017 [audio]

[batmanschmatman]

So, it is a common thing for more people to just vanish when we get closer to the end of the month, or am I just trying to see patterns that aren't really there?

[Private to Will Graham]

You got a second? I've got a couple questions for you.

[Private to Howie]

You busy?

Comments

[Private] - I fail so hard at 'hiatus'

[grahamcommawill]

I got time. Too much of it, in fact. Ask away.

[Private] - Hiatusing is hard to do. :|

[batmanschmatman]

I know this is kind of a weird line of questioning to just start off with, but does John's being an inmate have anything to do with religion?

[Private] - It is :| Especially when you have the tlv friends page on 5min auto-refresh

[grahamcommawill]

I know he's a very religious person, if that's what you're asking. I take it this wouldn't be a random curiosity?

[Private] - ... you are dedicated. /salutes

[batmanschmatman]

Nope. I'm concerned because apparently Costigan's been talking with him about some faith related issues, and frankly, I think both of us aren't really sure this is a good idea. Maybe more me then him.

[Private] - /mwah!

[grahamcommawill]

John's crimes were heavily influenced by religion, and I worry he might continue his 'work' here. I try not to be too involved with his interactions, especially where religion is concerned. Could you be a bit more specific about these conversations, Mr....?

[Private]

[batmanschmatman]

Grayson. Dick Grayson.

Bill asked him for some advice about what happened during port, and they got to talking about sin and atonement. John wanted him to go into more detail about what he was talking about, Bill backed off and said he needed to think about it before telling him more.

[Private]

[grahamcommawill]

Nice to meet you, Mr. Grayson.

For now, I recommend we stay back and monitor things. I don't want to start relating everything John says back to his crimes. I'd say it's the same for Costigan, but I don't know him.

[Private]

[batmanschmatman]

If you think that's best, I can respect that. I just don't want Bill confiding in someone who's just going to knife him in the back.

[Private]

[grahamcommawill]

I understand your concern, but I don't want to always think the worst of John. If I did, then I'd be the worst candidate for his warden.

What if we could see their private conversations without them knowing? I hate to suggest it, because its so much an invasion of privacy. However, if we could prevent something from happening, maybe it could be worth it.

[Private] I had to do this for keywords. :|

[batmanschmatman]

I'd rather let Costigan know what was going on first if we did something like that. I'm not big on violating people's trust unless there's really no other option.

[Private] It really does fit!

[grahamcommawill]

It's not something I'd recommend lightly. I just would rather not see anyone get hurt.

What would you suggest?

[Private]

[batmanschmatman]

Are you concerned that this could lead to other people - or, specifically Costigan - getting hurt?

[Private]

[grahamcommawill]

Yes. Very much so. Would you like a lengthy explanation or just the bullet points?

[Private]

[batmanschmatman]

I like covering my bases, so lengthy's more than fine.

[Private]

[grahamcommawill]

John is... was a serial killer. Each victim committed a 'sin' that he saw as unforgivable. Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Lust, Pride. Envy and Wrath is best suited for another discussion. Each person was tortured and cruelly murdered for what John saw was their sin.

In the case of - Christ, I don't even know his name, I've seen pictures and I only know each of John's victims by their sin - Gluttony, the man was morbidly obese. John forced him at gun point to eat spaghetti until he burst. With Pride, you might say he was tad more gentle. He didn't kill her. Just cut off her nose. He then glued a phone to one hand, drugs in the other. She could save herself, or end it. I'm sure you can guess which one she chose.

I could tell you about the others, but I think you get the point.

I worry every damn day that John will continue his work here on the Barge. If Costigan and John are just discussing their beliefs, that's one thing. But any mention of 'sin' or 'atonement' is a red flag. A major red flag. I don't know what could set John off.

[Private]

[batmanschmatman]

Do you mind if I tell Costigan this, or let him see this conversation? My main priority is that he stays safe and I don't need someone turning him into another victim.