|
|
(Ash) Thinking
Author: Rowan Westwick
Date: 05-16-17 18:25
While seated at his desk with a boxed lunch, Ash thought about the meeting he'd had at an Indian restaurant on Thursday. Jupiter had asked him to meet her for lunch at Bombay Palace. What Ash hadn't expected to see was her brother Janus already seated at the table when he arrived at the restaurant.
Jupiter and Janus both thought Ash only knew the latter as Antoine Dolov, the artist, and Ash didn't act otherwise. Even when Jupiter confessed that Janus was her twin brother and not someone she simply knew, Ash acted appropriately surprised. He kept himself completely neutral, though inwardly he was pleased to be granted secret information. It meant that they trusted him and would hopefully do what Connor MacRoth thought they would––confess their allegiance to the dark arts and invite him to join the cause.
As for why they kept Janus' identity a secret, the story they gave Ash was 1) he wanted to create his own identity, and 2) his parents didn't approve of his choice of career and had asked Jupiter to disassociate herself from her brother. Jupiter complied by not referring to him as her family, but being twins and having a deep connection, they couldn't put any real distance between one another.
The story could hold some truth, but Ash had seen the twins with their parents one time, and he hadn't gotten any indication that there was a strained relationship between any of them. He nevertheless pretended to accept the story they fed him.
He had hoped that they would talk about what they wanted him for, but they never got around to it. They did appear to feel him out about things, so Ash gave answers he thought would satisfy them. He'd grown up in a Death Eater household, after all, and knew all the right things to say to suggest he might have dark leanings.
Then Beatrix showed up at their table. Her presence had come as a surprise to Ash, and then he'd instantly worried that she'd walked into a dangerous situation. He'd hoped his expression hadn't betrayed his feelings, but neither Jupiter nor Janus mentioned anything to him later.
Jupiter had been surprisingly rude to Beatrix. Frankly, Ash had never seen her act that way. He would have apologized to Beatrix for Jupiter's behavior, but he refrained because he didn't want to delay or ruin his chances of getting closer to the Death Eaters.
Ash thought about Beatrix and wondered if he should write to her. He knew that classes were resuming at St. Emrys today. He could scrawl a quick note to wish her well on her first day back at university.
Ash decided to do just that. Her response would probably indicate how she felt about their chance encounter from the other day. Hopefully she wasn't angry with him for his girlfriend's bad behavior!
Iola As Customer
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 05-16-17 20:18
The bell on the door jingles, prompting Julian to look up from reading a newspaper, a smile and greeting ready only to have the smile turn to a frown and the greeting become, "Oh, it's you."
Iola rolls her eyes. "You can't even be bothered to pretend to be welcoming? After all, I am a potential customer."
Julian derisively snorts, "Right. We both know you're here to see if I know Caerwyn's current schedule."
"There is that but," Iola approaches the counter holding out a slip of parchment, "I am looking for these titles."
Looking for the list he tells her, "We have three in stock as far as I know and the other two I can get."
"Are they pricey?"
"The Carbonneau is, the Rasulov is moderately priced. The other three are relatively inexpensive. Taking up alchemy?" He asks, moving from behind the counter to retrieve three of the books. He could easily summon the books to the counter but he likes going into the bookshoppe stacks.
Iola trails behind. "Oh, just doing some research."
"Is being secretive part of your genetic make-up?"
"What do you mean?"
"You know exactly what I mean."
"I didn't think you were actually interested in why I'm interested in these books. I thought you were making polite conversation."
Julian makes the rude sounding snort again, stopping to pull one of the titles from the shelf. The other two are right there as well. He has the urge to shove them at Iola to let her carry them to the counter. Before heading back that way he double checks that neither of the other two books on the list are on alchemy related shelves.
Once they are at the counter Julian rings up the three titles and bags them. As Iola counts out the money to pay he tells her, "I'll get the owl off today ordering the other two. I'll let you know when they arrive."
"Thank you, Julian. Now, about Caerwyn's schedule "
He cuts her off. "If you want it, ask Caerwyn yourself."
"Fine, be that way," she huffs. Scowling, Iola grabs up the shopping bag and leaves without another word. Julian refreshes his coffee then returns to reading the newspaper, thinking he should charge Iola more than he normally would for that Carbonneau title.
Swedish Everything
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 05-17-17 18:09
Like Julian, Lysander was in a bit of a sour mood. His children had spent Easter in Sweden with Astrid, and though the holiday had come and gone and both Dylan and Charlotte were home again, Lysander hadn't quite gotten over it yet.
His inability to let go had a lot to do with the fact that Charlotte couldn't stop talking about the trip. She'd had such a good time with Astrid's family that Lysander had almost wished that he'd not let Charlotte tag along on the holiday abroad.
He couldn't deny his firstborn anything, though. Charlotte had wanted to go to Sweden with her baby brother, and Astrid had been more than happy to have her come along on the trip. She'd not extended the invitation to Lysander, though perhaps that was just as well.
Lysander and Axel were friendly enough towards one another, but neither really cared that much for the other. Hanging out on a family holiday just didn't seem like the best way to pass time. It would have been awkward, if not full of tension.
He came down the back stairs with Dylan, who was an independent little man who liked to do everything by himself. Dylan took ages climbing down the staircase, but he did it with a big smile on his face because he was immensely proud of his accomplishment.
Julian was still at the counter, where Charlotte was telling him about something she learned about in school today. The story inevitably reminded herself about something that happened in Sweden, which led to an eager discussion about that and forced Lysander to reign in his emotions.
When Charlotte finally came up for breath, which coincided with Julian putting the CLOSED sign in the shoppe door, Lysander asked, "How about dinner?"
"I'm hungry!" Dylan exclaimed.
As Charlotte seemed to ponder her answer, Lysander turned to Julian next. "Want to join us?"
"Sure. I'll just get the twins. Your flat, or out somewhere?"
"Going out might be fast––" but that was as far as Lysander got because Charlotte suggested, "Let's make Swedish meatballs! With buttered egg noodles. I think we have the ingredients, and that will go fast. I know, because Astrid…" And she went on and on and on.
Julian shot Lysander a sympathetic look. "Why don't you get started with dinner while I get Jasmine and Xavier?"
Lysander managed a tight smile and said, "Sounds like a plan."
Exhausted
Author: Saffron
Date: 05-17-17 19:32
Walking into the flat Saffron goes straight to the sofa, collapsing in an unladylike heap. "I'm shattered."
Sassy drops beside her in wordless agreement. Sage sprawls into a chair opposite.
Georgia rises from a twin of the one Sage is in. "Do you want anything? I can put the kettle on."
"That would be lovely, thank you." Saffron forces herself to sit up straighter rather than loll against Sassy. "It's late enough we didn't want to disturb the kitchen and we don't have much here so Aaron and Neil are getting food. In the meantime a cuppa would be wonderful."
Georgia tells them as she gets the kettle going, "The kids loved eating in the Great Hall. Niccola and Jordan decided they like having extra spring holiday time. Joshua and Brandon said they would have liked to see their friends today but they guessed extra vacation is nice."
Sassy tiredly chuckles. "I'm surprised Josh didn't tell you he missed getting to do school work. He's strange that way. Neil and I have a bet he'll be Sorted into Ravenclaw. How was Senna?"
"For the time I've been here she's seemed fine though she did ask if Mummy and Da were on another trip."
"Poor dear is having difficulty understanding the concept that Mummy and Da are forever sleeping and won't be waking up," Saffron sighs.
"Thank Merlin she wasn't there or she'd be more traumatized than she already is though Georgia and I have debated whether Birdie would have done it with Senna home." Sage has joined Georgia to help her with the tea.
"There's also the horrid thought that she would have included Senna," Sassy says with a shudder.
Accepting a steaming mug Saffron says, "Thank you again, Georgia for helping out today."
"Happy to help and I'm glad I didn't have any classes for the time I've been here."
Aaron's parents had wanted to come help but they are both getting over some nasty stomach virus. His sister is coming later in the week, unable to get here earlier because of wrapping a major project at work. They have not, however, been without help other than Georgia. Her father is actually who was with the children this morning as Georgia did have two classes and skipping on the first day didn't seem the thing if it could be avoided. Both Aaron's and Saffron's classes have been covered by others. Minerva McGonagall and Filius Flitwick have welcomed not only Senna staying at the castle but Sassy, Neil, and their children as well. Having a world famous father murdered by his wife has meant relentless hounding by reporters, that vile Rita Skeeter in particular.
Initial funeral plans were made over the weekend only to have a few members of Birdie's family insist on being part of the planning, turning their noses up at a massive portion of those plans. Much of today had been spent with Lohengrin's solicitor. The will Da left is fairly straightforward but, again, some of Birdie's relatives have chosen to contest. Cousin Dolores Umbridge has been particularly vocal and from things said today she seems to be under the impression she is the best choice to be named Senna's guardian.
Aaron and Neil arrive with the food but despite being famished the thought of staying right where she is and taking a nap is an attractive one. It's going to be a long week.
Theories
Author: Gerry
Date: 05-19-17 17:41
Gerry and Will were in the Common Common Room, avoiding the homework they'd gotten on only the third day of Spring Term. Instead, they were playing a game of wizard's chess and discussing everything under the sun.
The topic of discussion moved to the inevitable eventually: Gerry's obsession with determining who had been the headless wizard at the Halloween carnival.
"This again!" Will complained. "You're not ever going to find out. Just let it go."
"Easy for you to say. You never ate the U-No-Poo!" Gerry exclaimed.
Will grinned and asked, "So, who do you think it was?"
There was a pause before Gerry answered, "I don't know. There's only person who has motive, but she's probably too dumb to come up with anything to best us."
"Best you, you mean," Will countered triumphantly. "I didn't suffer any bathroom problems, remember? And when you think about it, is mixing U-No-Poo with other sweets really that clever if they look more or less the same anyway? The more clever thing might be the fancy dress, but she probably just used a headless hat to make her face disappear."
"So you think it could be her?" Gerry asked.
"Well, why not? She's the one we've terrorized the most. You should feel her out and see what she says."
"I already kind of did," Gerry said. "I was just messing with her, but she did look kind of startled. Think it was because I said something to her or because I implied she really had done something?"
"Who knows. She's a bit of a wimp, isn't she? Aaaaaaand checkmate."
"What?" Gerry watched Will's queen demolish his king. Little pieces splintered in all directions.
"That's what you get for being so distracted. To the common room?"
"Fine."
The boys picked up the chess pieces and board and left the Commons, never once noticing the extendable ear under their table.
I'd Tell You But…
Author: Lucius Malfoy
Date: 05-19-17 19:18
Rodolphus accepts two fingers of fire whiskey from Lucius. He looks across the room to where Bellatrix, Gudrun, and Barty talk in hushed voices, the occasional laugh floating across the large expanse to where Rabastan, Lucius, and he are playing a three person version of Wizard's chess near a small fire. Though May, the night is cool and the fire is welcome. "Is it just me or have those three been acting even more barmy than usual?"
"You're wife has always been on the barmy side, brother, more so since that first extended stay in Azkaban," Rabastan dryly remarks before saying, "But, yes, they do seem more cracked of late. I almost regret not joining in with them when invited. Perhaps I would have some idea of what has them loonier than usual."
Lucius takes a sip of whiskey as he studies the chess board. "Bellatrix has been, dare I say, perky. Perky but not in a manic fashion."
"That's part of what's disturbing," Rodolphus says, finally making the chess move Lucius thought he might.
As Lucius moves is own piece Bellatrix comes over to refresh her scotch. "What are you three gabbing about?"
"We were wondering the same about you lot," Rodolphus replies.
Bellatrix smiles coyly. "I'd tell you but then I'd have to kill you."
Rabastan direct his own chess piece while holding out his own glass for Bellatrix to refill with scotch. "Kill Rodolphus or all of us?" he asks with a chuckle before saying, "Ta," for the glass refill.
"Hmmmm," Bellatrix pretends to mull this over. "Perhaps only Rodolphus. And Lucius. There's still hope for you, Rabastan, so you I'd Obliviate." She walks away cackling to rejoin the other two.
"The thing with Bellatrix is that even though it's us, she'd do it. You might wish to consider sleeping in a different room, Rodolphus."
The other two chuckle but deep down they know just how truthful Lucius comment is and Rodolphus thinks he may just do as Lucius suggests, at least for awhile, and sleep in a different room from his wife. A room he can lace with protective charms to he can get a decent night's sleep. A heavily charmed room that's in an entirely different house.
(Kate) With Polly
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 05-21-17 13:48
Kate and Polly shared a booth at Demeter's Diner and did some of their required reading for the classes they were enrolled in this term. Fortunately, Hugo wasn't working this evening, so Kate didn't have to worry about an awkward encounter with her ex-boyfriend. As far as she knew, he still worked part-time at the burger joint.
"I don't want to read anymore," Polly said, putting her quill down and then slamming her textbook shut. "How is it we have so much to do already and it's only the third day of classes?"
Kate decided she might as well stop reading, too, especially since Polly would probably talk throughout the rest of their dinner. She shut her book and put it in her backpack. "Well, we are at university," Kate reminded Polly. "It's like we're always in a NEWT year now."
"Ugh," was Polly's response. She put her chin in her hands and sighed. "Tell me something good."
"Something good? Like gossip?"
Polly's eyes lit up. "Yeah! Do you have any?"
Kate smiled and shook her head. "Well, no. Sorry."
"Then tell me about you and Mark. Surely you have something juicy to tell me," Polly said, waggling her eyebrows suggestively.
Kate laughed. "I don't know if I have anything juicy to tell you, but things are going well, I think. It's somehow different now."
"An adult relationship versus simply being boyfriend-and-girlfriend at Hogwarts," Polly supplied knowingly.
Kate pressed her lips together in a smile and answered, "It's very serious." She laughed then and said, "I think back to how serious we thought we were way back when, but we were only kids then."
Polly nodded and said, "I really need a boyfriend. I haven't snogged anyone in ages."
"Do you really need a boyfriend for that?" Kate laughed.
Polly grinned. "True." She leaned back in her seat and scoped out the room for a potential victim. Her eyes came to rest on a good-looking wizard across the room. Kate followed her gaze and nodded approvingly. "Nice choice."
"I do think so," Polly said. "Wish me luck!" and she got up to flirt with the handsome stranger.
With Lesley For Lunch
Author: Fionna
Date: 05-21-17 18:23
Fionna slides into the booth opposite Leslie only to immediately get up again. "Be right back."
She hustles to the ladies', making it just in time. A few minutes later, breath refreshed from a little bottle she's taken to carrying in her purse, Fionna rejoins her cousin. "Sorry about that."
Eyebrows arched Lesley asks, "You were moving fast. Everything all right?"
"Little bit of a sour stomach."
"Nothing contagious I hope."
"No, nothing like that."
"Something you ate? If it's food poisoning you should have a talk with the restaurant. See if they'll offer you money or freebies."
"No, nothing I ate. It will past. Just going to take a few weeks, maybe a little more. Or, so I hope anyway."
Lesley's eyes narrow. She looks to baby Bertram in his carrier on the seat next to her. Looking back to Fionna she hisses, "You aren't."
"I am. Not exactly what we'd planned but we're happy about it."
"You're barely over having McKenzie. Why would you want another so soon?"
"As I said, it's not how we'd planned."
"Then why go through all that mess again." Lesley shudders. "Having Bertram was enough. Bloated and gassy and shoes not fitting. The morning sickness. Why go through that again?"
"As hard as it is to believe, some days knowing me and how I've always been I hardly believe it myself. Having children isn't easy and there are times I gladly hand them over to someone else, but I do love them and Jericho is a great dad. We're excited to be expanding."
"I love Bertram but I'm also ecstatic to finally be interviewing nannies next week."
"You aren't working. Why do you need a nanny?"
"For child free lunches, spa days, adults only time in the evenings, shopping without having to cart a baby into the changing room, travel, parties, and countless other events. And, who knows, maybe I'll start working."
Fionna nearly chokes on her drink trying not to snort at the thought of Lesley working now that she's married to a wealthy man like Irving.
Lesley keeps talking, unaware of how amused Fionna has become. "We've got two house elves and may get a third to assist the nanny. I wouldn't mind a third anyway. A house that size plus the country house. It's a shame the bitch got the other house. It's practically a castle."
Listening to her cousin blather on about the domestic help issue Fionna peruses the menu, selecting a soup and salad combination that should be easy on her stomach and thinks that if Lesley had attended Hogwarts she would have been even more Slytherin than Fionna ever was.
Birthdays
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 05-22-17 18:27
Bill sat in his office and worked on his monthly report for April 2011. His summary of the bank's transactions was mostly positive. The Hogsmeade branch had acquired several new clients, but one of the wealthier existing customers had withdrawn everything and closed his account entirely.
The client's reason for leaving wasn't the result of a complaint with the bank, though. Instead, his mental health appeared to be on the decline. His valuables were now hidden under his mattress, because his paranoia dictated there was no better place for them.
Bill continued to work on his report until a large owl swooped in and deposited a fairly sizable package onto his desk. It flew over to a credenza, on which Bill kept a bowl of owl treats, among other things. It helped itself to a snack and then flew out the open door.
Bill put his quill down and picked up the brown paper-wrapped package, which he knew to be a gift he ordered for one of his children. His kids all had birthdays this time of the year. Victoire's eighth birthday had been Monday. Dominique's sixth birthday was the day after tomorrow, and Louis' fourth birthday was in a week.
A joint birthday party for the three was scheduled for Sunday afternoon at the house. Bill and Fleur would have picked Saturday instead, but it being Dominique's actual birthday, they decided it may overshadow her siblings, who ought to be equally celebrated.
Victoire had already gotten some of her birthday presents, but a few were being set aside for the joint celebration. Likewise, Dominique would receive some on her actual day and the rest at the party. Louis would get some at the party and the rest on his actual birthday. All of the gifts were in Bill's office, where the three children were less likely to find them.
Bill's stomach started to growl. Since the owl had already interrupted him, he might as well go find something for lunch. He ducked out of his office, let his coworkers know he would be leaving for a bit, and set out down High Street. Bill ended up at home, where he ate with Fleur and Louis.
Tweaking Lessons
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 05-23-17 19:18
Yawning I reach for my coffee cup. I don't need the extra caffeine at this point but I'm tweaking the lessons for tomorrow's fourth and sixth years. I'd been thinking about the tweaks for several days and have no idea why I've waited until the last minute. All I can think is that with Lohengrin's death at the hands of Birdella along with her committing suicide and the chaos that's gone on since I kept putting it off thinking I had plenty of time.
The funerals are Saturday. Some of Birdie's family are still being pains in the rear, particularly Dolores, but enough of them are working with us rather than against. Given the circumstances if that had been the opposite Saffron, Sassy, and Sage were going to go ahead with their plans for Lohengrin while leaving Birdie's funeral arrangements entirely to her family.
The same few who'd caused problems while planning the funerals, have also lodged protests over the wills. Dolores has been the most vocal. The main sticking point for them is that technically Lohengrin predeceased Birdie so they claim the money and properties left to her in his most recent will should be included in the division of her assets, meaning that those left something would get more.
Our take is that as Birdie murdered him before killing herself, the segment of my father-in-law's will written in the event they both somehow died at the same time should be applied.
In both wills Senna's guardianship is to be shared by her siblings. Dolores is claiming she should have custody as Sassy and Saffron both have children and careers and Sage is not only young but not yet married. That nothing in either will hints at her having even visitation rights much less outright custody no one can understand her stance. Hell, Dolores has never given the least indication she even likes children other than the feline kind.
I keep expecting her to make a fuss over Senna not attending the funerals. So far she's been quiet about the younger children staying at Cloud's Kiss on Saturday. There's more there to keep children those ages occupied than here at the castle so Dan and Jane Bingley along with Tulip and Bluebell are going to watch them. The media won't know they are there but if somehow that tidbit is leaked - most likely with a spiteful Dolores behind it - as with here at Hogwarts the media shouldn't be able to gain access to them at Cloud's Kiss.
My lessons tweaking completed I tidy up before joining a reading Saffron on the couch. I should have just gone on to bed as now that I'm on the couch I'm not sure I'm getting up again.
(Robert) Lunch Meeting
Author: Isolde
Date: 05-24-17 17:30
Robert ducked into The Rotting Flesh, scanned the dimly-lit interior, and made his way over to a booth tucked away in one corner of the room. His lunch partners were already present, seated side-by-side and perusing the meager menus. He slid into the bench opposite theirs and said, "Sorry I'm late."
"No worries," said Jupiter Jones. "Thought something may have held you up at work, and I know it's not easy coming to a place like this when you have a reputation to protect."
"I don't think anyone paid me any mind," Robert answered with a shrug. He picked up the menu card and wrinkled his nose. The food choices didn't look very appetizing, but he was actually quite hungry. Hopefully whatever he went with wouldn't make him ill.
A serving wench came over to take drink orders and list the specials, which didn't sound any tastier than what was already on the menu. Robert went with fish and chips and hoped for the best. When the serving wench wandered off, he leaned forward over the grainy table and asked, "Have you made progress?"
"We've made proper introductions, which seemed to go well," Jupiter answered. "I'm cautiously optimistic, but I think we're ready to test the waters and see if he's as disloyal as his parents were, or if he's exactly what we want him to be."
"What will you do if he disappoints you?" Robert asked.
The conversation paused briefly when the serving wench returned with their drinks. Robert stared at his dingy glass before taking a cautious sip of the butterbeer he ordered.
"That depends on what he wants," Janus said. "If we are to abandon the plan, then he can be obliviated or killed. If we are to force the issue, then there's his family to consider."
"Or that little girl we met the other day," Jupiter scornfully added in.
"Oh?" Robert asked, quirking an eyebrow. A small, teasing smile turned up the corners of his lips. "Trouble in paradise, Jupiter?"
She scoffed. "Of course not, but I think she could serve as a bargaining chip if we end up needing one."
"So we have options, then. Good," Robert said. "I'll get in touch with our master and inform you of his intentions. Once we know where he stands, you can set your plan into motion and see where it goes. Agreed?"
"Agreed," said Janus and Jupiter simultaneously.
When the serving wench returned with their food, the topic switched to something less secretive. Robert's football team, the Tweedmouth Rangers, was currently involved in matches for the league's cup. The race to the end involved more than just the average weekend game. Several matches had taken place in the evenings after work. Unfortunately, many had ended with losses, including one against his old team the Craster Rovers.
The match two days ago had ended in a win, though. Robert had one tomorrow morning against Berwick United, and his last was a week from Friday against the Longhoughton Rangers. Hopefully he could get Azaelia to attend one or both, but it was almost time for the OWLs and NEWTs and the library at Hogwarts was getting busier already.
Robert was so preoccupied with work, his football matches, and his side-project for the man in the red had that he hardly noticed that his marriage was once again falling apart. He didn't realize that Azaelia often made up excuses for not going out with him. It certainly helped that she sometimes tried to be supportive. Despite his many distractions, he'd probably notice if she blew him off every single time.
(Anthony) News
Author: Beck
Date: 05-25-17 16:57
Anthony returned to his desk after a meeting with some other aurors about an international case and sat down to finish up a report. He'd investigated what was determined to be a false Adriana Fairchild sighting earlier in the day. The accuser had allegedly seen the dark witch shopping in Diagon Alley, but after questioning shopkeepers and finding the witch in question––who resembled Fairchild in build and hair color but little else––the case was closed.
Anthony was putting the finishing sentences to his report, when his colleague Alix Gauthier stopped by his desk and said, "I thought you should know that Henrik and Ivy Hess have been found."
Anthony put down his quill. "They have? Alive?"
Henrik and Ivy Hess were Keridwen Dragonsblood's parents, and it was at their house that Anthony had found their daughter's deceased body and promptly been arrested by Muggle police for the murder. Ear witnesses had heard two gunshots, but the Muggle police only ever found evidence of one––the bullet lodged in Keridwen's forehead. Anthony knew that the other gunshot had probably been him apparating to the house, which must have happened just moments after Keridwen's murder.
The gun was never located, and until now, the whereabouts of Henrik and Ivy Hess had been unknown. Foul play had never been ruled out, though following Anthony being removed as a suspect, the question of whether either or both had been involved in their daughter's murder was put on the table.
Mr. and Mrs. Hess were cleared when all of Reed Wycombe's plots were uncovered. He'd hired someone to kill Keridwen and frame Anthony. The killer was still at large, but his identity was known.
"Yes, alive," Alix replied, "but they are in a bad state."
She explained that they had been obliviated so badly that they were both patients in the mental ward of a wizarding hospital in Italy, where they'd been found by an investigative team. There they'd been known as the Italian equivalent of John and Jane Doe.
"I'm glad they're alive," Anthony said, "but I'm sorry they're unwell. He did this, didn't he?"
He didn't have to explain to Alix who 'he' was. She nodded solemnly and said, "We don't know if he wiped their minds himself or hired someone to do it, but he was definitely involved."
"It's almost a shame he's not alive to atone for his many crimes, but the world is definitely better off without him."
Alix agreed. She shared a few more tidbits about what she'd heard and then went to her own desk to get some work done before the end of her shift.
Anthony finished his report and turned it in, all the while wondering the many more ways Reed's actions affected others even after his death.