[center][h2]Jeremiah Dupree[/h2]
Physical state: Chilled but healthy
Mental state: Alarmed[/center]

Man of stone? Steiner. Right, of course. Jeremiah nodded and, with that riddle answered, he allowed himself to focus on her words. Words that, coming out of an otherwise ordinary-appearing woman, were beyond surreal. Had he not been sure of her presence, he might've fancied her a hallucination, solely the answer to a desire to determine why she had brought August to Arkham just as Dr. Atkins had killed himself in such a gruesome fashion. Some of her words to Emil were... concerning, as one teacher looking out for a college student. Then again, he had not heard their entire conversation. It was possible the two were referring to some earlier dialog between them. It was, again, something to be addressed later, when his attentiveness was not imperative. Try to remember every word, try to look at the words from an angle. She was not quite straightforward, after all. A place with secrets above and below the water... a coastal city? This was true of Arkham, he felt, but there were other ways she could have described Arkham. 

And figure it out before the Agent. If Lexington was back there in Atkins' office, it was sure to be a quite worrying affair, least of all how to explain why Dupree had chosen to return to the scene of a crime. That would be something to consider now, before they reached the office. It was unlikely to be heavily guarded, but to be caught would be disastrous.

Yes, the strangeness of it all intrigued him. It was ridiculous to say it wasn't, simply because his mind was switching to practical concerns. However, the fact remained there were people involved in this, at least one a student of a friend. Care was necessary. Jumping in would simply do more harm than good for all of them.

Emil had received some object, and Jeremiah peered over for a better look. Off the top of his head, it had no significance - no obvious symbols to be linked to an ancient culture, no curling script inscribed into its form to decipher. But if [color=ed1c24]Faye Desdemona[/color] had it, it was likely important. Another thing to try to understand, on top of determining which town she likely was trying to reference. Perhaps start with referencing articles on known deserted cities? Perhaps she meant something else by forsaken, but it was a place to start.

It was then he heard the sound, and so did Emil, as he warned Professor Dupree. Right, right. How close? Sounded like they were still approaching. There was time to leave, if they didn't hesitate.

"Thank you, [color=ed1c24]Ms. Desdemona[/color]." This was it. If they didn't wish to be locked up as well, it was time to leave. "Emil, have to leave now - and for the love of all that is good, [i]take off that coat.[/i]" Professor Dupree doubted that trick would work a second time, nevermind the actual theft. He strode to the door and opened it about a foot. Still not here, but getting closer. Fine by him. He opened it wider and gestured for Emil to get out. Once Emil did, Professor Dupree followed after, gently closing the door behind him and walking after Emil, trying to balance both stealth and speed.

He couldn't be sure he succeeded, but as long as they weren't caught right away, he might be able to excuse his presence as simply seeking a lost student - who he had now found.

Not to say anything of how lost he felt himself.