Play@YSDC

We’re returning to Inverness - Inverness.

Strathmorn Hotel, Main Road, Strathmorn, Inverness-shire
Friday 20 March 1931. 5.00pm

It had cooled down and there was a definite chill in the air by the time they arrived back at the Strathmorn Hotel. Mrs MacPherson had lit the fire in the small lounge, served tea and shortbread once she realised that no one except Ascot had eaten properly since breakfast, then left them to warm up.

What’s your plan?

In between shoving shortbread into his mouth as quickly as good manners will allow and washing it down with sweet tea, Ascot scolds his companions on skipping lunch. "I've told you, take it from an expeditioner, never miss a meal you don't have to."

After a while, he warms up, fills up, and starts to focus. Ascot pulls out a rather rugged-looking pocket watch. "Only A bit after five o'clock. We could pay the good doctor a quick visit now. The sun won't be down a few hours yet. Quick stretch of the legs after the automobile trip. I doubt any address in this village takes more than five minutes to walk to."

"Sounds good, less chance of being interrupted by patients also." Dr Douglas says through a fine spray of biscuit. " I agree with your opinion over meals but you must concede that in the thrill of the hunt or indeed the expectation of one that you may miss a morsel on occasion. "

"I admire your enthusiasm," Ascot says with a grin in reply to Dr Douglas. "But remember, for me, leading hunting expeditions is an art. And that art is about minimising risk and maximising comfort."

"Is everyone else coming?" Ascot asks, reaching for his hat and coat.

"Aye, ," says Bonnie, finishing up her meal. "Let's go see the doctor."

Golf Course Lane, Strathmorn, Inverness-shire
Friday 20 March 1931. 5.45pm

The air was decidedly cooler when they left the hotel, with the last of the day’s light diminishing rapidly. It was a short walk through the village to Dr McBride’s home which had two doors facing onto the street. One had ‘Surgery’ above it but the room beyond was in darkness. The second just had a nameplate - ‘McBride - and appeared to be the residential side of the property, with lights burning inside.

A knock at the door was answered after a moment by the man they had seen with the farmer earlier in day. Drying his hands on a towel, he said, ”Can I help you? Is it a medical emergency?”

"Dinna fash, Doctor, everyone's fine," says Bonnie. "We just wanted to ask you a few questions."

”Questions?” he asked with a frown. ”Questions about what?”

Bonnie watches his reaction to the name.

Psychology roll (10% base skill) about Dr. McBride:
d%

”They’ve been gone a long time. It’s been decades since a McMorn lived around here,” he replied with a frown.

Nope, nada, not a thing…

Philulhu wrote: ↑Thu Nov 24, 2022 4:06 pm ”They’ve been gone a long time. It’s been decades since a McMorn lived around here,” he replied with a frown.

Nope, nada, not a thing…

The Father Ó Shaban would also be observing his reaction closely.

I cannot roll dices in messages Keeper, but I would want to do a psychology roll

"What do you know about the family's history?" asks Bonnie.

Psychology (42%) 1d100

Something about Dr McBride’s reaction suggests that the name McMorn is more than familiar.

”Well, they were important people around here many years ago. The Manor House was their’s. Still bears their name, not that anyone has lived there in a long time,” he said.

"What else do ye ken about them?" Bonnie asks.

”Why are you asking me about the McMorn family?” Dr McBride asked bluntly.

Ascot has been keeping a eye on the setting sun, mindful not to have his colleagues out after dark without any ballistic-based protection. He turns back to the doctor, his hands held up in a placating gesture.

"Doctor, I'm sure we're interrupting you just as you were thinking of your evening and supper. Forgive our bad timing. We will be at the hotel again tonight. We would be honoured if you would let us buy you a glass of good scotch after we have finished our own supper. And while you enjoy it, we could explain our interest. Can we tempt you?"

OOC:   Does the doctor definitely have an English accent?