CHAPTER 1

1

LOG 10/16/2023 20:17 GMT-4

TRANSCRIPT: AUDIO/VIDEO RECORDING

Sordello: For the record, this is Special Agent Beatrice Sordello. We have yet to determine if quarantine is necessary, so until told otherwise, I'm in a Manfred booth, which is a double isolation chamber best described as two sealed Plexiglas cubes positioned against each other. Both have their own self-contained atmosphere, which is being monitored remotely not only to ensure the air remains viable, but also for unknown pathogens. Until cleared, I will remain in my chamber and the interview subject will remain confined in his. Anyone entering either chamber is wearing a full hazmat suit and will undergo decontamination protocols upon entry and exit. It's important to note that we haven't found any sign of an airborne contaminant. This is strictly a precaution. My interview subject appears to be in good health aside from signs of recent physical trauma—primarily cuts and abrasions, which have been treated. At this point, I am switching on my secondary microphone so he can hear me. [ Audible click ] Sordello: Can you state your name? Subject 1: Seriously? You know my name. Sordello: For the record. Subject 1: Deputy Matthew Maro. Sordello: Your full name. Maro: Deputy Virgil Matthew Maro, but nobody calls me that. Sordello: What should I call you? Maro: Matt is fine. Sordello: Matt. The woman who just entered your chamber is going to apply several sensors to your chest, right arm, and your forehead. These will allow us to record not only your vitals but also your brain wave patterns in sync with this recording. Are you okay with that? Maro: What, like a lie detector? Sordello: Strictly for observational purposes. Maro: Sure. Go ahead. Whatever helps. Sordello: Okay. I have a vital feed coming in. Transmission seems to be okay. For the record, Deputy Maro has a resting heart rate of 102 beats per minute, blood pressure is 132 over 81. While these appear to be slightly elevated, this is understandable considering … recent events. Blood oxygen and brain patterns are normal. Maro: You said you were a special agent, but you didn't say with who. Sordello: We'll get to that. Would you like me to have them administer something to help you calm down? Maro: No. I'll be fine. I'm just, you know, trying to wrap my head around everything. Sordello: I'm hoping to help you with that. Maro: If you want to help, how about telling those guys to lower their guns. I'm not going to do anything. Sordello: I'm afraid I can't. We need to follow protocols. Maro: You have protocols for this? Has it happened before? Sordello: Your blood pressure is rising. Are you sure you don't want a mild sedative? Maro: I understand the guns, but why is there a priest here? Sordello: I need you to focus, Deputy. I don't know how much time we have. We need to get everything on the record while we still can. Maro: Okay. Okay. Sordello: Walk me through it. Start with yesterday morning. Try not to leave out any details, even if they seem minor to you. Maro: [ No response ] Sordello: Deputy? Maro: With her, right? When she first showed up? Sordello: [ Subject muted—Audible to technician only ] Can you check his heart rate monitor? He dropped off for thirty seconds, then came back. [ Audible click—Subject unmuted ] Sordello: Yes. Start with her.