What's going on, Mickey?
調子はどう?ミッキー。
The water's been fixed, so you can take a hot shower if you want.
水道は直ったわ。シャワー浴びれるわよ。
Hi.
ハイ。
Yeah.
そう。
I smell that bad?
そんなに臭う?
Great, I'll take a quick one before bedtime.
グレイト!寝る前にさっと浴びるわ。
I kinda liked taking a cold shower in this heat.
この暑さじゃ水浴びがしたいような感じね。
No, I didn't mean that you-- I just, you know, in case you wanted to take a warm shower, I just wanted you to...the water being hot. As it were.
いいえ、そういう意味じゃないわ。あなたがもし温かいシャワーを浴びたかったのなら、熱いのを浴びさせようかと思っただけよ。
You can still take a...a cold shower if you really want to. I'm just saying the hot water's there, you know, in case...in case you need it.
Thanks, Mickey.
ありがとう。
Yeah.
ええ
Mind you don't let everyone else go before you, 'cause in that case I can't guarantee that you'll...the water gets cold, you know?
あなたが先に浴びたいのなら
Thanks, Mickey.
Yeah.
Thanks, Mickey.
Yeah.
I'll talk to you later, Mickey.
後でね、ミッキー。
Yeah.
I heard you had a nightmare last night.
昨晩悪夢を見たって聞いたけど。
Did she tell you that? She can't keep her mouth shut, can she. You can't, can you?
彼女が言ったの?黙ってられないのね。
What was wrong with the pipes?
パイプの何が悪かったの?
They're just old. Like all of Venice, they're really old. Twice a year, every year, I have to spend half a day freezing my ass off down in the canal performing emergency surgery on the pipes.
古かったのよ。ベニスのように。本当に古いわ。年に2回、毎年、パイプの緊急手術のために用水路に入ってケツを凍らせながら半日過ごさないとならない。
Not that I don't love doing it, especially when my so-called partner's curled up on the sofa watching soaps all day long.
Later, Mickey.
Yeah.
As if your screaming wasn't enough to wake up the whole building? And so what if you were having a nightmare? You are human, you know. Even though you'd like to think differently.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause an argument. It's just that I had a nightmare as well.
Good luck trying to get anything out of her. She's so very together, you know? There'll be no chink in her armor. She's the iron lady. Well, bollocks.
Would you shut up, Fiona? I mean, for once, would you just shut up? Yes, I had a nightmare, and yes, it's none of your business. So don't try to make it your business.
I wasn't trying to...to intrude.
Fine. I just don't like talking about my dreams, yeah?
Have you been sitting here all day?
Hi, Fiona.
Hi, darling! What've you been up to today? I saw you come down early this morning, but you looked busy, so I didn't want to bother you.
Pretty much, darling. I feel like a vegetable. How was your day, then?
I've been working on my painting.
I've been around.
Sleepwalking, basically.
Oh right, for the exhibition? How's that going, darling?
Until today? Terrible. But I managed to get something down on canvas this morning, so I feel a little better.
You'll be all right, I'm sure of it. After all, I love your paintings.
I wish my teachers shared your enthusiasm, Fiona.
They will. Trust me. You'll be the star of the show.
Did you go to school today?
Yeah, all morning, and half the afternoon. I actually made some progress on my painting -- you know, for the exhibition?
Finally, eh? I knew you'd get around to it eventually.
I haven't been particularly inspired lately, but today there were certain...events that inspired me.
Same here. I felt particularly inspired after watching Greg punch out Lars, the evil Norwegian brain surgeon on "The Wealthy and the Depraved". He deserved a good beating after what he did to Laura, the precious thing.
Ha-ha.
Yeah? You tired, darling?
I didn't sleep much last night. Nightmares.
God, you too? Mickey woke me up screaming in the middle of the night. She was so perturbed she refused to go back to sleep until I made her a cup of herbal tea.
This is Mickey we're talking about?
Exactly. Hard to believe, yeah? She's always so composed, even in the most extreme situations. It frightened me half to death seeing her like that, darling.
Don't tell her I said so, though. She wouldn't want me talking about it, I'm sure.
It was good.
It's been a weird day.
I've had a horrible day.
How so?
Really? What happened?
Well, you know how some mornings, you wake up, but you're not sure if you're really awake or if you're still just dreaming?
I feel like that every morning, darling. A pot of black coffee cures that in a flash.
That's how I've been feeling all day. Like I said, it's been a weird day. How was yours?
Exceedingly ordinary. Almost depressingly so. I poked my head out the door once, for about a second, but thought better of it.
Did you get any work done?
You know what, I think I did. Surprised the hell out of me, that's for sure.
That's wonderful, darling. See, didn't I tell you? I knew you'd be inspired again.
You were right.
I usually am.
Yeah, you were right.
I usually am.
That's good, then. See, didn't I tell you? I knew you would.
Just...everything. But I did get some work done.
Why don't you sit down and watch a movie with us, April?
You know what? That sounds like an excellent idea.
I'll see you later, yeah?
All right, darling.
Bye.
Bye now.
What are you watching?
Nothing special. We were thinking about watching a movie later, though.
Yeah? Which one?
They have quite a few new releases out. Did you ever see "Victory Hotel"?
No. Is it good?
That's what they say. So we might catch that one.
Can I ask you a few questions?
Can I ask you a few more questions?
Why, certainly, darling. About what?
I don't mind, darling. Ask away.
Morning, Fiona!
Good morning, darling! You're up early.
Hi.
Hello, darling.
Yeah, I couldn't sleep.
Are you feeling all right? You look a little pale.
I had a bad nightmare.
I just have a lot of work to do.
I'm fine...
Again? Well, you're not the only one, darling. Mickey woke me up screaming in the middle of the night. She wouldn't go back to sleep until I made her a cup of herbal tea.
That doesn't sound like Mickey.
I know, darling. Don't tell her I said so, but I've never seen her so agitated in my life. She scared the hell out of me.
For the exhibition? How's that going, darling?
Good. Fine. It's going...actually it's not going so well. I haven't felt inspired in a long time. Weeks.
I'm scared that I'll never-- What'd happen if I just...ran out of creativity, Fiona? What if I can't ever finish a painting again? Oh God, I've chosen the wrong line of work...
Oh, darling, no. No, I just think you work too hard. I worry about you all the time, you know.
Don't.
Well, darling, I do. You should work less and play more. When was the last time you had a boyfriend?
God, don't remind me. That's a depressing thought.
Well, there you are. Live. Enjoy your youth. It goes by too quickly as it is.
Not hard enough, apparently. I don't even know if my painting will be done in time for the exhibition. I think I've...inspiration is hard to find these days. Real hard.
I don't know why I have nightmares. I guess they could be stress-related. After all, the exhibition is right around the corner.
Oh yes, the school exhibition. How's that going?
No, I don't know. But apparently you do.
You need to take some time to yourself. Relax. Have a good time. Find yourself a boyfriend. Be eighteen.
I'm...just...just a little tired, that's all.
You work much too hard, darling.
Nightmares?
Apparently. But she refuses to tell me what they were. I think she's embarrassed.
God, don't ask. I have no idea how I'm going to finish my painting on time. I haven't felt inspired in ages.
I think you work too hard, darling. You need to relax once in a while. Live. Enjoy your youth. There's inspiration to be found in hedonism, you know.
(laughs) I'm an authority on the subject, darling. Ask Mickey. She'll tell you I don't lift a finger around the place unless I absolutely have to.
Yeah, you'd know, wouldn't you?
I have time to be eighteen when I've made it into the two-year program. Right now it's all I can do to keep my head above water.
Take care you don't drown, darling.
That's cute. That's...did you come up with that one just now? Because that's pretty cute.
Yeah. Rather nifty, eh? I'm no slouch when it comes to verbal sparring after all (laughs).
Oh, that's uncalled-for. That's downright mean, April. I'm in a mind to kick your arse for that one. And I've won tougher fights, believe me (laughs).
...but?
Where's everybody this morning?
Mickey's tied up in the basement...
Mind you, she's not literally tied up, of course -- although that is a tempting thought.
Are we getting into your sexual fantasies here, Fiona? Because it's a little too early in the morning for that, don't you think?
Sorry. I just can't help myself.
Anyway, the plumbing is...you probably noticed when you took a shower, yeah? There's no hot water. So Mickey's working on that. Getting knee-deep in putrid canal water is her job, thank God.
What about Charlie? He up yet?
No, he's still sleeping, and Emma just went to bed. I saw her come in when I was making breakfast. Do you know who she's seeing now?
I don't know. Some guy.
Those lads I see her with, darling...she's too good for those arseholes. I wish she'd find herself a man who'd treat her right for once.
She hasn't had much luck with love, no.
She's a magnet for creeps. And she's so pretty. They prey on her, you know. Bastards.
I've tried to talk to her about it, but Emma's...impulsive. She doesn't listen.
She's just as headstrong as you and me, darling. But I'm sure she'll be all right. She's smart and resourceful, and not afraid to speak up for herself.
Shouldn't you be outside enjoying the good weather?
You joking? Bollocks to that, I'll stay inside until September, thank you very much. It's too bloody hot.
I'd better get going.
Off to school?
Yeah, there are no more classes this semester, but I have to finish my painting by next Thursday.
For what it's worth, darling--good luck. And don't work too hard, all right?
See you later, Fiona.
Have fun, darling.
Can I ask you a few questions?
Why, certainly, darling. About what?
Can I ask you a few more questions?
I don't mind, darling. Ask away.
I think the ring might belong to me.
I'm sorry I have to ask, but could you describe the ring?
Sure thing. It says "Sweet Sixteen". My Dad gave it to me. I think it was the only birthday of mine he remembered, or at least acknowledged.
Yes, that's the one. I found it under the sofa when I was vacuuming. Here you are, darling.
Thanks. It's not worth much, but it's got a certain...sentimental value for me.
It's a very pretty ring.
Yeah. Yeah, it is. My Dad never gave me anything pretty, before or since. He must've won a poker game or something that day.
You know what's strange? I don't hate him. He's a bastard, and he treated me like crap almost every single day of my life, but I don't hate him. I feel sorry for him.
Why?
Because he doesn't know how to love. He can't love anybody or anything. And because he'll be miserable every second of every minute of every day until the day he dies.
God, I'm glad that life is behind me. I hope I never have to see him again. No, that doesn't sound right. I've made a choice not to see him again. Ever.
I saw this note on the corkboard...
Do you have any idea what this means?
"Where kids visualize their..." No, sorry.
Do you mind if I borrow these matches?
Not at all, darling.
I don't have any more questions right now.
Don't hesitate asking if there's something else you want to know.
Thanks for your help, Fiona.
You're welcome, darling.
Where did you find my ring?
Under the sofa, darling. It must have slipped off your finger while you were watching a movie or something.
That's strange, because I've been keeping it in a box in my room. I rarely ever wear it, and I've never carried it around in my pocket.
I'm not sure what you mean, darling.
What do you think of Cortez?
Don't you think he's a little creepy?
Oh, he's harmless. That old hippie's been drugged up for fifty years, and he's not likely to come down any time soon.
Mickey likes him, but I'm not a big fan. But what can I do? He just sits outside the building smoking or reading a book. He doesn't harm anyone.
How long has he been around?
Oh, I don't know...a year, maybe? He just showed up one day, and he hasn't left since.
He never leaves his spot?
He sleeps and eats, obviously. And sometimes he goes to some revival cinema uptown. Says that, second to reading, old movies are his greatest passion.
What else can you tell me about Cortez?
One word I wouldn't use to describe him is "lucid".
He's always on about some bollocks idea, and you'd never know from listening to him that he's got any sense at all.
People say he's quite sharp, though, quite intelligent. Well read, multi-lingual, and he's travelled all over the world, apparently. But still completely bonkers, if you ask me.
Tell me about Emma.
Emma? Why, she's your best friend, darling. I don't know what to tell you that you don't already know. You girls are so close.
That's true. The day we met, we clicked -- instantly. It was strange, but cool.
Like me and Mickey, then. Except for the sex, of course.
That's a pretty big "except for", Fiona.
Oh, I guess so. She's a crazy one, Emma is. Not crazy as in "mad as a hatter", but crazy in a good way. Fun to be around.
Emma's always been a little weird.
Exactly, darling. She's a flirt, too, and the boys seem to drop like flies at her feet. No wonder. She's a real looker, I don't have to tell you.
I'm sure she could've been a model if she'd wanted, but she's an artist, and a good one too. I really think she'll be a successful artist. Her sculptures are getting a lot of attention.
Anything else you can tell me about Emma?
She ought to be a little more careful sometimes. She's a flirt, and although she doesn't mean any harm, some lads don't take too well to being teased and rejected. You should tell her that, being her best friend and all.
I have told her. She won't listen.
No. She does worry me a little. But she's a big girl and she can take care of herself. I'm certainly happy to have her living here. Next to you and Charlie, she's my favorite tenant.
What did you think of me when we first met?
That's a peculiar question, isn't it? I thought you were quite lovely. I still do, darling.
Do you remember the day I arrived?
Of course, darling, it wasn't that long ago, and I'm not senile quite yet. It was in May, wasn't it? Charlie referred you to me, and you were quite at a loss. First day in the city, wasn't it?
I remember, you looked like a lost puppy.
Puppy? Me?
When I saw you lugging that suitcase across the bridge, my heart went out to you. I'm glad you came here -- you'd have been lost anywhere else.
How long have you known Charlie?
Oh, he's one of our oldest tenants. It's close to three years, I believe, since he moved in. Charlie is always in a good mood, and he is such a gentleman.
I agree, he's an actual, genuine gentleman.
And you don't see a lot of gentlemen these day, trust me. You have a very good friend in him, darling. Perhaps even more than a friend.
What do you mean, more than a friend?
Not for me to say, darling. If you don't realize it yet, you will.
What's up with Zack Lee?
Zack? I think we both feel the same way about him, darling. He's not actually a bastard -- if he was, I'd've had him out of here in an instant. But he is an arse, and a stuck up, pompous, arrogant wanker.
My thoughts exactly. Aside from that "wanker" bit.
Still, he pays his rent on time, he doesn't make a lot of noise, he keeps to himself, and, most importantly, he's shit scared of me. So I can't just kick him out.
Tell me a little about yourself, Fiona.
Me? Why, there's not much to say, darling. I love my job, I love Venice, and I love being with Mickey. I'm a happy girl.
Sure, sometimes I wish I could go back to England to see my family, but that's...water under the bridge, so to speak. I'm very happy with myself and my life here in Newport.
How long have you and Mickey been together?
Mickey and I've been together since I was nineteen. She was in her late thirties then. The older, wiser, worldly woman. I found her sweet and charming and intriguing...
When I finally realized she was neither of those things, it was too late -- I was in love (laughs). She stole me away from my dreary, British inner-city life, and she brought me here.
She was no knight in shining armor, that's for sure, but she knew how to treat me like a woman.
You guys make a great couple.
You think so, darling? Yes, I guess we do. And the sex is amazing.
You never get tired of talking about your sex-life, do you?
Never. And if I ever do, please shoot me.
Can you tell me something about the Border House?
That's one of my favorite topics, darling. What precisely do you want to know?
Tell me some more about the Border House.
What precisely do you want to know?
What can you tell me about Venice?
I don't really know much about the history of Venice. You should really ask someone with an interest in local affairs.
What I do know is that this whole neigborhood used to be an industrial area, and that about one hundred years ago they converted most of the buildings into residences for students and the homeless.
And it's a nice place to live, certainly. Friendly people, liberal attitudes, great clothing stores...quite perfect, aside from that dreadful stench from the canals in the summertime.
What's the story behind my apartment?
Your apartment? It's more a room than anything else...not much more than a large closet, really.
It's not that small.
It's one of our smallest rooms, but it's cheap, and it's on a nice floor. I hope you're happy there.
I like it. It's convenient. And it's got a, uh, interesting view.
That's nice to hear, darling. As for the story behind it? No unexplained deaths or hidden pirate treasures, I'm afraid. Just a long string of students on a tight budget.
Do you like Newport?
The city? I stay in Venice most of the time, and it's easy to forget we're just a tiny little pocket in the middle of a sprawling urban wasteland.
But do I like it? I think Newport is one of the great cities of our age. Love it or hate it, you can't argue with that.
And which one is it? Love or hate?
I haven't decided yet, darling. Ask me again in another fifteen years, perhaps I have an answer then (laughs).
What's Metro Circle like?
That's the sleaziest and most perverted neighborhood in Newport. On the negative side, however, it's also a dangerous place to hang out. I wouldn't go there alone if I were you.
Thanks for your help, Fiona.
You're welcome, darling.
What made you decide to run a boarding house?
That's a long story. One of the reasons Mickey and I got together was that we shared a passion for the classic English country inns.
You know -- quaint, weathered buildings, funny old ladies, and oddly suggestive names like "The Lazy Cock".
So why come here, to the big city, to America?
We wanted to create a place with a similar atmosphere and hospitality here in Newport. Like a safe-house for people like you and I to call home, if only for a short while.
So we discussed different options for a few months, and then we decided we wanted to start a boarding house for young, penniless students and artists.
You'd decided you wanted to do that here in Venice?
We knew that Venice was the place for us, long before we came here, but the hard part was finding a building cheap enough.
And this building was available?
Not at first. Like most of the buildings in Venice, this one used to be a factory, but when we first looked at it, a local company was planning to turn it into a bar and nightclub.
It was so perfect for our purposes, though, that we appealed to the Venice borough council, and after outlining our plans, they gave us the go-ahead at a reduced price -- provided we kept our promises regarding our tenants.
What inspired the name "'Border House"?
That came quite naturally when we saw the place. It's on the border between two worlds, isn't it? Between Venice and the city itself.
And at the same time, I also believe we're on the border between two more abstract worlds. Between art and spirit on the one hand, and science and technology on the other.
That's very poetic, Fiona.
Yes, I've practiced. I may be an inner city girl, but I can philosophize and bullshit with the best of them.
Do you and Mickey own the place together?
We own it together, yes, and we've shared the responsibilities between us. Mickey takes care of the maintenance of the building, I busy myself with the administrative tasks.
I also take care of the day-to-day management of our tenants, like deciding whether or not to let someone rent a room. And, of course, the unpleasant business of booting someone out.
I thought you enjoyed that part.
Yes, all right, in some cases, I do. But not always. It can get quite messy.
Thanks for the information.
I'm glad I could help you out, darling.
Good morning!
Anything interesting going on outside?
Did your tongue stick to the window pane again, Fiona?
Did you ever question your own sanity, April? I mean, did you ever wonder if you were going mad?
Please tell me last night was a dream, April.
Definitely.
I'm quite certain I am insane.
No, never.
Never? You never saw anything that challenged your perception of reality, that defied everything you know, everything you've ever been taught?
If you're asking me if I've seen things I can't explain? Then, sure, yeah, I have.
Then explain to me -- how do you deal with it? Do you lock it away inside yourself, or do you talk to someone about it? Because I'm at a loss here, April. I don't know what to do.
Then explain to me -- how do you deal with it? Do you lock it away inside yourself, or do you talk to someone about it? Because I'm at a loss here, April. I don't know what to do.
I'm not trying to amuse you, April. I'm really serious.
Sorry. Yeah. Yeah, I have felt like that. Many times.
Then explain to me -- how do you deal with it? Do you lock it away inside yourself, or do you talk to someone about it? Because I'm at a loss here, April. I don't know what to do.
You have to give me more to go on than that.
I locked it away.
I'd talk to someone about it.
That's what I figured. It's not something you can just stow away and forget about. What I saw... I won't ever be able to forget that, real or not.
How is that possible? Doesn't it tear you apart, knowing you might be losing your mind?
I'd just...write it down, perhaps. Translate my emotions into words, write them down in my diary, close it, lock it away.
I couldn't do that. I can't do that. I need to find...I don't know how to say this. Peace? Knowledge that there might be another answer, that madness isn't the reason why I saw what I saw?
I don't know how I can put it into words. What I saw...
Last night -- right here, in this room -- Mickey and I, we were watching a movie... A documentary about the new, synthetic rain forests in Mexico...
What did you see?
But I'm digressing... Anyway, about halfway through the movie -- like I said, I'm probably going completely bonkers -- this room became a...a... It was more like a vision, really. And I'm sure it wasn't holographic...
What?
It was like the forest came out of the Screen and into the room, like being in the middle of a Holotheater, but with added resolution, hallucinogenic effects...and...and smells.
Did anyone else see this?
Mickey did, but she refuses to speak of it. Says it was just our imagination acting up. Which leaves me wondering how long it'll take before I end up in a mental institution.
You know, the ones that produce eight times the oxygen of the original organic forests?
This room turned into a forest.
What kind of vision?
It only lasted for a few seconds, and then it all just...disappeared.
I've heard about--
I don't think you're going crazy.
I've been seeing strange things lately too.
Something equally weird happened at the caf・last night.
Yeah? Thanks, darling. But I still wish there was some explanation for what I saw.
Like what?
What was that?
Last night, at the caf・-- right in front of everybody -- this creature appeared out of thin air. Just like your forest. It was only there for a few seconds, and then it disappeared, but everybody saw it. Everybody.
Oh my. What's going on, love? I don't scare easily, but this is really getting to me.
Don't know. But whatever it is, I think -- I'm pretty sure -- Cortez is involved.
Cortez? How is he involved?
I don't know that either. I'd love to find out, though.
It was a dream.
It wasn't a dream.
I don't know what it was.
I know it couldn't have been, because both you and Mickey... You were both there, and you saw what I saw, didn't you?
I know it wasn't. And since both you and Mickey... Since the both of you saw what I saw, it can't have been a hallucination either.
I wish there was an explanation, but both you and Mickey... We all saw the same thing, didn't we? Not a dream, not a hallucination, but what?
Weird things have been happening lately.
I have noticed. This isn't the first time.
I have to get going.
Take care of yourself out there, darling.
What other weird things have happened lately?
Little things. Like movement in the corner of your eye that's gone when you turn your head.
And noises, the kind you're not supposed to hear in the city. Animal noises. Wild animals.
And once -- this was very early in the morning, mind, a few days ago -- I looked down into the canal and saw what looked like an underwater city. But as I looked at it it dissolved into ripples of water.
Have you seen Cortez today?
No, darling. I don't think he's around.
Any idea where Cortez might be?
Like I told you, darling, I wouldn't know. Ask Zack.
Scary.
And you're telling me, darling? I'm scared of cockroaches, for God's sake. What do you think this does to my nerves?
What's Metro Circle like?
That's the sleaziest and most perverted neighborhood in Newport. On the negative side, however, it's also a dangerous place to hang out. I wouldn't go there alone if I were you.
Hi.
Yes?
Do you have any idea where Cortez is?
Could you tell Cortez I'm looking for him?
Sorry. He could be anywhere. Well, he does enjoy going uptown to watch old movies in some revival cinema. But where that is, I wouldn't know.
Certainly, darling. If I happen to see him.
Thanks.
Who'd know?
Perhaps Zack. He is, after all, the self-appointed film expert around here. You should talk to him, darling.
Great. Zack. My very best friend in the whole wide world.
We have a nice view of the bridges from this window.
It's a reproduction of an early Lebowski. Not a particular favorite of mine, but there you are.
Venice.
It's an early Lebowski.
You know, that really freaks me out when I think about it.
More fans. Proper air-conditioning was apparently never a viable alternative for the contractor.
It's a chair.
That's a plasma cushion. As in the, "Once you sit down you don't wanna get up!" official plasma cushions.
It should really be, "Once you sit down there's no way you can get up". Not without a helping hand, anyway.
They really knew how to design tacky furniture back in the late twenty-second century.
Emma picked this table up at a flea market for ten dollars last month. That's nine dollars more than it's worth.
It's supposed to be a coffee-table.
Shelves.
That's Fiona, my landlady. She's all right.
It's our Screen.
The omnipresent Screen... I don't pretend to know how it works, but all the data apparently passes through tiny little black holes in the fabric of our dimension.
It gets real hot in Newport during the summer, so it's a good thing we have these fans to keep the temperature down. Or, at least, that's the intention.
It's a plasma cushion.
It's Fiona.
It's a matchbook.
Mickey's not usually the sit-in-front-of-the-Screen type of gal. Unlike Fiona, she's always working on something around the house. I guess that's why they're such a great couple.
Mickey.
I should talk to her first. She seems preoccupied.
Emma!
What's going on here?
April, run! Get out of here!
Why? What's the--
Emma, who's this man? Tell me what's going on!
Who are you? What do you want?
Run, April! Now!
I wouldn't listen to her if I were you. Move over there.
I said move!
He is just following orders, Miss Ryan. He is just a servant. My servant.
I was hoping you would join our little...party. You are a difficult person to find, miss Ryan. A very difficult person to find.
What are you doing to my friends?
If you cooperate? Nothing. Nothing permanent, at any rate. But if you make this any harder than it has to be, I will have your friends shot. All of them.
What do you w-- Do I know you? I know you. I've seen your face somewhere.
My name is Halloway. Gordon Halloway. I work for Jacob McAllen, who I am certain you have heard of, yes? He runs the Church of Voltec, also known as the Vanguard?
He has been insisting on meeting you, Miss Ryan. Of course, we were not sure who you were at first, but we knew we would find you in Venice. You did give us a run for our money, I must admit.
Your Shift a week ago today made it a lot easier, but then you decided to stay out of town for a while. Smart. Coming back, though, was rather stupid.
What do you want from me?
How did you find me?
Where's Cortez?
We want you. And what you carry with you. We have our...connections, in Arcadia. We know of your journey north -- good job on our friend Mister Klacks, by the way. Good job. Very impressive.
Unfortunately, we lost track of you once you set out to sea. The Tyren are not very comfortable with water, and so there was no chance of sending anyone after you.
Of course, not to mention the fine work you did on that Gribbler creature. She was not very cooperative, she just refused to listen to reason, but she was a twisted old girl, and we respected that.
However, with your good fortune and...shall we say, good breeding, I am certain you brought some valuable items back with you, hmm? I would expect no less from a bright and industrious girl such as yourself.
So -- give me what you have, and let us be done with this nasty business. I will let your friends go, and then you and I will go on a little...trip.
Oh, we have our methods. The eyes that see, the ears that hear -- our impressive technology helps, of course. And Mister McAllen is not a bad magician. He can sense things.
Besides, you have not been particularly covert, have you? I mean, the job you did in the police archives was messy. Very messy. Footprints all over it. Not your footprints, certainly, but footprints.
That poor sod...Mister Minnelli, was it? It took us eight painful hours to get a confession, and then it turns out he actually knew nothing about it.
Did...did you kill him?
Certainly not! He has proven useful in the past. No, a little mental laundry, and this nasty business is behind him. We even cleaned up a few...unfortunate childhood memories while we were at it.
Cortez? He has been...disposed of. He was meddling. Not at all acceptable behavior from a man of his stature. He simply had to go. He kept telling all the secrets, and that is not how we play this game.
All right, release my friends and you will get what I have.
There's nothing I have that you could possibly want.
No way, I'm not giving you anything!
Leave that decision to me, Miss Ryan. Just hand it all over, and we can let these fine people return to their pathetic little lives. You have caused them enough pain, yes?
Very well. Shoot...that one.
You are a very intelligent woman, Miss Ryan.
But first, we still need to teach you and your friends a lesson. Shoot...that one.
Still, we need to teach you and your friends a lesson. Shoot...that one.
What the hell is going on?