A Bitter Pill To Swallow

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Jun 5, 2023 6:41 am
OOC:
Troble Roll for Dave's investigation

Rolls

Trouble - (1D10, 1D4)

1D10 : (5) = 5

1D4 : (4) = 4

Jun 5, 2023 7:18 am
Let's see how well Dave can navigate the bureaucracy...
OOC:
DEFINITELY subbing in Javelina's, so that'd be a 9 & a possible complication?
Last edited June 5, 2023 7:19 am

Rolls

Duty, Eva - (1d8, 1d8)

1d8 : (1) = 1

1d8 : (4) = 4

St. Javelina's - (1d8)

(5) = 5

Jun 5, 2023 8:09 am
ANNESBURG, 4 NOV 2023
Brian Floyd's Apartment
[ +- ] Dave's Research
Melissa has been to Brian's apartment enough times that she has no trouble directing Dave towards it. The tall building that Brian lives in is located right in the center of Annesburg, in one of the most expensive areas of the city and right opposite a large park whose trees are mostly bare by now, though some still cling to their red and brown leaves. The building itself is modern and architecturally impressive enough that, were it located in Graybridge, it would probably be considered a landmark there. Here, it doesn't quite stand out among the other equally nice buildings in the neighborhood.

Dave and Melissa are sitting in the car together, opposite the large apartment building, waiting. Melissa knows Brian's schedule and, predictably, they soon spot him exiting the building, looking perfect as always, his hair on point and his suit just tight enough to complement his athletic figure. Dave and Melissa watch as he, while talking on the phone, gets into a car that's not his, probably either a rental or company car, and soon drives off. If they want to check his apartment, now's the time.
Jun 5, 2023 8:09 am
GRAYBRIDGE, 4 NOV 2023
Sunny Side Up Diner

As far as great places to meet someone go, Eva doesn't know many, so when she asked Tanya to hang out and Tanya agreed and asked for a place, she defaulted to the one she knows best, even if it's maybe not the most impressive spot.

The Sunny Side Up Diner is, as usual, mostly empty when Eva enters. A handful of people sipping coffee by themselves, a small family sharing a cheap breakfast. She doesn't spot Tanya anywhere yet, but as she sits down, Dartella pops up next to her, Eva's regular order already in hand, which she puts down in front of her. "Haven't seen you here in a while," Dartella tells Eva with a smile. She looks tired. Judging by the coffee stains on her uniform and the state of her hair, she's probably worked the night shift and is about ready to go home and fall into bed, but she always has a smile for Eva. "Are you alone or meeting someone? Your church friend? David?"
Jun 5, 2023 8:09 am
GRAYBRIDGE, 4 NOV 2023
The Cicada

The Cicada isn't the only gay bar in Graybridge, but it is by far the most well-known. The outside would be unremarkable - one drab house like all the others hidden away in this side street of the city center - were it not for the unreasonable mass of graffiti covering the outside. Hate speech covered by pro-queer slogans and symbols, covered again by slurs and threats in a constant war taking place on the facade. It doesn't look very inviting, in stark contrast to the inside. Stepping into the Cicada, one might almost be excused for assuming this is one of the less prestigious bars in Annesburg, decorated with tasteful wood panelling and of course the mirror covering the entire ceiling of the bar's main section that stuck in Augusta's mind from the last time she was in here.
Augusta draws a couple of looks as she enters, but none as invasive and threatening as what she experienced at the Hop Spot. People are leaving her alone and she quickly spots Bree sitting at the bar. She's looking different than she had in her business suit at the Hop Spot, more butch in thick jeans and a stiff white shirt. She's browsing something on her phone, a cocktail sitting on the bar next to her with a coaster covering the top of the glass, and hasn't noticed Augusta yet.
Jun 5, 2023 4:12 pm
GRAYBRIDGE, 4 NOV 2023
The Cicada


She gets out of the uber and waves to Mantisse, then crosses the street after a convertible Volkswagen with a rainbow daisy on the hood passes.

She'd agonized over her outfit, scanning countless photos taken from inside the Cicada and deciding on black designer skinny jeans and a colorful blouse only buttoned at the breast, and then flared out extravagantly leaving her midriff bare in an inverted vee. Her hair was updo held in place by two long silver chopsticks, and silver earnings dangling more than she would typically go. Her eyes were lined in silver too, which was also quite unusual for her.

She was trying to look casual night out but her wardrobe contained very little that wasn't designer, so the effect might be less than strictly casual.

She scopes the bar, feeling the eyes upon her, and when seeing Bree dressed even more causally, chocks up a win. You never want to under dress when invited out.

She takes a circuitous route around, casing the Cicada. Here was a duel of sorts about to take place, and she wanted to really know the landscape and fit in.

After deciding she knows where things are, she approaches Bree from the back. "Bree," she says as she steps beside her. She takes in the coaster on the drink and the cocktail. "What are we drinking?"

Bree Judge

bowlofspinach

Jun 5, 2023 8:17 pm
Bree Judge
GRAYBRIDGE, 4 NOV 2023
The Cicada

Bree looks up from her phone when she hears Augusta's voice. "Augusta, hey!" she greets her. The next words get stuck in her throat as her eyes wander over Augusta's outfit for a moment before she catches herself and clears her throat. "You look wow," she says with a self-conscious chuckle before gesturing to the stool next to her as she drops her phone into her purse. With a glance at her glass, she replies, "I got myself a cocktail. I forgot the name but something with pineapple. It sounded interesting. Get whatever you want. I invited you." She brushes a strand of hair behind her ear as she allows herself another moment to admire Augusta's look. "If you're still interested in trying beer, I can guarantee this place has a better selection than the last one we were at," she then says. "And I hope it'll stay a bit calmer than that place did as well. That was... freaky. And again, I'm so sorry about pepperspraying you. It really was an accident."
Jun 5, 2023 8:50 pm
GRAYBRIDGE, 4 NOV 2023
The Cicada

Augusta blushes a little, the attention apparently unexpected. It's different being on stage than one on one.

She looks at the pineapple drink, shakes her head to the beer idea, and then catches the bartenders eye and indicates she'd like one too.

"Oh my god, that pepper spray!" She laughs, and mimes spraying it right in someone's face. "That guy definitely got the right idea then, took the horniness right out of him. The guy that grabbed me, well, I aimed a lot lower and definitely got his mind off whatever poorly conceived attempt at courtship he was attempting!" She laughs once more.

"We might not be welcome back there." She feigns being devastated.

She waits for her drink to come, then says, "I have a confession. I used to date Brian Floyd."

She waffled on this and decided that gauging Bree's honest reaction to this bombshell would serve her better than some clumsy attempt at subterfuge.
Jun 6, 2023 5:27 am
GRAYBRIDGE, 4 NOV 2023
Sunny Side Up Diner

Like Augusta, Eva lamented over what to wear to her meeting. But unlike the fashion queen, the blonde’s outfits were limited to t-shirts, jeans, sneakers, cargo pants, and the odd tank top. She wore the latter right now, a yellow one with thin, straining straps, green cargo pants, and navy blue Converse All-Stars. Her whole wardrobe came from a thrift store, and while the girl had a look, no one would accuse her of having style.

"Um, yeah, and hi! Yeah. I’m meeting someone. This girl I met a few days ago. Sorry I haven’t been in for a while… I haven’t been feeling great."

It wasn’t a lie. That same gunky feeling she’d had off and on since escaping from Wyvern Lake… it was back. Whatever Tanya had given her, it hadn’t lasted.

"You okay, Dartella?" she asks. "You look tired. Long shift?"
Jun 6, 2023 3:04 pm
ANNESBURG, 4 NOV 2023
Brian Floyd's Apartment


"He's nothing if not dependable to a fault and groomed perfectly as usual."

She couldn't help but admire his physique beneath the perfectly tailored suit as he walked to the car that wasn't his. Her mind roiled with mixed emotions again. The guy had gotten under her skin to such an extent that she really had to wonder if he hadn't cast some kind of spell over her as ridiculous as that sounded. But then so was seeing through solid objects and so were goblins.

"He sure spends a lot of time on the phone and that's not his car. Let's go in and see what we can find as soon as he drives away, Dave."

Bree Judge

bowlofspinach

Jun 6, 2023 4:43 pm
Bree Judge
GRAYBRIDGE, 4 NOV 2023
The Cicada

Bree seems relieved when Augusta doesn't seem to hold the moment against her and she snorts in amusement when Augusta recounts her own defensive actions against the guy creeping on her.

Her expression grows a lot more serious when Augusta mentions her past relationship with Brian. "Brian Floyd from work?" she asks. "From Plaxo?" She searches Augusta's face. "How do you even know that I know him?" She reaches for her drink, removes the coaster and takes a sip, her expression thoughtful. "This isn't going to... Can I ask how long ago that was, and was the breakup amicable or one-sided? I just kind of need to know what I'm getting into here." She chews her lip for a moment, then says, "He's not technically my boss, but he is this really important guy at work. And if this"—she indicates between herself and Augusta—"might cause problems... I'm not going to jeopardize my career for a date."
Jun 6, 2023 4:43 pm
GRAYBRIDGE, 4 NOV 2023
Sunny Side Up Diner

"I can relate to that," Dartella replies when Eva says she hasn't been feeling well. She throws a glance out the window at the drizzling rain. "Seasonal depression can easily turn into a year-round thing in this city." As Eva follows Dartella's look, she spots Tanya arriving in the parking lot outside on her bicycle.
"Yeah, long shift. Night shift. All week," Dartella then complains. "Next week, I'll be working normal hours again, maybe we can meet one day, hang out. Let me know." She straightens up and stretches for a moment as Tanya, hair wet and messy, enters the diner. "You're looking cute, Eva. I love your style," Dartella comments, putting a hand on Eva's shoulder. The comment is slightly condescending, even if it isn't meant to be, as Dartella actually finds Eva's unconventional look and eccentricity charming. "And I'm glad you're making new friends."

Tanya Gable
She smiles at Tanya when the young woman approaches the table, quickly takes her order and then moves back towards the counter. Tanya meanwhile sits down opposite Eva, taking off her glasses and wiping them before putting them back on. "Hey there," she greets her supposed sister excitedly. "Hope I'm not late. It's pretty windy out there." Dartella returns with the cup of coffee and glass of water that Tanya ordered and puts them both down. "How have you been?" Tanya then asks Eva. "I was glad when you reached out after our talk on Wednesday."
Jun 6, 2023 7:07 pm
ANNESBURG, 4 NOV 2023
Brian Floyd's Apartment


Melissa had to pick Dave up on the way to Annesburg. Amongst his pile of eccentricities, Dave didn't own a car. The address he gave Melissa to pick him up brought her to an Asian buffet restaurant, Hu's Golden Fist, with a giant neon rooster sign across the second story front of the building. He was easy to spot standing outside the restaurant, an ugly rolled up carpet balanced across his shoulders. He put the carpet in Melissa's trunk a bit more gingerly than she would've expected before sliding into the passengers seat beside her.
The ride over to Annesburg was a bit quieter between the two than expected but not unpleasantly so. It didn't take a mind reader to tell that Dave was sort of lost in thought, as if he wanted to say something but didn't know how to go about it. He focused more as they got closer to the big high-rises that gleamed in the gentle warmth of the brisk November morning.
"Let's not be in a rush to get caught." Dave cautioned. "A 9am mugshot isn't on the itinerary. Places like this have a lot of security and we're trying not to get caught." He turned in the seat to look at her, "This isn't like on TV. Whether you know it or not, Floyd is hooked up with some dangerous people. Whether that makes him dangerous or not, I can't tell. But it does mean a lot of the people he knows are and that puts your neck on the line if something happens." As nonchalant as she's seen him about so many very serious things, this time Dave has deadly serious. "You kind of got thrust into this like Augusta did. What happened to her and what happened to you are totally different things though. What she can't handle, her Goblin form probably can. We hardly know anything about your new abilities but I'd lay odds it doesn't make you bulletproof." The concern for her was writ large on his face. "So let's take this slow and steady. Hit up some of the basics of a stake out and see what Floyd's roofie really gave you." He pulled a rolled up plastic bag out of the pocket of his longcoat. "Let's take a walk in the park across the street. I've got some stuff to try out to see maybe how your vision abilities work."
Jun 6, 2023 11:37 pm
GRAYBRIDGE, 4 NOV 2023
The Cicada


She watches Bree's face, and then nods when she says, "Plaxo", then responds, "You flashed me your phone at the Hop Spot, when he called you. I only noticed the name because I knew it. You see, I dumped him about six months ago. I was going through some personal issues, and decided it would be better to keep him out of it, lest he got hurt. I cared a lot about him. Actually, I just saw him a few days ago for the first time in a long while, as me and another of his exes met up with him to confront him about stuff. I was there to support her."

She grimaces awkwardly. "When they started to rekindle their romance right in front of me, well, let's just say I made a bit of a scene. I doubt Brian ever wants to see me again."

I'm such a bitch, why would I do this to her? Maybe because I'd want to know if I was her.

"Yes, Brian might hold a grudge against me. If you were smart, you'd keep your distance." She looks a little sad at that, as she is, she wasn't really sure she wanted to date Bree, but getting to know her would be nice.
Jun 7, 2023 1:26 pm
GRAYBRIDGE, 4 NOV 2023
Sunny Side Up Diner

Eva breathes deep for a moment, taking in the delicious smell of her breakfast. Eggs, toast and bacon, hashbrowns and coffee — one of the simple pleasures in life she has discovered makes her feel better regardless of anything that’s going on. She then nods and smiles up at Dartella when the woman mentions hanging out, and the sudden thought of I need to spend more time with Dartella, she’s cool is then compounded when the pretty, dark-skinned waitress compliments Eva’s ‘style,’ or what passes for it.

She wants to respond — wants to talk further — but then Tanya is arriving and Eva is half-rising from her seat, uncertain of how she should greet her "sister."

"Hi," she decides, nodding a greeting before sitting back down and gesturing to the other side of the red vinyl booth. As they settle in, Tanya, who seems so much more at ease than Eva does, gives Dartella her order and then dives right in to the conversation.

"You’re not late, it’s fine," Eva says, not knowing — or caring — exactly what time it is. Dartella comes and goes as they talk. "I’m okay. Good, I guess, actually. Feeling a little under the weather lately, but that’s kind of nothing new."

Further your connection with Tanya, Dave had said. No prying or pushing, just let it develop naturally.

How the hell was she supposed to do that?

"So… how’ve you been? What have you been up to? I mean, not necessarily like at… well, you know, but… I guess I mean like overall? Seen any movies or anything? Go on any… dates?"
Jun 7, 2023 4:29 pm
The Park Across From Brian's, 4 NOV 2023
Brian Floyd's Apartment


Melissa gave him some time with his thoughts as she drove. It was clear he was tussling with his thoughts. Eventually, she broke the silence.

"Um, what's in the carpet," She is puzzled and she also wonders if Dave thinks she's stupid with his lecture about not wanting to get caught.

Well duh.

"What kind of dangerous people? He seems so ... well almost perfect in some ways. What's he into?"

Nodding along with his plans about the stakeout she scrunches up her lips when Dave pulls out a plastic bag. "So some kind of test then, huh?"

Bringing the car to a halt near the park she gets out and waits for Dave as she wonders how Dave knows so much about Brian and what nasty stuff Brian is involved in.
Last edited June 7, 2023 6:47 pm

Tanya Gable

bowlofspinach

Jun 7, 2023 6:46 pm
Tanya Gable
GRAYBRIDGE, 4 NOV 2023
Sunny Side Up Diner

"Movies?" Tanya asks, surprised by this topic. "I, uhm, we sometimes have movie nights, back home. You know where. Last weekend, we watched Creature from the Black Lagoon. It was alright." At Eva's other question, she chuckles in disbelief before answering, "And when would I get the chance to date? Any time I'm not home, I'm with you or Mr. Draven. And I'm not Olivia, I don't... you know." She shrugs. "Honestly, I don't even know what my type in dating would be. I know so few people and I don't think I feel attracted to any of them. How about you?"

Bree Judge

bowlofspinach

Jun 7, 2023 6:46 pm
Bree Judge
GRAYBRIDGE, 4 NOV 2023
The Cicada

Bree lets out a sigh. "Of fucking course," she mutters. "I knew this was too good to be true." She rubs her eyes then takes another sip from her drink, her face scrunched up in thought. "Though honestly, I was more worried about getting in the middle of some ongoing break-up or something. But it's been half a year and he seems to be over you, right?" she then says, bargaining with herself. "If he's rekindled something with another one of his exes."

She looks up again, her eyes meeting Augusta's and recognizing that she doesn't seem happy about the idea of just cutting it off then and there either. "It's not like I'm his friend or work particularly closely with him, so if it's just that he has a grudge against you, that should be alright. Despite everything, he's still a professional." She clearly wants to say something else but stops herself. She hesitates, takes another sip of her drink and then adds in a serious tone, "As long as you are over him."
Jun 8, 2023 2:04 am
ANNESBURG, 4 NOV 2023
Brian Floyd's Apartment


"The carpet?" Dave replied. "Oh, just some tools we might need. Carpets are like towels; good for all kinds of things. Never know when you might need one. Figured it might come in handy." he smiled in that nefarious and totally not-reassuring way he had.
"I'll level with you. I've been following Floyd for a while trying to link him up to something that put a close friend of mine in the TANC. The stuff we were into that put him in the clink for the past ten years was ugly. The kind of ugly that involves dangerous and powerful people that have zero regard fur anything or anyone that gets in their way. Floyd works for or with those people.". He thought back to a couple of weeks ago when they'd all met up at Dark Lips, "My friend they put in the TANC was the same guy that wrecked the store where you work a couple of weeks back. They're keeping him there because he knows something but won't tell them and they can't just pry it out of his mind. At least so far they haven't. I'm trying to find out what they want to know so I can help him get out of the TANC before they find out." He hoped that help clear up some of the disconnect between Dave and Melissa on their very different views of Mr. Brian Floyd.
Getting out of Melissa's car, Dave looked around noting the faces of the people around them. That feeling of being followed still lingered around the periphery of his senses. He gestured towards the walkway around the park, letting Melissa know his intention. "You haven't talked much about your ability to see things. Tell me more about it. What do you see? When does it happen? Intentionally, by accident or under stress or?" The day was cool and blustery but not unpleasant...unlike the bone chilling wind across the bay, Annesburg felt warmer. Maybe it was the concrete absorbing and radiating the sunlight. Maybe it was the lack of humidity carrying the chill of the wind. Maybe it was just Annesburg... Dave just hoped the blowing wind would keep their conversation private in case anyone was listening in.
Jun 8, 2023 3:19 am
GRAYBRIDGE, 4 NOV 2023
The Cicada


"He's over me, if he even really liked me. It doesn't matter, even if he wanted me back, I wouldn't touch him with your boobs." She nudges the woman, touching her arm, and giggles.

"Seriously, that bridge has burned."

She gestures around the bar. "This place is nice. What draws you here? Besides the lack of cro-magnon alpha predators?"
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