Stefan and Jacob:

You, Jacob, and Ian arrive in short order to the tailor's shop. Ian asking you questions about the occult along the way. He seems to have a decent knowledge of the subject, though he is clearly more of a hunter than a man of letters. The shop itself is rather small and humble. It is on the fringe of the cheap side of town and when you enter you are the only customers. A man of about thirty looks up from where he sits at the counter. He has been reading and is clearly surprised to see you. He does not match the description or photo of Bently. This must be his assistant. Ah! Good morning fine sirs! How may I be of assistance?! He is clearly very excited to have customers.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:21, Sun 10 Nov 2013.

Stefan there a moment look the place over trying to get a feel for the place, as well as see if he could feel any protective spells or such. He then looked at the man and smiled. "Good day my good man. My cousin told me about dhis little shop an da proprietor a it. He said I should stop in for a fittin. I vas vondering if I could speak vith him."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:30, Sun 10 Nov 2013.

Of course! Of course! Give me one moment sir! The man exclaims as he practically rushes down to the cellar, presumably to find Mr. Bently. While he's gone Ian gives a grin. You'd think a warlock or whatever you want to call him, could do better than this. Maybe the downstairs isn't as pathetic. He shakes his head. Well, I guess now is our chance to start lookin! He proceeds to begin to search, putting Jacob as lookout. The way he was rushin I'm sure he'll be back here in two tics.

You manage to to spot a couple of things of note but mostly it is as one would expect in a tailor's shop. You do see a book on the counter that is about architecture in ancient Samaria. There is a bookmark in it as though someone is reading it. You also see that the walls are freshly painted. Possibly nothing, but worth noting considering the rest of the place is quite run down. It seems odd that the paint should be so important. You do not sense anything magical or occult related currently being done however. After a moment Jacob gives a grunt and the assistant returns along with a middle aged man who looks rather weary. He gives a bright smile upon seeing you though. Good morning Gentlemen! Who is the sir in need of a fitting? Or perhaps more than one of you need my services? He says hopefully.

Stefan looked at Ian shaking his head at the comment. "It is not vise ta advertise vun deals in da occult. I am sure dhat da basement vould be interestin."

Stefan checked the bookmark and the book. He closed it and waited for the men to return. he gave the man a bow. "I vould be da gentleman dhat be looking for you. Allow me ta introduce myself. I am Dr. Stefan Von Stein. I am new ta da States an am in need a couple evening suits. I vould like one for da opera and one for evening entertaining. Can you accommodate me?"

Stefan looked the man over closely.

The book is greatly detailed and goes a lot into the religious symbols involved in ancient architecture. As an occultist you recognize many of them. Interesting reading for a tailor....

Mr Bently looks delighted with the order. Yes! Yes of course good sir! If you wish to come to my fitting room I would be happy to get started on the measurements! Did you have any particular requests? He starts to ask the usual questions even as he throws open the door to the fitting room and begins to roll up his sleeves. Jacob and Ian are left in the main room, awkwardly awaiting your return. As he begins his measurements, Mr. Bently makes small talk with you about this and that. You look to be a very distinguished genteman Mr. Stein. Are you married by any chance?

In reply to Artemis (msg # 5):

Stefan looked at the two men with him. "Ian, vill you be needing a suit, as vell? If so, ve should get dhis done vhile 'ere." He looked at Jacob and looked at the basement winking.

Stefan removed his jacket and let that man began. "I am a doctor an 'ave not yet found a voman for me. Vhy do you ask?"

Ian takes the hint and joins you, declaring he would like a new vest and trousers. He certainly looks like he could use them too. Mr Bently gives a small shrug at the question. I try to get to know my clients before I create for them. You see, if a man is married, no doubt his wife has some kind of opinion on what his attire should be like. I wanted to make sure I did it right from the beginning so as not to have your wife send you back should it not be to her liking. Perhaps I am too cynical. My own wife, however, is very prone to doing such things in all the businesses she patronizes. Nothing is ever quite up to her standards unless it is the most fashionable and up to date. He gives a small sigh. Forgive me. I do not mean to complain of my wife. She's just been, a bit overbearing as of late. You should enjoy your single years while you can. Heaven knows I remember mine fondly. He gives a laugh.

Stefan nodded in understanding."As I said I do not 'ave a vife. My vork keeps me very busy. I vould guess dhat a man vith a talent an business, as yourself must keep 'imself busy in odher vays. As I said I am new ta da states an alvays looking for some stimulating entertainment." He looked at the man waiting.

The tailor looks pleased at the question, as though happy to be asked his opinion on anything. Well, there are certainly many options for a man such as yourself. Pool halls, the opera, many pubs and similar establishments. There are also many opportunities to gamble and enjoy other...pleasures as I've heard some men enjoy. If you prefer something more civilized there are many theaters or clubs you may enjoy. My wife is hosting a banquet for her charity this very night in attempts to raise funds for the needy. I don't know if that's the kind of social engagements you were hoping for but I offer you and your fellows invitations should you wish. The conversation is always lively and there are many women who are available should you wish to rectify your wifelessness. He adds with a grin.

Stefan listened somewhat interested. "Interesting, vhat vould dhis charity be? I 'ave a free clinic back 'ome. As for a vife I fear I vould neglect 'er too much for 'er to be plesed or 'appy."

Stefan: The tailor gives an agreeable nod as he continues his measurements. Well at least you are wise enough to know that before you get into something as binding as marriage. He shakes his head. If I had been thinking clearer, I would have done a lot of things differently. He admits. As for the charity, it is to raise funds for widows and orphans. They have a silent auction of goods and services as well as a dinner provided for a minimal cost. The entertainment is surprisingly good. My wife always makes sure these events are worth attending. I can put you on the list if you like. He offers kindly.

John and Kimi: You arrive outside of the tailor's shop, which is quite small looking. Lily turns towards you both. Well, he could be there and he could be at the house. Let's try here first and see. We don't want him knowing we are spying on him, so I think we'd better send John in alone. He hasn't met him yet after all. As for you and I Kimi, what say we go see if the basement is accessible? She turns to John as an afterthought. He's a Scotsman by the way. With dark hair and attractive features. He's very friendly so I'm sure you won't have any trouble talking to him. If he's even there that is. See if you can determine any familiarity between him and the tailor. If they are both involved in the Hand, you may pick something up.

ooc: Assuming Kimi is going to join her checking out the basement, I will need hide and move quietly checks from you please as well as your intentions.

(and we're going to the basement of where? the tailor shop? the tailor's house?)

09:33, Today: Kimi-Yuka Noriko rolled 25 using 1d20+6. Hide check.
09:34, Today: Kimi-Yuka Noriko rolled 15 using 1d20+5. Move Silently.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:35, Mon 18 Nov 2013.

Stefan nod . "Yes, I dhink dhis vould be a excellent vay to enjoy an evening. I am sure dhat dhose a society vill  be attending. It vill give me a chance to meet so.e a dhem. I dhank ya."

Kimi: pm

Stefan: From what you can tell the man is quite innocent looking. However, he does look tired and a bit haggard. Why, you don't know but he looks like a man who has very little self confidence and who always looks to be frightened of something. Delightful! I will jot down the address for you before you leave. I shall add your name on the guest list. Will you and your companion be attending as well? The question is directed to Ian who gives a nod. Oh, I did forget to mention that it is formal attire tonight. I realize you may be in need of something since you require my services after all. If you need, I can loan you some attire?

Kimi went with Lily to find a way into the basement.  They circled the establishment looking for a way to breach it's security.

Lily moves quickly and quietly around the back of the building. The woman always had been remarkably quiet when she wanted to be. A skill her people had taught her, or so she'd informed you before. The back of the building is quite littered with debris and garbage that no one has bothered to take care of. The cellar doors look cracked and old, but they are easily accessible. She carefully opens one an inch or so and peers in. It appears to be dark. I say we leave this door open, take a quick look around and then leave the way we came. There should be light enough from the door that we don't need to turn anything on and attract attention. She suggests. After a moment she pauses. Kimi- you don't think Ian is actually guilty do you?

As she approaches behind Lily, she stops. "It is my belief that there is an attempt to discredit Mr Ian.  Why I am uncertain."

In reply to Artemis (msg # 14):

Stefan shakes his head. "I 'ave brought some evening attire vith me, but vas told I should come 'ere, if I vas in da area. As for my companions I can not say. Ve vill see. I do look forvard ta dhis."

Stefan now looked at the man from a medical stand point.

John nodded at the two women and headed inside the tailors shop removing his hat as he entered the establishment. The Ex-Ranger looked around the shop as he approached the front desk. "Excuse me sir, but Ah'm in town on some sad business, a funeral. And Ah'm afraid Ah got one of the clumsy bellboys at mah hotel and Ah happened to come in on a rainy day and mah suit was ruined and I kent be arrivin in mah travelin clothes."

Kimi peered passed Lily into the gloom, it was times like this she wished she could detect the presence of special items.  She moved passed the Indian Maiden into the basement, squeezing through the opening as best she could.

John: You see a dark rugged looking fellow sitting by the window. He notes you with a glance and then turns his attention back outside. He does not match Ian's description, likely he is just a waiting customer. In the meantime, the assistant looks overjoyed to have another customer, but quickly masks his pleasure upon hearing it is because you need funeral attire. We will be happy to accommodate you good sir! I am so sorry for your misfortune! We are currently helping two others, but they should be done with their measurements soon. If you are comfortable with it, I can send you in as well? He offers.

Stefan: As the tailor starts his work on Ian you see he is quite pale, thin, and has circles under his eyes. He does not move with weakness though, making you think that perhaps he is more sleep deprived than anything else. Habitually so from the looks of it. In the background you can hear the shop door open and close, as though admitting another customer perhaps.

Kimi: I hope you're right. Lily frowns. Ian is one of the few people who don't irritate me beyond comprehension. Naturally you are another example. She adds with a grin. As you look around the basement you see that much of it is filled with the usual types of things you would expect to see, such as sewing supplies, yards of fabric and the like. You do come across some crates though, which appear to be marked for shipment. It looks dated and ready to be sent that night to a ship by the name of "The Regent." Do we dare try to open it? Lily says uncertainly.

Stefan makes a few mental notes about the tailor, as well as about the up coming charity event. He was curious to meet the wife of the tailor. He has some thoughts on her, but he would not know till he meet her. He lets the man go about his business curious about the increase in the business today since it did not seem they were too often.

Kimi looks at Lily with a gleam in her eye. "Oh yes Miss Lily, we will open it." She looks around for something to pry open the crate.

Ian looks a bit impatient as the tailor takes his measurements. He keeps eying the door as though he wants to take a look at whoever came in. Using almost humorously exaggerated facial expressions he hints for you to take a peek, making sure that Mr. Bently does not notice. Well, seeing as how you're done Stefan, perhaps you could go check on Jacob? He must be bored out of his mind. He trails off giving you a rather intent look. It's actually rather amusing how hard he's trying to communicate the obvious.

Lily gives a laugh at your words and looks around trying to find something to help. She manages to find a crowbar and starts to hand it to you but suddenly slips on a loose piece of paper and falls into a shelf of jars which come crashing down thunderously loud around her. On top of this she lets out the most vile string of curse words you know in the English language, as well as some in her native tongue. Run! Run-run-run!!! She hisses and immediately books it for the still open cellar door.


ooc: Guess who got a 1 on her move silently check? ;P

Everyone: In the middle of everything you hear a horrendous crash from downstairs followed by a woman cursing so violently it almost makes you blush.

Hearing voices upstairs, she quickly looked around for a hiding spot, she needed to know what Ian was doing.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:21, Mon 25 Nov 2013.

Kimi: ooc: Make a damage roll against the box. Remember, you are unarmed for this so make sure you use the proper hit die, etc and add your strength modifier.

In reply to Artemis (msg # 26):

Stefan gives Ian a nod, but is startled by the crash and the cursing. He looks quickly to the tailor and makes his way out of the fitting room towards the direction of the cursing.

Kimi: You manage to find a decent hiding place in a crevice behind the crates. Lily sees you hide, looks like she wants to stay but has no time to hide so she books it out of the cellar, leaving the door open. Her scrambling is almost comical and under other circumstances you may be tempted to laugh for the woman's face is truly amusing she is so panicked. It is quite rare for the Native woman to make a mistake like this, so no doubt she will be quite embarrassed when you meet up with her again. In the meantime, you cannot see from your location, but you can hear the quick entry of those upstairs.

Stefan/John: Mr. Bently hears the noise, as does his assistant, and they rush all at once to the basement. That sounded like a burgler! Bently growls, grabbing a pair of wicked looking scissors. He flings open the door and you see a cluttered storeroom of sorts with various crates and yards of material and the like. The cellar door has been left open and the sunlight is streaming through. Various broken jars litter the ground from where they were knocked off a shelf. Bently gives a frustrated snarl and runs outside in an effort to find the intruder. His assistant starts to clean up the glass, apologizing awkwardly.

ooc: Roll spots please

Stefan follows the tailor down and noticed the mess. He was curious as to what someone might want in here, as he looked around. "Did dhey take anydhing?"

As he heard the loud crash John had to keep himself from cursing aloud. He followed after the tailor heading towards the basement with a pair of scissors in his hand. "Sir, the burglar may still be there and could be dangerous, I was a lawman back home,  a texas ranger. Maybe ye should let me go first."

Kimi held her breath as the men came down the stairs.  She did her best to remain concealed.

Mr. Bently shakes his head at Stefan's question. As far as I can tell everything is intact. Broke a lot of my glassware though. He adds sourly. There's a lot of thieves in this part of town unfortunately. I'm thinking one of them thought I had something of value down here. I don't know how they could get out of here so quickly. It sounded like a woman to me. Did you hear her too? He demands. I'm sorry if I lost my temper during all of this. I just don't take kindly to thievery. His voice sounds bitter and you realize that perhaps there is a bit more danger to this man than is obvious at first meeting.

John: (ooc: I rolled a spot for you to save time)
As you survey the scene you can see just the barest corner of Kimi's dress peeking out from behind some crates. You aren't sure if Lily is still here too or not, but it would be best if Bently and Ian did not know of her presence.

Kimi: You can hear everything they are saying and it is all you can do not to hold your breath for fear of them hearing you. So far though, you remain undetected as far as you can tell.

In reply to Artemis (msg # 34):

Stefan looked at the man sympathetically. "I understand completely." He bent down to pick up one of the jars and set back in place. "Allow me ta 'elp. Ve can clean dhis up quickly." He looked at the content and bent to pick up another. Again he looked at the content.

Stefan: You recognize many of the contents instantly. They are a wide variety of herbs and substances. Some are used for common home remedies, such as tooth aches and colds. Others are a bit more...exotic. It doesn't take an occultist to recognize them as involved in spells and hexes, but with your expertise you see exactly how these are used and this looks like they belong to someone quite advanced in such practices. Seeing you examine them, the tailor gives you an unreadable look and explains, Ah. I see you've come across some of my wife's remedies. She insists on keeping them here so as not to clutter the house. Perhaps now that she sees how prone they can be to damage she'll finally rid the place of the mess.

His wife? Kimi makes a note to "bump" into her.

John moved to pick up the mess closest to Kimi careful not to look directly at her. "Ah'll help as well sir, Ah'd suggest letting tha police know too, just in case."

When John comes close she watches to see what he does.  Does he know she's there?  She can't be sure.  She does not move, but watches him as he tends to the broken things.

Bently gives a nod at John's advice. Oh to be sure. I have friends amongst the police. They should be able to look into it for me. I only wish I had caught a glimpse of the thief. Well, at least this should keep anyone from getting in too easily. I thought during the day I would have been safe at least, but it looks like I underestimated the desperation of the poor. As he speaks he takes out a lock and closes the cellar doors, locking them roughly and putting the key in his waistcoat pocket. John and Kimi, you are acutely aware that he has just locked Kimi in. The only way out now is upstairs, or trying to pick the lock later in the dark when everyone has gone. Well, no sense lingering. Thank you for your help. Let us go upstairs and finish our business shall we?

John- You notice Ian's eyes flick to Kimi's hiding place. Did he see her too or is it just a coincidence?

In reply to Artemis (msg # 36):

Stefan nods. "I vould dhink it vould be best ta keep such dhings vhere dhey can be kept an eye on. I am sure she vill be doing dhat after you tell 'er about dhis."

Stefan noticed Ian and winks. He follows them up and looks at Ian, then to the cellar door. He gives a slight nod and makes an unlocking motion with his hand behind his back to him.

Stefan steps back into the fitting room to await the tailor to finish his measurements. He makes a few mental notes mostly about the party and the tailors wife, who is more than likely the one that they are looking for. He also wonders who it is that is still down there and why.

Kimi is not sure if she's been made or not, but as soon as the men go back upstairs, she moves from her hiding spot.  She needed to know what's in that box, is it the hand?  If it is she needs to get it back to the stores.

Moving forward, she looks around carefully to see if anyone stayed behind.

Ian announces that he will stay down and finish cleaning up the glass, insisting even as Bently tries to dissuade him. I'll only be a moment. I think there was some that went into the corner. He explains. As everyone else files up he quickly goes to the lock and deftly picks it with a lock pick set he pulls from his belt. He doesn't turn around as he does so, but he addresses Kimi: I don't know what you're doing here Kimi, but I'll scold you later. Was that Lily I heard? No one swears quite like her. I don't know why you're muddling in my investigation, but as you can see I have things under control. I'll talk to you back at headquarters. His voice is firm and frustrated, but still kind. His version of scolding is more likely to be offering you a drink and playing a game of darts. Still, you are unhappy he has seen you. He moves quickly, already headed back towards the stairs.

Stefan: Bently is visibly distracted as he finishes up your measurements. Clearly he is uncomfortable with Ian down there alone. He will be finished soon though and then it will be time to reconvene at headquarters. Jacob watches silently, clearly awaiting Ian's return as well.

ooc: I'm going to be finishing up with the tailor soon. Stefan and John go ahead and state your general intentions at the tailor. Kimi, feel free to explore in the cellar but I will need move silently checks and let me know your response to Ian.

Upon returning upstairs John excused himself on account of other business, promising the tailor he would be back. A promise he intended in keeping, after all a man had to look good for his own funeral. Once he was out he took a roundabout way back to the men of letters headquarters.

In reply to Artemis (msg # 43):

Stefan noticed how distracted the tailor is and shakes his head. "You 'ave nodhing ta fear. 'E vill not steal anydhing. You 'ave my vord on dhat. Vhat you 'ave down dhere 'e 'as seen before, as I am a practitioner, as vell. I look forvard ta speakin vidh your vife. 'Ow soon vill da suits be done?"

Stefan waits patiently as the man.

Kimi keeps her countenance steady when Ian speaks, she does not give away her thoughts.  Let him speak, she is here at the behest of Mr Brooks.  When he leaves, she does move about, looking for anything out of the ordinary.  The crate is especially interesting to her.

01:00, Today: Kimi-Yuka Noriko rolled 14 using 1d20+5. Move Silently.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:00, Tue 10 Dec 2013.

ooc: I'm going to roll everyone's listen checks to save time and see who may or may not hear Kimi :D

ic:
Jacob/Stefan:
Bently gives Stefan a startled look and mutters some kind of denial, but he looks rather shaken as he answers the question on the suits. Uh, two days. I will have them in two days. He informs you. In the meantime you hear movement from downstairs but Ian has already returned so it cannot be him. You seem to be the only one to hear it but Ian catches your eye and shakes his head as if to say, ' don't worry about it.' You will have to ask him about it later. You bid your goodbye's to the tailor and step outside. Ian has a frustrated look on his face as he stalks towards headquarters, expecting you to follow. Well, that could have gone better. He sighs. It seems there are a couple of agents that were sent to follow us. Why, I do not know, but I am a bit put out about it. We could have handled it on our own and they made a mess of things in that cellar. Well Stefan, did you notice anything? I saw you examining those jars.

John: As you head back in the general direction of the Men of Letters, Lily appears from around a corner and grabs your arm, pulling you out of the street. Did Kimi make it out? Is everything alright?! She demands. She is blushing furiously and you can only surmise that she's the one who knocked over the jars. That went absolutely horribly. I'm SOOOOO angry! She growls. I never do that! Aaaarg! She looks like she wants to hit something.

Kimi:
As far as you know no one has heard you. The crate is fairly easy to get open as some of them have not been nailed down yet and after a quick search you find the contents easy to search. It appears to be scrolls. Dozens of them and they seem to be in all manner of languages. From what you can surmise just at first glance they are in Latin, Sumerian, Babylonian, etc. What they are for you don't really have time to decipher. After all, it's only a matter of time before someone comes back downstairs.

Kimi is suspicious of the scrolls so will take the one that seems to be in latin.  She will stuff it in her clothing.  Again, she will look around for anything else suspicious, something that MIGHT hold the hand.

In reply to Artemis (msg # 47):

Stefan looks at Ian curiously. "Vhy would dhey do such dhings? Do you dhink dhis vas da vork of da traitor in our groups doing? As for vhat I seen down dhere. It vould seem dhat da tailors vife is a practitioner of da arts. I look forvard to meeting 'er at dhis charity party. Did you find anydhing down dhere beside dhe odher vatching us?"

Kimi: So far other than the herbs which the foreign man identified already you see nothing of note besides the scrolls. Fortunately leaving should be easy thanks to Ian, but you will want to try to do it quietly when you do.

Stefan/Jacob:

Ian frowns and shakes his head. I know Kimi very well. I would cut my hand off before I believed her capable of being a traitor. I do wonder why she's here though. I'll question her when we get back. We do have a banquet to get ready for after all. I have a feeling that Bently's wife may be involved as well. We will want to be prepared. He turns to Jacob. Remind me to upgrade your weapons when we return. It makes hunting so much easier. He gives a grin.

Kimi could find nothing that piqued her interest, except the herbs, she grabbed the one that had seemed to interest the other man that had been here, then moved to the cellar doors to leave.

12:15, Today: Kimi-Yuka Noriko rolled 14 using 1d20+5. Move Silently.

In reply to Artemis (msg # 50):

Stefan listens to Ian. "I did not mean she might be da traitor. She may have been sent 'ere by da traitor. It vill be very interesting dhis charity event. It vould be best ta keep an eye on 'is vife an da people she speaks vith."

ooc: Kimi/Jacob/Stefan
Alright, I'm going to move you guys back to the original thread now, so if you have anything to finish here go ahead but there will be a post for you in chapter one. John, you are still here for the time being.




Kimi: You head back to the men of letters but do not run across Lily and John yet. She may have taken a different route or she could already be there. Headquarters are rather large and it is not uncommon to have difficulty in finding another person if you aren't sure where they will be.

Stefan: Ian gives a nod, frowning in contemplation. It is clear he is greatly bothered by what happened at the tailor's and it is distracting him. Well, we'd better go report our suspicions. He says shaking his head.

In reply to Artemis (msg # 47):

John looked over as Lily grabbed him. "She's still in there last I checked but the tailor didn't notice her. We'll need to come back later to let her out, preferably under cover of night."

Lily looks up sharply, guilt obvious on her face. Well, if anyone can get out of there on her own its Kimi. We should head back to headquarters. If she's not back by this evening we will go and get her. Did you discover anything or did I ruin it all for you? She asks with a scowl, though you sense she means it for herself. You walk as you talk and as you head back to the warehouse you see a young woman walking down the street looking at the shops distractedly. She is beautiful and what's more, familiar. Alarmingly so. She heads in your general direction, though she is still a ways off. Suddenly she turns to look at you directly and your breath catches in your throat. Dina. Impossible.

John stopped dead in his tracks as he saw the woman heading his way. Any response to Lily gone as he stood there rooted I that spot. "No that- that can't be."

Lily looks at you in confusion. What are you talking about? She demands, trying to see what you are looking at. Dina stares at you a long moment, her face unreadable but it is clear she sees you. Your eyes lock and then she very calmly walks into a shop without a second glance.

John didn't even hear Lily speak as he watched his dead wife. "No that's impossible." John ran forward as she entered the shop trying desperately to catch up with her."

You go into the shop and see that it is a shop of figurines and trinkets. Dina is nowhere to be seen. The shopkeeper looks up at you expectantly. Can I help you sir? He asks with a warm smile. Lily follows you in utter surprise but she has stopped asking you questions for the moment.

John stopped as he looked around the shop his Dina nowhere to be seen. "Did you see a woman come in here sir? About yea high long wavy blonde hair?" What was going On here? Was he hallucinating? Had it all finally caught up to him?

The shopkeeper frowns, shaking his head in confusion. Sorry sir, no one has come in recently but yourself, and the lady with you of course. He refers to Lily. The Indian woman, however, looks almost as shaken as you. But John. I saw her too. The woman on the street right? You knew her? How could she have disappeared? She turns to you and asks in a low voice. Who is she?

John frowned in return at the man's reply, he was considering the possibility he was losing his mind when the indian woman stepped up beside him. He looked over to her his eyes wide, his brow covered in sweat. "She's mah wife." He replied in a low whisper. "Mah dead wife."

Lily looks at, stunned. You're sure? It wasn't someone else? It was her? She doesn't sound as though she doubts you, but rather she wants to confirm before she makes her next move. She takes your hand and gently leads you to the street to avoid being overheard by the shopkeeper, who is looking very confused at the display. How did she die? Did you burn the body? She asks quietly.

"Ah'm sure, Ah'd recognize that face anywhere." HE allowed himself to be led outside, looking both stunned and shocked himself. "We had a ranch out in Texas, I went out huntin for a few days and she stayed with the children. When I got home..." He trailed off looking into the distance as he fought to compose himself. When he spoke again his voice was unsteady. "They were all ripped pieces, clawmarks all over their bodies, half eaten, barely recognizable. I burnt the whole house to the ground, with them in it." The texas ranger's hand went into his coat pulling out his hip flask, and he twisted the cap off and brought the flask to his mouth, pouring the contents down his throat.

She listens silently and you see a great deal of pity on her face as you tell your tale. She puts a comforting hand on your shoulder and you are surprised at how kind she suddenly looks. A far cry from her usual angry self. Perhaps there was more to this woman than it seemed. I see. I am so sorry for your loss. She pauses. Do you...keep anything of hers with you? Anything important? A lock of hair, her wedding ring?

John nodded at Lily, not trusting his voice right now and reached under his collar and produced two rings on a long silver chain. He took the rings between his fingers, holding them seemed to calm him. "Right here, the engagement and the wedding ring."

She looks at them and her face turns sad. Oh John. She sighs. You can keep them for now, but I'm afraid if we are dealing with a spirit then those may be her tie to our world. If that's the case you may need to destroy them. Or at the very least we'll have to see if we could put a ward on them, but I doubt you could get away with taking them out if that's the case. Still, we don't know yet if that's what this is. We'll need to do some research. Has your wife ever come to New York before? Is there a reason she would go into that shop?

The widower shook his head as he put the rings back under his shirt. "I HAD them exorcised, had a priest take care of it soon after I took up the life. Ah'm not stupid. And she's never been to New York and I can't think o any reason she'd go in some trinket shop."

The Indian woman looks relieved but shakes her head. I never meant to imply you were stupid John. I don't know how much you know, I just wanted to be sure. She falls silent a moment and then tilts her head. Well, I guess there's not much to be done about it now. If you want, when things calm down a bit we can come back after closing and investigate. Just because he says he knows nothing doesn't mean it's true. She offers. We'd better make sure they don't need us for anything important first, but I will make sure it is a priority. She looks at you questioningly.

He stood there a moment staring off into the distance before he turned to Lily. "Your right, there's nothing we can do about it now. Lets head back." He replaced the flask in his coat and turned to head back.

You walk back in silence, feeling the sting of what has just happened. A thousand questions roll through your mind and Lily frowns in thought too. At least she saw it too. At least you know you're not going mad.

You return to the men of letters and Lily puts you in another study telling you to stay while she sees if Kimi has returned. It is about twenty minutes before she returns at which point she enters with a frown and sits down across from you. Well, it looks like she made it back alright, but she found some disturbing things at the tailor's. It seems they are shipping some crates at the harbor tonight. They are filled with summoning scrolls that look to be a roll call of sorts for some very high level demons. If you are up for it, we've been asked to interrupt this shipment tonight. After what happened though, I understand if you aren't up for it.... She trails off awkwardly.

John had lit his pipe while he waited for Lily to return, but the flask remained in his pocket. "Ah'll go. Ah already signed on fer this 'savin tha world' gig, Ah ain't takin a breather just cuz Ah got a good scare. Besides, if Ah stay behind, Ah'll be stuck with ghosts of a different sort."

Lily smiles slowly, looking pleased but still a bit worried about you. It would seem her prickly exterior has been put away. No doubt she feels sorry for you, but it is better than her snapping at you every five seconds. Very well. Let's get you some quarters and upgrade your weapons. I also want you to meet the rest of the team. She adds.

ooc: Go ahead and respond, but I wanted to let the others catch up a bit before I add you to the mix, so don't think I've forgotten you! :D

He nodded and put out his pipe as he stood replacing it back in his jacket. "Lead tha way."

She takes your weapons and drops them off to a very capable looking fellow with instructions to have them returned to you as soon as they are finished. She leads you down the hallways and soon knocks on the door to a study. As you enter you see Victoria with two other women. One is a proper looking lady in fine attire, the other is a woman with surprisingly short hair who is dressed in the normal fashion, but she looks awkward and out of place. You see her shoes are remarkable as well for they are like nothing you have ever seen before.

ooc: I posted for you in the main thread "the beginning of something" so feel free to react and interject there.