Long Form Roleplayers

Previous Chapters: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Detective William Banks:
Today’s the day that I leave Chicago, and I can’t think of a better person to do it with than Fernand by my side. With the Gruesome Alley case wrapped up, I’ve officially put in a request to use some of my vacation. I neglected to tell them the part about me not coming back, but that’s beside the point. Having packed up my belongings earlier today, we get ready to board the train at 3 pm at the famous La Salle Street Station. Fernand and I both agreed to meet up there after we split up after brunch. Now with it approaching boarding time, I’m standing around at the bar drinking some beer with just a couple large suitcases and a backpack.

Maybe it seems light for a man in his thirties to carry his worldly possession in just a couple cases, but I never really set down strong roots anywhere. When I was younger I had always hoped to leave the force and become a wrestler, travel around. After Pa’s death, ended up becoming a detective to track down the killer. That might be done, at a minimum it is on pause again while I hopefully get a taste of a serious long term relationship and partnership. Hopefully over in France, I’ll be able to settle down some, especially after I give Fernand… I’ll talk about that later.

Standing around the bar area, I take a good look at the locomotives coming in and out. From the vantage point in the station, it really is amazing to watch marvels of the modern world. Large boxes of metal constrained on tracks propelled through the controlled nature of explosions and steam. I could see myself one day having a few model train tracks of my own, who knows what might happen once I settle down? For now though, my life is picking up a new chapter, and it starts just as soon as Fernand arrives to join me.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I was fortunate to get us tickets on the 20th Century Limited, which will get us to New York overnight in a mere sixteen hours. I meet you at La Salle Street Station after checking out of my hotel with my Rimowa luggage in tow and find you at the bar. I wouldn’t order wine in such a place so I order the beer you’re drinking. I look at you, realizing that we are really doing this, and I smile at you. This last week has been so incredible with you day and night, and now we are prepared to leave the horror and make a life together.

The announcement to board the train comes over the loudspeaker and we finish our beers and head to the platform. I have never seen a train like that which awaits us. We embark and settle into our berths, then go to the public cars. So much has happened that I don’t think William has noticed this would not be the means of travel on the salary of a Sûreté inspector. That is a conversation we will have to have before we get to France.

Detective William Banks:
I greet you with a hug while a smile crosses my face as you arrive. I see your luggage and can’t help but to compare it to mine. Course your visit to Chicago wasn’t meant to be a permanent one like mine going to France is for me. At least.. I hope it is. With us finally getting loaded up on the train, we engage in our general chatter about the usual topics. I can’t help but to wonder just how great things are going to be going forward. For the first time in my life since my father’s death, there is a bright ray of hope to help guide my path; a clear direction I want to follow. The road has already been bumpy, but with the problems of the last few weeks behind us, a new life is in store.

With us finally boarded on this fancy new train, I find myself wondering just how fast it can go. I know the trip is supposed to take 16 hours, but my mind spins thinking about the fuel needs of such a vehicle, especially caring so many people and railcars on it. I have often wondered about similar things regarding the new age automobiles Henry Ford is putting out, guess maybe I’m developing an interest in engineering. All that aside though, everyone finally gets loaded up and the conductor makes his final checks on our tickets.

Detective William Banks:
With the train finally moving we spend some time together thinking about what we will do with each other in New York City on Halloween. I’m sure there are all types of things we could engage in, special events, maybe even dress up like pirates. That type of costume could be good for me, I could even put this scar of mine to use and make it part of the costume. Going back and forth on the idea, I grab the newspaper and start looking through it for ideas while you head off to get us something fancy to drink.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I head to the club car for our afternoon refreshment. The bartender is clearly flirting with me. Another time, another place, I may have asked him what time he was off-duty, but not now that I’m with you. I purchase a bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the club car, leave a generous tip, and bring it back with two glasses.I find you reading the newspaper with a look of delight on your face.

Detective William Banks:
Eventually when you come back in I sit here grinning like an idiot. Having just spent maybe 20 minutes to a half hour looking for events, I found the perfect activity this afternoon, a football game. Not just any though, there just so happens to be a huge game taking place; my home team of the Chicago Bears facing off against the New York Giants. The quarterback of the Chicago Bears in case you don’t recall, just so happens to be Bronko Nagurski. He’s one of my idols and is transitioning into being a professional wrestler. We saw a big match of his just the other week where he managed to retain the heavyweight title from Dean Detton.

You are not logged in. You are not logged in. NY Giants vs Chicago Bears

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I join you and as you look up with boyish enthusiasm, I see the page of the newspaper you’re reading about the American football game (could they not have found another name that wasn’t already taken? Referring to the real “le football” as “soccer” …. Sacre bleu!). “So much for my surprise, William. I saw that Monsieur Bronko was playing and rang ahead to arrange for tickets for us to the game tomorrow. They are at….” I look at my note “.... the ‘fifty yard line.’ I’m told that’s good?”

Detective William Banks:
When you mention that my eyes light up. “That is the best news I’ve heard all day, Fernand. Bronko is a real idol of mine, and the way he is transitioning from Football to Wrestling, maybe a bit of an inspiration for me to find a new life for myself once we hit France. Course I could always look for some work with law enforcement, might have to at first.” My eyes come back to the newspaper showing him front and center. “It’s a shame he’s going to be wearing more than a pair of trunks and boots this time though. Still love to see him live.”

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
Your excitement is palpable and I love seeing this look on your face after you appear so troubled lately. “When I saw this would be happening on the one day we were in New York, I knew we had to go. And how fun that we’re in, comment dites-vous, la grosse Pomme, on All Hallows Eve. There is, however, a price you have to pay.” I pause to give you a chance to wonder what the cost will be. “There is a production of ‘Richard II’ on Broadway and I am mad for Shakespeare. You are going with me.”

I place the wine glasses on the table and pull out my monogrammed corkscrew and effortlessly open the bottle. I pour, giving a slight twist after each to prevent losing a drop. I look at the label and am reminded that there is yet a secret I have yet to divulge to you. But now that we are together, you must know.

Detective William Banks:
You mean going to something on Broadway, and it passes by me while I'm still reading the article… then it hits me. “Shakespeare?” I look up from the paper and you can already see my eyes starting to gloss over, but I shake my head. “Sounds nice, I’m sure it’ll be really nice to watch.” I notice the wine and smile as the last couple weeks have actually been getting me used to the taste of it. Especially the expensive stuff you like.

“Fernand, I’ve been wondering… with all the expensive things you get us, tickets, meals, and all that. How are you able to afford that on your inspector salary? I mean, I have a decent amount saved up for myself, but I’m a cheap ass who doesn’t buy stuff.” I can’t help but to smile at that last bit, but I do eye you as I look for an answer.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
You look at me and cut to the question. I think, “No wonder he’s a detective.” I swirl the wine in my glass as I look back and pause. “I’ve been trying to figure out when and how to tell you this, I was afraid you would think we have too much of a class difference.” I take a sip, admiring the bouquet, and the liquid’s legs on the glass. “My father and I pursued law enforcement because we have a fierce desire for justice. But we are, as the British would say, ‘landed gentry.’ We own many of the vineyards in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The wineries who purchase our grapes give my family a comfortable income, not extravagant, but with my inspector salary, I am …. comfortable.” I look over at you, realizing I have come off to you as an elitist.

Detective William Banks:
Your family background isn’t too surprising given your affinity for wine and general demeanor. You always carried yourself with a certain amount of class, more so than the average Frenchman. To a degree that worried me, but only because I feared I might be too below you. Thinking back to the first time you walked into the precinct, that first dinner we shared, it’s clear that you accepted me for my humble uprising. You know I’m not from money. I only hope that the gift I got… more on that later. I’ll reciprocate with the family history for now.

I take a glass you poured me, drink it slowly savoring the flavor. “So you have a bunch of vineyards in your family. My family never really had such a thing. You know my Pa was an officer in Chicago, and I think his father was a hunter who went back and forth up to Canada. My Ma’s side might have more fancy stuff coming from Toronto, not sure though. Didn’t talk to her much about it before the sickness took her back in 1920.” I finish up by taking another long drink, watching to see how you take all that in.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I look at you as you tell me more of your history and nod. “I lost my mother as well, but not until I was 25. My father and I were always close, but we grew closer after her death. All three of us did, my sister as well.” I pause for a moment. “You have walked a much harder path than I have, William. My biggest challenge, like my father before me, has been proving that I received my appointment to the Sûreté because I had earned it, not because of my station or my father. We come from such different backgrounds but they brought us to the same place at the same time. And they brought us together. And now we have ended one chapter and begun another.”

Detective William Banks:
Trying to get past the expectations of others is always something that can be a struggle. For me, my rise to detective was always questioned in part due to the murder of my father and the social capital that he accrued in life. Even with that lingering of doubt in my mind, I always felt up to the task. So I listen to Fernand’s explanation, his thoughts, and realize that in some regards we may not be as different than we seem. This isn’t a contest over whose life was worse or which social standing is better, I’m not here to play that game. I’m here to play the part where we take our mutual baggage and lump it together, that way we can both have a better life going forward.

“I’m sure you had your troubles Fernand, we always do. What's important is the road we are on together going forward. Life always throws curveballs, it’s how you take them that matters. We have a straight shot towards a happy ending, so let’s run as fast as we can.” Hope that helps him feel better.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I make a mental note to ask you what are “curveballs” when we are not having a serious conversation. I sip at the wine again, as the porter hands us the evening’s menu with white-gloved hands. “Gentlemen, when you are ready, I would be pleased to take your order for dinner.”

You are not logged in. - Train Menu

I realize I am hungry and I look for any items that may be unfamiliar to you, in case you need a gentle clue.

Detective William Banks:
I greet the porter as he comes in offering a friendly smile then I look over the menu. Noticing the Smothered Veal Cutlet with Mushrooms listed reminds me of the first real meal I had with you coming out of the hospital, so I’m quick to order it again. The lobster on the menu catches my attention, but only because of how much it has become a delicacy. I remember my Pa telling me about it being a poor man’s food when he was young, though I don’t mention anything about that here, just order my veal.

Once I place my order, I drink some more of the wine while you’re ordering, all the while thinking about how to direct the conversation next. The lobster dish on the menu has me thinking about the things my Pa knew that he would never be able to pass on to me, and the reason for that is of course… the creature. It probably reflects in my face that my mind is getting distracted in my head, me drinking more of the wine for the sake of intoxication now instead of savioring its rich flavor. I’m not sure if you noticed, but once the porter is gone I bring up what is one my mind.

“Fernand, do you think it’s right for us to just pick up and move on like this? That thing is still out there, and I’m really not convinced Adrien is the one who killed my father. Is just running off to France like this is the end of a story, are we doing the right thing?” I finish the glass probably souring the mood, but looking for a response all the same.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I nod at your good choice of veal. I order the lobster, still somewhat rare in France, with the Veloute of Spinach for us to share. I see you drink harder at your glass of wine and I know that you are troubled. I suspect why before you speak and I nod to the porter for another bottle of wine to loosen your tongue. I measure my words carefully.

“William, for better or worse, our arrest of Wolfe has closed the case. We won’t be given more access to it. It’s time for us, for both of us, to move on.” I don’t mention the classified files I’ve pulled strings to obtain, not until I’m sure we’ll receive them before we depart for France, much less what they’ll reveal. “The beast has stopped his attacks, the criminal will stand trial, I think our work is done. We should leave all this and make our own lives. Together”

Detective William Banks:
I take a moment to think over your words. “Yeah, you’re right. It doesn’t really matter anymore for us, there is only so much a man… or rather a couple of men can do in order to put things right. After all, the good book says: ’The only thing needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.’ This thing may have escaped us, but one day I am sure it will be caught and dealt with.” I try my best, at least at the moment to convince myself of that, but what I saw that night still haunts me.

I pour myself another glass of the drink, this time slowing my intake seeing how you are still on your first one. “All that gloom aside, our day in New York is going to be wonderful. Ship leaving in the morning, even hear that they have a masquerade ball planned during the trip across the Atlantic. I sure hope nobody onboard will mind the two most handsome men on the boat sharing a few dances.”

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
“There is always more to be done,” I reply, nodding. But privately I think, this beast hasn’t been caught since my father investigated the Paris case almost thirty years ago. Now that we have missed our chance, I fear the animal will never be brought to heel. I can’t let you have no hope of justice or your vengeance.

Your mood brightens when you speak of New York and the day we’ll spend together there. “A masquerade? We haven’t left ourselves much time to shop for costumes!” The porter arrives with the second bottle. “So you wish to dance in front of the other passengers? You have become quite comfortable with being public about us and that makes me happy.” I give you a sideways half grin as the porter pours. “I hope you know how to follow…”

Detective William Banks:
I try to distance myself from thoughts of the creature now, in all likelihood any chance of me catching it is gone now so may as well focus on the better things coming our way. I let out a light laugh when you mention the costumes since I already had something in mind. “Actually for a costume, I was thinking of dressing up like a pirate. May as well put this scar to use right? I could run around with an open vest, maybe some leather pants and boots. Eye patch of course. Guess we should hit costume shops while we are out tomorrow, plenty of time I think.”

When you start talking about public displays of our relationship, it prompts me to say a couple things. “Before, back in Chicago, I was really only reluctant to show it at the precinct because. Well, police have a tendency at least in the states, to be as open about that, or forgiving. It seems to me that New York and France are far more progressive. I even hope that we might be able to…” I trail off there realizing I might be projecting too much.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
The porter comes over to invite us to the dining car for our dinner and takes our wine for us. We settle in for our dinner and an early night to sleep. My mind wonders to how the train berths will be for us, when our inevitable playtime begins.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
At 7 am the following morning, the porter awakens us as we requested to freshen up and prepare for our arrival in New York City. There will be little to see on the way into Manhattan as we travel in tunnels once the train crosses the Hudson River. The high speed train slows, the clanging on the tracks now more noticeable, as we approach the terminus. We disembark, the porters carrying our luggage behind us as we walk along the platform. Eventually we emerge into the immense, cavernous space that is Grand Central Station.

Detective William Banks:
There’s a little bit of awkwardness for me freshening up on the train, but I bear my scars while I clean up around a couple of other people well enough. After that we arrive at the station and it is magnificent. I spend some time looking around with you, but you can tell I’m a bit more in a hurry to get on with the daily plans we’ve setup. It’s around that time that I noticed the majestestic ceiling this place has, painted with the images of constellations all over and the outlines of people the stars represent.

You are not logged in. - Celestial Ceiling

I was never into astrology or astronomy myself, but I know the zodiac when I see it. Orion sticks out too, Pa always pointed him out as an example of the type of person we ought to be in life. So I take a good moment to look it over with you watching me. It’s around that time that I realize we have an itinerary to keep with our plans for today.

The general timeframe we laid out was to get to the hotel by 8am, maybe try to get a nap in on account of the train not giving either of us the best sleep. Take some time to get a good lunch and head off to the football game around 1. Plenty of time to hit the costume shops in between I imagine.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I am pleased that you took the time to look up at the Celestial Ceiling before I could point it out. I point, “Look, William, Orion the Hunter.” I’m not sure if he looks more like us or the beast we hunt. After all, in our line of work, it is difficult sometimes to tell a predator from prey. We take our luggage and make our way to Park Avenue to catch a taxicab. I take your arm and turn you to look at the Tiffany Clock on the facade of the Terminal. “When I arrived here on my way to Chicago, I thought Hercules was looking down at me. The human made a deity, standing beside Minerva and Mercury. I will never forget this image.”

I put two fingers in my mouth and give out a sharp whistle. A cab veers over two lanes of traffic. I suppose the hardships of the Great Depression are still felt, even in such a city. The cabbie helps load our luggage into the boot of the vehicle and whisks us off to our hotel.

Detective William Banks:
The ride to the hotel has me thinking about a lot of things, in particular the bit about Orion the Hunter. The thing I didn’t say before was that Orion is a constellation that means a lot to my family. He was viewed as a man who tried to make the world a better place with his only real power being that of hunting the bad. Pa was a police officer following that motto, hunting evil men to preserve the righteous. In these last couple weeks, my search for the creature mirrors that mentality, a hunter trying to protect the weak. Though I do find myself conflicted on if I should be trying to protect the scum of the earth from a creature hunting them. I realize as we sit in the back of the taxi that I think too much about this stuff, and then turn my attention to the man who accepts me for all my faults while holding his hand tightly. I don’t talk much during that ride, but you can tell my attention is focused on you.

Arriving at the hotel we unpack simple enough. As soon as our luggage is up to the room safely, then I pull you into our bed so we can properly make love without all the awkwardness that came with the train. As I lay there with you, I stroke your hair while thinking about the life we want to live. It occurs to me that with all our immediate trip planning, I don’t know what you plan to do long term. “Well I’m on vacation Fernand, so I can put off work for a bit. When we get to France though, what do you intend to do? Go back to law enforcement? Take time off to be with me? I know you plan to take me around to all the hot romantic spots, but if we think about this a bit more… Where do you see us being in a year or two?”

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
With only one overnight stay at the hotel, I leave most of my clothes in the luggage. Although you appear determined to rumple what I’m wearing as you pull me onto the bed with you. We begin to play with one another’s body through our clothes. You run your fingers through my hair and begin to ask me again about our future. I can tell this big step for you has you somewhat apprehensive, despite us being together day and night for the last week and a half. I prop myself up on one elbow and look deep into your eyes.

“I am still on leave from the department until I am ready to return. I thought we would spend the next month together, not just traveling but for you to see what living in France is like. After that, it depends on how you like it there. As I’ve mentioned, it is not an easy country for a foreigner. If you like it, I’ll go back to work on the force - I don’t get that large an income from the family holdings. We’ll find something for you to do. We can either stay in my flat in the Latin Quarter or find a place that belongs to both of us.

“However, if you find yourself not feeling at home there, please be forthright and frank with me. I will move to the US with you. Perhaps we will stay here in New York if Chicago holds too many bad memories for you.”

Detective William Banks:
“Fernand… You know I want this to work out. I’m uprooting everything I’ve known to give it a full and honest shot.” I say with a slow low tone, eyes focused on yours. There isn’t much more for me to say on the topic, I’m going all in on this with nothing really holding me back now. There is a skeptic in me that has to look at the possibility things won’t work out, and if that ever happened… I guess I would need to figure out what to do with myself.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I see the conflict of emotions on your face and I can imagine what you’re feeling. We’ve known each other for less than a month and you’re leaving everything you’ve known to come with me. I suppose I’ve had my doubts as well. After the trauma of the attack, the scars, the emotions about your father that have been stirred up, what am I in for? How extensive is the damage? “I will do everything I can for us to work out, William.”

Detective William Banks:
After a bit of rest, we head out to move on with our planned events. First thing we do, go and get some lunch from the hotel dining room. It’s nothing too fancy, but fills us up plenty, all while chatting about the littles than we are looking forward to. After that we head out to grab the costumes from some fancy shop. I insist on trying out my outfit there for you to see in the dressing room, the first time you’ve seen me not look too ashamed of the scar. Once I’m happy with my pirate outfit, I give a grin as I check out yours.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
An American costume shop on Halloween morning is quite a new experience for me. But watching your boyishness shine through again as you show off your pirate costume. I look at it over the half-door of the changing compartment. Mine isn’t a perfect fit but I’m sure I can find a needle and thread on board the ship while in transit. I open the door in my Three Musketeers costume, bow and wave my plumed had with a flourish. “D’Artagnan, à votre service.”

Detective William Banks:
We both adore each other for a bit in our costumes, making enough of a scene that the person monitoring the rooms even gives off a blush. Once we pack up the outfits, it’s about time to head off to the game over at the Polo Grounds. For me, it’s clearly going to be the highlight of the day with a very strong realization in my mind that this may be the last time I see a sports event in the states. While Fernand was kind enough to offer to live with New York here with me if I didn’t like France, I don’t really intend to back away unless something major happens. If things don’t work out with France, there is always England I can try.

You are not logged in. - Chicago Bears vs. New York Giants

We catch a taxi over to the Polo Grounds, manage to finally get through the lines, and find ourselves our seats. Manage to snag us some pretzels and a couple of hot dogs too, curious to see how you respond to the menu. There is a bit of a pre-show, announcer calling out the whole thing to be expected, then finally the big man shows himself to a huge roar of the crowd, Bronko Nagurski, the quarterback of the Chicago Bears and current Heavyweight World Champion with his transition to Professional Wrestling. I give out a few loud hollers that might be a bit embarrassing as a result.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
The cab lets us out at the stadium and, although both of us are unfamiliar with the venue, we find our way to our seats. You go off to get us something to eat, even though our lunch was not long ago. I gather that this is part of the communal game experience. I must admit that the excitement and apprehension of the crowd has caught me up as well. When you come back with food, I try to hide my horror. Are we really supposed to eat this “hot dog” and “pretzel”?

I tell myself that you will eat unfamiliar cuisines in France and make a mental note to introduce you to escargots and boudin noir to even the score. Surprisingly, the flavors are not unappealing but I do fear what being on a ship tomorrow will be like with this in my system. My concentration on the strange food is interrupted when you and half the crowd yell out to greet the star of the visiting team.

Detective William Banks:
The game goes long, the crowd hollering and cheering as things go back and forth. The whole time you can hear me cheer along with them, along with complaining, calling foul, but generally absorbed into the action. For a while it seems like the bears are going to lose, but I’m on the edge of my seat watching, gripping the handle nervously while I eat the concessions that I got for us. During half time I get us some more hoping you are enjoying yourself. The match finally ended nearly 3 hours after it started, a score of 3 to 3. As such the game was considered a draw. Overall I’m left happy with the game, but less happy than I could have been. It’s always better to see both sides go all out with a close match than to watch one side get completely clobbered. It’s that primal struggle that gets the heart pumping in my opinion.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I will say that American football is similar to real football in one way, a very long game can still end up with a very low score. Still, though I’m unsure how my stomach is doing, I enjoyed the sport. What is not to like about large men crashing into one another for three hours? We move rather briskly to the exit to give us time to get back to the hotel to change for the theater. I don’t know about you but at least I have eaten enough to last through the show and perhaps grab a bite afterwards at one of the common theater row eateries. I just hope my stomach doesn’t growl loudly during a soliloquy.

Detective William Banks:
With the game over, we have some time on our hands until the show at Broadway begins. Since we’ve been mainly sitting around all day either by train, taxi, or in the stadium, I suggest that we go for a stroll through Central Park and enjoy what is apparently one of the best sites in the world. Part of me wishes we had set out to see the Statue of LIberty out in the bay, but hindsight is always a vexing thing and seeing Bronko live was a higher priority in my mind. So we take stroll enjoying the sights, Belvedere Castle in particular catching my attention as it was a big deal being built back in 1919. I was also a little afraid we might encounter a Hooverville in the park, but it seems that those got cleaned up a few years back.

You are not logged in. - Belvedere Castle

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
We take a leisurely amble through Central Park and I am amazed at this quiet sanctuary in such a bustling city. It is a brisk fall afternoon and the shadows grow long. I know we will spend this next Christmas in France but I would love to come back with you next year to see the horse-drawn carriages, the decorated trees, and a metropolis come to live with the holidays. We make our way back to the hotel to freshen up and change to our nicer clothes.

Detective William Banks:
I hate getting dressed up so prim and proper, but recognize that this type of event calls for such formality. Being a detective has taught me the ends and outs of having to dress for the occasion, so I get all dressed up hoping that I at least look good to you with a tie on, even if I always felt it was more like a noose. Another taxi ride later and we arrive at the theater. Based on the idle chit chat of the crowd, I can tell this is going to be a bore for me. I try my best to look interested, do that thing where you hear bits and try to restate it in a different way to make it sound all deep and thoughtful. It’s a trick that I’ve found comes in handy when having to deal with politicians.

You are not logged in. St. Jame Theater

Finally we make our way inside and get to our seats, and I can already tell that this is not going to be comfortable if I doze off by accident. I sit up straight, ready to persevere through this, planning to give it an honest to God chance of keeping my attention. It’s the least I can do for Fernand since he seems so interested in it. Time to man up.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
You look so out of place and uncomfortable with getting dressed up and being around such a well-heeled crowd. As much out of your element as I was at the football game. But to be together, we will have to adapt to each other’s interests. I do realize that perhaps “King Richard II” was not a good introduction to the theater. I trust you to make it through, even though you’re unlikely to understand much of the archaic dialogue.

At our seats, I read the program as you settle in. I make small talk with the older couple on the other side of me but bring my attention back to you so you do not feel ignored and left alone in this odd milieu. I give you a brief summary of what you’re about to see, hopefully it will help you understand the play better. The lights go down and there is a smattering of polite applause.

Detective William Banks:
We get settled in and I listen to your summary trying my best to keep it clean and concise in my head. Feels almost like I’m back in school prepping for a test. Still, I am professional when it comes to pinning down facts and keeping an outline clear, so that helps a bit. That is, until the lights start getting low and the whole thing starts to play out before me.

I have never heard so many “Thou”s and “Shants” in my life, and the pace in which they speak is both hard to keep up with, and hard to make out clearly due to the speed. I give it a honest chance, struggling to keep it all straight, but I find myself slapping my face lightly hoping you don’t hear it trying to keep myself awake. I Notice the fella next to me glaring as though my antics are making it hard for him to get the value out of his overpriced ticket. By the time we reach the halfway point, I’m ashamed to say that I fell asleep a couple of times, always fighting to keep myself up, but eventually I lose that struggle and start sleeping like a baby.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I see you give the play a valiant effort. I poked you gently with my elbow a couple of times to attempt to keep you awake, but to no avail. Fortunately, you do not snore when you finally give in to slumber. I take pity on you and when the lights come up at intermission, I lean over and whisper, “This is an atrocious production. I have no desire to see how they butcher the next acts. Let’s go back to the hotel. I have something much more entertaining in mind for you,” I say lasciviously to you. “Unless you’re hungry again, we could grab a bite first.”

Detective William Banks:
You lean over and start to whisper, and that causes me to jump after a little bit, realizing that I dozed off. I immediately start to applaud then realize you are talking about how unimpressed you are with the performance. “Yeah, it’s terrible. It was so bad I fell asleep.” I grin a little hoping that recovery was as smooth as I thought it was. Your proposal about food is something that I never pass up, my face lighting up when you offer it. “Yeah, I’m hungry. Let’s go find something to eat.” Of course I realize what you are proposing at the hotel is going to be the special flavor of entertainment that we’ve been getting accustomed to, but I figure that can wait a little longer and a little wine never hurts beforehand.

Inspector Fernand Laurent
After a light meal and a glass or two of wine, I am happy we left the theater early. I want you so much tonight, our first night on the voyage we’ve decided to take together. We’ve had a lot of food tonight and decide to walk it off.

The Author:
Little did they know that as they made their way back to the hotel, that their lives were about to change in ways they couldn’t understand. With the threat of the beast behind them, could they truly wander off into a happy ending? Or is there more going on than they realize?

Published: 2022-01-09, viewed 60 times.