Frank, Marius and Prof. Balandabar wonder what to do about Edith. Prof. Balandabar has heard interesting "proof" of the alleged mind transfer from David to Edith. Is he convinced? Could the information Edith whispered to Frank be pillow talk, conversation that David shared with his lover and she now offers as "proof"?
Their discussion is ended by the police officer outside, who comes in to check on Edith.
"Okay now, visiting time is over," he says with an Irish brogue.
The men leave.
Edith ponders her situation. A little later a doctor comes in to take her vitals and deliver grave news. "Your attacker, a Mr. David Clarke, has passed. He did not survive his wounds."
Edith is shaken at the news that his proper body is no longer alive. He, now she, faces the horrible reality that he is now trapped in a woman's body. Edith is gobsmacked at the revelation and considers the ramifications: What of his property and belongings? His academic credentials? Job prospects? Sexuality? His friends and family? Edith's friends and family? (San check - see spoiler below)
David knows Edith (he/she still must overcome the psychological barrier of new pronouns and calling himself Edith) was - no, is - a woman of independent means. That is some comfort from a practical standpoint.
The other investigators learn with shock and dismay that David Clarke’s body perished. Reginald shares the news. He says he tried to help save him. The book dealer is quite shaken. (Psychology rolls please for others.)
Edith spends the next few days in the hospital gaining her strength back (+4 HP.) She learns she was raped by David when she was unconscious. The investigators visit her frequently. They tell Agent Mulder about what happened.
Edith learns that with David Clarke dead, there will be no legal action taken against Edith for her shooting him unless Clarke family members decide to pursue legal remedies. With no witnesses and a dead alleged victim, the case would be weak.
While Edith is recuperating, the investigators get access to David’s apartment and secure Raymond Randolph’s books. Reginald the book dealer examines the tomes. He agrees with Edith’s assessment concerning Raymond’s intentions with dreams. The man could be alive in the so-called dreamlands or some Otherworld.
After what has happened to her, Edith faces profound choices. Can he/she live in this body, in this world? Is her mind overwhelmed? Or does it make her more determined than ever to continue the investigation and get revenge?
Several days later the party of investigators is at the Providence BOI offices where Agent Mulder is holding the New Orleans briefing.
“It’s good to see you all again,” says Agent Mulder. “Please welcome a new civilian consultant, Hal Lancaster, to our group.”
“We have been chasing down what leads we can, observing and tailing people of interest, and are now ready to make a push in New Orleans. As you recall (and were instrumental in discovering) we have certain letters from Ambrose Carcosa that listed various New Orleans addresses.”
“These include the following:
1) Ambrose Carcosa’s house in the French Quarter. We will raid the place and hopefully catch the bastard.
2) A fortune teller parlor owned by a Marie Levoui who has connections to Carcosa. We will investigate.
3) A night club recently opened, the building of which was purchased from James Ford. You recall that this financier was in the Carcosa letters. According to information from our civilian investigators, his daughter Claire confirmed his past odd religious acquaintances. She offered to help.”
Agent Mulder looks at the investigators. “Any ideas on how she could?”
“And 4) A ‘lodge’ outside New Orleans in the bayou. We’ll investigate.”
“All right everyone. Put in your equipment requisitions. Get a good night sleep. Our train leaves at 8:00 am.”