Chapter Nine: Accusations

The interrogation lasted longer then it needed to. Edward was convinced the only thing that made Douglas decide to end their meeting was that he didn't want to miss lunch. The entire conversation had left him even more worn out then he already felt. The way every question was phrased, it was as though they wanted him to be guilty.

Roy had assured him when they got in the car that if they had all the evidence then they would have arrested him. The fact that he was still permitted to go home and move about the town was supposed to make him feel better. It didn't.

Now they were on their way to see Winry or attempt to see her. Ed wasn't sure why they were bothering since nothing had changed. He was certain that they would be sent away although Roy seemed to think he could use his rank to sway some opinions. Edward was not that optimistic and with the little sleep he got the night before, he really just wanted to go to bed and not be in the middle of this whole nightmare for a while.

The two of them stood at the front desk of the local military police office. Someone was supposed to come out and talk to them about the charges against Winry. While they waited, Ed noticed a copy of a newspaper laying off to the side. Picking it up, he glanced over the front page.

"Is that about that sickness we keep hearing about around here," Mustang asked as he glanced over Ed's shoulder.

"Yeah. They said that almost half of the population in the city has shown symptoms. They said there has already been fifteen deaths but they still aren't sure what caused it or how to stop it."

"Are there any connections between the victims?" Before the conversation could go any further, an older gentleman cleared his throat from the other side of the desk.

"Sorry to keep the two of you waiting." Immediately, Mustang noticed that he too was a General and while it was customary for those of equal ranking to salute each other, that was not the greeting he got. The other General seemed cold towards them, not necessarily making eye contact but all the while acting as though he was watching them intently. "I understand that you wanted to see Mrs. Winry Elric? I am sorry but we are not permitting any visitors at this time."

"Could you at least give us some information concerning the charges against her? There's no reason to keep that information from us, is there?" Roy did not like where this was headed already and he was getting annoyed with all the secrecy. The older man rubbed his chin thoughtfully before answering.

"No, I suppose that wouldn't do any harm. It actually has to do with that investigation in the paper." He motioned to the front page still in Ed's hand. "Several of the automail mechanics are being held in order to get information regarding this case."

"If they are only being held for questioning then why can't we talk to her," the Lieutenant Colonel brought up. The other General's expression seemed to darken at the fact that a lower ranking officer was asking him questions.

"While I can appreciate Central's top officers coming down to our small town to help out, we're doing just fine on our own." Roy could see the rage brimming in Ed's eyes as he took a step closer to the desk.

"Look, you don't..." The Flame alchemist put his arm out in front of the Lieutenant Colonel, stopping him from saying something that would most likely only make matters worst.

"Ed, why don't you go outside." It took him a minute before the look Roy was giving him sunk in. He would handle this and get the information they needed. Edward let out an annoyed sigh through his teeth and stepped back.

"Fine." With that he stomped out and made sure to slam the door behind him.

"Sorry bout that, things are just a little tense."

"No kidding, better get a tighter leash on that one." The other General took his glasses off his nose and cleaned them on his sleeve.

"Right. We really just want to help in any way we can. Could you give me any more details about this? The Furer heard about what was going on down here and doesn't want this becoming a countrywide epidemic. I assured him he didn't have to send any additional troops in and that I would come down to investigate things for him." Even though it was not normal for a General to do some small town investigation, the other gentleman seemed to buy it.

"Why don't we talk in my office. I have the file in there."

oOoOo

Ed wondered around to the back of the building in an attempt to blow off some steam. Kicking a rock along the way, he stuffed his hands in his pockets in order to look less conspicuous. He glanced around to look for a window or maybe a back door that might be unlocked. Alchemy would have been great to have right about now. He could have just made an entrance.

"This is stupid," he grumbled realizing that wishing for that ability back after so many years was pointless.

"Ed?" He swore he was hearing things but glanced up to see Winry behind a barred window looking down at him.

"Winry?" He hurried towards her even though he knew there was no way to get up to her. "Are you okay?" Winry's eyes started to well up but she managed to smile and nodded back.

"Are the kids okay?"

"They're fine. I've got Andrew watching them." He decided not to mention any of the trouble he was in since he wasn't sure how long they could talk like this. "I tried to get in to see you and they won't even tell me what you're being charged for."

"They think I have something to do with all these people getting sick. There's something wrong with that new shipment of metal that came in. I had no idea that any thing bad could happen though." Edward narrowed his eyes which was a clear sign that he knew there was more going on here.

"Winry, have they brought anyone else in for questioning?" She shook her head back at him.

"Not that I know of. I'm the only one here." That little bit of information didn't sit well in Ed's mind either.

"I'll see what I can find out and hopefully we can get them to release you. Okay?" She nodded back again, her emotions still clear on her face. As much as Ed wanted to stay there and talk to her, he found this conversation raised too many unsettling questions. He needed to get back to the hotel quickly. Hurrying to the front of the office, he remembered Mustang had a bad habit of leaving the keys in the ignition. Knowing he was going to hear about this later, he got into the front seat and started the car up. As he headed down the main street he noticed that it wasn't nearly as crowded as usual, making it all the easier to get to his destination.

When he arrived, that same uneasiness didn't go away as he moved quickly down the hallway. He came to an abrupt stop when he notice the Lieutenant standing outside his hotel room.

"Kinstrel, why are you out here?" He moved with even greater purpose until he was standing in front of Andrew.

"I was asked to leave the room, sir. Someone's waiting for you inside." The confirmation that his hunch was correct earlier didn't make him feel any better. Cautiously he turned the knob and walked into what felt like a trap.