VIDEO ✍ 009 --> Backdated to prior to the Dreamwalking event

[chose_death]

[The entire announcement is filtered from Alice Liddell. The initial part of this video broadcast is made via official channels, with the caller ID exhibited simply as SCPD.]Young women from their teenaged years to their middle twenties are cautioned to keep out of the dark. You have all heard the news by now unless you are blind to the papers. Or

Comments

[meanttobemama]

I'm certain you already have many offers pouring in, but I would be committed to take in the girl.

As for information, I'll keep my eyes and ears open.

[chose_death]

That is appreciated. But be cautious.

[Well, Javert cannot say that a woman applicant for the caretaker position is not a welcome one. A man from the 19th century will always carry with him just a touch of old-fashioned sexism. He seems to bend closer to the video feed, his unwavering gaze examining hers.

He asks an abrupt, and perhaps rather strange question.]

Do you live alone?

[meanttobemama]

[ A small, sarcastic laugh ] I am beyond the age limit for danger, fortunately.

[ She pauses at the question, and her expression turns a little dark for a brief moment. ] Yes. I own a small restaurant in Espoir.

[ But it's pretty clear that living alone isn't exactly her choice. ]

[chose_death]

[Unless the murderess is taking progressively older victims... But Javert does not voice this aloud. Instead, he arches a brow thoughtfully.]

It is the newer one? In the modest cottage at the northwest side? [he murmurs,] I have seen it. It is a quiet place.

--But your paths are dim at night. Get some strong lights. They will... discourage the night-prowlers just enough.

[scientize]

[Naomi's response to this call comes much later in the evening. This conversation is more than a little awkward considering how little they have seen or spoken to each other in the last two weeks since Naomi's little 'revelation', but this is for Alice, not herself.]

Well, do you have someone yet?

[chose_death]

[Javert's brow gives a gentle twitch at Naomi's tone of voice, and there's a vague pinch at the corner of his mouth. It is, perhaps, one of the first hints to Naomi that the Inspector is paying attention... for once.

For now.

While his thoughts are focused on her.]

There are options. [He watches Naomi with a frown.] I have an idea of it. You will be relieved of your mothering duties before long.

[scientize]

[Well, it's a surprise to see she finally has his attention, but that doesn't mean she'll be any friendlier yet]

I don't mind watching her, but I'd like to tell her immediately when a more permanent solution to this situation becomes available. [After all, Naomi doesn't want Alice to get too attached to her and then have to be relocated yet again.]

[chose_death]

It won't be long now. [Javert's eyes reluctantly roll toward the ceiling with a huff.] There are people milling at the door for her. To see such a thing for a parentless girl! Yet nothing for the cases of the dead girls. Ah!--

You will use your charms on her if it worries you. [Reassure Alice, in other words. He folds his arms across his chest.] I know you have it. It won't be hard; I have seen that she is not doing poorly. Tell her she will go with a person she recognizes.

Video;

[chose_death]

Of course not.

[It is a blunt, concise, and rather alarming admission, despite how calmly the Inspector delivers it.]

But murderers tend to find the night more friendly than daytime. Both nasty affairs have been done during the night.

[assworthsaving]

[Drake was well aware of the murders since Elena was covering this particular story. At least before she went into another sleep coma, anyway. So he had heard some details here and there when she went on her own little rambles- rambles that seemed to be her mostly discussing the details with herself.

He was worried about her involvement at first, though he hadn't admitted it to anyone, considering the targets; but Elena didn't fall into the supposed age bracket. However, it wasn't something he was willing to overlook just yet.]

Sounds like a tough case. How are you holding up?

[Not that he ever envied anyone having an honest/normal job, but this case was particularly gruesome.]

[chose_death]

[Now, here is a familiar and not entirely unwelcome voice - one that isn't demanding for more information, for a hastier arrest, for a chance at taking the child. In fact, this call is of a different tone entirely. It is asking about his own personal health and well being.

Strange that it should come from Nathan Drake and not his own wife.

Inspector Javert is slightly taken aback by the question, and he regards Drake plainly, a deep furrow between his brows. What does the look on his face tell you, Drake?]

If I am to judge by the latest article produced by the Somni City Times? [he asks conversationally with a light touch of wryness. The aforementioned articles bore such headlines as JACQUELINE THE RIPPER ON THE LOOSE??? and POLICE SERVICE STUMPED IN GIRL MURDERS! He arches his brow calmly.] Splendidly. Courtesy of your Mam'selle's work.

[assworthsaving]

[One day he'll get used to hearing that, assuming they are still together when that day happens. Elena took her job very seriously, though. And when this case popped up she had even started spending long nights at work. She seemed personally attached to the case, even- likely because it did hit a little close to home for her. Knowing Elena she was probably getting a little too involved...

Drake shakes his head, offering a shrug.]

She's really something, isn't she? Completely in love with her job- 'all work and no play' type.

[However, Drake had a reason for his concern for the guy and that had to deal with Naomi and what he had witnessed. Though he had no intention of saying a damn thing, there might be a way to learn more. How he would go about finding out and what he would do with such information- he wasn't sure.

Drake simply chalked this up to being concerned about the guy because he still didn't believe he was cheating.]

But aside from what articles are saying, you do look beat. Is everything outside of the job okay at

[chose_death]

She strikes me an honorable and honest woman, then, [Javert murmurs through his teeth, his attention straying away from his Dreamberry and to whatever work is on his lap and in his many case notepads.] Well. For a woman of the press. They are honest only so far as it makes a splashy story.

[The last question gives the Inspector a start, however. Javert throws an unhappily suspicious stare at Drake through the video feed, his pupils yawning wide like a cat at attention. The question is enough to elicit from the Inspector a pause in his writing, his old-fashioned fountain pen poised in the air.]

Your concern for my person is flattering but very inappropriate. I am on government duty, [he says calmly, with a sort of distraction that makes it seem as if he is speaking to himself moreso than to Drake. He thoughtfully scratches at his temple with the back end of the pen.] You can see I am still carrying myself on my own two feet. And if they fail me, I will use a walking stick.

[Javert has a rather queer sense of humor, plainly.]

[mamore_nakatta]

[The murders... he doesn't have anything new to say about that, but the last part of the broadcast has him a bit worried]

Has it been decided who will take her in, sir?

[chose_death]

There are options on the table. It will be decided soon. Why? [Javert asks coldly and calmly.] You want to enter yourself in competition?

[mamore_nakatta]

Ah, no, it's not that! I was just curious and a bit concerned that's all.

If you would like, I could assist you on the decision when it's time.

[chose_death]

[The brusque and curt man called Inspector Javert casts this stranger an unreadable expression. After some time, he asks abruptly,]

Are you an adoption expert? Some sort of counselor?