Everyone ate in tense silence for several minutes. Viktor was pleased to see that Ant was eating well - he needed it. Viktor also snagged some pieces of roast meat and wrapped them in his napkin. There was no reason Able couldn’t appreciate a treat when they got back to their room.
The meal was almost over when Claudius set down his fork. “Tell me, Doctor Channon, what will you do if your scene reading reveals...inconvenient truths? Truths that might be difficult to prove in court?”
“I’ll document them and turn over my findings to the Justiciary,” Ant said. “They’ll determine how to proceed based on the evidence.”
“And if the evidence is circumstantial?”
“Then they’ll investigate further.” Ant cut the last of his meat with precise movements. “That’s how investigations work. The report of the dead body was not manufactured - you reported it yourself. Crime scene photographs are also considered evidence. My job is to read what actually happened that resulted in the crime scene, and that information will be added to the case notes. It’s not complicated.”
He’s fishing to find out if you need physical proof or if a scene reading is enough to convict him,Viktor sent.
Yes, I gathered that.
“But scene readings are subjective, are they not?” Claudius pressed. “Based on your interpretation of events. One might argue they’re inadmissible as evidence.”
“Scene readings have been accepted in court for seventy years,” Ant said. “There’s extensive legal precedent. Additionally, my readings are documentary in nature - I observe events exactly as they occurred, without interpretation or bias. The Justiciary has verified my accuracy rate at over ninety-nine percent.”
“Still,” Claudius said, “mistakes can happen. False memories. Magical interference. So many variables.”
Ant looked at him directly. “Are you attempting to establish grounds for challenging my findings before I’ve even conducted the reading?”
It was as if everyone held their breath.
“I’m simply ensuring,” Claudius said slowly, “that you understand the gravity of accusing someone of my standing without absolute certainty.”
“I understand that. I also understand that threatening a Justiciary investigator is a crime,” Ant replied. “And that attempting to interfere with an investigation carries a minimum sentence of fifteen years imprisonment. I also understand thatyou’ve made at least three separate comments tonight that could be interpreted as attempts at intimidation or coercion. Would you like me to document them formally, or shall we proceed with the investigation without further legal complications?”
Fuck yes.Viktor couldn’t stop the grin that spread across his face.
Claudius’s expression went completely blank. “You misunderstand my intentions.”
“Do I?” Ant tilted his head slightly. “Then perhaps you should clarify them using more precise language. I take things quite literally, so if you’re not actually threatening me, you should avoid phrasing that suggests otherwise.”
He’s backed into a corner,Viktor observed.Either he admits he was threatening you, or he backs down and looks weak in front of his coven.
Yes. That was the intention.
Claudius picked up his wine glass, took a long drink, and set it down with slightly more force than required. “I merely meant to ensure you understand the complexity of the situation.”
“I understand everything I need to perfectly well,” Ant said. “Ronald Finch was murdered. I’m here to determine who killed him. My scene reading will confirm who that person was. Once I’ve completed my investigation, I’ll submit my findings to the Justiciary. The legal system will proceed from there. It’s actually quite straightforward.”
Nathaniel cleared his throat. “Perhaps we should discuss the logistics of tonight’s reading. What time would be most convenient, Doctor Channon?”
If Viktor had his way, they’d be doing that reading in the next five minutes, and then he’d carry Ant out if necessary, until theywere well clear of the estate. Then Ant could take all the time he needed to record the events he’d seen.
“Nine in the morning will be sufficient.” Ant finished his meal and set down his utensils, as Viktor bit the inside of his lip to stop from saying anything along the lines ofwhat the ever loving fuck?Why don’t we do it now?“I work best with a full night’s sleep and an adequate breakfast beforehand.”
“But I thought…” Vivienne started.
“That I needed darkness?” Ant looked at her. “No. That’s a common misconception based on outdated folklore. I can read scenes at any time of day with equal accuracy.”
The look on her face,Viktor sent.Priceless.
She appears confused.
She appears like she just realized you’re way smarter than she gave you credit for.
Claudius stood, and everyone else immediately rose as well. “Then we shall reconvene in the morning. Nathaniel will ensure you have everything you require.”
