Blood is thicker than water ( Part 6 )

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Blood is thicker than water ( Part 6 )

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The Fox

The Fox

@disqus\_eqavLvmRDA 2 years ago

Whooo! We're one step closer to helping Richard! :DDDD And we've made a new ally!

Let's hope Richard doesn't do anything stupid while they're investigating...Who knows what Peverell will do when he finds two peeps trying to steal away his courier.

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The Fox • 2 years ago • edited

( Jekyll1886 Here we go! )

Utterson thought to himself.

" I'll consider it... "

He slipped the notebook back and put his hands on his knees, squeezing his eyes shut.

" Lewis, it frightens me. It all frightens me so much. I don't know if I have the heart to fight this for him. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

"I'll admit it's quite a situation he's gotten himself in," commiserated Lewis.

"But Gabriel...if anyone can do it, you can. We can. There is no one on God's green Earth so dedicated to him as you and perhaps Miss Charbonneau. And we've made each other's acquaintance now. We're on the same side, no longer working alone. There's strength in that.

"If this Peverell fellow has a hold on Richard...well, then, we must loosen it. Whatever it takes."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" Your right. It's just that the more I hear, the more I feel Delilah looked down on me more and more. I'm here now but I should've been here earlier. I know that no matter what, it's the present that counts but honestly I can't believe that completely. "

He put his hand to his heart.

" What kind of guardian abandons their post like just because of a few sour words? I'm his last kin...I should've known better. Honestly, as old as I am, I'm no better than he.

We both ran away. It's just the truth and I'm the one who taught him that, knowingly or not. And here I am, helping him run away from his troubles again.

He started this. He spent his money, he went into debt, and then he chose to work for Peverell. He dug this hole with a shovel I gave to him. "

Utterson got up a paced around the room.

" Sure, he gambled, he cheated, he flirted. He did all the things I never did but at the very least he was smart about it. Never did I have to worry that he might become a criminal and fall from grace.

I still remember our walks. At the very least, he didn't hate me then! There was something there that I can't see anymore...

And that scares me... "

A beat.

" I just want to see him again. That's all I want. I'll say it a thousand times if I have to. If it makes this all this go away.

I want him back. "

Utterson swallowed. He pulled himself together as best he could before taking a seat on the bedside.

" I'm sorry for that. I just had say something...I've been feeling it all day and...

Forgive me, I'm still trying to understand everything. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

"Oh, Gabriel..." said Lewis, "there's no forgiveness needed. All this...it's a lot to take in, to...to process. Anytime you feel the need to talk through it, feel free.

"I know you regret the past--I'd be lying if said I didn't regret aspects of my own--but you're only human, Gabe. As is Richard. As are we all. There's no man alive a saint," a chuckle, "and if there were, no one would be able to stand him. We just...have to do what we can. That's all.

"I know you fear for Richard. Hell, I do because of you, and I've never even met him! And it's true we don't know how all this will turn out. But it's the trying that's important. And, by God, we will try! I give you my hand upon it," he vowed, doing just that.

"I think..." he continued, "if we can just get the drugs out of his system, you may yet see a spark of the man you knew.

"If that's done and there's still nothing there...well, then you'll have your answer," he said with sober sympathy.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" Right...right... "

He rolled Weir's words in his head, letting them ease away the storm of worries. All they were was human, no more no less. Richard could be saved. He just had to be there and do what he could.

That was all...do what was best...

Wordlessly, Utterson got up and walked over to Lewis. He threw his arms around his in a tight passionate embrace.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Lewis was caught off guard for a moment, but quickly returned the gesture.

This...was what it meant to be a friend.

He was glad to have Gabriel as his.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

The hug lasted for a couple beats before Utterson finally released his grip, wiping a tear from his eye.

" Ahh...thank you for that. I needed that more than I thought. "

He chuckled, his heart much lighter.

" Now then, What shall we do now? We still have plenty of time before it gets dark. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

"I hadn't realized, but so did I," Weir admitted.

"I suppose we've done quite a bit for today, given...everything. Though perhaps we might pop by to check on Richard, and then go from there?"

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" Ah! Let's! "

Utterson hurried to the door.

" I've been hoping we would! He was in such a state when we last saw him and I figured since you're a physician and all you'd know something that might help. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago • edited

"Certainly," agreed Lewis.

He took his doctor's bag with him, and they stopped by Richard's house again.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Utterson creaked the door open with a cautious peek.

" Hello? "

Nobody answered.

Shyly, he stepped inside and crept slowly through the hallway. A glance into the reading room revealed the still form of Richard breathing softly, his face pale and curled in unconscious pain.

Utterson came up to his side and put a hand to his head. He was warm to the touch with sweat clinging to his brow. Upon closer inspection, he was shivering beneath his comforter like he was freezing.

Utterson whispered back to Weir.

" Thank god we came...it feels like he's catching a fever... "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Lewis closed the door behind them.

He followed Gabriel into the room and knelt down next to Richard.

"Not a fever," Weir whispered back after examining Enfield, "though the symptoms are very similar."

A soft sigh.

"This...is withdrawal."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" Ah... "

Utterson turned somewhat downcast as he watched his cousin suffer. It genuinely hurt him to see Richard like this. He had only seen a man this low once, a drunk during his first bar hop. It was the first time he'd seen a body fail so utterly to simply be.

It was frightening, and here Enfield was, in that same hell.

He noticed the glass of water Desirae had used the night before. Gently, he took the glass and went to the kitchen, dumping the glass and fetching fresh water.

He came back and set it down to fetch one of the plush armchairs in the room.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Lewis, meanwhile, took a small cloth from his bag, soaked it in cool water, and wrung it out.

He returned to place it on Enfield's forehead.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

The lawyer pulled up his armchair and fetched the other one, angling it inward with the other. He plopped down in one and picked up the glass, unsure of how to start getting it down.

He looked to Lewis for help.

" How do I do this? Do I just pour it down or..? "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

"I'll get it," offered Lewis.

He propped Richard up with some pillows.

"The key thing is to hold the jaw shut after you pour, so he's forced to swallow."

He demonstrated.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Richard shook like a leaf as his throat fought to push it back. Utterson watched closely as he struggled for a solid minute until the liquid finally went down.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago • edited

"It looks a fright, I know," said Lewis softly.

"Yet he must stay hydrated. Every one of his systems will function the better for it. 'Tis the best thing we can do for him right now."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" Right... "

Utterson glanced between the glass and Enfield. Hesitantly, he swallowed back the lump in his throat and reached out.

" May I? Just once? "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

"As often as you like," said Lewis, moving out of the way and handing Gabriel the glass.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

He took the glass scooted in closer to Richard. Gently, he pressed it to Richard's lips and poured water down.

Utterson flinched at the tremulous feeling of clammy skin against his palm. The same scene followed, the shudders, the struggle, the eventual swallow.

Richard winced in his sleep. His body spasmed, his breathe becoming raspy and thin.

Utterson pulled back, surprised by the sudden turn.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

"'Tis not anything we've done," Lewis assured Gabriel.

He stepped forward and used an arm to prop Richard up further.

"This is withdrawal and..." he sniffed Enfield's breath, "alcohol, in combination."

Still supporting Enfield, he did lean away in case the man vomited.

"It should pass."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

The man continued to rasp violently, his lungs working desperately to take in air. Utterson watched helplessly as Richard struggled. Not wanting to stand by, he reached forward and took Enfield's hand, rubbing it consolingly.

A beat passed and soon, Richard was back to normal, his breathing light once again.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Lewis breathed a sigh of relief.

He eased Richard back down, but still kept him propped with pillows and turned Enfield's head to the side to eliminate the risk of choking.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" Should I keep going? "

Utterson kept hold of Richard's hand.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

"You...hold his hand. He seems to respond well to it.

"I'll get the water," he said, picking up the glass. "If he can just get half this glass down, it'll do him a world of good."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" Ah, alright. "

He nodded and made room for Lewis to lean in. Softly, he whispered to the sleeping Enfield.

" Half a glass sounds easy enough huh? I think you can do it. All you have to do is try. Can you do that for me? "

Utterson smiled like he was encouraging a babe.

" It'll make you better, I promise. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Lewis smiled to see the way Gabriel interacted with Richard.

He dutifully angled Enfield's head and gave him a little water, holding the jaw shut to help it down.

This repeated until, indeed, half the glass was gone.

"There," said Weir, positioning the patient so he could get a proper rest. "That should do it."

He turned to Utterson.

"He's done well, in no small part thanks to you. He seems to be past the worst of it, thank God."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Richard's body took the water with more ease with each drink. With each swallow, Utterson whispered to him, spurring him on with rub of the hand. Soon, his shivering grew less intense and his pallor warmed up to healthier tone.

They reached half a glass and Utterson let out a sigh of relief. He smiled.

" Don't sell yourself so short Lewis. I know I couldn't have done that. But thank you, I'm glad I could help. "

Utterson turned to Enfield and put a hand to his shoulder.

" See? You did it Richard, you did it. How do you feel? I bet a whole lot better huh? I bet you feel a touch stronger too. "

He patted his head fondly.

" I'm proud of you. You did good. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

As did you, thought Lewis.

He said nothing further for the moment, glad Gabriel could see his cousin at last and have something to be happy about.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

" So I guess we keep exploring? "

He glanced up at Lewis.

" Unless you want one of us to-- "

Utterson stopped mid-sentence at the feeling of Enfield's weak grip. Richard's eyelids fluttered and his sick, sleep laden voice tried to form words.

" mmmhhhhh... "

The lawyer leaned in close, listening with bated breathe.

" MmmMmmuhhhh... "

" What is it Richard, " He whispered, " What is it? "

Richard's brow furrowed, his voice working harder to speak.

" MmMuhhhh...MuHhhhhh....Mummmmm...

....Mohhhh....

Mothhher... "

Surprise ran down Utterson's spine. He kept close, stroking Enfield's hair tenderly.

" Mothher...Mother... "

" Yes? What about mother? "

" Mother...ppppPleassse...

I'm.... "

His words were interrupted loud wheezing. Utterson panicked, getting up from his chair to cradle Richard's head. He whispered gently into his ear, trying to do anything to calm him. The wheezing grew worse and Utterson more desperate.

He threw a frightened look back to Lewis before finally taking a breath and started singing.

" In Dublin's fair city,

Where the girls are so pretty,

There lived a fishmonger,

Named Molly Malone~ "

His voice was soft and sweet like he was putting a babe to bed. Richard was still wheezing, so he kept at it.

" And she wheeled her wheelbarrow,

Through the streets broad and narrow

Crying, 'Cockles and Mussels alive, alive-O!

Alive, alive-O! Alive, alive-O!'

Crying, 'Cockles and Mussels alive, alive-O!'~ "

A sense of calm was slowly coming back to the sick man. Utterson began to stand up, stroking his head to soothe him further.

" She was a fishmonger,

A fishmonger's daughter.

Her father's grandfathers

Were fishmongers too.

And they wheeled their wheelbarrows

Through the streets broad and narrow

Crying, 'Cockles and Mussels alive, alive-O!

Alive, alive-O! Alive, alive-O!'

Crying, 'Cockles and Mussels alive, alive-O!'~ "

Richard brow softened, his eyes no longer fluttering, and a sense of relief could be felt from within. Two small tears budded at the edge of his eyes.

" She died of the fever,

T'was nothing could save her,

And that was the end of

Sweet Molly Malone.

Now her ghost wheels her barrow

Through streets broad and narrow...

Crying, 'Cockles and Mussels alive, alive-O!

Alive, alive-O! Alive, alive-O!'

Crying, 'Cockles and Mussels alive, alive-O!'.... "

Utterson stepped back, tucking Richard in his comforter while watching for anymore distress. Richard was completely calm now, back into the still sleep he'd been in all day. With his thumb, Utterson wiped away the tears from his eyes before finally stepped to Lewis's side. He leaned into his shoulder.

" Oh thank God that worked.... "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

As Utterson elevated Enfield's head, Weir supported the man's torso, hoping it would ease his breathing even a little.

He was surprised when Gabriel began to sing, but was glad to see the effect it eventually had on Richard.

Just the thing, Lewis thought with relief.

He was pleasantly surprised what a good voice Utterson had.

Weir, too, stepped back once his friend had finished.

Gabriel leaned into his shoulder and spoke.

"That it did," agreed Lewis as he put his arm about the other man to comfort him.

"You're...you have a way with him, there's no denying," he observed. "Thank God."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" I just did what I thought would help. "

He smiled self consciously.

" He was called for Delilah, so I sang him a lullaby. I used to sing him Molly Malone every time I put him to bed. He could never sleep without a song.

Molly Malone and Lavender's Blue. Those were his songs. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Lewis smiled, briefly thinking back to his own mother and the lullabies she sang.

"They're lovely ones, at that."

It occurred to him that Richard seemed decently stabilized...and they still had quite some time till he should wake.

"Gabriel...would you like to stay with him here for awhile?"

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" I would like to. "

Utterson smiled sadly.

" But I don't think I should. Who know when he'll wake...I don't want him to wake up and see me sitting there. It'd be reason to throw a fit for sure. "

He laughed.

" I'm no Desirae and far from a comforting face for him. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

"Very well," said Lewis.

"In that case, perhaps we might finish our search of the house and leave before he wakes or Miss Charbonneau returns."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" Sounds good. "

Stepping lightly, he made his way out of the reading room and back into the main hallway. Curious, he turns to his right into what seems to be a sitting room, a unusually dark colored room.

In its center was a large round table with a tall vase in its center and a Chinese rug twice its size beneath it. Four chairs sat around the table, each cushioned with red plush velvet, buttons sewn in a diamond pattern on the back.

The vase was filled with wilting flowers, the stink of stagnant water permeating the air, pushing back what weak perfume was left of the sorry bouquet. Magnolia and red flowers, Gladioulus, Laurel, Lamb's ears, Heartsease, Arborvitae...

Against the right wall was a daybed with a large, marvelous painting hanging just above it. It depicted the dark apocalyptic scene of Pompeii, fire and ash rained down on a mass of innocents as the city crumbled under the might of Mount Vesuvius.

The left wall held a similar painting, another fire filled scene filled with suffering and pain. Beside it was a door.

Two glass door lead out into a conservatory while opposite of them was the dining room.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Lewis, meanwhile, went through the living room, the key he'd collected earlier still in his waistcoat pocket. He turned right and came across a storage unit.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

The storage unit was a large chest of drawers stained dark with varnish but lacking the luster to properly show it.

Below its top was a row of three drawers with another row just beneath that one. At the bottom were open shelves, table clothes and napkins folded strewn about in a confusing manner. Some were folded and carefully placed while other had merely been rolled up or crumbled and thrown to a random shelf.

From the looks of it, it looked as though one napkin had taken out.

Meanwhile, Utterson wandered into his chosen room with careful steps. He took note of the bouquet, taking note of its friendly message and its advance state of neglect.

This must've been sent at least a month ago., He thought, Desirae perhaps? or a former friend?

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Lewis put on his gloves and searched through the drawers and shelves, doing his best to get a look at everything he could and yet put it all back in its proper place.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

A party's worth of silver ware was inside the drawers, from regular forks, spoons and knives, to more specific cooking tools. It was all oddly organized, much of it misplaced and largely unused.

The bottom shelves were similarly organized aside from the obvious disarray.

Utterson pushed open the door beside the painting. It creaked open with dusty hinges. Peering inside, he found a number of empty spaces. Drawers and cabinets lay hallow aside from the feeling of something missing. He slipped inside and went through them as swiftly as he could.

Something about the room felt uneasy. It's walls felt as though they leaned in on him and its stifled air was held the ghost of another feeling. Was it his own? He couldn't tell. All he wanted was to leave without having to come back.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Lewis put the things back in their places and continued down the hall.

He came to the stairs.

Left, up, or right?

He chose left, thinking perhaps he'd find a closet under the stairs.

He was quite surprised when the hall simply...stopped. No door, no trunk at the end for storage...nothing.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Something was off with the hallway besides its dead end. The wallpaper at the end was ever so slightly off color. It was hard to see considering the lack of light behind the stairway, but if one focused, they could see that it was a touch lighter than the surrounding walls.

Not only that, but it looked to be newer than rest too.

Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Utterson stood up perplexed. Why have a room to store things and have absolutely nothing in it? He tapped his foot in thought.

This could be on Richard. It would make sense, given the state of the house he'd already seen. He could have forgotten to furnish this room. Then again, this room was basically a supplies closet, or at least to him it was.

Was the staff just supposed to bring their own tools? Or perhaps they were merely else where?

Utterson mulled on this thought quietly. Then, a terrible epiphany.

Richard had no staff. It made far too much sense. Between Enfield's own lack of personal care and the incredibly large house, it was impossible for one man to maintain on his own. Either he was always in a state of cleaning, which was clearly not the case, or he merely went about his days completely unconcerned with its care.

" Oh Lord... "

That's why it felt so hallow here.

He looked over the room with newfound worry. Quietly, he stepped back into the sitting room and shut the door. Now everything seemed so much more rotten to him. The floor, the furniture...All of its lifelessness was multiplied by this new discovery.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

What the Hell happened here? wondered Lewis.

Briefly, he thought perhaps there'd been a fire, or maybe some water damage, for why else would this section be newly papered over?

Curious, he bent down to the baseboard, took off his right glove, and ran his hand over the paper, feeling for any damage it might yet conceal.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

There was no damage to be felt but there was a slight give when Lewis pushed down on it. A thin crease formed upwards and stopped just at the railing of the stairs.

Utterson wandered into the dining room, hoping that something could be found there.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Lewis narrowed his eyes, pressed on the wall again, studied the resulting crease...and found the edge of the wallpaper.

How fresh is this re-papering?

Ever so gingerly, he pulled on the corner.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

It clung stubbornly to the wall, peeling back only at the corner.

The dining room wasn't as stifled as the rest of the house. To Utterson's right sat another marble statue. This one was just as skillfully crafted as the other, depicting a young male nude reclining in the curled body of a dragon. Their face held an unusual calm about it and the dragon was in a deep sleep, its fierce maw closed for the time being.

On the left was painting depicting a ship at sea as a storm raged around it and churning the ocean waves foamy white. To its sides were twin daggers, curled in a crescent shape with the blade facing outward.

A fireplace sat in the center of the wall right in front of a long dining table lined with chairs on all sides. On the furthest end, he could see a used plate with knife and fork sitting on the table with a dirty napkin crumpled up to its left.

Past the table was another set of glass doors that lead to a walkway of sorts.

He walked along the table and investigated the plate. It was hard to tell but it had been used at least three days prior. Some sort of bread had been eaten, as evidence by the crumbs, along with something greasy. Faded stains marked the napkin. With a cautious hand, Utterson took it and covered the plate, not wanting to leave it exposed.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Lewis sighed and headed back down the hall, turning left at the stairs.

He came across Utterson in the dining room.

"Any luck?" Weir asked.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" No I don't think so. "

He rubbed his neck as he leaned on the table.

" Though I had a terrible thought earlier. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

"What is it?" asked Lewis, brows knitting in concern.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" Well, considering we've only seen Him and Desirae come here and he's really only living in half of his house, I'd say that he hasn't got a staff yet to actually take care of it. Necessarily, I don't even think he thought to get one. "

Utterson looked over at the sooty fireplace worriedly.

" Forgive me if that seems obvious. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago • edited

"Ah, that's a good point," said Lewis. "I've seen no one else here. I found enough silverware for him to throw a party, but it didn't seem recently used.

"Oh," he said, remembering what he'd come in here to tell Gabriel. "I found something...odd at the end of the hallway. I'm not entirely certain what to make of it. Will you come take a look?"

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" Certainly. "

Utterson followed Lewis to the empty hallway.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

"It's freshly papered over here," said Lewis, indicating the end wall. "See how it's lighter, cleaner?

"And here," he continued, bending down. "Watch what happens," he ran his finger vertically along the wall, "when I press on this spot."

He did so.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

The thin crease stretched upwards again.

Utterson's eyes went wide.

" A secret passage? "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

"The likely thing, isn't it?" Weir asked rhetorically.

"Yet the paper doesn't want to come up," he observed. "So, at the risk of looking an utter ninny..."

He proceeded to poke about in the vicinity of what would have been the door frame, doorknob, anywhere and everywhere about.

It's either that or cut the paper, and then he'll know someone's been here.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

There was no door frame or doorknob to be felt, but there was a small indentation that could be felt where a keyhole would be. It was a little round hole fit for the round key Lewis had picked up the two days before.

Utterson came closer to watch spotting the odd spot as Weir felt it.

" Ah! A lock perhaps? "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

"I do believe so..."

He took the key from his pocket.

"I found this under a rug in the living room. I wonder..."

Then again, it could be something hidden for his own good. Like with the papers Desirae stuffed in that cushion.

"Do you think Miss Charbonneau knows anything about this?"

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" I don't know. "

Utterson put a fist to his chin in thought.

" If it's a secret passage, I don't think he'd tell anybody about it, not even his closest confidants. It has been recently papered after all. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago • edited

"Then we face a choice: Leave it alone, or see what's behind here. If we do the former, we are left with only questions. If the latter, he'll know someone's been here."

He turned to Utterson.

"He's your cousin, Gabriel. I'll abide by whatever you choose."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

The lawyer thought this over carefully. A few beats pass before he gave his answer.

" I say we leave it...for now. If we find something later that would require we cut it open, then so be it. Maybe even if we ever talk to Richard, we could try ask him what it is? But in the meantime, let's leave. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago • edited

"Very well," agreed Lewis with a nod.

He pocketed the key.

"Did you wish to look upstairs before we go?"

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" Yes, just wait a moment. "

Trotting through the Living Room, he stopped at the doorway and peered into the Reading Room. Enfield was still resting, so Utterson made his way back to Lewis with a nod.

" We're good to go. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Lewis nodded his assent and quietly climbed the stairs.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

They reached the top of the stairs and entered the new floor. It was darker than the bottom floor, shadows clinging to hallway like thick cobwebs. Utterson peeked past Lewis apprehensively. He could see a door to their right and the outline of another door just at corner.

" Well, here goes nothing. "

Stepping up to the first door, he went to push it open when it jammed suddenly. Pushing harder, Utterson could feel something solid against the door.

He looked over his shoulder.

" There's something on the other side. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Hope it's not a body, thought Lewis.

He tried to slip through the narrow gap in the door, but to no avail.

"Should we give it a push?" he wondered.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" Let's give it a try. "

Utterson made room for Lewis.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Weir took his place beside him.

They both pushed on the door, Lewis gingerly at first, then with increasing force.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

It didn't budge at first. Whatever was behind it was leaning forward, pushing back against their efforts. Utterson took a step back and threw himself against it.

Suddenly, something gave. The sound of something falling rang out. Utterson ducked back. A flurry of books and newspapers toppled over spilling out from behind the door along with what looked to be a curtain.

With a light push, the door managed to open a couple more inches, just enough for them to squeeze through.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Lewis winced at the noise.

Still, the way was...clear enough.

Lewis slipped through, picking his way carefully into the room.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

This should have been a bedroom. This should've been a luxurious getaway, an opulent den decorated with personal trappings. This should have been open and friendly...

It was like they had wandered into a dragon's nest. All around them, newspapers, clothes, flasks, everything they could think to find was in that room. Behind the door, in the corners, everything from the floors to the desk was covered in overwhelming collections of possessions, like trash in a river.

Cutting through it all was patch of open floor leading to the desk and bed, a fireplace being encroached on by the surrounding clutter.

The desk was overflowing with old files and mail, paper tied up into stacks lining it sides while tall towers of receipts loomed over the last patch of workable space. The bed was a tangled mess. Its sheets were unmade, musty and unwashed, and to its side was a hookah and bong.

The corner of a wardrobe could be spotted behind a mound of suits and coats while a drawer managed to remain above a sea of magazines forming on the other side.

Utterson looked around the room with wide eyed dismay.

" Oooh no...Ooh NO. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

"Good God." The words spilled from Weir's mouth.

He blinked, looking around at the disarray of...everything.

Enfield's definitely an addict. Possibly suffering from melancholy on top of it.

Hell, it may have led to the addiction.

He shook his head.

"I think I've...seen enough of this room, Gabriel. What do you say?"

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" Oooh....ooohhhh.... "

Utterson could barely get the words out. His heart was racing. This wasn't real. It couldn'tbe. An acute trembling came over him. He stumbled out of the room and tripped into the stair's railing.

A sharp inhale, a step back.

He fell to his knees hyperventilating.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Lewis immediately followed Utterson out.

"Gabriel!" he exclaimed when the latter collapsed.

Weir knelt beside him.

"Gabriel, are you alright?" he asked worriedly, laying a hand on Utterson's shoulder as he looked into his eyes.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

The older man pulled Lewis close, his words dying under the intense panic that took over him. He took Weir's hand and pressed it against his heart.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

It was beating quickly but not irregularly.

"You're alright, Gabe," said Weir, giving his shoulder a reaffirming squeeze.

"You're alright. Just a bit...overwhelmed, that's all. Hell, anyone would be.

"Just...take a moment, Gabe. Take a slow breath in through your nose, out through your mouth. Can you do that for me?"

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Utterson tried his best. He shut his eyes in a attempt to meditate on his task.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

"In...

"Out...

"In...

"Out..." said Lewis, forcing calmness into his voice.

He did just as he'd instructed, his own breath--he hoped--serving as a guide for Gabriel to match.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

He followed Weir's example, taking each breathe as slow as he could manage. Each breathe stilled his heart little by little, a delicate calm gathering throughout his body. Soon enough, after a handful of minutes, he felt his voice come back.

Utterson didn't say anything. Instead, he moaned quietly, releasing some of excess energy reeling within him.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Lewis rubbed his back in a comforting manner.

A sigh.

"I know..." he quietly commiserated. "I know."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Beneath them, the front door opened followed by the swift footfalls of Desirae. She shut the door and turned into the reading room. She stopped.

" [ Well then... ] "

Stepping softly, she took a seat in one of the armchairs and rubbed Richard's shoulder. His watery eyes cracked open. Drowsily, he readjusted the cushions behind him and coughed.

" ][ Desirae... ][ "

She leaned in a gave a kissed his forehead.

" [ Richard. ] "

" ][ I had the strangest dream. ][

" [ How so? ] "

" ][ I was in my mother's home. It was filled with a soft light coming from somewhere.

I felt something in my heart. It throbbed and it burned, like a blade stuck in my chest.

I could feel my mother there but I couldn't see her...

I called out to her but she didn't appear. I called again and again, I couldn't find her. I began to cry. ][ "

Richard reached out and took her hand.

" ][ Then I could hear someone singing. They cradled my heart, and I cried in their shoulder. I began to calm down...

The house faded around me and I almost fell asleep when my heart burst in their hands. Dark water rushed out but they didn't mind it. They pulled me in for a hug and cried in my shoulder.

Then something crashed and I woke up. ][ "

He pulled her closer and leaned on her shoulder.

" ][ I thought I heard somebody upstairs.

Can you go check for me? I feel too ill to move. ][ "

" [ Sure. ] "

Desirae ran her hand through his hair before getting up and heading upstairs.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Lewis chanced to see Desirae as she crested the stairs.

With an apologetic look, he put a finger to his lips in a request for silence, then used a tilt of his head and a flick of his gaze to point to Utterson, who was obviously not doing so well. He met Desirae's eyes again as if to beg mercy, given...everything.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Desirae spotted them and bit her lip. She looked between them and the open door with a silent "ah". Her feet moved swift and noiselessly as she came to their sides and gave a questioning glance.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

"[He's...had a bit of a shock]," Lewis whispered to her. "[We knew things were bad, but...]" a quick glance at the door and back, "[not quite this bad.]"

He continued to rub Utterson's back reassuringly.

"We'll find a way, Gabriel," Weir whispered. "We will. Come Hell or high water."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" [ I was shocked by it too. ] "

Desirae shook her head.

" [ It wasn't even that bad when i first met him. Did you even see the door to his office? ] "

A sighed.

" [ It's so much to take in. I don't even think he comes up to his room anymore. Anytime I come here, he's always downstairs. ] "

She got up and went back to the stairs. With her fingers, she asked them to wait ten minutes before heading back down.

" [ There's no one up there Richard. ] "

" ][ What fell then? ][ "

" [ Just some of your stuff. No need to worry. ] "

She sat back down, tucking his hair behind his ear.

" [ Maybe if you cleaned up your sh\*t in there it would be falling all over the place. ] "

He frowned.

" ][ That sh\*t is mine and I do what I like with it. Besides, it's not like I can't reorganize it later. Don't worry about it alright? ][ "

Enfield turned his back to her with a soft huff. Desirae rubbed his back comfortingly but it was clear he was put off. With a sigh, she went took the glass to the kitchen to refill it.

Meanwhile, Utterson was pulling himself together slowly but surely. His trembling had become fainter and he had opened his eyes. He hazarded a glance back to the room with a swallow.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Lewis shook his head--he hadn't seen the door to Enfield's office.

When Desirae silently asked them to wait ten minutes, Weir nodded his understanding and checked his pocket-watch.

Once Utterson had recovered himself a bit, Lewis whispered to him.

"We're to wait ten--" he checked his pocket-watch, "er, make that five--minutes," he informed Gabriel.

"How are you faring?"

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" Alright. "

Utterson pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his forehead.

" I'm sorry about that. I was just put off is all. "

He stood up and leaned on the rail. A nod to Lewis.

" Thank you for helping me through that though. I can't say I know what got into me there. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Lewis shrugged.

"Emotions come as they will. It was probably just concern for Richard, I would think."

A glance to the door and back.

"Desirae said he doesn't come up here much anymore."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" Not even to sleep? "

He looked up with a worried expression.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

"She said whenever she comes here, he's downstairs," Weir whispered back.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" Really? "

Utterson mulled this over quietly. As he did this, Desirae climbed back up and whispered.

" [ Alright, he's being a grump right now so you have a chance to get out. ] "

She threw up her hand quickly.

" [ But before you leave, I want to know when you're going to talk to Richard and what you plan to do. ] "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago • edited

Lewis translated, then added:

"When you choose to speak with him is at your discretion, naturally," Weir whispered, "but I do think we need to start fleshing out a timetable of sorts. We can't stay in Paris indefinitely."

And the last time I left Hela alone for over a week, I arrived back to find her in the infirmary.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

He turned the thought in his head, looking between Lewis and Desirae uncertainly. They had only spent three days there so far, which means they had seven left.

Only a week to get him away from Peverell, to get him off his drug habit, to clean up his act, and should it be necessary, pack up what they could and take him back home.

There wasn't enough time, not to do everything they wanted and most certainly not to make a permanent change in his lifestyle.

" [ Hurry and make a decision. We can't stand here forever. ] "

Desirae peered down the stairs impatiently.

" [] Tomorrow. [] "

" [ Tomorrow? ] "

" [] Tomorrow, Mid-morning. Both of us. [] "

He glanced to Lewis with a hesitant nod. Desirae's eyebrows arched unbelieving.

" [ And what are you going to do afterwards? ] "

" Uhhm...Lewis? did we ever agree to the house arrest or no? "

He caught Weir's gaze fretfully.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

"Aye," he returned. "I believe we did."

"[We had thought to confine Richard to the house and ease him off the drugs]," he explained to Desirae. "[What do you think?]"

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" [ You best run this house through a fine comb cause he's got sh\*t hidden everywhere. Let's not forget that he's going to fight that HARD. Buy some rope to hold him down and you might get that to work. ] "

She walked past them and vanished down the hallway. The distant creek of a doorway and soon she was back with a thick quilt over her arm.

" [ Personally I'd think of something else. Sit on it tonight. I won't be here in for too long so you'll be on your own. ] "

Swiftly, she ran through what she could.

" [ He's a late sleeper usually, he'll be up early tomorrow though cause of today. He almost always eats out and doesn't like to pestered if he's smoking. If there's something that needs to be done, do it yourself cause he sure as hell won't. He likes eggs, he rarely bathes nowadays AND he's most likely has some work tomorrow.

Don't ask how I know. ] "

With that she hurried down and waved for them to follow.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Well, shit, thought Lewis, though he couldn't exactly say he was surprised.

He translated for Gabriel, then followed wordlessly.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Utterson took note of everything and tiptoed after Lewis.

Once they were past the dining room she put up a hand.

" [ Richard. ] "

She made her way to his side and set the quilt on a armchair.

" [ I brought you a quilt in case you wanted one. ] "

Desirae went about unfolding it while a moody Richard looked over his shoulder.

" ][ Took you awhile. You weren't messing with my things were you? ][ "

" [ No I wasn't. You know I wouldn't do that. ] "

" ][ Well, you had made the comment earlier and-- ][ "

"[ Richard, dear, I just said you could fix up your room. That's all.

Have a little more trust in me. ] "

" ][ Desirae please don't patronize me. I just-- ][ "

He was cut off by a swift kiss and a pinch to his cheek.

" [ Darling, please don't patronize me. I know you're worried. Just rest your thoughts and everything will be fine. Okay? ] "

Desirae flashed a swift smile to him and threw the quilt over him. She got up and went to leave.

" [ One last thing and you'll be set for tonight. ] "

" ][ You won't be long will you? ][ "

" [ Not at all. ] "

With a playful twirl of her dress, she made her way back to them and hurried over to the kitchen. There, she opened the window.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Lewis mouthed "Merci beaucoup," and slipped through the opening.

He landed quietly, and waited for Gabriel.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Utterson followed after him and Desirae shut the window behind them.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

The two left the vicinity and returned to their hotel.

"It seems we'll have our work cut out for us," remarked Lewis.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" That's an unfortunate understatement. "

Utterson went over to his trunk and opened it, pulling out a nightgown to sleep in.

" But it's not out of our reach. If we can just get him away from this Peverell fellow, he'll be so much better off. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

"And ease him off the drugs," added Lewis.

He opened his suitcase and got out his nightclothes, then set about preparing for bed.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" I just hope we don't have to push him too much. I'd like to think he cares somewhat about his health. Even if it's for his 'work'. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

"Gabriel..." ventured Lewis with a hint of trepidation, "I don't suppose you've ever tried to free an addict of his chosen drug before, have you?"

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" No I haven't but you've done it yourself. It may be laborious for sure but not impossible. "

He looked to Lewis with a hopeful look.

" Right? I mean, you wouldn't be here if it were. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

"'Tis not impossible, but...Gabe, you're going to have to be alright with pushing him. Or letting me push him, if you'd rather not. He's going to be pushed through Hell, frankly. And he'll have to keep going through it till he sees the other side; it won't be pretty.

"And when he gets there, finally...he'll have to resist temptation, or he'll end up right back where he started.

"What we're about to do...is going to test us. All of us. I may well have to physically restrain him, just as Desirae said.

"Are you willing to proceed, come what may?"

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" Ah. Ahh... "

Utterson lowered his gaze as the image of a furious Richard bound to a chair cursed wildly, eyes burning with indignity and hate. He flinched at the imaginary spit aimed at his face.

It wasn't like he couldn't be firm with him. He'd helped raise Enfield, he had plenty of experience being firm with him. But now that he was grown man, it was harder to stand against him. Not to mention, it was exactly his stubbornness that push Richard away, and he wasn't even being firm then.

He was just concerned about what he got up to.

Utterson looked up and locked his gaze with Lewis. His voice held a certain vulnerability to it.

" Honestly, You may have to be. I'm too soft to really push him anymore. Not that I won't try. It's just that I don't feel right holding anyone back. I suppose that makes me a something of an enabler. "

He took a deep breathe.

" Regardless, I trust that when I am weak, you will be strong and guide him where I cannot. You have my permission to do as you see necessary. You always had from the moment we promised to come. "

A sad smile.

" I am more than willing to proceed. I'll go through heaven and hell if I have too. "

A chortle.

" Besides, I'm seventy-two, if I falter now then I might as well dig my own grave. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Lewis nodded.

"You needn't do any of the harsh things, Gabriel. In fact, it might be counterproductive if you did; Richard could easily turn it into a power struggle.

"There's a phrase where I come from, and it may just be the right tack to take here: 'good cop, bad cop'. Let me be the heavy. You do things like get him water and blankets and offer comfort when he needs it. Because, believe me...he will."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" 'Good Cop, Bad Cop?' I don't I've ever heard that. Where did you grow up? "

Utterson tried to think if he had heard it before but came up blank. He pushed the thought to the side.

" Nevermind that.

I feel i can easily do that though I fear it may paint a different picture for him. If you go ahead and do what you do and I walk in with milk and cookies, he might just assume you're a thug for hire and I'm trying clip his wings.

O-of course, you're much older than you look and we hold no ill-intent, but still! It would look a touch suspicious. "

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