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[originallutece]

Rosalind Lutece

Doctor of physics, professor at Recollé University.

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7/5

[godcards]

[ This sure is an unfamiliar number ringing through! Answer it? ]

[originallutece]

[SQUINTS . . . but no she's too curious to let it go to voicemail.]

Hello?

[godcards]

[ There's a short awkward silence before Malik just launches into it. No point in mincing words: ]

Look, I'm doing this for bingo. I don't particularly care who this is, I dialed this number randomly.

[originallutece]

What a charming introduction. Have a name, do we, or do you prefer to remain anonymous for this sort of thing?

[godcards]

Well, it's not like we're going to be friends. My name doesn't matter. I just have to carry out this conversation to Retrospec's satisfaction and we'll go out separate ways.

[originallutece]

No, no. Now I want to know. Tell me.

[godcards]

[ LONG-SUFFERING SIGH as if this is the worst thing he's has ever had to endure. He hates small talk!!! ]

...It's Malik.

[originallutece]

Was that so hard, Malik?

[Rhetorical question, as she settles back into her seat.]

Tell me, then, what other squares have you filled so far?

[godcards]

Like four other ones, what's it to you? I'm expanding my chances at winning, don't read too much into this conversation.

[ I'm sorry that even a simple conversation is difficult for him. ]

[originallutece]

[On the one hand, she could be honest. On the other . . .]

Oh, it's a bit too late for that. I rather hold your bingo fate in my hand, don't I?

[godcards]

There's plenty of other squares to choose from. This one seemed quickest. [ a beat. ] I just want to get my reward, which means picking the easiest row... It's nothing exciting.

[originallutece]

Apparently not. What else have you completed, then?

[godcards]

I've given a grocery cart ride and shared a secret... Spent time with someone's sibling, and hit someone who broke into Retrospec. So all I need is calling a stranger.

[ That's. A lie but okay. ]

Now that you know, does that make you more willing to help?

[originallutece]

Not particularly, but it does satisfy my curiosity. Whom did you hit?

[godcards]

Someone I know from school... Why are you so nosy? You don't need this information, I'm not even going to speak to you ever again after this.

[originallutece]

I'm a nosy person. And what would you suggest we discuss instead? Our many shared hobbies?

[godcards]

And I'm a private person, so stop asking. If you think you have any hobbies that are remotely interesting, I'll pretend to listen. I have no idea who you are, after all.

[originallutece]

Nor shall you, not if you keep asking so rudely. Which person from school?

[She's quite enjoying herself.]

[godcards]

[ Malik isn't, and perhaps that's clear when he snaps at her: ] Who cares! His name is Dave! He's just a student who wears stupid shades! What does it even matter to you?

[originallutece]

Truthfully?

[She's grinning.]

I wanted to see just how often you'd keep answering.

[godcards]

[ Really, lady? Really?

He's actually so mad that she got his goat that he just

hangs up on her. ]