Chapter Text
The autumn air nipped bitterly at Hermann’s exposed hands as he stood outside the main entrance of the administration offices on campus, gripping his cane harder in an attempt to get some blood flow to his frozen fingers. His other hand shook slightly as he went to take another deep inhale from the cigarette he had been subconsciously begging for all through the hour-long meeting that he had just escaped from.
An hour seeming to go by at a near excruciating pace as he had no input in the conversation that surrounded him. The higher ups of the university had called the meeting in order to discuss a nuisance that came in the form of a recently shunned tutor who had taken to ranting about his supposed theories on social media. The council was trying to figure out amongst themselves the best way to approach the situation after having kicked out the man and stripping him of his status within the university.
All of it bored Hermann, who had no interest in anything that did not fall under his responsibilities as a head of the School of Sciences. Hardly retaining anything of what was being said until it was brought up just what it was the tutor had been theorising.
“To think, all that potential and the idiot throws away any credibility he had on the idea of ghosts for god sake!” The mention made Hermann nearly knock over the glass of water he had ended up staring into for most of the conversation, finally looking up and across from his side of the table to acknowledge just what it was that they were saying.
“He had one of the easiest rides of any of us, I think he could’ve made it to school head elect level had he not lost the plot” says another member, this time sitting beside Hermann, making him turn and finally join the discussion.
“This is that…Geiszler, isn’t it? I was led to believe he was just a biology lecturer? How does one go from that to an interest in the paranormal? I thought all the pseudo courses were dropped to ensure people were not misled like that?”
Hermann had heard of Newton Geiszler in passing, he wasn’t exactly someone that Hermann needed to know so he never bothered. The impression he got from other professors was that the man was unprofessional in every way a person could be in a place like this. This new revelation of his sudden break in psyche adds another layer to the reasons Hermann would not be seeking the man out.
“Yeah, that’s the one. He was the only person who objected to the parapsychology department's closure last year. He had taken time out and studied psychology then parapsychology in hopes of teaching it, stupid bastard”, laughter broke between a few of the members as the idea of that was apparently enough to stir some sort of reaction out of even the quietest meeting dwellers.
Hermann glanced between them all before speaking again
“Why bother focusing on someone if you have already rid yourself of them? You’ve already said it, he’s lost any credibility. I see no point in continuing this meeting any further if he is the main focus” he finished, looking again around the room for anyone who disagreed- some of the faces staring back at him seemed thankful at the idea of the meeting coming to an end. The Dean at the head of the table cleared his throat before taking over from Hermann.
“Very well, if everyone is in agreement then we shall leave this there for now but I fear this won't be the last we hear of this. I will send out an email update for the date of our next meeting but for now I think we are all up to speed” and with that came the sounds of scraping chairs as the council all started to file out of the room, some heading off together to gossip some more while others headed to their respective posts.
Hermann ended up being the last out, left alone to cave into his body's cry for nicotine as he thought about what a strange case Newton Geiszler ended up being. Eventually the cigarette was down to the filter and he let it drop to the ground, about to crush the remaining ember with his heel when a voice spoke up to the side of him, startling him out of the action.
“Dr. Gottlieb! Sir. Would you mind if I asked you a few questions?” A small woman with wind bitten red cheeks asked him, her gloved hands holding a small notebook- clearly one for subtlety, Hermann thought.
“In regards to…?” Hermann questioned back, rubbing his now free hand against the one holding his cane, hoping to formulate some heat as he watched the woman take a fresh page and wave her other hand holding her phone with her exposed thumb tip hovering over the red record button of the voice notes application.
“In regards to the now disgraced Dr. Geiszler, he has been putting the uni on blast online and I am just trying to get some opinions for the newsletter. It’s kind of rare for us journalism students to get something as close as this!” she smiled, clearly enthusiastic at the prospect of not having to travel far for a report.
Hermann sighed, “I really don’t think there is much to say about him. Mr Geiszler abandoned all logical and scientific thinking when he started to spread falsities about subjects that simply do not exist”
The still nameless woman nodded her head along to what he was saying, making sure the phone's microphone was tilted in his direction. Hermann shook his head slightly before speaking again:
“He's making a fool of himself by trying to cheat his way into a non-existent degree and recognition that quite frankly is a waste of everybody's time. If Mr Geiszler wishes to spread fantasies of the occult he can do that without taking the university hostage- perhaps taking up a career in fiction writing, he’s clearly more creative than he is rational”
“So you have seen his website then? The evidence he has is quite interesting, BS or not” She said, flipping the phone between the two as if it would make much difference.
“No and I do not plan to, no amount of online rants against this university will sway the decision made by the council. He took it upon himself to jeopardise his position and must deal with the consequences of those actions” Hermann said, huffing out some air before turning to look at the building entrance, “Now if you will excuse me, I am not made for this cold and I believe I have said all I can on this topic”
Hermann had already started to walk away from her, leaving her to call out her thanks although she did not sound so grateful but he did not care for the conversation and was more preoccupied with the idea of getting back to his apartment.
He had not given the interaction any thought as he sat alone in his “shared” loft apartment, taking to reading a book amongst the stacked up cushions that went with the plush rug under his feet and the drapes that shut out the city night life that whizzed by just as busy as ever.
There was nothing in his apartment other than his minimal personal belongings that really showed him for him, all of the rest is a careful charade but that is what is comfortable for Hermann Gottlieb. All his life has been that way and it’s all he feels he will ever know.
A stranger in his own home.
Pictures meticulously placed on the mantelpiece staring at him as he turned to the next page in his book, reaching out his hand to retrieve the glass of red wine he had set atop the untarnished glass coffee table, taking a sip as his phone buzzed with the notification of a new email.
Placing his book down, he grabbed for his phone with a sigh, expecting to see another council meeting scheduled to greet him in his inbox he had to instead put down his glass so as to save himself from potential further shock as he read the notification.
Email Received from: [email protected]
Subject: Spreading falsities
Dear Dr. Hermann Gottlieb
I am disappointed to hear of your rather rude response to my quote; “fantasies of the occult”, unquote (great name for a band by the way).
I understand that you are under the impression that I am a fraud and if I may quote you again; “trying to cheat my way into a non-existent degree”. I hate to tell you this but I am currently sitting on two doctorates…whatever it is you think I am trying to gain from my studies is clearly one of these falsities you had claimed to be so sure of.
I assure you I am not trying to waste you or anyone’s time with what it is I am studying. Do you not think I don’t know exactly how I sound to you and everyone else?
I will admit I found it interesting that out of any of the professors to speak out on this it would be you though. We haven’t even met and you have said you haven’t looked into any of my online resources yet you seem so sure of me.
Why? Why is it even after all I have dedicated to this subject you are so quick to dismiss me? Aren’t some of the best discoveries born out of disagreements? It’s how we grow, one person says one thing while someone else says the opposite. Surely, you can be persuaded into at least hearing me out, even just a little bit?
If not the website (I will admit, the quality is shit. Website building is not one of my PhDs), why not consider a challenge? If you agree to join me on one of my outings and if it does nothing to sway your opinion you can prove to everyone I am the conman you so clearly think I am and I in exchange will not harass the university anymore.
Hell, maybe I will take up creative writing. Smart guy like you, you’re probably right. Could make a killing if this meeting does nothing for you!
Please let me know what you think of this proposed plan ASAP
Yours sincerely Dr. Newton Geiszler
P.S.- www.channellingghosts.com
P.P.S- 2 doctorates…Dr x 2.
Entirely stunned at what he had just read, Hermann found himself walking to his study in order to look it over again on his computer. Half expecting it a hoax that would vanish by the time he got there but no. There too was the same email from a Dr. Newton Geiszler inviting him to “an outing” as if that wasn’t meant to send alarm bells running through his head at all the horrific possibilities that may entail.
Hermann had been harsh in his words earlier but surely that wouldn’t result in violence towards him, right? All for what was said in an universities newsletter as if that holds any real weight. Hermann tried to think through exactly what it is he does know of Newton Geiszler. Is he really the type to result in angry attacks? There is nothing to gain from attacking Hermann, there would be further scrutiny if anything.
Hermann read the email another 3 times over before he ended up on the website provided, Newton was right, the website left a lot to be desired. It was crudely made, red text on black background, squinting through his glasses to make out what it is that was written. Clicking onto the ‘Video’ tab to reveal 4 different thumbnails of frozen blurred preview images. Hermann selected the first one, titled ‘St. Judes Hospital, 07/13/22’
The video opened with shaky camera movements as a figure obscured the lens, swearing under their breath as they struggled to set the camera onto a tripod. Leaning back with a smile on their face as they stared at the camera a while more before moving away to sort through other pieces of what Hermann was assuming was makeshift ‘equipment’. The person speaking as they worked.
“The date today is July 13th, 2022. It is currently…” shifting the wires they held in their hand as they checked their watch, continuing; “just coming up for 3:15am and I am here at St. Judes Hospital, I have been looking into the activity surrounding this area for a while with the strongest point being found here in the main dining hall, hence why I am in the process of putting together all my equipment here…” pausing to jump over what honestly looked like scrap junk. He smiled at the camera again as he went about checking in on all this ‘equipment’.
“My apologies folks, really should’ve set this up before the camera but I am a one man crew who is currently trying to hold off a spirit who seems just as eager to be on camera as I am!” the man chuckled nervously as he began to draw on the ground, seeming to get more shaky as he drew a circle around himself. Looking as if he was overcome with violent shivers, making the already hard to read video even harder. He had now sat down and went on to speak again.
“Okay, that’s probably as good as it’s gonna get, right. R-right…” looking around at his handiwork as his shivering seemed to worsen, satisfied he took off his glasses and placed them outside the circle, before returning to sit cross legged and facing the camera.
“Oh right, uhh this is Dr. Newton Geiszler, g-gathering evidence on the existence of ghosts and the use of possession as a m-means of communication”
That statement had caught Hermann most off guard, even with the blurred video not helping to give him the best idea of what he was actually looking at. Hermann really couldn't imagine this was how the man was going to look. He was so casual, everything to him was messy but not in an unflattering way. Hermann could make out the dark lines on his forearms that seemed to travel under his sleeves, easily deduced that they were tattoos but of what, well Hermann was in the dark on that part. He had never seen someone who was technically on his level of intellect look in such a way. It almost distracted him entirely from the main focus of the video itself finally coming into play.
Silence fell over the video, watching on as Newton’s eyes rolled back into his head, eliciting an eye roll from Hermann- how cliche. Although the thought didn’t remain as Newton slowly began to rise from the floor, seeming to be completely limp as he slowly lifted to hover just above the ground. Suspended there for a few minutes, nothing else but the creaking of the hospital shifting to add anything else to the video yet Hermann watched on. Staring on at the flickering of Newton’s eyes, his eyes still open yet nothing but whites remained. The slightest of a twitching overcoming his body every once in a while being the only indication of life from him other than the small laboured breaths that the camera's microphone picked up.
Hermann couldn’t look away, trying to figure out how he could pull this off by himself and furthermore how he’d pull it off if Hermann was meant to bear witness to this at their ‘meeting’. He ran through the obvious possibilities of wires and combed his brain for ways in which it could be set up for him to manage that, it wasn’t until he heard a sharp gasping inhale did he snap out of his thoughts in time to watch Newton’s eyes return to normal as blood began to run from his left nostril. Falling to the ground he was panting as he scrambled to pick up his glasses and push himself to his feet, setting off running leaving only the sounds of echoing footsteps to fill the void in the video now.
Hermann couldn’t for the life of him understand the motive here, all of it was madness and only brought up more questions about Geiszler’s potential lapse in sanity. He stepped away from a university teaching post to prove what? That he’d seen Blair Witch one too many times? What is he trying to gain here?
The footsteps came back fast as Newton stumbled to a stop in front of the camera again, holding up a crumbled photograph, barely legible.
“His name is Andrew Porter, he wants this to be given to his daughter Susanna Porter and for her to know he didn’t abandon her. He needed the money, he didn’t have much choice but once he was in he couldn’t get out. That’s what he wants most” Newton had blurted out between heaving breaths, “that’s his terms, and now it’s up to me to help with that”
The video cuts to another scene, this time of Newton in what looked to be a dishevelled living room, a dull lamp lighting his face but still better than before, allowing Hermann to make out his features a bit better. He looks shattered, dark circles under his eyes, highlighted in the lenses of his glasses. Newton goes on to hold out the picture he had gathered and explains his process of finding the girl, now a married woman and his attempt to reach out to her.
“I ideally would’ve liked to have given it to her in person but seeing as she doesn’t even live in America anymore that’s not really doable for me. I just really hope the letter and photograph reach her and it gives Andrew the peace he needs. That will have to be a follow up investigation at St. Judes, which is not really on my revisit list but if he’s passed on then it will be a success even with the return trip”
Newton looked directly into the camera, stress clear on his face as a sigh escapes him, shrugging “I don’t think there's anything else to be said here. Potential follow up coming up, but as of right now that’s me signing off on this one. Bye for now” He gave a little salute and reached across to turn off the camera.
Hermann had never been more confused about an individual in his entire life.
He stared at his screen unsure where to start processing the enigma that was Dr. Newton Geiszler. There was something to write about purely on the man himself; were these delusions something conjured for fame or a psychotic break that has manifested itself into ideas of higher purpose? Was he really as qualified in the fields he stated he was? Has he always been this way? Will the questions relating to him ever end?
It felt as if they never would. More whizzing around Hermann’s brain as he finally clicked away and back to the email that had arrived an hour and a half ago, waiting for his decision to be made. Stretching out he cracked his knuckles as he began to type.
Email Received from: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Spreading falsities
Dear Dr. Newton Geiszler,
Please accept my sincere apology as I realise how rude it was of me to neglect your title before. I was regretfully caught off guard with the questioning and should have assessed the situation more fully before talking about you in such a way.
As you said, I have not in fact met you or know you in any capacity outside of what circles we both frequent/frequented within the university.
However, I would like to take you up on your proposed offer in joining you on one of your “outings”. I am interested to see just what it is you think can convince me to change my stance on your research.
Please let me know when it is suitable for you to have this meeting and we shall arrange it accordingly.
Yours sincerely
Dr. Hermann Gottlieb, PhD
Hitting send was easy but the immediate dread that set in his stomach after had him quickly deciding now was the perfect time to shut off his computer and get right back to that wine that was waiting for him in the other room. Hopefully he won't need the whole bottle to calm his nerves over the possibilities that could come from the email but realistically he knew that’s where this was heading, slinking into the kitchen on route and grabbing the rest of the bottle to take back with him.