2023

KNOCK KNOCK

LU:

Come in. 

DAPRIMA:
You wanted to see me.

LU:
Yes.. Thank you for coming at this late hour.  

DAPRIMA:
It sounded  important.

LU:
It is. Are you familiar with Charlotte?

DAPRIMA:
Cammeo’s doll? Yes, of course. 

LU:
Good. There’s something I need you to do.

LU:
… Here take her.

DAPRIMA:

Why am I holding Charlotte?

LU:
You don’t feel a presence?

DAPRIMA:
In the doll? Of course not.

LU:
How curious. I thought you, of all people would.
Have your clairvoyant abilities been waning?

DAPRIMA:
No. You want to tell me what this is about?

LU:
I’m trying to clarify if Herita is living inside that doll.

DAPRIMA:
Cammeo’s twin - in this?

LU:
Your apparent shock is most discouraging. 

DAPRIMA:
Sorry to disappoint you. What brought you to this conclusion?

LU:
Cammeo has sensed Herita when she’s near the doll.  She also claims
the doll moved. Tahariel has sensed a malignant presence emulating
from the doll, as well as the feeling of being watched by it … 

LU:
… And like you, my niece is quite gifted in that area. However,
both of them agree that the presence is not always there. 

DAPRIMA:
I don’t feel anything now but, I could never read Herita.

LU:
And why is that? 

DAPRIMA:
I think there must’ve been something left over from when
she was a vampire. All I know is - she blocks me.

LU:
You can’t read vampires?

DAPRIMA:
Not unless they’re really upset or distressed. 

And Herita was never either.

LU: 

I’Il make a note of that. 

DAPRIMA:
Have you checked on the real Herita?

LU:
Of course. The first thing I did was contact the Committee. I’ve
been told Herita is attending therapy and making progress.

DAPRIMA:
I’m not sure I believe that. Experience has taught me that
Herita’s an amazing actress when she wants to be.

LU:
That’s why I’ve arranged to visit her and her doctors
in the morning. I’m bringing Charlotte with me and am
looking forward to introducing the two of them.

DAPRIMA:
Great idea. I’ll make sure the others are aware of this. Then I’ll
give my scrying bowl a try. It may show me something useful.

LU:
Let’s hope so. And before I leave, I want Harmonia to spend time
with Charlotte. She’s been complaining about a buzzing sound.
I wonder if it’s related to this.