Holiday Express (Chapter 3)

Event

Evidence

Cases

Story

“Growing takes time!„ ↕
	This article is a work in progress and is incomplete. Please be patient and look forward to its completion!

“Forward, friends! What's next?„ ↕
	This article could use some work. Here's what's left to do: add the combined "Investor Cookie's" sprite add the combined "Passengers" sprite

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 3: Silent Old Jolly

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3-1. Interrogation V
Cheddar Cheese Cookie	And the show goes on! Next Cookie, please!
	Sparkling Cookie
Old Jolly Case: Record 5 Sparkling Cookie brought in for questioning Alibi: worked at the bar of the Dining Car Confirmed by: Chef Cookie
Sparkling Cookie	I was in the Dining Car. I ate dessert, then practiced mixing new drinks for the holiday party.
	We all played cards, other(sic) left to see the ceremony, while I remained to make drinks.
New Evidence Evidence Information Sparkling Cookie's Statement Name: Sparkling Cookie Profile: Passenger An expert juice-maker Cookie. He offered refreshments to the passengers. ??? 20:00-21:00 - He was in the Dining Car after supper. 21:00-22:00 - After dessert, he practiced mixing new drinks for the winter holidays. 22:00-00:00 - He played card games with other Cookies and left to watch the ceremony around midnight. 00:00-01:00 - He was mixing juice for Cookies in the Dining Car even after the ceremony had ended. ???
Macaroni Cookie	At the time of the incident, you busy making beverages for the Tree-Lighting Ceremony. correct?
	Yes, I was. It was getting late, and the passengers seemed rather weary. Chef Cookie and I decided to provide a round of refreshments.	Sparkling Cookie
Chef Cookie	That's true! I can attest to that! I even learned a couple of handy tricks from Sparkling Cookie last night!
Linzer Cookie	What could be Sparkling Cookie's motive?
Deduction Deduction Objective Anything Suspicious about this Cookie? Evidence Selected Carol Cookie's Statement After supper, she saw Sparkling Cookie dejected from Old Jolly refusing his sparkling juice. Vampire Cookie's Statement 20:00-22:00 - Old Jolly refused to drink it, but the juice was delicious.
Linzer Cookie	A witness claimed that you looked saddened after Old Jolly refused to have your beverage. Why?
	I.. Well, yes, I was...	Sparkling Cookie
	But only briefly. Besides, soon, Old Jolly let me in on a secret.	Sparkling Cookie
	They told me they left so abruptly because they had to prepare gifts for the passengers.
Linzer Cookie	(Sparkling Cookie knew that Old Jolly planned to visit every passenger's suite and deliver gifts...)
Linzer Cookie	Was there anything else of note?
	Hm... I did see Royal Bear Jelly the conductor pushing the room service cart to the kitchen and leaving shortly after.	Sparkling Cookie
Macaroni Cookie	Do you remember the time? Was it during the Tree-Lighting Ceremony?
Macaroni Cookie	Yes, there was a little interlude... I would say the time was half past twelve.	Sparkling Cookie
Evidence Updated Evidence Information Sparkling Cookie's Statement Name: Sparkling Cookie Profile: Passenger An expert juice-maker Cookie. He offered refreshments to the passengers. He was a little upset when Old Jolly rejected his drink, but felt better knowing they had planned to leave presents for the guests at night. 20:00-21:00 - He was in the Dining Car after supper. 21:00-22:00 - After dessert, he practiced mixing new drinks for the winter holidays. 22:00-00:00 - He played card games with other Cookies and left to watch the ceremony around midnight. 00:00-01:00 - He was mixing juice for Cookies in the Dining Car even after the ceremony had ended. 00:00-01:00 - Halfway through the ceremony, he heard Royal Bear Jelly push a cart towards the Dining Car.
Macaroni Cookie	Huh. I see. Next Coo-!
	Yes, YES! I'm here, but make it quick!	Schwarzwälder
	Schwarzwälder
Old Jolly Case: Record 6 Schwarzwälder brought in for questioning Alibi:??? (unknown) Confirmed by: ??? (unknown)
	Go ahead! ASK!	Schwarzwälder
Macaroni Cookie	Heh, no need! We know your alibi. You were signing a card in your suite. A card for Poison Mushroom Cookie. Correct?
	What... How did you...?!	Schwarzwälder
Cheddar Cheese Cookie	Given your undeniably... noteworthy reputation, you were constantly under our scrutiny since the moment you stepped on board. It is absolutely positive you did not leave your room last night.
	... huh!	Schwarzwälder
Linzer Cookie	(I wonder what comes next...!)
	Ha ha ha ha! I AM that infamous, alright! You, little detectives, have done your homework! Ha ha ha!	Schwarzwälder
Cheddar Cheese Cookie	It is our job after all! NEXT!
	What! Is that it? Ask me something else! VALIDATE ME!	Schwarzwälder
New Evidence Evidence Information Schwarzwälder's Statement Name: Schwarzwälder Profile: Passenger His infamous reputation precedes him. ??? 20:00- Wrote a holiday card after supper. 20:00- This card was addressed to Poison Mushroom Cookie. 20:00- The detectives kept a close-eye on him as he's a well-known villain. 20:00- The detectives checked if he ever left his suite, and he never did. ???
Linzer Cookie	If Schwarzwälder was in his suite, I need to check something.
Deduction Deduction Objective What could confirm that Schwarzwälder was indeed in his suite? Evidence Selected Sparkling Cookie's Statement 00:00-01:00 - Halfway through the ceremony, he heard Royal Bear Jelly push a cart towards the Dining Car.
Linzer Cookie	Very well! Did you, by any chance, hear Royal Bear Jelly pushing the room service cart through the hallway?
	Huh? The cart? I guess I did! Wait... That has nothing to do with ME?	Schwarzwälder
Macaroni Cookie	Speaking of, we also heard the sound! It was headed towards the Dining Car!
	(Hmm...Sparkling Cookie, Schwarzwälder, and the detectives' stories align as well.)	Linzer Cookie
Evidence Updated Evidence Information Schwarzwälder's Statement Name: Schwarzwälder Profile: Passenger His infamous reputation precedes him. ??? 20:00- Wrote a holiday card after supper. 20:00- This card was addressed to Poison Mushroom Cookie. 20:00- The detectives kept a close-eye on him as he's a well-known villain. 20:00- The detectives checked if he ever left his suite, and he never did. 00:00-01:00 - He heard someone push a cart towards the Dining Car.

3-2. Interrogations VI
Linzer Cookie	Looks like Schwarzwälder was the last one to question.
Macaroni Cookie	Not so fast, Linzer Cookie. It's your turn.
	No exceptions! You are a passenger too.
	He he, yes, of course.	Linzer Cookie
	Linzer Cookie
	Old Jolly Case: Record 7 Linzer Cookie Alibi: was in her room Confirmed by: none
Macaroni Cookie	Your story depicts one of the most elaborate mysteries. Naturally, you're under our greatest suspicion. Unless someone confirms your alibi, that is.
	Yes, I was in my room, writing, No one saw me. And yet, my alibi can be confirmed by my pen.	Linzer Cookie
Macaroni Cookie	Your... pen?
	Yes, my trusty pen that happened to be a portative recorder. Quite handy when you travel around gathering material for manuscripts!	Linzer Cookie
Macaroni Cookie	Oh, but this won't do. What if you made the record in advance to throw us off track?
	It's a possibility. But please, do listen to the following part.	Linzer Cookie
Recorder Playing	WHIRR... CLICK!
	*Bzzz* It's past midnight, everyone is at the Tree-Lighting Ceremony. Earlier today, I noticed numerous gift boxes under the tree itself, but I suspect those are mere decorations...
Macaroni Cookie	Nah, this doesn't tell us anything. Now hoooold up, that noise in the background...!
	And the mumbling... Schwarzwälder!
	Precisely! Schwarzwälder's creative process was caught on the record. He kept tapping his feet, reading the text and banging on the desk!	Linzer Cookie
	*Bzzz* ... Dear Poison Mushroom Cookie... Our little mushroom... Shroomie, even... I wish you... and the spores... A very toxic... Awww, CRUMBS! This is stupid!
Macaroni Cookie	Hmm, yes... I recall hearing that last night.
	Will this be enough to dispel your suspicions, detectives?	Linzer Cookie
Macaroni Cookie	I suppose the recording confirms your alibi.
	I am certain, Linzer Cookie's talents will be instrumental in our investigation, Macaroni Cookie.	Cheddar Cheese Cookie
	Linzer Cookie
	Does this mean that you didn't suspect me, Cheddar Cheese Cookie?
Cheddar Cheese Cookie	Oh, I have met and seen many, many Cookies in my practice. Your acute intellect revealed our identities. I doubt you would've gone that far knowing there are detectives riding the very same train.
	Should YOU be the villain, you would have pretended to assist the investigation, while in reality doing everything to prevent us from bringing you to justice. And I do not really see that in you.
	Linzer Cookie
	Exactly the conclusion a seasoned detective would reach.
Macaroni Cookie
	But Detective Cheddar Cheese Cookie! Why didn't you say earlier?!
	Well, this was the earliest occasion.	Cheddar Cheese Cookie
	Linzer Cookie
	Now that the initial questioning has concluded, who do you think is the villain? I think I do have a suspect in mind...
Cheddar Cheese Cookie
	I have my theory as well. And yet... there is but one more figure left on board.
	Oh, of course...! None other than...	Macaroni Cookie
Evidence Updated Evidence Information Linzer Cookie's Fountain Pen It has a recorder function, useful for note-taking and journaling. There is a recording saying something about switching rooms with Crème Brûlée Cookie, made on Dec 23, 9:15 PM. There is a recording containing sounds of Schwarzwälder’s card-writing agony, made on Dec 23rd.

3-3. Another Suspect
Royal Bear Jelly	How may I be of service...?
Cheddar Cheese Cookie	Ah, thank you for coming in on such short notice! Everyone on this train must be interrogated. That is including the crew. Please, begin.
	Royal Bear Jelly
Old Jolly Case: Record 8 Royal Bear Jelly Alibi: was operating the tree illumination from the electrical room Confirmed by: none.
Royal Bear Jelly	I was busy preparing for the Tree-Lighting Ceremony after supper...!
	I was in the electrical room from the whole time!
New Evidence Evidence Information Royal Bear Jelly's Statement Name: Royal Bear Jelly Profile: Conductor of the Holiday Express An avid fan of Linzer Cookie, he seems very interested in her newest work. ??? 20:00-01:00 - He stayed in the electrical room preparing for the Tree-Lighting Ceremony after supper. 20:00-01:00 - The lights on the tree required expert control. ??? ??? ???
Macaroni Cookie	Am I correct to assume there is no other place whatsoever the lights on the tree could be turned on from?
	Correct, Detective. Were it a simple holiday tree, I would have just turned it on, but our special tree required more... precise control.	Royal Bear Jelly
Macaroni Cookie	Is that so? I thought all you have to do is plug the twinkle lights in.
	Oh no no no! Like I said, it was not some simple light show! It was the pièce de résistance of the Holiday Express!	Royal Bear Jelly
Linzer Cookie	None of the Cookies present at the ceremony noticed anything unusual. Which means Royal Bear Jelly was working in the electrical room the entire time.
Evidence Updated Evidence Information Royal Bear Jelly's Statement Name: Royal Bear Jelly Profile: Conductor of the Holiday Express An avid fan of Linzer Cookie, he seems very interested in her newest work. ??? 20:00-01:00 - He stayed in the electrical room preparing for the Tree-Lighting Ceremony after supper. 20:00-01:00 - The lights on the tree required expert control. 00:00-01:00 - Cookies attending the ceremony didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. ??? ???
Linzer Cookie	What is something that stands out about Royal Bear Jelly...?
Deduction Deduction Objective What is a contradictory statement made by Royal Bear Jelly and the evidence to prove it? Evidence Selected Sparkling Cookie's Statement 00:00-01:00 - Halfway through the ceremony, he heard Royal Bear Jelly push a cart towards the Dining Car. Royal Bear Jelly's Statement 20:00-01:00 - He stayed in the electrical room preparing for the Tree-Lighting Ceremony after supper
Macaroni Cookie	And during the entr'acte, you brought the room service cart to the kitchen. That right?
	Yes, detective. You see, I'd brought the cart from the kitchen to the electrical room to have a snack during the ceremony.	Royal Bear Jelly
	And, like you said, I used the short break to take it back. I suppose this caused the noise you heard.
Macaroni Cookie	The entr'acte lasted for only 10 minutes... Crimes are not committed in such a short time window.
	And... If I may...	Royal Bear Jelly
Macaroni Cookie	Go on?
	Ah... I am sure it was nothing...	Royal Bear Jelly
Linzer Cookie	Did you see anything unusual? If you have any further information pertinent to the investigation, by all means, let us know.
	I... Ahem... That is to say... I think... I saw Crème Brûlée Cookie right before the ceremony...	Royal Bear Jelly
	Walking right into Old Jolly's suite...
Investigator Cookie's	!!!
	But... You see... I assumed the maestro went in to talk. Oh dear, I should have known...	Royal Bear Jelly
Linzer Cookie	Hm... But according to Crème Brûlée Cookie, he was at the Banquet Car...
	It would seem to me that someone is in for more questions!	Cheddar Cheese Cookie
Evidence Updated Evidence Information Royal Bear Jelly's Statement Name: Royal Bear Jelly Profile: Conductor of the Holiday Express An avid fan of Linzer Cookie, he seems very interested in her newest work. ??? 20:00-01:00 - He stayed in the electrical room preparing for the Tree-Lighting Ceremony after supper. 20:00-01:00 - The lights on the tree required expert control. 00:00-01:00 - Cookies attending the ceremony didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. 00:00-01:00 - He moved the cart to the Dining Car to have a snack during the ceremony. 00:00-01:00 - He witnessed Crème Brûlée Cookie entering Old Jolly's suite right before the ceremony.

3-4. Crème Brûlée Cookie's Suite
Linzer Cookie	I need to investigate Creme Brûlée Cookie's suite.
Investigation New Evidence Information Crème Brûlée Cookie's Suite Invesigation *Evidence #1: Crème Brûlée Cookie's envelope containing his sheet music; found tucked beneath the couch on the right side of his suite. Evidence #2: Crème Brûlée Cookie's piano cloth was on table. There wasn't a single speck of dirt on it. Evidence #3: Crème Brûlée Cookie's glasses were on the table. Nothing stood out. Evidence #4: A magazine was found on the couch on the right side of the suite. Evidence #5: The suitcase is locked with a passcode. What could it be? Perhaps an important date for Crème Brûlée Cookie...? Evidence #6: Crème Brûlée Cookie's books and sheet music, all neat and tidy. Crème Brûlée Cookie's Sheet Music An envelope containing sheet music Crème Brûlée Cookie will use for the upcoming Grand Holiday Concert. There are some notes written down. Crème Brûlée Cookie's Magazine A classical music magazine containing Crème Brûlée Cookie's interview. It reads, "Interview with a Genius Rising Star!" Crème Brûlée Cookie said his performance for the holiday charity event is most memorable. Organized Books and Sheet Music Books and sheet music Crème Brûlée Cookie carries when traveling. There is a little note written on the sheet, indicating that this is not one of the pieces Crème Brûlée Cookie was going to perform at the upcoming concert. The books and sheet music are organized neatly, a glimpse into Crème Brûlée Cookie's personality.
Linzer Cookie	...I suppose that's it for now

3-5. Under Suspicion
	Crème Brûlée Cookie
	What is it? I already told you everything.
Deduction Deduction Objective What is a contradictory statement made by Crème Brûlée Cookie and the evidence to prove it? Evidence Selected Crème Brûlée Cookie's Statement 00:00-01:00 - He was practicing in the Banquet Car. Royal Bear Jelly's Statement 00:00-01:00 - He witnessed Crème Brûlée Cookie entering Old Jolly's suite right before the ceremony.
Macaroni Cookie	Crème Brûlée Cookie, looks like you conveniently forgot to mention your midnight visit to Old Jolly's.
	How... did you...	Crème Brûlée Cookie
Linzer Cookie	So it's true...
	I... didn't think it was worth mentioning. And besides, Old Jolly wasn't even there! It had nothing to do with... what happened.	Crème Brûlée Cookie
Macaroni Cookie	Did you go because you kept suspecting the Sugar Gnome in stealing your sheet music?
	... Yes. But I only wanted to ask Old Jolly one more time.	Crème Brûlée Cookie
	And yet, I found neither the notes, nor the Gnome in the room.
Cheddar Cheese Cookie	Were you looking for the notes until dawn? Since you were not in your suite.
	Yes. But alas, I never found them	Crème Brûlée Cookie
Evidence Updated Evidence Information Crème Brûlée Cookie's Statement Name: Crème Brûlée Cookie Profile: Passenger A pianist Cookie. He was rather anxious due to his upcoming performance at the Grand Holiday Concert. Have(sic) entered Old Jolly's suite to find his sheet music. Searched until dawn, but it was nowhere to be found. 20:00-21:30 - He practiced in the Banquet Car after supper. 21:30-22:00 - After practice, he realized he had lost his sheet music. 22:00-00:00 - Focused on practicing the piano after losing his sheet music. 00:00-01:00 - He was practicing in the Banquet Car. 00:00-01:00 - With everyone else preoccupied, he didn't run into anyone. No one heard him play in the soundproof car.
Macaroni Cookie	(Wait, he never found his sheet music?! That doesn't align with the evidence we found!)
Deduction Deduction Objective What is a statement made by Crème Brûlée Cookie that is false and what can prove it? Evidence Selected Crème Brûlée Cookie's Sheet Music An envelope containing sheet music Crème Brûlée Cookie will use for the upcoming Grand Holiday Concert. There are some notes written down. Crème Brûlée Cookie's Statement Have entered Old Jolly's suite to find his sheet music. Searched until dawn, but it was nowhere to be found.
Macaroni Cookie	You're lying. We saw the sheet music.
	What? You... what? Where?	Crème Brûlée Cookie
Linzer Cookie	Crème Brûlée Cookie, the sheet music was found in your suite. In the corner, as though someone tried to tuck it away in a hurry.
	I know nothing about it! I looked everywhere, it was gone! And now it mysteriously turns up in my room...?	Crème Brûlée Cookie
Linzer Cookie	(... I can't trust Crème Brûlée Cookie anymore. Even if what he says is true, there isn't a soul who could confirm it.)
Linzer Cookie	(Why didn't you tell the truth, Crème Brûlée Cookie...?)

3-6. The Culprit
Macaroni Cookie	Sorry to keep you waiting!
	Did you find the villain? Was it really one of us who hurt Old Jolly...?	Carol Cookie
Cheddar Cheese Cookie	Yes, we have solid ground to suspect...
Macaroni Cookie	You, Crème Brûlée Cookie!
	!!!	Passengers
Linzer Cookie	... This is what happened.
Crème Brûlée Cookie	Yes, no one else but the Sugar Gnome should steal my sheet music. I'm sure of it.
	I must pay them another visit.
Crème Brûlée Cookie	*Knock knock* Old Jolly! We need to talk. Old Jolly? Are you there?
Crème Brûlée Cookie	...!!! My... sheet music!
Crème Brûlée Cookie	But the Sugar Gnome said... Oh, they will pay!
	Hm? Why is the door... Oh, what are you doing here, chum?	Old Jolly
Crème Brûlée Cookie	Old Jolly, why did you steal my sheet music? Just tell my why!
	I... you...! Don't come near-!	Old Jolly
Crème Brûlée Cookie	You lied to me...!
	W-wait! Listen to me, my good sir...! No, NO! My candy cane...! AAAAH!	Old Jolly
Crème Brûlée Cookie	What? Do you really presume I would do THAT because of some missing sheet music?!
	The only Cookie whose alibi cannot be confirmed is you, Crème Brûlée Cookie. No one saw you that night.	Cheddar Cheese Cookie
Crème Brûlée Cookie	But it wasn't me! I didn't do it...!
	Yeah, yeah. You gotta tell us more about your midnight antics once we reach the kingdom. Meanwhile, you will remain locked in the Banquet Car.	Macaroni Cookie
Crème Brûlée Cookie	Linzer Cookie, Linzer Cookie! I... I'm telling the truth...!
	Hm.	Linzer Cookie
Cheddar Cheese Cookie	Very well! Now, I would like to ask everyone to remain in your suites until the end of our journey. Needless to remind that Old Jolly's room is off limits, for it must remain preserved for the forensics team.
	The Dining Car will be requisitioned as the provisional investigation headquarters and will remain off-limits as well.

3-7. Ruined Holidays
Carol Cookie	I can't believe my ears... Creme Brûlée Cookie was the villain the entire time?!
	He didn't look like a Cookie capable of committing a gruesome crime...	Sparkling Cookie
Carol Cookie	Oh...
	Oh...	Sparkling Cookie
	Schwarzwälder
	Hah! Look at y'all! Need a hanky? It's no big deal for us, baddies! Ha ha ha ha!
Vampire Cookie	Hm...
	Oh oh oh...	Angel Cookie
	Schwarzwälder
	What's wrong with y'all? I don't wanna stay moping here with you sad bunch! I'm gonna be in my room, if anyone needs me!
	Schwarzwälder
	Polishing my hammer! AND reliving my glorious battles! Ah, the screams! The clanging of the blades! The smell of my own cherry jam! Ha ha ha!
Angel Cookie	Cherry jam...? You mean, "strawberry jam"...?
	Gah! Of course, it's cherry jam! I'm no cookie, and I have cherry jam flowing inside!	Schwarzwälder
	Schwarzwälder
	Rah! What do you know about jam, puny Cookie! Only ruthless warriors like myself can... Hey, stop! Where're you all going...?! Crumbs...
	Schwarzwälder
	What a bunch of party poopers...! Holidays like these come only once in a year...!
Linzer Cookie	... If you will excuse me, I'd like to retire to my suite.
Evidence Updated Evidence Information Schwarzwälder's Statement Name: Schwarzwälder Profile: Passenger His infamous reputation precedes him. Since he's not a Cookie, he leaks cherry jam, not strawberry. 20:00- Wrote a holiday card after supper. 20:00- This card was addressed to Poison Mushroom Cookie. 20:00- The detectives kept a close-eye on him as he's a well-known villain. 20:00- The detectives checked if he ever left his suite, and he never did. 00:00-01:00 - He heard someone push a cart towards the Dining Car.