Out in the squad room, Sir Durandal has been joined by Legate Lander. Captain Waesmaer spots the detectives, and herds them over to the Strabthine group as quick as he can manage. To be polite, Alton pulls up chairs around her desk.

“What can we do to help?” Lander asks, sounding almost genuine.

“Well, there really isn’t anything you can do right now,” Alton answers, aiming for patient, but probably missing.

“You’ve got his statement, right?” Sir Durandal sounds frustrated, making demands of their attention. Apparently whatever he and the Legate have discussed about how to act when dealing with the police hasn’t stuck. “That’s the guy, isn’t it?”

“We have a confession,” Cook answers, “But evidence suggests that it was self defense.”

“No.” Sir Durandal’s glare is as cold as a glacier.

“What?” Cook asks, confused by this response.

“I know you’ve only seen her body while lifeless,” Sir Durandal responds, “but my Marion couldn’t have hurt anyone.”

“Not meaning any disrespect by it, Sir, but your Marion was a vampire.” Cook narrowly avoids his usual sarcastic tone.

“And why should we believe that,” the legate asks, her tone all seriousness.

“For starters, we have no reason to lie.” Alton shows them her open hands as a sign of peace. “And we also have evidence from multiple sources, including the vampire who claims that he turned her’s admission of that fact and the paperwork she signed to allow it.”

“I don’t believe that my daughter would agree to that. It doesn’t make sense.” Durandal’s bluster is slowly deflating.

“I agree that it doesn’t make sense,” the legate states, “Further, I would like to register a complaint for the record and request an investigation.”

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Alton recognizes that phrasing.

“It is my belief that Marion Durandal was turned into a vampire against her will.” The legate remains completely calm. “I request an investigation into her death and vampiric rebirth.”

“We will begin at once.” Alton does not feel the need to explain that they were already investigating this case. The complaint is obviously for Sir Durandal’s benefit more than her own.

“And now again, what can we do to help?” The legate seems more relaxed, and the offer more genuine this time.

“Any documentation you might have about Marion Durandal and how she arrived here in the United Non-Evil Necromantic State would be helpful. We’ll also need handwriting samples. It may be helpful for the rest of her family to be here when the case come to trial. Statements from the victim or their family are helpful information during sentencing.”

“I understand that usually you just ask the victim,” the legate asks, “is there a reason you haven’t just asked Miss Durandal herself about her vampirism?”

“Marion Durandal has requested to be left to rest in peace.” Cook answers bluntly. “We may not speak to her anymore.”

“What do you mean?” asks Sir Durandal in distress.

“She asked us not to talk to her, so no other spells can be cast that would let us contact her in any way.” Alton gestures placatingly. “You might not agree with our necromantic practices, but you can see that we make use of them ethically.”

Durandal snorts. Clearly, he disagrees.

“Okay, so maybe you don’t see the ethics of it.” Cook shrugs. “Just understand that we have rules, and may not break them.”

“I can appreciate that.” The legate folds her arms. “But we’ll need to request that you also be sure to keep us updated with any new developments. We’ll feel much more comfortable if we can follow the direction of the case.”

“I think I understand,” Alton says nervously, “We’ll do what we can.”

“Thank you, detective.” Lander backs away, taking Sir Durandal with her. They leave the station together. Sir Durandal does not make the mistake of trying to push her wheelchair.

“So what did they mean?” Cook asks his partner, curious.

“Oh, just a little threat.” Alton shrugs. “She was letting us know that they’re watching what we do.”

“Just watching?” Cook pulls off his eyebrow trick on his partner, but she is immune.

“No,” she agrees, “they’ll probably interfere later. With any luck, that’ll be during the trial.”

“In any case, it’s about time we learned a little more about Spawn.”