as written by Sokka, Sentry and Rōnin
The Bloodhound spun around to face the pale-faced man, her coat sweeping the ashes on the floor. She froze, staring him straight in the face. Straightening, the detective regained her composure, closing her jacket.
"Ah," she said. "Inquisitor. Likewise." She gestured to Archard and looked to Myles. "Want to watch out for this one. Don't get too close. He likes to bite."
Archard's attention flitted to Myles as he rose, offering the officer a nod. "Good day."
Myles nodded, "You as well Inquisitor." He responded. He heard Jeanne however he decided not to respond to her comment.
Archard turned back to Jeanne. "I understand that this is just one of the arsons you've investigated this morning. It seems last night was eventful." He walked in a slow arc around the room, pale eyes scanning over tables and counters. "Not a single call to the authorities, though. A shame that Lupaix is ruled by fear of the wolf rather than respect for the law." He ran a gloved finger along a blistered wall, rubbing the black charcoal between thumb and index.
"Are there any bodies?"
"It's a damn shame." Myles said shaking his head, however he chose not to answer the question regarding the bodies, he would let Jeanne decide which information was going to be disclosed.
"None," she responded curtly. "Except for the... ash and soot, this place is clean. It would seem that this was, perhaps, a hate crime. Or maybe someone forgot to put out their cigarette. Otherwise, I expect everyone got out safely. I'm sure that's good news for everyone. Wouldn't you agree, Archard?"
Bonheur turned around, eyeing Myles. "The less casualties of our beloved citizens of Lutetia, the better, yes?"
"Absolutely" Myles responded.
"Clean indeed, inside and out," Archard continued, moving over to the booths - leather and cloth withered from the flames.
He looked back at Jeanne. "Have you heard anything of the recent investigation at the 'Rolling Bones Casino', inspector?"
"I've heard the reports on the radio," Jeanne said, fingers twining behind her back. "You suspect a run-in between the two packs?"
"I do," Archard replied, "given what I've seen there, I'm disinclined to believe this is a random hate crime. I believe the Scions and the Bloodstones are once again involved in a full-scale gang war." He gestured to the charred interior of the bar. "One point Scions." He walked around the edge of the counter. "It's a bit odd, though. The casino had mountains of evidence suggesting a skirmish. I'd be curious to know if either of you have found a single bullet casing." He looked up at them. "Or am I wrong?"
"I'm not a part of that investigation though there is no doubt this is a pack war." Myles said.
Jeanne nodded. It was obvious to them all. No one here was stupid enough to think otherwise. "Was there any surprise?" she asked Archard. "Take a look at where we are."
"It's precisely where we are that's so unnerving, inspector," Archard continued, "the violence between these two gangs has only recently exploded into street warfare, and yet we stand not in the charred bones of some outskirt warehouse, but in the Den. The Den. Arguably the base of operations for the Bloodstones." He stepped over the remains of a fire extinguisher. He weighed it in his hands. "What advantage allowed the Scions to penetrate into the heart of Bloodstone territory and destroy many of its key infrastructures ... unopposed?"
"The element of surprise...., No, not just surprise, something drew them out, away from the Den. They responded to the skirmishes then when they were gone, the Scions struck here." Myles said.
"My question is, with the Den gone where did the Bloodstones go." Myles said, as he slowly walked slowly through the charred ruins of the Den.
Jeanne raised her cap momentarily to ran her fingers through her hair. She looked out onto the burning wreckage, unsure of what to say, or whether or not she wanted to keep talking.
Making her mind up, Jeanne began to walk away as far back into the building as she was allowed to explore. She didn't wait for Archard to keep speaking. She just signaled for Myles to follow.
When Jeanne didn't offer a verbal response to Archard's question, the inquisitor followed her - trailing quietly behind Myles.