35 The Inspector (1/2)
Yellowish rays of light shone through the gaps in the curtains, illuminating the room and washing the oppressive atmosphere that previously shrouded them.
A luxurious gramophone sat atop a side wooden table, its details were painted gold, glistening as the rays of light shone upon it. A soft melody could be heard, a new piece composed by an ascending imperial musician that soothed the nerves from those present in the room.
”So, the two of you are saying that - both of you were attacked at the same time Madam Cecile was murdered?” The church inspector spoke as he wrote in an old notebook with a long feather, the sound of scratching against the paper.
The young pair of hunters exchanged glances with one another. Garett felt slightly apprehensive in the presence of the deacon, he sat there while anxiously brushing his hands against each other.
”Yes, Mr. Irwin, that's indeed the case.” Alice was acting totally different from the normal, inching forward she lifted the teacup from the central table and took a sip, her bright red hair falling on her shoulders. ”We've been attacked by something with the ability to create illusion; apparently the attacker objective was just to distract us, as a shot from Garett's firearm was enough to shatter the said illusion.”
”Sadly, the attacker had already met his objectives.” Irwin raised his left hand and pressed against his round glasses before resting the feather at the inkpot and reclining at the chair. ”I'll not complain about the misuse of church's funds, as it put the two of you closer to the incident; but I will need more details about the occurrence.”
'Well… At least we got away with that…' Garett mused to himself, glad that something good came from all the recent misfortune.
”Mr. Irwin, if you want us to continue with the investigations, we would need the church to send reinforcements. As we aren't prepared to deal with an illusionist.” Alice pressed while creasing her eyebrows.
”Yes, of course, I've already taken that into account. After I return I'll send someone… Appropriately equipped to handle the situation.” Irwin nodded while closing the thick notebook, his tone instantly turning more severe ”I was also sent here to investigate the report about a fire that took place nearby.”
'Are you not going to ask? Do you just intend to stare at us and wait for an answer?' Garett felt the veins in his head throbbing as his lips twitched under the pressure emanating from the inspector.
”About that…” Alice proceeded to explain the happenings of the investigation.
…
”So… The two of you were already thinking of asking for reinforcements?”
”Yes, sir. That's indeed the case.” Garett acquiesced. For some reason, he felt his nerves tighten under Irwin's scrutiny.
”The boy, named Vincent is missing. It seems he is vital to your investigations, so it's highly important that you find him.”
”About the boy…”
”Yes, it was never reported that the Almirs had a child.” Irwin took a sip from the hot tea before continuing ”As it is, the boy is a mystery. We were also not able to find Mr. Eddison, not even to inform him of his wife's passing.”
”So bothe and the kid are missing... Do you think they were kidnapped?” Alice chipped in, presenting her views of the situation.
”It's a possibility, it's your duty to uncover the truth, after all.” He stood up after looking at the clock. ”Reinforcements should arrive tomorrow at the latest.”
He grabbed the notebook from the table and stopped the gramophone before nodding to the pair of young hunters.
”The punishment for setting fire into private property will be given after the end of your current mission, do no think that I forgot about it.” He sternly reminded and made way to the door.
'You know that we needed to do that in order to survive, fight?' Garett complained inwardly, without having the courage to voice his thoughts to the inspector.
”Yes, sir.” Alice refrained from commenting and slightly bowed to the inspector to await his leave.
The inspector closed the door behind him, leaving the pair of young hunters alone in the room.