Post by Alain Merrick on Jul 4, 2017 19:33:45 GMT -5
After traversing the modest distance to the burned the down hovel, he chose to drop his pack near the edge of the debris. Then he strode towards the center of the destroyed structure. “At first, I would have said no. However, now I am less certain.” He gestured for Junko to continue following. “Do you notice anything odd about what may have transpired here? Have a look around while you give it some thought. Maybe you will see something which I did not.” As he left the woman to her own exploration, he placed some distance between them. Merrick considered his next words carefully before proceeding. “I had a look around the place while you slept, but found little of use. Whatever happened here, occurred four months ago. Nevertheless, I believe I was able to arrive at one fact. The fire started at the center of the home and expanded outward. You will notice that the center of the room is not as damaged as the rest of the house. I have never seen anything like it.” Until this morning. “Any theories?”
Alain had only known the woman for a few days, but during that time, she always exuded an air of seriousness. Still something had changed since she awoke. Her demeanor was lighter. Although only slightly, it was enough to notice. Perhaps he could risk a more direct line of questioning. He didn’t like to circle around a topic and he knew his time for this excursion was limited. “Do you not find the area reminiscent of our campsite?” She claimed that the phenomenon with the burnt ground was new, but he had no way to ascertain the validity of her statement. “Though I must concede that the size and scale of the damage is quite different.” While slowly circling the dead husk, he pondered how she would react to his words. Maybe additional details could elicit a reaction and help better gauge her honesty. “I was told that a family died in the fire. Most unfortunate.” Merrick knew this was fact, but he failed to mention that the bodies were never found. Could she have been the perpetrator that night? His assailant had been cloaked and hooded, their face hidden. And yet, Junko wields no weapon.
378/18271
Alain had only known the woman for a few days, but during that time, she always exuded an air of seriousness. Still something had changed since she awoke. Her demeanor was lighter. Although only slightly, it was enough to notice. Perhaps he could risk a more direct line of questioning. He didn’t like to circle around a topic and he knew his time for this excursion was limited. “Do you not find the area reminiscent of our campsite?” She claimed that the phenomenon with the burnt ground was new, but he had no way to ascertain the validity of her statement. “Though I must concede that the size and scale of the damage is quite different.” While slowly circling the dead husk, he pondered how she would react to his words. Maybe additional details could elicit a reaction and help better gauge her honesty. “I was told that a family died in the fire. Most unfortunate.” Merrick knew this was fact, but he failed to mention that the bodies were never found. Could she have been the perpetrator that night? His assailant had been cloaked and hooded, their face hidden. And yet, Junko wields no weapon.
378/18271