Night 46: Staff-Only Outdoor Patio Lounging/Eating Area
[From here.]Cautious, L pushed open the door, peeking around it, scanning the patio and sweeping the beam of his flashlight across it, even glancing above his head
( Read more... )
It didn't seem like Howell necessarily believed that what Laurier had told him was false. He looked just intrigued enough to give the lie to that idea, and L suspected that what he was being offered was a kind of social out, an opportunity to respect his privacy. His profession and position were facts which he did not want to be widely known in the Institute and which he planned to reveal only as it became convenient to him to do so. In essence, he wanted it to be a useful tool that didn't hamstring his activities.
However, he suspected that his primary foe knew exactly who he was. It made more sense, and various references to "training" in some of the intercom announcements suggested some greater plan or purpose. Landel seemed to want or expect to challenge or be challenged by talented investigators; there were enough of them around, and enough other kinds of people, too.
Therefore, Howell was not the threat, and he had been cooperative, even helpful, so far. Their objectives were similar. He seemed glib, and L was unsure of how reliable he might be, but he had also tried to aid and protect his friends to the extent that he was able. Also, L didn't have the sense that Howell would try to hold the information over his head, once he understood that it was privileged. Prevailing on him to keep it to himself might be a better course.
Apart from that, the suggestion that Laurier's story was a lie could be a test.
L paused to look over his right shoulder before opening the next door. He shot a direct, deadpan look at Howl, one that said, Are you serious? But when he spoke, his tone was mild. "Please watch the patio, while I check the room with my flashlight."
[To here.]
Reply
Leave a comment