Play@YSDC

Pearl dives into the stacks of papers without much fervor, while Calum, just the opposite.

Rolls,Calum - Library Use[40] : 57 Pearl - Library Use[50] : 52 Sorry guys,you don't find anything and you spend over three hours searching. Pearl is done for the day, capable of only going home and lying down. Her head is about to split. Calum will walk her home and can return to the Library once he does. But I'll leave that to a new player if I find one. Sorry Cearlan. I'll PM you when Pearl will be back, probably meaning when we finish the day. OK?

zielonobrody wrote:Sorry Cearlan. I'll PM you when Pearl will be back, probably meaning when we finish the day. OK?[/spoiler-button]

[ooc-Button]Wail, Wail, Wail - Gnash, Gnash, Gnash. And there were many of the tribe of Wealdstone who proceeded to wail and yet gnash their teeth!

No problem buddy - I'll check in on occasion but would appreciate an email to let me know when I'm ... sorry when she's back - Norm[/ooc-Button]

Calum:

(OOC: back!)

Regarding Pearl with some veiled disapproval, Calum nonetheless felt obliged to walk her home. Once she appeared to be safely at her front door, he politely raised his hat in parting then headed straight back for more researching.

As soon as he was back at the library, Calum lit up his pipe and got back to it...

As Calum drops Pearl at her home she says to him;-

"Why thank you for bringing me back home Callum, my head is pounding something terrible. You know I have never suffered from migaines, but this feels just like the way my cousin Englebert described when he has them. I'm sorry, but I cannot seem to focus this afternoon. Perhaps I did too much this morning after Karl left me."

Calum:

As he departed, Calum replied to Pearl, "Yes, well, perhaps it was the research, or perhaps too much liquor and loud jazz music last night? Either way, leave it to me."

With badly disguised distaste, Calum raised his hat and fled.

Ma warned me about these women. She probably has some terrible 'social affliction' after being too easy with her favours.

OOC: You can't be serious about lighting your pipe in a room full of old newspaper clippings... You're getting your butt hauled out of there in no time with a permanent band from all libraries if you do. Just to give you a heads u since you're still chatting up Pearl

On to the library!

Calum,Roll for Library use[40] = 24 After about four hours and a few breaks and brief chats with Ms. Brunhilda you stumble onto a file in the Providence Business Journal saying that Walter Corbitt, esq was sued by his neighbors who petition him to leave the area [code]"in consequence of his surious [sic] habits and unauspicious demeanor."[/code] The article is from June 12, 1852. Don't share this information just yet, as Karl and Dan might join you in the meantime. I'm rushing things along just a bit.

Dan and Karl make it to the Library with a stop for some Soda at the gas station along the way. Calum is inside rummaging through the stacks of files. Dan says hi to him and gets right to work. Pearl isn't present.

Dan,Library Use[25] = 89 You find nothing.

Karl Werner

Karl stops outside to smoke a cigarette and page through the diaries a bit. Then it hits him. Corbitt! But surely that was the name in the newspaper article. He throws down his cigarette and hurries inside to tell the others. He finds them back in the newspaper archive.

"Look here, chaps, I found these notebooks in the house. Where's that article about the original owner who died and the house was sold?"

The article is on a nearby desk.

Karl,You won't find anything interesting by just paging through the diaries, they need a thorough read if you're to find anything useful. Care to try helping the guys look through the old articles? You have a second chance of finding something.

Karl Werner

Karl looks at the article. Sure enough, "W. Corbitt." Could be Walter Corbitt's father. Or grandfather. He looks at the last few pages in each volume to see when the entries stop. [Since these are diaries, I presume there are dates.] He points the congruence out to Calum and Dan.

"And where is our lovely Miss Wealstone?"

Bored, he wanders away to browse through the library's meagre selection of occult-related books. [D100=23 Library Use (25)] Perhaps he will find something interesting.

Dan Marrison

Dan looks through some of the papers, but is too easily distracted by historical crimes and other oddities unrelated to their research to be of any use. It was this attention deficit why he didn't want to do the dusty study research in the first place. He was a man of action, and not only did this sort of thing bore the tears out of him, but it smelled dusty and made him sneeze on numerous occasions.

Karl Werner

"Gesundheit."

"Huh? Oh... thanks," Dan said looking up to Karl, then pinched his nose and jiggled it to work the dust out. "You know, I'm not finding much anything of use. I'd probably be better seeking the last occupants and questioning them." His eyebrows furrowed in an instant, "Why haven't we thought of that before? Maybe they can explain why everything was so secured and why they left without finishing their last meal in the place."

After taking some 'Asprin' tablets and resting for a short period of time Pearl starts to feel a little better so heads over to the library once more.

"Hey there fella's, find anything new? Sorry about before, but I was feeling real bad. I feel a bit better now. Like I said to Dan earlier, maybe I overdid things a bit this morning."

Calum:

"Welcome back to the coalface chaps, hope the house was suitably spooky?"

OOC: Oh Keeper, is this about the point that Calum has made his researching discovery?

Cearlan wrote:"Hey there fella's, find anything new? Sorry about before, but I was feeling real bad. I feel a bit better now. Like I said to Dan earlier, maybe I overdid things a bit this morning."

Karl Werner

"Ah, here she is now," he smiles fondly at Pearl, then turns to chide Calum, "'Spooky' is such a callow, immature term. Psychical research, paranormal investigation must be scientific if it is to demonstrate validity.

"As to the house, we must not indulge in sentiment and melodrama. You will form your own opinions of the place soon enough. Suffice to say that it has been neglected even before it was abandoned -- apparently in the midst of a meal. I did find these diaries belonging to one Walter Corbitt. And, look, he must be related to the 'W. Corbitt, Esq' named in this article as the new owner of the house. This may prove significant."

Dan Marrison

Dan rolled his eyes. "Spooky doesn't begin to describe the feelings I was getting in the place. There's a rat problem as well, so make sure you keep your perishables protected accordingly. I'm going to be slipping back to the store and pick up some metal containers for the food and some mice and rat traps. But regardless, that doesn't explain why all the windows were nailed shut, nor why all the doors - including the cellar door - have multiple locks on them, nor why they felt the need to nail up a cupboard in one room where Karl found that diary. The last tenants apparently left before having the opportunity to finish their last meal. But Karl's right. You'll all form your own opinions about the place soon enough. One thing I know for certain is that there hasn't been anyone in there recently."

He sat down the paper he was looking through and said, "I think I'll go have another talk with the landlord about the last tenants. Maybe we can find them and ask them some questions. They may have fled the house, but are probably still in the city."

Karl Werner

"See here, old man," says Walter, "It's after two o'clock and we still haven't had lunch yet. No wonder poor Pearl felt faint. Besides, there's only a few more hours of daylight, if we're going to get set up in that house for tonight. And we really shouldn't talk to anyone with any preconceptions of what might occur, at least not before we have each had a chance to experience the place and record our observation. That's standard procedure in any scientific investigation."

He snaps his fingers, "That's another thing we need: four cheap copybooks and eight pencils for our journals. Here's fifty cents. You can pick them up while you're getting the tin boxes and rat traps. You and Calum go along and Miss Wealstone and I will meet you at the house after I get her some nourishment." He smiles at Pearl.

Pearl flutters her eyelashes at Karl and smiles coquetishly at Karl. As Dan walks away with Calum, she sticks her toungue out at his retreating back. She then leans in towards Karl slightly saying in a conspiritorial tone;

"I get the distinct feeling he don't approve of me Karl, well bleurgh to him and his stuffed shirt ways ... Y'know, he walked me home earlier and I think he couldn't getaway fast enough, frightened in case he caught something offa my breath or something Goddammit! Ah well - his loss more than mine I s'pose."

Calum:

Actually, Calum wasn't going anywhere with Dan, he was still researching for all he was worth...

Dan pushed the money back, "I still have what we were paid. The equipment is coming out of that first... no need to tip into your own wallet. Besides, I had already purchased four notebooks and four pens. We're in good shape for taking notes." He nodded though looking thoughtfully, "You are right about the meal though. Why don't you hit a diner. I'll pick something up along the way, and meet you all back here later. If I don't find you here, I'll assume you headed to the house."

He headed on out, and hops in his car - alone. He's perfectly ok with that, after all, he wanted to stop by Donald Kolberger's house again and ask about the past tenants. He didn't give two shakes what Karl thought about preconceptions. Dan liked knowing what he was getting himself into.

ooc,It's probably not necessary to break to separate threads if you want to keep it simple. Basically, I'm stopping by that general store for the few extra items - metal tins for keeping the food, mice and rat traps. Then I'm going to swing by someplace to get a quick burger and a coke, then over to Donald Kolberger's house to ask who his last tenants were and if he has their address. If they are local, I might swing by and talk to them afterwards.

ooc: @Dan - Mr. Kolberger mentioned that the last residents, the Macario family are at a mental institution. This was the only family he mentioned loaning the house to. It must have been a recent aquisition of his. PM me if you still want to go and ask questions.

Dan returns in about half an hour and hears a loud "Eureka!" from the newspaper clipping room. Karl and Pearl are struck by this exclamation while browsing the occult section too (BTW. nothing interesting in the occult books in regard to this investigation, there are some interesting titles though). An angry Ms. Brunhilda comes running to stop any more loud shouts but is quickly persuaded that you will take care of the unruly Mr. Childs.

An excited Calum awaits in the clipping room with what seems to be a discovery.

Karl Werner

Karl catches sight of Dan as he comes into the library.

"Good you returned, Marrison. My Stutz is a two-seater and Childs would have had to walk to --" He breaks off as Calum's shout rings through the quiet rooms and hustles over to soothe Brunhilda, murmuring about the excitement of discovery and the treasures to be found in her marvelous establishment..

Dan finds a pay phone while they're finishing up in the library and calls the Pawtucket Sanitarium to find out about visitors' hours and asks about the general mental well-being of the Macarios.

Calum:

Calum was excitedly clutching the article he'd found and walking fast, tight circles, when he realised he had just shouted out loud. Clearing his throat and attempting to look innocent, he pulled his pipe out for a celebratory puff, remembered where he was and put it back in his pocket, sighing.

"Chaps, I've found another article on this Corbitt fellow, have a look at this."

Calum showed the others a file in the Providence Business Journal saying that Walter Corbitt, esq was sued by his neighbors who petition him to leave the area

"in consequence of his surious [sic] habits and unauspicious demeanor."

The article is from June 12, 1852.

"I wonder if there would be any court records of the case?"

Karl Werner

"Probably there are records. But this is seventy-five years ago. All it demonstrates is that Walter Corbitt, Esquire lived in the house for twenty years or more and was unpopular with his neighbors. He apparently wasn't breaking any laws, because the neighbors had to resort to a civil suit, rather than using the law enforcement authorities.

"The afternoon is slipping away from us here."

Calum:

Calum gave the Bosch a doubtfull look. Then he pulled off his specs and started polishing them, while screwing up his mole-like face in thought.

"Well, I'm not the expert on this sort of thing, but it was my understanding that back in those days, the local sheriff was pretty thin on the ground and not likely to interfere except in the most extreme cases, especially here in the US after the Mother Country's government had been so ungratefully kicked out."

"Back then, I think the only way neighbours could stop a lot of what would now be seen as criminal activity was to sue in a civil court. So, it could be Corbitt was up to something really quite objectionable. If he was, say digging a mine in his basement, that could have been the problem then and the problem now."

(OOC: Can Calum make a history roll about this? I don't want to wax too lyrical on stuff he shouldn't know...)

Karl Werner

"Even so, it is a long time ago. Dan's idea of contacting the most recent residents who feared so much and departed so quickly, would be more productive, in my opinion. However, I do believe such interviews are better left for after we form our own fresh impressions." His stomach rumbles audibly. He turns to Pearl with an embarrassed smile and a small shrug.

"I do beg your pardon. Really, can't we continue these discussions over some food. It is so late in the day now that I hesitate to term it lunch."

"Yowser! Is that really how late it is?"

[OOC-Button]What time is it in game world?[/OOC-Button]

It's quarter past five PM.

If Calum wishes to add anything I'll roll up a history roll for him, it that's all, it's fine by me.

You all make your way to a nearby diner. The food is hot, tasty and rather cheap. The sun slowly sets as you finish your food.

I shan't make another thread for that, continue here please. Carry on.

ooc,Hadn't heard anything about the productivity of my pay-phone call to the local sanitarium... therefore...

Dan had no luck finding a pay phone at the library and headed off to the diner with the others and ate well. He didn't realize just how hungry he was. After being brought up to date on the findings, Dan said "I intend on driving over to the Pawtucket Sanitarium to speak with the Macarios."

Looking to Karl, he feels the need to explain further, "Unlike you, I like to know precisely what I'm getting myself into. So you will have to forgive me this one transgression to your protocol, but if I can I will speak with them tonight. I promise to keep my findings to myself until you decide you want to know."

Turning to glance to the other two at the table, he asks, "Anyone care to accompany me?"

Pearl thinks for a moment before saying;

"I wouldn't mind Dan, though could we get there in time. Wouldn't you need to have an appointment or something as well?"

Dan Marrison

"Do you know what the average wage is of a sanitarium orderly?" Dan asked Pearl rhetorically. "I think I can get a couple dead presidents to help convince them to bend some rules if need be. Of course, with your charm, that might not be necessary."

Pearl looks at him, her face all innocence and charm - eyes almost impossibly wide. Slowly she blinks and her mouth opens slightly as breathlessly she almost pants;

"D'you means like this Mr. Mawwison?" as she places her hand on Dan's chest flirtateously before a wide smile opens across her features.

[OOC-Button](Is 'flirtateously' a word ?? well it it is now!)[/OOC-Button]

Karl Werner

Karl starts with the rolls and butter and eats steadily through a bowl of vegetable soup, then starts on the blue plate special -- pot roast and potatoes and green beans. He hates missing a meal. He pays scant attention to Dan's babble about the Macaroons and the sanitarium. But when Pearl goes into her little act, he is transfixed, his mouth briefly agape. Then he collects himself, swallows his apple pie a la mode and chuckles.

"Really, Miss Wealstone, you must be quite effective on the stage. She should definitely go with you, Marrison, in case you need help convincing the doctors to let you in."

He pushes his plate away, dabbing at his lips with the napkin. He lights a cigarette (slipping a 'Mae's Diner' ashtray into his pocket).

"Look, it's gone completely dark. I don't fancy stumbling about that decrepit, vermin-ridden hovel tonight. Why don't we all go to the loony-bin. We can sleep in our own beds and and start our on-site investigations tomorrow morning."

Dan Marrison

To Pearl, Dan smiled and winked, "That's very nice. You'd win me over in a heartbeat."

"If you want to sleep in your own bed tonight, that's your perrogative, Karl. But I plan on starting the stakeout tonight. Ghosts only haunt at night, right?" Dan asked ignorantly. "We've got plenty of lanterns to light our way."

Calum:

Calum regarded Pearl's simulated attempted seduction with thinly veiled horror, and attempted to concentrate on his meal for a while before piping up.

"Well, Dan, as the team centurion, I admire your desire to get into the ring. I must, however, agree with Fritz here that starting at night half prepared is not a good idea. I vote we have a good night's rest, continue our enquiries in the morning and see where that takes us."

"We can't be too prepared really. What if our enquiries eventually were to reveal that this whole thing is caused by noxious vapours coming through the sewerage pipes?"

"Having said that, if you want to head out to the lunatic asylum tonight, I'm happy to come."

Dan Marrison

Dan rolled his eyes and shrugged, "It's probably just a case of overactive imagination anyway. But we'll leave it to majority rule." Looking to Pearl, Dan asked "Do you want to wait until the morning to start the house stakeout or go there tonight?"

Dan Marrison

"Huh... a tie. I hadn't figured on that," he chuckled. Math wasn't one of his stronger suits. "Maybe flip a coin?"

Karl Werner

Karl slurps down the last of his coffee and stubs out his cigarette on the saucer. He heaves himself up on his feet.

"Well, let's go see these lunatics of yours, Marrison, before it gets any later. Then we can decide when to go to the house."

He shrugs into his coat and holds Pearl's fur jacket for her.

"Will you ride with me, Miss Wealstone? We can follow your car, Marrison. Do you know the way to this nuthouse?"

Dan Marrison

For one so educated, Dan was somewhat amused at Karl's resorting to call the mentally insane by such degrading names. Dan wasn't one to be above such crudity, but he was a muscle-head after all. What private dick thinks about proper etiquette? It just seemed out of place on Karl. He guessed the parapsychologists weren't cut from the same cloth as other men of medicine and education. "My maniacs," he chuckled. "Yeah, I know how to get there. I guess I should know where I keep my property, huh?" He got up and headed out of the diner, leaving some bills on the table to cover the meal. He was going to offer that they should all take the same vehicle so they could discuss their findings in the car afterwards, but being close to Keith didn't sit so well with Dan. Better to take the two cars and leave a comfortable buffer for the time being. "Calum, want to ride with me?"

Calum:

Having polished off some apple pie and a cup of joe, Calum pulled out his pipe and puffed away happily.

"Excellent, a midnight trip to the asylum! I'd be most happy to ride with you, thankyou Dan."

No worries...