Murder By the Wayside (Game Thread)

[Kendermage]

The Doc takes a seat at the nearest table and motions to Jon Jr.

The barkeep rushes over.

"What did you discover," he asks?

"Whiskey," says the Doc.

Jon Jr. walks briskly to the bar.

He grabs a bottle and four glasses. He brings these to the table and pours a round of drinks.

The Doc drains his almost as soon as its poured.

Having imbibed some liquid courage, the Doc says, "Ms. Braddock did not die of natural causes. She was strangled."

[The Shadow]

Jacob sweeps the room impassively with his gaze, hoping to quell any outbursts. He speaks loud enough to be heard, yet it still comes across as quiet and firm, somehow: "I'd ask who the law is in these parts, 'cept I already know there ain't any. Y'all saw me and my companion come in; we've been here the whole time 'cept for goin' up to check on the Doc. That means you all know we ain't the murderer."

He pauses to let that sink in, then continues, reverently touching one of the sparks on his duster, "I'm a Kindler, forged by the Maker to tend the spark. Sometimes that means keepin' others from stampin' it out; sometimes it means bringin' justice to those what done it. Is there anyone here unwillin' to accept my arbitration of this here predicament?"

[elf23]

On hearing the Doc's proclamation a deep frown comes over Walton's face. "What sort of a man would do that to a young woman?" he mutters, half to himself. He picks up his shot of whiskey and begins swirling the golden liquid around, gazing into it, lost in thought.

Jacob's request rouses Walton from his cogitation, and he looks around the room, observing the other men and women with whom he is sharing this isolated inn on the night of the blizzard. His gaze is suddenly sharpened, losing the blurred vagueness which it often possesses, and he casts it in turn over everyone in the room, analysing their reactions to the situation.

[Kendermage]

People flood around the table to hear the Doc reveal his findings.

Some are shocked into silence. Some begin flapping their gums. Some begin asking questions. And some begin to point fingers. All discussion ceases though once Jacob starts speaking.

The people gathered around the table look briefly at each other. The Waysides look at each other.

"We agree to accept your arbitration," says Jon Jr.

"Who am I to argue with a holy man," says Mr. Wilson.

"Harrumph," says Jon Sr. "Holy Man.... I'm gettin' a drink."

"Never had much use for the Kindlers," says the old cowboy. "Still their a mite handy when it comes time to say a few words over the departed. I gots no problem lettin' you strut yer stuff."

The Doc takes the bottle of whiskey from Jon Jr. and pours another shot, but opts instead to drink straight from the bottle.

[elf23]

Turning to Jon Jr, Walton says "Let's start with the basic facts of the situation then shall we? When was the last time you saw her alive Jon?"

[Kendermage]

Jon Jr. walks over to the bar and opens the Inn's register book.

He runs his finger down the page until he comes to her name, then runs it horizontally across the page.

"Looks like she retired to her room right after the stage pulled in," he says. "Bout 11:15 this morning I reckon is the last time any of us saw her."

[elf23]

Walton looks around the table to see if everyone is in agreement with Jon's statement. Then, turning to the Doc, he asks "Doc, did your analysis of the young lady give you any kind of an indication as to when she might've been, well... strangled?"

[Is the Doc still drinking out of the whiskey bottle?]

[Kendermage]

The Doc sets the now empty bottle down on the table and wipes his mouth with his shirt sleeve. His eyes have a glassy look and he slurs his words.

"Nawww ssshee dinna ssshaayy when shhhhee died."

His eyes roll back in his head and plants his face rather roughly on the table.

"Just great," says the old cowboy. "We're relying on the words of a drunk."

[elf23]

"I'm beginning to think it might be worth getting a 'second opinion', shall we say, on the young woman's death. I'm a man of science, and, well, though I'm no specialist in biology, I've got an eye for analysis which might help us out here. I'm not sure how much value the good Doctor's further thoughts are gonna do us now."

[Kendermage]

OOC:
Okay since the three of us have other commitments to deal with at the moment I'm putting this game to sleep. Maybe once things calm down for us we can revisit it. Thanks for at least giving it a go with me guys. I appreciate it.

KM