Corbin Drake: "Chocolate? Ummmm...Switzerland. Otherwise, how about we find some. We have to run across places that sell chocolate."

Melody Drake: "Finding some sounds good. You have me craving it now."

Corbin Drake: "Yeah. My mission in life is to cause lesser mortals to sucumb to temptation."

Melody Drake: "Oh, so not only am I jealous of you, I'm a lesser mortal to? Such insults!"

Corbin Drake: "Sorry. Only one of us can be perfect." He smiles mischeviously, and then points to place across the street. "Look! Chocolate!"

Melody Drake: She pushes him lightly but further harassment is deterred by the sight of chocolate.

Corbin Drake: He chuckles and follows her to the chocolate.

Melody Drake: She holds the door open for him before slipping inside, glancing around.

Corbin Drake: He slips inside as well, and searches for coffee. Surely they sell coffee with chocolate in it.

Melody Drake: Of course they do. What coffee shop doesn't? Mel drifts a bit, browsing through shelves as fingers brush over a few things.

Corbin Drake: He wanders throught the store, head tilting every once in while, but he seems fairly calm for the moment. Granted, usually Corbin is only that calm when he's saving up energy to be really and truly obnoxious, or plotting something. Sometimes both.

Melody Drake: For once, she's oblivious, distracted by so much chocolate. Fingers catiously pull a tin down, peering at its label. "Mm. Rasberry."

Corbin Drake: He peers over the shelves at Melody, and smirks, slipping toward the door. "I'll be waiting outside Mel," he calls to her.

Melody Drake: "I'm coming." She murmurs, moving to the front to pay for the tin before slipping out after her brother.

Corbin Drake: He smiles and pulls a chocolate dipped strawberry out of the bag he's carrying, holding it out to her, still with that damned smirk.

Melody Drake: She tilts her head with a raised eyebrow. "You're up to something." But a hand reaches for the strawberry. It's just too tempting.

Corbin Drake: "I can't just be nice?" He asks, trying to look hurt.

Melody Drake: "I don't think it's in either of us to just be 'nice'." She smirks, biting into the tip of the strawberry.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: Walking along, looking just as fatigued as the day before. Wearing his usual preacher cut coat over the black turtleneck/cargo pant ensemble.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: 6,9,5,4,8,3,9,

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He spots Corbin and Melody and pauses to observe them.

Corbin Drake: "Hey," I resemble that remark.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: Stylistically, his clothes seem strangely to work in some weird secret agent/urban mercenary kind of way.

Melody Drake: She smirks, and continues nibbling on the strawberry, glancing at Adam.

Corbin Drake: "So...what are you thinking for dinner?"

Melody Drake: "I thought we were eating chocolate for dinner. Hm." Stawberry finished. "Chinese?"

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He smiles at Melody, looking directly at her. It's not a leer, not a challenge. More like a look that says "You may not know it yet, but you're mine." Of course, he looks at Corbin that way, too.

Corbin Drake: "Sounds good."

Melody Drake: She eyes had moved back to Corbin; she missed it. "Alright then. Next step is to find a good Chinese place."

Corbin Drake: He looks at Adam, giving him a smile that would be perfectly suited to a sphinx. "Ohhhhh...it's my favorite potential sadist. How've you been?" Though he still hovers a half step away from between Adam and his sister.

 

Adam "Fausto" Smith: "Potential?" He snickers. "Who called me that?"

Melody Drake: She chuckles softly, watching the interaction between the pair.

Adam "Fausto" Smith -> Adam "Fausto" Smith: 2,6,6,7,6,9,

Corbin Drake: "Well, I'm not sure yet. I just watched you with Lex, not stealing candy from small children or kicking puppies." He smiles again. "Are you ignoring my question because you don't want to tell me, or because you just don't want to deal with spontaneous developments of obnoxious forms of greetings."

Melody Drake: "Hm, he has learned large words..." Murmured, softly with a faint snicker as eyes flick up to Corbin.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: "Well, I've not ignored it yet, but your paranoia about that, coupled with your mode of dress tells me you're a bit of an exhibitionist with low enough self esteem he has to draw attention to himself with obnoxious greetings. But I've been fine, thanks." He smiles and holds his hand out to shake.

Corbin Drake: "Spent all night reading a dictionary just for this moment," he says to Melody with a laugh.

Melody Drake: "I was wondering were that had gone..." She chuckles, eyes still moving between the pair.

Corbin Drake: "I do it all for the sex," he says with a wink at Adam, shaking his hand. "Good to see you again."

Adam "Fausto" Smith: "So...what happened after I was called away? I seemed to have missed quite a bit of excitement."

Corbin Drake: "Just a touch. Though I think it's better discussed somewhere more quiet. Mel and I were gonna get some food and some wine and do dinner, want to come? You can see the apartment we're not actually keeping. It's a great place."

Melody Drake: Her lips curved in an amused smile, eyes wandering around as she opened her tin, pulling a piece of chocolate out.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: "Really? Leaving the city so soon?" He glances over to Meloday, lifting a brow. "I don't normally offend people I hardly met that violently but apparently there are exceptions."

Melody Drake: She blinks at him with her bright eyes, finishing swallowing her chocolate. "Who was offended? I just didn't have anything to offer while you two were talking. And we're not leaving the city, just the apartment."

Corbin Drake: "No. We just need a bigger place. I didn't realise she'd be joining me when I first got here. And she needs an office and I need a guest room, and we're in a two bedroom apartment. So unless we both started camping in the living room...."


Melody Drake: "Camping would be fun, if inconvinent."

: ((Open scenage?))

Corbin Drake: "Yes, darling, but then where will we entertain guests?" Corbin chuckles and offers Adam a chocolate covered strawberry. "Have some chocolate. You look like hell."

Corbin Drake: (Yup. On the street, not far from where the twins just bought chocolate, not terribly far from Battery park.)

Melody Drake: "I'm sure we could convert the kitchen and the bathroom into something with a little work."

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He laughs, shaking his head, a bit rueful since it seems they both missed his joke entirely. "What price range are you looking for?"

Jeremy Thomas: He walks down the street, staff tapping the sidewalk in time with his right foot, alongside Harvey.

Corbin Drake: "But the place over gallery sounds good. Then I could throw you down the stairs to help you get to work faster." His eyes gleam. "And what kind of brother would I be to deny you that experience...?"

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He regards the chocolate, and shakes his head. "No, thank you, I don't indulge in sweets."

Jeremy Thomas: ((DD: Jeremy is a very average-looking person. He stands 5'11", and is a little bit thin at 145 pounds. At 26 years of age, he still has a baby-face, and when not wearing a goatee (i.e. about 50% of the time), he is commonly mistaken for 18-20 years old. His hair, a medium-brown, goes down to about his mid-back, and is usually either worn in a loose ponytail or untethered. As stated before, he has a very youthful face, with bright blue eyes that flash with intelligence and full cheeks. His right canine is missing, but that's neither here nor there. Something about his features suggests maybe a Welsh origin. He usually dresses in casual clothes, including wrestling T-Shirts and jeans, a leather jacket, and his walking staff, which he is rarely if ever without. He is also never without his military-surplus backpack, an olive-colored thing that holds his belongings.))

Harvey Forrester: *walkin' with Jer* "So, have brought the book to Ang yet?" *worried a bit*

Jeremy Thomas: ((Ack...I just realized I haven't updated my DD in 2 years.))

Corbin Drake: He gives Adam a shocked look. "Okay. You're an alien, but I respect your choice." He says, tone serious, if his eyes are still full of mischief. "And we're fairly flexible that way."

Harvey Forrester: DD>Harvey is a standard 20-year-old boy, whose face hints at both French and German blood. He has blonde hair and blue eyes, and he stands fully six feet tall. He weighs about 175 pounds, though it’s mostly lean muscle. He carries himself regally, as though a noble (despite the ragged looking jeans and t-shirts), and it seems to be subconscious.

Jeremy Thomas: He shakes his head. "Nope...she's supposed to come get it from me. Until then, it's staying right here." He reached over his shoulder and pats the backpack.

Melody Drake: Corbin is pushed lightly as she answers Adam. "Right now, I'm hoping to have a place over the gallery, makes things a bit easier. I'm honestly not sure on price, I've only had a few samples."

Melody Drake: "No, Corbin. You're flexible that way. I'm an inferior being, remember?"

Harvey Forrester: "Ok...definitely have her check it out ASAP, though."

Adam "Fausto" Smith: "Upper limit? A particular part of town you prefer?" And then to Melody. "What type of work do you do?"

Corbin Drake: "Totally," he says to Melody with a grin.

Melody Drake: "High traffic is always nice, you want people, though the area should be decent too. I work with the family business, kinda like a rep for them all. I tend to meet with business partners, find the good galleries, pick the good artists." A smile.

Jeremy Thomas: He nods. "Soon as she comes by, it's all hers."

Adam "Fausto" Smith -> Adam "Fausto" Smith: 3,7,9,3,4,

Adam "Fausto" Smith: "Oh, then I assume Corbin has put you in touch with Everett?"

Melody Drake: "I just met Everett today, though he left before I could speak to him about the gallery."

Harvey Forrester: *nods a bit to that* "So, how have you been? Haven't seen that much of you on the Island."

Adam "Fausto" Smith: "How do you like his work?"

Harvey Forrester: ((brb))

Melody Drake: She smiles. "Corbin has a better eyes then I do, but I was very impressed with the few pieces I saw."


Adam "Fausto" Smith: He nods. "I'm wondering if there isn't a bit of Celtic heritage there. The bride in the wedding painting looked Irish to me. Or maybe Scots."

Melody Drake: "I didn't get a good enough view of that one, I had to leave so quickly. Though I do hope to."

Jeremy Thomas: He shrugs, side-stepping a pedestrian. "Not too bad. I've been around...back and forth, you know. Trying to keep things in balance in my life."

Corbin Drake: He nods. "Yeah. A little. Do you eat food? Because we were gonna talk about things we can talk about here."

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He nods. "Apparently his choice of subject matter frightens some people."

Corbin Drake: "Who'd it frighten?" He asks curiously.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: "I've been waiting for you to lead the way," he smirks at Corbin. "Or did you need a formal acceptance of your engraved invitation?"

Melody Drake: "Some of the most beautiful works are the most frightening." She rolls her shoulders in a shrug as they start walking. "It's a matter of perspective."

Adam "Fausto" Smith: 4,6,3,8,4,3,6,

Adam "Fausto" Smith: 2,8,3,8,3,4,7,

Adam "Fausto" Smith: ((damn, double-rolled. Freaky. Must be this sucky dial-up))

Corbin Drake: He laughs and starts off. "In writing, on most occasions. Just this once, I'll allow verbal confirmation."

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He spots Jeremy and Harvey and watches them for a moment.

Jeremy Thomas: 6,5,3,5,6,

Harvey Forrester: ((back)) *nods* "I know what you mean."

Adam "Fausto" Smith: "Have you and Melody been to Central Park yet? I hear the museums there are quite worthwhile."

Jeremy Thomas: His eyes stray to catch Fausto watching them out of the corner of Jer's eyes, and he makes eye contact with the man.

Melody Drake: She chuckles at the baneter, going back to listeing.

Harvey Forrester: 2,2,6,3,4,

Corbin Drake: "Yeah. So Angelia mentioned."

Adam "Fausto" Smith: His look isn't exactly challenging, but it's definitely agressive. Territorial. Tho he does smile at Jer, which softens the hardness and makes him look almost...sad.

Harvey Forrester: *glances over and sees Fausto talking to some people...one of whom he coulda sworn he's seen before...*

Melody Drake: ((brb))

Adam "Fausto" Smith: "And of course, you're avoiding the question..."

Corbin Drake: He slows and stops, waiting to see if Adam talks to these people or wants to keep moving.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He nods a greeting to Harvey, offering the same sort of almost sad smile he offers to Jer.

Harvey Forrester: *nods to return the greeting*

Corbin Drake: "The answer is not yet. Musuems are large and intimidating buildings." He frowns slightly and rolls his shoulders, with a faint wince.

Jeremy Thomas: He furrows his brow a little at Fausto, and simply nods to him in the way he would greet any stranger he locked eyes with. He withdraws a cigarette from his jacket pocket and lights it, looking to Harvey.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: "Have you met Harvey?" He asks Corbin and Mel, motioning to him. "He really knows his way around Central Park, so I hear." He motions to Harvey, introducing him to Corbin and Mel. "This is Corbin, who I ran into at Battery PArk yesterday."

 


Jeremy Thomas: "So, how about yourself? How've you been, our shared experience aside?"

Adam "Fausto" Smith: "And this is his sister, Melody." He motions to her. "This is Harvey Forrester. And this is..." He looks to Jer to introduce himself.

Harvey Forrester: *he stops at Fausto* "Hello, I'm Harvey." *offers his hand*

Corbin Drake: For just a second he does not look perfectly content though he smiles a second later, the kind of lazy smile that a cat would have, and nods to Harvey. "Pleasure to meet you."

Adam "Fausto" Smith: "And Museums can be large and intimidating," he agrees, "But I'd hate to have one fall on you out of neglect, when a little polite attention could keep things running smoothly."

Jeremy Thomas: He smiles to the trio of new faces. "Jeremy Thomas. Or, if you like nicknames, Dream. Hey."

Melody Drake: "Hi." She says in response to Harvey, taking his hand lightly. Though her eyes flick to Adam.

Corbin Drake: "Let's just say I was waiting on something before I went back to one," he growls under his breath at Fausto.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: "But then again, I'm old, and doddering, and we Italians seem to place quite a bit of emphasis on tradition."

Corbin Drake: His growling is forgotten though, when he hears Jeremy. "Dream," he asks curiously, offering Jeremy his hand.

Melody Drake: Eyes narrow, faintly but sweep around before coming to follow the four men again.

Corbin Drake: (And just a few minutes into this...you guys need a DD on Corbin?)

Harvey Forrester: *he's, characteristically, trying to keep a vague watch on everything, he's definitely aware of the world around him, though most of his focus is on the group.*

Harvey Forrester: ((yeah, never seen 'im before.))

Jeremy Thomas: He nods to Corbin, shaking the hand. "Used to be in reference to the Neil Gaiman character. Now, to the John Lennon song. Y'know... 'You may say I'm a dreamer,' et cetera."

Jeremy Thomas: ((Please))

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He's smiling, pleasant, confident. His demeanor, attitude, and body language all seem to broadcast he is in total control, a man to answer to, some one who knows what he's doing, who gets the job done. And who doesn't have much respect for cowards.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: It's also clear from his expression that he seems to believe Corbin's lack of attention to Central Park borders on cowardice.

Melody Drake: Just as Corbin's stance seems to reflect his protectivness of her, her gives off the same aura towards Corbin. She moves a little closer to him, bright eyes moving around.

Corbin Drake: He's standing on the sidewalk, perfectly at ease, looking everything over with eerie amber-green eyes. His features are striking, regal, softened with just a hint of something delicate. He's wearing an ankle length coat of rich blue fabric that falls and swirls around him but it doesn't manage to hide the raw energy in his movements that make him seem ready to spill from his smooth walk into something wild and unpredictable. There is nothing that will let Corbin just get lost in a sea of people again, he just isn't like them and they instinctively edge away. He doesn't look like he should be threatening, he's an atletic five foot nine inches, sleek and graceful, but just his presence seems to unnerve most of the people around him. [And, for anyone who knows what they're looking at, Shadow Lord PB 4]

Corbin Drake: He nods to Jeremy, ignoring Adam for the moment. "I see."

Ursus: *A man in a dark blue suit comes walking along the path*

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He stands quietly, letting the other four make their introductions. He too seems protective, a component of that territoriality he seems to broadcast, that constant vigilance that seems to be at his core.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: 8,4,6,8,1,3,8,

Ursus: *He increases his pace, heading directly for the small group*

Harvey Forrester: 8,4,2,10,4,

Melody Drake: The man in the suit gets no more then a cursory glance, most of her attention on Jeremy, Harvey, Adam, and Corbin.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: ((They're on the sidewalk, a few blocks from Battery Park))

Harvey Forrester: *catches sight of the man, and watches him from the corner of his eye*

Adam "Fausto" Smith -> Ursus: 9,9,7,2,9,2,2,

 

Ursus: (Darn, reading all those archives have me mixed up. I was thinking Park. Correct it as "walking along the sidewalk")

Adam "Fausto" Smith -> Ursus: ((That's per+security, does the guy seem to be a potential threat, does he have the various mannerisms and/or cues that might indicate he's got a bomb strapped him him or other weapon, etc?))

Jeremy Thomas: 9,6,5,5,6,

Adam "Fausto" Smith -> Ursus: ((And coupled with Adam's various lores (Vamp, Mage, Wyrm) is there anything that would indicate a threat of one of those natures?))

Jeremy Thomas: He starts to respond to Corbin, but catches the suit man heading toward them, and turns to regard him a moment.

Ursus -> Adam "Fausto" Smith: (Doesn't look like he's got a bomb or anything like it, no obvious weapons (or concealed one to the trained eye), no threatening/nervous mannerisms)

Melody Drake: And since everyone else seems to be looking, she follows their gazes.

Corbin Drake: Hey, that was totally his attention! He turns to see who stole it.

Ursus: *The man approaches in a direct line. Seems like a man in his thirties, short dark hair, sunglasses, perfect skin*

Adam "Fausto" Smith -> Ursus: ((but does he have the facieal expressions of a mad murderer or of just a guy late for work?))

Corbin Drake: He lays a hand on Melody's arm, stepping instictively between her and the approaching guy in the suit.

Ursus -> Adam "Fausto" Smith: Hmmm...Neither.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He moves forward to meet the man, to block him before he can reach the others, standing in his way.

Ursus: *When he comes even closer, it seems that he's actually aiming for Jeremy*

Melody Drake: Her hand moves to Corbin's arm, looking around him at the guy curiously. What can they sense that she can't?

 

Harvey Forrester: *seeing that the others are now watching the man approach, he turns towards him and adopts a wary stance, ready to move quickly in the case the something bad happens*

Jeremy Thomas: He turns his entire body to face the quickly-approaching man, imperceptibly tightening his grip on his staff as he waits for him to approach.

Ursus: *The man stops. Looking up at the taller Fausto. Even, emotionless voice* Excuse me, sir. *Tries to step past him*

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He's ready to slam the guy's face toward the buillding if the guy looks sick at all.

Ursus -> Adam "Fausto" Smith: (he does look like he might have a cold....nah. *s*)

Adam "Fausto" Smith: Adam stands there, looking imposing, slightly bored, studying the guy while he blocks his further progress. "What's your business around here?"

Ursus: *Still the same even voice* Excuse me, sir. I wish to speak to Mr. Thomas.

Jeremy Thomas: 4,9,2,3,6,2,5,

Adam "Fausto" Smith: ((roling per+subterfuge, then per+empathy))

Adam "Fausto" Smith: 2,3,7,9,6,9,5,

Adam "Fausto" Smith: 6,6,4,4,7,

Melody Drake: Her eyes move between them all, inching out a bit behind Corbin to watch.

Harvey Forrester: *observes, ready to react very quickly, if need be*

Adam "Fausto" Smith: HE looks back toward the group, not sure who's Mr. Thomas, but keeping most of his attention on the man.

Ursus: *The man looks straight at Jeremy, waiting for something*

 

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He raises a brow, waiting for Jer's reaction, while keeping most of his attention on the man in the suit and on the potential ambush sites in the area.

Jeremy Thomas: ((Waiting on a response to my roll to determine how Jer reacts.))

Jeremy Thomas: He looks at the man, an eyebrow raised. "Do I know you? How do you know my name?"

Ursus: *The man smiles* We are not yet acquainted, Mr. Thomas. But I hope we can conduct a business transaction to our mutual benefit.

: A faint tilt of her head, listening still.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He relaxes slightly, stepping back so that he's not directly between the man and Jer, but is off to the side and can easily step in if need be.

Jeremy Thomas: The eyebrow raises even higher. "Ummm...thanks, I'm okay with my long-distance provider, though. Interesting twist on the telemarketer, though."

Harvey Forrester: *leans in to whisper something to Jeremy*

Jeremy Thomas: He simply nods to Harvey, his attention focused on the man.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He glances back to see what Corbin and Mel are doing.

Harvey Forrester: *he's definitely tensed up, and looks around as if expecting an attack*

Melody Drake: Mel is peering around her brother, watching the whole interaction.

Ursus: *He keeps smiling, taking a few steps closer, but not enough to be within striking distance of Jeremy* It regards a different matter, Mr. Thomas. You have retrieved something that has been lost, which we now hope to get back.

Corbin Drake: Corbin is waiting, between the guy in the suit and Melody, alert.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He takes a cue from Harv and nods slightly to him, letting him know he'll back him up if an attack does occur

Jeremy Thomas: "And who is 'we?'"

Ursus: *He smiles* My employers. Maybe we could discuss this matter in a less public venue?

Jeremy Thomas: He shakes his head. "Sorry, I prefer to conduct all my business transactions on sidewalks. What did I retrieve?"

Melody Drake: Her lips curve up into a small smile. Smart man.

Ursus: *The man takes it in stride* A book, Mr. Thomas.

Corbin Drake: Corbin watches the man, his eyes very slowly moving from the man's eyes to his throat.

Harvey Forrester: *continues his vigilance*

Jeremy Thomas: He doesn't seem too surprised. "Ah-ha. Well, excuse me for being in a less-then-negotiating mood, but that fell out of a friend's bag, and I'm waiting for the friend to retrieve it. If you're working for the friend, show me proof. If not, it's not for sale."

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He narrows his eyes, squinting a bit as he regards the man. "What's your name? Your employer's name?"

Adam "Fausto" Smith: 9,9,10,2,

Ursus: The "friend" in question is not the lawful owner of the item. It is reassuring to hear that he has not appeared to retrieve his ill-gotten gains. Rather than risk having him show up to escape with the stolen item, we would be grateful to present you with a finder's fee, rather than associate you with the thief.

Adam "Fausto" Smith -> Ursus: ((That was per+aware for the Spirit's Sight gift))

Harvey Forrester: "Do you have proof that your employer, whom you've still failed to name, is the lawful owner of the item in question?"

 

Jeremy Thomas: He smirks a little, nodding his head toward Fausto. "I believe the man asked you a question. One I'd like to hear the answer to, if you don't mind."

Ursus: *He looks at Harvey* Indeed. *He smoothly withdraws a folded paper from inside his jacket*

Harvey Forrester: *takes the paper and looks it over* ((Shall I roll Per+Law or something to tell if it's legit, everything in order, and the like? and what names appear on it, etc?))

Ursus: *He holds the paper up, so that all concerned can look at it. It seems to be a report, stamped by a NYPD precinct, regarding a theft from the legal firm Henscher, Vloed & Klovs roughtly two months ago*

Ursus: (Roll Int+Law)

Harvey Forrester: ((delete the part about taking it, but he's still checking it's legitimacy if he can.))

Harvey Forrester: 2,4,3,3,10,

Melody Drake: She looks, closely.

Melody Drake: 6,3,5,8,2,5,

Jeremy Thomas: He looks over Harvey's shoulder at the document, reading it over.

Jeremy Thomas: 5,4,10,8,1,

Ursus: *The stolen item is refered to as a wooden-bound book, engraved with a canine and an ursine creature on the opposing covers*

Jeremy Thomas: 5,

Corbin Drake: He reads over it, but law is like a foreign language to him.

Jeremy Thomas: He frowns a little, and looks back at the guy, taking an inhalation through his nose. ((Scent of True Form))

Melody Drake: She rolls her lip inbetween her teeth briefly, but says nothing.

Jeremy Thomas: 9,2,3,4,4,

Harvey Forrester: *frowns, but looks to Jeremy to see if he got anything worthwhile out of the document*

Jeremy Thomas: He frowns. "All right...well, I don't have the book with me right now. If you give me a phone number to contact your employers and yourself, I'll get ahold of it and give you a call."

Adam "Fausto" Smith: ((Swear to God, they ~know~ when something interesting happens and they call me on my cell right ~then~))

Jeremy Thomas: 4,6,5,9,4,2,

Ursus: *He looks at Jeremy, hard to tell what the eyes hold behind the sunglasses. There is something to his smile, though, which states quite simply "You liar, you"* Right. *He retrieves a small card from inside his jacket* Here it is. I hope you will get in touch with us as soon as possible, before the thief shows up again and makes you an accessory to crime. That would be highly unfortunate.

Melody Drake: ((Will return later. Mel will stay and be quiet))

Corbin Drake: "Melody...why don't you go pick up the food, I'll meet you back at the apartment."

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He puts his arm around the guy, and starts herding him up the street toward Broadway. "Well, since this is a legal question, involving a negotiation, why don't you come with me and we'll all discuss it in private?"

Ursus: 7,9,4,3,5,2,9,2,

Corbin Drake: (DLP then)


Adam "Fausto" Smith: He looks to Jer. "Why don't you go get the book?"

Jeremy Thomas: He just smiles back in the 'Fuck yourself with a 2 Liter Bottle' way and accepts the card. "I'll be in touch VERY soon."

Ursus: *As Fausto moves his arm around the guy, he deftly steps aside, one hand raised to chest level in a warding gesture, avoiding contact* Please, sir. Respect my private space to the same degree I respect yours.

Harvey Forrester: *silent, he's watching the man, but again, always keeps his attention split in case something happens in another direction*

Adam "Fausto" Smith: "Now, now, no need for unpleasantries," He says to Jer, giving him a very meaningful look.

Ursus: *The same level voice*

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He nods an apology to the guy and motions up toward Broadway. "There's a hotel right up the street, we can rent a room and talk about this right now, if you like."

Jeremy Thomas: 4,9,5,9,

Harvey Forrester: *the frown Harvey has had for this whole time deepens*

Ursus: *The man looks at Adam* I do believe that as the item is in the temporary possession of Mr. Thomas, there is no need for a discussion between you and me, sir.

Jeremy Thomas: He furrows his brow at Fausto, but slightly shakes his head no, his eyes trying to convey how bad of an idea that may be.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: "As a matter of fact, Mr. Thomas, why don't you and Harvey and Corbin head out and get that book? And come back to the hotel where I'll be discussing the terms with Mr...What's your name, sir?"

Adam "Fausto" Smith: "I'm Mr. Thomas' representative in this matter," he assures the guy.

Ursus: *He looks at Jeremy* I am quite certain that Mr. Thomas and I are capable of finding a less complicated solution.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: ((Is the guy moving toward Broadway or no?))

Ursus: (He is going nowhere)

Adam "Fausto" Smith: "Ah, but you're unaware of some of the other obligations Mr. Thomas might have." He smiles to the man. "And working for lawyers I'm sure you know how simple things on the surface are often far more complex on the other side."

Adam "Fausto" Smith: "I assure you the best chances you have to retrieve that book from Mr. Thomas' possession is to negotiate with me on the matter."

Jeremy Thomas: He watches Fausto & the man talk, contemplating. He looks at Harvey questioningly.

Harvey Forrester: *watches the man, waiting for him to respond to Fausto*

Ursus: *He folds the report back into his jacket, still looking at Jeremy* I have no doubt that Mr. Thomas will be perfectly able to retrieve the item at will without any further complexities.

Corbin Drake: He's still, all that playfulness drained away, back to looking at the man's throat.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: "Harvey," He says looking to him, entirely frustrated. "Go GET the Fucking BOOK."

Jeremy Thomas: He sighs a little, and nods toward the man. "Yeah, you can deal with me through this man. Before you do so, though, I think I should have a word in private with my negotiator."

Ursus: *He retrieves another slip of paper from his jacket, and scribbles a few words in unwavering handwriting, then holds it out to Jeremy, folded* You might find the following offer to be quite generous, Mr. Thomas.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: "It's not a matter of him retrieving it." he says to the man. "It's a matter of making him comfotable with the idea of turning it over to you."

Harvey Forrester: *taps Jeremy on the shoulder and starts to walk a bit off from the group, clearly wanting a private word with the man. He's still keeping an eye out though*

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He intercepts the piece of paper, looking at it, instead of letting Jer do so.

Ursus: 4,4,10,4,2,2,3,7,

Jeremy Thomas: He doesn't move to take the paper, instead letting Fausto take it. Instead, he looks at Harvey, and begins to follow him off a bit.


Ursus: *The hand with the paper diverges slightly as Fausto grabs for it, dipping out of his reach* Sir. I would ask you to not do that.

Harvey Forrester: *once a moderate distance away, he mumbles something so the Jer can hear it and no one else can, at least, not easily*

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He looks to Corbin, and tilts his head, indicatinghe should join Harve and Jer.

Harvey Forrester: 3,9,8,9,3,

Adam "Fausto" Smith: 5,5,6,8,7,5,

Corbin Drake: For a second his eyes flash at Adam's indication, but then he takes his attention off the nice soft throat in a suit and walks over to join Harvey and Jeremy.

Jeremy Thomas: He mutters back to Harvey, keeping an eye on the duo.

Ursus: *As the paper is snatched from his hand, he looks at Fausto* I remind you about the personal space, sir. Mr. Thomas' wishes does not authorize you to perform theft. *His head turns, looking over at Harvey*

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He looks at the paper with his gloved hands, keeping his attention on the man who has still not identified himself.

Harvey Forrester: *frowns, and whispers back*

Ursus -> Adam "Fausto" Smith: *It simply reads "20.000 USD finder's fee"*

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He looks it over, considers, then looks back to the man with a bit of rueful smirk. "Rock bottom prices huh? When we both know somethign like that is worth far, far more."

Ursus: *The man keeps watching Harvey and Jeremy*

Jeremy Thomas: He looks at Corbin as he approaches, and sighs, muttering to Harvey. "I agree." He reaches into his pocket and takes out a cell phone, hitting Voice Dial and speaking into the phone. "Voice." It dials a number, and he waits.

Jeremy Thomas: "Ang, it's Dream. I need to talk to you, as SOON as you get this. Call me back, please. Bye." He hands up, and sighs. "So much for that."

Corbin Drake: He nods to Jer.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He glances back to Corbin and says apologetically "I'm so sorry that this has interrupted our plans. If you could, please go on ahead cross town and wait for me on the other side?"

Ursus: 3,1,1,1,4,2,8,9,

Harvey Forrester: *to Jer, quietly* "We should go and wait then."

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He looks back to the man. "We've been looking at properties and they can't decide what side of the river they want to live on."

Ursus: (Warning: My ICQ just died. But I'm still here)

Adam "Fausto" Smith: "So, back to figures...would you care to sit at that nearby cafe and discuss the money over coffee?"

Melody Drake: She's merely quiet, watching all going on and following Corbin.

Jeremy Thomas: He nods to Harvey. "Yeah, I think you're right." His voice lowers heavily. "Who the hell is my 'negotiator?'"

Corbin Drake: He waits to see if Harvey and Jer are going to take cues, or what's about to happen. (Sorry I'm slow, dinner is here.)

Ursus: *He looks back at Fausto* I think it will be adequate that Mr. Thomas contacts us when he has retrieved the stolen property and made up his mind. Preferably before the thief complicates the issue.

 

Harvey Forrester: "I don't know the specifics, but the Voice knows him." *starts walking towards the K-R*

 

Ursus: *There is a tiny twitch in his cheek. In others, it might have been amusement*

Harvey Forrester: ((err, delete the action, he wouldn't start moving yet.))

Adam "Fausto" Smith: "No," he shakes his head. "Your offer is ~far~ too low. We need to get at least in the ballpark before we can even consider Mr. Thomas handing over the item."

Ursus: So far, Mr. Thomas has yet to see the offer. Hence, I will leave it to him to consider.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: "I wouldn't insult him by bringing something so low to himm."

Ursus: I see. He is undoubtedly very grateful for your association.

Melody Drake: Her eyes stay on the man and Fausto, unable to ignore the business transaction.

Jeremy Thomas: He turns to walk with Harvey, heading down the street and away from the duo.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He smiles and shrugs. "Most people are happy to see what I do to keep them from being taken advantage of. And of course, there's my percentage, to make it worth my while."

Harvey Forrester: *heads with Jer off, away from the man and Fausto*

Ursus: *He looks after Jeremy and Harvey. Then smiles, completely insincerely* Well, since Mr. Thomas is retreating, I shall do the same.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He smiles to Melody as she moves away with Corbin, but continues to keep the bulk of his attention on the man. "You've still not told me your name."

Adam "Fausto" Smith -> Ursus: ((He keeps track of what's going on with the string that heads off into the distance, during this whole conversation))

Ursus: My name, as well as the relevant telephone number, is on the card your close business associate Mr. Thomas has. *He starts walking. But not in the same direction Jeremy left*

Ursus -> Adam "Fausto" Smith: (Roll a Perception+Awareness)

Corbin Drake: He trails Harvey and Jeremy quietly.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He tilts his head, and reaches into a pocket, handing the man a card that says simply "Fausto" and a phone number. "Any further negotiations for this item need to go through me. When you people have a serious offer, feel free to contact me."

Adam "Fausto" Smith: 6,7,8,2,

Melody Drake: She watches him walk away, turning slightly to watch Jeremy and Harvey walk away, then turns to follow Corbin.

Ursus: *The man recieves the card without any obvious enthusiasm, pockets it, and continues walking*

Ursus -> Adam "Fausto" Smith: *There seems to be tiny variations in the string, like small flickers, from time to time*

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He walks along with the guy, about six feet behind him, looking somewhat bored and distracted, himself.

Jeremy Thomas: He walks generally toward Uptown with his sudden entourage of sorts, not seeming heading anywhere specifically. Just...northward-ish.

Ursus: *He keeps on walking for about half a mile*

Harvey Forrester: *whispers to Jer*

Adam "Fausto" Smith: When they reach a stoplight, a crowd or other traffic, he does his best to 'accidentally on purpose' bump into the man.


Corbin Drake: "Just what was that about?" He murmurs, curious again, though he keeps his voice low. "Nevermind...not here. Where are you going?"

 

Ursus: 8,6,6,4,7,9,9,6,

Adam "Fausto" Smith: 7,6,3,6,2,

Ursus: *Just as Fausto is about to connect, the man steps aside, avoiding contact, with remarkable grace. Especially since he wasn't looking. Even voice* Personal space. Third reminder.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: ((That was dex+ath, but should it be dex+brawl?))

Jeremy Thomas: He shrugs, speaking quietly enough for only those within a couple feet of him. "Park was my best guess...just not in a direct way. We don't need to be followed there."

Adam "Fausto" Smith: ((guess it doesn't matter with that kind of dodge. *G*))

Melody Drake: "Want me to go home?" She offers quietly behind Corbin.

Adam "Fausto" Smith -> Ursus: ((Does the string flicker right before Fausto tries to touch him?))

Harvey Forrester: "The park isn't where the Voice would be."

Adam "Fausto" Smith -> Ursus: (Does it somehow seem to sense his intent?))

Ursus -> Adam "Fausto" Smith: *It seemed to flicker a bit from time to time, there might have been a sudden flare right before he tried to attack*

Corbin Drake: "That's likely not necesary now," he says to Melody, with a little nod to Jeremy.

Adam "Fausto" Smith -> Ursus: ((And does the guy avoid ~all~ physical contact with everyone on the street?))

Ursus -> Adam "Fausto" Smith: *Even Adam's well-tuned reflexes would be VERY hard pressed to gauge an attack like that correctly without seeing it enough to dodge with such ridiculous ease, simply moving out of the way completely so that there was no contact, making it look utterly easy and natural*

Melody Drake: A simple nod.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He continues along behind the guy until he's escorted him out of downtown, or until he follows him to a building or a vehicle or whatever.

Ursus -> Adam "Fausto" Smith: *He walks with completely natural stride, somehow timed so that not a single step leads him into contact or confrontation with anyone else on the street, passing between bystanders without a hassle*

Jeremy Thomas: He nods to Harvey. "I'm aware, but she made it clear over the phone that she didn't want it taken into the K-R. I'm not going against her wishes, and the park should be a safe enough place until she calls."

Adam "Fausto" Smith -> Ursus: ((What's the closest anyone gets to him?))

Harvey Forrester: *nods* "Ok, I hadn't been aware of it...we'll need to stop somewhere on the way to pick up food."

Ursus -> Adam "Fausto" Smith: *Roughly six inches*

Adam "Fausto" Smith -> Ursus: ((And how to the spirits react around him? The pattern spiders seem to notice him at all?))

Ursus -> Adam "Fausto" Smith: *His spiritual reflection seems to pass without any consternation from the pattern spiders...Unlike Adam's*

Corbin Drake: He follows, keeping Melody close to him and listening intently, though most of what they're saying means little to him.

Jeremy Thomas: He nods. "Food is a good idea. We can stop into a cafe somewhere up ahead."

Jeremy Thomas: He looks behind at Corbn and Melody. "Sorry to drag you guys into this."

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He pauses and yawns deeply as he trails the guy, looking completely bored with this whole thing.

Harvey Forrester: *shakes his head* "That's not what I meant, I meant for the homeless folks at the entrance. Remember what sorts live in the park."

Adam "Fausto" Smith: 9,8,3,7,7,5,4,


Melody Drake: She simply rolls her shoulders with a smile. "Stuff happens."

Ursus: *After a while, he passes out of Downtown*

Ursus: (The ST won't be here that much more either, so no worries)

Adam "Fausto" Smith -> Ursus: ((per_alert, -2 diff due to padaa...does this guy smell like a human or does he lack scent comepletely? Or is there like an ozone scent, as if he might be a holograpic projection?))

Corbin Drake: "It's alright. We've likely been dragged through worse. Maybe later I'll tell about the month I've been having." The tone is playful, but there is nothing playful in his eyes now.

Melody Drake: She looks away for a second and then back to the group, her smile not meeting her eyes either.

Jeremy Thomas: He nods. "Right, then...let's get some food, and with any luck, Mr. Wolfram and Hart won't be around to deliver any more Godfather-style Offers-I-Can't-Refuse."

Corbin Drake: "You want to go, Mel?" He asks gently.

Ursus -> Adam "Fausto" Smith: No...There's a human scent. But it's very unremarkable. Very...neutral, for a human scent.

Adam "Fausto" Smith -> Ursus: ((And what area of the city does he pass into? I mean what neighborhooed.

Corbin Drake: "Hopefully," he agrees.

Adam "Fausto" Smith -> Ursus: ((Without any emotion, or lust, right?))

Harvey Forrester: *nods quietly*

Melody Drake: Her eyes move from the ground up to her brother. "I'd like to, but I think I may be more of burden, then a help... if something were to happen."

 

Adam "Fausto" Smith: When he finishes trailign the guy, he calls Harvey, asking "where are you? We need to talk."

Ursus -> Adam "Fausto" Smith: Heading more uptown. No emotion, no lust, very little pheromones.

Corbin Drake: "Whatever you want Mel. I think we're okay right now, but then my judgement is rather clearly flawed." It's the first time there's anything at all bitter to his tone, almost hidden by his concern for Melody, but not quite.

Harvey Forrester: *answers his phone* "Heading to Central."

Adam "Fausto" Smith: He grunts into the phone. "What part? I'll join you."

Jeremy Thomas: He looks to Harvey, frowning slightly.

Ursus: *And the guy is GONE*

Harvey Forrester: *gives the specifics* "We'll be somewhere around there."

Adam "Fausto" Smith -> Ursus: ((oh, damn and ~now~ I remember what I wanted to talk to you about...Adam wants to try and find a spirit that will teach him what he needs to hide his true nature...))

Adam "Fausto" Smith: "On my way." *click*

 

Ursus -> Adam "Fausto" Smith: Dang. *s* We'll have to deal with that later, when my ICQ is working. I'm logging off for a tiny bit of sleep now.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: (g2 CP if we are continuing this scene?))

Harvey Forrester: *hangs up the phone and heads into the first fast food restaurant he sees, ordering food for, oh...15 people*

Melody Drake: She looks over Corbin as they walk, a faint frown on her face.

Adam "Fausto" Smith: ((okies...thanks for the RP sorry for the interruptions))

Harvey Forrester: ((I have to run off to class. Harvey will stick around quietly, maybe prod Fausto to summon Ang, and will give the food to the homeless Kinfolk outside Central.))

Adam "Fausto" Smith: ((That was a goodbye to URsus. *G*))

Corbin Drake: He smiles at Melody without directly meeting her eyes. "Everything's fine Mellie. Everything's fine."

Harvey Forrester: ((that was my response to continuing the scene *G*))

Jeremy Thomas: ((Gone to CP, yeah. :) ))

Ursus -> Adam "Fausto" Smith: Do me a favor. Log everything happening with this from here on, so I can see it later, OK?

Corbin Drake: "You want to see if you can find Josh, Mel? Since we all have to go to the Park anyway...you two can meet me there."

Melody Drake: And she just smiles, only a little, maybe faintly sad. "I'll hang around a bit."

Adam "Fausto" Smith: ((g2CP))

Harvey Forrester: ((I'll be back in two hours *waves and runs off to class*))