Welcome to Hemlock Falls

[Atrus]

Barry noticed the attentive crowd, and started talking to Joe in lower tones, more hushed, for a few minutes. Joe eventually nodded and went to have some words with the waitresses first, then with the few locals and truckers still in the bar.

The policeman, instead, put his hands on his belt in a vague attempt at authority and addressed the group. "As you might have overheard, a member of our community has been found dead. The sheriff and the coroner are coming up from the city and we should have soon more information on what and when it all happened but, until then, I would kindly ask you all not to leave town." He cleared his throat. "We might have to question you later, so it would be mighty fine of you if y'all gave me your names and phone numbers. You were probably going to go camp out at the falls, but Joe here has agreed to let you stay at the motel or the field right over the road for a discount price. As a favour, you know. Since we're asking you to stay here."

Barry Hummel was clearly the least intimidating police officer ever.

 

[Craft]

Craft looks over to the officer and nods, "I'm sorry to hear about the unfortunate circumstances. I suppose since it's being asked so nicely, we could pass on hitting the actual campsite tonight."

He adopts his most professional smile as he addresses Officer Hummel: "We'll do whatever we can to help with this investigation, Sir."

 

[Molly Dufrene]

It seemed odd to Molly that the officer was interested in keeping them around, unless of course he believed that there was a possibility that the death was thought to be more than natural causes. She doesn't say this of course, instead simply nodding and staying silent.

She is a bit worried about the officer checking into their backgrounds. She suspected the group might have some... interesting reads on that. At the very least she'd have to some explaining to do.

 

[Sarah Whittaker]

Sarah nods, and says "Sarah Whitaker, Kenrick's Falls. I guess ... my folk's place?"

 

[Atrus]

"Kenrick's Falls huh? Oh wait, you're the firewatch lady. Seen you going to Rosie's a few times." Barry scratched the side of his head. "Can't see why anyone young would want to spend their summers staring at the same thing all day, every day, but I guess it's a job that must be done."

He picked up a notepad clipped to his belt and started writing down names and numbers, nodding along as he went. "We're not putting you down as suspects, just being thorough, you know? You might have seen or noticed something useful while you were going up and down to the tower. I'm sure you'll be clear to go in no time."

((If someone has prepared a false identity or wants to give a fake name or fake number, this is the time.))

 

[Marcos Medeiros]

I'm sure you'll be clear to go in no time.

Marcos, for some very strange reason, strongly doubts that. But he doesn't let it show on his face, of course. As Barry comes around to take his information, he's all pleasantries and cooperation. A model not-a-suspect.

"Of course, officer. If I can help in any way, I will." Marcos gives Barry his phone number — his real phone number, since even a police department in the middle of nowhere would be able to figure out if he's duping them — and his first name.

 

[Craft]

"Craft Ramsay..." Craft continues to give his cellphone number as well as other necessary contact information taking a quick glance around the group. Obviously the police suspected something if they were encouraging people to stay in town. It made sense that they look at the outsiders who wandered into town on the day they found the body as well. It was always easiest to suspect outsiders than your neighbour. The fact that Lisbeth spoke over the radio a fair bit could just be a coincidence. But coincidences were harder to believe in than monsters for Craft.

"We'll definitely stick close by... in case we're needed."

 

[Molly Dufrene]

Despite her initial misgivings, Molly had already introduced herself by her actual name, so trying to lie now would probably only make things worse. Besides, she doubts the name would be recognizable to the officer, and even if they looked into it, they wouldn't find anything illegal, just questions Molly would rather not answer.

So, when Barry comes around she gives him the name and phone number.

 

[Sarah Whittaker]

Sarah nods when he identifies her as 'the firewatch lady', and lets that speak for itself. If for whatever reason he needs her, they now both know he can find her through the local gossipvine.

 

[Atrus]

Once he had taken everyone's contact info, Barry spent another minute with the owner of the Firs, then went back to his car and left.

Joe gave the group a little more time to finish their meal, which he spent trying to pacify a trucker who was most definitely not happy about having to be late for his delivery, then asked them to join him at the front desk for the motel. There, he gave room keys for whoever wanted to stay in the motel. To those who wanted to pitch their tent, he gave a different key, that opened the common bathroom and showers in the back. "No business in the field. We're civilized people, here. And if you want to cook stuff, use the grill area. Not that I advise that today: it's going to rain soon."

Those who had been recently outside and had seen the clear, blue sky were a little puzzled by this statement, but Joe had apparently a hidden sense for the weather. In a half hour or so, the sky started to get overcast and gloomy.

 

[Klaus von Richter]

((Sorry for vanishing for so long. I've been so devoured by RL so much that I couldn't even keep my head on straight.))

Having been too overwhelmed with general anxiety and worries for life and others riddling the frazzled fellow, Klaus kept quiet and behind the others throughout the time - even his usual overflowing complaints had been lacking. Angel certainly was still given quite a few whispered complaints and nervous questions from him throughout, despite this.

Random truckstop food never sat well with his stomach, either. Watching the others run out from the food certainly didn't comfort him in any possible way. In fact, Molly's reaction just made him even more and more anxious, unsettling him deeply.

And then they were told they couldn't leave?

Klaus was not happy. Not one bit.

Nervously alternating between wringing his hands or clinging to Angel's, Klaus squirmed all the way to the motel.

It was only when they got there that he managed a single sentence.

"I don't like this."

 

[Angelique Richter]

Angel kept fairly quiet and to her own and Klaus’ company. The hike had been pleasant enough and the younger people's’ chatter kept her amused.
Her stomach ached for food, but the commotion and sheriff's arrival had put a damper on her hunger. She hovered protectively over Klaus and spoke quietly to him to keep his nerves from fraying too far.

“At least we’ll get to sleep in a real bed tonight,” she hopefully encouraged.

Still, her eyes hid the worry that seeped through her own mind as well. Murder in small towns was everyone’s business, and being the group of strangers did not bode well for their cover. She shifted uneasily as one who was being politely detained might do, and kept her warm and encouraging smiles for Klaus.

 

[Craft]

Craft smiled at the Officer and took the key to the common bathroom and showers. Camping in the rain wasn't ideal, but he'd done it before, and having at least one pair of eyes outside might do everyone some good. He wasn't planning on getting a lot of sleep anyways.

"I'll be an idiot and brave the weather outside. I packed an extra tarp so I should be able to keep my tent mostly dry."

So long as the weather didn't get too bad, he'd be able to see what was going on... and possibly make a late night hike back towards the radio tower.

 

[Sarah Whittaker]

Sarah waited till last to get her key, and opted to stay in the motel. She gave Joe her name and hometown, and told him that she "... only knew Lisbeth through her talks on the radio, but I'll miss her voice. I'm sorry for those who knew her well." Kind of awkward phrasing, but hopefully the intent got through.

 

[Molly Dufrene]

Molly dithers when the choice of room or camping comes up, but eventually decides on the key to the common bathroom and showers. If asked, she'll shrug and say something like "Well, we came out to camp, right?" But really, she's worried, and thinks that Craft probably shouldn't be out there alone. Not like he'd need her help though really.

She's still embarrassed about the panic attack, and the murder is weighing on her mind as well. It felt like it couldn't be coincidence, what with the victim's connection to the radio tower. Plus the way the officer had acted, making them stay here. It would be enough to drive a girl to nightmares, if Molly didn't generally have them when she slept anyway. Which wouldn't be a problem, since she didn't plan on sleeping.

 

[Atrus]

Rooms booked and keys distributed, the group has to choose with the remains of the day. They could go see the waterfalls, but it would be a stretch to get there and back before sunset, and the storm could catch them while they're out.
Harpes Mansion or the abandoned coal mine would be a little closer and, being near the road, they might catch a pickup willing to give them a short lift in case of bad weather.

 

[Sarah Whittaker]

Sarah leaves most of her stuff in the motel room, and comes out with just a 'daypack' - freshly filled water sack and all. Once the group had those options set out before them, she'd settle back and let them make their decision.

 

[Craft]

After setting up his tent in the field, making sure to put down two ground sheets and a tarp in case of rain, he looked up to the sky and noted there would be an awful lot of daylight left.

"Wonder what everyone will want to do."

 

[Atrus]

"Wonder what everyone will want to do."

((Play SWL, apparently ))

 

[Molly Dufrene]

(I actually don't even have that excuse. I've just been frustrated with the next part of the writing I've been working on. )

Molly also set up her tent, way better to do it now than when it was dark and possibly raining. She admittedly felt like metaphorically dying alone, but she didn't want her neuroses to interfere with the group's investigations. She mostly stays silent, but if asked suggests "Maybe we should visit one of the closer landmarks, so we get back before dark."