NVAE, MAIN OFFICE (Dennis, Jack, Lex, Martin, Otso, Tamati, Violet; NPCs: Beatrice, Dwight Kowalski [unconscious], Isaac Newton, J.R., Kirstie, Lillian Murphy, Roger Murphy [snared], Shelby, Steven [unconscious])
“I’m a member of Crux who has been supplying them with information on the students,” said Lilian Murphy cheerily.
The doors opened again, letting Lex and J.R. carry an unconscious Steven inside.
Jack’s body bulked up. He moved to push Martin out of the way—to get to the door Newton was standing in front of. It took little effort for the viscous teen to move around his American friend and the headmaster. “Please Jack.” Martin’s voice was low; his tone was reasonable. “She's being cooperative. We can learn more from 'er."
Jack wasn’t the only one riled by this reveal, and despite what had happened with the Armada, Martin could only be one place at a time.
Violet's face turned red and she spun toward the office door. Thoughts of her kidnapping along with Jakob, Mike and Rose flared her temper. "For how long? Did you give me up to them?"
Silence answered her. "Is that the Lear girl?" asked Lilian Murphy. "No, dear. I had nothing to do with that one. That would be Wolf. I did tell them about Mister Curie's radiation problem, and his girlfriend's psychological condition, and everything in every one of you little freaks' files."
Lex froze. J.R. looked to him sadly. Kirstie moved to grab him, but hesitated.
"Missus Murphy," Newton said, his voice trembling, "what are you saying?"
"Oh, my dear Isaac... I'm saying that if I had access to it, I passed it on to Crux."
"Mrs. Murphy, I'm sorry you feel zat way. I understand zis transition and disruption in your life must 'ave been exceedingly 'ard on you. 'Ow would you contact your 'andler wiz Crux and why are you coming forward wiz zis now?"
“Which freak show is that?” asked the mole. “Isaac love, be a dear and send it away.”
“I feel sorry for Lex,” Dennis said, turning his gaze to Beatrice, “but I'm curious as to how you miraculously acquired the the arcane knowledge to be able to understand the wards, or why you'd be willing to aid other SPBs in their efforts to capture the Caspians."
“Jesus Christ, kid,” J.R. said. “Learn to read a room.”
“I already told you ‘oo, but zat did not confirm what you suspect! Zat I am conspiring against Fiore and Rose! Zat’s as insane as you are!”
"Dennis please, one zing at a time. I'm sure she's coming to understand the gravity of ze magical situation."
“Neither of you are helping,” growled the headmaster. It was a tone Martin had never heard from the man: agitation mixed potently with raw, unbridled rage. If he had to bet, he would have said the news of his assistant’s treachery was the catalyst, but the man was right: this wasn’t helping things.
The headmaster saw more figures approaching: Doctors Bacon, Fisher, and Yavorshak. “Jack and...” He looked to Otso, then to Tamati. “...Tamati, help Doctor Bacon tend to Mister Kowalski. Dennis, wait in Doctor Fisher’s office. Martin, the library. Otso, Mister McClanahan’s classroom. Beatrice, Ms. Catargi’s. Doctor Yavorshak, escort Lex and Kirstie to your office. Violet, please seal off the doors and windows to my office. J.R., please see to supplying Mister Murphy with bonds less harmful than ice. I suspect Steven will need the same treatment. Shelby, please make sure no one enters the building. Tell them I have postponed classes for the time being. Doctor Fisher, a word?”
I’m pausing in case anyone has plans other than what Newton just barked out.