Aaron saw quite a few things, one of which was that Wildsmith was very good at what he did, which was nothing to do with handwriting. He clearly understood people, and particularly the two most potent human desires of them all: to be found interesting, and to gossip about others. “What about this chap?” he asked, and held out the third paper. Wildsmith took it, and started to read. The difference was dramatic. Within a few moments his shoulders rose and hunched like a cat’s, and his jaw and neck tensed visibly as he read. His mouth worked silently, and then he said, “No.” “Excuse me?” “No.
Aaron saw quite a few things, one of which was that Wildsmith was very good at what he did, which was nothing to do with handwriting. He clearly understood people, and particularly the two most potent human desires of them all: to be found interesting, and to gossip about others. “What about this chap?” he asked, and held out the third paper. Wildsmith took it, and started to read. The difference was dramatic. Within a few moments his shoulders rose and hunched like a cat’s, and his jaw and neck tensed visibly as he read. His mouth worked silently, and then he said, “No.” “Excuse me?” “No. Absolutely not. Don’t hire him, don’t let him marry your sister, none of it.” “Why not?” “Christ, can you not read?” Wildsmith demanded, and then, immediately, “Sorry. Sorry. It’s—look, forget what I said just now, I’m making a judgement. This man is bad to the bone.” Aaron sat very still. “Why?” Wildsmith gave the letter a little shake, as if trying to dislodge dirt. “He’s wrong inside, horribly wrong. There’s a disconnection. This is someone who doesn’t care and who likes to do—to hurt— It’s pulling the wings off flies, but that’s all he does or wants to do. It’s cruel and it’s clinical—and he’s entertained— Oh my God. What the fuck. What is this?” He shoved the paper back at Aaron. “What the hell have you brought me?” Aaron took it automatically, and rose to his feet as Wildsmith sprang to his. “Calm down. And look here—” “No, you look. If you know this man, then do something about hi...
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“Please, just go to the police. Ask them to spare five minutes from their busy schedule of harassing the Irish and entrapping men in public conveniences, and look at this fellow. I’m sure you can make someone listen to you, you seem like the sort. If they investigate him they will find something.”
