Once Abandoned, Now Found

Chapter 5

Did I forget what day it is? Yes. Is this chapter two days late? Yes.

"We are now running late, so this will need to be efficient. To determine your suitability as guardians while Alex's previous caretakers are under investigation, I will need to question you each individually. There must be no communication as to the questions I ask, and I would prefer it if you would not wait immediately outside the room." Mr Witherstone was not making himself any more popular in the Briggs household with this information.

"Alex was rescued from an alley last night, and you want to question her alone?" Maggie needed to confirm what she was hearing. In her mind it seemed stupid and irresponsible to leave a vulnerable person without any help for what Maggie suspected would be an interrogation.

"Yes." Mr Witherstone continued to dig his grave.

"I'll go first babe, why don't you take Alex to the kitchen and get her some breakfast?" Danni was quick to try and dispel some of the tension between the two adults, though she could almost see the steam coming from her girlfriend.

While under her breath Maggie muttered something that suspiciously sounded like "fucking asshats in suits", she did agree, and swiftly carried a half-asleep Alex out of the living room and towards the kitchen.

Alex still wasn't awake enough to take in her surroundings, but had she been, she would have seen a surprisingly large and modern house, though not gaulishly modern. Their kitchen was sparkling, all appliances the same silver, while grey marble countertops and dark brown cupboards completely the look. The floor was a lighter brown, the floorboards looking almost fake. It was clear that everything had it's place, and once Maggie lit a small candle on the windowsill, the comforting aroma of lavender settled around the room.

In the living room however, it was not so calm and peaceful.

"Yes." Danni had resorted to grunting out answers to Mr Witherstone's never ending questions, already frustrated with the man.

"And you just happened to walk down an alley, during a thunderstorm, and found Alex?"

"Yes. We had left the car at home, and the alley would reduce the walking time."

As had been every time Danni answered a question, the guest proceeded to scribble some notes in a folder.

"How would you describe Alex's condition when you found her?"

"Cold. Scared. Thin. Sore."

"And you're saying that after a bath she magically became happy?"

"No. My best guess is that after the bath she was feeling warm, dry, and clean which meant she could actually process how she felt. We made sure to reassure her that she was safe. I started goofing around to see if I could get her to smile, and she joined in." Danni was now talking through gritted teeth.

"I see."

The questions continued, and while some were obviously important to the investigation and Alex's wellbeing, others just seemed downright useless.

"And you have been together how many years?"

"Three"

"Has there ever been a third party, a man perhaps?" Mr Witherstone asked.

"What on earth are you implying? My girlfriend and I are very happy together. We do not, will not and never have required a man to satisfy us. If your questions do not relate to Alex's safety and well-being you can be goddamn sure I won't answer them!" Danni had had enough, and the homophobic comment was her breaking point.

Mr Witherstone seemed taken aback by Danni's answer, and after a few moments of uncomfortable silence and some seat shifting, the questions resumed. Without an interest in the Briggs' private life.