one | voice, cell phone

[elfstoned]

My name is Strider. I run a small clinic just south of the Dead District.

It's the brick building with the broken sign that says LSR. You can't miss it.

Not exactly inspiring, I know. But it's clean, and I'm licensed -- which is more than you can say for most doctors you can afford without insurance.

[A pause.]

Many strange things have been happening lately.

If you come to me, I won't ask questions.

Comments

[elfstoned]

The clinic's on Five Forks. Hours are eight A.M. to ten P.M. but call this number and if it's an emergency I'll see you after hours.

What is it that you want to know?

[masterofbling]

How are you at dealing with more...feminine problems?

[Not his fault some of his call girls are less careful than most. If his customers end up ill after a night of passion, he'll have hell to pay.]

[elfstoned]

That depends on the problem. Diseases I can handle, but I'm no OB-GYN. If it's a menstrual or mammary problem, she'll have to see a specialist.

[masterofbling]

Something more along the lines of herpes.

[No room for delicacy here. Might as well cut to the chase.]

[elfstoned]

Oh, is that all? That won't be a problem.

[masterofbling]

I suppose I'll be sending a few of them along then. They need to be ready for when the club opens.

[elfstoned]

[Aaron doesn't seem bothered at all that it sounds like these girls are prostitutes, or that he's talking to their pimp.]

I'll expect them.

[masterofbling]

Doctor-patient confidentiality applies, right?

[elfstoned]

Strictly.

[masterofbling]

Check will be in the mail when you're done with them. Of course, you're also free to take your pay in...product.

[elfstoned]

[A pause as he wonders how much "Big Dick" knows.]

Money will do fine, thank you. I can't pay rent in heroin.

[masterofbling]

[There's a laugh on the other end of the line. Way to show your cards, Strider.]

I was talking about a night with some of my girls. But yes, if you want cash, we'll go with that.

[elfstoned]

[In his experience, "product" is used to refer to drugs, not human beings. It's hardly surprising his mind didn't jump to prostitutes. It did jump to drugs a little fast, though...

And he laughs.]

After you've sent others to me with herpes? Forgive me if I'm a little hesitant.

[masterofbling]

Don't trust your own skills, doc?

[elfstoned]

Hardly. But I'd rather not feel I had to examine my partner beforehand. As a physician, I can tell you that nothing kills a mood faster.

[Also, he makes a mental note to be extra kind to these girls, if they're working for someone who refers to them as "product." Not going to make a fuss, this man is paying him, but still.]

[masterofbling]

Sure thing. In any case, I have a few who won't be requiring treatment and you're free to see them at your leisure if you ever decide to take pay that way.

[elfstoned]

I'll keep it in mind.

[But won't ever take you up on it.]

[masterofbling]

Always good to make a new friend.

[elfstoned]

Always good to have a paying patient. Was there anything else, sir?

[masterofbling]

Actually, I think we're done here.