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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2017 13:04:58 GMT
Arthur thinks.
"It's a possiblity, sure. I guess I'll see when I meet them."
He watches the doctor, as thoughts fly across his inner vision after Arthur mentions London. Clearly, he knows something, or has heard stories. That's enough.
"I do. You could say it piqued my curiosity, my eagreness to learn more. And, I did. A great deal more. I'm not interested in ordinary human hauntings, though. It's the other worldly things, creatures that cross dimensions ..."
He stops, not meaning to have said so much, and regards the doctor, hoping he hasn't convinced the man he was completely insane.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2017 18:16:32 GMT
Ordinary human hauntings and otherworldly things joined the list with the multiple gods and whatever it was Mr. Moore had put down. Reece did not react badly though. Arthurs tone had been quite clear, not the babbling of someone disturbed. The fact that he sought out these things alongside others and as a business stood for a lot too.
"You seek out such dangers, potentially risk the life of you and your girlfriend primarily for the sake of curiousity?" he asks. "I take it you consider yourself a brave, perhaps even a heroic man?"
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2017 1:22:52 GMT
"Well, yes, and no. This one," he touches his forehead and the scar, "I was asked to help with. Some things find their way to me. Some I happen across. A few I go looking for. It's more than a curiosity, though. I wouldn't consider myself overly brave or heroic, no. Just someone who seems to be good at something, doing what they're good at. And it is only a sideline of sorts. My main businesses are in New York, and in books."
He smiles, not sure what sort of impression he's making. The man doesn't seem scared, which is good. He also hasn't rolled his eyes or made any other sign of complete disbelief. But that could just be the doctor's poker face.
"I do enjoy seeking out the unknown, though. Wanting to make it known. At least, known to me. Don't you?"
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2017 11:30:46 GMT
"Very interesting.. Raises the question as to whether this Other is drawn to you as you are to it. I wonder if you feel that way?" Reece asked, feeling the question important.
"Many people consider ignorance is bliss, Mr. Moore." The doctor smiles, "If they knew anything of the sort of things you talk about, I expect most people would cling more strongly to that belief. Curiousity killed the cat is another somewhat relevant phrase I believe. Does this girlfriend of yours share your curiosity and eagerness to know?"
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2017 11:53:57 GMT
"Curiosity killed the cat, doctor ... but satisfaction brought it back. If I wanted to get all high and mighty and justify my need to know, I'd say I was a scientist, and this my field of research. But I know there's nothing scientific about it. You can't put these things under a microscope. Most of them won't even photograph. The one that cut me wasn't even visible until it was dusted in something you're better off not knowing the ingredients of."
He smiled, thinking back to that night, and the acquisition of corpse fat to make the powder.
"You're right, though. Most people don't want to know. And often that's why things are left to fester, and people like me only get called as a last resort."
Arthur sits a moment, thinking.
"It could be they seek me out. Maybe I'm some sort of beacon. Perhaps it's my belief. Or, that I believe. I bought a house recently. It's haunted. I'm only just beginning to explore its history to find out why. I find it fascinating."
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2017 14:11:38 GMT
Reece smiles brightly and nods as Arthur adds the well known come back to the proverb. He gave another, quite different, nod as his client continued talking and spoke on what had cut him and the unknown ingrediants used to apparently reveal it. It was a nod that revealed nothing but agreement to the statement.
"You make it sound like you do indeed provide a service to.. mankind perhaps, or at least the people around here." he observes with a smile, "Did you know the house was haunted when you bought it?"
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2017 23:21:07 GMT
Arthur laughs. "I guess. I dunno. Sometimes I stir up as much as I put diwn, but that's just life I guess. And no, I didn't know the house was haunted." He grins, shaking his head slightly. "I bought it unseen, based on location and floor plan. It was quite a surprise, I'm not used to ordinary ghosts. Though I really don't know if they are ordinary yet, I only took possession last week. I'm still doing my research. It's a nice big house, up on French Hill, facing the river. Was going to be home for me and the ... and my girlfriend, room for our business. I guess I'll see how that goes. She may not appreciate the hosts."
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2017 23:46:10 GMT
"You hesitated there, Mr. Moore. What were you going to say?" The doctor asked in a polite, questioning tone. "You don't seem upset or annoyed by the circumstances of the house yourself. Only that your girlfriend may not be happy. Is that accurate in your opinion? Would you say she is not as deeply involved in such unnatural matters as you are?"
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Post by Deleted on Sept 14, 2017 3:54:14 GMT
"I almost called her my missus ... but she's not. Not that I wouldn't like her to be, but we're too new to be diving into commitment yet. I'm not entirely sure what she wants, in all honestly. But no, she's not likely to be too happy about the haunting. She's had her own troubles lately, some related to this sort of thing. And she's a pretty mild mannered girl, most of the time. Librarian." He smiles.
"So, doc ... am I like ... do you think I'm crazy?"
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Post by Deleted on Sept 14, 2017 4:58:56 GMT
Reece smiled softly as Arthur spoke of his girlfriend and reached up to brush his moustache with the back of his right hand. "A librarian? Makes me wonder if you met through your book business or the investigations. Rather a fortunate coincidence either way." he smiles again. "Is marraige such a large step compared to living together in your eyes?"
The doctor shakes his head, "You don't really consider yourself crazy. You have clearly been through a number of shocks lately, but not all of what you have mentioned was recent. I cannot see why you would come to me now about anything so far in the past. Do you?"
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Post by Deleted on Sept 14, 2017 9:15:44 GMT
Arthur smiles back.
"Actually, we met during a police investigation. We'd both volunteered our services to look into the Talbot house in Hillford. Encountered something odd there, though it never made it into official reports. Then we bumped into each other in town, shared a drink, and things went from there as they normally do." He moves to reach into his pocket, then stops, putting his hands back into his lap. "Marriage is a big step, yes, because it's a lifelong commitment. Living together is more, well, temporary, as long as it's convenient."
He listens to the doctor.
"Well, no, I don't think I'm crazy. Yet. As for recent ... most of it's been in the last few months. Do you consider that far in the past? I guess I've come to you now, hoping that if I build a relationship with you now, when things do go south, you'll know the difference between this me, and that me. If that at all makes sense?"
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Post by Deleted on Sept 14, 2017 12:25:43 GMT
The doctor nods, pleased to have got the extra insights into his client. There is a distinct smile at the mention of marriage being a commitment. "It does make a lot of sense, yes. You sound awfully certain that things will go south. Is that just due to relationship concerns or is there something more on your mind that you would like to talk about?"
He moves in a relaxed manner and pours himself a glass of water from a filter jug, offering to pour Arthur a glass himself.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 14, 2017 13:19:43 GMT
Arthur nods to the offer of water "Thanks,"
"I worry, you know? I mean, last week, after someone tried to kidnap her, I was keeping an eye out, for her safety, and she met with another guy, for tea. Other friends of mine joined them - though it was obviously a chance meeting - so I joined too. She was so awkward. It wasn't their first meeting, yet she hadn't told him about seeing someone, and was quiet the whole time. Like awkward silence quiet. And I'm worried she wants to ditch me for him. And, well, he and I, while we're not exactly friends, we've known each other for a long while now. From England. And I reckon if she did, ditch me I mean, for him, that I might be tempted to do something I probably shouldn't. I can be jealous, you see."
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Post by Deleted on Sept 14, 2017 19:35:23 GMT
Reece poured the second glass and handed it over with a smile.
He raised his eye at the mention of an attempted kidnapping but didn't say anything. He listened to the rest, nodding occasionally. "Jealousy is perfectly normal. What matters is what we choose to do with it the feeling." he spoke carefully, "Is she normally the type to go quiet or be embarassed? Is there any reason why she would choose someone other than you?" he asked simply, in a relaxed manner.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 15, 2017 0:43:20 GMT
He takes the glass with a nod of thanks, taking a drink.
"Good, it's normal to be jealous. It's awkward, though, when it's someone you know. Dealing with it would be much simpler." He nods to himself. If it wasn't someone he knew, chances were he'd have hit the man already. "She is ... a librarian. She's quiet normally, yes. But she's never really seemed to me to be the type to get embarrassed, easily or otherwise." He smirks rather broadly, thinking of their Florida vacation, and what they got up to in that house on the beach. "As for choosing someone else ... maybe. She's never really approved of my work in New York. Accepts it, but don't like to know about what I do there. This other guy, he just sells antiques. Otherwise, he's like me; British ex-pat, bookish, not not as good looking." He smirks, chuckles, clearly the last is a good joke.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 15, 2017 12:49:09 GMT
The doctor sit quietly, allowing Arthur all the time to consider his thoughts and memories that he needs. He is attentive though, noticing the smile and other expressions. He gives an appreciative chuckle at the remark about good looks. "I can certainly see why you think she might be interested in him," he said, placing emphasis on the you. "You and her clearly have a lot of good history together though and more shared interests."
He shifts a little, taking a sip of water and placing the glass down on a nearby corner table. "I hope you forgive my saying so, Mr. Moore but you don't seem like the type of man who is normally insecure. The fact you seem to be now in regard to both her and yourself suggests you may have a decision to make soon. What are your thoughts?"
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2017 13:07:45 GMT
"My thoughts? I love her. I'd like us to move in together, with a view to getting married some day. I want to spend the rest of my life with her. And she's making puppy dog eyes at another man behind my back, an old friend no less, and I find myself wanting to do something unwise."
He sighs, sipping his water.
"But, we've talked, and she's said she loves me, and wants to be with me, live with me. So I'm confused."
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2017 14:02:48 GMT
"Then you both have a decision to make," Reece says in a calm tone, "She is likely just as confused herself, it is possibly she is just in desperate need for some normality in her life. She is the one who is important in all this, not this old friend of yours. Remember that."
The doctors goes quiet for awhile, allowing Arthur time to think about what each of them had said. Then he asked, "How regularly were you thinking of seeing me, Mr. Moore?" he could feel their time was coming to an end. He had always possessed a fairly remarkable internal clock and sense of time. It helped as he refused to have a clock in his room. "You are aware I allow emergency appointments, if required?"
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2017 14:33:05 GMT
"You're right, of course, she is the most important person in all this. I have to remember that."
He nods, thinking ... he needs to not worry about Jeremy, and focus on Matilda, and their happiness together.
"I was thinking ... maybe once a month? Maybe every second? Just so, like, if things begin to slip ... someone notices. If that makes sense? And emergencies, yeah that sounds good. But ... would I even be aware if I was going crazy?"
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2017 14:43:23 GMT
Reece nodded, "You were aware enough to seek me out this time, so I think you have a firm enough grip on who you are, and of course I will keep that in mind whenever you visit. I feel I have a good idea of you and your situation now, so I shall be sure to notice."
"I am afraid we are coming towards the end of our time however, was there anything else you wanted to talk about or ask?"
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2017 14:48:11 GMT
Arthur nods. "You're right, of course. So, two months then? And if something happens, I'll come in earlier."
He takes a last sip of his water, then puts down the glass, picking up his cane and standing, offering the doctor his hand.
"No, nothing just, just thanks for listening. And for not immediately writing me off."
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2017 21:18:53 GMT
"Two months then. You have our number if you need anything before then." Reece nods, standing up himself and shaking the proffered hand. "You are an interesting man, Mr. Moore. I wish the best of luck with your endeavours."
He follows Arthur to the door, ready to escort him back to the reception room.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2017 23:21:15 GMT
"Thanks, Doctor Reece. And, should you ever need my services, you know how to find me."
He laughs, good-naturedly, and follows the doctor back out to reception, where he settles his account, smiling at the receptionist.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2017 23:45:25 GMT
The comment about needing Arthur's services one day was met with a noncommital smile and a, "I shall certainly keep that in mind." from the doctor.
Out in the reception area, the receptionist delights in the smile but avoids further comment within sight of Dr. Reece.
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