Walter paid the cabbie and lifted his valise from the back seat. His duffel and cases he had checked at Grand Central Terminal. The Crescent Limited had been delayed between Baltimore and Philadelphia, so he had missed the luncheon, making due with a club sandwich and pie aboard the train. Still, he wanted to wish Uncle Leo happy birthday and there would probably be some good liquor to celebrate with.

His tropics-acclimated blood was too thin and his topcoat too light for the frigid New York weather; he shivered as he hurried up the front steps and rang the bell. He couldn’t remember the Elias’s butler’s name and wasn’t sure it was the same man from over a dozen years ago, so he just gave his name and couldn’t see any indication that it rang any bells in the rigidly correct man who took his coat and hat and refrained from looking askance at his somewhat worn, off-the-rack suit. I guess you don’t get many of these in this house, Bo thought.

Still he was admitted to the drawing room and stopped at the bar to get a very good pre-Volstead rye with soda. He was headed for the roaring fire when he spotted Leo in conversation with a very beautiful young woman across the room. Draining half the glass, he made his way toward them.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:39, Tue 15 July 2014.

 There—there across the floor.  Abraham, tumbler still in hand, caught sight of their host, Dr. Elias, in mid conversation with a woman who was without a doubt the most beautiful young lady Abraham had seen in, well, at this point in the afternoon he should’ve been able to come up with a sufficiently creative hyperbole but the Muses were plainly under siege by a tribe of barbaric Gauls out on the fringes of the Empire making all communication impossible.  Had they… had they met already?  Abraham squinted, combing his memory of the past several hours for any trace of recognition. Surely they hadn’t.  He would’ve remembered meeting her.  Abraham could admit he’d had a bit of alcohol since arriving, but he knew he couldn’t be drunk.  The last time that happened… Today was the fifteenth so that made it fifteen days ago.  Besides, he was only at the repeating the same story over and over again stage, not the giggling at the end of every sentence stage.  God help him.  This would be his last.  He made it a promise to himself.  The next glass would contain nothing but water.

Among the other familiar faces, Abraham saw some of his other cousins and distant relations.  Leonardo’s son had brought the Hargrove line back to the old trunk with Jackson mentoring Abraham’s literary talents since he’d been in his teens.   Abraham had made it halfway to Leo and the young woman at his side when he caught his cousin Walter making headway on the same course.  His lips quirked into a friendly smile which he shared with all present.  ”Leo, it’s delightful to see you once again.  I be remise if I came all this way and I forgot to wish you happy birthday.”  He said cheerfully.  ”Walter, Bo, how are you?” Abraham raised his glass to Walter in salute.  ”To Mister Andrew Volstead, aged five years and worth every second.  A dry nation, our friends on the other side of the Atlantic should take note of our success.”

”Doctor, I don’t think I’ve met the young lady.  Could I trouble you for an introduction?”  Abraham raised a quizzical eyebrow.  ”My name is Abraham Hargrove.”

The soft smooth sounds of Everybody Loves My Baby drifted from the rosewood victrola as Rosalie changed the record.  She wasn't certain how fond her uncle was of George Olsen & his music, but she kept buying him records anyhow, knowing that they'd get plenty of use at parties and family dinners.  It was always a challenge to see who she might entice to do a bit of dancing, which had always been one of her favorite vices.  As she moved through the room, she couldn't help but notice the look that her uncle threw her aunt, and it made her smile.

Even after so many years of marriage, her parents still looked at one another in that same fashion.  Perhaps it was the charm of Elias men.  She hoped, perhaps, that one day she might find the right man to shower with adoration and happiness.  In her youth, starting a family and bearing children seemed far too daunting a task for a young girl that enjoyed travel and adventure.  She recalled the days of she and her mother being dragged into places most desolate, faithfully following her father's  work.  While she had enjoyed the adventures immensely, she had a nagging suspicion that her mother much preferred the comfortable life they now led, with hearth and home stationary and stable.  To Rosalie, it was beginning to feel rather stifling.  The bitter cold winter had her longing for warm Italian villas and Grecian isles.

After refreshing her glass, the young woman drifted over to where Stanley stood nursing his drink.  Of course, being privy to the goings on of the Elias household, Rosalie was quite aware of his situation and well acquainted with his son.  Having not had the opportunity before then, she smiled softly and offered her hand in greeting.  "Mister Bishop, it is very nice to see you again.  It has been quite some time, has it not?  I was very pleased to see that you were able to return for Uncle's birthday.  Are you having a gay time?"

-----

Song Reference: http://youtu.be/R5kMFf7CsSs
This message was last edited by the player at 03:57, Tue 15 July 2014.

Well recommended from friends across the pond, Lawrence Avery had traveled to America several years ago to serve as a valet, a gentleman's personal gentleman, to Dr. Leonardo Elias. Though at times dour, he had a sharp and dry wit, and put his keen faculties to use in assisting Dr. Elias with various and sundry matters when needed in addition to running many household matters for the busy physician.

At the present moment, he made his way towards his employer, clutching a paper in hand. "Sir, I beg your pardon, but a message has arrived for you by way of telegram, and I think it is something you may wish to read," he intoned, offering the paper in the noted physician's direction.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:16, Tue 15 July 2014.

Bishop was speechless for a moment "Ah .. yes a gay time."

"It has been .. too long Miss Rosalie." Bishop said extending his large hand which engulfed hers. Seeing Rosalie was always difficult, despite only being cousins she favored Eleanor greatly, almost twins. Seeing her Bishop felt like a like a cold knife had been stuck in his heart. Bishop was grateful had long ago mastered the skill of concealing his emotions.

"I know I am a bit of a stiff, but please call me Stanley or even better Stan." Stan said mustering a smile. He mad managed to gain control of himself and took a sip of his whiskey.

"I hope you family is well." Stanley said hoping to shift the conversation in a direction in which Rosalie would do most of the talking.

As they spoke Bishop noticed Avery delivering what he over heard to be a telegram to his master Leonardo Elias. Likely from someone wishing him a happy birthday. But Stan could not help but watch him to see his reaction to the telegram out of habit.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:31, Tue 15 July 2014.

"If I'm to call you Stan, then you must call me Rosalie.  But please, no Rose or Rosie." She wrinkled her nose playfully.  Her grip was firm, but her hands were soft and warm.  "My family is quite well, thank you.  Mother and father were hear earlier, as I'm sure you saw, but I believe they've retreated upstairs for a bit of a nap before dinner."

"I believe that you are employed by the Pinkerton agency, correct?  How do you find it?"  Oblivious to his discomfort, she seemed determined to draw him into conversation.

"I only spoke with them briefly. I am glad they are well .. Rosalie." Bishop said. As usual her father had spoken to him in Arabic. Bishop had picked it up during his time in the marines, and Michael Elias enjoyed giving him a chance to dust it off.

"The work suits me, keeps me from being trapped behind a desk." Stan replied. The truth was it did suit him. Between the war and his wife's death Bishop needed to be busy all the time. but more than that he welcomed the chance the job offered to loose his rage. He was not something Bishop was very proud of, nor was he ashamed of it, it was just true.

"What about you?" Bishop asked even as he kept an eye of Avery and Leonardo.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:38, Tue 15 July 2014.

"Ah, I have been consulting with several organizations within the city, but the new acquisitions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art have taken up most of my time.  Their current curator is determined to grow their Egyptian collection this year by at least twenty percent and they don't yet have an expert on staff.  Greece was my last overseas venture, but that was several months ago." She eyed him curiously.  "Might I ask what you have been working on with the Pinkertons?  I understand it can be rather dangerous, but I have always been curious."

    Setting her drink down, Annabel rose and gave a grateful curtsey, another of the things she had her mother to thank for. She proffered her hand. "Annabel Ashcroft, It is a pleasure to meet you sir. The good Doctor here has been telling me something about you; don't worry, it's good." She gave an amused smile at that.

    She looked with interest as the servant approached. Now I wonder what that could be, I hope it's not bad news.

"Happy birthday, Leo," Walter said, extending his hand to his uncle, "It's Walter Brandon." After so many years without meeting -- years during which he knew how much his appearance had changed -- Walter wasn't sure his uncle would recognize him. If he was going to succeed in his reason for coming to New York, it was best to avoid any confusion.

The intrusion of a more-than-slightly inebriated fellow threw him a bit off his stride for a moment. Although the man greeted him by name, he couldn't place him immediately. Probably a family member, but it was a large family. Just as another man arrived with a telegram he insisted Leo read, Walter murmured some general pleasantry: "Good to see you again. How long's it been?" He raised his glass to his lips in response to the man's toast.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:55, Tue 15 July 2014.

Just moments after Leo had gestured toward Abraham, the man came towards him as if he had read Leo's mind, or at least his intentions. Leo nodded at the offered birthday wishes with a smile. "Thanks!" Leo grunted at the toast offered by Abraham, but sipped a bit of his scotch regardless. At Abraham's suggestion, he turned to introduce him to Annabel only to discover that Annabel was introducing herself. He closed his gaping mouth after only a moment's pause then turned toward his trusted valet, Lawrence who had requested Leo attend an apparently important matter. Leo withdrew a few steps from the Annabel/Abraham conversation to see what Lawrence might have discovered.

Leonardo read the missive once, then cocked his head slightly to the side and read it through again, this time punctuating the last sentence with a smile. He slid a few more steps toward Catherine and handed her the telegram so that she could read it when she had a break in the conversation.

He then returned to see Bo striding toward him, greeting his nephew with a smile. He took the offered hand and gave it a firm shake. "Thank you, Walter." The man had certainly changed a bit, his face now weathered by travel, but his eyes were still the same as Leo recalled from Walter's youth. "It's great to see you again! What brings you back to these parts? Not just an old man's birthday, I suspect."

Walter managed a grin for his uncle. "I guess I thought I was homesick," he said, "But then I got a load of the weather and now I'm not so sure.

"I am glad to be here to wish you many happy returns though."

He began a slow scan around the room, asking, "Say, where's Jackson?"

Leo nodded at his nephew, agreeing with all that he said. "The frigid temperatures when the days are short provide greater appreciation of the warmth when daylight is in abundance. As for Jackie - he hasn't yet returned, but I do expect him to make an appearance. He nearly always does."

Leo raised an eyebrow as his face turned inquisitive. "I know you've been away a bit, but have you kept up with the news of your old squad? That Koppisch and Gehrig pairing in the backfield has been quite potent."

Abraham left little doubt with his less than subtle remarks that his recent thoughts about giving up on scotch for the rest of the afternoon would be advisable.  Poor behavior under the influence might easily turn habitual.  Abraham wouldn’t be the first among his generation to succumb to alcoholism.  Wasn’t it better to be boisterous and more than a tad crass than perpetually dower?  However, Abraham’s faculties had begun to suffer, his humor and good sense to keep a inane remark from slipping out of his mouth included.

He found himself smiling easily.  The past was like the carcass of a fallen comrade he carried over his shoulder, marching onward through the new world with the reek of despair and disaster whipping at his nose.  Alcohol helped.  ”I do so hope he has.” Abraham replied. ”Some of the things that have been getting back to me have not been pleasant.” His voice was tinged with the syllabic lilt of alcohol.  ”I think that I need to sit down before,” he hickuped, closing his eyes and shaking his head in a vain attempt to clear his thoughts before continuing, ”I do something terrible.”  However, he didn’t immediately go to sit down.  ”Annabel, I’m afraid I might have worn out any good will Leo’s words earned me.  Please, I am sorry.”  If he could keep his apology from repeating itself over and over again, he’d be making good progress.  Abraham caught one of the Doctor’s staff as they were passing nearby and while handing his glass over asked if he could get some water and something from the kitchen.  How many social faux pas could he make in one afternoon? ”Miss Ashcroft, if I could ask, how do you know the Doctor?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:46, Tue 15 July 2014.

  Annabel watched the stranger's antics unsure of what to do. Back home if something like this happened at a function, Mother would whisk her precious daughters away like a protective mother hen. But there was no mother now, only Annabel herself and her sense, of which she had common or none had yet to be determined. Sighing, she gave Mr. Hargrove a sympathetic smile and said a bit chidingly. "Mr. Hargrove I know the wine is good, but I think it might be a good idea to stop for now, or else you might fall over and forget you had ever met me. and that would be an awful shame, for you that is," giving him a mirthful look. "Come, sit here," gesturing at the chair she had just relinquished. "Maybe some coffee and something to eat would help. To answer your question, I am his assistant, helping him out with his work."

"It is mostly watching , waiting and paperwork." Bishop said. It was mostly true. Though there were times when things were far more exciting. He had learned that while people think that his business was very exciting the truth was if they learned the truth they generally found it either dull or were repulsed by the violence involved. "But more interesting than practicing law."

"I am glad to hear you followed in your father's footsteps. I always enjoyed seeing ancient places when I was in the corps. Saw some amazing places. Bet you have seen some wonderful things." Bishop said again shifting the conversation back to her.

Already keeping an eye on Dr. Elias, Bishop could not help but notice that one of those in attendance had already imbibed too much.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:10, Wed 16 July 2014.

There wasn’t any way he could argue with her.  Okay, so that statement didn’t give him credit.  When he chose, Abraham could be quite persuasive. Faith, here’s an equivocator. And so on and so on.  God bless the Bard.   In this case, Abraham knew one side of the argument held a favorable outcome and other… it wasn’t so bad being a fool.  Laughter, even when laughing alone, could extinguish all sorts of troubling reminders.

Gratefully, he sat down, a weak smile on his lips and eyes glazed with a watery film familiar to many who frequented the city’s illicit speakeasies.  Although one could claim to forget everything done while under the influence, sometimes one’s antics remained behind and even though one claimed to forget, the shame of memory with give the lie to that statement.  ”Thank you, Miss Ashcroft.  A shame, yes, I’m sure it would be.” His gaze steadied on a lamp on the other side of the room.  ”Coffee after the water.  This may shock you, but this isn’t the first time I’ve got like this.”  Abraham switched tracks.  ”Ah, a fine occupation.  His practice has been around for some time.  There is a lot you could learn from him though the patience you’re bringing will no doubt be a great asset.  How do you like the work?”

"Yes, some very wonderful things.  But most do not realize that studying archeological finds is mostly cleaning, cataloging, and paperwork.  I could go on and on about vases, urns, and ancient tablets, but it would likely bore you to tears." She paused as she took another sip of wine, briefly glancing to the others in the room.  When she turned back to Stan, there was a glimmer of amusement in her eyes.  "My uncle loves the attention, you know.  He always enjoys these parties so much, especially when old friends show up.  I am glad that you were free and could come.  Did you take time off from work to be here or are you between assignments?"

Taking the telegram from her husband, with a soft touch on his hand as he passed, she finished up her conversation and went over to stand next to the fireplace to read it and see what had made her husband smile so. As she read its contents, she found herself smiling as well, walking back over to her husband's side in time to hear Walter's question.

"Well, apparently in New York," she said aloud.

"Jackson is scheduled to arrive today - though I daresay, he'll likely be off again soon on some witch hunt or another," she said playfully, obviously feigning indignation at her son's soon to be arrival and subsequent absence, though it was clear that her voice was full of warmth and a mother's love.

"It says here he's onto something about that Carlyle Expedition, and that he's asking his father to put together an investigative team. Here, have a look," she said, holding out the message for whoever would have it.

---

Everyone make a Know roll, and post your results here in small Aqua text.

When using the Dice Roller, please label your rolls using the Reason for Roll box. When making a d100 roll, please note what you are rolling, and what your skill is. For example, if you have a Credit Rating of 65 and you're rolling it, the dice roller should read similar to the following format:
18:14, Today: Jackson Elias rolled 27 using 1d100 with rolls of 27. Credit Rating (65).

This lets me easily look at the roll and see whether you passed or failed.
This message was last updated by the player at 03:37, Wed 16 July 2014.

"I don't know I am getting to be a bit of a relic myself." Bishop said dryly. But as he spoke he realized he was enjoying this chat. That made him feel a bit guilty.

"Growing up in this house I always loved these parties. I was not up here, but there were always lots of leftovers and Jackson and I always managed to have some fun. I remember coming home a newly commissioned officer and Leonardo throwing a party in my honor .." Stan said remembering the night fondly. He had seen Eleanor many times before that day, but that was the first time they had spoken.

But Catherine's word cut off Bishop's words.

20:58, Today: Stanley Bishop rolled 36 using 1d100 with rolls of 36. knowledge test 65.

The news that Jackson was in town was welcome. Bishop had hoped to see his old friend. It had been too long.

The mention of the Carlyle Expedition was not really a surprise. Jackson always had his nose into something.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:05, Wed 16 July 2014.

She followed Stanley's attention to her Aunt and the telegraph she held.  One eyebrow quirked.  "The Carlyle Expedition?  What has he gotten himself into now?"

Eyes on Stanley again, she smirked.  "Jackson always has a way of dragging people into having fun whether they like it or not.  He also has a way of getting himself and everyone around him into trouble."



21:17, Today: Rosalie Elias rolled 20 using 1d100 with rolls of 20. Knowledge (85).

"Aunt Catherine--" Walter began as she joined them, but was unable to continue. He had forgotten how much his mother had resembled her. Had she lived, she might have looked very like her sister, Jackson's mother.

When she returned to reveal the contents of the telegram, he had mastered his emotions enough to say: "You're looking marvelously well, Aunt Catherine."

"I knew Jackson planned to be here today," he added as others expressed their surprise, "I had a letter from him saying he'd have a proposition for me if I could be here. I could use the work."


00:18, Today: Walter 'Bo' Brandon rolled 52 using 1d100 for Know 60.

Stan looked at Rosalie and replied "He does seem to have a gift for it."

"Doctor Elias, sounds like it is right down my alley. When do we start?" Bishop said as he put down his glass and stepped forward. Bishop had a gift of his own, if there was going to be trouble he was going to be of the middle of it.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:50, Wed 16 July 2014.

In reply to Abraham Hargrove (msg # 25):


   Annabel watched as Mr. Hargrove took a seat. He really didn't look too good; why do people do that to themselves she would probably never understand. Hopefully the waiter would bring that water soon. In the mean time, she humored him.

  "Really Mr. Hargrove," she said feigning surprise; "well if it makes you like this why do you do it? It can't possibly bring you much comfort."

  "To answer your question, I enjoy it well enough. I sort of fell into it, as a means to get away from my family and it has worked out well. Dr. Elias is a good person and I have learned much from him."

     She stopped as Dr. Elias's wife Catherine read the telegram. It was good news for the family. This expedition sounded interesting but it was nothing she would end up dealing with; others though looked more keen to find out more.

  "That's good news for the family isn't it Mr. Hargrove. Do you think you might be interested in that expedition; maybe you can lend a hand."


07:04, Today: Annabel Ashcroft rolled 13 using 1d100 with rolls of 13. know (60).

As his wife appeared ready to make known the contents of the telegram, Leo gave an Walter an apologetic look and held up a hand to forestall any further discussion of the Columbia footballers. He glided a step closer to his wife and placed a supportive hand on the small of her back as she divulged the information concerning their son.

He looked at the others as they heard the news, and his face registered surprise when some of those in attendance began to volunteer. He was particularly interested in the fact that Walter knew that Jackson planned to return today.

"When do we get started? Well...he's requesting that I assemble an investigative team for him, though I daresay I could use some help with that. Though honestly, if he's going to be here today I don't imagine there's much more that I can assemble before the evening is out. I'm happy that I'll be able to present at least two that have offered their services. I wonder why there was a two day delay in the delivery of this telegram, it was dated the thirteenth..." Leo's face became clouded, then he frowned briefly before he shrugged.

"Yes, I think that Stanley and Walter make an excellent and reliable investigative team. As for dear Rosie's comments about his penchant for danger, he's never really gotten himself into that much trouble, has he?" The question was mostly rhetorical, though Leo did pause a moment to see if anyone disagreed. "At any rate, he should be here soon and he can sort it out. If any of you know of other reliable people, let me know who they might be. I can create a list of possibilities for Jackie so that he can begin assemblage of his team quickly. But hopefully not until he shares a drink with his old man."


_{07:50, Today: Dr. Leonardo Elias rolled 28 using 1d100 with rolls of 28. Know (75)}