Barnaby Holloway

Three candles, a window two hand-spans wide. Asking the spelling of a name last is the usual order of things. Today that last step took strangely long.

• Cyril AshbyThe scene record for Case Seventeen is due at the clerk's office by midnight. Keep your opinions out of the margins.
  Barnaby HollowayThe margins are mine to begin with.
• Nell BriggsDripped water clean across another woman's floor and never even took off his hat.
  Barnaby HollowayI'll settle for the wet coat later.

Brought down three seances tonight, and all three ended under the table. That the candle wax stays under my fingernails long after I'm home is not a thing any form asks about.

• Gertie MaddoxJust give me the names of the three you brought down. Half a crown.
  Barnaby HollowayNames aren't for sale. Now the notebook itself, that might be a different price.
• Doctor Ambrose KilburnThat tremor in your hand isn't a ghost, it's a lack of sleep. Cut back on the coffee.

The first page has stood blank since the winter I was sixteen. The Board's forms have no column for why.

• Nell BriggsWhat could've happened at that age. No, never mind, you won't answer even if I ask.
  Barnaby HollowayI never said don't ask. I only said I won't answer.
• Doctor Ambrose KilburnYou first brought that up when you were two-and-twenty. Not once since.
  Barnaby HollowayYour memory serves you rather too well, Doctor.