Charlotte walked out of the Bureau first with O'Conner hot on her heels. She wanted to put this entire thing behind her, and she wanted to do it fast. There were more important things for her to be doing instead of helping the Bureau do their jobs.

O'Conner called for the coach as she walked out of the building and waited. The officer joined her a few minutes later, and she didn't say anything. He shifted uncomfortably as he looked for the carriage.

The moment that the horses stopped, Charlotte threw open the door and sat down inside. O'Conner hesitated before following as well.

"It's about a ten minute ride to the crime scene," the officer informed after signaling the driver. The coach lurched forward as Charlotte kept her composure. "Thank you again for helping us."

"I'm not doing this for you or your Bureau."

"I know," O'Conner sighed. He waited a moment before taking a quick breath. "Can I ask you a question?"

"I suppose so."

"I'm new to Strathmore, and I have no knowledge of witch customs. Is your real name Dragyn?"

"Is your name Officer?"

"What is your name, then?"

Charlotte hesitated a moment before sighing.

"My name is Charlotte," she answered as he stuck out his hand.

"William O'Conner," he replied as she gingerly shook his hand. "I'm sorry about our first meeting. I'm new to the job, and I don't know the culture here just yet."

"I would imagine it would take some getting used to. Where are you from?" Charlotte asked. A brief thought of William being the murderer flickered in her mind, but she dismissed it. Just because he wasn't from town didn't mean that he was the killer.

"A small town by the border called Astan. I moved here a month ago."

"Welcome to Strathmore, then. How are you liking it?"

"It's been great. Everyone is very cheerful and nice," William smiled. Charlotte grimaced and nodded, thinking that some were that way. "Can I ask another question."

"Mm," she hummed.

"I don't mean to be insensitive, but why do you go by Madame Dragyn?"

"It's my Name given to me by the Council. Of course, I did choose it, but think of it like a brand, I suppose. It also helps with anonymity, which was the main purpose when the Council was first founded."

"When the witch hunts were getting to their peak."

"Precisely," Charlotte agreed.

"Fascinating!"

"Why did you come to Strathmore? There are many other cities in need of law officers. Why this city?"

"Because the history here is interesting, and the religious extremists are massing. I figured that Strathmore could use my help more than most," William explained sheepishly. Charlotte raised an eyebrow.

"Well, Strathmore is grateful to have you," she replied halfheartedly. William sighed and shrugged.

"I guess we'll see," he chuckled. There was a moment of silence. "I was surprised when you said that you wanted to see the crime scene."

"Were you?"

"Most civilians aren't quick to see death for themselves. Especially if a family member was murdered."

"I owe it to my parents to help catch the person who killed them any way I can. I don't want to stand idly by as I hope that he's brought to justice. I need to make sure this isn't the same person," Charlotte explained plainly. William nodded. "I understand that I am different in my views, but please don't think that I know more about this than you do. I just need to put my thoughts to rest."

"Oh, I didn't think that. I understand the need to know," William reassured. Charlotte nodded, relaxing a little. The officer wasn't a bad person, he was just a little awkward.

"What do you think the odds are that it's the same person?"

"I would like to think they're very thin, since the murder of your parent's were nearly ten years ago. However, the person might still be around. I would be interested in why they took a nine and a half year break."

"Yes, I guess that does seem a little unlikely when you put it like that."

"I didn't mean to be discouraging."

"But you're right. It would be strange that they would take a break. If they were passionate enough to kill two people, but didn't he continue? Why would they wait nearly a decade?" Charlotte sighed, rubbing her eye. "But I guess it doesn't hurt to double check."

"If it turns out that the murderer is a different person from before, then you can put your mind at ease. At least then we can assume that the murderer then is probably dead or gone," William comforted. Charlotte laughed under her breath and sighed.

"I think it would be a better comfort knowing it's the same person. At least then we would have an idea of where they're at," she reasoned. "But I appreciate the thought."

"Of course," he whispered.

"What about you? Any family? A special person?"

"Nothing of the sort. My mother died a few years ago of a disease, but she was rather old already. My father left when I was young, so I have no idea where he ended up," William shrugged. "And I guess I'm focusing on my career right now."

"Not a bad thing to do. Careers are important," Charlotte agreed. "I tell the same thing to my sister nearly every time I see her. I don't need to be married to be happy."

"I'd drink to that," William laughed. 

"Did you want to get any other questions off your chest before we get to the location?" 

"What do you do? I know I saw your shoppe, but what's life like for a potion shoppe keeper?" 

"I'm a potion maker, not keeper. I make potions and sell them to people who need them. I also sell ingredients, in case someone wants to make their own at home," Charlotte smiled. 

"What do your potions do?"

"Well, most of them help with sicknesses and have healing magic. Some are more for personal use, such as a luck potion or sleep aid."

"I've heard that there are also restricted potions. Do you make those?"

"Only with the approval of the Council. The Bureau will often hire me to make Tiomenon, a truth serum. Bureau officers are the only people able to use the serum, since it's so potent. Otherwise, I don't really dabble in any restricted items a lot."

"Fair enough," William smiled before the coach slowed. His expression fell as he glanced out the window. With a sigh, he turned back to Charlotte. "I think we're here."