“Hello, Mr. Spalding. I am Daniel Davies, one of the foremost researchers into-“ He’s cut off by another voice, one resonant, solid.
“Into places you rightly ought not go, I’ve heard.” The newcomer’s hand intercepts Daniel’s taking it into the firm shake intended for Peter. “Andrew Spencer, art dealer, manager, and he who keeps Peter out of trouble.”
Peter snorts a half laugh and tucks his arms tighter around himself as he rocks.
“Well, trouble from others, anyhow. You, Mister Davies, are trouble in an ugly, occultist coat.”
Daniel has a strong urge to punch the man. My coat’s not that ugly, is it? Ostentatious, perhaps, but what’s not to enjoy about a signature. That’s what it was, most of all. A shadowy, stark signature left behind every step he took.
“I fail to see how my fashion taste has anything to do with my professional research, nor with any trouble you seem to think I’ll bring either of you.” He says, ignoring the connection his brain draws between the firm grip on his hand, and the firm grip that hand would be able to take on his prick.
Finally, Spalding speaks. “You’re here to make sure I’m mad, aren’t you?” He tilts his head, showing a glimpse of the other half his face, shaded eye glittering with something one might call mirth if they were inclined to go mad themselves. “Bring me on down to the sanatorium and lock me away, yes?”
“That’ll not happen, Peter. You know I won’t let it.” Andrew snaps, letting go of Daniel’s hand, and spinning to look at Peter, nearly reaching for him. Reaching in a most familiar manner. He stutters, grinding to a halt in the shadow of Daniel and his coat. Spalding freezes as well, trembling on his toes, eyes flicking between the men before him. Andrew, almost grasping him, Daniel, stood before them both, looking at the ground, though not disgusted. Not the way he would be if he were a different sort of man, the sort not frequenting back alleys and those secretive clubs, before he’d been uninvited, of course.
Not that Andrew seems to see as such, frozen in place still facing Peter. “I suppose you understand what will happen if you speak. If you insinuate that’s anything mad happening in relation to him.”
Daniel, still looking at the ground, an attempt at privacy, despite the tall windows lining the walls. It takes a minute before he speaks, low but firm. “I have no intention to do anything of the sort, nor did I come here with that in mind. Neither will I be saying anything that might be construed, or misconstrued as endangering. To either of you.” A dangerous statement, if he’s wrong, but considering he’s just been threatened, a mite bit extra comfort could do the men good.
“What, then, are you here for, Mister Davies?” Andrew asks, all hostile protective bravado. He finally turns around, slowly, as if he doesn’t want to look away from Peter.
“Well, I was here for him. For an interview.” He gestures at Spalding, at the artist who’s started his gentle rocking in place once more.
“What kind of an interview, Mr. Davies?” Peter asks, a soft, quiet thing in contrast to Andrew’s solid sturdy tone. Daniel thinks that if he were to blow, Peter would waver and sputter out like a candle. Most of those touched from beyond would. Most don’t have a lithe panther of a man curling around them like a protective wall.
“The kind pertaining to what you saw, what you’ve painted.” Daniel looks up, meeting the pair’s eyes, and chancing a slight smile. “I suppose Mr. Spencer would consider that trouble, though.”
“Depends why you’re wanting to know, doesn’t it?” Spencer shoots back.