canon is "The Shining" book version

[managerialtimber]

This must be the dumbest idea that you've ever had. I should know. According to certain people [he raises his hands to draw quotation marks] I'm the king of bad ideas.

You can't at least make me a little more recognizable? No?

[His eyes widen slightly] Then find me my son.

[It's probably hard to tell if that's simple parental concern or something much darker, more sinister, more...evil.]

I don't care where Wendy is unless she's got him stashed somewhere.

Comments

[just_be_quiet]

At least your mun hasn't decided to send you to the Box.

[managerialtimber]

[His mouth opens and closes before he sets his hands to the side. This is just ...bad.]

What's the box doc?

[just_be_quiet]

Doc?

[ Andrew looks... perplexed. ]

The Box is the name of a game. It's not a nice one.

[managerialtimber]

[There's very real unease] Habit son. You remind me of my little boy.

[He swallows] When you say game what do you mean?

[just_be_quiet]

Oh.

[ He smiles slightly. ] He must be really lucky.

[ Oh Andrew.... ]

The people who.... pull us out of where we come from? They put us in new places sometimes. They call them games. It's sort of a big lie. It's not fun for us. We get chased by bad things sometimes.

Or. Or weird stuff happens. I'm sort of lucky that I get to have my dog Bernie with me still.

I'm sorry but I couldn't resist.

[torrance]

What - having some trouble finding the little son of a bitch?

[ Have a dark chuckle and a knowing smirk, Mr. Torrance. ]

Somewhere steven king is vomiting rainbows because thanks to DT IT COULD HAPPEN.

[managerialtimber]

[There's a subtle shift in the other man's features. A knowing smirk? A confused look? A shiver that runs through his fingers (roque! redrum! We'll have a party as soon as the boy comes out to play!)

His hands shake.]

...worthless puppy. He and his bitch mother...

Damn bitch has him stashed somewhere most likely.

[managerialtimber]

[Quietly] He sure is.

[there's an edge to jack's voice that vanishes. Not the boy they want. Strong but different.

Curious.]

...So basically all of this is just one big casino huh? Y'know? All kinds of games you can't really win. Bad stuff ends up happening. sometimes weird stuff.

What kinda dog's bernie?

[He's not imaginary is he.]

[just_be_quiet]

[ He stares silently at Jack. That.... didn't feel okay. ]

I suppose so. They play the games. We act out what they want all within.... their need to see us act like ourselves in different places. Like.... Like if you and your son played Imagination together.

Play acted a story together.

[ He almost grins. ]

German Shepard. He's a really good dog. I've had him since I was four.

[torrance]

[ There's something familiar about him. He can't quite put his fingers on it, but there's something here that Jack is quite comfortable with. ]

It's always those fucking whores. Thinking they can just interfere with a man's business.

[managerialtimber]

[There's an immense well of sadness at that. Imagination? Danny was the best at that game. Race trucks, matchbox cars. Watching Secret Agent man and running through the park.

(What thanks do you get for teaching him? Molding him?)

He grimaces for a moment before smiling. Fatherly warmth filling the space between them]

I like dogs. Is he around?

[managerialtimber]

[What a quality mask sir. Jack runs his fingers through his hair before crossing his arms in front of him and smiling. Comfortable oh yes.

A man's business indeed. The smile curdles like dry paper, like autumn leaves before winter comes]

A man has responsibilities. A father has responsibilities! Playing hide and seek like this.

[quietly] Christ I could use a drink.

[just_be_quiet]

[ Andrew can feel the conflicting emotions. It... sort of hurts his head. A door snaps shut in his head.

He doesn't know what it means. He feels better. ]

No. He's taking a nap. He's not old but.... you know dogs. Sometimes they get lazy.

[managerialtimber]

Silly dogs. Sometimes you gotta show um' who's boss son. I mean he should be out with you, up and playing. Gotta teach those puppies who's boss yeah?

...You like cars?

[distantly] Danny likes cars.

[just_be_quiet]

It's okay. I have asthma so I can't go out much in the winter. Bernie and me play inside or out in Uncle John's barn.

It's not too cold there.

[ He nods happily. ]

Mmm. Uncle John is teaching me about engines. I like how the different parts.... fit. Next year he says we can work on starting to rebuild one so when I'm big enough I have something of my own to drive.

[managerialtimber]

[He sounds Just like Danny...

(Not so much shine but it's still there. Shine in a different sort of light huh friend?)

Jack's tone is thoughtful. He nods] You mind if I sit?

[just_be_quiet]

[ The boy nods. ]

Okay.

[managerialtimber]

[Jack sits] taking a load off sure feels good. Your Uncle around?

[just_be_quiet]

No. She won't let him out yet.

[ He sighs. ]

Girls are dumb sometimes. If Uncle John was out I'd be happy. He's.... better than Dad.

[managerialtimber]

What's wrong with dads?

[Not your dad. Dads. Fathers. What's wrong with fathers? What's with all these sons hating their fathers?

His lips press together]

[just_be_quiet]

He made Mom sad and sick. Then didn't call for three years.

So he's stupid.

[ He looks unhappy. Like he wants to be angry. ]

I love my Uncle but.... shouldn't it be my Dad who wants to rebuild a car with me?

[managerialtimber]

It should sport. [Not an uncle. Fathers had responsibilities. He puts a hand on the boy's head suddenly -

Well! Well well.

He withdraws]

...Danny and I are gonna do that. He's...younger then you.

[artistwithasickness]

Isn't he half hers?

[Have fun with this one.]

[managerialtimber]

[He's thrown for a moment, dazed. Then.]

She has her place, and I have mine. A man's king of the fucking castle!

[artistwithasickness]

[She scoffed.]

You sound pretty alone in that Castle, King, how's that working out for ya?