on the bus line–it clogged with many stops along Stardew Valley’s coastal towns. John Doe sat fidgeting on his seat, unsettled and unsure, as he turned over the past week’s events in his mind again.
His Grandfather’s death had come as a shock, as most passings unfortunately did. Grandpa was a peaceful man, who spent his days tending his farm in the valley. He had a lot of friends there; he was especially close with two older men, George and Lewis, who served with him in the 2nd Gotoro War together. Undoubtedly, the quaint town was reeling with his untimely demise just as John was.
It just didn’t make sense, how kind, brave Grandpa was murdered. The initial investigators chalked it to be an accident with one of his farm tools–he had been growing weaker and less sharp recently.
However, John had seen the crime scene photos. As a detective, he saw those deadly moments immortalized in film all the time. He had grown to be apathetic and not take these things to heart–he had too in this line of work. But when he saw the picture of Grandpa, lying on the ground in a pool of his own blood, John almost couldn’t bear it. Nevertheless, his judgment came clear and objective as ever: this wasn’t an accident.
The case would be especially difficult, in fact the police captain didn’t want John on the job because of his personal connection. But, no matter what official protocol suggested, no one could deny that John Doe was the best man for the job. He was the most experienced field detective there, he knew the area well, and had prior information on the citizens of the valley. And, as the murder victim's grandson, John could easily go undercover to solve the case. He could stay as long as he wanted, investigate the property, chat with the neighbors–and no one would bat an eye.
John heard the bus slow and looked out the window. Well, this is it, he thought, I haven’t seen the valley in years. It looks different, like the life and soul of the valley has been sucked out of it.
The wheels squeaked as they came to a stop, the bus driver boredly announcing that ‘this was the Pelican Town stop, please gather your belongings and watch your step as you exit.’ Shaking his prior thoughts away, John stood from his seat and slung his backpack over his shoulder. He muttered a quiet ‘thank you,’ to the driver as he emerged through the doors, immediately squinting as the cheerful spring sunlight greeted him.
And, before he could gather his thoughts, perhaps reorient himself and find the dirt road that would take him back to Grandpa’s cabin, a familiar voice called his name. John looked up to see an old man wearing a brown cap, green sweater, dress pants, and suspenders with a toothbrush mustache.
“Johnny Boy!” shouted Mayor Lewis merrily, “Heavens, I haven’t seen you in years! Since you were but a wee lad! Whatever are you up to these days?”
He hasn’t changed, John noted, taking in his sharp, professional smile and pompous words.
“Oh, hey Mayor Lewis. It has been a while hasn’t it?” John greeted cordially, keeping his tone and cover story smooth. “I live in Zuzu City now; I work at a restaurant called McJoja’s. Have you heard of it?”
“Umm, well yes I think I have” Lewis replied, smile shrinking considerably, “I just thought you would have achieved…more in the city, like you grandfather.”
“Grandpa didn’t achieve that much in the city,” John shrugged, feigning boredom.
“...Your grandfather was an esteemed captain in the Zuzu Police, he joined the force after the 2nd Gotoro War…,” Lewis replied, his already aged face wrinkling, eyebrows furrowed and jaw clenched, with distaste at the young man’s impudence. He cleared his throat, as if to chase away the subject matter. “Speaking of your grandfather, I want to extend my deepest condolences. Your grandfather he…he was the greatest man I’ve ever known, and a dear friend. I’m sure the whole valley grieves this loss. If you desire anything, need anything at all, please, I implore you to seek me out. I live at the manor in the middle of town.”
“Thank you Mayor Lewis, I really appreciate it. Would you mind taking me over to the farm? I’d like to get started sorting through Grandpa’s things,” John nodded.
“Of course, of course. I’ll lead the way. Come on sonny.”
