Part Thirty

*A new city, a clever foe, a place to stay...*

### Content Warnings

Metal screeching, near vehicle collision, mention of past relative/child death, rot/decay, monster noises.

## Summary

Arthur and John arrive in New York City. They rent a hotel room as a decoy for the Butcher and rent a room from a widow named Marie. On the way to their room, Arthur discusses his history with Daniel. John notices a strange shadow over the building when they arrive. Though they decide to stay, they find a room below theirs with someone or something living inside: it sniffs them as they eavesdrop outside the door. Falling asleep for the night, John wakes Arthur to describe a strange creature on the ceiling. Arthur lights the lantern and snaps John out of it, who cannot seem to remember what happened. Below them, Marie talks to the creature in the room below. Arthur eavesdrops and is again sniffed by the creature. Realizing it recognized their scent, Arthur nervously tries to go back to sleep.

## Synopsis

Arthur and John arrive at Grand Central Station. John remarks that New York is oddly familiar, even if he cannot recall why.

They pass the Lincoln Building. Arthur recalls a hotel, Hotel Tudor, is close by, and they head to it. Arthur believes they’re not being sought by the King anymore, because John has grown into his own being. He further relates John’s triumphs, noting that John saving him in Addison could only be motivated by love. To that, John agrees, saying that Arthur is his friend and he wants Arthur to continue carrying his fire. They ponder what happened to Yellow, with John wondering what Kayne did to him. Arthur asks about Anna Stanczyk, relaying what they know so far, and suggests using the vanguard. John protests, but ultimately agrees, and Arthur asks the vanguard about Anna’s location.

John guides Arthur into the Hotel Tudor and Arthur asks directions for the bar. Arthur explains that this hotel is one of the first places that the Butcher would look. John asks if they should stay with Arthur's father-in-law. Arthur refuses. Instead, he searches the classified ads for rooms to rent.

They land on a room to rent from a widow who wants a renter who keeps to themselves. Arthur calls her: an older woman named Marie. He gives his name as Parker, to John's horror. After being caught in a lie, Arthur tells Marie that he's come to the city to speak to his father-in-law. She agrees to the rent the room (at four dollars a week) and tells him that she expects him to arrive shortly. Before they leave, Arthur rents a hotel room (at three dollars a night) to use as a decoy.

John grumbles about money, and Arthur suggests asking Daniel. They take a taxi to J. Scherzer Whole Grocer, E 83rd Street: Marie's address. On the way, Arthur discusses more about Daniel: his emigration to the US, his brother in Arkham, and Arthur's own experiences in Boston before Bella's death. He implies that a conversation he and Daniel had after Faroe's death made Arthur leave Boston.

John asks Arthur if Daniel will help. Arthur is unsure, but suggests that, if all else fails, they can simply steal his Freemason signet ring.  John points out that the Freemasons is only an intermediate step to finding the Order, and Arthur agrees. He suggests that they settle in their rooms, eat some dinner, and then head to Daniel's the following day.

They arrive at Marie's home, a brownstone building next to the grocery store. John warns that a shadow is cast the building, suggesting a power that should not exist outside of the Dreamlands. Arthur points out that this place is in the city and is probably not actively dangerous. John is skeptical and suggests poking around the grocer's to investigate.

Arthur decides to get the key first. They knock, receiving no answer, and let themselves in. John describes a slightly dilapidated interior, filled with that same strange darkness. Marie appears at the top of the stairs and is annoyed at Arthur's impatience. Marie tells him the rules of the house, mentioning that family is very important and that she would do anything for hers.

Arthur can use the kitchen, but must provide his own groceries. Arthur may join her when she reads in the sitting room in the afternoon. At 1 o’clock, she makes tea and can make some for Arthur. She emphasizes that the sitting room may also be utilized in the evening or in the mornings. She leaves the house at 7 AM every day (Church on weekends, errands and visiting during the week), and returns at noon for lunch. She goes to bed at 6 PM and is not to be disturbed. The front door is not to be opened past 11 PM, and she warns that if he's out past that time, he's out for the entire night. The bathroom is only to be used after she's left the house, and there is a basin in his room for general washing up.

Arthur asks where his room is and she shows him two doors at the end of the hallway. To the right is his, which leads to the attic. The door to the left is locked. Arthur asks if there is another tenant, and Marie says that there is not. Arthur pays her for the week and heads towards his room.

John mentions that the air appears thick and hazy, like something is rotting away. He identifies the forbidden door as the source of the "rot"; together, they listen at the door.

They hear something inhuman shuffling beyond the door, and a creature sniffs very close. They decide to head toward their own rooms. John describes a basin, a bed, and a window with a view of the city, although the glass of the window appears oddly warped with an intricate pattern.

Arthur yawns and decides to head to bed, mentioning that this will be first time he's gotten to sleep in proper bed since the Red Right Hand in Addison. They discuss the wooden finger, noting that Arthur keeps it hidden.

John mentions a missing cross on the wall; they find a lantern next to the bed with matches. Arthur lies down; thrilled, he discusses how nice it is to have a place of their own.

Arthur asks John if being in New York was the correct call. John replies that it was the only call. Arthur agrees, and tells John goodnight. John wishes the same, and Arthur sleeps.

Arthur sleeps, recalling various memories of Yellow. John begins speaking to Arthur, waking him. Oddly calm, he begins describing a darkness that the light cannot be touched or seen through, a creature clinging to the ceiling. It is waiting for them to give up. It is smiling, starving. As John speaks, Arthur tries to get his attention, but John doesn't seem to hear until he lights the lantern.

John is startled, but doesn't recall the creature. Before Arthur can ask any clarifying questions, he hears something downstairs. They blow out the lantern and realize that Marie is opening the forbidden door.

In the forbidden room, Marie apologizes and states she’s brought it something to eat. The creature approaches them through a crack, startling Arthur, and they decide to go back to bed.

## Trivia

* The Lincoln Building, which Arthur states he did not see completed, was completed in 1930. The Empire State Building was completed in 1931.