This was not Scott's first time interviewing Arthur.
Given their relationship, the interview felt more like a casual chat between friends-it was over by the time Jenkin's wife's body had been dealt with.
"Is this going to be your new home?"
"If you hold a salon or a banquet, make sure you invite me!"
Scott said this as a friend.
"Of course!"
"But I don't plan to live here permanently. I might come over occasionally on weekends-most of the time, I'll still be at 2 Kirk Street.
After all, that's my home."
Arthur explained.
This was no lie.
14 Whitebird Street was nice.
But 2 Kirk Street was safer.
With all the layers of traps Old Charlie had installed, Arthur could sleep soundly there.
As for 44 Whitebird Street?
He would probably have to sleep with one eye open.
Of course, more importantly, Arthur found the number 44 unsettling and unlucky, as though it carried an ill omen.
"Home?"
"Is that because of Mr. Old Charlie?"
"Arthur, you're such a devoted son!"
The young reporter had clearly misunderstood, but Arthur did not explain.
They chatted a little longer. After Arthur promised to invite him to the first salon or banquet at 44 Whitebird Street, the young reporter prepared to leave-their chat had already taken up some time, and he would probably have to eat lunch at the newspaper office to get the afternoon extra out.
But the young reporter did not mind.
He had received a formal invitation from a friend, and that left him feeling satisfied.
Just then, Maltz returned.
The Chief looked grave. He was about to say something as soon as he entered, but stopped when he saw Scott.
"What happened?"
"Do you need me to leave?"
Scott knew when to be discreet.
Reporters might chase news,