Beyond a quiet hum, the woman did not react to the admission of broken protocol. Her note-taking did not pause during Heather's bout of tortured silence, either. It was clear that she was writing more than a simple transcription of what Heather was saying, but the flowing shorthand was impossible to decipher.

"His fate is to be determined." A timid knock at the door caused her to hold up one finger to indicate that Heather wait. A lanky blond boy in an oversized, rainbow jumper entered with a cup of coffee and plate of eggs and bacon on a bed of hashbrowns balanced delicately on a tray. He gave Heather a quick smile as he set it down in front of her, and then he retreated.

The woman clicked her tongue and pulled her own cup of coffee closer. "Now, give a personal account of the events that transpired. Feel free to be candid and do not worry about being succinct or talking with your mouth full. Time is important."