The news that the Medium's Hall would be closed for a week had been published that day. The visitor outside probably hadn't seen it.
That was what Arthur thought before looking through the peephole.
But when he saw the newspaper in the visitor's hand, he frowned-it was that day's edition of The Horn Newspaper.
It must have carried the announcement of his break.
Yet the man had come anyway.
Was he here to...
Cause trouble?
A profession like "Medium" was destined to attract troublemakers-some came out of curiosity, some were people previously offended who wanted a chance at revenge, and others were Mediums themselves.
In short, to far too many people, Mediums entangled in fame and fortune were nothing more than stepping stones.
And how should people like that be handled?
Teach them a harsh lesson!
"Anyone who crosses a Medium's bottom line can repent in the dry well!"
Old Charlie had said that more than once.
But as Arthur studied the man closely, he felt that wasn't the case-the visitor was around thirty, dressed in a men's four-piece suit fashionable that year. The style was new, but the clothes were somewhat dirty and clearly hadn't been washed in a long time, much like his disheveled hair and bloodshot eyes.
He's full of anxiety and worry.
He saw the announcement of my closure today, then asked people nearby and learned my name before hurrying over-he hasn't tidied his clothes or appearance in a long time, but the clothes are a new style and the fabric is good. Add the money to buy a newspaper, and he clearly has some financial means. It's not that he doesn't want to clean up, but that he can't. A shortage of fresh water, for example...
Does he work aboard a ship?
*He's not burly