[ 009; video; locked from Norman and the Joker, just in case. ]

[bedeviledspider]

[ The video flashes on to show Reilly in his apartment, sitting at the couch, staring at the camera. Alone. ]

Has anyone heard from Ben Reilly recently? 'Cause I haven't. And he hasn't come home in a while. I'm starting to think...

[  He puts his head in his hands. ]

No, I'm-- I'm sure of it. He's gone.

[ Disconnects. ]

Comments

voice;

[enigmaestro]

He is indeed.

voice;

[bedeviledspider]

You sound so certain.

[ So is Reilly, but hey, he's not saying that. ]

voice;

[enigmaestro]

[Beat.]

We all have a power here, don't we? Trust me on this.

voice;

[bedeviledspider]

[ Beat. ]

I've never been the trusting type. Apologies.

Who are you, oh mysterious so-called expert?

voice;

[enigmaestro]

Edward Nygma, private detective. Always happy to help.

voice;

[bedeviledspider]

[ Raising an eyebrow. ] Sorry, I suppose I could have been a bit more tactful.

Reilly Tyne, legal intern. Thank you, Mr. Nygma.

voice;

[enigmaestro]

Better to catch on now, isn't it?

Legal intern, hmm? Quite the vocation.

voice;

[bedeviledspider]

I suppose.

Well, it's not detective work, but we all have to make a living.

voice;

[enigmaestro]

True, I suppose some people have to settle. But your lot isn't the worst, precisely.

voice;

[bedeviledspider]

Fair enough.

It's not like I lucked into it, though.

voice;

[enigmaestro]

Oh? Are you a man of connections?

voice;

[bedeviledspider]

I wish.

voice;

[enigmaestro]

Do you? Not everyone is as candid concerning the obvious practicality of networking. How promising.

voice;

[bedeviledspider]

Hey. Just because I can see the practicality of networking doesn't mean I'm eager to do it. Not much of a people person, I'm afraid.

voice;

[enigmaestro]

That's a shame.

You seem pleasant now.

voice;

[bedeviledspider]

Really?

That's an adjective rarely applied to me.