Day Quote. Or, “The Case Of The Man Who Was So Stressed Out That He Thought He Lost His Keys And Ended Up Having A Heart Attack.”
“Zero Effect” Special Edition
I always say that the essence of my work relies fundamentally on two basic principles: objectivity and observation, or “the two obs” as I call them. My work relies on my ability to remain absolutely, purely objective, detached. I have mastered the fine art of detachment. And while it comes at some cost, this supreme objectivity is what makes me, I dare say, the greatest observer the world has ever known.
—Daryl Zero
I can’t possibly overstate the importance of good research. Everyone goes through life dropping crumbs. If you can recognize the crumbs, you can trace a path all the way back from your death certificate to the dinner and a movie that resulted in you in the first place. But research is an art, not a science, because anyone who knows what they’re doing can find the crumbs, the wheres, whats, and whos. The art is in the whys: the ability to read between the crumbs, not to mix metaphors.
—Daryl Zero
Now, a few words on looking for things. When you go looking for something specific, your chances of finding it are very bad. Because of all the things in the world, you’re only looking for one of them. When you go looking for anything at all, your chances of finding it are very good. Because of all the things in the world, you’re sure to find some of them.
—Daryl Zero
A few words here about following people. People know they’re being followed when they turn around and see someone following them. They can’t tell they’re being followed if you get there first.
—Daryl Zero
And now for a little bit of dialogue:
Steve Arlo:
There aren’t evil guys and innocent guys. It’s just… It’s just… It’s just a bunch of guys.
Daryl Zero:
I did find one other thing of interest, though.
Steve Arlo:
Holy shit, those are the keys. You found the gold Swiss Army knife.
Daryl Zero:
I know.
Steve Arlo:
And this is the safe deposit box key. Where’d you find them?
Daryl Zero:
They were in the sofa, under the cushion.
Steve Arlo:
What?
Daryl Zero:
They were stuck in the couch in his office.
Steve Arlo:
Was he hiding them there? Is that possible?
Daryl Zero:
Not possible. That’s where they fell out of his pocket, over a year ago.
Steve Arlo:
So… what do you make of this?
Daryl Zero:
I think that just as I feared, Ms. Sullivan doesn’t know a thing about these keys.
Steve Arlo:
Wait–the keys are a coincidence?
Daryl Zero:
Yes.
Steve Arlo:
That’s–confusing.
Daryl Zero:
Yep.
Steve Arlo:
Doesn’t seem like a good thing.
Daryl Zero:
Sure it is. It’s good because the man has been looking for his keys for a year. And I’ve found them.
And finally, wrapping up this special edition Day Quote Segment:
After investigating her, I found myself in better shape than ever before in my life. To me, she will always be a singular unforgettable event, the only time I ever took leave of my objectivity. Perhaps the most able blackmailer of her time, she was at once the worthiest opponent and the greatest ally, and the only woman I have ever… the only woman, period. And though I never would’ve anticipated it, in the end she did for me what I have done for so many: help solve a problem, first by observation, then by careful intervention – in other words, the Zero Effect.
—Daryl Zero
Now go see the movie!
just shy of pretty 
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