CHAPTER 8
Lucy’s Diary
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Okay, so I know it’s probably dumb, but I’m worried about my brother.
The thing is, Harker and I are like…totally different people. We’re the classic extrovert (moi) and introvert (him) sibling set. He’s always been more comfortable with a book and his headphones on than being around people, and after we moved out of the house, we weren’t around each other that much. Honestly, sometimes I forget we even live in the same city because months will go by without us seeing each other.
A few months ago, Harker sent me a few text messages—one asking how I was doing, and one inviting me to an academic talk by his advisor, and one seeing if I wanted to get dinner. I’d forgotten to respond to the first one, ignored the second (I mean, does he know me??) and said yes to the third but then didn’t follow up. My brother is family, and I love him, but…hanging out, especially just the two of us, is kind of awkward. We don’t have much in common but our childhood, and even then, we experienced it so differently it’s hard to talk about it.
And what’s the point of rehashing the past? None. Zip. Nada. I’m always telling Harker that he needs to like…get out more, do things, meet people! (Academic lectures don’t count when you are a graduate student and that is what you do all the time.) My brother is a cute guy (obvs, he’s related to me ;) ) but he doesn’t put any effort into anything but school and honestly? It frustrates me.
He just seems so passive all the time, and it’s not something I understand. At all. Mina’s always saying things like “just because you see his life as something he needs to change doesn’t mean he does” and reminding me that, like, introverts exist and don’t need to be around people as much as I do to be happy. And I get that! I do! Theoretically, I mean.
But Harker is my brother. He’s lonely, y’know? Like, just because he’s an introvert doesn’t mean he can exist without social connections. FFS he studies anthro, which is the study of people, and you don’t do that if you literally hate them and never want to see any, right?
I’m probably being silly. This professor will probably tell us that sure, of course he’s talked to Harker and I don’t need to worry. And I should probably try and make plans to see him soon, and then I can tell him this funny story about how “Hey remember earlier how you didn’t return my messages? I totally thought you were a serial killer maybe!” and he’ll think it’s hilarious.
* * *
Re: Friend of Lucy Westenra's
To: August Van Helsing ([email protected])
From: Arthur Quincey ([email protected])
Date: January 15, 4:30 PM
I hope you don't mind the random email, but my friend Lucy Westenra asked me to get in touch with you. First, she wanted me to thank you for the information about her brother, Harker, and to assure you that she'll keep you up to date and let you know the minute she hears something. Also, she wanted me to give you a heads-up in case the police contacted you.
She was also hoping you might be willing to forward me the chapter of Harker's dissertation on the app Thrall, which we understand he was using as part of his project. The reason she asked is that I'm a social media manager, and therefore very familiar with how these things work. If there's anything else you can think of from Harker's research that might help us shed light on where he is, and would feel comfortable sharing that with me, that would be great.
(You're welcome to check out my references, I promise I'm not some kind of creep. I'm Lucy's friend and we work together, as I do the SM for the Holmwood Hotel and also the Shadowcast podcast. My website has other work-related clients/references as well. When you do the SM for a true crime podcast, you learn to make your intentions clear from the get-go.)
If you'd prefer to meet in person or conduct a virtual meeting, let me know. I can make time in my schedule for either a face-to-face meeting or via GoToMeeting, whichever works for you.
I'm sure you're a very busy man, and Harker's friends and family appreciate your willingness to help us.
Cheers,
Arthur Quincey
Re: Friend of Lucy Westenra's
To: Arthur Quincey ([email protected])
From: August Van Helsing ([email protected])
Date: January 15, 4:48 PM
Hello, Mr. Quincey,
I’m very sorry to hear that Harker has not been in touch with Ms. Westenra, and am, of course, happy to let her know the moment I hear from Harker, should he contact me.
Much though I wish to provide assistance, however, I absolutely cannot share a student’s written work with an outside party without the student’s explicit consent. If Ms. Westenra were to, for example, file a police report, and the police department felt that this information was relevant to their investigation, I would certainly provide it. I can, however, explain the gist of his undertaking, if that is sufficient.
I assume from context that SM refers to social media? In which case, I do think it relevant to mention that social media per se were in no way the central texts of Harker’s primary research. His interest in Thrall, rather, was due to the ways that the app provided yet another layer of mediation between the subjects engaging in the relationship.
With regard to your intentions, it has, I must mention, been my personal experience that persons who announce they are not things, nearly always reveal themselves to be precisely that which they announced they are not.
Best,
August Van Helsing
_____
Dr. A. Van Helsing
Department of Anthropology
Tulane University
Re: Harker Westenra
To: August Van Helsing ([email protected])
From: Arthur Quincey ([email protected])
Date: January 15, 5:42 PM
Dr. Van Helsing,
Thank you for your frank and very elucidating email. Like I said, we appreciate it.
Lucy has attempted to contact Harker multiple times over the last few days, with no answer, and is becoming increasingly concerned.
I am hoping you might be amenable to discussing Harker's work with me in a more personal setting, given the seriousness of the situation? I know how this sounds, believe me, but there are reasons for my concern. There are a few things about this situation I'd prefer to talk about face-to-face instead of over email. I promise this isn't some elaborate prank, and that we're all very worried about Harker. If it would set your mind at ease to talk to me on the phone before meeting in person, please don't hesitate to call.
And yes, my field of expertise is in social media. Which it seems like you don't much care for, if a lack of presence is any indication (unless you've got another name you go by—July Van Helsing, perhaps?). If you are concerned whether or not meeting me is a good idea, just think of it this way—it's removing one of those mediating levels.
I'm intrigued by your experiences with people who turn out to be the thing they're always insisting they're not. I'm trying to think of some clever comeback and witty use of double-negatives, but I've got nothing. If you agree to meet me, maybe I can come up with something. I'm nothing if not tenacious.
Best,
Arthur Quincey
Re: Harker Westenra
To: Arthur Quincey ([email protected])
From: August Van Helsing ([email protected])
Date: January 16, 7:45 AM
Mr. Quincey,
I strive ever to elucidate; what else, after all, is academic inquiry for? Though something tells me your view of academia—and perhaps of academics—is less than sunny.
I’m quite sure I have no idea what would demand such a cloak-and-dagger routine, but consider me intrigued as well. If you feel a tête-a-tête is required, then you may come to my office hours. They are Tuesdays, from 9–11am, and Thursdays, from 2.30–4.30pm. I trust some form of application on your phone can deliver you to my doorstep without further direction.
"Patience and tenacity are worth more than twice their weight of cleverness." —Thomas Huxley
Best,
V.H.
_____
Dr. A. Van Helsing
Department of Anthropology
Tulane University