Inferno

Part 11: Tears and Treachery

"Hi," I could feel someone grip my forearm firmly. "Sorry to bother you, but is there anywhere quiet where we could confer this whole ordeal?"

I glare at his hand clutching my arm tightly. "First of all..." I snatch my arm away. "Second of all, we could talk in my room."

The detective nods silently in agreement and puts his hands behind his back.

I quietly guide him back to my room. The detective looks around nonchalantly, then makes himself at home by putting down a briefcase I didn't even know he had and emptying out the contents. When ready he motions me to my own chair, and tampers with a recording device.

After sitting he starts his interrogation, "So, let's start small, shall we?"

I thought it was a rhetorical question, but the detective is actually waiting for a response. "Uh sure, yeah."

"Okay," The detective gathers a few notes and begins. "My name is Detective Bradshaw, and your name is?"

"April Annenberg."

"Huh, well I know the kids that live here, good people don't you think?"

"Yes."

"However, you're the only new one. Not only in the house but in the community, why is that?"

"I just got here."

"Really?" Detective Bradshaw leads forward and places his elbows on his knees. "That's interesting. Did you get your category yet?"

"Yes."

"Amazing," Detective Bradshaw smiles and somehow it makes me feel worse.

"What category are you?"

"I'm a Fire Mage."

"Truly?"

"Yes."

"That's... uh... unique."

"Thank you...?" I furrow my eyebrows at him in confusion. "Unique? Why would you say unique, instead of nice, or something else with a more positive connotation? Why pick unique, something so neutral?"

"Excuse me," Detective clears his throat nervously. "I believe on this investigation I'll be asking the questions."

"I won't answer your questions if you don't answer mine."

"I believe we're done here." Detective Bradshaw tips his hat forward as farewell, and dashes out of the room.