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He set down his phone and returned to his spreadsheet, adding Fiona’s date to the timeline, cross-referencing with Grant Voss’s previous connections, and flagging it for follow-up.
His tea had gone lukewarm. Ethan drank it anyway, staring at the data columns like they might rearrange themselves into clearer conclusions. Unfortunately, that wasn’t how spreadsheets worked.
He had six months of documentation showing clear patterns that felt significant but remained circumstantial. Anxiety management or a legitimate threat assessment? He’d never been able to distinguish between vigilance and paranoia, between reasonable caution and the kind of catastrophic thinking his undergraduate therapist had gently suggested might benefit from cognitive behavioral intervention. He’d stopped going to therapy when the copays exceeded his grocery budget.
His phone buzzed again, this time from an unknown number.
Unknown: This is Rook, with the jacket buckles. Is 7:30 too early for Thursday or will that make me look desperate?
Ethan blinked at the screen. He’d given Rook the theater’s booking line, not his personal cell. Except…no, he’d actually given his own number to the strange man citing that it could be used for booking purposes. Out of character for me, but Ethan felt a slight flicker of excitement.
Ethan: 7:30 is appropriate. It allows thirty minutes for plot summary and character background before curtain.
Rook: Perfect. Do I need to read anything beforehand or is this a full tutorial situation?
Ethan: Reading the play would be considerate to other patrons who prefer not to hear plot questions during the performance. I can provide a synopsis regardless.
Rook: I’ll read it. I’m very motivated to not look like an idiot in front of you specifically.
Ethan stared at that message for fifteen seconds, categorizing the statement’s implications. Direct communication, showing clear intent with no boundary confusion. It was refreshing in a weird way.
Ethan: The bar opens at 7:30. Arrive then if you want the full context. Intermission is at 9:15 if you need to flee after realizing experimental theater isn’t your preferred entertainment format.
Rook: I’m not going to flee. I said I’d be there.
Rook: Also thank you for not calling security on me tonight. I realize the threatening Brad thing probably looked bad from certain angles.
Ethan: Your intervention tactics were counterproductive, but your threat assessment was accurate. Brad has documented escalation patterns. Your presence likely prevented further boundary violations tonight.
Rook: Documented escalation patterns???
Ethan looked at his laptop screen, at the spreadsheet with its color-coded cells and cross-referenced entries, and decided some information should probably stay confidential for now, but Rook had asked.
Ethan: I maintain detailed observations of patron behavior. Theater staff safety protocol.
Rook: That’s incredibly thorough.
Rook: Also kind of hot.
Ethan’s brain stuttered, and he quickly read the message twice, checking for autocorrect errors or alternate interpretations. He didn’t find any.
Ethan: I’m going to assume that’s a compliment rather than inappropriate workplace commentary.
Rook: Definitely a compliment. I’ll see you Thursday. 7:30. I’ll even wear something without buckles.
Ethan: The buckles are fine. They’re distinctive and make you easy to track in crowds.
Rook: …you are absolutely fascinating. Night.
The conversation ended there. Ethan set down his phone and returned to his spreadsheet, adding one final note to Rook’s entry:
Communication style: Direct, clear boundaries, respectful of professional context. Expressed interest in attending performance despite zero background in theater. Motivation is unclear but appears genuine.
Personal assessment: Dangerous. Not threatening. Possibly trustworthy pending further observation.
Then, because Ethan believed in comprehensive documentation:
Additional note: Called detailed observation protocols “hot.” Interpret as positive reinforcement for anxiety management strategies…then he added two question marks.
