Boseman High School Shenanigans: Episode 1

Lily

The Sheriff's eyes are difficult to read behind his glasses, but from his expression Lily can tell he's skeptical but listening... until she finishes her response the way she does.

"A... flying coffin," the man says, slowly. "What do you mean by that, Lily? Are you on drugs right now, Lily? Were you all smoking reefer in that basement? Was it ludes? Shrooms? Acid? What about oxy, or heroin? Fentanyl? Be straight with me, young lady."

Fred

"That's what I thought," Sheriff Akin says smugly, settling back into his seat like the giant asshole that he is. "Apology accepted, Fred. I've always felt bad about what happened with your father. Leaving behind a fine woman like that with no one to look after her. Crying shame, that was."

Drawing a deep breath, the man releases it and scratches at his ear, digging deep to get some ear wax. "So. Now that you worked all that out of your system, what don't you tell me what happened tonight? All of it. This game you were playing. Your sisters and there doins'. Why Marco Corbitt and Rose Tidwell were there. And how two of those people ended up in the ER."

Emily

Akins shifts in his seat, a little uncomfortable as Emily gets frank on him. "I'm not -- I don't... look," he stammers, pointing at the girl with two fingers, mimicking holding a gun, "focus on tonight. What you were all doing in the Solomon's basement on a school night. Where these other kids came from, and why. How they got hurt. What happened, Emily? You words. What happened?"

Zach

"So it was Lily. With a... pool cue," the Sheriff says slowly. "Now why did she do that? What led little Lily to nearly taking that girl's head off? They have history? Was she high?"

Lily
"Are... wait," the lawman says, taking off his shades, revealing very narrowed eyes. "Are you talking about your Dungeons and the Dragons game?" Sitting back, he shakes his head. "You're mixing up reality and fantasy, Lily. It's a good thing we confiscated that game. There are two kids in the hospital tonight because of that nonsense."

Putting his sunglasses back on, he scratches at his temple. "Alright. So why don't you describe what actually happened with Debby Solomon. And with the skid, Marco. Who hurt them, Lily?"

Zach

"You didn't know it was Debby," the Sheriff says, trying on what he clearly thinks is a lie for size. "And she -- and her sister -- were dressed up. Well, Zach, I happen to know that people dress up for this Satanic game, the Dungeons and the Dragons. Little thing called research. Little thing called know your enemy. But I'll play along. Why would Lily go after someone she didn't know with the pool cue? Why not call the police? Why not just keep them locked outside?"

There's a pause, and the man adds, "No, I think you were all turned around in your little fantasy world. I think Lily was on something, and forgot that Debby was dressed up as one of the monsters in the game."

Emily

"And what was it," Akins responds, "about those two shadows that made you want to hide in the bathroom? Hm? And who was it that cracked Debby Solomon in the cranium, and broke Marco's ribs? You must have seen something."

The door opens then, and the deputy comes back in with Emily's water. He gives it to her and returns to his position near the door.

"Well?" the Sheriff presses. "Who was it? Even if you didn't see it happen, I'm sure your friends were taking about it. We're just trying to get the story straight here, Emily. Only the truth will help with that. We'll know if you're lying."

Fred

Fred looses a blast of information, infodumping all over the Sheriff once he gets hold of his anger. Akins winces several times throughout the outburst, and eventually ends holding up his hands in classic 'whoa, whoa' fashion.

"Fred -- listen. Slow down. You were playing your Dungeons and the Dragons game and you saw someone outside. And rather than, say, tell your mother, or call 911 -- that was Emily did that -- you decided to go for your father's gun?" The man rubs his temples a little, then he continues.

"Imagine what might have happened, Fred, if you'd gotten hold of that gun. We'd be talking about your sister and Marco in the morgue, instead of intensive care. Your mom even know how to handle a firearm? Pretty woman like that, kind of unlikely, right?"

There's a pause as the deputy reenters the room, then Sheriff Akins continues. "So where's the gun now, do you know? Is this a pistol you're talking about? And why do you think your sister was outside, dressed that way?"

Zach

"Now now, hold on there, Zach, no need to get upset. Your parents are on their way, they'll be here soon. And we're not questioning you son, not officially. Just taking your statement. I'm just tryin' to make sure it was really an accident."

The burly man pauses, stifles a burp, then goes on. "So okay, little Lily was protecting her friend you say. Then tell me what happened with these other two, your sister Rose... and the boy, Marco. They a couple, are they? How he end up hurt?"

Emily

"Lawyer?!" Sheriff Akins says with a smile he can't contain. "Girl, you don't got a lawyer. We ain't accused you of nothin'. Just what is it you think you need a lawyer for?"

The sunglasses come off. The stare is steely and penetrating. He leans closer, his breath sour.

"What'd you do, Emily? What's got you so riled?"

The girl can't tell if the lawman is asking about tonight or about witness protection... but that doesn't make any of this easier!

Fred

Reaching for his pen and notepad, Sheriff Akins scribbles something down, squinting as he focuses on his handwriting, then he looks at Fred over the top of his glasses.

"I'll ask your sweet mom about the gun. She'll give me the, uh, skinny. But you never answered my question about your sister, Freddie. What was she doin' trying to scare everyone? And you really think this Marco character was dangerous, huh? You two got a history?"