Case #19: Video

[19centconstable]

[The video feed turns on, and George settles back into his chair. He's seated in the infirmary, next to Eddie Spinola's bed. He has a book on his lap. The book would seem to be making little happy noises, except that's impossible. Isn't it?]

I suspect this has already been discussed, or at least asked, and I do apologize if that is the case, but I would like very much to know: what is it you believe in?

Not what you don't believe in, because that's not important, but what you do. Whatever that is. Because everyone must believe in something. And I'm interested to know what that might be. For instance: I've been having a thrilling read about this worm which devours...

[George glances down at the book on his lap.]

Oh! And: unrelatedly, does anybody know the average circumference of a man's chest?

Comments

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

That looks delicious.

Mr. Spinola seems to be resting comfortably. Which is more than I can say for myself. This chair is no good for napping, and my shoulder is sore already...

It hasn't said anything about any dunes.

That's very optimistic of the Greeks. I think they mostly believe in sailing in my time.

[scarlet-discord.livejournal.com]

Lemme bring you a slice of this and see if it doesn't help. It's good of you to stick with him. I don't think he has any enemies, but it's a really vulnerable state to be in.

Ah, all right. What's the book's title?

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

I'd never have thought this job would be bad for my waistline.

It...hasn't got one. It yells a bit, though.

[scarlet-discord.livejournal.com]

Your waistline's fine. Besides, you can always run it off later.

It does? I have a videobook that embarrassed me personally, but nothing like that.

And actually Dune is a really good book.

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

It isn't something I've ever had to pay much attention to.

How did it embarrass you?

[scarlet-discord.livejournal.com]

Well...

[She considers how in the hell to explain to the nice Victorian cop that she was reading porn when the volume button went all the way to Eleven and then stuck there.]

I was reading a romance novel, and it got very, very silly with the heaving bodices and billowing shirts and everyone saying "darling" a lot, and suddenly the videobook started playing as loudly as it could.

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

That would be embarrassing. Not that I. Read that sort of thing.

[He does.]

[scarlet-discord.livejournal.com]

There's nothing wrong with them. I mean, I do too, obviously. But things in romance books shouldn't be so idealized. Any real relationship isn't automatically wonderful...people have to work and compromise to make it that way.

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

I suppose. But I don't know that I'd like to read about people having to work at being in love. ...If I read that sort of thing.

[scarlet-discord.livejournal.com]

I don't know, I think that the efforts people put in for each other can be very romantic in and of itself. The behind the scenes drudgery is less important than the thoughtful and sweet stuff.

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

Or! A daring rescue to make the heart beat faster. Perhaps some sort of swashbuckling, even.

[scarlet-discord.livejournal.com]

That would be awesome. Big things--and little things too. Like binding wounds after, and making sure the hero gets the biggest piece of chicken. [Yeah, Wanda's on a food kick.]

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

Being nursed back to health is always quite romantic. Especially if she's foreign.

[scarlet-discord.livejournal.com]

[She just can't help but smile at that one.]

You know, this is almost starting to sound like the seeds of a novel plot.

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

Perhaps a sultry French girl...

[scarlet-discord.livejournal.com]

Huh. Y'know, I'm gonna start taking notes!