Escape 028

[prefers_chess]

[Accidental Voice Post]

--found these this morning, in the front room.

[There is the faint, yet sudden sound of a heavy metal instrumental solo near the microphone, followed by a sharp click! and silence as the Walkman shuts off. A moment later, there is a rustle of paper.]

It seems you've acquired a half-dozen secret admirers. Congratulations.

Comments

[ms_marycontrary]

Are you two alright? Neither of you are hurt, are you? Was anything stolen?

[prefers_chess]

[Wait what. Why is there a voice spontaneously coming out of his--oh. It was recording. Grrr.]

Nothing but the sanctity of our residence. Was it you?

[ms_marycontrary]

Am I so suspicious?

[prefers_chess]

No one is above suspicion.

You're after Mike, aren't you.

[ms_marycontrary]

[What. What. Rage.]

Ugh-- Mike is very nice, Rudy, but he and I have barely talked before. And if I wanted to be a secret admirer, I would have sent my letters to your mail like a proper lady would. Not like a stalker with questionable intentions. And I don't have any idea how to get past those 'tripwire' and security that you two were talking about! Can you really suspect me?

[prefers_chess]

Yes.

Naturally, if you sent the letters through the proper channels, we would suspect you because they were sent as a proper lady would. Therefore, by infiltrating the house, you were attempting to put us off your trail.

[ms_marycontrary]

I suppose there's a point in that, but why would I go through all that trouble just to keep my identity a secret? I could have just used different stationary or a different handwriting just as easily to get the same effect. People other than ladies send mail too, you know.

[prefers_chess]

You honestly think someone other than a girl is sending Mike love letters?

[ms_marycontrary]

People other than ladies meaning regular girls. Who have no nobility or title.

[prefers_chess]

Like I said, no one is above suspicion. Do you have an alibi?

[ms_marycontrary]

[Sighhh.]

For this morning? I was having breakfast with Cain. Ask him if you'd like.

[prefers_chess]

A likely story. Not to mention the fact that you could have an accomplice.

[ms_marycontrary]

I don't think any story would satisfy you, Rudy.

[prefers_chess]

My aim is merely to apprehend the culprit.

[ms_marycontrary]

I know! It's really important that you do! But I'm not the one who did it, and I don't think you should be wasting time arguing with me trying to find out if I did.

...and I know you're going to say that you don't know that I didn't, so what do you want me to do to prove that I'm innocent?

[prefers_chess]

Give the investigators your full cooperation, for starters.