Edmund* gasps and takes a half-step back, shuddering. But then he crosses himself and that seems to steady his nerves. "Horrible! What could have done this?" Professor Seagrave, seized with morbid curiosity, takes advantage of Chief William's bout of sickness to kneel for a closer look at the corpse, in particular the massive wound in the cheek and the empty eye sockets. Over his shoulder, he calls out, ''Gentlemen, I think you had best keep the lady well clear of this cell. But if you feel up to it, come in and see. I warn you, the poor fellow is... deceased." *OOC I made a typo, upthread!

Passing by Chief Williams - who was too busy holding his head in the pail to notice - Edward did his best to ignore the sound and smell of vomit. The holding cell he entered was small, intended for the occasional drunk back when alcohol was still available around campus. Besides the cot, which was occupied for the moment, there was a small wood bench attached to the far end of the cell, opposite the door. The professor made his way around the cot so as to get a look at the prisoner, concerned something was wrong based on the chief of campus security’s reaction. He was brought up short as he found what he had been seeking. If fate was kind, it may have softened the sight by hiding it in shadows, making Edward question if he was seeing what he thought he was. There was no such grace for the professor this day. The skin of the man on the cot was ash grey and split apart in lines, like the cracks that formed as mud dried out. That was overlooked though as Edward’s attention was fixated on the gaping hole where a cheek had once been, an empty void in the man’s face which was made only that much more gruesome by the dark eye sockets that were now just as empty. “By god, that can’t be…” Chief Williams said, his face lifted from the pail before it dipped back down, and he retched again.

(OOC Passed)

Handily rolled under SAN.

SANITY check Roll

Alexander was still curios and cautious of everything happening inside the cell with the student from last night. He noticed something on his fingers but wasn't too concerned; at the moment it was just a curiosity to him. Once the others began to notice it seemed more like something about the prisoner was important, and what it was he did not know. He looked to the whimpering dog wondering what it might have sensed before anyone of them did. Now that it seemed like it was serious and deserving of attention he felt compelled to move the dog away from the action and closer to its owner. Giving everyone else space to do their thing he observed from the background. OoC: He is no man of action so his MO is to stand back and watch the action unfold.

OOC Go ahead and have Edward make a Sanity roll for me.

Edmund Seagrave immediately gets up and rushes to the cell door to see what's wrong with the man inside.

After Tobey's statement Chief Williams took everyone else's, his rough stroke notes filling several pages official looking forms. He paid little attention to the chatter among those waiting and less to the animals that intruded in the security office. "I'll add these to the statements I've taken from the others" he said as he tapped the stack of forms against the desk to force them to neatly align. "I'll have to chase down Mathers and get his later but doubt that will add much to what you've all shared already." As if just realizing he had a crowd of people waiting to be released, he caught sight of the still sleeping man in the holding cell, then looked up at the clock and the late morning hour. "Darn it all," he mumbled to himself just loud enough to be heard. "Forgot about him." Hitching up his pants, he stood up from behind the desk and walked towards the back wall nearest the cell. He took down a key ring dangling from a wood peg set just far enough away from the cell to be wise and then walked to the locked cell door. "Give me one minute all, then you can be on your way," he said to the crowd as he turned the key and stepped in the cell. "Wake up, slept in long enough. It's time to..." Whatever he had been about to say died on his lips, lips that had turns as ghostly white as the rest of his face. For seconds he stared at the cot, his own body as stiff and unmoving as the prone figure lying there. Chief Williams then unraveled in a burst of frantic energy, fleeing the cell only to grab a wastebin. The sound of retching echoed out of the pail as he buried his face deep inside. OOC Sorry for the delay, was out of town for a bit.

Hit Points: 10/10 | Luck: 35/35 | Sanity: 65/65 Location: Campus Security Office | Conditions/Effects: None "Thank you, Mr. Loggins, but we're quite alright without refreshments," Christa Linda replied politely, declining his offer with a gracious smile. She shifted slightly in her seat, her posture relaxed yet poised, exuding an air of self-assurance. As she glanced at Mr. Loggins, her curiosity piqued, and she inquired about his relationship with the late Professor Gellman. "Did you know him long?" she asked, her tone gentle yet probing, her eyes searching his face for any hint of familiarity or connection. Meanwhile, Luna, one of Christa Linda's dogs, began to whimper softly, her usual behavior being calm and composed. Christa's attention was drawn to Luna's direction, and she followed the gaze of her faithful companion, noting something unusual. Her surprise was evident when she noticed someone locked in the jail cell nearby. "I didn't know you held criminals in here," she remarked, her voice tinged with a hint of concern. Christa's gaze flickered between the locked cell and Mr. Loggins, a sense of unease settling over her as she tried to ascertain if the individual in the cell was the same deranged man who had caused a disturbance at the wake. With a growing sense of apprehension, Christa Linda couldn't shake the feeling of being unsafe in the midst of this unexpected turn of events.

HP: 11/11 SAN: 25/25 LUCK: 50/50 IDEA: 85 KNOW: 80 At Christa's instence on calling him Mr. Loggins, he relents. "Perfectly fine if you want to call me Mr. Loggins. It just seems to me we may be interacting in more than a professional context if we're in the Gellman families orbit for the next little while." Was it the wink? The wink was too much, wasn't it? Dammit, Herman. You know friendly mannerisms like that can be misinterpreted! As Christa Linda opens up about her experiences with the professor Herman listens carefully while keeping an eye on what Alexander is up to, but breaking focus from that before getting too distracted and fully gives Christa his entire attention, although Herman's personality can't help but occupy a bit of his thought space. A little stodgy, but that's alright. Not the first high society type to not want to level with me. I wonder if the young starlet needs a staff lawyer? Let's not jump to any conclusions or get our hopes up but doing right by her could lead to getting me put on retainer! As Christa opened up about all the fantastic discussions she'd have with Gellman and deeper conversations stretching on late into the evenings, it struck a chord with him. That's the Gellman he knew alright! "That sounds like my doc. He was a hell of a guy and could get not just himself, but others, lost in academic pursuit and really take you to places. Extremely talented teacher. You know, he never mentioned knowing a starlet in Hollywood which really says something about his character. He was never a name dropper, you know? Doc, Millie and I would talk about pictures all the time and it never came up. So take comfort in that. Really speaks to the man he was, I think. But that experience there? Those late nights with doc? We share that in common. He would never admit it, but he was something of a night owl and was able to keep up with my bachelor lifestyle with ol' Millie right there with him. Not that he would ever end up in the trouble I can get up to." Herman smiles and laughs to himself a little. "He was actually very good at keeping me out of it, truth be told. That guy. One of the truest friends a fella could ask for. An unrelentingly giving person and I'm going to miss him." Herman takes a sip from his coffee cup noticing his is almost out and stands up to top it off and freshen it up some, then points to Christa and her assistant. "Can I get either of you coffee? Maybe a cup of water if I can find where to get some around here." OOC:

Hit Points: 10/10 | Luck: 35/35 | Sanity: 65/65 Location: Campus Security Office | Conditions/Effects: None "Mr. Loggins," Christa Linda spoke gently, her tone respectful yet firm. "While I appreciate your assistance in this matter, I believe it's best for us to maintain a professional relationship moving forward. Therefore, I would prefer to address you as Mr. Loggins rather than by your first name." She paused briefly, allowing her words to sink in before continuing. "Please understand that this decision is not a reflection of any lack of respect or appreciation for your expertise. Rather, it's simply a matter of personal preference and professional decorum." Christa Linda's expression remained composed and her demeanor conveying both courtesy and clarity in her communication. Sophia, her assistant, nodded subtly in acknowledgment. Her reaction was one of professionalism, seamlessly adapting to Christa Linda's preferences without hesitation or surprise. "Mr. Loggins, allow me to elaborate on my connection with Professor Gellman," Christa Linda began, her voice soft yet earnest. "He wasn't just a casual acquaintance or colleague. In fact, he served as my private tutor during my breaks from the bustling world of Hollywood." She paused, a fond smile gracing her lips as she reminisced. "Since the age of twelve, Professor Gellman was responsible for providing me with accelerated home-schooled learning. Even though I've only recently enrolled in university for graduate studies, my relationship with him dates back much further." Christa Linda's gaze grew distant for a moment before refocusing on Mr. Loggins. "You see, I would often pay Professor Gellman late-night visits every other day whenever I found myself bored or restless," she explained. "He had a remarkable way of igniting my curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, as if I were a young child again, possessed by wonderment." A sense of passion infused her words as she continued. "Our conversations transcended the realm of academia; they delved into the depths of philosophy, art, and literature. Through his guidance and mentorship, my academic studies seemed almost effortless, fueled by a boundless sense of passion and curiosity."

Edit: accidental double post

HP: 11/11 SAN: 25/25 LUCK: 50/50 IDEA: 85 KNOW: 80 Flipping through the magazine Herman makes note of Glenn Mathers' name in case his firm ends up hearing something about the lad. If nothing else he can keep an ear out if the community ends up rewarding the student for his bravery of late. As he pulls out his pad and makes the note he over hears Williams dismiss the lovely blonde who Herman makes eye contact and a friendly acknowledging smile with as she approaches. "That's what they call me." He gives a small chuckle and a disarming wink to indicate he likes to approach his clients as people first. "And please. You can call me Herman. It's a pleasure to meet both you and Sophia. Cute dogs, by the way!" Cutting the charming old man act Herman turns on the professionalism and listens carefully to Mrs. Linda's qualms. Carefully taking the business card, he pulls out a business card holder, places hers in it and takes out one of us. The young woman seemed serious putting gravity behind her words. Herman uncrossed his legs and sat up straight to match the severe tone. "I'll happily listen to your case as you need, Mrs. Linda. I can provide my rates at a later time as now is maybe not the best time to discuss business." He extends his hand out holding the business card with his name, contact info and location of his law firm. "Perhaps we can discuss more after we all give our statements." He nods slightly to where Tobey and Williams are exchanging their question and answers in turn. He looks back to Christa and decides to change the subject to Professor Gellman. Clearly the young woman knew him in someway and Herman hasn't really had anyone to talk to and unpack all this stuff with. May as well make some new acquaintance talk with a new client? "I have a lot of friends in town, but very few feel like genuine connections. It's all mostly business and favor driven. I don't mind it. Comes with being one of the better lawyers in town. But I'm really going to miss the doc, you know? He was so personable, and inviting." He shakes his head "I still can't believe everything that happened yesterday. How well did you know Gellman?" Out of the corner of his eye he notices one of the professorly looking types, Alexander he thinks, start getting low and examining something by the holding cell. What's this guy doing? Is he searching for something? Drop an aspirin or what? OOC: So my Spot is 60. I know it was mentioned I didn't see the cell but found information in a nearby magazine but would the previous success with my spot roll still apply if I turn my attention that way?

Alexander moves in closer to the whimpering dog and knees before the dog. He looks at the dog and then at the slumped over man in the cell. He wonders what the dog senses. He knows they are not just dumb animals but empathic living creatures that understand something that we superior humans do not. OoC: Intrigued he will continue to study his find. He is unsure about how to approach it as it seems unnoticeable and inconsequential at best. Is it a clue? And is it even worth investigating? He has no idea. Visually can he identify the dust on the finger tips or does he need to enter the cell to do so?

Hit Points: 10/10 | Luck: 35/35 | Sanity: 65/65 Location: Campus Security Office | Conditions/Effects: None After Chief Williams handed her the ticket, Christa Linda glanced over it with a mixture of annoyance and resignation, noting the university seal and the stern wording. As she folded the ticket and tucked it into her purse, she overheard mention of a competent lawyer among the gentlemen present. Turning to her assistant, Sophia, Christa Linda inquired about the lawyer's identity. Sophia quickly directed her to Herman P. Loggins, whose reputation preceded him as a reliable legal counsel. With a nonchalant demeanor, Christa Linda approached Mr. Loggins, still wearing her sunglasses, and introduced herself and Sophia. "Good morning, Mr. Loggins," she began, her tone polite yet assertive. "I'm Ms. Christa Linda, and this is my assistant, Sophia." She gestured towards her animal companions with a subtle nod, introducing them by name. "This is Luna, Rocky, Daisy, and Merlin." As Sophia handed Mr. Loggins her business card, Christa Linda observed the details printed on it. The card displayed Sophia's contact information, including a phone number and address, along with a professional logo representing her services. "I'm in need of new legal services," Christa Linda continued, her voice carrying a note of determination. "While I typically prefer to keep a low profile, I felt compelled to pay my respects to our mutual acquaintance, Professor Gellman." She paused, her expression serious. "I aim to avoid any future fines imposed by the authorities, which would only consume valuable time for my personal assistant. Are you available?"

I want to get back to this and I had time to tonight but I'm feeling ill and going to prioritize resting. Will try to make a post tomorrow. Sorry for being slow to reply.

META: Spot Hidden clue My guess is the person locked up in the drunk tank is a pyrokinetic, responsible for the burnt building, and may have incinerated some small rodent in his cell. I wonder if Alexander St. Cloud has any points in Cthulhu Mythos. Christa has little if no points in Spot Hidden or Listen. Convenient ignorance or predisposed to surprise?

Tobey sits down with the chief and gives him a detailed account of what he observed the previous day, wringing his hat in his hands the whole time. "It was awful, just awful. Thirty years here, sir, and I've never seen anything like it." He continues on, oblivious to what might be transpiring in the drunk tank.

Getting a fine will prompt Christa to interact with the lawyer. And get reacquainted with one of the other professors. She may be introduce herself to everyone she recognizes. She probably seen the janitor the most with Professor Gellman. Her assistant Sophia may be lead her to speak with the lawyer.

Just waiting on to get his post up before interacting with the others.

I will be a little out of touch next week so would ask eveyone please try to get a post up this weekend to keep momentum going for next week.

Sitting down with Christa Linda first, Chief Williams pulls out a small rectangular pad of paper and a pen from his desk drawer. Stubs fill most of the pad but there is still a thin line of full sheets at the bottom. Setting it down on the mess of papers and notebooks the covered the top of the desk he began to write. “Sorry for the mess, been a crazy couple of days. here by myself with break and all.” With a quick flick of his wrist, he signed his name on the slip of paper he had been filling out. Setting his pen down, he set one hand on the pad as he carefully tore the page free, adding one more stub to the pad. “Here you go miss and I am sure you understand. With that out of the way, I’d like to get your statement.” The slip of paper he handed Christa Linda was a fine in the amount of $6.50 for “failure to obtain appropriate permits” and “lack of proper restraint on animals.” It had the university seal in one corner and the administration building hours with the statement “Cash payments preferred” in the opposite corner. As Miss Linda began sharing her account of what transpired, one of her dogs that had sat facing the drunk tank began whining, a low whimper of sound that stopped as the animal lay down, his head on the floor and looking into the cell and the man sleeping there. This caught the attention of Alexander St. Cloud, raising his curiosity a bit. It took a few moments for him to take note of it but once he saw it, he was sure it seemed off. One of the sleeping man’s arms hung over the edge of his cot, not unusual at all by itself but there seemed to be a bit of dark dust gathered where his fingers and the cement floor met. It reminded the professor of a little anthill. Not able to single out the whining of one animal over the noise of them all, Herman Loggins didn’t note anything unusual about the cell. Instead, he was occupying his time reading through some campus newspapers that had accumulated on the counter. A photo in an article from a month back caught his attention. It was from the night after the Robson Mail Center fire, the photo from the next morning showing blackened roof edges and burnt timbers. Skimming the accompanying article he was surprised the see the name Glenn Mathers. Reading on, the lawyer learned that Glenn was one of several student workers at Robson and had been the one to raise the alarm that night. He had fallen asleep at the library and was heading back to his dorm late at night when he caught sight of the flames. The fact that they were able to put the fire out before the whole thing was lost was attributed to his early warning. Apparently, the lad had something of a heroic streak! Chief Williams took down the last of Christa Linda's statement and waved Tobey over to get his statement. OOC Sorry for the delay in posting.

Hector quietly stayed in the corner, patiently waiting for his turn to speak. He had a restless night, memories of his past failures resurfaced with the new addition to the list. In his mind, replaying different scenarios of what to say to Mrs. Gelman when he has to go visit her. Part of his anxiety and panic spread to other areas of his life, including what he'll say to the chief during the statements. "I hope no one was hurt in that accident," he says to the chief, "it would be nice if our worldly concerns were only relegated to chasing escaped chickens in the night. That would be nice." Spot Hidden

(If there is something odd, Edmund, perhaps distracted by the bird, does not notice it.)