Blood is thicker than water ( EB part 6 aka "How a Puppy Beat my Depression into a Pulp in One Fell Swoop" )

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Blood is thicker than water ( EB part 6 aka "How a Puppy Beat my Depression into a Pulp in One Fell Swoop" )

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The Fox

The Fox

@disqus_eqavLvmRDA a year ago

HAHAHA WHAT'S THAT??? I MISSED REPLIES WHILE I WAS WALLOWING IN MISERY????

YA DON'T SAY!

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SOOOOOOOOo I've been in the gutter emotionally for the past week and I just started feeling better cause I got to meet PUPPY THE OTHER DAY!!

I was walking my neighbors dog when I saw this little puppster just having a good time out by himself. So I got on my knees and let him come and sniff me. Since I didn't know if I could pick him up, I decided to run back to my neighbor's house to drop her dog off. So I'm going down the street and wouldn't you know, the little pup is following me!

So I bring the dog in, come out with the leash and some food, and *POOF* he's gone.

Spent some time walking around and I eventually found him again. I gave him the rest of the food cause he was very hungry and got him back to my neighbor's where we then went out to ask people if they lost a dog.

Since we didn't get any leads there, we called Animal Patrol and waited for them to come pick him up. I spent the time with him while I waited so he wouldn't get lonely and AHHHHHHHH

AHHHHHHHHHHH

HE WAS SO GOOD!!!! HE WAS SUCH A DARLING!!!

He was so cute!

He loved to rub up against you and lay next to you, and just, so cuddly! Sometimes he'd just get really excited and play and just!

AHHH

He fixed my heart....My depressive episode got socked right in the f*cking face.....

I eventually had to leave so I couldn't see him off but I had my goodbye with him and I know he's safe at the shelter, so It's ok. I just hope he finds a good family who'll love him. ( I would've taken him in if I could but we already have two dogs. )

Anyways, time to make up for lost time! Onto the RP!

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The Fox • a year ago

" [ Dammit... ] "

Desirae peered down the dimly lit hall with a growl. Just a few room down was what looked to be an office. It certainly had the decor to fit when she and "Jeannine" were herded down into their waiting room. It looked to be a veritable source of information if it wasn't across from potential onlookers.

In-between the time they arrived and they slipped out, some new patrons had arrived and settled into the room just across from where the two were heading. They were drinking champagne while smoking what could only be recognized as Hemp.

" Maybe we could just walk by?  "

Jeannine put a finger to her chin.

" They may not pay us any mind if we act like we belong here.  "

" [ And they might notice us and see through us. ] "

The dancer sucked in air through her teeth.

" [ Or they might mistake us for staff which is just as bad. ] "

" Whatever the case is, I doubt we have time to waste.  "

Her friend looked behind them with nervous glance.

" Someone could walk into us any moment now...  "

--

Before Lewis could get to the duo, he would have to pass the giant polishing glasses at the counter.

Rafael was keeping eye on the room, watching for any drowsy hands looking for his attention. For a man under Peverell, he actually seemed to somewhat care about how the patrons were faring, ready to step in and give medical aid should the need arise.

For now though, he was merely wasting time for the moment.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

Lewis chanced to spy Rafael in his path and, for a moment, considered a brawl.

Eh, thought Weir, deciding against it. There's an easier way.

"[Mister,]" he addressed Rafael as he approached him unsteadily, looking distinctly out of it, "[my new friend won't answer me]."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

" =Who? Was it Gregoire?= "

The man looked up with an confused air.

" =I thought he was setting you up.= "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

"[So did I, but now he won't answer.]"

Weir fidgeted like an addict in dire need of a fix.

"[And I still haven't gotten my--my exotic goods.]"

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

" =Hmm...= "

The burly man put his rag and glass down and came up to Lewis.

" =I can't imagine what would be keeping him.= "

Something in the back of his head told Rafael that Gregoire was up to no good again but he didn't let this show. He lay a kind hand on Weir's shoulder to calm him down.

" =Do you know where he is? If I can take care of him then I can get you into one of the booths swiftly.= "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

Lewis nodded, looking as if he was doing his level best to compose himself despite his need.

"[Down a hall, following light. A...a room there. He went in but didn't come out.]"

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

" =Thank you. Go ahead and make yourself comfortable. I shouldn't be too long. = "

He flashed an affirming smile before leaving the room, leaving Lewis with the relaxed, lull of poppy devotees.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago • edited

Lewis did take a seat.

Fidgeted.

Made sure Rafael was far enough down the hall.

And rose, seeming for all the world like a twitchy addict too impatient to stand on ceremony.

In a flash, he was down the other hall and headed toward Desirae and her compatriot.

Before rounding the corner, he slowed his pace to adopt a stealthier approach, simply listening.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

" We can't just stand here forever Desirae...  "

The older woman shuffled restlessly as she took a step back. Behind them, the recognizable sounds of footsteps echoed behind them. They were followed by a door shutting and somewhat urgent voices.

Desirae cursed under her breathe and took Jeannine's arm.

" [ F*ck me...This place just gets better and better... ] "

" Why do you think I keep my distance? It's just a den of trouble no matter what.  "

" [ I just don't understand why Richard likes this place so much. Holes in the ground are nicer than this shit. ] "

" He's an addict. Any hole in nice for him.  "

This earn Jeannine a hard angry stare from Desirae and tug forward as they raced to get back to their room. Their silent flight brought the voices closer, their words becoming clearer.

" ~>You're sure Peverell wanted this sent?<~ "

" [ Yes, most definitely. ] "

" ~>But why would he want to do that to Enfield? I thought he was considering pulling him up another rank...<~ "

" [ Who knows..Maybe he's changed his mind. I certainly would if I had to come and do his job for him when he was supposed to be there. ] "

" ~>B-but...<~ "

" [ Just take this will you? It's not our place to question him. ] "

The dancer's eyes grew steely, a serious protectiveness coming over her. She grit her teeth as she and Jeannine slipped into their room just as the two people came around the corner.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

Lewis perked his ears at the conversation.

Do what to Enfield? he wondered, an ominous feeling settling itself in the pit of his stomach.

Weir'd positioned himself so that his shadow wouldn't spill past the corner and give him away. As the two persons drew close to Desirae and her companion, he held his breath, listening intently.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

Didier looked at the pair of memos with a tentative glance. He knew it was a underground job he worked; there was no way for something like drug running to end in anything except death. He had seen many come and go from greed or rival gangs, all due to their work...

But this was new. He didn't think Peverell was willing to be so cut throat.

He and the hired gun went down to the office in silence. There, he placed the memo on the desk and wrote a little note at the top, blowing the ink so it'd dry.

Swiftly afterwards, he slipped out and flowed the other man back out. Once the door clicked shut, Desirae slipped out and rushed down the hall, Jeannine trotting after her with a hiss.

" Desirae! Desirae!!!  "

She was paid no mind, simply left in the dust of her partner.

Back in the store room, Rafael was working on Gregoire, growing suspicious as he looked over the unconscious man.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

Weir stood out of the way as Desirae rounded the corner, but bolted after her once she'd passed.

"[I'm Weir's cousin]," he whispered to her as he caught up and kept pace, voice low and urgent. "[I can help. What do you need?]"

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

" [ W-what? ] "

She blinked, doing a double take at Weir. All sorts of emotions flashed across her face but most prominently was a fierce, hair raising distrust and disgust.

" [ You are not a cousin in the slightest... ] "

The air got warm as the human equivalent of Pompeii seemed ready to erupt. Desirae's lip curled into a enraged snarl, her eyes making clear a furious conviction.

She stepped back, ready to beat the life out of the stranger's body. In a deadly soft whisper, she locked eyes with Lewis.

" [ Move a finger and you'll get a fresh *ss to sh*t through. ] "

Jeannine came around the corner then turned right back. It was too hard to wash dried blood from anything and she wasn't about to ruin her better dress getting between Desirae and her imprompt punching bag.

The dancer clenched her jaw.

" [ Now...you best spill your guts or I'll do it for you. How did you find me and how do you know about Doctor Weir... ] "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

"[Fine, do it your damn self]," he spat dismissively, briefly rolling his eyes. "[I was doing Lewy a favor anyway]."

He began walking briskly toward the exit.

That efficiency of gait was not entirely dissimilar...

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago • edited

She watched him with narrowed eyes as she fell into step directly behind him.

" [ You leave and I make the greatest scene second only to the sky falling. ] "

Back in the storeroom, Rafael had finished his check up on Gregoire. He swallowed a curse and started making his way back, uncertain how to confront the potential criminal that was in the building.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago • edited

"Make a scene. See if I give a damn," he muttered under his breath.

Every slap. Every punch. Every damnable ringing of his ears. She was responsible. It galled him to play the fool.

Not this time, he vowed.

He snapped around to face her, irritation mounting toward anger as he strained to keep himself civil, strove to stick to the plan.

"[I'm Weir's cousin Ned Balfour]," he stated curtly, a growl creeping into his voice at certain turns. "[He wrote me and I came. 'Had me tail Enfield--said there'd be a rough crowd.]" His pitch was naturally low, the unspoken--and perhaps unintentional--threat of violence behind it. "[Now use me or don't.]"

He stared at Desirae as he spoke, dark eyes boring into hers as if he were tempted to impale her.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago • edited

" [Alright then NED... ] "

She met his gaze with an equally impressive passion. She smiled wide with cutting grin that only she could do. Only she could ever display the sheer audacity to stand inches away from a stranger, so simultaneously unimpressed and pissed, so ready to take a hit and throw one back. The only thing keeping her back was the thought of Richard. Who would be there for him when Utterson leaves if she was in jail for killing a man?

Desirae leaned in like a mongoose to a cobra as she whispered through grit teeth.

" [ And I suppose you wouldn't have a problem walking home with me and greeting your cousin when he gets home? Or is are you busy later? ] "

She put a hand to her cheek, the saccharine look oozing with the most biting of sarcasm.

" [ But let's not think about that now, hmm? ] "

" Desirae!  "

Jeannine crept up behind her and took her arm, trying not to make eye-contact with Lewis. She pulled her away and started rushing towards the office.

" We haven't the time for this! If you want to take the note, take it now!  "

She huffed.

" Your brawl can wait LATER.  "

The performer kept her gaze trained on Lewis, watching him with hawkish intent. She only broke her focus when she was shoved into the office.

There, she turned her attention to the memos, taking them and stuffing them into her corset without even reading them.

Rafael came back to the front room, unfazed by the addict's disappearance. With a pause, he began making his way down the hallway, scanning the area for any signs of the mystery man.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago • edited

"[I would gladly--]" he began through gritted teeth, but Desirae switched to saccharine sarcasm, seemingly not even interested in a reply.

Fine then. Sod this place. Sod you, too.

Actually...that's not a bad--

Jeannine saw fit to intervene, dragging Desirae down the hall, though Charbonneau watched him like a hawk.

Ned stared back with the hungry eyes of a tiger stalking its prey, even as he thought of removing her tongue...among other things. His eyes narrowed as he smiled in anticipation.

Then she was gone.

The stimulus had been removed, yet he still relished this unplanned bouquet of possibilities, like an animal licking its chops at the memory of past pleasures.

It took the sound of Rafael's footfall to jar him from such thoughts, to bring him back to...

...how royally he'd just bolloxed up that interaction. And his plans. And--potentially--future interactions with Desirae, if he couldn't keep his head in the right space.

Sod me.

His head drooped to thunk lightly against the wall.

Balance, he reflected, was a verb--not a noun--for him.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

" =Sir...I have finished my assessment...= "

Rafael spotted Lewis down the ways, head up against the wall. A palpable apprehension clung to the man, a bead of sweat forming on his brow as he tread closer.

He really didn't want to have this fight. He really didn't want to have any fights, period. It was easy enough to hold people down considering his physique. Many people simply didn't know how to confront him, and so, he tends to end a fight pretty quickly. But the fact that they start a fight in the first place is something that never sat well with him.

All he wanted was to keep the peace.

It appeared to him though that may not happen today. If Gregoire's condition said anything, it said that the addict here was a fraud, and like many people who try to sneak in, he would have to use force.

Still, it didn't hurt to try and save them the trouble. It wouldn't be kind of him to simple pounce without warning.

Rafael stood up with a cough, tucking a hand behind his back.

" =Sir, I'm afraid I have found him in less-than-pleasant condition...= "

He glanced meaningfully at Lewis.

" =And unfortunately, I have only you to assume responsible.= "

A breathe.

" =And since I have promised to keep this establishment safe, I must escort you off premises.

So please, don't panic!= "

If you simply come without trouble, everything will be fine.= "

He stepped forward with his hands up like Lewis were some wild beast to calm. As he crept closer, he hazarded a glance to his right.

" =Ah! M-madame!= "

Another bead of sweat rolled down his forehead. Jeannine stood frozen where she stood while Desirae kept looking through the desk. Rafael looked between them and Lewis with a deep breathe.

This...was out of his league.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

"[He had a knife to my throat]," said Lewis in a hoarse whisper, voice breaking and hands trembling as he turned to address Rafael. "[What was I supposed to do--]" his voice rose to a normal volume, a growl creeping in as he gritted his teeth, "[let him kill me?]"

Rafael's sudden exclamation fortuitously arrested Weir's attention; Lewis snapped his gaze to look in the same direction.

That's where Desirae went, he realized.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

" =No! No, absolutely not!= "

Rafael froze where he was, unsure of how to approach Lewis.

" =I understand you completely. Gregoire has done this plenty of times before. I'm just a little bothered by how you covered it up.

It doesn't sit right with me that you wouldn't just tell me he tried to mug you.= "

He cleared his throat.

" =Honesty is the best policy and all...= "

He took a step back and point towards the entrance.

" =I just need you to leave and you'll be fine.

And the madame...= "

Desirae glared back at him, shoving a handful of papers down her dress.

" =I will have to ask you to give those back. = "

" [ No. ] "

" =Madame--= "

" [ NO. ] "

The patrons across the hall grew quiet, their voices turning to murmurs.

Jeannine let out a sigh and past them.

" Well, I'll see you at my apartment. Have a good night everyone.  "

" =N-night madame...= "

Rafael gave her a nod and a polite smile before turning back to other two.

" =Now I just need you two to leave too. Just put the papers back and I'll have done my job.= "

A glance at Desirae.

" =Madame, if you will.= "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago • edited

"[I thought if it looked like I fought back there'd be trouble]," he admitted with a shrug. "[For all I knew, you were in on the mugging.]

"[I--I left the opium, though I really didn't want to. 'Hadn't paid for it. 'Didn't want trouble.]"

He tilted his head at Rafael.

"[Can I still buy some? I have money--no thanks to Gregoire.]"

He acted as if Desirae's exchange with the man was of no concern to him.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

" =Ah, yes I can. Just let me deal with this situation first.= "

He took on a less defensive stance and stepped towards Desirae.

" =Please Madame. Those aren't yours.= "

" [ They are now. ] "

" =Please...= "

They locked eyes. Desirae stood undeterred, fists forming at her sides. Her head tucked low in a fearsome glare, her pompadour making her look more like a gamecock ready to fight. Meanwhile, it was hard for Rafael to keep from sweating bullets as he tried his best to meet her gaze.

The man swallowed and smiled in an attempt to diffuse the situation.

A beat passed.

Desirae narrowed her eyes.

" [ God dammit... ] "

With a growl, she pulled out the papers and let them fall to the ground. They fluttered around her feet as she stalked out of the room and past the bartender, her eyes bright with quiet fury.

Rafael sighed with relief.

" =Thank you so much madame. I hope you have a good night and keep away from trouble.= "

She spit on the ground and left with stomp of her heels. Her dress was slightly out of sorts but she made no attempt to fix it.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago • edited

Weir witnessed the exchange between Rafael and Desirae.

So she was ready to go toe to toe with me, but sweaty-man here swallows and smiles at her and she backs down.

Interesting.

He watched Desirae as she walked away.

I can see what Enfield sees in--

No. Not my business. Eyes away.

No harm in looking.

Damn it.

He shut his eyes and put a hand to his head, swallowing hard.

He did have certain weaknesses, certain vices.

Calm, he willed himself.

Breathe.

In...and out.

And again.

A swallow, followed by a ragged sigh.

"[I don't feel well]," he told Rafael. "[It's been too long since my last...indulgence.]" He prayed the man would presume he spoke of opium--the need in his eyes was completely genuine.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

" =Ah, y-yes!

Follow me.= "

He stepped past Lewis and waved for him to follow. Every once in awhile, he would peer into a room to check for occupants, sheepishly smiling every time he interrupted a group.

Eventually Rafael found an empty one.

" =Ah, here we are.= "

He stepped inside of the chamber and made sure everything was set for use, fluffing the cushions and wiping the instruments clean just in case.

Outside, Desirae fixed herself up, readjusting her dress and shifting the hidden note in her bosom. There was no imagining how much trouble she was getting everyone in the opium den. If this note she stole was really so important, Peverell would be no doubt thrown into a fit knowing it vanished.

She smiled to herself as she walked through the trash-laden streets. A few men were smoking nearby.

She gave them a wink, playing her role like a proper actor, and gave them a shake of her hips. It wouldn't be far till she reached the apartment.

With a bath and a change, maybe a cup of tea, she would be back to normal self and she could wait till later when Richard finally left.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago • edited

Lewis followed Rafael into the room three doors down from the office.

Shakily, Weir got out some money and asked the man how much a particular quantity of opium ran.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

" =Keep it. I'll make this free of charge.= "

He smiled kindly. It normally wasn't his responsibility to set people up but he was aware of the process. He was also deeply aware of what Peverell had the others do. Many times, he had to turn a blind eye to scene after scene, where Gregoire and the others came in and had the patrons pay more than what it as worth.

Never in his right mind would he have thought to rob someone blind, let alone when they weren't sober, but there was little he could do.

In this case though, since he was responsible for today, he would simply pay the bill himself.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

"[You're too kind]," came the surprised reply. Had he heard him right? This arrangement didn't make any sense. Money was always taken up front--the same as in a house of ill repute.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

" =You're welcome.= "

He pat Lewis on the back and pulled the curtain back.

" =Make yourself at home. Should you ever need anything, just ring the bell on the wall.= "

Rafael pointed a small round bell with a long cord hanging beside it.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago • edited

Lewis nodded his understanding, put away his money, and found himself a seat as Rafael left.

The opium was within easy reach, as were the proper accoutrements with which to partake.

Perhaps they charge based upon how much is consumed.

Still, that's an odd arrangement. What if someone comes in without the proper funds?

...

Perhaps they simply rob him and force him into slave labor elsewhere.

He was sorely tempted to take some opium away with him to test its purity, curious whether Peverell cut it with anything and, if so, what.

A delightful idea occurred to him.

He waited until he was sure Rafael was well and truly gone and wouldn't see him.

When the hallway was clear, he wandered back down it, pipe in hand, to the office.

Once he'd closed the door quietly behind him, he set about searching through the papers for something incriminating--accounts, shipments, names, locations...anything.

When he'd gathered enough, he stuffed them in his rather deep trouser pockets and exited the office, making sure to leave the door open, as he'd found it.

He sauntered back to the room Rafael had left him in, shut its door, and enfolded some opium within the incriminating papers, making a neat packet not unlike a dispensing chemist's. He stuffed this back in his pocket--the one without francs--and pulled his shirttail out to cover both. Then he simply relaxed into the chair.

Closing his eyes, he focused in on Enfield. The latter's energy was muted and off, but decent enough, considering he'd partaken of the house specialty.

He'll be fine, gauged Weir.

After waiting an appropriately long period, Lewis got up from the chair, lighted the pipe so that a small amount of opium residue would be left in it, and did his damnedest to resist until it burned out.

Old habits die hard.

Yet he knew too well the price he'd pay if he went down this road again. And he had people who cared about him--Utterson, Helen and Hela, Hastie, Charricthran. He wanted things to go smoothly for them.

Once the pipe had extinguished itself, he allowed himself to simply breathe in the heady scent--his compromise indulgence--before quickly leaving the room.

He shut the door, so as not to tempt himself further.

He made his way down the hall with languid ease, looking every part the satisfied connoisseur who just happened to have something to do later on, else he'd not have moved from the chair at all.

"Merci beaucoup, mon ami," he said with an easy, mellow smile as he passed Rafael. "[You're too good for this place]," he remarked sincerely as he pressed enough francs into Rafael's palm to cover the opium he'd burned and taken.

Weir slipped out of The Silver Line before Rafael could refuse.

This done, Lewis went round the block to get to the alleyway where he'd stashed his waistcoat and walking stick, made sure no one was watching, and changed, doing his best to make himself look presentable.

He took an indirect route back to Enfield's house.

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