A Ruling Passion – Chapter 1835

Arianne’s denial was intuitive. “No! It wasn’t him, it’s got nothing to do with him! If mob consensus is enough to proclaim anyone as guilty or not, then what do we need the law for?! Look, I get that you’re his friend and this is something you must do, but Mateo’s fate saddens me too...”

Geralt scanned her quickly. “Hmm, I can tell. The case is weighing you down, which begs the question: why? Is it only because Teo liked you? Deep down inside, you must be afraid as well, aren’t you? Afraid of the possibility that Mr. Tremont was the one behind it?” he said. “You’re on a spiraling track into the eye of the storm, aren’t you? You feel guilty... thinking that Teo’s death is related to you.”

Was Geralt trying to bait her?

The realization of his intention propelled Arianne to recover her composure. Deadpanned, she replied, “You people of forensic science have quite a unique way of expressing yourself, don’t you? And you guys are really adept at holding yourself together without a crack on your facade, too. Regardless, you’re very likely wrong on this one. Mateo and I might not have known each other for the longest time, but we considered each other as friends. Discarding his one-sided affection of me, I was still delighted to have befriended him, especially since he was a very kind, nice guy. Naturally, his tragedy aches me, but that’s all there is to it.”

Geralt drew a shallow intake of breath. “I sense your rising wariness and hostility, though it’s not at all surprising. You were raised by Mark Tremont himself, I understand the instinct to defend. Besides, I wholeheartedly agree that consensus cannot be judged nor evidence of crime, but that is different from what I hope,” he said. “See, I hope that stab in your conscience will stay with you if the investigation reveals Mark Tremont to have played a role. It’s only fair for Teo that way.”