Investigator Kelly (2)

We move over into the living room and sit down. Both my daughters sit down too and their resolute gaze tells me that they won't leave even if I tell them to.

"Then, Investigator Bertold-"

"Kelly. Please call me Kelly."

Ah, calling her investigator Bertold really makes it sound like she's a man. Still, to just call her Kelly... Let's go with a compromise.

"Investigator Kelly, what did you want to ask?"

She pulls out a notebook and pen that look like they came from an old detective movie.

"First I'd like both of you to describe to me what happened today during the incident."

I meet Melody's eyes and we tacitly agree that she'll go first. She has less to tell and I know a lot more of the juicy stuff that the investigator is interested in.

"I was cleaning one of the hallways when I heard loud sounds of fighting from the reception area and then there was a giant explosion. I felt cold all over my body and got scared so I ran away and hid. I stayed there until Guy found me and brought me home."

"I understand. I'm sorry for making you remember something unpleasant like that. Mr. Goodwin, how did you know where your wife was hiding? Was it a place you designated as a safe spot?"

"You might not believe me but a voice in my head told me exactly where I had to look for her."

The investigator looks incredibly confused by my words. Her skill and her expectations seem to be wildly deviating.

"A skill of yours?"

"I'm sorry but I am not at liberty of sharing my skills with people outside of work."

"I understand. Please tell me your account of the happenings then."

"It started when I was walking into the reception area to check up on a colleague who had been antsy since the morning. Out of nowhere Darwin and a bunch of adventurers were facing off at the entrance. I didn't see any of them coming in though.

"Another colleague of mine also arrived soon after and put up a shield to keep me safe. Despite that, I didn't see much since my eyes decided to fail me during most of the fight. All I know is that Darwin successfully chased them off.

"One of my colleagues got hurt during the fight so I was told to give her a potion and then go find my wife. The rest you already know."

"Your eyes failed you? Can you elaborate?"

"If it's alright with you I'd rather not."

I pointedly glance over at my daughters and the investigator quickly gets my meaning. She can ascertain that I'm telling the truth so there shouldn't be much of an issue anyway.

"Did you hear anything concerning the reason for this incident?"

"The colleague I mentioned being antsy before had already been harassed once and from what I heard this incident is connected to that."

"Harassed? Could you elaborate on that?"

"I don't know the context but some lady was making a ruckus in the reception area claiming my colleague was her daughter. She didn't take no for an answer and started using magic to force the issue."

"So there had been a previous fight?"

"No, before any real fighting could break out Darwin intervened and sent her away."

The investigator pulls two photographs out of her pockets and shows them to me. They depict lord winter and his wife.

"Do you know the individuals on these pictures?"

"Yes, the lady is the one who harassed my colleague and I believe the man was among the attackers this time. Though I'm not too sure about the man since the attacker was wearing a robe and I didn't have much time to look at him."

"I understand. Thank you for your time that would be all. If we need anything else we will contact you through the company."

I accompany her to the door and politely see her off. So that's an investigator...

How did I do?

Glad that you liked it. Though I am astonished how little effect her interrogation skill had on me.

So basically I am a battle-hardened veteran if it comes to mental warfare?

Disappointing but expected.

So, how long until I can come back to work?

I could also train with Arthur in a park or someplace outside.

You did what? Won't people get suspicious if adventurers suddenly die after ending their membership with us?