Taking
Isadora's car, it is a fairly short drive over to East Pickman Street, where
Baumgartner’s lodging house is located. It’s a fairly rundown place, with houses that have seen better days, just the kind of place that a graduate student with limited funds might stay.
The door is answered by a wizened crone who eyes the heroes up and down, being particularly enthralled by
Isadora’s choice of a turquoise hat, to which is pinned one of her more intricate pieces.
“You’ll be the university folks then” says the crone, grimly.
“I was told ye were coming. Come in then, and wipe yer feet.”The companions enter the gloomy hallway. The house doesn’t seem heated and is cold, but the woman doesn’t seem to mind.
“Up the stairs, last room on the right. I unlocked it. Don’t touch the walls!” she barks.
The investigators climb the creaky stairs to
Baumgartner’s room. Opening the door, they are shocked to find that the place is filled with books and papers, covering all items of furniture except the bed.
Baumgartner is obviously not one who cares much about personal grooming – clothing is everywhere too. It will probably take a while to sort through everything.