Play@YSDC

Henry,Rummaging through [b]Balzac's[/b] bag, [b]Henry[/b] finds a phial labelled 'Morphia'. There is also a syringe in a metal case. There are some pills but he can’t identify them. The morphia looks like the only suitable thing.

The car has pulled to a stop outside the front.

Henry Glynn

Henry thinks better of it. He puts the medical kit down and gives Balzac a cigarette instead.

"Have a seat Dr Balzac. Try not to get agitated. We'll speak to the visitors and then later we'll have a nice lunch."

Alice hurries to finish cleaning up before anyone arrives.

Balzac ambles around in little circles but manages to straighten his suit, tie, hair, hat and glasses to something approaching acceptable. He resumes smoking thereafter, absentmindedly mumbling a bit in French.

At this point, the companions hear a loud, whiny, objectionable voice outside the front door. It is unfortunately familiar – it is as Henry feared, Bernard Putnam.

“Who’s in there? Open the door! This is my property!”

He hammers on the door.

Henry Glynn

Henry rushes to open the door.

"Thank God you're here Mr Putnam ... Everyone, help has finally arrived!"

Bernard clearly doesn't remember Henry.

"Who the hell are you and what are you doing on my property?" he demands arrogantly.

Henry Glynn

"I'm Mr Glynn. We met at the hospital. I think you know Miss Stanton? Your father asked us to look over the property but of course it belongs to you and we leave it in your care. Only you must be aware there have been terrible events. A lunatic has been on the loose. Probably escaped from Danvers I wouldn't be surprised. We've been holed up here all night too frightened to leave. Poor Dr Balzac has quite lost his mind.'

OOC,Don't forget to try rolling if you think it will help!

Bernard acknowledges none of this as he pushes past Henry and enters the house. He grimaces as his nose catches the combined scent of mold and rot, burned chemicals, otherworldly monster acid slime and disgusting French cigarettes.

"Oh!" he cries, holding his handkerchief to his nose. "What is that stench? What on earth have you been doing?"

He sees Alice and his face becomes cold. "You have no right to be here! I warned you not to interfere with my Fathers estate. Get out or I will summon the police."

"We came here at the express final wish of your late father," says Alice. "He had never gotten around to cleaning this place up and making it presentable and safe, and he wanted us to take care of it before you or your mother had to lay eyes on it. There was a vagrant hiding in the basement when we arrived, and he injured two of my friends very badly. One of them almost died. Be glad it was them and not you who stumbled upon him. There was also a predator living in the attic. The remains of its prey can be found up there, and that is the cause of some of the stench. We've gotten rid of it, but there is a lot of work remaining to make this house clean. If you'd rather do it yourself, we'll be all too glad to leave."

OOC,Persuade roll (65% skill) talking to [b]Bernard[/b]: [dice]0[/dice]

OOC,Good story Mr. H! Sounds convincing.

Alice’s explanation seems to appease Bernard. He begins to walk around, appraising the property, wrinkling his nose in distaste. In his disdain, he ignores the companions.

“Well, you have a lot of work to do. You’d better get some cleaning materials, hadn’t you? Instead of playing house. People will talk.”

He considers for a moment.

“Well, if you really want to spend your time cleaning the place, go ahead. I'm sure none of you have anything better to do. Just don’t expect me to pay for it. This place is a dump, no doubt I will sell it.” He doesn’t seem to care about his mother’s wishes.

He suddenly turns to Henry. “What was that nonsense you were saying about lunatics? You found one here?”

Henry Glynn

"Yes, in the cellar as Miss Stanton said. I'd say he was a lunatic - he hit me with a lump of wood. And you'll have heard that a woman has gone missing round these parts. Also there were some terrible noises outside last night, the most horrible screams. We were all quite terrified - especially poor Dr Balzac. Speaking of Dr Balzac I think we need to break from our cleaning duties to take him home now."

Henry peers past Bernard to see if there are any remains of the reanimated dead.

OOC,Bernard won't see the bodies unless he goes out the back.

Bernard gives Balzac and Isadora disapproving looks.

"Yes, well I'm sure something must have attracted the lunatic."

Finished in the kitchen, he goes to open the back door.

Balzac nods absently but agreeably at Bernard and in a conversational tone swears profusely and obscenely at him in French (but only French).

Henry Glynn

Henry helps Balzac towards the car.

Unfortunately, Bernard doesn't understand French. He merely glances at Balzac in annoyance and continues to the back door. His hand reaches out for the handle.

"I wouldn't," warns Alice. "It's even worse behind the house."