Dinner with Farau and New Leads

Hi there, Billy Hindle here, the voice of Alice Dyer in the Magnus Protocol. As part of the Magnus Archive's tenth anniversary, Rusty Quill is hosting a special Magnus live show at the upcoming Crosswires podcast Festival in Sheffield. Join co creators Jonathan Sims and Alexander J. Newell on the fifth of July for a new iteration of our live show Statement Begins, where you can hear fan favorite statements such as Anglerfish, Red Live, and gain exclusive insights into the creation and history of the show straight from the creators themselves. You can buy your tickets now, including limited numbers of meet and greet tickets from crosswi. liive or the link in the description of this episode Hi everyone, it's Joahan here. Today we're sharing an episode from a podcast on the RQ network, Malevolent. Malevolent is a thrilling Eldritch horror mystery audio drama, brilliantly combined with elements of choose your own adventure and actual play via their Patreon. This is the first episode of Malevolent's second series Threshold, which follows John and Arthur having returned to Archam after their time seeking the Blackstonone and facing the new and terrible truth this world has revealed to them. Faced with the new challenges before them, and old foes perhaps still a threat, the duo must carve a new path in this strange world. Malevolent is from Harlan Guthrie, the same talented creator behind both the Devisor and Dice shame. To listen to more, you can click on the link in the description or search for Malevolent wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also find more information at rustyquill d. com or malevolent. ca. Have fun and enjoy the episode so late J there said who's there Fell who's there? G You think you're fucking funny Fuck I am. Da? Wh' fucking door You're banging on You don't want chance to piss off For I end you All right Bang on my front door St off Ban. Where am I In the car. You got to sleep H. The Arnet fararm The steak out Our case Oh Right Oh Hm Y U. U, how's it going? Well as well as it's been going for the last few hours Well Thanks for keeping an eye Yeah for four goddamn hours, while you dozed Remind me again. How exactly is this fair? How? Mmm, you want a full refresher Okay, well let's see. lastast year I opened a mysterious book that was delivered to my office Oh well I did A fragment of an eldritch gard known as the King in Yellow. That's you, John. were somehow transferred into me. I meant. Leaving me completely blind However he, again, that's you Got got control of my eyes So when we do stakouts orr have to tail a client or hell have to file a police report. Or You're sadly the one who watches Well I I get to nap. It's the napping I'm talking about Fes like I have to work while you get to rest That's exactly what it is. Harty hor hor. Oh, come on You get plenty of time to rest too. do you not? I don't rest. I resture. What I mean is when I sleep, you get your time to relax, to pursue your own endeavors. And you do the same. When you want time alone, I let you put me in time out. Willingly. You said you enjoy that space. You said it's like sleeping for you. It is. I'm not complaining. In moments like this, shouldn't we both be working What am I supposed to do here? Withre stock staring at the broadside of a barb. And the field surrounding. How am I supposed to know I mean you could review the case with me. Keep me company. I know, but it's so boring. Like it isn't for me. fine The Arnet case He hired us because he suspected someone of nefarious nature was living in his bar. It wasn't just him who hired us. A few of the local farms were concerned Some of the livestock went missing. Rightly. An that is the one who noticed the guy. Yes And for the past three nights he's seen a figure skulking about the fields When he looked into the barn during the day, he saw signs of someone living there, including, including a sigil painted on the floor In blood. In what he thought looked like blood. It can't be blood. It can be. But we don't know that For all we know it's vagrant just needing a warm bed for the night. A vagrant. We don't know anything. In fact, we don't even know if Old Man Arnid is all there. Although. Oh, he's older than Dirt John And he said himself that his granddaughter was dating a troublemaker. It's probably the two of them sneaking off to canoodle in the barn while the old man sleeps. What about the sigil? I don't know Maybe kids these days make love in mysterious ways. I'd rather not know. Yeah, well you better know. Faro is bound to start dating soon. Don't bring Faroa up, please. sleep as it is. Well then wake up. U Why is she keeping you up? You know why. It's been what? A handful of months since since we got back. Yeah, and I mean I can't tell her about you I know. You know how awkward that is for me? I know, I know. I'm just I need more time What? good as I am without needing to see, she's bound us on asking questions She's a sharp girl, Jon Sharper than I am. Th neither of us She knows something's up Don't put this all on me You're hesitant to tell her as well. Of course I am Of course I am are you kidding me All my life, I wanted a second chance with Farau All my life I had hoped to see a woman she'd grow into and now Now that I do, I You know how terrified I am to upset the Ale cut? She's such a force She's such hard You know, she's acing all of her classes at Mescatani. I know People out there They are desperate for times to change for the next era M begging for life to just slow down to a crawl I want to sit in every moment with her, catch up on all of those he has missed Tell her everything And yet I'm so nervous to say the wrong thing. lose her again. You're not going to, though. She's not She's not like that I know, I know Like I don't know what the manager did. I don't know what magic he pulled to have her here with Asper It's clear that she's never known anything else. Same with everyone else for that matter. Jack God. Navigating the discovery was awkward. Oh, hey, Daniel, did I ever mention Fau? Of course, Arthur. She was staying with me while you were out dealing with those monstrosities. It's as if she's always been here. Which makes it all the more awkward when I ask her things I'm supposed to know about Like where she's staying or what she's studying. It's difficult to find out what you don't know. Without her thinking I'm a shit father who doesn't listen. You're trying your best. Yeah. We both are Thank God no one seems to question why I'm only fifteen years older than her. Speaking of, don't forget that we're meeting her for dinner after this Dumt. Don't forget you're the one watching the time, aren't you? I'm watching the barn Fuck am I supposed to be watching the time? Well, maybe if you weren't sleeping. Tell me you are fucking with me and that you're waking What Movement Tue l Behind the barn I can barely see through the rain, bye I think it's a figure Moving from the ward toward the field Stay with him He crouched low The light outside is very dim Moon covered in shadow. He moves with a nervousness. Barnet said he found some entrails in the woods. A creature. dear Yeah Gutted with a knife She see a weapon Tough to tell All right, He scampered up the hay bales on the side of the barn, and headed into the loft Shall we confront this vagrant I suppose the rain is gonna let up, is it You're bringing the gun. Shouldn't I? What about this seems violent Nothing but It can't hurt, can it? People get spooked by guns, Arthur It speaks to intention. Speaks to intention. What are you I'm just saying You said yourself, blood sigils. You said it wasn't blood Look, you're just nervous. I get that. But this isn't like it was before You know, we're just outside the city These are just people. and the majority of the cases that we've handled so far They all end in mundane, simple explanations Yeah Remember the garnet case? Literally just misplaced And the stained livery case Oh yeah, leted Gilbert. They're just people bring the gun and this could change a potentially friendly chat to an armed encounter Butook It's your call Our support either way People they may be, but it's people that I'm cautious about John As you said, these cases are mundane At this point the mundane can do just as much damage Very well All right What It's so wet out there Get out. All right All right Barne is straight ahead Though the cloud covers the moon, there's still a fair bit of light coming through The barn sits black dwn of all its color against the blue hue of the lightning strikes. Ofuscated moonlight The barn looks old. Not the oldest we've encountered. but surely one that has been around for some time Do you want to enter the way he did Would you rather move through the front? Let's follow him. All right. The hay bales are stacked up opposite the forest. Mve to the right of the building There's a small wooden fence here. You'll need to Yes. Yeah ye Perfect No, too low The rain may cover the sound of our movement won't hide our approach, should he look out H The hey bs You be declin ahead Stay low. roached on this top bale of hay ee if you can peek over the edge just slightly. a moment to look Anything Darkness. It doesn't even look like he's using light I don't see any movement All right, G it dim light outside, it looks like there are crates a few stacked against the far wall of this upper barn loft area, and a few to our immediate left We only knew the back of the barn, so okay This loft area is rather large It looks like a maze of mold covered hay bales and wooden crates filled with various farm supplies almost serve as Yes creating a branching path deeper into the barn understand why this vagrant would have gone undetected He must be somewhere, Squirled away, near the front of the barn. Can you see? Can you navigate? barely I can for a bit with a guiding hand, but eventually I'll need some light unless s. Unless he has a light deeper in that we can't see. Yes. All right, slow and steady. anythingything you see, Yeah yeah, of course This loft fels Me Sike. A few flashes of blue light from the opening behind us cut hard shadows through the crates, painting the floor in angular patterns Like a fun house Only Only there's no fun. Are he here. somethingomething. Listen, listen I can hear him But I can't make her wife say Thanks Allright Kill him We need to tell him to shove off as well just. roach Okay Okay, but it's still dark. U' the lighter. N. Show him that you don't mean him any harm G He's just around the crates to our ride. Cud. You seen the light? Cud. He stands. He's dropped a knife What He held. It's okay. But his hands are It's okay. Cvered in blood I don't mean you any harm. He clenches his fists in rage. Cud here. His eyes are wild, Arthur. My name is Arthur Lester I'm a private investigator here in Arkham, or downtown. He looks fair old, Arthur. His eyes dark behind us as if expecting others. He's shaking. Nervously or angrily, I can't tell. What are you doing here? Who sent you? Who sent me? Arthur behind him. on the floor. in dim candlelight is the stitil Some blood. There's also a page from some book. The farmer who owns the barn sent L I'm only hing liar He sent me didn me. He Who? Who do you think sent me? didn' me? No, no, listen, Listen Whatever happened to you, I promise I am not part of it I not met with him Ask him his name. Look, look Let's just talk. Okaykay? What's your name? or can I call you Please Please I swear to you Iomem alone So Sam, okay. Okaykay, Sam, listen to me. I swear to you, whatever you're wrapped up in whoever you think sent me It's not the case I have nothing to do with it, okay He unclenches his fist. His shoulders relax. But only slightly. You know, but maybe I can help you. Tell me, why are you here? He glances to the sigil on the floor for a moment. What are you doing? You have to stop it But it's not working? What's not working He did such terrible things, such horrible But but I've found way. I did. I've under the way just stop him. Dy scrambles to the floor to fetch the page It's blood stained and it looks ripped as if torn from a book. See, see It's not working. It's not working. He's handing the page to you his feet firmly planted unmoving, but his ar is outstretched Take it. Okay, okay, okay. A little lower, Ay. B Oh Arthur hiss eyes fall. He spots the gun in your holster beneath your coat. It's fine. It's fine. Arthur here. Look, I always carry scoops down to his feet and picks up the knife again. G, lookook, I'll put it now. I'll put mine there. Look, okay. I need to for this way. I started. I need to stop them. I believe you. I need to stop him We can stop him together, I believe you. He's taken a step back. Look, look I'm putting my gun on the floor. Look He's watching you Youour gun down See? Look at it at Look at the page. page. Oh, the page. Yes, yes. Look. See? I'm looking. I'm looking. It looks like a ritual of some sort old page from some ancient tob You've seen things like this before It isn't in English, but it seems to depict a sigil, like the one he's drawn and various symbols around it Some seem familiar. others more.ry animals. I try animals first I didn't want to hurard anything I knew I didn' need it. What is to do? stop the What It's a heart, Arthur. He's been cutting out the organs to harvest a heart. No that wouldn't work. Oh God. Arthur, step forward. What have you? you have to help me now. Beyhond the candle lightight, I see. You help you now. A person. A young man. Jesus. Sam, he's laying on his back. He's still alive. He's been stabbed. He's still alive. I couldn't. You need to finish them. and then I can harvest the heart. ase Arthur's please. He's moving to the bar. no, no, no, Sam. Sam, you cannot. Stop He stops. A look of petulant anger washes over him. You you Not like this, Sam. Look, I can help you but not like this. It has to be this way It has to. Let's just talk b he is still breathing Arthur. There's no v Are you will kill him You can get hur. It'll be easier you see. Sam A' stopbing. Sam is stuck onun, Arthur. She's too far from the gun. I' sorry now! was not your f. Sam stop fire! please. Fire!am there. C we can! Sam shose Arthur You stopped him He was laying across the chest of the young man Arthur with the knife, held over his head was about to kill him Is he? It was a clean shot Please is hurt Arthur the Body, the young man. Right Yeah, He can't be more than eighteen barely old enough for a beard He's wearing slacks, a white collared shirt Looks like he's The boyfriend boyfriend The farmer's granddaughter Maybe, just wrong place, wrong time You can say that again. But he is breathing So. cut that Sam gave him before we arrived, it's suuperficial, largely I think he'll make it I should have tackled him. I could have taken the knife far through I am telling you Had you tried to close the distance? had you not went for the gun This boy would have been dead. You saved his life There's no doubt in my mind. And there shouldn't be any in yours either. G What a mess. You're telling me. What is this ritual for Maybe we can learn something We would need to translate it, but Where's that paper? The paper Oh, right. It's back here Yeah, we may as well take a second here before calling police Fuck! Fuck, Arur age in your pocket quickly. hide it. There. I understand your gun. Drop the gun My weapon is dropped. I'm unarmed. I'm back here. I am complying, officer. They're moving back here through the maze of boxes we navigated The light from the torch is bright. Stuff to make Ooous Clease not. Do not what H Uh Let's C home Michael? A, what the heck are you doing here? Oh I got at you. Look. He's dropped his light and holstered his gun. Look. He looks equally relieved. He's come over to help us. She hands you, your gun. Thanks, How the heck happen. What happened? What the heck happened to you? What are you doing here? I got a call this afternoon about a suspicious looking in Maron Plymouth Park for hours on a nearby property, y I? Oh God. Callahan stares at the scene with a grisly expression. I had no idea it was you.? What on guards are you up to? Well I I I mean, when that was your shot I heard, I suppose. Yeah, look, this farm hired me Mr. Arnold, Oret on it. Yeah, had someone poking around his bnd. The one on his back or the one that you beamed. Listen, he had a knife He brought the kid here to cut out his heart on It's hot Look at the floor symbol. Callahghan looks at the sigil with a detached eye He's focused on Sam. Yeah, I see why they called you. He sighs. The way he does when you're telling him something he doesn't quite grasp. Look, I had to save the kid. And he's still breathing. Cuts only skin deep. No, you made the right call, just He looks as though he's trying not to remember something Michael Why you gotta take these cases, Arthur You're a good PR, hell, I've seen your work You only take this kind of stuff this Devil's work. He says devil with a chill. Hey, it's out there And someone's got to do it Bye. Same as I said last time, Arthur. Right? It's clear Callahghan is a skeptic. guess. He doesn't want to believe there's more than thugs and brutes on the streets of Arkle. as people keep believing in this spin. He's a good cop. Trustworthy kindind, his eyes especially. But he'll never understand our work It's best to continue keeping him in the dark. People are the real devils. And staying in his good graces when we need him. Sam here wasn't a monster, just a man. I troubled Sam Yeah, that's he said. I don't know if it's true. Oh, you IDem? No You came in right after, Well, we're gonna have company soon, so. Company. How so? When I heard the shot, I called the station. Fuck. Shit, Callahan. Hey. Yeah, sorry, look, Michael, I. I have to go. I can't dinner with Farotu. Yeah, I have dinner plans with Farau. I can't miss. I really can't. And I'm probably late as it is, Wh are you on a stakeout? Priority issues. I'm bad at saying no. He's looking through the body of Sam, checking his mud soaked pockets. Yeah, how is she?ill lacking school? Yeahes, she is. She's If the police come, we'll be stuck here for hours, Arthur. Look You have what you need, right? Yeah. he says he said, are't that hard youud, you followed this son here, we threatened to kill the kid with a knife and You did what you had to to save the kid But s But fromom the horse's mouth So are we Jake here or Yeah, you better make tracks. Brilliant. Thankk you. Hey, but look, I'm not signing for you again I'll hide this signature til I see you, but I need you to actually sign it this time, okay? I will swing by the station after din with Feru, I promise. All. Let's go quickly Oh ye yeah You've takeen sip, right Nothing from the crims. Every states R Arthur, we need that. Oh. Yeah, I nearly forgot. Ar sir. What? A piece of paper. He handed it to me, the stiff. Well now we have no idea what this was all about Why do you want to call it a day on this job? You're a good man, Callahghan Good friend. All right I get it What in the blazes? I think Sam thinks he was trying to stop something He kept muttering about stopping him Who's him? The kid? No, no, no, someone else. He was scared, Michael Really scared He thought someone sent me, a man, but I didn't catch the name He said he did horrible things terrible things and he thought Well, hit thought this page was the key to stopping He's studying the paper intently. darting his eyes between the stigil and the page and the one in blood at our feet What do you think I think he needed help Well, I think youve made an impossibly tough car did the right thing as you tend to do. He looks at you with admiration Respect, even Here He's handing the paper back Michael You sure. It's blowoney to me, I know they won't see it as much either Even if we did have one cop like you on side, you'd still be laughed out of the room for taking anything on that with any sort of weight I don't want to believe in any of this cy He meets our gaze But you do And that's enough for me Thanks, Michael A shick a leg Let's go. I will meet you later to sign a statement I promise. I' h you to that You can. This way, Arthur, through the crates See What do I tell you? You didn't tell me anything. You had dance. You didn't know he was going to let us keep it. I played a hunch. okay? Detectives play hunches. You should know that by now. I do. My detectives have hunches all the time. You. I'm talking about real detectives Boy' up here? It's the exedgeit back into the rain. We need to hoo it before more arrive. Here. Mavel F go. Yes. Allright, so you just got lcked. So Well detectives get lucky too No matter what I say, you're gonna say you were right about this, aren't you? No doubt. To your left You just don't like to admit when I make a gamble and it pays off. You like to be the only one with a flash of inspiration Right Right? Oh. Thanks You want to be a wise guy? Oh, sorry. I thoughtought you'd get lucky and sense it Look, the truth is we both got lucky. That's what I said. I wasn't discounting you. I mean in general. Not just with the pages, but with Michael comoming back from seeking the Blackstone. you know, we were in a lot of trouble. Well, we thought we were Parker's body was stashed in our closet. and Eddie was dead in the basement. Both more or less dead by our hand We're up the call. Thanks Allright, we're gonna stop on in. I'll get us there as quick as I can. I appreciate it. And hey, hey I appreciate you I was only making cracks earlier. I'm sorry, I was sleeping while you were working, okay You know, we can be as fair as you want I know Believe me by now I know you well enough Sorry for the fs. It's been a while since I had a good bruise You're okay if I take over? Yeah, just the left. All I can ever do You know that? I know. but Sometimes I do wonder. Wonder what? I don't know Your powers, you've embraced them. I've tried to. You told me of course, of course I want you to I don't mean that negatively. What do you mean? Well, you know, there was a time brief as it was That I had another god in my head Lilith. Narla Potp'saughter Yeah You know, she may have helped us trap another photap in the end or Cane as she prefers to be called, but Before she agreed to help, you know, she took control of me N not just in my left hand, but My whole body. All of you, while I was passed out from pain I know you take control of my left side, my hand and leg. Oly when you're okay with it. Of course. but I do wonder If I can't do more, sometimes Perhaps it's that I'm not as powerful as Lilith. After all, she is a great old one. but Arthur, I swear Most I can control only your left side Believe me. There are times I'd love to move a little more. Well, given how it felt to have something else control my body, I'm glad you can't No offense. None taken. And besides, you have a few other tricks as well. Projecting has come in handy a few times. Projecting. I mean that makes it sound so immaterial, but it literally saved the world from Cain's wrath with a bit of effort. Manifesting outside of your body into a somewhat physical form isn't easy. Yeah, I can imagine draining on both of us. But it sure helps us in a pinch. Tho We still don't want people seeing me Not in that way. No, no, no, it's an ace up our sleeve, really. The real ace. He's laying a hand on the dead. I can't deny that I mean that that's a big reason that we've been getting so many jobs, you know. Touching the flesh of the recently deceased A you seeing the final moments leading up to their demise, it's put us head and shoulders above the rest. Much to the chagrin of ArkumPD. Well, not all of them. They have a nickname for us at the precinct. I know. God, I know You act as if I'm the only one whose talents have aided us. What about you What' the brains? You can silence me. Lock me out of your body. Oh, you mean time out, Yeahah. You're always so offended by the notion. as if we don't do it every night. I know, it just it feels odd Being able to push you out, a reprieve from each other is nice For both of us. I know, I know. I just I guess being the only one in control. of it, you know, it makes me feel I get it. but you're right. It gives us both time to think, you know time to be alone, to rest What I want to It's a good thing. Yeah. ye. Lilith acted as if it was some kind of torture. Lilith is a different manner of creature in everywhere She's still out there in Larson's body Let's not start counting the threads left undone by our time seeking the blackster. All right, let's just appreciate our luck. Like you said with Michael And Parker and Eddie It's an uneasy feeling. What is? Park's death. No Eddies What do you mean and he was there for him all along He thought we were covering for Parker work. Parker owed two grand, John. I had no idea he borrowed the money from an outfit. othertherwise I would have helped him to know. I no He was a marked man. But when I we've been over this, you know, Park's death It was a tragedy But knowing what he owed and to whom I don't know if we could have saved him. I mean Eddie Why were the police so content to have his death go unsolved Because he was a low level enforcer for whatever outfit Parker borrowed money from you. You remember what Callahghan said But they were probably all too happy to just cross his name off their shit list Maybe Look, we were grilled. We kept our story straight, and we had Daniel to support our claims and thankfully pay our rent. It's not airtight. But we have covered our tracks as good as possible And yeah Got lucky It just feels like Like what L like our lock is about to run out An we werere back in Arham, only a few streets away from the junction cafe. On Washington? Yeah. That's across the street from Staint Theeresa', right? Yeah, that's it, isn't it? Yeah Yeah, I should have suggested somewhere nicer, somewhere where we could talk. Arthur, she chose this place. relelax How late are we Yeah, you don't want to know. And you think I could keep a weekly dinner going? You are, we are. Arthur, you need to give yourself a break She loves you She isn't holding you to the standards that you are holding yourself to I know. She doesn't know about what came before She's only known you her entire life. I know Just down the street All right to the right It's warmer in the city The autumn air is stifled against the cigarette smoke and automobile exhaust, but Still, the city is Alive people scurry about with various intents each an entire life of wants and worry October smells Different. Something about apples and spices, jack o lentns and children desperately trying to get their fill of the dying days of warmth before winter sets in I do love this time of year the junction is just ahead Yeah, hey, maybe we'll be able to popp over to Stain. Theeresa' after dinner Maybe Michael will be there or at least Sam's body Bh What She's sitting in a booth at the window T me For Dark shouldhoulder length hair is brushed behind one ear as her eyes dance across the pages of an open book. Is it holding a secret The corner of her thin mouth curls up to one side, a crooked smile A joke, only she knows her brown eyes are so Bright. sharing a keen intellect like her father's Only unhidden herer dimed chin, her delicate ears, her sharp nose They belong to her mother, but her eyes Her eyes are her dad's as are her freckles She turns the page like a student Pacticed and determined Uncaring for the paper wanting only the knowledge with him Is it why smile unmoving She has the world figured out. wisdom not bought or borrowed but earn some unknowable way. A young woman Who knows this world through and through for all its bane and benefit One who understands not just the people around her. But their role to play in the stars And as she checks her watch, one who undoubtedly brought the book because she knows her dad all too well. Fuck, all right. Are you gonna tell her about Sam? about the shooting? Tell her that I killed someone tonight. Yeah, I don't think so. She'll know you're hiding something. Right And what's the harm in that? She says she doesn't want to know about my work. She said she doesn't want to be your secretary, Arthur, That's different Look, it's up to you But if she looks up from that book and sees you standing here. Right, right, right She's at the last booth on the left For backers to us. Can I get you anything? Oh, sure. Another coffee? She doesn't turn her head. And a slice of pie If you're still paying. She's not fooled for a second. Pie already. Did you eat? Hey, can't keep a girl waiting forever, dad. She turns. A coy smile plastered on her face. How did you knowose me? Oh, I'd know you with a blindfold on. You have a very distinctive way about you. Way about you. I mean, I should change my gait. Hate to think I'm predictable. Definitely. Maybe even a new pair of shoes What's wrong with my shoes? Out of style? Out of soul. Sounds like your socks are wet too Rainy up north? The waitress walks over and drops a piece of pie between the two. Thank you. With two forks. How did you know I was up north? The west is water And two forks. Got hungry You saw me at the window. She smirks and takes a bite of pot. You're a better detective than I am. We should hire you. You weren't exactly hidden. And it's just you now, dad You said we. Uncle Peter is. U rightight yes. I well I should hire you. No, you should pay me for taking your messages. Again Mmm right before I came here. She slided a small piece of paper across the table to you. Why were you by the office? Grabbing my spare jacket in case it rained. Well, you didn't have to take this message. You could have let it ring. Well, it seemed urgent. You can sense when a ringing phone seems urgent. M. Not any phone, just yours. No, why just mine I don't know Suppose we have a connection You're insufferable. He says lovingly. U. Oh, I was just talking about apples and spices. You always loved Halloween. I just did you? My kid didn't Mmm Do you remember when I was for Halloween when I was seven That year, Marnie, the neighborhood had in Boston. Do or she start making those candy app Pivot or to change the subject. M. Way to change the subject? What subject? How did you know I came from the North? It's done rain here And I'm all wet, daddy So what are you doing Anything worth sharing Well, I Yeah, I It was a case watching a barn at the Arnet fararm. was trying to see if I could stop a perp from taking a nap. He was killing some Local wildlife and cattle. Killing Yeah, yeah, he was u He was troubled He needed help, I think What happened to him? Well, he tried to hurt a kid. He had up at the barn with him. He wanted to carve out his heart and end well I had to I had to. didnidn't. I did, yeah She stops eating the pie . I'm sorry, should I Should I now have d? It's your work. Sometimes you do what you have to do, I guess, right Yeah. You didn't have a choice Yeah Did you? What Did you have a choice? I Yeah, I suppose I did have a choice Okay. If she looks You not You don't want to know Well Whatever the case I'm sorry it kept you. She She finishes the last bite of pie and leaves the crust for us She stands from the booth. no, no, no, no, please. No please Oh, no, no, Dad, honest. I'm o with it. No. I knew this was a deal with dinner. No, you're not. Please. please. Dad. To minut. It's fine. I'm not leaving in a huff. I just I have to head back to the dormitory before they lock the doors. What time did they lock them? tenen thirty. Yeah fififteen minutes. Five minutes The dorm is a ten minute walk outad. Two, twowo minutes, please Okay, two minutes. But only because I couldn't care less what that old bag Hilda thinks. She sits back down. All right. All right. How's school? How's astrology? Astronomy. Astronomy. Of course. I'm sorry. Don't be. I love it. It's amazing. It's surreal, dad. You have no idea No idea what it looks like. To see through the telescope they have of the Brandywood building on the roof, the one just outside of town My God, dad It was Breathtaking She speaks with such elation Such love I can only imagine Love to No it's dumb. What is? What She shakes her head at herself. I don't know, mayaybe Maybe I could get you in Sneak you in, mayabbe. My professor is very lax I'm sure you could convince him to make an exception. To get me in Like we could go look together You could see the stars. I love that Yeah. But you have to be there. You could not show up late. I'd be there. Promise I move heaven and earth I'll ask it I'd love that Okay, now I should go. She sts. All right, yeah. You don't need to stand too, dad.h Call me old fashioned. Are you gonna stay? I may pop across the street to see a friend before heading on. The morgue again. Yeah. You're starting to earn that nickname, Dad. You know about that nickname too Hey, I'm sorry I was late. I promise next week. I know I love you I love you So much. Dad. Don't cry. You just you're growing up so fast Eat. It's fine. I gotta go. I'll call you tomorrow. And I will answer And get a secretary. Oh, her book, Arthur. She left it. Oh, thro, grab it from the table where she was sitting Oh, thank you. You don't want to go losing books. I've been there What is this anyway? Oh a puzzle book. Puzzle book the Trque Mara puzzle book. It's just a bunch of crosswords across six anagrams, all from the observer. Keing the mind sharp, righth? I work out the muscles I want. Damn straight. Talk soon, dad. Love you. Bye, love. Oh, try to see that guy tonight. Who guy Sound like he was in a tisser. Who? The notope, Dad. I forget his name, Robert something. Oh, yeah. Take care. Take care. She walks away jogging down the sidewalk Hoping to catch the light. Oh, and for what it's worth Get it Get what The nickname What even is a dead man's M Be safe Rro Look, we're trying our best to get here It's not always going to be perfect. We'll be early next time Right We can do that for her. Make the effort not take a job the same day R Or. Yeah Sorry, sorry. What's wrong? No, nothing I think so So the message. The message. The ones you took Al right. But what does it say No number Just an address on the east side And a name And what name would that be One Robert Puckett I don't recognize the name Neither do I. But Officer Callahghan surely isn't at the morgue yet or the body of Sam Can I take a drive?