From the journal of James Fernandez
Entering the Silveira’s car I was less than optimistic. I still had no hard evidence apart from the busted emergency hatch and the marks on Senora Martinez’s neck. Not to mention my first interview went atrociously. I have to do better. Well I should try anyway.
“Excuse me Senor and Senora Silveira, I am conducting interviews with everyone on the train. Is now a good time? I only need a few minutes.” They looked at each other for a moment.
“Yes, that should be–” Senor Silveira started.
“Actually-” I cut him off. “Could I interview each of you separately?”
“Oh, I was hoping we could stay together. My wife is still shaken from everything.”
“No, I am sorry but I must insist. I want to make sure I get a clear picture from both of you.”
I walked over and sat on a bench opposite them.
“Please, the faster we get through this the faster you can get to your honeymoon.”
Señor Silveira shrugged and walked past me towards the car Father De la Fe was in.
Now turning my attention to the misses I opened my notepad.
"So, I'll try to keep this brief. Did you see or hear anything suspicious before Señor Diaz ran through?" She paused for a moment.
" was asleep until Señor Diaz ran through and startled me."
James rolls a nat 1 on an insight check
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Damn, a foolproof alibi. There's no way I can disprove it either.
"What about your husband? Was he sleeping too?"
"Yes"
James rolls a 5 on an insight check
Damn, airtight alabi again. I have to aproach this from a different angle.
"Did you know Señora Martinez?" Why can I never remember? Start with the basics.
"Not personally, she was a dominant figure of the community. So everyone knew who she was. But I never had the opportunity to meet her before today."
James rolls a 20 on an insight check
She spoke with a certain earnesty. Something in her expression that told a different story however. She's hiding the truth. I decided to prod a bit more.
"Yes, I'm told she is quite generous too. Did you ever attend any of her charity events?"
"Oh no." She paused again. This time looking down at her ring. "Javi and I, we are barely making it by right now. He spent all his savings on this ring." She held her hand up to display her wedding band. A pale gold ring with very small markings and an impressive diamond set in the top.
James rolls a 10 on an insight check
James rolls a 13 on a perception check
It was at this point I realized I could hear the rattling again. Like the door up top in the car Señora Martinez and I shared. Upon looking up I saw the hatch of this car was also loose.
"Fair enough, can I ask, was this always that loose?" I pointed up to the emergency hatch. She looked at me confused. "I just figured you've been in here the whole time, surely you heard something rattling, yes?"
James rolls a 13 on a an insight check
The look on her face was one of duress. There were visible beads of sweat forming on her brow.
"Is something the matter Señora Silveira?" As the sentence left my mouth Javi came bursting back into the car.
"THAT IS ENOUGH! She has answered your questions." He must have seen her face through the window on the car door.
"Señor Silveira, I apologize if I distressed your wife. I was merely asking about the emergency hatch. The hatch in both your car and mine are loose. I find that curious is all." He was clearly visibly unamused by my remarks.
"Please just leave us…You asked all your questions." He gave me a cold look.
James rolls a 6 on an insight check
Against my better judgment I decided to leave the couple alone for now. We still have quite a few hours on this train. I can always finish questioning them later.
I bid the Silveira's goodbye for now and headed for the car with the American and his friend. Things are becoming clearer now. Yes, now I can see. By dawn's light, we will have our killer.