Ramon And Matthias

They found Matthias at what Vash was told was Ramon and Xiu's home. Matthias was currently with Ramon, the both of them outside in lawn chairs, the former complaining loudly about something and the latter listening with what was either feigned interest or familiar patience.

"They work together," Brian said.

"An' some'ow get along," Roy added.

Vash knew from experience that beer could make that possible, so he was not at all surprised by Ramon and Matthias both having cold beers in their hands while Matthias ranted. It was not until Brian waved his hand in front of both their faces did either pay attention to the three policemen.

"I didn't do anything wrong!" Matthias exclaimed. "Go an' tell my stupid brother that he can stick it up his–"

"I am here to corroborate alibis," Vash said, deciding this would be the best way of getting any sort of cooperation during this investigation.

"Okay," Ramon shrugged. "But who are you?"

For once, Roy was nice enough to explain the situation for Vash, not that either of the men seemed ll that interested. Matthias went back to drinking and Ramon simply made himself comfortable in his chair.

"In the evening?" Ramon rubbed his chin. "I'd just gotten home."

"From where?" Vash asked.

"Doctor's. Just a check up."

If that was all, would Xiu be so upset? Vash did not know. "After arriving home, what did you do?"

"Dinner. TV. Smoke." For such simple things, Ramon still frowned as if there was something wrong with it. Not that Vash personally condoned smoking either, but that did not seem to be what Ramon had a problem with.

"What about your wife?"

Ramon shifted uncomfortably in his seat and opened another beer. "She went out at some point. Came back an hour later."

"Where did she go?"

Matthias laughed. "You expect him to know where Xiu is, ever?"

Ramon punched him. Looking back and forth between Roy and Brian, neither seemed inclined to care about that. But both of their eyebrows shot up when Maddox popped out next to Ramon, mimicking the same motion without actually striking the darker skinned man. Not that it seemed to matter, Ramon still nearly shot off his seat with the motion.

"Maddox!"

"Yo," the man responded, raising a hand in greeting. Vash was not paying attention to anyone else by this point. He wanted to be in denial that Maddox Kirkland was here. As well as he wanted to know where the name Kirkland came from, as Arthur's last name was Jones.

Probably something he just made up.

"You are following me!"

At the same time Vash said those words, they were mirrored by Ramon. He stared at Ramon. Ramon stared back. "Now do not be silly," said Maddox. "I cannot be following both of you."

"Says the man 'oo says he can be everywhere," Brian reminded him.

Maddox did not seemed phased. As per usual. Instead he turned his attention back to Ramon. "You should see Xiu's new dress. It is fantastic."

"Shopping!" Ramon exclaimed as if he wanted to curse a god for the entire concept of shopping. "Not with Feliks. Please tell me–"

"Oh yeah, frien," Roy acted sympathetic. "She's wit' Feliks."

A slightly out of breath Matthias cut off that conversation by talking directly to Vash. "I was at the shop and then I walked home. Mangus can vouch for that. I spent the rest of the night in my house. Doin' stuff." He then stared at Vash, as if waiting for him to deny that fact.

Vash did not feel like denying it. What he really felt like denying was the fact he had promised to help with this investigation. He really just wanted to go back to the inn and crawl under the bed until this was all over. Not that he would ever let anyone know that. Still, he tried to get some more facts.

Roy started to talk with Matthias.

Brian was now doodling on his notepad.

Ramon had downed another beer.

And Maddox had crawled under the lawn chairs, disappearing at some point.

"Zwingli, why're ye tryin' ta rip out yer 'air?"

Notes:

Vash was not paying attention, but Matthias was laughing his head off and that was why he was out of breath.