Something in my being commanded that I follow A----. Even now, I know not what it was that inspired me to trail my friend so furtively. Possibly it was a false confidence in his step or a wanton smirk. Nevertheless I rose and followed the man at a distance.
After a few blocks it was made exceedingly apparent that he was following someone with a certain deliberation. The individual of his assiduity was an aged man of peculiar appearance. His step was labored though he carried himself with the boldness of one who knows more than the mere passing of years allow.
For a considerable time our unwitting procession wandered through the streets and navigated the morning bustle of the crowds. I was entirely intrigued by this strange happening. For what purpose had A---- been following the man, I hadn't the slightest of notions. My thoughts were halted as the old man abruptly turned down a narrow alley.
My friend, still unawares of my following, pursed him. As I came nearer to the alleyway a subdued clamor reached my ears.
Rounding the corner my curiosity was rewarded with a scene of bedlam. A--- stood looming above the bloodied figure of the old man, and the gleam of metal in the hand of the murder told the tale all too well.
"I tried, I earnestly did," he began to confide in me over the corpse at his feet. "But the subjects from the morgue proved too... simplistic. I had to find a better candidate for my studies. I've spent countless hours staring into the street looking for a person that would satisfy my yearning..."
I stared blankly into him. I was much to dumbfound to reply.
"The man you found in the box... he was sent over from a friend ... his mind was simply too austere. Though, the sensation was incredible. I shall not begin an attempt to relate the experience to you. Simply put, it was unearthly."
He continued on, almost more to himself than to me.
"The gross amount of memory proved overwhelming. But... I've devised a sort of resistor for the flow of knowledge. I hope that now I can withstand the sheer volume of the thoughts as they emanate," he rambled on.
"This subject here... doesn't he provide a certain allure? His aura is... irresistible."
...
"Do you think... do you suppose you could help me get this back to the house? It would be all for naught if..." he trailed off.
I staggered backwards into the brick wall, stumbled, and had fainted before the sound of my body slamming against the concrete could be heard resonating in the dim alley.
