Cycle 1062 (Autumn), Day 40: Hamlet of Gwynedd

[AsenRG]

"Maybe, just maybe, we could follow in the woods? Are there any sniffer dogs to assist us?"

[atpollard]

Cycle 1062 (Autumn): Day 40: Shift 3: Hour 7:35 [Hamlet of Gwynedd: 45N,25W]

"Maybe, just maybe, we could follow in the woods? Are there any sniffer dogs to assist us?"

Lord Baldwin shook his great mutton-chops slowly "Afraid we’ve nothing like that here. Not much call for hunting and tracking on these wee spits of rock. The forests provide wood for ships and the hills provide small pastures for a few goats, sheep and a handful of cows. Milk, cheese and wool worth their weight in silver."

[AsenRG]

"Oh", Remy gets downbeat. They have dogs on the islands, but it's because the dogs are faithful friends, and great hunters.
"Well, if there ain't any, there ain't any. I'll try to follow, and anyone bright-eyed can follow. Maybe we could spot some clue about the arsonist? I'm sorry...but I'm not buying the drunk story. In fact, I'm willing to bet my meager savings that the drunk they found would have a lump on his head."
He means the silver.

[Leitz]

"Agreed." Diana said."Jacques, would you care to escort His Lordship to the Doctor? I expect Remy is correct, but having a professional verify would go a long way."

She paused, and turned to Lord Baldwin. "Sir, if I may be so bold. Common sense, if not common law, would suggest that the Grog and Tankard are being targeted. I, personally, am not overly fond of schnitzel, but I'll not punish a person just because they are different."

"I will, however, happily shoot someone that uses crime to hurt a friend. Just because I don't care for the sauce doesn't mean the cook is to blame. If you'll excuse us, perhaps Remy and I can follow the trail and see what can be seen? Would you care to deputize us now, or should we bring back a body first?"

[Urson]

Jo

Josephine busies herself all around the firefighting- tightening hoses, manning the pump, stamping out flying cinders, whatever.

By the time it is finished, she's wet, muddy, exhausted, and streaked with soot.

She returns to the general store, intending to pay for the pump, hoses, and cart.

I'm actually a bit surprised that such a device wasn't already available. P'raps I'll make a gift of this one to the town....

[atpollard]

Cycle 1062 (Autumn): Day 40: Shift 3: Hour 7:40 [Hamlet of Gwynedd: 45N,25W]

" Would you care to deputize us now, or should we bring back a body first?"

Lord Baldwin frowned, but before he could reply, one of the Guards interrupted " The Doctor is asking for the Lady. A matter of some import, I think."

Taking the time to compose his response, his Lordship replied " I would gladly welcome your assistance in uncovering the truth. Perhaps as strangers, you will draw less suspicion and more honest answers than the town Guard have received. However, I have no interest in gaining any bodies that cannot be questioned to confirm the facts. Are those terms of deputation acceptable to you?"

**********

Jo returned from settling up at the General store and passed unnoticed through the crowd gathered to watch and discuss the fire.

"Like I said. Nothing but trouble ever comes from Hass’ den of thieves." said a raspy voice from the crowd.

A woman responded "They do attract a rough crowd and it is no longer safe to walk the streets alone. "

The raspy voice cut through several that spoke at once "It wasn’t bad ‘nuff when ya’ had to lock yerself in yer home to feel safe, but now those cutthroats are threatening to burn you alive even in your home! They gotta go, I say."

Arguments broke out among the crowd, but fear held the greater numbers than charity.

[Leitz]

Diana turned to squarely face Lord Baldwin. Her upper crust accent was unmistakable. "Sir, I much prefer the local justice system deal with problems. It keeps things cleaner and simpler. However; it's dark. My friend and I are going to try and track people who were willing to start a blaze in a township made of wood. I don't have a great trust in their willingness to obey verbal commands and surrender without a fight. Nor am I going to put myself and my friend at risk to meet public sensibilities. The crowd has already condemned one good man, and likely another."

She pulled out a gold coin. "Willing to bet? One of yours to one of mine that the man my Doctor friend examined is suspiciously not likely to have caused the fire? You can talk to him yourself. If I'm right, that means you owe me a gold. It also means that you have people willing to murder to frame the owner of the Grog and Tankard. By most law that is enough to resist any popular uprising against an innocent."

She tossed him the gold. "If I'm wrong then Remy and I go on a wild goose chase and I'll apologize in the morning. Remy, lead on!"

[ffilz]

Things sound a bit out of sequence, Doc didn't send any information with the guard, just a summons of Lady Hayes (and likely a town authority also). So far he has not actually shared his findings (he doesn't need a jumpy town guard acting rashly on them, or mis-conveying information)

[Leitz]

True, but Diana has seen enough of the set up to bet a drop dead drunk setting a fire would have been in the fire.

This is sort of where backgrounds come in, she's not been on the upscale side of things.

[AsenRG]

"Eh. If he doesn't pull some gat on me, I'd just disarm him and bring him here, your lordship. Can't do that if anyone starts shooting, though", Remy says.
"Over here, Lady Diana!", he pointed the way, looking for a torch to take. The flames from the fire would only get them so far.