Case # 12: Video

[19centconstable]

[George is in his room. He looks slightly dazed and has a damp washcloth pressed against his head. There is a bruise blooming underneath it.]

I'm afraid I was...indisposed.

[George shuffles his feet and there is the sound of broken glass crunching.]

But I've managed to find my trousers now. Has something happened?

Comments

[so-meretricious.livejournal.com]

Indeed. What has occurred?

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

I failed to protect Miss Nazarova.

[so-meretricious.livejournal.com]

Was it your duty to have done so?

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

I gave Sergeant Howie my word.

And even if I hadn't have done: yes, I believe it was.

[so-meretricious.livejournal.com]

And in what state is Miss Nazarova currently?

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

Deceased.

[so-meretricious.livejournal.com]

A considerable predicament. My condolences.

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

It is that, sir. Thank you for saying.

Have you ever...lost a client?

[so-meretricious.livejournal.com]

To misfortune, perceptions of ineptitude, and death, indeed I have. Highly regrettable, in the instances where despite the best of efforts the height of tragedy occurs.

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

What did you do when that happened?

[so-meretricious.livejournal.com]

I continued my work in all these cases, preventing further calamity and, especially where that was not possible, bringing the criminal party to justice.

{...Or to swift death by cobra, but that's another story.}

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

Of course. As should we all.

[so-meretricious.livejournal.com]

It does throw things to confusion and frustration when there is no justice or closure to be sought, and the swift return to life renders the crime irritatingly null.

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

Here, you mean?

[so-meretricious.livejournal.com]

Indeed.

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

It is strange to think of death as something that can be got over.

[so-meretricious.livejournal.com]

Even more so one that is immediately remedied. It makes for an uncomfortable shift in those notions that one would prefer to hold dear and constant.