Dinah Cirzy<br/>New York City<br/>Dinah's Apartment<br/>Evening<br/><br/>Typically, despite my best efforts, I cannot secure the penthouse suite of the building.  It seems someone beat me to it, and I find that mildly irritating, even though I should really have known better.  The person living there now has apparently settled in for a nice long stay as well, which is unfortunate but not surprising.  I suppose it's my innate desire for superiority that drives me to do that, but then again, the view from the upper floors is pretty impressive.<br/><br/>And you don't have to worry quite so much about accidentally gassing the people on the floor above you when concocting weaponized drugs.<br/><br/>The apartment was furnished while i was on my way, but it still remains spartan; I'll eventually add a few homey touches, but for now, I need to prepare myself.  I lay out my clothing, and the Case, and start putting things away, considering as I do so the tasks ahead of me.  There is Laurie.  She's my first concern, really.  It bothers me that we haven't been in touch in so long, but I doubt she will have forgotten me.  I certainly remember her.  Then there is research.  The bane of all investigations.  At the very least the police will give me what they know - they have to, by Federal Law.  Not that they will want to!  They hate people like me interfering.<br/><br/>It was a surprise to hear that Laurie is working with Dreiberg though.  I have to wonder why she left Doctor Manhattan.  That is also worth looking into.  The cancer situation is an obvious ploy - if he had been giving people cancer, I would have discovered it in Laurie's medical files a while ago.  Such an obvious mistake.  But that was the point, wasn't it?  She's not a threat.<br/><br/>A chill runs down my spine.<br/><br/>I set the thought aside and continue.  There will undoubtedly be others arriving to play here; but I'm not the kind who goes out and fights on the street.  My battles are subtle and quiet, usually taking place in homes or offices.  And the more I think on it, the more it comes down to me visiting Laurie at home.  It won't take too long to figure out where she is....the obvious thing is to ask the Nite Owl, of course.<br/><br/>I stop, seeing I've put all the clothes away in order, the mild meditation having done little to calm my heart and mind.  It's been too long since I've seen her, written to her, spoken to her.  Nearly two decades.  I undress slowly, looking at the Case.  My tools.  My real life.  I could go out tonight, but it would entail a risk.  I don't know this city well, and while there are Watchmen here, there is more violence and danger than back home.  The leather is warm and buttery under my hands, and the silk begs to be put on.  I slept on the flight, but I also indulged myself....<br/><br/>I sigh and put my outfit away, tucked safely in the back.  The Case goes on the shelf above it.  A shower, and then rest, perhaps.<br/><br/>If I can still my mind and heart long enough.<br/><br/>I'm afraid, and I'm not sure why.<br/>