Masks of Nyarlathotep - Chapter 1: New York City

[Toric_Arthendain]

Joe is about to make some attempt to answer Evelyn when the door opens and he spots William Blair standing there. Looking at the various bits of evidence scattered on the table and then at William, he sees that there is going to be little point in trying to deceive the man. He looks at his companions. "Excuse me a moment, would you?"

He walks calmly over to William and takes him aside. In quiet tones, he says,"William, I'm sorry. I had forgotten about our appointment. I seem to have become involved in something I'm not sure I know how to explain. I was recently contacted by an old friend who needed some help. Do you perhaps remember the Carlyle Expedition?"

Joe then gives a brief summary of events leading up to the current time to William. He leaves out the most fantastical parts of the events in the basement of the Ju Ju House.

 

[VorpalBunny]

Professor Carter, still visibly on edge jumps up at the sound of the knock. He looks around for a place to hide or a window in case that horror with all those faces is coming back. After a few seconds of looking around the room for a means of escape he stops and smiles to himself. Get a grip, old boy. Do you really think a horrible thing like that would actually knock on the door?

 

[Maerdwyn]

He walks calmly over to William and takes him aside. In quiet tones, he says,"William, I'm sorry. I had forgotten about our appointment. I seem to have become involved in something I'm not sure I know how to explain. I was recently contacted by an old friend who needed some help. Do you perhaps remember the Carlyle Expedition?"

William shakes his head, no, then listens in concern and a little shock as the priest relates the events from Elias's murder through the run-in at the Ju-Ju House last night.

"What are you going to do now? Are there more of those cultists out there? Do they know who you, or any of them, are? You don't want their friends coming after you right?" he says while looking at Joe and gesturing vaguely to the others in the room. He seems to notice Evelyn for the first time, and hisses a whisper to Father Joe, "Christ, Joe! Is she press?"

 

[Festy_Dog]

Father Joe seemed to know the guy so Hamish's hand came out from under his jacket and rested on his lap. There was little change in his expression and he kept a keen eye on the newcomer.

 

[Yellow Sign]

Evelyn looks over at the man who just barged into the meeting. She whispers over to Shorty. "Do you know this man?"

"Naw toots. Never seen him in me life." grumbles Shorty has he takes another swing of his beer. "I an't normally a morning drinker but after last night this could become a habit." he says.

Evelyn stares at the man for a minute or so. "I swear that I have seen him somewhere before."

Thomas sighs. "I feel like a sardine in this room. I doubt that we could get anyone else packed in here." He then quietly says to the others. "Do you think it is wise for the Father to be telling this man about our 'situation'?"

 

[VorpalBunny]

He then quietly says to the others. "Do you think it is wise for the Father to be telling this man about our 'situation'?"

After seeing that the stranger is obviously an acquaintance of Father Joes, he relaxes and whipsers to Tomas "I don't know who he is, but if the Father feels he is trustworthy enough and sound of mind enough to hear our story then I'll defer to his judgement."

 

[Festy_Dog]

Hamish finally opens his mouth, "I ain't likin' the idea of bringin' more folks in on this," he replies quietly to Thomas, "But it might be too late now."

 

[Yellow Sign]

Thomas looks over at Father Joe. "Father, who is your friend?"

 

[Maerdwyn]

William hears the question, and bites the inside of his cheek as he tries to decide whether or not to bolt. The Father's had a fright - even his cheeks are white today. I don't want any part of this...but the guy picked me out of gutter and's kept me standing for two years. Can't leave him now. He looks at the woman, trying to keep the fear and loathing for reporters like her out of his gaze. Doesn't look like she recognized me. With an act of will, he steps forward, thinking, God damn it, answering the man's question before Father Joe can:

"Bill. Bill Blair." He nods crisp greetings around the room. "I help the church out with some legal work, here and there." It's a white lie, but he did mean to do some legal work for them someday, and it was better than saying he'd shown up so Father Joe could talk him out of another bender.

 

[Toric_Arthendain]

Joe looks at William, eyebrows slightly raised in mild surprise as he tells the others his name and profession, despite that it was not exactly the truth. He remains silent though, fully understanding that the man didn't want to be embarrassed in front of all these strangers.

He clears his throat. "Yes, William is a friend and more importantly he can be trusted," he said to his companions. "He might be helpful to us in the coming days."

Joe glances away, hoping that William is indeed capable of handling the information he will become aware of if he does join them in their investigation. Holding together the frayed will of an alcoholic is difficult enough without adding mysterious cults and walking dead to the equation.