Part 3: A shivah call gone wrong

We can also examine the synagogue's prayer hall while we're at it.



A sturdy, dependable podium. Perfect for pounding during less successful sermons.

There is nothing on the podium.



The Torah ark is a cabinet in which the Torah scrolls are kept.

This cabinet was converted into a makeshift Torah ark after the last one was stolen in 1996.

The Torah ark was locked up tight.



The Cantor's lectern contained his prayer book and song notations.

Nothing of importance there, so we just exit the synagogue.



Next destination: Greenwich Village.



Jack Lauder's residence.



Yes?

I heard about your husband. I came to... pay my respects.



Did we?



Does one need to know a man in order to grieve him?

That's a...

I suppose not. All right. Come on in.



What is your name?



This required tact.

I think the game's trying to tell us this particular conversation is important... Or is it?



I'm Russell Stone.

Your husband used to... I mean.



That I go to.

Well, that sure wasn't awkward.

Yeah.

The words stumbled out of my mouth like a drunken football player.

Her eyes narrowed. I could tell she was not amused.

... Oh.



You have a lot of nerve coming here.

Apologetic response
Nonchalant response
> Rabbinical response

She's already angry, so we may as well go full rabbinical on her. Nothing can go wrong.

Why do you think that, Mrs. Lauder?

Oh don't give me THAT. I know all about those tricks.



Jack did it all the time.

I'd like to think he learned it from me.

It's too late for that, Rabbi. Way too late.

What do you want?



Do I need to have a reason to pay a shivah call?

If it's you? Yes.

I...

Oh, stop it. Just STOP it. I don't believe this.



And NOW you drop by for a visit?

It wasn't like that.

Well, what was it then? Can you tell me that?

...



Rabbi Stone starts walking towards the door.

Maybe you're right.



Why?

The direct approach
Accusatory approach
> Rabbinical approach

Why would the police come speak to me, Mrs. Lauder?

I have no idea. What did they say?

That I'm suspect number one.

Really? Well that WOULD make sense.



Accepting approach
Denial approach
> Rabbinical approach

Why do you think I hate you, Mrs. Lauder?

Enough!

Do you have to do that here? Now?



And this is NOT it!

Look, I don't hate--

Whatever! Jack hated you. That's enough.

Mrs. Lauder.

If he hated me so much...



... That's impossible.

I said the same thing.



It's a crazy world.

How do you know for sure?

The police told me. I have no love of the police, but I doubt they'd lie about that.

Mrs. Lauder. If Jack hated me so much, why did he give me so much money?

I... I don't know!

This makes no sense! None of it does.



He was a good man!

Yes. He was.

Don't you start. You have no idea.

The police have no other leads?

Aside from you? No.

How did he die?

...



I... well...

I suppose I'm curious.



Help? Why would YOU want to help?

I don't know. Maybe I...

> ...I want to make amends
...I am selfish
...I feel guilty

Maybe I'm looking to make amends for what happened eight years ago.

Oh, that's rich.



And now you want to help?

Yes, if you'll have me.

Forget it.

Keep the ten grand. I don't care.



I don't want to see or hear from you ever again.

But...

LEAVE! Or so help me, I WILL call the police.



As you wish. I'm sorry to have troubled you, Mrs. Lauder.

Just go.

We have no other choice but leave.



I tried calling her a few more times, but she always hung up on me.

Eventually, she made good on her threat to call the police.



I can't help but wonder...

...what if I could go back and have that conversation again?



I guess I'll never know.

Achievement unlocked: Game Over.