MCMILLER

Ingrid & Metal, Co. Part 2

November 1862

Brimminel, Brickshaw

"You have a worker named... Mitchell, right?" Meg questioned as Mr. Ingrid led the two to a guest room. "A short thin man that makes small gadgets on the second floor of the building, lives here, wears shoes that are not the right size and always goes out to help you run errands, hopefully?"

"Yes..." the man swallowed at Meg's long description. "He's still working, I believe. Would you like to see him?"

"Yes, please," Meg nodded and she smirked. This was going to be fun.

The owner of Ingrid & Metal, Co. stepped out of the room to get the worker Meg was consulting for. Swan stared at her friend as she fumbled the bullet in her hand.

Soon, their came a knock on the door and Mr. Ingrid led a frail man with a sickly face into the room.

"Mr. McMiller," said the owner. "This is Mitchell Graves, the worker you are seeking for."

"Hello, sir," the worker greeted weakly. "Are you looking for me?"

"Yes, pray sit down. We shall begin our chat," Meg smiled.

"I can't spare my time to chat sir, I have work."

"Oh, Mr. Graves. It's no ordinary chat, its' serious business. And you look obviously tired. Shaking, or trembling hands and half opened eyelids tell me so. Sit."

Slowly, Mitchell sat himself on an armchair before the detective and Mr. Ingrid excused himself.

"So Mitchell, no need to be scared. We won't hurt you, calm down. Besides, we're barely adults."

"We're 16..." Swan murmured.

"Okay, sir."

"So, Mitchell, may I ask. Where is Miss Marides?"

Mitchell Graves's eyes opened wide in shock, his mouth hung open as well.

"How... did... you..."

"Don't worry calm down. I did not bring the police, I'm not here to arrest you. Just tell me, where is Genevieve Violet Marides."

"I..." the man's voice faltered and he hung his head sheepishly. "I don't know."

"Mr. Mitchell, you received an order to kidnap Miss Genevieve, so you went to the Villas at your dinner break. Went to door, and there was this blond child about 10 who opened it for you. Then, you headed up the stairs, barged into the victim's room and abducted her. Easy. But accidentally lost your spare bullets in the process while trying to catch her on the balcony. You then went to the fields and met up with someone by the lake, Swan Lake to be exact and handed Miss Marides to that guy. Am I right?"

"Yes," Mitchell replied flatly.

"How one earth did you know?" Swan cried in surprise.

"Number one, the flour prints, as I told you earlier during our ride Swan. Secondly, the grass stuck on his shoes and pants, along with those watermarks. Not dry yet, so it was made not long ago. I remember those grass species near the banks of Swan Lake by the way. Thirdly, the coins in his pockets, don't deny it, Mr. Mitchell. I see the shape. I suspect it is the guy who ordered giving it to you?"

Mitchell nodded and Meg sighed,

"Anyway, we don't know where Genevieve went. Thanks for the explanation Mr. Mitchell. Is it fine if we come to meet you tomorrow? I might have some other things I want to ask."

Mitchell nodded and Meg nodded in return,

"Well then, I rest my case, about you, here. Swan, come on. We need to inspect Swan Lake and return to the Villas as quick as possible."