Was James Moriarty a terrible person? That certainly was a loaded question and his face shifted into one of deep thought once it had been asked. Jim was going on about ordinary walks of life, but that was nothing out of the usual for him. Then came this young man's question about his intentions and what he had done in his life. What had he done? James Moriarty? Well, James was silent for a moment, only because there was so much to consider before replying.
He broke eye contact briefly to take a drink from his glass and, sitting it back down, he let his thumb trail along the rim. "Define terrible," he said finally, slowly raising his stare to meet Michael's. "Or, actually, do me one better! Let me give you a few examples of my works, a resume if you will." He was wiser beyond his young years, Jim was sure of that. The way he confidently leaned in with his arms against the table. The direct contact with his eyes. Jim wondered exactly who it was that he asked to join him for dinner.
"I arrived in Preya in 2012 after shoving a gun in my mouth. Not from fear or despair, but a play in a continuous game of chess. Check and mate, that one. Opened my eyes, Preya was happy to have me, but I spent years on probation. Wore an ankle bracelet, Centurion Square fearful I would go back into my old ways. And I did, nearly sending all of it to ashes with an explosion or two. Managed to convince authorities of my innocence and walked free from that, and got that pesky piece of jewelry from my ankle."
He spoke plainly, without any flinching or quivering of his voice. "I befriended many evils here in Preya, but they've all since gone. I was good friends with the Goddess of Death, and we both nearly met our match with the trouble we caused... Or she did, anyway. You would have liked her." He brought the cup to his lips again to take another drink. "She was banished or something, I figure, as she's gone. But I kept her dog."
"I get bored, Michael, when I am forced to color in the lines. I just want a bit of entertainment while I'm here, you know? I want to add a bit of salt in what dishes life presents me, give it a bit of flavor. Am I a terrible person for that?"