Colin placed a crooked finger under Amelia's chin and gave her a wink. "Don't go gettin' soft on me now. Men of Letters aren't supposed to have emotion, remember?", he said as he walked towards the door. He turned over his shoulder to talk as he left the room. "Things ain't going to be the same if you get soft."

He departed Amelia's company and proceeded out into the town. A pint would sent him right and he could likely get a few items for the job. His knives were good in a pinch, but the fight with the demon had taught him that it might be a wise choice to have a pistol as well. Barring that, he was going to ask around and find out what he could about his new employer.

OOC: Colin will secure a pistol for the job. Also going to use the Gather Information skill to try and find out more about Langston and Jake.
21:20, Today: Colin Browne rolled 20 using 1d20+4.  Gather Information.

Amelia's dark blue eyes widen in surprise as you touch her chin and at your words her face blushes deeply, though you aren't sure if it's because she's embarrassed about 'getting soft' or something else. She watches you go silently.

Once in the town you find a pistol easily enough, and are able to haggle for a good price too. You choose the seediest place you can for a drink and are rewarded with news. It's just the kind of place Jake would frequent and it seems most of the folk there have at least seen him. A half intoxicated man tells you that Langston is apparently a man of some importance in the city. He is in tight with the city coroner too. The patron slurs an implication this is quite convenient considering the bodies he sends the man's way. Apparently Langston is able to get off any charges because the coroner comes up with rather creative causes of death. But you didn't hear that from me! he adds with a laugh. Why, I even heard of a man full of bullet holes and they claimed he had a heart attack! Can you believe it!? I'd stay far away from that fat lard if I were you mister. Even his own men don't trust him.

He won't talk much of Jake, looking more fearful of him than Langston, but you find a pretty bar maid eager to tell you what a lout the man is. Apparently they used to be quite an item and she holds nothing back complaining about how he cheated on her frequently, and is basically the scum of the earth and just about the wickedest man you'd ever hope to meet. Him dumpin me was the best thing that ever happened. I was gettin sick of him hittin me anyway. I'd be careful if I were you though. He doesn't like anyone hornin in on what he thinks is his. Careful asking questions about him. If he thinks you have too many ambitions and want in his affairs he'll end you right quick. You sure look dangerous enough to get under his collar. He has a nose for danger. But  you've got kind eyes. I like that she purrs. She promptly buys you a drink on the house.

Colin smiled and tipped his hat to the young woman, suddenly reminded of Amelia for some reason. His voiced oozed his natural accent as he took the proffered drink. "My eyes are only kind because of the kindness you put on them. You're about a sweet a sight as the green of the grass after a morning rain on the isle, sparkling to invite the sunshine down from his cloudy throne. I thank ya for your drink, but I must be off. Work will leave without me and I mustn't lose this job," Colin said as he finished the drink and lit a cigarette. He dared steal a kiss from the woman, as he had no idea if he would find sunlight the next morning. He left to go make his rendezvous with Langston's contacts and keep his eye out for the snake in the grass that was Jake.

The woman heartily accepts the kiss with a pleased laugh and then bids you return the next night if you're able.

Soon you find yourself at the rendezvous point and you see all the men from the poker game, Jake at the lead of course. He eyes you warily. So you had the guts to come after all. Good. Alright, our cargo arrived about fifteen minutes ago. There's a few night watchmen on the docks and we don't need any questions while we load up. You think you can distract him while we get the wagon loaded? Should only be one of the fellows on our particular stretch. Start with talkin but if that doesn't work you may have to get more physical. Just keep him quiet, we don't want him alerting anyone else. Can you manage that?

ooc; Go ahead and respond and then ready your bluff checks and your story. Should agree it won't take long before you are standing watch and they are wrestling with a massive crate about ten feet high and six feet long. You note the side reads fragile. It looks like a lot of horrid work to move. You spot the nightwatchman approaching about one hundred yards in the distance...

Colin simply nodded and saw the night watchman with plenty of time to walk to him and come up with a decent story. As Colin approached, he hailed the guard and jogged slightly towards him. Colin feigned a slightly heavy breathing cadence and bent to rest on his knees. "Mate, am I glad to have finally found you. You're harder to find that miser's pocketbook. Professor McDowell has been looking for help and sent me. Seems the same hooligans broke in and ran off with some chemicals or something along those lines. He has been trying to find a night watchman to watch the building until they come back. Seems one of the thieves dropped a personal item or two and might come back for it," he finished. The story was vague and Colin kept it that way. Too many details could cause questions. Kept the story general and people will create a tale for you. He was also hoping that the watchman wouldn't question the random Irishman reporting on a supposed theft in an unnamed building by a professor that may or may not exist. Colin gave his best urgent look as he rose up from the feigned resting position.

11:23, Today: Colin Browne rolled 22 using 1d20+3.  Bluff Nightguard.

He understandably looks confused but seeing your state decides to try to puzzle it out a moment. He looks over at several large buildings close to the docks where cargo is unloaded and stored. Do you mean one of the warehouses?! Speak man, which one?! He is already reacting as though you've said yes, eager to rush off to investigate. Fortunately they are far enough away from where your crew is that it will prove a nice distraction from him, especially if you direct him to the farthest one. Ring for the police won't you? See if you can rouse one of my coworkers, he should be lingering on the docks on the other side. He'll know what to do.

ooc: I'm going to assume you let him go to the warehouse. If I'm wrong I will edit all this!

Once the watchman is adequately out of the way you return to find Jake and the others grunting with the crate and they growl for you to help them. It takes all you can manage to get the blasted thing on the wagon and it sticks out terribly off the back, requiring a great deal of lashing and tying to keep it in place. I can't believe we have to do this all again next week! When will these shipments stop!? one of the men grumbles. Jake glares at him so coldly he actually flinches, realizing he'd said too much. You'd best hope they don't stop. It's money in your grubby little pocket. Now, not one more word out of you The underling clamps his mouth shut.

You start off, and they provide you with horses to ride alongside the very full wagon, Jake at the reigns of the thing and the rest of you spreading out. Before you can leave though the watchman comes hurrying back, seeming to understand he's been had. He takes out a pistol and waves it at you, still far enough away you'll likely escape if he doesn't manage to shoot one of you first. Stop! Thieves! he shouts.
Take care of him Jake orders you specifically, a mean little grin on his face. Last thing we need is to leave a witness.

Colin looked at Jake with a stoic face and leveled his new pistol. He was no good with the things in any case, so he aimed at the ground in front of the guard, hoping to force the man to dive for cover. If not, he would at least put on the show of complying with Jake. Colin was getting the feeling that his time with Jake was coming to a head, the other man simply waiting for a chance to attack Colin and end his life. Colin readied a knife as well. Though he might be attacked, his goal might be achieved by simply cutting the lashings and supports of the heavy crate. He gave a curse of anger as his shots went wide. "Blasted, useless piece of trash! I knew the price was too good!" ,he said while continuing to empty the gun at the guard.

OOC: Colin will purposely miss the guard, using Bluff to try and convince that the gun is shoddy and Colin is just a bad shot. 12:16, Today: Colin Browne rolled 20 using 1d20+3.  Bluff being a bad shot.

The guard whoops in surprise and leaps back, trying to decide if it's worth his meager salary to risk his life over unknown cargo. Jake seems to buy your lie, though he's still irritated at your seeming lack of skills. He pulls out his own pistol and fires at the man as he holds the reins in the other. He misses even worse than you do! The guard fares little better, his bullet piercing the top of the crate harmlessly. Jake swears and decides it's better to get out with the cargo intact. It will be our hides if anything's damaged! he snarls. Colin, John! I said no witnesses! Go and take care of that idiot and catch up to us when you're done. If you fail it will be your hides, understood!? Without glancing back to see if you're complying, he urges the horses on faster, the other riders following. John, a simple minded man if ever there was one, pulls back away from the others and joins you, already taking aim. The guard starts to book it, realizing he's in trouble.

Colin motioned to john to start following him. Taking off at a jog, Colin looked at John and made an exasperated sound. "This babysitting job is the easiest money I've ever made, mate. How about you? What are you getting with your five hundred?" His goal was obviously to upset John into losing focus and making a mistake. If Colin could turn John, it would give him an in with Jake. Then he could see what was in those crates.

Five hundred! You're getting five hundred!? he exclaims in shock. Clearly he is not so well paid. His face clenches into a scowl and he aims at the guard but misses. The guard seems hellbent on running at this point, turning to pop off a poorly aimed shot of desperation that flies over your heads. What makes you worth so much? he grumbles, though he is clearly trying to concentrate on his work.

"Besides my dashing good looks, mate?" ,Colin said with a laugh. "Not sure, I thought everyone was getting that. Didn't you see the gold in the crate? Why do you think the thing is so bloody heavy?" His goal was not only to keep the other man distracted, but maybe to also pry a little bit of information about what was going on at the university at night. He popped off another shot, but aimed wide left.

Is that what's in there?! he gasps, quite the gullible sort. Then why in blazes are we giving it to some fool professor?! We should be keeping it for ourselves! No wonder they never let me stay to unload the thing! Probably wanted to keep the wool over my eyes! And I still don't know why you're getting paid so much. This is so unfair! I've been with them for two years! He looks aggravated and to your displeasure he manages to shoot the guard in the leg. The man yelps in pain, missing his return shot, and still trying to get away.

Colin grimaced and decided to push the issue to the breaking point. He grabbed John and attempted to whirl him, making as angry a face as he could muster. "You go back and I'll deal with this loose end. I think it is about time that we has out what exactly has been going on here. You might want to be careful. You and I both know that gold is worth a lot and if Jake thinks we are trying to question why we are getting paid what we are, he won't hesitate to shoot us both. Look mate, I ain't trying to pull the wool over your eyes. No point for me doing it. Seems like Jake might be trying to skim what he can and make a fair bit of money off of it in the process. You head back and wait for me, then we can deal with him together. Sound fair?", Colin asked in a genial tone.

He didn't really wait for an answer. He had quoted the price of gold and how much could possibly be in the crate. He knew for certain that John was familiar with how the game worked and simply started the process of undermining Jake. John would be able to fill in the gaps with his own answers and hopefully decide that Colin was a better bet than Jake. That was the thing that Colin knew well. Greed and paranoia were much better liars than Colin was. Anything was a better liar than Colin, he was shite at it.

With John hopefully returning to the cart to contemplate his next actions, Colin turned his attention to the guard. If he just let him go, Jake would know and the on would be up. Instead, Colin took off at a dead sprint towards the guard, looking to tackle him. He might take a hit from a bullet, but Colin seriously doubted it. Instead his goal for the guard was simple. Tackle him and convince him that he was a friendly. Get the guard to lie low and then bring the authorities in later. Colin needed time against Jake, now that the path had set John against him. If need be, Colin could beat the guard senseless and return to the cart to finish the confrontation.


20:50, Today: Colin Browne rolled 15 using 1d20+11.  Streetwise check, fencing values.

Fortunately John is a trusting sort of fellow. It wouldn't surprise you if Jake really is taking advantage of him somehow, it would be easy to do. He heads back without a backward glance, completely sure that you'll finish off the guard.

In the meantime the guard is frantic, limping and bleeding badly and aiming wildly. He manages to graze your arm with a bullet and needless to say it's not pleasant, though it is fortunately just a light wound. You've had worse in a bar fight.

ooc: For time's sake I rolled your grapple against him. You take a wound as you approach but only 7 damage. You are quite successful tackling him if you wish though you'll have to come up with a good story if you want him to believe you. Otherwise you can feel free to make 3 general rolls (3d20 plus your B.A. bonus modifier and I will average how long it takes to beat him senseless and how wounded you get yourself in the process) :)

Colin grunted and swore as the bullet grazed him. Taking the man to the ground, he proceed to straddle him and hold him. "Listen, mate. LISTEN! I've got no time for this. I'm in the middle of a case and you are about to blow it. I told you to shove off once and you didn't listen. You have two options. Make no more noise and give me twenty minutes before you run off for help or I beat you senseless and you die from bleeding out. I could have killed you already, you know that. So, why don't you play nice and let me go do my job?", Colin said as quickly as he could. If the man kept struggling, he was going to have to risk wasting time to make sure the man didn't die after Colin knocked him out. He tossed his own gun aside for the man to see and made a gesture to the man to do the same.

The guard looks bewildered at your words but when you throw your gun it seals the deal. A c-case? he stammers. A-a copper? Alright, alright officer he makes the false connection himself. Sorry to have interrupted! Mostly he just looks incredibly relieved. Judging by his shaking and poor aim you'd say this man is not the most experienced watchman. A lucky thing for you too or this could have gone very differently. He waves you away to go finish what he must assume is important police work, happy to limp off, breathing raggedly.

ooc: Assuming you go back to the others

Catching up doesn't take long seeing as how the wagon is a hindrance and your horse is a fast one. John is there, relieved to see you. No doubt he wants to know more about how he's getting screwed by Jake and he isn't likely to find answers on his own. In the meantime Jake glances at you with a half sneer. I trust he won't be comin after us? I heard shots

ooc: Go ahead and respond to all this and then let me know if you have any plans between now and the college. It will take a few hours ride. John will definitely try to talk to you during that time so you can decide if you want to continue your charade or tell him to buzz off till later. Just be sure to roll bluff checks as warranted.

Colin showed Jake the graze that he got and shook his head. "He winged me, but everything has been taken care of. Did you think it wouldn't be?" ,Colin asked with obvious challenge in his voice. "I'm getting paid good money to protect this here cargo and you seem dead set on figuring out a way to cut me out. If you want to have a go, then by all means, let's go. Otherwise, shut your bloody mug and let me do my job. And if you are thinking of sending your muscle instead of yourself, I guarantee you they aren't getting paid enough to deal with the likes of me. Like I told your boss, I'm faster than greased lightning and as hard as a coffin nail," Colin challenged.

It might seem obvious to him and Jake, but others might have trouble with it. Colin was trying to put Jake in a corner. If he said nothing, it would make him look weak. If he lashed out, it might prove to John that he had something to hide and wanted to take out someone that could reveal his secret. If he told the goons to take Colin down, not only was he weak, but John might just be the ace in the hole against Jake.

The only thing Colin knew is that a fight was not too far away. If it did, Jake needed to start it, John had to live as a witness, and most importantly, Colin had to survive it.

John watches the scene with interest, just smart enough to realize he'd better pay attention. He twitches at mention of the good money you're making, just a reminder to him about the disparity in your wages. Jake listens with the slightest indication of surprise, face blank and calculating though there is temper behind his eyes. You may need coffin nails if you're not careful boy he says quietly. I don't need any muscle to deal with the likes of you. Now, are you going to quit your grousing and do your job? As you said, you're getting paid good money for it. Either do it or don't. No need to blabber on about it all day.
At this John surprises you by speaking up. How good of money is he gettin? Slightly puzzled, Jake turns to his underling impatiently; annoyed that he cut into his little speech. What do you care John? It's less than you're getting. Now shut up.

Colin saw his opening and took it. He was likely not going to get a better chance. "Seems to me that you are taking us all for a ride that we are not wanting. You've been an ass to me and as much to John. You damn well know that," Colin said as he moved in front of the wagon and stood next to John in an act of solidarity. "You said I'm makin' good money, but getting less than John. Something stinks to high heaven here and I think it's you. You think you can put those coffin nails in mine? We settle this, right here, right now."

With that, Colin took current stock of the man and readied himself. He wasn't going to be taken off guard and he was going to put an end to Jake as soon as he could. Rolling up his sleeves, Colin made a stern nod to John that was a clear sign not to interfere. Reaching into his pocket, he retrieved a cigarette and lit it. His tin also held a small vial of holy water that he poured on his hands, hoping to quickly tell if Jake was more nefarious than he already seemed.

OOC:
Light cigarette and coat hands in holy water
Declare Jake Dodge target
Initiative 23   AC 22[all]
Readied action: Unarmed attack vs Jake if he gets down. Sucker Punch!

11:50, Today: Colin Browne rolled 23 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

John seems to be squarely on your side now. Folding his arms and glaring at Jake. You have a feeling the simpleton isn't exactly treated well by his fellows and your defense of him has done much to earn his loyalty.

Meanwhile Jake watches the scene with a sneer.
My pleasure he spits. I've been wantin to put a fist in that smug little face of yours since I first laid eyes on it He does indeed get down...

ooc: Ok, go ahead and roll your sucker punch as well as the next three rounds for time's sake. Should you hit you will discover he seems to be human luckily.

Colin, knowing the opportunity had come, bull rushed Jake like a battering ram to deliver a solid haymaker to the prissy man. His first set of blows were wild, but he reigned it in. Taking a boxer's stance, Colin met Jake with jabs and crosses. Colin was an expert streetfighter and could take advantage of any missed or glancing blow to return the strike with a counter move. Colin felt a satisfying impact of a solid blow at least once. Whether Jake knew it or not, Colin could back his claims. After all, he had gone toe to toe with a demon.

Colin Summary[AC22 vs Jake]
Sucker Punch hits AC 27 for 11 nonlethal.
First round hits AC 17 for 7 and Agile Riposte counters missed attack AC 19 for 4 nonlethal.
Second Round hits AC 30 for 9 nonlethal and Agile Riposte counters missed attack AC 29 for 3.
Third Round hits AC 15 for 7 nonlethal and Agile Riposte counters missed attack AC 26 for 4.
No secondary attacks came close.

20:52, Today: Colin Browne rolled 27,11 using 1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1.  Sucker Punch.
20:48, Today: Colin Browne rolled 15,11,26,7,7,4 using 1d20+12,1d20+4,1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Round 3, Primary, Secondary, Agile Reposte.
20:47, Today: Colin Browne rolled 30,7,28,9,2,3 using 1d20+12,1d20+4,1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Round 2, Primary, Secondary, Agile Reposte.
20:47, Today: Colin Browne rolled 17,5,19,7,4,4 using 1d20+12,1d20+4,1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Round 1, Primary, Secondary, Agile Reposte.

It is quite a scuffle thus far, though you feel you are indeed the stronger opponent. He is completely surprised by the sucker punch and as you land blows here and there he misses narrowly, giving you plenty of chances to strike again. By the end though he seems to be getting his footing and punches you hard across the temple. You barely feel it though, the adrenaline is rushing. He's gone crazy! Jake snarls, looking at his men wildly. Did you see the way he rushed me!? He readies himself to attack again. You start to worry he'll sic his goons on you but fortunately John seems quite pleased at the way things are going. Hopefully he has some sway on the others should you need it.

ooc: Three more rounds please! :) Also, so you know if you hit in the future, his AC is 18.

Colin never let up. He rained blow after blow upon Jake, never giving him more than a few seconds of breathing room. A quick glance to the rest of the goons tells the story that he would be more than capable of transferring the beat down to them if they interfered. He was trying to send a statement that Jake was no longer in charge.

OOC:
Round 4 deals 14 damage and counters for 3.
Round 5 deals 8 damage and counters for 2.
Round 6 deals 7 damage and counters for 5.


23:31, Today: Colin Browne rolled 18,12,19,7,2,5 using 1d20+12,1d20+4,1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Round 6, Primary, Secondary, Agile Reposte.
23:31, Today: Colin Browne rolled 31,11,18,8,5,2 using 1d20+12,1d20+4,1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Round 5, Primary, Secondary, Agile Reposte.
23:30, Today: Colin Browne rolled 26,20,20,10,4,3 using 1d20+12,1d20+4,1d20+12,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Round 4, Primary, Secondary, Agile Reposte.

He manages to punch you three times during the fray, though fortunately you've had far harder hits in your day and though it's annoying it's little more than that.

His men watch in shock as he takes his beatings. By the end of it he is staggering, leaning against the wagon and spitting out a couple teeth. He looks completely terrified and what's more close to passing out. Do something you idiots! Get him! he shouts with a mouth full of blood. The men hesitate but John steps forward, grinning from ear to ear.

Hooo-eee! Look at that! Big ol Jake, such a tough talker all these years goes down like that! Seems to me like you're all talk Jakey boy he laughs. This is clearly a long time coming for John. Some of the men are torn, looking like they would still like to come at you and others are looking at Jake with...disappointment. Irish here seems ready for more too! Ha ha!

They hesitate, waiting to see what you'll do and not exactly eager to instigate the next beating.

Colin rolled his shoulders a few times to test out how bad he was hurt. Turns out, it wasn't that bad. He looks to the others and then back to Jake, staring the man down. He spoke at Jake, though not to him. "If you all rush me, maybe I go down. I won't pull a knife or gun, so long as you agree to the same. I'll warn you though, I better with a knife than my fists."

He then focused in on Jake, leaning in with a voice barely above a whisper. "Jake, I want to know why you thought it was okay to keep it up with the crates. Did you think no one would notice? Did your boss?" His tone was deadly serious. With any luck, Jake would get nervous enough to spill the beans about the contents of the crates.