jonaswilder (jonaswilder) wrote in lechance, @ 2008-10-26 21:24:00 |
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Tables had been dragged into Jonas' office and pushed together to help provide space for those invited to the meeting. Mrs Andrews had provided sandwiches and cakes, and her teenaged daughter was helping her in providing teas, coffees, and squashes as people arrived. His staff, including Deputies Andrew Charles and Ifan Jones, Mrs Andrews and her daughter, Ms Smith the administrative assistant, along with several chaperones from the Hotel, were milling around making light conversation with new arrivals.
Jonas waited until people had settled, and were all sat down around the tables. He stood up to address them all.
"Good evenin' folks. Can I firstly say many thanks for coming out here this evening, it's much appreciated. Right, down to business. You may be wonderin' why you're all here. Well, we here at the Sheriff's Office have received several disturbing reports over recent weeks, and we thought that you folks may be able to help us out some in figurin' them out. This is an informal meeting, and I'd like you all to be able to speak freely. That said, should you wish to speak privately at any point that can be arranged."
He coughed lightly, and took a sip of his coffee before continuing.
"A week Friday just past, the 17th I heard some strange noises out by the stable out back. A hissing, reminiscent somewhat of a steam powered engine. It went on for around twenty minutes, and no source was to be found, despite much searchin' on my behalf. The animals were fair spooked, and I had to bed down with them for the remainder of the evenin'."
He shook his head. "I ain't never heard anything like it before. I think it's paramount that we get to the source of this as quickly as possible, we don't wish the townsfolk to become further afeared, especially given Sheriff Bowbuck's disappearance, and the events around the earthquake. So I'd appreciate any assistance you may feel you can give, whether you heard anything on the same evenin', or have technical knowledge that may prove useful."
He looked around the table, and spread his arms wide. "I'd like you to talk amongst yourselves, to my staff, and to myself. There's pens, inks and paper available to note down useful information, and if you'd like to make a more formal statement, then please approach myself or one of my deputies. Please help yourselves to the wonderful spread that Mrs Andrews has kindly prepared for us this evening, and many thanks once again for coming along and taking time out of your schedules for this."
Finished with his introduction, he smiled broadly, and nodded before sitting back down.