The Magnus Institute

To: All Archives Staff
From: Jonathan Sims
Re: Introduction

Good morning,

I am Jonathan Sims, the newest appointed Archival Assistant. I don't believe in wasting anyone's time, so I wanted to introduce myself once via email to cut down on unnecessary conversations during working hours.

I am coming from the Research department with a wealth of knowledge and experience. I was hired immediately after graduating from Oxford with a degree in History and English in 2009. I take pride in my work and aspire to be as professional as possible. I look forward to working in this new department and tackling the challenges presented with obtaining and archiving witness statements.

Thank you,
Jonathan Sims
Archivist Assistant
The Magnus Institute

From:

burntbooks

Hey new guy.

I’m Gerard, I’ll be your tour guide and general go to for your first few days in the Archive because Micheal has six deadlines he’s severely behind on and Gertrude is Gertrude. I’ve given you the desk next to mine because the other one has a wobbly leg and it’ll drive you mad, accounts said we don’t need a new one until we have a full team.

Have you been down here much for research? I can probably knock a location or two off the tour if you have.
Guessing you know most of the boring admin stuff for things like your expenses and that but if there’s anything you’re unfamiliar with give me a shout and we’ll go through it.
You probably won’t be expected to process any artefacts for a bit but I can show you the ropes, Gertrude usually foists anything anyone brings down off on me to deal with anyway.

Make sure you dress for sitting in a sauna, everyone says it’s cold in the Archive but they’ve never sat in the office in the summer.

Other than that see you at 9 on Monday.

Gerard Keay
Archival Assistant
Gertrude’s favourite problem child and resident evil book expert
The Magnus Institute

Edited Date: 2025-08-19 09:02 am (UTC)

From:

Hello Gerard,

I look forward to meeting you on Monday. I appreciate not being given the wobbly desk as some kind of stupid hazing or seniority ritual.

I've only been down to the Archives once since I started, though I have assisted Artifact Storage with research for cataloguing a few times. I am very familiar with the accounting policies, so you won't have to waste our time going over those.

I have noticed one of your team in particular seems to dress rather oddly. Is business attire not required in the archives?

Jonathan Sims
Archivist Assistant
The Magnus Institute
London

From:

burntbooks

Nah, we’re all adults down here, the closest thing to a hazing you’ll get is poorly made tea and that’s just because I’m shit at making it.

Oh good, we can do a full tour, it’s not that big but you don’t want to go through the wrong door and get lost and trust me it happens.
I’ll show you the form you fill in if G hands you an artefact and asks you to process it for her anyway because they won’t take anything in to storage without it.

It’s business casual as per the dress code.
But if you mean “Gertrude lets her pet goth wear what he wants.” Hi, that’s me, and Elias knows better than to try to make me adhere, we have an agreement; I keep my network of contacts available and he doesn’t make me wear a necktie.
Everyone else is just old.

Gerard Keay
Archival Assistant
Gertrude’s favourite problem child and resident evil book expert
The Magnus Institute

From:

I certainly don't expect you to make me tea as long as you don't expect it in return.

Seems simple enough. I can come in this weekend and get acquainted with the department on my own to save time on Monday.

You're the goth? I see. What kind of network do you have?

From:

burntbooks

Yeah, I suppose there’s enough people in research that doing the tea in rounds would be a real nightmare.

Would not recommend it. If you’re going to anyway if you open a door and it leads to a tunnel shut it and don’t go down, we’re not allowed down there and you will get lost. Also don’t move any of Gertrude’s piles.
Or go in her office if she’s not there, she’s very particular about it.

I am.
My mother was a rare book collector and she sent me out quite a lot too so I have a fairly vast network of contacts in rare, antique and esoteric books on the supernatural as well as contacts with dealers of other antiquities. Which the Institute benefits from and therefore I negotiated a few terms in my contract including that I refuse to dress like a businessman.

Gerard Keay
Archival Assistant
Gertrude’s favourite problem child and resident evil book expert
The Magnus Institute

From:

We generally get our own tea as necessary.

There are tunnels under the Archive? Where do they lead? Don't worry, I'm not the type of meddling coworker that goes through offices or desks when no one else is around. Though, there are a few of those in Research that I won't be sorry to leave behind.

Have you ever run across any books from the library of Jurgen Leitner?

Jonathan Sims
Archival Assistant
The Magnus Institute, London

From:

burntbooks

Figures. Well if Michael offers he makes a decent cup, if I offer I’m being polite but you accept at your own risk.

There are and they lead pretty far under London as far as we’re aware but Elias is pretty strict about not going in to them due to the ease of losing people and difficulty of finding them again. Also they don’t have lighting, if your torch dies you’re screwed.
Sometimes you need a pen. But yeah, I’ve warned you she doesn’t like it so nobody can say I didn’t.

Many. I got rather good at tracking them down after a while though they need special handling, if you ever come across one try not to touch it with you bare hands. I’ll handle processing it.

Gerard Keay
Archival Assistant
Gertrude’s favourite problem child and resident evil book expert
The Magnus Institute

[ By processing he means destruction by fire. ]

From:

Alright, I'll keep that in mind. Can I ask? Why are you training me and not Michael? I believe he's been here far longer, hasn't he?

Interesting. Do they have anything to do with this being one of the Smirke buildings? One of my coworkers is obsessed with him and has told me about his eccentricities many times. I purchase my own pens and label them clearly. They're very high quality. I'd appreciate you asking before you borrow them.

Many? What kind of handling is required? I had heard that the Institute had a small collection, but I've never seen them in artefact storage. I always assumed they were safely locked away in Mr. Bouchard's office. I've had experience with one, but it's not something I'd like to repeat. Aren't they dangerous?

Jon

From:

burntbooks

He doesn’t have time, he has a few projects he’s trying to keep on top of so Gertrude told me to do it.

Yeah, it was actually connected to another of his buildings but most of the access points have been closed for years now.
… You’re fucking with me. You label your pens? Do you have a label maker or do you write them yourself? That’s taking being anal about your stationary to another level. Is it that bad in research??

Oh good, you already know about them, that means I don’t have to tiptoe around it pretending they’re just old and the handling rules are to protect them not you. They’re to protect you. They’re incredibly dangerous and not to be messed with.
Mostly don’t touch it with bare hands, don’t read the whole thing, absolutely do not read any of it out loud under any circumstances. Do not perform any of the rituals listed within them. If you start to feel sick get away from it.
They were in artefact storage. Unfortunately there was a small fire and most of them were destroyed. The ones that survived are locked away and even the staff aren’t allowed access, Elias has the only key. If he gives it to you assume it’s an attempt on your life and don’t use it.
Also if you ever come across The Book Of The Dead tell me or Gertrude immediately and DO NOT OPEN IT. Ever. Not even for a glance. Not even if your curiosity is unbearable. The thing contained inside it is insidious and dangerous, it will try to harm you, it cannot be trusted.

Gerard Keay
Archival Assistant
Gertrude’s favourite problem child and resident evil book expert
The Magnus Institute

[ Please don’t say hi to mother dearest, she’s evil beyond words. ]

From:

Right. Is he often behind on projects?

I'm surprised Mr. Bouchard hasn't had them explored for historical significance. I'm sure there's some historical grant the Institute would be eligible for. We share a departmental labelmaker. And considering I spend my own money on purchasing them, I don't think it's too much of a precaution. I can't tolerate the basic discount pens the Institute provides. They constantly leak and stop working at the most inopportune times. And Research is, well, I hope the Archives is better organized and stocked.

So they're real, then? I mean, I have had to pull some statements for research purposes, but honestly I thought they were overactive imaginations at work. I know a portion of the Leitner Library has been historically documented and associated with the Institute, but I'd started to believe the records were incorrect or incomplete. I doubt murdering an assistant is at the top of Elias's to do list, but I appreciate the warning. Book of the Dead? Well, that sounds horrifying. What happens if you open it? Death, I imagine?

Jon

From:

burntbooks

Well we had, up until you joined, three members of staff. The whole department is behind.

Quite possibly but as far as I’m aware he hasn’t set anything up and doesn’t intend to. Could be hiding secrets or it could just be far outside of what anyone is willing to budget. Or just dangerous, there are plenty of places under London that have been sealed off because the danger to life outweighs the benefits of exploring.
Oh. Oh wow you really haven’t been down much have you? It’s a mess.

They’re real and if you’ve had experience with one and still have your sanity and all of your limbs intact I’d say you got lucky.
Oh they still have records, it’s just that you need special permission to access some of them and are unlikely to get it simply because you’re curious.
He probably won’t, more likely that anyone who asks for the key would simply be told no.
That particular book contains a malignant spirit and is cursed. It was last recorded as evidence in a brutal death and vanished from a police evidence, though cctv shows nobody entering or leaving so they don’t know how it happened or where it is now. I could tell you more in person but I prefer that we leave it at; if found Gertrude or I need to be told and left to deal with it.

Gerard Keay
Archival Assistant
Gertrude’s favourite problem child and resident evil book expert
The Magnus Institute

From:

Well, I'll do my best to help us catch up.

Hiding secrets? Of what? Now it does sound like someone's imagination is getting carried away. I'm sure it's just dangerous. Probably hasn't been properly maintained since the war.

Well, most of my sanity is intact. And that explains why the library staff has been wholly unhelpful in helping me track them down.

Right. I'm sure I'll have more questions in person, but I understand. I'll be sure to let either of you know if I see it.

Jonathan Sims
Archivist Assistant
The Magnus Institute
London

Edited Date: 2025-08-19 10:19 pm (UTC)

From:

petulantpoet

To: All Archives Staff
From: Martin Blackwood
Re: Overdue Books

Afternoon, Archives Team

Hi, I hope you’re all having a productive day!

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but Natalie has asked me to remind you all that two members of your team have maxed their current checkout allowance and three of you have books overdue.

She has said that she really doesn’t want to have to involve any other members of management and she’s really busy with inventory this week which is how she noticed but she would like to have all overdue books returned.

If nobody else in the Institute has requested any of the titles you’re more than welcome to take them back out if there’s anything you haven’t finished with.

You can come directly to me, I’ll be in all weekend and we’ll get you all sorted out but please be mindful of your library books!

Thank you.
Martin.

Martin Blackwood
Library Assistant
The Magnus Institute London

From:

To: Martin Blackwood
From: Jonathan Sims
Re: Re: Overdue Books

Mr. Blackwood,

As I have told the woman at the front desk on numerous occasions, my work requires me to have more texts than the current rules allow. I know that limits must be set if resources are limited, but I feel, given the nature of our work, that the Archives Staff should have access to all resources necessary to validate and investigate statements. I know for a fact that research rarely uses the max amount allotted to them. Therefore if the same number of books are checked out at one time as the same maximum allowed, why does it matter if they are with one person versus three?

I honestly feel this policy is obsolete and ridiculous. How am I supposed to adequately do my job for investigating a statement made in 1921 when I cannot access all the annals required to authenticate it? I'm sure you understand, and I appreciate your cooperation.

I would also hate to get management involved, but won't hesitate if the library refuses to see reason.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Sims
Archivist Assistant
The Magnus Institute, London

From:

petulantpoet

To: Jonathan Sims
From: Martin Blackwood
Cc: Gertrude Robinson, Natalie Smith
Re: Re: Re: Overdue Books

Mr. Sims.

Firstly I can’t believe you’ve tried to argue your case with Patricia. You’ve heard her speak, right? You know she’s Northern and you still think it’s sensible to annoy her? Self-preservation is a thing, you should look it up and maybe get some.

Secondly, not my circus, not my monkeys, I’m just doing my job, which is reminding you that you’re breaking the rules and to stop being a nuisance. If you want to argue your case you’ll have to take it to Natalie when inventory is done and it would be done faster if you complied with the Institutes rules instead of making the job harder for us.

Policies are there for a reason and they’ve sent me to remind you of them because they think I’ll be nicer about it.

You can contest the rules when we’ve finished the biggest job of the year. Though I hardly think Mr. Bouchard will appreciate his precious time being squandered on this silliness if you all insist on taking it further.

Bring your books back. Cheers.

Martin Blackwood
Library Assistant
The Magnus Institute London

From:

To: Martin Blackwood
From: Jonathan Sims
Cc: Gertrude Robinson, Natalie Smith
Re: Re: Re: Re: Overdue Books

Mr. Blackwood,

Firstly, I would advise you to keep your career ambitions in mind when corresponding with members of the Institute in the future. Frankly, you're being incredibly childish and unprofessional. My self-preservation instincts are just fine and are working overtime trying to find ways around your bureaucratic power trips to do my job.

Secondly, I am also just trying to do my job. May I remind you that my job entails investigating public statements about supernatural events? This means that normal resources are not always adequate to accurately verify and assess the statement. While I'm sure your knowledge of the alphabet is extensive, it clearly does not cover investigative techniques. So I would kindly ask that you allow me to do my job and I will allow you to do yours as long as they don't come into conflict.

If you consider this to be "nice", I wonder if you shouldn't familiarise yourself with the dictionary. Surely, you have one down there. Maybe look under the letter "D."

Since you've graciously included our superiors, you've spared me the time to explain my complaint and the unreasonable behaviour I've been encountering at the library desk. So thank you for being efficient in this one thing.

Cheers,

Jonathan Sims
Archivist Assistant
The Magnus Archives, London

From:

petulantpoet

To: Jonathan Sims
From: Martin Blackwood
Cc: Gertrude Robinson, Natalie Smith
Re: Re: Re: Re: Overdue Books

Mr Sims,

Firstly while I understand that being told no, and we don’t have time to review the policy at this time isn’t pleasant you should probably consider your own tone as I have been nothing but polite, if firm and a little incredulous that you really think the thing that we can revoke your access to is so important to your research yet you’ve chosen to conduct yourself in such a manner and seen fit to argue with all of us about the rules that have been put in place by the Institute itself, despite being repeatedly reminded of the fact that any changes to institute policy must go through Mr Bouchard and our department heads which you will find in section 3 of your employment contract and we are here to enforce them, which is in our employment contracts that we all signed and must uphold lest we receive disciplinary action.

Secondly; since you see fit to argue with me again despite me holding no sway and being unable to change the rules for you no matter how much you argue that I should and due to your attitude about this matter I’ll be handing further dealings on it over to our department heads. I’ve already discussed this in writing with Mrs Natalie Smith, Head Librarian and she has my written permission to share those emails with your department head, Mr Bouchard or HR as the management sees fit.

Mrs Smith however has asked me to warn you that if your overdue books are not returned by the end of your shift she will take the matter further and Mrs Robinson should expect a meeting request asap if this is not done.

Thanks, have a lovely rest of your day

Martin Blackwood
Library Assistant
The Magnus Archives, London

[ Martin might have had shaky hands while writing back and now has to go get a cup of tea because he does not like conflict but Jesus Christ what an arsehole ]

Edited Date: 2025-08-29 08:54 pm (UTC)

From:

To: Jonathan Sims and Martin Blackwood.
From: Gertrude Robinson.
CC: Natalie Smith, Elias Bouchard, The ArchivesTeam

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

Gentlemen,

Apologies for the lateness of my reply. I am currently in Beijing, and the time change seems to have struck me particularly hard this time, thus requiring at least two additional days in recovery mode. I regret that it will further delay our in person meeting, Mr. Sims, but I’m afraid your placement came at quite an inconvenient time considering that this trip has been planned for six months.

That being said, Jon, I must admit that each email has caused me to question your suitability of working within the Archives team and the Archives themselves. A good portion of our tasks involve interacting with statements of those who have been traumatized by their experiences; if Elias didn’t explain that—and the reasonings behind it—then I apologize that this is such a rudimentary introduction.

Second: if you cannot work within the library limits—of both amount and length of time—then I must question why. Surely as such a lauded member of the research team, you know how to best distill down the important parts of the book you’re researching, take good notes and are able to compare them. Is there a reason you’re not putting it into practice in the Archives?

Martin and Natalie:
Apologies for not returning my own books. I’m quite certain they’re stacked on my desk in the archives at present. One of my team will retrieve them and Mr. Sims will return my books as well as his own and issue an apology. It’s his fault that they were late anyway as I was approving his paperwork.

Gerard,
Be careful and get the stack of books from the library. Give them to Jon and then lock my office once again.

Thank you,
Gertrude Robinson
Head Archivist
The Magnus Institute
London

From:

burntbooks

To: Gertrude Robinson
From: Gerard Keay
Library Books

Mornoonvening (dunno what time you’re on)

Didn’t see the email chain but UH OH
I warned him Nats not to be messed with but I guess he didn’t listen.
I should be able to soften her up because I found her that book people keep requesting when I was at the Night Market tracking something for myself and I’m going to offer to put a hold on processing that and the expenses for it until they’ve finished inventory so it doesn’t go directly into their already full workload, needs your signature on my expenses form anyway but if I offer it as a favour out of my own pocket for now hopefully she won’t be mad at all of us for the newbie giving Trish and Martin attitude.
Also I’ll take them tea from Mikes stash of good tea, Trish likes me but I think I scare Martin (not sure that’s exactly difficult) but I can win them over.

Also I’ll return all the overdue books from the archives and grab pics of the ones that aren’t yet so they can confirm location and status.

Want me to set Sims a bunch of stapling for the rest of the day to keep him busy and punish him a little for pissing the Library off and disturbing your trip?

I’ve got this, don’t worry about it.

Gerard Keay
Archival Assistant
Gertrude’s favourite problem child and resident evil book expert
The Magnus Institute

From:

To: Gerard Keay From: Gertrude Robinson Re: library books

Don’t bother with trying to placate Susan; she’s already going to be stressed enough simply because it’s inventory. I’ll make it up to her when I’m back tomorrow evening. I’ve already picked up some of her favorite tea from the shop nearby; she’s fond of the floral notes. Given that this is now a sanctioned expense I do believe I shall also grab her a good bottle of Fenjui to go along with it.

Yes, Gerard I did grab an astonishingly large array of things for weird snacks to add to the collection.

That said, do however follow through with your idea of returning the overdo books and images; that’s a good idea I should have thought of. But go with Sims down to return them and see if he does make the apologies I told him to make.

Then tell me what you think of him. First impressions and after.

Thank you. Gertrude Robinson Head Archivist The Magnus Institute London.

From:

burntbooks

To: Gertrude Robinson
From: Gerard Keay
Re: re: Library Books

Perfect! Always need new snacks and we’re about to run out of German chocolate, which is depressing. And Takis.

Well it worked, they were happy to have a solid record of them. Got a thank you from Natalie and I’ve let her know we’re collecting the overdue ones to bring down, just got to find the key to Mikes desk because he’s not here and there’s one missing then we’re going down.

Jonathan doesn’t look happy about it but he said “fine”
So far I think he thinks being put in the Archive is a step up from Research and he’s very determined to prove himself capable but he is a bit over zealous and he seems to think this does mean he’s above the library rules. He’s a bit of an uptight jobsworth and he Does Not like the way I dress, I can tell every time he looks at me but he’s so far behaved about it and I’m going to tell him to fuck all the way off if he decides he’s going to say something I don’t like. I think he also wants to tidy, which I’ve been putting him off by assigning him other office tasks because whether we tidy up is up to you not me and definitely not him.

Any idea where the skeleton key is? I’ve got Jonathan checking the cupboards for the regular one but I’ve got no more reasons to misbehave with the other one, promise.

Gerard Keay
Archival Assistant
Gertrude’s favourite problem child and resident evil book expert
The Magnus Institute

From:

To: Gerard Keay
From: Gertrude Robinson
Re: Jonathan Sims

Gerard,

I’ll do my best to see what they have for German chocolate at the duty free. I’m afraid Takis themselves might require more work.

It’s entirely possible that Michael picked up the skeleton key again, but if it is loose and Sims finds it, do your best to keep the both of you out of trouble, thank you. I highly doubt Elias would be too enthusiastic if we killed his new transfer before he’s actually read a Statement.

How does Mr. Sims feel about our fearless leader himself?

Thank you,
Gertrude Robinson
Head Archivist
The Magnus Institute
London

From:

burntbooks

To: Gertrude Robinson
From: Gerard Keay
Re: Re: Jonathan Sims

Gege,

Hey snacks are snacks, I’m good with anything.

Awh and here I was about to send him into the tunnels for being annoying.
I’ll try to figure out where the key got to, not the key box where it should be.

Sims hasn’t said much about Elias, think he’s a bit scared of him and a bit mad that he’s been put in a HR seminar but judging by the way he’s talked about it he needs one so can’t fault the old guy for this one even if I hate to say he’s ever right about anything.

Honestly good luck with him, if you ever need to hit him with your cane I’ll lie for you that you didn’t if he goes tattling.
And I don’t think his research is for statements because I’ve not assigned him
enough that he needs a further twenty books on top of the ones he already had out when he was sent down here. Might wanna keep an eye on him (heh) and he might benefit from being clued in on the fears, I’m guessing he’s encountered one if he gets this rattled at a small roadblock.
Maybe a Leitner, probably a fucking Leitner, I’m trying not to invade his privacy by Knowing but if he endangers himself I’ll do it.

Gerard Keay
Archival Assistant
Gertrude’s favourite problem child and resident evil book expert
The Magnus Institute

From:

Gerard,

Most people who stay at the Institute and work as hard as Sims seems too, have had both at least an experience that has bloomed into an obsession as we both well know. It shouldn’t be a shock that it was a Leitner either given how both prolific and irresponsible the man was with his library. Any idea which one? I think we can assume that it’s not one of the more lethal ones given that he’s come to the Institute for answers.

I’m going to be taking a different route with Mr. Sims, and we will not be keeping him in the dark on the Powers or the fact that we do is as dangerous and important as it is. I have a feeling that letting him go off with as little information as possible would only make him more susceptible to outside influences and we’ve had quite enough of that thank you.

I think I’m going to send Michael to Beijing to work on what research of mine he is able to do, and that will help settle the matter for the moment. I’ll still need to go myself, but I believe it will keep to later in the year.

I also do believe I have finally found you the hottest crisp known to man or avatar, and I’ve picked up some packages for you. I’d advise you not to share them with Mr. Sims least he drag us into HR under a claim of hazing.

Come in a bit later tomorrow, would you? I think perhaps it’s best if I spoke to him alone. Thoughts?

Thank you,
Gertrude Robinson
Head archivist
The Magnus Institute
London.

From:

burntbooks

Gege,

Could have been a lethal one if it was lethal to somebody else, can’t discount that as a possibility, sometimes someone you love dying is worse.
I’m still trying not to use underhanded means to pry because if he finds out I feel like he’ll get mad about an invasion of privacy but he said something earlier about Leitner and kids books, I’ve only ever seen the one but there are probably more since kids are easy to scare and scare permanently. Think of all the fear you can get from traumatising children!!! :D

Great on telling him, if he has encountered one let’s hope he’s receptive and doesn’t think you’re trying to haze him.

Either way you know my birthday isn’t until February right? But you’re getting Mike out the way, bringing spicy crisps and letting me catch a lie in? I’ll take it.
I actually do need to take a trip to the Good Energies if I can take liberties and an extra half hour on lunch? Promise it’s work related and not because of that one employee, I’ve actually been avoiding him because I embarrassed myself last time he was there. But I want to see if I can convince Janey to run a name through the loyalty system for me, it’s important.

Gerard Keay
Archival Assistant
Gertrude’s favourite problem child and resident evil book expert
The Magnus Institute

From:

Gerard,

Don’t push him for anything else, but don’t give him any more obvious answers either. You’re correct about the lethality and fear involved in children’s stories, and we don’t want him to spiral out into paranoia. God knows that’s the last thing that we need.

[ and of course it would send him directly into the welcoming embrace of Elias, which is exactly where she does not want him. ]

I’ve not lost it quite yet, Gerard, but it is a reward for being thrust into the middle of this. Take what time you need, but for heaven’s take be careful! I’d prefer not to be training two assistants at once.

I’m about to board my flight, but I’ll see you tomorrow.

From:

To: Jonathan Sims
From: Elias Brouchard
Re: Expectations

Hello Jonathan,

At your earliest convenience, please come see me in my office. I would like to discuss your first week in the Archives.

Thank you,

Elias Brouchard
Director of The Magnus Institute
London

From:

To: Gertrude Robinson
From: Elias Bouchard
Re: Jonathan Sims

Gertrude,

I trust your work abroad continues apace and that the inevitable disorientation of long travel has not proved too great a burden. I would not have troubled you during your absence, save that an opportunity presented itself which seemed imprudent to delay.

You will already have noted the appointment of Jonathan Sims. I thought it best to secure his presence before chance carried him elsewhere. His manner may strike you as graceless — I will not deny he can be abrasive with the staff, and perhaps with you as well — but I find there is a quality in him that cannot be taught. A relentless persistence. An almost painful clarity of focus. Such traits, as you know better than most, can be honed or redirected, but they cannot be conjured where they do not already exist.

I will speak with him myself before your return. He strikes me as someone who may respond well to careful guidance, though of course that is not the only value he brings to our work. Whether as an instrument in your hand or something else entirely, I suspect he will prove himself of considerable use.

I understand your hesitation, but I would ask you to grant him time. First impressions, after all, are often misleading — and sometimes those we least expect reveal themselves to be exactly what we require, in the moment we most require it.

Sincerely,
Elias

From:

To: Elias Bouchard
From: Gertrude Robinson
Re: Re: Jonathan Sims

Elias,
Given the fact that you seem quite convinced that Mr. Sims should be working in the Archives as one of my assistants, assigned him while I was on my way out of the door and the fact I’ve already received some twenty-seven emails from various members of the staff across the Institute in general about this Jonathan, I will be cutting the remainder of my trip short. New Zealand and Usher will need to wait until the fall. I’m quite certain you can soften the blow to the heads of the Institutions there given that I am doing you this favor, Elias.

I will be back in London at midnight, surely you can wait and speak with him until after I do it.

My conversation with him is the one that will formulate how Jonathan Sims works within my archives, surely it makes sense that he have the facts of what the work is really like before you place any undo burdens upon him.

Thank you,
Gertrude Robinson
Head Archivist
The Magnus Institute
London.

From:

To: Gertrude Robinson
From: Elias Bouchard
Re: Jonathan Sims

Gertrude,

Twenty-seven strikes me as a rather dramatic tally for a single week. I am aware of the matter in the library, but beyond that I have heard little to justify such concern. His record in Research was spotless — two years without incident, accompanied by glowing remarks from his former supervisor. Whatever else might be said of him, Sims has shown himself to be both diligent and precise.

My intention in transferring him was, in part, to spare you the burden of continual oversight following Emily’s regrettable passing. The Archives cannot remain understaffed forever, and I judged it best to provide you with someone capable of bearing the weight, however rough his edges may appear. I realise there were other calls on your attention — New Zealand, Usher — but I will make certain they understand where your presence is most vital.

I have already arranged a meeting with him and would prefer not to cancel outright; it would reflect poorly on us both. Still, if you would prefer, I will refrain from addressing his behaviour. I will abide by your wishes. My hope is only to take the measure of the man, to see what impressions he has formed of the Department and whether he notices what others so often overlook. Surely even in so well-worn a place as the Archives, there is room for refinement.

Rest assured, I have not disclosed anything of substance to him — not yet. But he is perceptive, and I suspect he will begin to glimpse the broader pattern sooner rather than later. Shielding him, as you have done with Michael, will not hold indefinitely. Better to direct his gaze where it might serve you, rather than allow it to wander unguided.

I would also encourage you to consider his potential beyond the desk. Fieldwork, even alongside Gerard, might bring out the qualities that lie dormant beneath his stiffness. Such experience could make him either a sharper tool in your hand — or, should the need arise, something more disposable. Either way, his value is greater than first impressions suggest.

Warm regards,
Elias

From:

To: Elias Bouchard
From: Gertrude Robinson
Re: Jonathan Sims

Very well Elias,

I can see your point. Given the forecast for the next eighteen months or so it may, in fact, be prudent to have more fully trained assistants in the Archives. I think perhaps, however, this may be an acceptable reason to begin a sort of new training regiment for assistants, should Jonathan Sims in fact hold the traits that I view as a capable assistant. Though in the future, I will name my own assistants, thank you.

Tell him whatever you see fit, Elias, but once he is my archival assistant then I will train him as I see fit. Is that acceptable to you? Shall I message Rosie when I get back after I’ve met with him to set up an official meeting?

Thank you,
Gertrude Robinson
Head Archivist
The Magnus Institute
London

From:

To: Gertrude Robinson
From: Elias Bouchard
Re: Jonathan Sims

Gertrude,

That seems more than acceptable. I have no wish to interfere with the running of your department, and you will, of course, name your own assistants in the future as you see fit. My only intention was to provide support where there was a lack, and ensure the Archives were not left to languish after Emily’s passing.

As for Jonathan Sims, I think we may consider his position secure. He has already begun to prove himself, and I believe — with the benefit of your oversight — he will grow into precisely the sort of assistant the Archives require in the years ahead. I do not make such recommendations lightly, and I would not have placed him there if I did not believe he could bear the weight.

You will, I am certain, find your own way of testing him, and that is as it should be. But I ask that you grant him the time and space to settle into his role. You may discover, as I have, that he possesses qualities that are… rare. Qualities that cannot be easily replaced nor replicated.

I will leave the matter of any future appointments to your discretion. But on this point, I must be clear: Jonathan Sims is where he is meant to be.

Warmly,
Elias

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