|
|
Post by Fiona Kinsella on Jan 19, 2009 15:19:34 GMT -5
Fiona nodded vigorously. "Oh, of course. It's not a highly paid internship, but there is a small salary and benefits as well... It's really a nice package. Mr. Rookwood is so very kind and generous to all of his employees. You know, he even pays me extra for all the vacation days I don't take!"
As she spoke about Augustus, a dreamy expression appeared on her face, as though her mind had taken a trip to places unknown.
|
|
|
|
Post by Riley Neves on Jan 19, 2009 15:22:46 GMT -5
Riley knew that expression, and realized instantly that they were going to get pretty biased answers out of her. She glanced at Roland, then looked back at Fiona.
"So do you know why Ms. Weaver took a second job, then, at the school? I believe she started only a day or two before Mr. Rookwood arrived." She tried not to sound like she was insinuating anything, because she honestly wasn't sure how to connect them yet, or even if she should.
|
|
|
|
Post by Fiona Kinsella on Jan 19, 2009 19:31:23 GMT -5
Fiona bit her lip. She did know why. But she wasn't sure she was at liberty to discuss such things with anyone. Augustus had told her in confidence. And she never, ever wanted to let him down.
"Well, er... I don't... I really don't know the woman... I wouldn't know about her motives," she said.
She clenched her hands on the edge of the table nervously, hoping that answer would be good enough.
|
|
|
|
Post by Roland Ferrera on Jan 19, 2009 21:15:57 GMT -5
It was painfully obvious that she was lying. She was not a good liar. The way she bit her lip, hesitated, wouldn't meet their eyes, gripped the table... they were all signs that she was uncomfortable and uncertain. He knew that the woman was generally uncomfortable in most situations, but this was more than that.
"I think you might know a little something about her motives," he said, his voice gentle. "I also think you're not overly fond of Ms. Weaver. My question is, why are you covering for her?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Fiona Kinsella on Jan 19, 2009 22:04:25 GMT -5
Fiona's eyes widened and she started to tremble a little. She couldn't betray Augustus... It would kill her to do it. But... well... this was about Arachne, right? And the auror was right... Fiona did not like Arachne. In fact, she was more than a little jealous that the little whelp got to spend so much time so close to her beloved. It wasn't fair. But he had said something about not trusting Arachne....
"Are... are you accusing me of... of lying, sir?" Fiona said. She bit down on her bottom lip so hard that it began to bleed.
|
|
|
|
Post by Roland Ferrera on Jan 19, 2009 22:13:19 GMT -5
Roland continued his tactic of being gentle. Fiona was skittish, and it wouldn't take much to make her shut up tight. This one required a lot of tact.
"Not at all," he said. "But I think maybe you do know more than you're saying and that you're afraid to tell us. I promise you, whatever you say right here will just be between us. No one has to know that it came from you, OK?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Fiona Kinsella on Jan 19, 2009 22:26:15 GMT -5
Fiona gulped. Why was her mouth so dry? She could feel beads of sweat breaking out on her forehead, and her eye started to twitch.
"I... I... OK! You're right... I do know something. I wasn't supposed to say... please, please, please don't tell anyone I said this, please! But... Augustus... I mean, Mr. Rookwood... He wanted to keep Ms. Weaver close by him while he was working as a judge at the school. You see... Mr. Rookwood is such a good and responsible and caring boss and he wasn't entirely sure he could trust Ms. Weaver, so he wanted to keep an eye on her!"
Afterwards, she covered up her mouth, horrified at what she had just done. Sure, there was nothing in that to imply that her dearest Augustus was anything but the fine upstanding man she knew him to be... but she wasn't supposed to tell anyone...
|
|
|
|
Post by Roland Ferrera on Jan 19, 2009 22:30:05 GMT -5
Roland gave her a sympathetic smile. "It's OK, Ms. Kinsella. You haven't done anything wrong by telling us. And you've been very helpful. I am sure Mr. Rookwood knows what a valuable and consciencious employee you are, and would understand the need to tell us what you know."
He glanced up at Riley, to see if she was willing to grill the girl any further, or if they could release her from this torment.
|
|
|
|
Post by Riley Neves on Jan 19, 2009 22:42:21 GMT -5
Riley was not feeling as generous as Roland appearantly was today, and she clasped her hands together on the table in front of her.
"Just a couple more questions, Ms. Kinsella, if you don't mind. Do you have any thoughts as to why Mr. Rookwood would keep his acquaintance with Ms. Weaver a secret at the school?" She doubted Fiona would answer it, but she asked gently, unassumingly. It was what really bothered her about the situation.
|
|
|
|
Post by Fiona Kinsella on Jan 19, 2009 22:54:21 GMT -5
Fiona was much more comfortable with a question she couldn't answer. And she had no idea why Augustus would pretend not to know Arachne, unless he really disliked her so much that he didn't want to be associated with her. In which case, he should fire her and let Fiona be the one helping him at the school. She wouldn't take up much space.... she could just stay in his room....
"I really don't know," she said, looking at the woman's eyes. "But I am sure he has a perfectly good, logical reason. Mr. Rookwood is nothing if not logical and kind..."
|
|
|
|
Post by Riley Neves on Jan 20, 2009 13:58:25 GMT -5
Riley sighed and leaned back. That was an honest answer, at least.
"You were asking Ms. Burke for a report when we came in... are you filling Mr. Rookwood's position while he's at the school?" The thought just occured to her, but it did seem a little off that he would put someone as skittish as her in charge. Then again, she clearly adored the man, so he probably trusted her.
|
|
|
|
Post by Fiona Kinsella on Jan 20, 2009 14:45:43 GMT -5
Fiona nodded vigorously. "Oh, yes. He was most generous to offer such an honor to me. I believe it's because I'm here all the time... I'm very devoted to Mr. Rook---I mean, to my work." She blushed fiercely and continued. "I'm not sure I'm worthy of such an honor... the other employees don't respect me, although Mr. Patterson is nice enough. But Mrs. Burke... She doesn't listen to me and I'm going to be in so much trouble if I don't get a report from her..."
She let out a nervous giggle. "Oh... I'm sorry, that wasn't what you asked. Um... yes, I am keeping an eye on things for Mr. Rookwood while he's away."
|
|
|
|
Post by Riley Neves on Jan 20, 2009 15:11:07 GMT -5
Riley licked her lips and pulled them between her teeth to keep from laughing.
"Yes, of course. I'm sure he appreciates your loyalty. I think we're finished, Ms. Kinsella. You have been very helpful, and thank you for taking the time to speak with us."
She asked nothing about Katie... the woman didn't know. She spent all of her time here, of course she wouldn't have been at the school.
|
|
|
|
Post by Roland Ferrera on Jan 20, 2009 16:40:41 GMT -5
Roland stood up. "Yes, thank you very much, Ms. Kinsella," he said. "You are very helpful, and a credit to both your department and to your esteemed boss. Good day."
He walked a little ways away from her and then turned to Riley. In a low voice, he asked, "Do you think we need to talk to Patterson, or anyone else here first? It might be nice to get a different perspective, particularly from someone who doesn't think the sun rises and sets on Augustus Rookwood."
|
|
|
|
Post by Riley Neves on Jan 20, 2009 17:38:36 GMT -5
Riley nodded, thinking just how devoted that poor woman was to her boss. She didn't know Rookwood at all, but she hoped he didn't take advantage of Fiona. He put her in charge, though, which meant she was either extremely trustworthy, or he was well aware of just how devoted she was.
"I think we should. Do we talk to Burke, who doesn't listen to Ms. Kinsella, or Patterson, who does?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Roland Ferrera on Jan 20, 2009 19:45:44 GMT -5
Roland considered this for a minute. "I think we're more likely to get answers from Patterson, if he knows anything at all. Mrs. Burke did not look all that willing to share information. And if she won't cooperate with Fiona, what's the chance she'll cooperate with us?"
They were standing rather close at this point, and he abruptly moved away. "Where do you suppose we can find him? Do you think we should ask Ms. Kinsella?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Riley Neves on Jan 20, 2009 20:03:26 GMT -5
Riley gave him a strange look when he moved away so suddenly, unaware herself that they were even standing that close. Merlin, he was an odd sort.
"I think you're right. And after both Bellatrix and Arachne yesterday, I'm okay with cooperative today. Luke Patterson." She nodded, indicating that Roland should take the lead on this one.
|
|
|
|
Post by Roland Ferrera on Jan 20, 2009 23:24:25 GMT -5
Roland nodded. "Sounds good to me. Especially since we'll probably have to talk to Rookwood after this, and I get the feeling he's not going to be an easy one."
Fiona had already gone, so they were on their own in finding Luke Patterson. "This place is like a maze," he commented. "He could be anywhere. Any idea where to look? Or maybe we should wait here?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Riley Neves on Jan 21, 2009 4:32:26 GMT -5
"Waiting her is only going to get us ignored," Riley said, nearly certain of the fact.
She smiled almost impishly. "We could just start opening doors. I bet that would get someone too us pretty quickly." Or they could do it the normal way and just walk until they found someone.
Neither of her options came to pass, however, when someone walked by, and Riley stopped them. He pointed them in the right direction for Luke, and Riley started walking.
|
|
|
|
Post by Luke Patterson on Jan 21, 2009 11:07:46 GMT -5
Luke was in the middle of going through a few papers so he could finish his report whenever he heard footsteps start to draw closer to him. He wasn't really sure who it could be, but he looked up nevertheless.
He was the only one in the area at the moment, so he knew that the two people walking toward him wanted him for something or another. Luke stood up from his chair and looked between the man and woman. "Hello," Luke greet. "Can I help you?"
|
|
