Everything Isn't As It Seems

Chapter One

There was a sharp knock at the front door followed shortly by Ms. Moore's frail yet harsh voice, "There is a visitor at the door for Mr. Scott." Max folded the paper and set it down in the trash bin.

"Who?" He asked.

"It's a young lad, won't give his name, but says it's urgent that he speak with Mr. Scott."

"I'll get him around if you ask the boy if he could spare a minute." Ms. Moore laughed slightly and walked back towards the front door. Max headed up the stairs and opened the door to Beau's room. It of course was very dark, the cluttered room looking even more disorganized than usual. He spotted the man lying limply on the overstuffed chair, eyes closed, and mouth slightly a gap. Max didn't bother saying anything, he crossed the room and pulled the curtains back, early afternoon light flooded into the room. A roar of pain sounded through the enclosed space. Max had grown to know this reaction and ignored it. "You have a visitor Beau. Get yourself presentable, he will be waiting in the living room."

"No thank you." He snapped bitterly.

"You haven't even met the boy." Max reasoned patiently.

"I don't want to." Beau protested and Max rolled his eyes. It was amazing how this brilliant young man could act so childish at times.

"Scott, as your doctor. No, as your friend! He might bring you the most interesting case of your life. So you're gonna miss it because you're too busy mopping." Beau's glazed look over his eyes became more focused as Max's words took root in his mind.

"I suppose I could spare a moment." He said with an attempt at a nonchalance look. Max of course knew better, but he had won so he wouldn't call Beau out on it. Max left him to prepare himself for company and checked the living room. Ms. Moore hadn't shown the boy up yet, so he went downstairs.

The landlady and visitor were in the study, a cup of untouched tea was in the boy's hand and silence settled upon them. The boy was dressed in common workman's clothing that was slightly too big for him and wore a hat that shrouded his eyes and gave him a most ominous appearance. Max walked over and held out his hand, the boy returned with a firm grasp, "Doctor Maximum Young at your service. Or Max for short."

"As I told this lady, I will only speak to Mr. Scott." His voice was a little high for his age, giving Max the impression that he was younger than he appeared, but it also carried the gruffness of oncoming manhood. It came as no surprise to Max that this boy wouldn't even reveal him name.

"I'll show you upstairs, Mr. Scott will join us momentarily." The boy followed him up the stairs, into the living room. Max offered him something to drink and a seat on the couch that sat directly across from two chairs. He declined the drink but took a seat on the edge of the couch. Legs apart, leaning forward, elbows resting on his knees, fingers touching, the stance of a man in thought. Beau entered the room, causing the young man to stand, wiping his hands on his pants before holding his right hand out to him. He shook the boy's hand before taking a seat on the chair closest to him, Max and the boy followed by sitting down as well.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me on such short notice."

"Call me Beau. What is it that I can help you with, Mr...."

"If you don't mind sir, my predicament is that of a sensitive nature and I need to know that you are as good as I have heard before I tell you anymore." Beau nodded and tilted his head. "I have heard that you can tell remarkable things at just a single glance of a person. What have you discovered about me?" A glint in Beau's eyes portrayed a small amount of mischief.

"I typically don't start with offending the client, it's bad for business. People don't like being confronted with the truth, especially when it regards their own person." The mischievous glint grew.

"I assure you I can handle the truth, sir. This is my offer." He studied the lad, from the hat the covered his eyes to the mud spattered boots. Small details turning into observations, leading to deductions. He stood and began pacing. When he stopped, he stood facing the client.