And this strategy had begun the moment Vaughan said, "You don't want to die!"
There was context behind those words.
Essex recalled that before he had passed out, Vaughan had said he "didn't like dead people." Put together, the unspoken meaning was—You don't want to die, and I don't want you to die either. See? We have a basis for cooperation. Why can't we talk?
The itch from his wound brought Essex back to himself. He glanced at where the thigh his split body had discarded had been; the wound had been neatly bandaged.
Vaughan Weasley had even conjured him a crutch.
Even though he understood the intent behind the other man's soft approach, Essex could not help feeling a trace of gratitude at that moment. That was also why he was willing to "chat."
Of course, there was another reason: Vaughan Weasley seemed very familiar with No-Maj society!
That was quite rare among wizards. Just as Vaughan had said, "understand each other"—Essex also wanted to learn about this English genius whose name he had heard constantly over the past few months, though he had never met him.
So, after answering, Essex said, "My turn. Why did you come to America?"
Across the campfire, with flames rising between them, Essex could not make out Vaughan's expression. He only noticed that Vaughan seemed to smile. "If I said I originally came just to save a friend, would you believe me?"
"I would."
"Oh? Why?"
"You have no reason to lie to a prisoner. What is her name? Perhaps I can offer some clues."
"A female friend named Isabella Rosier."
"The Rosier family?"
"Ah, yes, though she's already separated from the family. The main branch isn't too interested in getting involved in her affairs... Have you heard anything?"
Essex thought for a