Chapter 3: Now It Begins

[SunlessNick]

"So... just so we're all on the same page, we are considering that the man in the hospital might be the real Henry Atwater, and someone else is running around in his body?" Emily asks.

[Philulhu]

”I don’t know,” replied Bruce, with a frown. ”I encourage my students to keep an open mind, but magic?” He shook his head.

”I’ve heard that people diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia can hallucinate and hear voices, even have multiple personalities. There’s never been any proven evidence for magic, so that seems a more plausible explanation to me.”

[innsmouth]

"Will we all fit in the truck?" asks Henry Glynn

[Philulhu]

OOC, Oops, I accidentally upgraded Bruce’s Model T Ford into a truck :( I think six could travel in his car, but it would be a squeeze.

[aine]

“I can stand on the running boards.” Says Fort gallantly.

[innsmouth]

“Alice and I will ride up front” says Henry Glynn

[Starspawn338]

"I don't mind sitting in the back of the truck." Harrison says. "And yes, I do believe the most probable theory at this point is that someone else is in possession of Atwater's body." He replies to Emily.

[Silver Priest]

"Don't be absurd," Henry Appleton responds somewhat snidely. "May I remind you all that we are firmly within the 20th century. Reason must guide our action rather than superstition. "I don't understand fully yet what happened here, but I'm confident there's a reasonable explanation. That being said, it very well may be that Atwater and those who wrote this book believed in magic and other superstitions."

He seems unhappy with the cramped arrangements but voices no disagreement.

[SunlessNick]

Emily's pretty tiny, so she's happy to cram into the back.

[Mr. Handy]

"There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy, Mr. Appleton," says Alice, getting in the front. "I think we should keep an open mind - just not so open that someone trades places with one of us."

[HoneyDog]

OOC, I thought the group had more than one car?

[innsmouth]

"I used to think like you Appleton but I've seen things to change my mind" says Henry Glynn

[aine]

‘Ho, Ho! Excellent jest, Miss Stanton!” Fort beams. “I have a car but it’s at the garage still, I had a bit of a bump. I’m sure it’ll be ready any day and if we have to go further afield I’ll be glad to take anyone.”

[HoneyDog]

The investigators board the truck and set off for the Aylesbury Pike. As directed, the site of Bowen Road is upriver from Cabot Road, which they took in order to join the search party.

The road itself is little more than an overgrown dirt track, disappearing into Bowen Woods, a ragged forest of hardwoods and evergreens. Fort, on the running board, is whipped by passing branches, making his position untenable.

[Philulhu]

Bruce brought the car to a halt and looked at the bedraggled Fort. ”You’ll have to squeeze in the back, in the trunk or walk,” he said. ”If you stay there you’ll be torn to shreds.”

[Mr. Handy]

"Is there a rumble seat?" asks Alice.

[Philulhu]

”I’m afraid not,” replied Bruce. ”This model doesn’t have one.”

OOC: This is Bruce’s car.

[aine]

“If I may.” Replies Fort. He is looking rather ragged.
“If I may be so bold, you could sit on my lap.” He asks Alice shyly. “That way we’ll only take up one seat between us.”

[Mr. Handy]

"I'd really rather not," says Alice.

[Philulhu]

”I’m sure Mr Throckmorton’s intentions are purely honourable, Miss Stanton,” said Bruce. ”It’s that, or some of you will have to walk.”