sixwordstories | (no subject)

Something interesting?

I thought I might get a little something, and I want to be sure I'm getting the right price.

Hm. Buying yourself something? I didn't think you needed to do that.

Oh, I certainly don't need to. Merely... something I want to do. I do think emeralds are rather fetching.

As you like, then. This reminds me. I need to dispose of poor Nadine's possessions.

I can't imagine that will take long. I was always under the impression that she brought very little with her to the house.

That's very true. I meant I'll need to put the things she used back into storage; the jewelry in particular.

By the way, I believe your deadline is past.

The Crane ring.

I believe it is, yes.

Yes, the ring will have to be taken care of.

And have you a solution, Elise?

I may, if I have understood what you have told me so far.

Enlighten me.

I believe I can provide a subject eager to understand the true nature of fear, willing to unflinchingly follow the commands of a scientist, ~~probably~~ logical enough with their own thoughts to keep records of thoughts and feelings and other such things that ever the most acute outside observer might miss. A subject also in a position to find other subjects of any age or gender, so that if a variety in testing conditions were needed, it could be provided.

Would that be satisfactory?

I'm not sure the subject understands all the demands of the position. Your mother was woefully unprepared for them.

That is entirely possible. However, there is no other suitable replacement to be found.

Are you sure you've thought this solution through? *brushes the side of her face with one finger*

Shuts her eyes for a moment then opens them, letting out a quiet breath.

As much as I can. No doubt there are things that I have not considered, but I have thought of everything that I could.

I am the one who brought your experiment to an early end, so it is only fair that I offer myself, as I have found no more suitable a replacement.

I'm not convinced of the wisdom of that idea, Elise, not sure that you've really considered all of the implications. *hand moves to her cheek*

Her eyes stare straight into his, her breathing slow and shallow. You said you wanted someone to understand. I want to understand. I need to understand.

Do you? Do you really?

*smiles, then pulls his hand away*

I'll have to think about that. Perhaps you can convince me.

Her hands quiver, desperate to grab his jacket, to plead with him not to dismiss her, but she stops herself, instead just bowing her head slightly.

Of course.

A pause.

May I borrow the car to go to Gotham on Friday? There is something I wish to speak to the curator of the museum there about.

Gotham? *his voice takes on a sharp tone* What could you possibly want there?

I have a bet to settle with someone, that's all.

I don't approve of betting. And who exactly is this "someone?"

If you want the position, I'd expect more...compliance.

I only need to speak with the curator for a few moments, face-to-face. You'd be more than welcome to accompany me. It's simply a trivial matter that I feel I must have settled properly.

I could take you to Gotham, yes. All you need do is ask, Elise. It's all you ever need do.

Is there anything else you want?