Hello Enigma

Chapter 34: You're Safe Now

Maritza: "That would actually be a nice idea. Besides, the town actually looks pretty relaxing and it would be a shame not to enjoy our time around there."

Beatrix: "Then it's settled. We'll do that after we deal with breakfast."

While Maritza was pouring some of the pancake batter into the frying pan, Beatrix pitches in and gets some bacon and sausages set up on the other side of the stove.

Maritza: "You know, this is one of the few time where I actually feel pretty relaxed."

Beatrix: "*Sigh* Same here. Same here."

Maritza: "I'm actually curious if everyone's alright after all that chaos?"

Beatrix: "Well, this is Raven Brooks and disaster has played its part in this town lots of times. I think the townsfolk are probably going to shake things off."

Meanwhile Jay, Miguel, and Quentin were seen in the forest, scouring the place for anymore traces of evidence on what even started the fire. So far, the did questioned several witnesses, well so-called witnesses who'd claimed to see some certain activity. However, it was mostly a case of he said she said. Some folks were saying it was the people in Friendly Court, others say they say some kids playing around, while more folks blamed it on the rich folks of Raven Brooks. There was only headache after headache for the three journalists and at this rate, they wouldn't make much progress. As the three decided to call it a day and return to their homes.

Miguel: "Cornwell Murtaugh would come over this part of the woods to collect rabbits for his crazy experiments. Sometimes I wonder if the fella even has any screws loose in that wacky brain of his."

Jay: "I'm sure that's not so...legal."

Miguel: "Well some of the townsfolk here can be walking garage in stolen shoes so stuff like this can crazily be common here."

Quentin: "I had heard crazy stories on that guy. Wonder what stuff that person's done in his past?"

Miguel: "Well I actually wonder how my daughter and Beatrix are doing?"

Quentin: "You seem together more fond of Beatrix these days after she and your daughter have been hanging out more often."

Miguel: "Well yes, after everything that's happened with the two... it's actually nice that there's a...womanly figure watching over her....well..."

Jay: "Nah Miguel, I've also seen some strong chemistry with you and Bea. It's not fooling anyone."

Miguel takes the time to contemplate on all that was happening. His life with his family was something else. But one thing was certain, life was showing him different steps he was just not use to.

Quentin: "Not only that but your daughter Maritza seems to get along with her very well. Almost like she is a miniature version of her."

Miguel: "Well I mean the four of us have been friends for some time. And yeah, it's true that Beatrix has looked over Mari...as if she were a her own. But...well.."

Just then a crow was cawing like crazy, scaring the group. I don't know if it was irritation from the lack of sleep or instinct, but literally five seconds, Quentin picks up a heavy stone and chucks it at the raven, causing it to let out a horrific caw, and then goes out cold. When a the three checks on the bird only to see that there was no movement, they knew very well that the creature's days on this earth had ended.

Miguel: "Looks like it's buffalo wings for dinner."

As Miguel and Jay were showing some pity for the bird Quentin was looking pretty proud of himself after the destruction he'd brought upon that poor raven which was most definitely out of character even for him. However, he wasn't prepared for what was about to come to him next, because as the three were getting ready to leave the field and head to the van, Mr. Otto comes strutting near them looking surprisingly smug and pleased.

Mr. Otto: "Hello there gentlemen. And may I ask how are we on this fine early morning?"

The local taxidermist takes a good look at the three men, only to see black bags under their eyes and their clothes a bit tattered with dirt and scratches from their late night activities. But of course this was nothing new to him since pretty much most of the townsfolk here tend to stay up  at night doing all sorts of activities as if they were still children.

Mr. Otto: "Goodness, you folks look as if you hadn't gotten any rest. Doing some late night gallivanting are we?"

Jay: "You're that taxidermist guy Mr. Otto Kinander."

Mr. Otto: "Why yes, that's correct, however I'm also actually the town's game warden too. Now then do either of you folks have a hunting license?"

That question shocks Quentin, stiff cold and twigs were going to sour the men's day.

Jay: "Hunting license? For what?"

As we see Mr. Otto staring down at the unconscious raven he makes an unsettling smile and focused his attention to the three men.

Mr. Otto: "Pal, I've shot plenty of ravens in my day to know when they are deceased. And that fella down looks as if it had finally given up on life."

Jay: "Ummmmmm that. Well."

Mr. Otto: "Oh you both aren't in any form of trouble."

After saying that, Mr. Otto turns his attention to Quentin and shots him an unsettling glare.

Mr. Otto: "You on the other hand, I can actually see capable of such actions due to your past of breaking into places and creating mischief."

Quentin: "Well...uhm...I mean...well..the case is...oh boy."

Next thing you knew it, Officer Keith and Officer Leslie were seen driving their police car with Quentin siting at the back who was seething at himself for what he'd gotten himself into, heading straight to the jailhouse with a dead raven tied up to the trunk of their car for no reason and flying all over the back while their squad car was beeping like crazy.

Jay: "Of all the days for something like this to even happen. Lu's gonna kill me when she learns that I haven't returned."

Miguel: "I just hope Maritza isn't giving Beatrix any problems."

Quentin: "I'm more worried if it would be the other way around. Trouble tends to follow that woman."

Jay: "That's why Beatrix is a good spouse for you."

Miguel: "You're seriously trying to play matchmaker right no huh?"

Jay: "Yeah, I think so."

Miguel: "Come on, let's go bail out our ole friend Quentin of the hoosegow."

Jay: "For a news reporter the guy sure gets himself into such crazy schtick at times."

Miguel: "That may be true, but the guy's always finding some of the most unique stories. And goes to such brilliant lengths."