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“If you can get us access, we could try and speak with the housekeeper,” you suggest, “She might be more willing to talk with someone who isn't wearing a uniform. Not just that, but I've had dealings with the Galseans before. I might be able to lean on those connections to win her trust.”
“Good, excellent. It's definitely worth a shot... assuming I get you access to her cell,” Dunham frowns in thought, “I'll have to check the rota to see who's on guard duty today. Give me a moment, Master...?”
“Pale,” you tell her, “Isambard Pale.”
“Pale?” she repeats.
“Yes. Is that a problem?”
“No. I just came across the name “Gideon Pale” as part of my background checks. He's quite an advocate for the Galsean community here, arguing for better rights and conditions for them,” the magistrate nods in thought, “Your father, yes? I presume he sent you to act on his behalf.”
“Something like that, yes,” you reply, hastily changing the subject, “This is Miss Legrasse, and Miss Teilhard.”
“A Teilhard...” Dunham muses, “That gives me an idea.”
-
With a swift, purposeful pace, Dunham leads you to the holding cells hidden within the building. From the peeling white paint on the walls to the scent of damp decay, it all combines to give the cells a depressing, oppressive feeling. Even Dunham doesn't seem immune to it, shuddering slightly as she enters.
“Please excuse me for asking this, Miss Dunham, but...” Elle asks hesitantly, reading something in the magistrate's uneasily expression, “Have you handled a case like this before?”
“Is it really that obvious? Shit...” Dunham breathes, slowly shaking her head, “No, this is my first major case. I've only recently transferred into the magistrates – I was an artillery officer before this, and... forget it. Just remember the plan.”
You hold your tongue as you approach the lone guard lingering by a locked door. He tenses up a little as you approach, his eyes flicking from Dunham to you. “What's all this?” he asks, “We shouldn't be letting civilians-”
“Ease up, Green,” Dunham interrupts, “They've been given permission. Just a routine investigation, I was giving them a tour. We're just about finished though, so-”
“Green, did you say?” Ariel calls out, in a cheerful voice quite unlike her usual hushed tones, “You wouldn't happen to have a brother, would you? Marcus, I think, from the Eighteen Infantry regiment?”
“I... do,” the guard answers cautiously, “What's he done now?”
“He's a credit to his nation, that's what!” she lies, “He's a damn fine soldier. What a surprise, running into his brother here – tell you what, let me buy you a drink!”
The guard glances back to Dunham, who gives him an exasperated gesture. “Go on, Green,” she urges, “I can cover your shift for an hour or so. Enjoy yourself for once.”
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