[ It isn't difficult to imagine Cornelius Hickey, devil that he is, as being unkind to someone — but Edward still finds himself slightly surprised. The man keeps up a charming, kind disposition (something he now knows is just part of the farce....) It's easy to perceive him as being of good temperament and character. It's no wonder he was able to talk others into joining his rebellion against the captain. Even the steadfast sergeant of the Marines fell victim.... Solomon Tozer in particular was a shock.
And George, which was its own shock, and one that Edward has been unable to truly come to terms with.
So for him to have outright shown an unkind side to Kate..... is telling. Edward's nostrils flare again, jaw stiffening, lips tight as he looks off into the distance for a moment, eyes squinting. He's angry, so angry at the other man for this. Saying such things to Kate, frightening her. On purpose, it seems. He can't imagine it was ever for her good will; no, of course it wasn't. Mentioning the tins, running out of them... And even showing scorn of her character.... Does the man truly lack even a modicum of shame and decency....?
But of course, a large part of the anger is towards himself, as well. He hadn't shielded her enough, should have warned her early on. He was a fool. How many times now? How many times has he looked back with regret?
....He can't dwell on that now. No, this is much more alarming than his own agonies with himself; Hickey could very well see Kate as a target now. He's looking back to her, features still tight, angry, the usual warmth of his brown eyes darker — but through the anger comes a sort of desperation. 'Scary', she says. He got to that point. Angry? Personally offended? Any of those things could mean that Kate is now in danger. ]
It's good that you've kept away from him. That's very wise of you. [ He nods quickly; the praise is sincere. She's incredibly smart, Miss Kate Marsh. She doesn't look for trouble, either; she's a good, decent, kind person. And none of those traits are a damnable thing, thank you very much, Mr. Hickey!!!! But Edward's fear has him looking stricken again, eyes wide as he turns urgently to Kate and leans in close, as though forming a protective barrier around the two of them. ]
He is exceptionally dangerous. Moreso than even I had realised, for a very long time. He is a devil.[ It's not a word used lightly, where he's from. But he knows what Hickey is capable of. What he'll do to a person. ]
If he... says anything to you again, or if you feel threatened by him in any way, unsafe, you must inform me. Or if you notice him lingering around you... Even if he is only lingering around the Community Center itself—
[ He knows he sounds upset, urgent, tries to adjust his tone a little. Takes a breath, swallows. It's just... he doesn't know what to do, feels that familiar helpless ache within him. Can he guarantee this young woman's safety? Fully...? He doesn't want to scare Kate, but he needs to express the gravity of this. It's... an uncomfortable position; he deeply dislikes this. ]
....He is not like you or I. I fully believe that he would not hesitate to... remove someone he felt was in his way. [ His voice falls almost to a hush, eyes wide with severity. This man murdered a six-year-old child. It's.... unspeakable. ]
He would not care that you are young, or a woman. You must come to me, if he speaks to you again. No matter the hour. Please.
cw: mention of child death
And George, which was its own shock, and one that Edward has been unable to truly come to terms with.
So for him to have outright shown an unkind side to Kate..... is telling. Edward's nostrils flare again, jaw stiffening, lips tight as he looks off into the distance for a moment, eyes squinting. He's angry, so angry at the other man for this. Saying such things to Kate, frightening her. On purpose, it seems. He can't imagine it was ever for her good will; no, of course it wasn't. Mentioning the tins, running out of them... And even showing scorn of her character.... Does the man truly lack even a modicum of shame and decency....?
But of course, a large part of the anger is towards himself, as well. He hadn't shielded her enough, should have warned her early on. He was a fool. How many times now? How many times has he looked back with regret?
....He can't dwell on that now. No, this is much more alarming than his own agonies with himself; Hickey could very well see Kate as a target now. He's looking back to her, features still tight, angry, the usual warmth of his brown eyes darker — but through the anger comes a sort of desperation. 'Scary', she says. He got to that point. Angry? Personally offended? Any of those things could mean that Kate is now in danger. ]
It's good that you've kept away from him. That's very wise of you. [ He nods quickly; the praise is sincere. She's incredibly smart, Miss Kate Marsh. She doesn't look for trouble, either; she's a good, decent, kind person. And none of those traits are a damnable thing, thank you very much, Mr. Hickey!!!! But Edward's fear has him looking stricken again, eyes wide as he turns urgently to Kate and leans in close, as though forming a protective barrier around the two of them. ]
He is exceptionally dangerous. Moreso than even I had realised, for a very long time. He is a devil. [ It's not a word used lightly, where he's from. But he knows what Hickey is capable of. What he'll do to a person. ]
If he... says anything to you again, or if you feel threatened by him in any way, unsafe, you must inform me. Or if you notice him lingering around you... Even if he is only lingering around the Community Center itself—
[ He knows he sounds upset, urgent, tries to adjust his tone a little. Takes a breath, swallows. It's just... he doesn't know what to do, feels that familiar helpless ache within him. Can he guarantee this young woman's safety? Fully...? He doesn't want to scare Kate, but he needs to express the gravity of this. It's... an uncomfortable position; he deeply dislikes this. ]
....He is not like you or I. I fully believe that he would not hesitate to... remove someone he felt was in his way. [ His voice falls almost to a hush, eyes wide with severity. This man murdered a six-year-old child. It's.... unspeakable. ]
He would not care that you are young, or a woman. You must come to me, if he speaks to you again. No matter the hour. Please.