Outside, Reuben sees, about half a block away, four people.

Three of them are grouped up close together.

The fourth is a man he's never seen before, at the far end of the block. An older fellow, going slightly pudgy, with overcombed gray hair, walking with a cane... intellectual-looking.

Right now, like Reuben, the man is just standing, watching and listening to the three people who are the main attraction.

So back to them.
--One is the fair-haired sailor who dropped by the constable's office this morning.
--One of them is a woman with long, straight red hair and a tight dress.
--One of them is a(nother) man Reuben's never met before, a tall, dark man wearing a hat that partially-shadows his face. Decent-looking fellow, but maybe a little sinister...


They are all speaking French (so far, anyway).

The sailor is acting like someone out for a pleasant walk, and is making idle, lighthearted chit-chat.

The redheaded woman is acting like she's surprised by the sailor, but is grateful for the fact that the sailor is providing a distraction.

The man is acting like he's annoyed as hell with the sailor for intruding on a private audience and playing third wheel while he would much rather speak to the redhead alone.

The sailor is, pretty deliberately, not taking the hint.

The sailor glances to the side and sees Reuben... Reuben can tell that she's spotted the older fellow on the other side of the trio, too (and that the older fellow has spotted Reuben, as well)...

Reuben calmly walks up, hand semi-visibly hovering over his holstered pistol and his other hand tucked in by the waistline. "Hey there." Clearly recognizing Harry, he gives a curt nod. "What's all this ruckus about? There's a poor girl in there that needs to rest."

Harry gives Reuben a cheerful wave. "Just back from a day-hike along the coast and on my way to the Widow Morgan's," she replies in English. "Bumped into these fine folk and recommended they catch the moon-rise over the ocean, if they hadn't before."

Another nod from Reuben, and he briefly glances over the other people. From the older man, to the shifty looking man, and finally landing on the woman. "I think that sounds like a marvelous idea. The rest of you care to introduce yourself? Name's Reuben. Emergency deputy, of sorts."

"I... am Regina..." says Regina, in unaccented English, giving Reuben a slightly odd look.

"...I do not choose to introduce myself at this time," says the man in the hat, glowering, in French-accented English. "I will, instead, take my leave. I expect that none will object...?"

"No," says Regina. "We may meet again on another occasion."

The man raises an eyebrow. "Of that, Regina, you may rest assured."

The man turns to leave...

Reuben glances quickly between the other people there before he wolf whistles at the man. "Hold. You wanted something from-" He glances yet again at the woman. "-Regina? Why don't you let us know what it was?"

"What I wished," the man snarls, "was a private conversation. I see that there is no chance of that at this time... So-- au revoir..." He again turns to leave, headed east, away from Reuben and Regina...

Reuben glances briefly at his pistol before removing his hand from the holster. Returning his gaze to the man, he waits until the man is out of sight before speaking. "Well, what gives me the pleasure to meet you all?"

As Regina's eyes watch the man go... her gaze shifts a little to the right as the man with the hat passes the man with the cane. "...You!" she says in surprise, apparently recognizing him (the man with the cane)...

Harry answers Reuben. "Just doing my good deed for the day. Lady looked like she wanted away from her 'friend'. Don't know either of 'em from Adam." At the woman's exclamation, Harry turns to follow her gaze. "Seems she and the Professor are already acquainted, though."

The Professor, recognized, walks over to the small group of people.

"Greetings," he says, at his most polite. "My name is Professor Everett Willoughby," he introduces himself to the redheaded woman.

"I... see..." she says cautiously. "...It is good to be formally introduced..."

Reuben, now more at ease, reaches up to tip his hat to each of the people. "That it is. I do believe this calls for an interrogation of sorts, however. Just a few quick questions to each of you." His gaze wanders from person to person several times before resting on the woman, Regina, again. "Regina. Mind if I borrow you for a few?"

Regina is certainly more relaxed, now that the other man is out of sight...

Regina raises an eyebrow. "'Borrow' me, Reuben...? Whatever can you mean...?" she says in a manner which might be playful...

A small smile hints to creep onto the corners of Reubens mouth before he composes himself. "For the interrogation, of course. This man who wanted to talk to you. I could use some information, whatever you might know." He motions with his head to go a short distance away from the rest of the group.

"It certainly is. And can I inquire about your name, Miss?" the Professor asks. "But don't let this old man keep you up, if you have more urgent matters to discuss with this gentleman," he nods towards Reuben.


If Regina and Reuben go to the side to talk,
the Professor turns to Harry.

"Long time no see. I was actually looking for you today."

The eyebrow stays raised, but takes on a new meaning, of impatience. "Perhaps you were too far away to hear, earlier, when I mentioned that my name is Regina," she says to the professor. It's clear that she'd prefer to speak with Reuben.



"Don't worry, I shan't," she says flatly.





This message was last edited by the player at 22:10, Sun 14 Oct 2018.

Reuben walks some distance away from Harry and the Professor. He now keeps his voice low enough that only Regina can hear it.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:19, Sun 14 Oct 2018.

Harry turns her attention to the Professor. "Went for a stroll after church. What'd you want to talk about?" She then lowers her voice for the Professor's ears only.

Reuben walks back to Harry and the professor, hat tilted upward. "There's no need for any further interrogations. Regina has been most helpful in uncovering this. Thank you for your patience."

Harry furrows her brow at Reuben's words. "Uncovering what? Fella laid hands on her, lady looked uncomfortable, just did my civic duty. First time I've laid eyes on either." She snorts then. "Only been here a week, and most of that working. Not much time for socializing."

Now it is Reuben who furrows his brow. "Right. Anyway, I just needed a report of the situation and I figured the offended seemed the most appropriate to question. It seems I was correct. The lady and I are off to the Sheriff's office to file the case. I've already gotten your name... Harry, right?"

Harry bobs her head once. "Harry MacLeod. M-A-C-L-E-O-D. The M and L are capitalized." Before he leaves, she asks Reuben, "Any news about the escaped fella? Figure out how he switched clothes and places with the doctor?"

Reuben glances over his shoulder as he and Regina walk away. "I've got a theory. I'm working on proving it, though."

Harry nods thoughtfully. "I've a theory of my own, but truthfully it'll sound mad." She again lowers her voice so only the Professor can hear it.

The Prof. answers Harry in a whisper.


Then he speaks to both of them:

"Who is this lady, Regina?"

Harry grunts in reply. "Was a book first? Huh."

Reuben stops and turns around. "Sorry, what's that? Don't reckon I know what you mean."

Harry glances between the two men, clearly assuming Reuben was responding to the Professor's query. "Hm? Dunno, only just met her myself."

"This lady you've been talking to, Regina. Is she from around here? Who is she?"

Reuben eyes the professor curiously, and shifts slightly. "What makes you think I've been talking to miss Regina? That's a rather odd assumption to make."

"I am standing right here, professor. I see you're being inquisitive, as usual... My origins-- like my business-- are mine. I hope I shan't be required to explain this to you a third time..."

"I am deeply sorry. Please, excuse this old man's curiosity," the Professor bows.


"I'm sorry, Mr., umm, I didn't get your name? I'm Professor Everett Willoughby. That question was for our friend Harry, but nevermind. I understand everybody is jumpy and nervous right now."

Regina stares at the professor... and then seems to lose interest in him, dismissing him from her thoughts. "I am called Regina."

She turns to Reuben, obviously eager to get back to speaking to him alone.

Reuben tips the brim of his hat. "Name's Reuben." He and Regina walk off.