#ogdentask

Heni wonders, for a fleeting moment, if this was something that could get easier with time. The whole interrogation thing - the pointed questions, the deliberately uneven chairs, the repeating of questions ad nauseam. It had been unsettling the first time, unsettling the second, and as she takes a seat in the interrogation room for the third time in three years, a stirring in the pit of her stomach makes her think the third time might just be unsettling as well.

"Miss Astor," Agent Choi begins, shuffling the loose sheets of papers in his hands before placing them back on the formica table. A non-verbal full stop. An indicator that something had ended, and that something else was about to begin. "Thank you for taking the time to meet with us." Heni doesn't say anything. There might not be any lawyers present for this interrogation, but if there's one thing she knows, it's not to talk unless absolutely necessary.

"I'm sure you've heard the news," he says then, in what she imagines is largely an effort to fill the silence. She says nothing. Just looks from him, to Murray, to Brown. What higher-ups had they fallen out of step with to be assigned the thankless task of trying to get coherent information out of college students? When no affirmation is immediately forthcoming, he continues: "Did you have any reason to believe that Greer Morrison was dead before any of this came to light?"

The obvious answer, the one that sits at the tip of her tongue, threatening to make an unwelcome appearance, is this: she's been missing for over a year. Is that not reason enough? It's the rational explanation, the simplest explanation. Occam's razor. It's the only thing it could be, right? Everything else is too absurd. There's another moment of prolonged silence as Heni weighs her words carefully. "If I'm being honest," she begins, opting for the liars gambit. "I've tried not to think about that possibility."

She's well aware she's not answering. She's not delusional enough to think they haven't cottoned on, either. But the point isn't to outsmart them. It's to say nothing. To paint yourself as collaborative and cooperative, and most importantly keeping as quiet as you could while your mouth was moving. "So, you and Greer," Choi presses on, pausing to take a sip of his drink. For theatric effect, almost. The cup is placed back on the table, and with it she is offered the rest of his question. "We know you were close. Could you please elaborate on your relationship?"

"No, I don't believe that's necessary. You've put it perfectly. We were close."

There's a faint hint of something in Choi's eyes, then, the sort of disguised frustration you would have to look for to notice. It's there, and then it's not. It couldn't have been visible for more than a second. A fraction of a second, maybe.

So caught up in this is she, that she misses his next question. She hears it, vaguely, enough to make out the words "Penelope" and "Ida", but not enough to piece it together. Not that it matters - they've clearly chalked her momentary lapse of attention up to defiance, and so they've already moved on.

"We understand you were injured of the night on the fire," Choi says, with continued emphasis on the word we, as if to remind Heni that there are two other agents in the room. Or to create this image of the three of them as a cohesive little unit. Three bodies, one mind. There's something about the overstated sense of sympathy in his tone that makes her insides curdle. That makes her want to reach for the fading mark on her leg. He must have felt it, the most minuscule of shifts in the air, because his eyes are directly trained on hers as he speaks: "Do you know why students even were there when they should’ve been at the Commencement Gala?"

The less you say, the less can be used against you later. The less you say, the less can be used against you later. Over and over again the phrase churns in her mind, a reminder to keep her guard up. The informal air of it all is a ruse. No one is taking any notes, sure, but there is a recording device placed between them. There's no such thing as a throwaway comment. "No comment."

It's counter-intuitive, in a way, that to say nothing is the safest bet. Some primal instinct in her wants to speak, to tell them all she knows, but she cannot be certain her name can be kept in the clear if she does. As long as she doesn't speak, she's fine. They've got nothing. It didn't really matter if she had nothing to do with any of it. There was too much to risk.

" Over the past year, have you gotten any anonymous messages? Any threatening ones?" There's another theatrical pause here, one that makes Heni itch to reach across the table and give the coffee cup a push in their general direction. "... Any with misleading information?"

Of course they knew. Of course they fucking knew. She'd been a moron to think going in here solo would be a good idea. "No comment."

"Is there anything you're not sharing with us today?" He asks then, in a tone of voice that indicates that he knows she's hiding something.

"uh, sorry... i'm good for now, thanks." they respond as they clear their throat, bringing themself back to the reality right in front of them.

"well, then, i suppose we can get started." the officer takes a look at their partner, giving them the lead on this. "mr. crawford, did you have any reason to suspect greer morrison was dead before this news came to light?" link's eyes land on the red blinking of the tape recorder in between them for a moment, and calculates exactly how he wanted to play this one. "well, i can't say that after months of her being gone, the morbid thought hadn't come to mind for a second. but it was just easier to choose to believe she ran off on her own."

"right. well, lincoln, i'd like to ask you a few questions about ida clarke." a lump forms in his throat. link was probably the worst person to question about ida, given their very public distaste for one another — fights and arguments and name calling that only increased when they began to live in the same place. "what was the nature of your relationship?" link had to think quick. he had to wonder if they had any information on the fact that they had slept with each other not long before she died, because if they believed that he was trying to hide that fact, link would instantly become a target. it shouldn't be an issue, if she hadn't told anyone else, either. but then again, he wasn't ever the most trusting of ida clarke. finally, he responds. "not much of a relationship, really. we, uh... we were roommates for a little while, and we weren't very close." it wasn't truthful but it wasn't a lie, either. "but still, it was not the best.. hearing that someone you used to see every day and practically lived alongside with had died like that. it was the same with penelope, even though we weren't close, either. it makes you worry, you know?" maybe playing the terrified and traumatized young student afraid for his life card would gain the cops' sympathy here, and he'd avoid getting grilled.

"right, of course. now i understand that you were hospitalized after the fire, is that correct?" link nods his head, and lifts his sleeve up a little to show them his burn scars from the fire. "fortunate enough to have made it to a hospital at all." he adds. and thank god for it, meaning that he had an automatic alibi for ida's death. link knows he's innocent, but in this world, it's clear to see that anyone can get thrown under the bus — speaking from experience, from being the one to throw others under the bus so easily. "where were you before that? before you managed to leave the building?" not alibi enough, so it seems. "gosh, honestly? my memory is all over the place with that. it's hard to remember any other part of the night." immediately, the cop responds with another question, "and what exactly were you and other students doing at the commons instead of the commencement gala?" this is where link thought that he might choke. was it a better idea to admit that he had gotten a text from g like everyone else? or was it better to lie about it? then again, if someone decides to admit it, then it seems like he an every other student who hides it is lying about something. "well, to be honest with you, officer, the gala was becoming a bit... boring for a few of us college students?" he responds with a small scoff, a playful look on his face. "a few people were talking about getting out of there, maybe meeting up at the commons.... and, well, i followed them out. you can see how at the time, i thought it would be harmless to do so."

"alright... and have you gotten any anonymous messages over the past year? any with leading information, perhaps? or threatening messages?" link wanted to remove himself from this entire chain of suspicion — just another regular student at ogden college. "thankfully, i haven't." but that meant link had to be even more careful about who he talks to about any texts he receives. "and is there any information about greer morrison that you've become aware of in the past year that you haven't shared with the police yet?" "not at all — not since i spoke with you guys about her ex boyfriend. if i do hear anything, i'd definitely make sure to immediately report it." why not add a sprinkle of the noble citizen on top of this?

"well, mr. crawford, just one last question before we let you go... have you witnessed anything suspicious on campus over the past year and a half?" and this was it, link's favorite question. how easy would it be to fuck over someone he sees as a threat in whatever answer he can make up or lead the cops down a certain path? it had worked so fucking well last time (maybe too well) and he could definitely do it again. monty? milo? sassa's stupid fucking boyfriend? that was a weapon he could yield at any moment, though, and this was not the time to use it. "personally, with my graduation approaching, i chose to keep to myself and focus on my academics. so no, i haven't witnessed anything."

"okay, and i think that concludes all the questions we have for you today. thank you for your cooperation, and please do report anything suspicious to us — whether it's text messages or otherwise." link starts promising that he will, thanks them for their wonderful, oh so amazing service to their community, and exits the interrogation room.

FBI AGENT #1–

Good afternoon, Mr. Morrison.

EDWARD–

(taking the seat across from the agents, dropping his messenger bag on the floor) Good afternoon.

FBI AGENT #2–

Please note that this interview is being recorded.

EDWARD nods as though it is obvious.

FBI AGENT #2–

For the record, please state your full name, age, and relationship with the victim.

EDWARD–

With Greer.

FBI AGENT #1 looks at FBI AGENT #2 shooting him a knowing look as though she had advised him about something before the interrogation.

EDWARD–

Edward Rufus Morrison, twenty-one, brother.

FBI AGENT #1–

Mr. Morrison, I am sure you are aware that there have been developments to your sister’s case…

EDWARD–

(interrupting FBI AGENT #1) Which still haven’t been properly disclosed to either me or my sister.

FBI AGENT #1–

Mr. Morrison, at present, we are not allowed to disclose any information pertaining to the investigation of your sister’s potential murder.

EDWARD–

Yes, I've heard that a thousand times. And yet I still don’t know why the course of the investigation has been changed.

FBI AGENT #1–

Unfortunately, that is confidential information at the moment.

EDWARD–

So, you’ve just decided she was murdered? And didn’t tell anyone why?

FBI AGENT #1–

Mr. Morrison, your parents have been duly contacted by the FBI. Legally, they are the only people outside of the organization who are required to be informed of any news on the case. I’m going to ask you to calm down and stick to the questions.

EDWARD–

(raising his voice) Well, Greer was on seen. On campus. She’s alive.

FBI AGENTS stare at each other, confused. There is a short moment of tense silence, as Edward glares at them.  

FBI AGENT #1–

(uncertain) You saw her? When?

EDWARD–

(lowering his tone, voice still somewhat resigned) I didn’t see her. Jesse did. Jesse Hart and Milo Navarro.

FBI AGENT #1–

They told you this? When?

EDWARD–

Jesse told me a few days ago. It happened on the night of the power outage. October 1st, last year.

FBI AGENT #2–

That was over a year ago. Why did you not report it?

EDWARD–

(snaps) He just told me. Didn’t you hear what I said?

FBI AGENT #1–

Mr. Morrison, please lower your voice.

EDWARD–

(complying slightly) Greer was seen and you don’t even know about it.

FBI AGENT #1–

We will look into it.

EDWARD–

I’m sure you will.

FBI AGENT #1–

Mr. Morrison, this is new information to us, I’m sure you understand. It’s been over a year since she was last seen.  It is very unlikely this will change the course of the investigation… For now, this is the best we can do.

EDWARD rolls his eyes and shakes his head, heaving an annoyed sigh.

FBI AGENT #2–

Now, could you please detail your relationship with your sister.

EDWARD–

We were close.

FBI AGENT #1–

(annoyed) Can you elaborate further, please?

EDWARD–

We were close. We were together often. We were in the same social circles. Is that good enough?

FBI AGENT #1 nods, not bothering to disguise an eye roll.

FBI AGENT #2–

Mr. Morrison, did you have any reason to suspect Greer Morrison was dead before this news came to light?

EDWARD–

She. Isn’t. Dead.

FBI AGENT #2–

So, no…?

EDWARD–

No. Obviously not.

FBI AGENT #2–

And, besides the alleged sighting, are you aware of any information about Greer Morrison that has come to light in the past year that you haven’t shared?

EDWARD–

(pauses) (looks out the window) No. I don’t think so.

FBI AGENT  #2–

Have you witnessed anything suspicious on campus over the past year and a half?

EDWARD–

Aside from the two deaths, the mysterious fire, the campus-wide power-outage, and the arrest? Not that I can recall, no.

FBI AGENT #2 holds back a chuckle.

FBI AGENT #2–

You mentioned the fire at the Commons… Were you inside or near the building when the fire started?

EDWARD–

Yes. I was inside the building with everyone else.

FBI AGENT #2–

Do you know why some students were there when they should’ve been at the Commencement Gala?

EDWARD–

Maybe just to get away from our parents… I don’t know.

FBI AGENT #1–

Your colleague, Samantha Jiménez was arrested that night. I understand that you two shared a few classes. Can you detail your relationship with Miss Jiménez?

EDWARD–

We are– (he cleans his throat) were friends. We did a few of projects together every now and then.

FBI AGENT #1–

Ms. Jiménez’s attorneys work in a law firm managed by Mrs. Talia Rivera, your godmother’s wife. They are defending her pro-bono. Do you happen to know what led them to pick up Ms. Jiiménez’s case?

EDWARD–

(shaking his head) Media coverage, maybe. Everything surrounding Greer’s disappearance has been dealt with as much sensationalism as possible.

FBI AGENT #1–

(crossing his hands on the table) Right... So you have nothing to do with how they arrived at her case?

EDWARD–

I might have mentioned it to Talia in passing…

AGENTS exchange a glance.

FBI AGENT #2–

Another classmate of yours, Ms. Ida Clarke, sadly passed away the night of the fire. Were you two close?

EDWARD–

No. We talked, sometimes. In social gatherings, mostly. But I wouldn’t say we were friends.

FBI AGENT #2–

And where were you when her body was found?

EDWARD–

On the second floor of the Commons. Talking to Ollie Inoue. When someone yelled from the ground floor, we parted ways to see what it was.

FBI AGENT #2–

Very well. (nods and takes notes)

FBI AGENT #1–

Since you mentioned the deaths of Ms. Clarke and Ms. Klein, would you care to elaborate on your relationship with Penelope Klein, if there was any?

EDWARD–

There wasn't, I didn’t like her very much.

FBI AGENT #1–

Why?

EDWARD–

I don’t know. She was just... sort of a sycophant?

FBI AGENT #2–

And what about your sister… Was she close to her?

EDWARD–

(sighing) Not really. I think Penelope Klein always though she could be like Greer. She always had a sort of competitive aura when it came to Greer. (shifting in his seat) I mean, I don’t need to tell you that Greer has always been popular. Everyone loves her. Penny seemed to think that she could be like her… Like, after Greer disappeared I feel like she tried to become the next Greer. (pauses) I’m rambling. Forgive me.

FBI AGENT #2–

No, the more insight the better.

FBI AGENT #1–

Do you remember what you were doing when Penelope Klein was found at the chalet?

EDWARD–

I was asleep. There was a black-out and she started bossing everyone around to try and get the light back on. I didn’t want to help her because, again, I didn’t really like her and I hate being bossed around, so I just went back to the bedroom.

FBI AGENT #1 nods.

FBI AGENT #1–

Finally, Mr. Morrison, before we let you go… Over the past year, have you gotten any anonymous messages?

EDWARD–

(after a long, tense pause) Of course I have. My sister is missing… I get prank calls all the time.

FBI AGENT #2–

We mean threatening ones? Or with… leading information?

EDWARD–

(picking at his nails under the table) It’s hard to tell what is truth and what isn’t at this point, but nothing I would consider particularly relevant.

FBI AGENTS exchange a worried glance.

EDWARD–

(shaking his head hurriedly, stumbling over  words) I’ve deleted everything. I think someone’s just trying to tease me.

FBI AGENT #1–

(skeptically) Well, if you notice anything strange, don’t hesitate to report it.

EDWARD nods.

FBI AGENT #2–

(closing notebook, stopping the recording) This is everything. You’re free to go. Thank you for collaborating.

FBI AGENT #1–

And we’ll promise that we will look into this sighting you’ve mentioned.

EDWARD–

(gathering his things, getting up) Okay. Thank you.

Exit EDWARD.

Tomas and Laura met each other due to being in similar industries, with a similar love of travel. Milo doesn't really know much about their lives before he came into them, but he was born in Madird, Spain when his mother was 22, and his father 27 and as a child thought their lives were pretty great. His father was away often, and he spent most of his time with his mother who had a great love of sports, and often played with him. She passed away when he was eight years old, and he's not sure if that was when his father became the worlds biggest asshole, or if he was just always like that and Milo never knew because his father was just always gone.

Tomas moved himself and his son to Key West -- mostly a vacation destination, but as the two ended up being almost never home it was fitting. His mother had transferred her love of tennis to her son, but it was his father's enterprising nature that pushed Milo into playing in a professional capacity at the age of 16. Perhaps he should be grateful for it, but he really would rather his dad just leave him the fuck alone. Calling Tomas a stage mom would be an understatement, and currently he manages most of Milo's career, pushing him into sponsorships, and partnerships whether his son liked it or not. And if he didn't like it? If he talked back to his father about any of it? Well, let's just say he's intimately familiar what it feels like to be hit with a tennis racket.

louis kolbeck (alain delon): freddie's granddad was an actor that is past his prime. you would only know him if you were into old gangster movies, or really bad hallmark movies. pals with the likes of robert de niro and al pacino, though they didn't help him out when he drowned the family in debt due to his gambling addiction. freddie has only had a handful of interactions with him, and he learned where his father got it from. freddie has never really had a relationship with him, besides all the comparisons of how he's starting to look like a younger louis.

ralph kolbeck (nikolaj coster-waldau): an ogden alumni. born with a distaste for his surroundings, from his irresponsible father who couldn't be bothered to raise him to the debt collectors who were knocking on his door. his mother died when he was young and he was forced to raise himself. he had the drive to be better and a thirst for success. he vowed to provide for his family, to be a good father and husband but his priorities misaligned along the way. business became more important, he depended on alcohol to relieve his stress, and a poorly timed pregnancy threw a spanner in the works. he did not want a son, which in turn made him an angry man. freddie realised this later on in life.

cassie luker (margot robbie): ralph's current girlfriend, an up-and-coming actress. they've been dating for four years. her career has sky rocketed since. cassie and freddie had starred in a movie together, where she played his older sister. after he was blacklisted, she gave an interview about how unpleasant the set had been due to a young diva. freddie has been caught liking tweets which talk badly of her relationship with his dad.

naomi kolbeck née capper (sienna miller): a failed actress who once had stars in her eyes. she moved to la from a small town with dreams of making it big, and she was willing to do anything to get there. she really did love ralph, but she hadn't expected him to not lift a finger to help her career. so when he told her he'd gotten the maid pregnant, she'd convinced herself she always wanted kids. she was delighted when freddie expressed an interest in acting, despite pushing him in that direction, and she grew to love being his mother, for all the opportunities it gave her. divorcing ralph had been a long time coming, and running back to freddie with her tail between her legs had been humiliating. she was willing to grovel for his forgiveness. luckily he'd been willing to give her a chance, but their relationship remains strained, as he starts to realise that she'll never change.

anya's parents met while getting their masters at cambridge, and it was far from love at first sight. when they were initially placed in the same tutorial group, the two of them couldn't stand the sight of each other. she thought he was a glib, spoilt rich kid who couldn't have possibly gotten in on his own merit. he thought she was a cutthroat know-it-all. but then, as time (and every wattpad fic) will have it, the two eventually found common ground. romantic, sure, until you consider that they divorced when anya left for university.

dr. orla catherine quinn (gillian anderson fc) b. 19/02/1974, dublin, ireland - quantum physicist, national quantum computing centre