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]

Yes, exactly.

[Private]

Would you? I am also meant to be keeping an eye on Miss Sveta's inmate.

private

[needshumility.livejournal.com]

...you are busy, George.

Do you want me to see if Jane will too? You ought to have some time to look out for her, if you're supposed to be.

private

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

Only a bit.

I'm not sure Jane and Mr. Spinola get on.

Re: private

[needshumility.livejournal.com]

Oh? She never mentioned him to me.

...besides, it's not like they'll be talking much.

Re: private

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

That is true.

Re: private

[needshumility.livejournal.com]

I'll see if she'll do it to help us out.

Why don't you think they get on? She hasn't hit him, has she?

Re: private

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

No, no. She's just expressed distaste at some things he's said.

Re: private

[needshumility.livejournal.com]

Oh. Well, she does that to a lot of people.

Re: private

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

Does she?

Re: private

[needshumility.livejournal.com]

George, she does it to me. She'll tell anyone she thinks they're wrong.

Re: private

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

It seemed a bit more than that.

Re: private

[needshumility.livejournal.com]

Oh. Well...

Warn him not to compliment her nose.

Re: private

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

She mentioned that as well. It does seem inappropriate.

Re: private

[needshumility.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you get it, George.

Re: private

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

Certainly. I mean, you might tell a woman she has handsome features, if you were courting, but to single any bits out is really just too forward.

Re: private

[needshumility.livejournal.com]

Thank you. Someone finally understands it.

Re: private

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

I don't see how anyone couldn't.

Re: private

[needshumility.livejournal.com]

Do you know what the last guy who said it to her said?

'It's not like I was talking about her breasts.' [you can hear the not-really-Victorian lineface from there.]

Re: private

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

SweetLordJesus!

[Brb: hyperventillating.]

Re: private

[needshumility.livejournal.com]

George, calm down, I set him straight.

Re: private

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

I should hope you locked him up in a ram's pasture!

Re: private

[needshumility.livejournal.com]

He'd already been punched by Jane, to be fair.

[pause]

I don't suppose you're any good at poetry, George?

Re: private

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

Well. Alright.

I'm afraid not.

Re: private

[needshumility.livejournal.com]

Hm. Me neither.

Re: private

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

Why do you ask?