[video]

[doctornota]

[The feed opens on McCoy, sitting in a park in the downtown area. The things that are immediately obvious are the bruising on his face and the exhaustion in his eyes. Less obviously, except to those who met his counterpart, are the missing arrogant set of his shoulders and the intensity that used to characterize his gaze. He just looks tired.

Comments

[text; locked and anon]

[rightawaydoctor]

[Christine's sitting in the library of the mansion reading when she hears that voice come from her communicator and she freezes like she expects him to come up behind her. She grabs it to turn it off, but maybe she's a glutton for punishment because she keeps listening, even as her hands shake.

For a while after he finishes and the video's off, she just stares at the empty screen. And then she can't help herself.]

I was unaware psychopathic tendencies could be knocked loose and replaced with common sense.

[text]

[doctornota]

Death is a hell of a wake-up call.

[text; locked and anon]

[rightawaydoctor]

Pity I wasn't there to see it.

[No, she doesn't even remotely mean that, but she's not going to give any clues that it's her.]

Torture is one hell a wake up call too. It teaches you that trust is overrated.

[text]

[doctornota]

You're right. I've betrayed myself, my position, and anyone who trusted me.

[text; locked and anon]

[rightawaydoctor]

You didn't just betray people. You shattered them.

Which, if I believe in your apology, must just eat you up.

But who's saying I do? It could all be an act. Like before.

[text]

[doctornota]

It does. You have every right not to believe me. I wouldn't believe me.

[text; locked and anon]

[rightawaydoctor]

I don't need your permission to think you're full of it.

But I'll pretend for the moment. Being so apologetic now, do you even remember what you did?

[text]

[doctornota]

Yes. All of it.

[text; locked and anon]

[rightawaydoctor]

Then it must torture you. Of course, not nearly like you tortured others, but still, how ironic.

And appropriate. Not punishment enough, but it's a fair start.

[text]

[doctornota]

I know. Nothing will ever be enough.

[text; locked and anon]

[rightawaydoctor]

And least you're no longer delusional.

I don't know what punishment is right for you, but jail hardly seems enough.

I could be biased though, being one of your victims.

[text]

[doctornota]

If killing myself meant anything, I would. And I won't ask who you are, because I don't think you'll tell me.

[text; locked and anon]

[rightawaydoctor]

Would it matter? So many of us were hurt or killed by you.

[text]

[doctornota]

It would matter.

[text; locked and anon]

[rightawaydoctor]

Why?

[text; locked and anon]

[doctornota]

Because it matters to me. It didn't before but it does now.