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[jumpthegun]

You've reached Dr. John Watson. Please leave a message.

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@LELRIC; audio; evening 189

[armoured]

Excuse me, Dr. Watson?

[They haven't spoken in a while, not since before he died and he's not someone he'd come to for a chat, but needs must.]

If you have a moment to talk, please could you let me know?

audio

[jumpthegun]

[So much is happening all the time. But sure, he can pretend he's fine and level.]

Sure, Al. What is it? How are you doing?

[He'd seen the other doctors replying to Al in his message, so he hadn't felt compelled to add more of the same advice. Doesn't mean he isn't concerned.]

[armoured]

I'm fine, thank you.

[He has no idea that John saw that, but this isn't about him anyway.]

I'm actually calling you about Mr. Gray. I need a little help getting back to my brother, and we both think he should be the one to do it.

[jumpthegun]

[That is absolutely not what John expected.]

Do you? Al, since you're using his real name, I'm going to assume you've talked with him a little more than most. Are you aware that Mr. Gray is a serial killer?

[armoured]

Yeah, I am.

[He sounds reserved and serious, but not concerned.]

I can't tell you what he told me, it's personal to him, but I believe he really wants a chance to try and be a better man.

[jumpthegun]

[John's tone flattens. He doesn't have the emotional capacity to deal with this as a fight.]

I think he wants to get home so that he can keep murdering people for their abilities. He's dangerous, Al. He murdered Doctor Suresh. Sherlock and I are looking after him.

[armoured]

I'm not denying that he's dangerous, but do you really think I'd let him hurt anyone?

[Give him a little more credit, Dr. Watson.]

[jumpthegun]

I don't think you're in any state at the moment to be a check on him, Al. D'you?

[armoured]

Maybe not physically.

[He'll give that concession, though Dr. Watson hasn't seen just how physically badly off he is thank goodness.]

But he listens to me.

[jumpthegun]

He listens to me and Sherlock, as well.

Why do you want to travel with him, Al. Is it because you think you can help him in some way?

[armoured]

Yeah, I do.

Look, I know what he did was wrong, there's no way I would ever defend murder. But does that mean a murderer can never do a good thing in their future? I think I can help him.

[jumpthegun]

It means a man who was murdering people on the regular for power less than two months ago needs a little more time absent murder and attacking people before I'll consider giving them more of a leash. I appreciate that you want to help him and everyone in Norfinbury by extension, Al, but this isn't a burden you need to bear. He attacked Sherlock only recently. That doesn't inspire a great deal of confidence in me that he won't try to attack you.

[armoured]

[He can understand the concern, but it makes him bristle every time Dr. Watson treats him like a young child unable to 'carry the burdens'.]

With all due respect, Dr. Watson, I know how to handle people who have been killers. It might not be a burden I 'need' to bear, but I'm perfectly willing to; and isn't it better that he's where he wants to be as well, it'll make him more amenable.

[jumpthegun]

With all due respect, Mr. Elric, it's not your decision or mine, ultimately. Sherlock is the one who has a better read on Mr. Gray. If he says it's all right, then I'll defer to him. If he doesn't, then Mr. Gray will be staying with us. I'll speak with him when I have the chance.

[armoured]

[Why is it Sherlock's decision?]

Couldn't you speak to him now?

[jumpthegun]

No. This is something I'd rather speak with him about in-person, and he's not with me at the moment.

[armoured]

Is Mr. Gray with you?

[Has he just called the wrong person entirely?]

[jumpthegun]

[He... has.]

Not at the moment, no. He's with Sherlock.

[armoured]

[There's a tiny sigh.]

Okay. Thank you, Dr. Watson, it's just that Mr. Gray told me to talk to you about him leaving. I guess I need to call Mr. Holmes, huh?

[jumpthegun]

Mm... He's a bit busy at the moment, so it might take him a while to respond, just so you know.

[Busy planning to get himself killed. John's going to try to make it to the chapel tomorrow, in spite of tripping over his own feet in the snow.]

[armoured]

[Don't think he doesn't notice that tone of voice, Dr. Watson.]

Is everything okay? What aren't they with you any more?

[jumpthegun]

Everything is fine. Thank you. I'm just tired. [He doesn't answer that second question.] I'm gonna try to get some sleep. You should, too, Al. You need it. Goodnight.

[armoured]

[Really?

Al doesn't believe that for a single moment.]

Dr. Watson, wait--

[Don't hang up on him, jerk.]

[jumpthegun]

[He said 'goodnight.' That totally counts as a polite farewell. And John has hung up. Sorry, Al.]