Steampunk
(Altman Dolet) “It surely does; all of the ‘accidents’ have involved heavy objects falling from roofs, complete or incomplete. I spent time dusting the roofs of those few buildings that have them with rust.”
(Waldon Sias) “An’ then ‘oped whoever’s behind it didn’t decide to go up a tree for ‘is next trick, yeah, I getcha.”
(Altman Dolet) “A risk I had to take, but if tree-climbing is in his repertoire, he’s saving it for later. I mean to ensure he doesn’t get a later.”
(Altman Dolet) “I knew it—I’ve got you now. The rust stains will give you away as plain as day.”
(Medic Cranford) “… his head. He’ll be fine now, though it was a nasty hit and he’ll be feelin’ it for some weeks I ‘magine.”
(Altman Dolet) “How … how long?”
(Medic Cranford) “You’ve been out fer four hours. That was a nasty crack on the head. Found you myself, lyin’ sprawled out on the steps right by the door, bleedin’ something fierce an’ a big stone fallen right from the roof beside you. Turns out the cut was worse than it looked, lucky fer you. Yer head ain’t broke, but you’ll be feelin’ like it is for a while.”
(Altman Dolet) “I … I have to—was on the trail—”
(Medic Cranford) “Never you mind that, you’re not t’leave this bed till I give the say-so. Whatever you think you gotta do can wait.”
(Kaylene Dolet) “It’s a good thing you’re so hard-headed, Altman. Never thought I’d have to admit to it bein’ a good thing! We’ll have you out of here in no time.”
(Altman Dolet) “No! There’s no time. I was on the trail of the man responsible for all this, and if I delay, all the evidence will wash away! I have to get after him, there’s no time to waste!”
(Medic Cranford) “You can go now if you must, though I’d rather you stayed. You ain’t gonna do that though, are you.”
(Altman Dolet) “No, I’m afraid not. Dearest, with your help …? I must examine the stone that hit me, first. Is it still where it landed?”
(Kaylene Dolet) The stone? Yes, it was there last I saw it. What of it? I told you when we moved in that roof was in need of repair.”
(Altman Dolet) “That ought to about do it.”
(Kaylene Dolet) “What are you up to? What happened t’ your hands? Is that blood?”
(Altman Dolet) “Iron oxide, love. Simple rust to catch our troublemaker, if all goes well.”
(Kaylene Dolet) “Whatever you think it’s for, you’d best be washin’ it off before you touch any of my good linens or it’ll be me droppin’ stones on someone’s head, and you won’t like it one bit. And you’ve got some on your trousers, it’ll be murder to get out!”
(Altman Dolet) “I’m afraid so, but that’s exactly why I needed it. I can attend to the cleaning later. I have some ideas on how the iron’s magnetic properties may allow it to be removed more easily. For now, let me just go get cleaned up. I’ll be retiring early tonight to track down whoever’s behind the assaults tomorrow.”
(Kaylene Dolet) “Solves crimes and cleans his own clothes … no wonder I agreed to stay here with you.”
(Waldon Sias) “Mr. Dolet, we’ll cut the review short today under th’ circumstances ‘n all. I’ll work on this myself and make sure nothin’ more serious happens.”
(Altman Dolet) “Thank you, Waldon. I’d better go check on Dawson, and see if Claver’s condition has improved any.”
(Waldon Sias) “Dolet, I’m glad I ran inta you. The men, they’re growin’ fearful. It’s gettin’ hard t’get ‘em workin’.”
(Altman Dolet) “I wish I could blame them.”
(Waldon Sias) “I know you don’ hold with all th’ talk ‘o superstitions an’ bad luck ‘n all, but if this goes on as it is, we’ll be left with a valley full ‘o land and nobody to build it up.”
(Altman Dolet) “… Yes, I know. You’re right. Of course you’re right. I’m doing what I can to investigate the cause, but I promise, if I don’t find answers soon, I’ll hire guardsmen in from Holdswaine.”
(Waldon Sias) “Could be that’ll help a bit. Jus’ hope it’s enough.”
(Altman Dolet) “It’ll ha—”
(Waldon Sias) “Altman!”
(Altman Dolet) “I’m okay, it missed! What in the … Where did that come from!”
(Waldon Sias) “Wind-fall branch. Heavy ‘un too. From that tree behind the buildin’, less I miss my guess, fell to the roof and came down nearly on top of us.”
(Altman Dolet) “From the roof … yes, that does seem to be the commonality, doesn’t it.”
(Waldon Sias) “Wha’?”
(Altman Dolet) “I have an idea, my friend. Let’s keep quiet about this incident if you don’t mind … I don’t think anyone saw this happen, so no need to spread the panic further. Would you round up two of your most trustworthy men and meet me out where the rocks run red with iron? I think I may just be able to get to the bottom of this.”
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(Workman) “Mr. Dolet! Come quick, an’ bring the medics! There’s been another accident, sir!”
(Altman Dolet) “Ms. Cranford! Bring your assistants! Quick man, what happened?”
(Workman) “He was workin’ on the roof, finishin’ it off when down he came, I saw it clear as day! He landed bad, shoulder’s broke, an’ his leg … like I said, it’s bad.”
(Medic Cranford) “He’s lucky t’weren’t his skull. No time to waste, let’s move.”
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(Waldon Sias) “Medic Cranford, ‘e’s over ‘ere.”
(Medic Cranford) “Let’s get ‘im looked at first, then we get ‘im back to the wing if it’s safe. Mr. Dolet, if you could stay out of the way?”
(Altman Dolet) “Of course. I need to inspect the area, and the roof he fell from.”
(Waldon Sias) “Somethin’ the matter? Aside from th’ obvious, I mean.”
(Altman Dolet) “I couldn’t say. This accident, it just strikes me as similar to the last.”
(Waldon Sias) “You do what you need to. I’ll get the rest o’ these louts back on th’ job. You men! This ain’t no time for dawdlin’! The rest ‘o you can get back to it, and do it like I told you this time! I’ll ‘ave no more careless accidents on my watch or there’ll be hell to pay.”
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(Altman Dolet) “I’m jumping to conclusions. I should know better. I’m a little unsettled, that’s all.”
(Waldon Sias) “Yer not the first I’ve heard muttering to himself today, y’aren’t. Nobody’s feelin’ right after yesterday. But the tower’s up, and on schedule.”
(Altman Dolet) “And a fine job, Sias. The men have been quick on their feet; the scaffolding’s all down already? Everything packed up and moved to the new market project site?”
(Waldon Sias) “It is, aye. They didn’t want to linger by the tower more’n they had to. Can’t say as I blame ‘em. Work’s likely to progress faster now, but not for the reasons I’m lookin’ for.”
(Altman Dolet) “If they start getting careless, they’ll only make all this ridiculous talk of so-called ‘bad luck’ worse.”
(Waldon Sias) “Aye. Let’s be off then. I’ll show you what we’ve got for the market. The ground should be cleared for the levelin’, an’ the first temporary barracks is finished.”