Interlude

“I’m sure you know who I am.” The inquirer said as he paced inside the room.

Tim does not know him personally but he knew what in his profession use to do. The guard slammed the door shut and the inquirer sat down. Tim could barely read the expression of his eyes beneath those thick dark tinted sunglasses. But his rough tone was enough to held his breath.

He wore an expensive suit and he delicately ironed it. The inquirer cleared his throat. His face dead as stone. The inquirer continued. “I understand that you were given along with the others mission to monitor Maryvale city and its recent bizarre murders. But your actions were constricted, limiting your scope of judgment. Was I correct?”

He nodded. He knew they were watching him behind the thick one-way mirror. The answer he’s going to provide will determined the outcome of his future and the others.

The inquirer pulled the taut of his suit and adjusted the tuck. Then he pulled out images of various people. “400 people in one night. The number might be not significant on a grand scale but the numbers are enough to draw the attention of the media from other cities and nations. Do you know what this means?”

Tim shot back with a glaring point. “Just to be fair, most were undead and people who were abducted a few years ago. That’s not on us.”

“That is not the point here.” The inquirer’s voice became rough. “Do not mistake me for trying to outdo your efforts, but I’m questioning your inability to prevent this disaster.” He added. “There are numerous complications written in your report, this includes the incursion that the Ordinus started, the rise of the Ordinal Vampire and an immortalized Witch, they may be held accountable, but considerations can be made if they make amends and lend us their power in aide against the supernatural forces. The creation of the Tribrid on the other hand drew glaring issues from the higher ups. Though prevented, the potential it showed cannot be slightly away from our eyes. The failure to reassess and redirect the chain of commands brought a series of complications and deaths. My respect for your parents remained unwavering, but in this line of work, we save lives. I hope you understand the dire situation we are in.”

“That was made very well clear to me sir.”

“Is it though?” the inquirer shot him a look. “Despite the given amount of time, you did not disclose the intriguing part of the story.”

Their eyes met each other.

“Your brother, Van Koelson.” The inquirer said.

“What about my brother?” Tim looked away. His throat dried and his blood grew cold.

The inquirer shrugged. “I don’t know. You tell me what makes him special.” He continued. “I understand that your father adopted him, yet, I cannot find any documents of his upbringing, where he lived before, who his parents are and most of all… his heritage.”

“Leave my brother out of this.” Tim said. His voice became rough. “He’s just a kid.”

“Is he?” he cocked an eyebrow. “Orion’s words would say otherwise.”

Tim sighed and mumbled. “That snitch.”

“His report says Van Koelson fought and survived the conflict against the Ordinal Vampire and his kin, then next was the battle between him and the supposed to be Tribrid, it said ‘Van manhandled him.’, do you have something to say to that?”

Tim was dead silent.

The inquirer proceeded. “How about we go back to the start?” He urged.

Tim looked at his right on the one-sided glass and to the inquirer. He took a deep breath before telling him what happened over the course of 6 months.