“So… what is this for again?”
“Ah, an article I’m writing, sir, a-about magic and crime in the late ninete-”
“Yeah yeah, right… Sorry.” Grady waved off the young reporter while throwing back another shot of whiskey. The potent amber liquid seared his throat going down but soon enough it would settle his twitching hands and jumping leg. Some stories just need alcohol to be told, y'know.
This kid didn’t look as old as he claimed to be… Must be the bright, eager eyes and that hopeful face, free of blemishes.
I remember looking like him once.
“So uh… where are we starting with this…” Grady gestures, the worn leather seat of his office chair creaking under the shifting weight as he sits back and puts his fingers to his forehead, tracing the scar there in an idle manner.
The young reporter swallows, gathering their notes. A bright-eyed thing but clearly didn’t have much nerve.
“Y-yes si-… I mean… ok… Well er- Grady… I’d like to start off by discussing your last case? Th-the one with… y'know… The Bleeding Eye…?”
The hair on Grady’s neck bristled at that name. He’d knew it’d been coming but it still left a rancid taste in his mouth, and the lines on his face grew with a frown.
“I’m gonna need more alcohol-”