"When we're done, you can make me a list." He goes through a brief litany of questions, the kind you've seen on cop dramas. Then he puts the photos down and looks at you and Reggie somberly. His back is straight, hands on his knees.
"There's no doubt that this is a threat, and it's pretty clearly racially motivated. Emmett Till was beaten to death for flirting with a white woman, and the men who killed him were acquitted, but later admitted to the murder. Of course, that was well over half a century ago, but we haven't come far enough that it's not still relevant. Have the two of you ever experienced any sort of intolerance or racist behavior?"
Oliver gives you a sad smile. "I know it must be a shock. An area as basically urbane as this, even most of the South now, it's rare for anyone to actually say anything out loud. But it's still there, Trevian. And I warn you, it can be a little like not thinking about a pink elephant. Once it's touched you, you're going to see it..."
He scrubs his face with his hand. "Okay. I believe we need to take this seriously, but we needn't freak out. I'm going to turn the envelope and photos over to a friend of mine on the Chapel Hill police force, see if he can get prints here or on the apartment door. Do some forensics on the image from the Black Marlin event, see if there's anything to point at who took it. In the meantime, we should set up some protocols. We talked about these in general terms, but now the rubber has hit the road."
Me mom had told me about this. Echo, too, she told us both. I just thought it was last generation's worries. This sucks. No reason to whine about it. "What do we need to do?"
Oliver nods approval at your stoicism. "Buddy system, first of all. Trevian and Reggie, you should stick together when you can, for now. Reggie, I know you're starting work and school soon, we'll deal with that if we need to. If you need to go separate ways, call me. Any time of day or night. I'll be with you if you're going anywhere that's publicly scheduled. Keep an eye out for anyone unusual. Probably male, likely in a similar demographic to you, but black or white is up in the air. Hoodie or baseball cap in a situation that makes that stand out." He continues, laying out a few more precautions.
"To be clear, one message doesn't mean that anything else will happen. We should act out of an abundance of caution, but it's my job to worry. Live your lives, just do it with some caution."
Reggie has been visibly shaken, shivering against you, but as Oliver lays out his "rules" in that calm, distinguished voice, she settles down. Still, though, she sounds infuriated when she speaks. "This is just evil. Just fucking evil."
Oliver nods. "I'm going to step away for a few minutes and make some phone calls." He moves away, into the kitchen and starts talking in a low voice on his phone.
"Trey-Trey, I'm so sorry. I wish I'd just shredded it."
I put a hand on Tandy's shoulder, "Hey, you did the right thing. I'd rather know than not. Plus, I don't want you opening my mail. I mean, what if I ordered some porn?" Yeah, sad attempt at humor.
Tandy shakes her head, acknowledging your attempt without necessarily approving. "You know what I mean."
Erica's been keeping quiet but listening intently. She's clearly not going to give in to PDA with other people around, but now, when she finally speaks, her voice is gentle and concerned. "It's awful that this happened. I know you two can make it through together, though. Do you want me to get a hotel tonight so you can have some alone time?"
Reggie doesn't answer, but instead looks to you. The threat was most directly aimed at you, after all.
I appreciate Erica's offer of space, but I shake my head, "If you feel safe staying, I'd rather you do. I don't want you to leave. We barely get to see you."
"I was supposed to meet Henry tonight. Is it okay if I go? I don't want to abandon you, but I'm feeling the need for some contact, myself." She gives a look to Erica, who smiles. "For more than one reason."
My brain registers that as hilarious, but my heart won't let it make it through the filter. I answer Tandy seriously, "Be safe. Don't think you're in any trouble, but just stick to crowds, call me if you feel weird about anything. I really don't need Jake kicking my ass if you get in trouble. Plus, you know, you getting in trouble is bad enough on its own."
Tandy nods, then stands for a round of hugs and bundles back up.
Before you can continue conversation, Oliver comes back into the room.
"Okay. I'm going to drop this off with my friend. He doesn't see any need for you or Tandy to make a statement right now. He has registered the incident, though, so we've started a trail." He gives you and Reggie a serious look. "Everything else aside, the biggest thing that will help here is situational awareness. Try to treat the environment the way you would in your game. Evaluate every room, every crowd, and look for things that stand out. If you start to see a pattern, let me know. Does that make sense?"
I nod to Oliver's recommendations. I don't want my friends hurt. I mean, I don't want me hurt either, but I definitely don't want spillover.... because of who I am? Wow, that feels so weird to even think. "Thanks for everything, Oliver. You need a drink? Water? Something?"
Oliver shakes his head. "No, thanks. I appreciate the offer." He takes a deep breath and lets it out, slowly. His demeanor changes just a touch. Spine looser, face less sharp. His voice is more conversational when he continues. "Listen, if you ever need to just talk, about this or anything, call. We'll meet for a beer if you want." He meets your eyes to let you see his sincerity.
Wow, that... that means alot. I don't really have much "guy time" in my life lately. Jake was my mainline to that. I meet his eyes, nod once. "I'll do that." I walk with him to the door, "Have a good night, Oliver. Thanks again."
I'm sure Tandy's about to take off, so I encourage her to go with Oliver. You know, just in case.
As Erica moves toward you and Reggie, she says, "That man is a badass. Also, I think I'd like to paint him naked." It's clearly an attempt to lighten the mood for a moment, but when she pulls you into a hug, it's tight, fierce.
"Oh, Trev." She moves in to join the two of you in a three-way embrace.
Erica heads into the kitchen and you hear the clink of glasses, and a rattle as she searches for the wine opener.
Reggie sits back down, leaning into the sofa tiredly, and pinches the bridge of her nose. "People suck, Trev. We just have to be awesome, to balance out the scales."
Nothing to do but agree with that. At least, right now that's how I feel. "Before I called, were you having a good time with your fellow grad students?" Subject change FTW.
"It wasn't so bad. I think the research is going to be great. I'm going to be working on a feline leukemia project that might have really broad implications. The others are, well, most of them are a lot like me at base. There's one guy from Brooklyn that's a hoot... might as well be out of an old movie. Dr. Carmody is pretty intense, but his wife's really sweet."
Erica comes back in with a bottle of Zinfandel from Trader Joe's and three glasses. She puts them on the coffee table and pours. "Well, that was intense. How is everyone?"
"Frustrated." I answer reflexively. "Angry. A little scared." I take my glass, a big gulp. "It was such a kickass night. You should've seen Erica. Reggie, she is a natural at flying in TSol."
Erica swats you. "I had a good teacher." She looks to Reggie. "It was fun, actually. I understand, a little, what you guys get out of it."
Reggie nods. "I'm glad you gave it a shot. There's some real beauty and meaning." The pressure in the room is starting to equalize, a bit. It's clear that both of these women are keyed off your mood, though. At least for this moment, you're the center of gravity.
Reflecting on that, how does that make you feel? Is it different from the "normal" scheme of things, or is it really how it always is?
It's different, for sure. Reggie's grounded me, helped give me direction. Seeing her threatened, it's really gotten to me. It isn't, "hey, I've got two beautiful ladies and we're gonna have some sexytimes" anymore. Definitely not tonight. Maybe not ever? I mean, not "we'll never be intimate", but more like "I really need to feel safe" now.
I pull Reggie to me, ease back into the sofa, and just hold her. I look to Erica, silently letting her know she's welcome. I haven't felt scared like this since Jake. And this is so radically unlike what happened to Jake.
You can't say Erica looks uncomfortable, but she's definitely thoughtful. "Listen... this is kind of a third-wheel moment for me. I really love you both, but... I'm going to be in the guest bedroom for a bit, okay? I just think... anyway, I'm going to give you some time."
Reggie starts to say something, but stops. She and Erica meet eyes, and Reggie nods. Erica fills her glass, grabs it, and moves off to the second bedroom.
I let Erica go. I want to say something, but she's right. This is a Reggie and me thing. After she's gone. "I feel like a prick for asking her to stay here."
It's hard to remember, but you and Reggie only met face-to-face a few months ago. She gives you a look you've only seen a few times. That look that says, "I see you, I'm watching, I'm listening" in a way that no one else has ever said. "Why?"
"She feels like a third wheel. And I don't know how to make her feel any different." I say it with the bit of selfish regret I have for it. "I hate the thought of her feeling trapped. That's all."
I lean back, onto the couch. "I feel so selfish, Reggie. This asshole, whoever he is, he could hurt you. I don't want to let you go. I don't know how to fix this." The frustrating seeps out. I'm having trouble staying positive. My eyes are wet.
Reggie, the planner, the "see all the angles and make a decision" girl, makes a decision. She holds you, tight. "Trevian Marks, I say it again. I'm not going anywhere. And Erica's here because she wants to be. She'll leave when the visit's over, but it's you and me that walk through this minefield and out the other side." She just sits for a minute, arms wrapped around you. "Besides, we've got a team. And can you think of anyone we could want on our team more than Oliver?"
I let her hold me, it feels nice. Finally, I answer, "No. He's pretty much the best bodyguard ever." I slide back, look her in the eyes. "I want to go to bed. Is that alright?" I don't kiss her, this isn't a comeon. I think I need some sleep. I'm just worn.
"Of course it's okay, sweetie. Shit, I'd be ready for bed anyway, even without all this." Reggie finishes the last swig of her glass of wine and stands up, keeping hold of your hand. "Teeth, take off makeup, bed. I assume you're not wearing makeup, so you can skip that step."
"No makeup." I agree. I try to think of a crack about it, but it just doesn't come. I rise with her, holding her hand. "Thanks, Reggie." Then I head to the bathroom, teeth, bed.
Comments
"Tobes. Maybe my old guildmates? It's a stretch. "
"When we're done, you can make me a list." He goes through a brief litany of questions, the kind you've seen on cop dramas. Then he puts the photos down and looks at you and Reggie somberly. His back is straight, hands on his knees.
"There's no doubt that this is a threat, and it's pretty clearly racially motivated. Emmett Till was beaten to death for flirting with a white woman, and the men who killed him were acquitted, but later admitted to the murder. Of course, that was well over half a century ago, but we haven't come far enough that it's not still relevant. Have the two of you ever experienced any sort of intolerance or racist behavior?"
Racial? Double you tee eff? "It is? I'm just a video gamer. Obama was president a decade ago! That's... holy shit."
Oliver gives you a sad smile. "I know it must be a shock. An area as basically urbane as this, even most of the South now, it's rare for anyone to actually say anything out loud. But it's still there, Trevian. And I warn you, it can be a little like not thinking about a pink elephant. Once it's touched you, you're going to see it..."
He scrubs his face with his hand. "Okay. I believe we need to take this seriously, but we needn't freak out. I'm going to turn the envelope and photos over to a friend of mine on the Chapel Hill police force, see if he can get prints here or on the apartment door. Do some forensics on the image from the Black Marlin event, see if there's anything to point at who took it. In the meantime, we should set up some protocols. We talked about these in general terms, but now the rubber has hit the road."
Me mom had told me about this. Echo, too, she told us both. I just thought it was last generation's worries. This sucks. No reason to whine about it. "What do we need to do?"
Oliver nods approval at your stoicism. "Buddy system, first of all. Trevian and Reggie, you should stick together when you can, for now. Reggie, I know you're starting work and school soon, we'll deal with that if we need to. If you need to go separate ways, call me. Any time of day or night. I'll be with you if you're going anywhere that's publicly scheduled. Keep an eye out for anyone unusual. Probably male, likely in a similar demographic to you, but black or white is up in the air. Hoodie or baseball cap in a situation that makes that stand out." He continues, laying out a few more precautions.
"To be clear, one message doesn't mean that anything else will happen. We should act out of an abundance of caution, but it's my job to worry. Live your lives, just do it with some caution."
Reggie has been visibly shaken, shivering against you, but as Oliver lays out his "rules" in that calm, distinguished voice, she settles down. Still, though, she sounds infuriated when she speaks. "This is just evil. Just fucking evil."
"It's not going to stop us." I say it as I look at Reggie. Man, I'm thankful for her right now. I just want to curl up in bed and sleep this away.
Oliver nods. "I'm going to step away for a few minutes and make some phone calls." He moves away, into the kitchen and starts talking in a low voice on his phone.
"Trey-Trey, I'm so sorry. I wish I'd just shredded it."
I put a hand on Tandy's shoulder, "Hey, you did the right thing. I'd rather know than not. Plus, I don't want you opening my mail. I mean, what if I ordered some porn?" Yeah, sad attempt at humor.
Tandy shakes her head, acknowledging your attempt without necessarily approving. "You know what I mean."
Erica's been keeping quiet but listening intently. She's clearly not going to give in to PDA with other people around, but now, when she finally speaks, her voice is gentle and concerned. "It's awful that this happened. I know you two can make it through together, though. Do you want me to get a hotel tonight so you can have some alone time?"
Reggie doesn't answer, but instead looks to you. The threat was most directly aimed at you, after all.
I appreciate Erica's offer of space, but I shake my head, "If you feel safe staying, I'd rather you do. I don't want you to leave. We barely get to see you."
"I was supposed to meet Henry tonight. Is it okay if I go? I don't want to abandon you, but I'm feeling the need for some contact, myself." She gives a look to Erica, who smiles. "For more than one reason."
My brain registers that as hilarious, but my heart won't let it make it through the filter. I answer Tandy seriously, "Be safe. Don't think you're in any trouble, but just stick to crowds, call me if you feel weird about anything. I really don't need Jake kicking my ass if you get in trouble. Plus, you know, you getting in trouble is bad enough on its own."
Tandy nods, then stands for a round of hugs and bundles back up.
Before you can continue conversation, Oliver comes back into the room.
"Okay. I'm going to drop this off with my friend. He doesn't see any need for you or Tandy to make a statement right now. He has registered the incident, though, so we've started a trail." He gives you and Reggie a serious look. "Everything else aside, the biggest thing that will help here is situational awareness. Try to treat the environment the way you would in your game. Evaluate every room, every crowd, and look for things that stand out. If you start to see a pattern, let me know. Does that make sense?"
I nod to Oliver's recommendations. I don't want my friends hurt. I mean, I don't want me hurt either, but I definitely don't want spillover.... because of who I am? Wow, that feels so weird to even think. "Thanks for everything, Oliver. You need a drink? Water? Something?"
Oliver shakes his head. "No, thanks. I appreciate the offer." He takes a deep breath and lets it out, slowly. His demeanor changes just a touch. Spine looser, face less sharp. His voice is more conversational when he continues. "Listen, if you ever need to just talk, about this or anything, call. We'll meet for a beer if you want." He meets your eyes to let you see his sincerity.
Wow, that... that means alot. I don't really have much "guy time" in my life lately. Jake was my mainline to that. I meet his eyes, nod once. "I'll do that." I walk with him to the door, "Have a good night, Oliver. Thanks again."
I'm sure Tandy's about to take off, so I encourage her to go with Oliver. You know, just in case.
Tandy and Oliver leave together.
As Erica moves toward you and Reggie, she says, "That man is a badass. Also, I think I'd like to paint him naked." It's clearly an attempt to lighten the mood for a moment, but when she pulls you into a hug, it's tight, fierce.
"Oh, Trev." She moves in to join the two of you in a three-way embrace.
I hold them both. They feel so precious. More than ever. "I love you, two. I don't want anyone to hurt you, but I can't let you go."
"I'm not going anywhere." Erica squeezes you tighter.
"I think we all need a drink and a cuddle. What do you think? Beer, wine or whiskey?"
"Wine. I'd like to pretend I'm classy." I joke. Drink and a cuddle sounds nice. I'm craving contact, but I'm not sure how I feel about sexytimes.
Erica heads into the kitchen and you hear the clink of glasses, and a rattle as she searches for the wine opener.
Reggie sits back down, leaning into the sofa tiredly, and pinches the bridge of her nose. "People suck, Trev. We just have to be awesome, to balance out the scales."
Nothing to do but agree with that. At least, right now that's how I feel. "Before I called, were you having a good time with your fellow grad students?" Subject change FTW.
"It wasn't so bad. I think the research is going to be great. I'm going to be working on a feline leukemia project that might have really broad implications. The others are, well, most of them are a lot like me at base. There's one guy from Brooklyn that's a hoot... might as well be out of an old movie. Dr. Carmody is pretty intense, but his wife's really sweet."
Erica comes back in with a bottle of Zinfandel from Trader Joe's and three glasses. She puts them on the coffee table and pours. "Well, that was intense. How is everyone?"
"Frustrated." I answer reflexively. "Angry. A little scared." I take my glass, a big gulp. "It was such a kickass night. You should've seen Erica. Reggie, she is a natural at flying in TSol."
Erica swats you. "I had a good teacher." She looks to Reggie. "It was fun, actually. I understand, a little, what you guys get out of it."
Reggie nods. "I'm glad you gave it a shot. There's some real beauty and meaning." The pressure in the room is starting to equalize, a bit. It's clear that both of these women are keyed off your mood, though. At least for this moment, you're the center of gravity.
Reflecting on that, how does that make you feel? Is it different from the "normal" scheme of things, or is it really how it always is?
It's different, for sure. Reggie's grounded me, helped give me direction. Seeing her threatened, it's really gotten to me. It isn't, "hey, I've got two beautiful ladies and we're gonna have some sexytimes" anymore. Definitely not tonight. Maybe not ever? I mean, not "we'll never be intimate", but more like "I really need to feel safe" now.
I pull Reggie to me, ease back into the sofa, and just hold her. I look to Erica, silently letting her know she's welcome. I haven't felt scared like this since Jake. And this is so radically unlike what happened to Jake.
You can't say Erica looks uncomfortable, but she's definitely thoughtful. "Listen... this is kind of a third-wheel moment for me. I really love you both, but... I'm going to be in the guest bedroom for a bit, okay? I just think... anyway, I'm going to give you some time."
Reggie starts to say something, but stops. She and Erica meet eyes, and Reggie nods. Erica fills her glass, grabs it, and moves off to the second bedroom.
I let Erica go. I want to say something, but she's right. This is a Reggie and me thing. After she's gone. "I feel like a prick for asking her to stay here."
It's hard to remember, but you and Reggie only met face-to-face a few months ago. She gives you a look you've only seen a few times. That look that says, "I see you, I'm watching, I'm listening" in a way that no one else has ever said. "Why?"
"She feels like a third wheel. And I don't know how to make her feel any different." I say it with the bit of selfish regret I have for it. "I hate the thought of her feeling trapped. That's all."
I lean back, onto the couch. "I feel so selfish, Reggie. This asshole, whoever he is, he could hurt you. I don't want to let you go. I don't know how to fix this." The frustrating seeps out. I'm having trouble staying positive. My eyes are wet.
Reggie, the planner, the "see all the angles and make a decision" girl, makes a decision. She holds you, tight. "Trevian Marks, I say it again. I'm not going anywhere. And Erica's here because she wants to be. She'll leave when the visit's over, but it's you and me that walk through this minefield and out the other side." She just sits for a minute, arms wrapped around you. "Besides, we've got a team. And can you think of anyone we could want on our team more than Oliver?"
I let her hold me, it feels nice. Finally, I answer, "No. He's pretty much the best bodyguard ever." I slide back, look her in the eyes. "I want to go to bed. Is that alright?" I don't kiss her, this isn't a comeon. I think I need some sleep. I'm just worn.
"Of course it's okay, sweetie. Shit, I'd be ready for bed anyway, even without all this." Reggie finishes the last swig of her glass of wine and stands up, keeping hold of your hand. "Teeth, take off makeup, bed. I assume you're not wearing makeup, so you can skip that step."
"No makeup." I agree. I try to think of a crack about it, but it just doesn't come. I rise with her, holding her hand. "Thanks, Reggie." Then I head to the bathroom, teeth, bed.