19centconstable | Case #31: Voice

She did seem to think that most cops don't normally do the opera thing. My sister liked it.

[Hoffman twitches at the mention of his sister but doesn't say anything.]

....So you're going to warden me.

Well as I said: it's quite expensive. The Ogdens are quite well off.

I intend to, yes.

My sister used to talk about going to the met. [He sounds thoughtful, thinking deep.] She'd gone to see La Boheme. We didn't had money, but from what you've said...

I still think you make peanuts for the job that you do. Never met a cop that content with it. We always get shafted.

[There's a bitter note] First time I've had a cop warden me. I suppose you'll be treating me more like a criminal in the traditional sense?

I hadn't planned to...

[Hoffman is quiet. When he speaks again his tone is soft.]

...You wanted me to keep my title.

Unless you'd prefer not to, yes.

I look at Wardening as a sort of guard duty.

[It's just so...matter of fact.]

...Yeah but- [What, you're not going to teach me shit? Punish me? Force me to relive my memories and things like that? Tell me I'm doing anything wrong?]

...Do you know who Narvin is?

Like when I was private security for Prince Alfred. I feel it's my duty to make sure nothing untoward happens to whomever I'm working for, and also to convince them not to do anything untoward, because that sort of thing encourages other people to want to do untoward things to them, and also because one's reputation is important.

Yes, he has the eggs.

Encourage how-

[There's a rustle. He's holding up a hand] Never mind. I don't want to know. I'm just-

You said you were a cop. And you worked security too?

For the Prince, yes.

Several people tried to blow him up several times.

...Why? You're from Canada aren't you? Canadians aren't-

[pause. reflect] Where I'm from, Canadians aren't particularly violent. In fact it's sort of a running joke because the United States is so violent. You say you've survived explosions, I find that pretty hard to believe.

[He sighs] But since I can't take your word for it, I've got a couple of things. That guy Narvin...he gave me an assignment. A suggestion that I observe and write reports and send them to him. Can I still do that?"

I'm afraid things can be terribly violent, but it was the Irish who were trying to blow us up.

Of course. And if you need any help, do let me know. I did write a book.

Ah the Irish. They founded my department indirectly. Or the NYPD department.

[because police history. lol lol lol]

...You wrote a book?

Yes. 'The Curse of The Lost Pharaohs'. It's an adventure novel.

[Somewhere between "You wrote a book," and "It's an adventure novel" Hoffman has shifted himself to sit up. Then, the feed clicks to Video so Hoffman can get a good look at the man.

Younger. Idealistic. Full of optimism. He's suddenly aware of every scar he has, everything he's done on the boat. It's an adventure novel. The kid writes fucking adventure novels. And he's a kid. He's only a little older then David.

Hoffman hated him. Hoffman envied him.]

...George. Constable George. How old are you?

Me? Thirty-one.

[Not a kid! Just enthusiastic about life.]

[Hoffman chuckles to himself for a moment. Thirty one.]

When I was thirty one I was working a beat in Manhattan. I'd just made Sarge. The next year...I won my medal of valor.

[Goddamnit.]

Why are you here? Your whole career's ahead of you. You talked about making a deal, did you make it.

[Hoffman is selfish enough to ask, seemingly unaware that it's probably a personal question.]

Congratulations.

I haven't yet. I'm not sure how to put it exactly. Or if it's something that I have a right to ask for on behalf of someone else.

To put it quite simply, I'm here because I think we can do better by people than to hang them.

[Hoffman is quiet.]

Criminals are fucking scum and I'm one of them. Even with you letting me...being willing to..

[Goddamnit. He can't finish. Blind fucking faith. It's enough to make him want to drink again.]

....I'll...write the reports Narvin suggested-wanted to see and forward you a copy. If there's anything...anything bad in there you can look at it so you can call me on it.

Actually, I think writing down the bad thoughts or things which make you angry in a place that the whole Barge can't see could be quite helpful.

...Really?

Yes. Talking about the things you're angry about can make you less angry. The problem with talking about them over the devices, however, is that other people could become angry and say things, which might re-anger you.

[Hoffman snorts] And you'd be willing to sit through all of that?

Of course. I'm an excellent listener.

[Hoffman squirms]

...For what it's worth George. People need to stop saying you can't do this. It's like I'm irredeemable or something.

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