Relations
An old newspaper clipping
TWENTY-THREE DEAD, POLICE BAFFLED -----
July 5th, 1997
Local authorities could give no answers this morning as to the explanation for the deaths of twenty-three individuals. Police were summoned at 6:45 am to a the scene, approximately thirteen miles from Barton Town. Reportedly, a Fourth of July camping trip and family reunion was being held in the mountains. All but two of the campers were found at the base of the cliff, having apparently fallen to their deaths. The two survivors are cousins Tryst Kerrigan, age 12, and Xavier Peters, age 6.
According to reports, the two were asleep when the deaths occurred. When Kerrigan awoke and found the camp empty, she reportedly used her father's cellphone to phone police for help, who arrived within half an hour.
Officer Cheryl Jenkins said that, "while we have not ruled out the possibility of foul play, there is no evidence to suggest that these deaths were murders. We do not, however, believe that they were accidents... all signs point to a mass suicide." When asked about the possible motives, Jenkins says, "We are in the process of investigating just that."
(continues on page B4)
(Living relatives)
Peregrine Daniels Kerrigan, age 28. Tryst's older brother, current whereabouts and health unknown. Hasn't been officially heard from in six years, when he staged an escape from a jail off the coast of Isle de Gambino for manslaughter and armed robbery. Popular belief is that he died in the attempt.
Xavier Gregory Peters, age 14. Tryst's younger cousin, the two occasionally make contact through email. They are not, however, particularly close; their lives split in different directions a long time ago, and Tryst seems dead set on keeping a good physical gap. The last time she heard from him, Xavier was having serious depression issues, and had tried to persuade her to take legal custody of him.
Cheryl McCarthy Jenkins, age 42. Tryst's adopted guardian, Tryst regards her with suspicion and unease. Cheryl does not seem too bothered by the fact that Tryst does not make even the smallest effort to keep in contact, and both have moved on with their lives.
