2 || [video]

[incriminating]

[The video on the communicator clicks on but the feed is blurry. The reason why becomes clear as Adachi smudges the screen with a thumb, trying to clear rain droplets from it. The detective is hunched over the device, expression absolutely miserable, his wet hair plastered to his face. Not much can be seen beyond him; the house he has taken up

Comments

[Audio]

[a_la_turk]

I don't think you will, Adachi.

[ And there is no mistaking the certainty, the edge present in her tone. ]

In fact, I know you won't, so you might as well make things easier on both of us and just tell me where you are. I'm coming to get you, now.

[Audio] 1/2

[incriminating]

[Whoa, scary voice.]

Aha, h-hey Valeria.

[Audio]

[incriminating]

Uh, I'm not going anywhere.

[His own tone is sharp. He's accustomed to being ordered around by Dojima-san, is almost relieved to have someone trying to take charge of him, but he knows that Valeria will bring him to the Town Hall. He refuses to share the same space with Hanamura and Satonaka; why give them the chance to expose him?

Listen, you'd be putting yourself at risk coming to get me anyway, right? So sit tight and ride out the storm with the others. I'm fine!

[Audio]

[a_la_turk]

[ A hum is briefly audible in the background. ]

You'll be putting me at further risk if you don't give me your location, Adachi.

[ Cue audible footfalls to boot. She isn't listening. ]

Either way, I'm leaving to get you, and I'm leaving to get you now. That isn't up for debate.

[Audio]

[incriminating]

Valeria, I --

[A crash of thunder drowns out his words.]

Ugh. Did you hear what I said? I can't go to the Town Hall. I'm...keeping an eye out for fae. With everyone in one place, those monsters might decide to attack!

[Audio]

[toplay_thefool]

We're in a better place to defend against them there.

I'll come with you, Valeria. We shouldn't go out alone.

[Audio]

[a_la_turk]

Thank you, Souji. I'll meet you at the door.

[ And her attention is directed to Adachi once more. ]

So, are you going to tell us or not?

[Audio]

[incriminating]

[Oh, he's grinding his teeth now, lips curling back into a half-snarl. But he's soaking wet and freezing, numbed fingers curled around the communicator loosely. He hasn't been able to sleep, not only because the wounds on his back haven't closed properly, but because of this stomach churning fear he's felt lately. With a sigh, his anger dissipates, leaving him strangely cold and hollow.]

I'm in a house on the west side of the village, between the river and the well.

[A pause and then he continues, quietly.]

Thanks.

[It's genuine.]