Before leaving the hotel, Penny stopped some place secluded to carefully examine Cole Michaels's pocket watch, identifying make, manufacturer, inscriptions, and any tell-tale scratches and marks and subsequent repairs. It all should be consistent with an upper lower-class owner in the American West, formerly owned by a hard-working builder, with whom it would take bumps and scrapes and dirt, and latterly by a house-proud grieving widow, who would keep it polished. She didn't doubt Molly, but needed to confirm it hadn't already been switched by the demons and that she could return the right pocket watch later.

Afterward, she made her way to Applebie's Jewelers, taking a moment to browse and carefully case the store, before addressing Mr Applebie. 'Good day, sir. Might I look at your pocket watches?'


OOC: My plan is as I said in my PM. This could happen off-screen, if you like.

Mary-Alice: She seems hesitant at first but between Ian's credentials and your offer of the contract you soon have the house to yourselves though she warns you against any funny business and insists you only have one day to sort things out. In the meantime she will stay at a friend's house.

Soon you are alone with the Scotsman who immediately produces a piece of chalk, flips up the carpet on the front entryway, and starts drawing a devil's trap on the wood floor. Might as well make our preparations now. There's no telling if they will show or not, especially since they lost the poor thing's address. You want to take the back door? he tosses you another piece of chalk. How do you want to play this anyway?

Penny: You are pleased to find he has a number of watches that will substitute nicely and should you wish it he will help you make your modifications. From what you can tell the watch she gave you is genuine, bearing all the expected dings and marks one would find from such a man. The whole process takes about forty minutes and soon you are on your way. As soon as you walk out the door though you have a feeling of being watched. ooc: go ahead and roll a spot check. For time's sake if you get a 13 or more you see a young man duck behind an alley, clearly keeping tabs on you. Otherwise you see nothing and continue on your way with the same feeling.

She caught the chalk and nodded, going to the back door to draw another Devil's trap. She stopped at his question, "Perhaps a deception is in order. I could pretend to be the Lady of the House?"

Penny was pleased with Applebie's work, soon purchasing and forging a decent duplicate of Cole Michael's pocket watch – on the pretence of a gift for a gentleman friend. Concealing the two pocket watches (the genuine slipped under her dress, the other in her purse), Penny stepped out of the store, only for her keen eyes to glimpse a furtive figure slipping around the corner.

Ah. She should have prepared for being followed, but didn't think her foes had the patience or had other plans. Blast. If the demons knew she'd copied the pocket watch, her ruse would be ruined. She gazed casually about the street, contemplating her next move.


OOC: With a +2 if it's one of the demons Mary-Alice chased.
17:52, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 20 using 1d20+9. spot.

Is it one of the demons, or someone else?

Mary-Alice: Good idea. Hopefully they don't know she's black or you'll be a dead giveaway. All we need is for them to step foot in the house, one way or another and we're golden. If I have to get out and push I'll do it He starts to take out a cigarette, looks at the polished and lovely home and puts it away with a sigh. Never know about housewives. They can be particular. I suppose we'd best try not to trash the place ooc: What are your plans as you wait?

Penny: You do recognize him from Alice's description. He ducks away but you doubt he has seen you spot him. From what you can tell he hasn't run so much as hidden, like a spider tucking itself into a crack.

Alice made sure she drew the Devil's trap correctly, then covered it with a rug. She gave Ian back his chalk and then walked around looking at things and not touching them. She does engage in casual conversation, "So...uhhh...what is a Scotsman doing in the US?"

At last, Penny turned and put her head back through the door to Applebie's Jewelers, saying 'Oh, Mister Applebie: there's a pair of shifty-looking men lurking out here,' Quickly she shared Alice's description. 'I fear they may intend to rob you or cause some mischief. Do take care, will you?' Hopefully that gave him sufficient warning of trouble should the demons come into the store. They were quick to use violence, but it was clear they wanted no more trouble than necessary. In any case, the fellow had to following her.

She sighed and raised her umbrella. After all, this sunny California heat was murder on an Englishwoman raised in the damp and gloomy moors. Sheltered from the sun, and under a cross-stitched devil's trap, Penny sauntered off down the street, past the alley where her demon loitered, intending to lead him around the sights of San José until she thought of a good trap for him.

Mary-Alice: He shrugs at the question. Oh nothin special. Came over with me folks at seventeen. Worked for the Pinkertons for a while, then the New York police after that. I've seen my share of things worse than any demons. What about you? I know absolutely nothin about you.

Penny: The jeweler takes your threat seriously, thanking you and immediately going behind the counter to his shotgun where he stands at the ready, not touching it but ready to in a moment's notice; watching the windows. He offers to let you stay if you think you're in danger but he lets you go with a kind warning when you decline.

Meanwhile, your demon tail seems to think he has the upper hand, following you from a safe distance and a casual air. The city is by no means as big as New York, but it is decent in size. After a while you can tell he is tiring of the task, getting slower at hiding and generally impatient looking.

Looking over a glass menagerie Alice spoke almost off hand. "I'm from Texas." It was all she would reveal about herself for the moment. "How do you know Ms. Victoria?"

And the more tired and impatient he got, the closer he got to her. At last, Penny tired of the sights of San José and of leading the demon around them. This had gone on long enough. In a sufficiently well-populated street, she stopped abruptly, then turned to face her pursuer. 'Excuse me, sir, can I help you?' she demanded.

Mary-Alice: Ian waits a moment for you to expound, realizes you're not going to and then laughs. Very well keep your secrets he chuckles. As for Victoria, I met her through her father, well stepfather technically. He ran the men of letters in New York. I was a copper and ran into a bit of trouble. Some hunters helped me out of it and the rest is pretty well history. That was about three years ago. What about you?

ooc: Roll listen please

Penny: The demon looks completely flabbergasted that you've discovered him. After an awkward moment he swears, looks around frantically and then opens his jacket to reveal a revolver which he grips by the handle, still concealing it. I think you'd best be coming with me You have a feeling that once again, this is not he cream of the crop demon wise.

She stood for a moment, thinking about what she should tell him and what she shouldn't. In the end she opted for less is more. "She is a friend of a relative. She let him know she needed help, so I came calling. It really isn't scandalous or anything." She looked more closely at a very pretty glass elephant. She changed the subject, "So which of those women are you interested in?"

Penny merely eyed the pistol as though it were a fashion faux pas. 'Oh? Whatever for?' she asked unconcernedly.

Mary-Alice: If he'd been drinking something you're certain he'd have choked on it. His eyes bulge. And you thought I was the forward one! he gasps. Look, you might have been right about me being a womanizer, but only when the lady is as interested as I am. I don't often go to bed alone but I'm not fool enough to mix work with pleasure. The one time I tried that was with a feisty Indian woman, heh, nearly lost my scalp for that one! I have a feeling you'll like her. Ended up with a priest of all people! We'll see how long THAT lasts! Anyway, I'm unattached at the moment and I don't see that changing. Besides, even if I DID like one of them, she hasn't shown any interest in me-uh hypothetically! he adds, looking laughably flustered. You hear that? HYPOTHETICALLY. Don't go around telling any of them I like them alright? Cuz that would be pretty much the most awful thing that could happen to me right now... he looks around suddenly. I don't suppose she has anything to drink in this place eh? Knowing her she's one of those temperance fanatics...

A moment later you hear a sharp knock at the door and Ian stiffens. You think they'll recognize you? Should I answer it? Should neither of us answer it? Do we WANT them to break in? he whispers in a rush.

Penny: The man looks at you in bewilderment and then back down at his revolver in his jacket. Uh...because I have a gun? he seems genuinely confused and then after a moment he takes your meaning. Oh! Because I want to know where the ring is, that's why! he does his best to look intimidating again after his mistake. Yes, definitely not the cream of the crop.

Penny was, of course, distinctly unimpressed. 'This is the American West – everyone has a gun.' she sniffed, before looking pointedly around the streets and passersby, suggesting he would have a problem if he actually tried to use the weapon. Since the fellow seemed an utter fool, Penny decided to try drawing some information out of him, to find what out what he knew. 'Now which ring would that be?'
This message was last edited by the player at 01:51, Sat 19 Nov 2016.

She looked at him without emotion as he took a breath and paused the first time. As she speaks her own face becomes marred by a sense of loss, a very profound sense of loss. "Unsolicited advice - women crave attention and romance. It is a part of the female psyche, something even the most rationalist among us needs. Even if we claim not to need it, even if we protest, it is a deeply seated need. If, hypothetically, you do have feelings for one of these women, do not let some past indiscretion stop you from acting on them. Do not wait too long. We are only given this one life, and it can end with our next breath. Do not wait until it is too late.."

She nodded solemnly after he asked her for secrecy, "Your secret is safe with me, Scotsman."

"A Moment, please!" She called out to the door in a slightly higher pitched voice. She nodded, "Indeed they might, but there are remedies for that. Catch," she said as she tossed him her shotgun, "It is loaded with buck so don't fire." She discarded her long coat and drew her pistols. She motioned with her head and indicated for him to open the door as she stood back from it...

Penny: The ring of solomon of course! I know you know where it is! he growls though you see a hint of doubt in his eyes as though he's ever so slightly uncertain. He clearly cannot be a demon of significance and you wonder why he's involved in something so important when he's quite possibly the biggest dolt you've ever met.

Mary-Alice: Ian looks surprised by your advice and a kind look crosses his face as he's about to comment but the door interrupts him. He takes the gun but doesn't cock it lest the noise travel to the demon's ears. I'm going to try to lure him in. We just need him to take one step he whispers. Get ready! He then throws open the door, hiding the gun behind it so as not to cause the demon to run. On the other side you recognize one of the men from the hotel. He immediately rushes in, not bothering for pretense. Where is it! he snarls, already grabbing for Ian who takes a leap back and cocks the shotgun. That should do it! Now! the Scotsman barks, aiming the gun for the man's legs. The demon looks confused and furious but soon discovers the devil's trap has him pinned. The problem, however, is that he is still armed and he draws his pistol angrily...ooc: Go ahead and roll your first round.

Alice, in typical gunslinger fashion, let loose with both guns blazing.

09:39, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 10 using 2d8+2.  Damage left #3.
11 with blessed.
12 with blessed and PBS.
09:39, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 13 using 2d8+2.  Damage left #2.
14 with blessed.
15 with blessed and PBS.
09:39, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 16 using 2d8+2.  Damage left #1.
17 with blessed.
18 with blessed and PBS.
09:38, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 15 using 2d8+2.  Damage Right #3.
16 with blessed.
17 with blessed and PBS.
09:38, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 11 using 2d8+2.  Damage right #2.
12 with blessed.
13 with blessed and PBS.
09:38, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 10 using 2d8+2.  Damage right #1.
11 with blessed.
12 with blessed and PBS.
09:37, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 17 using 1d20+2.  LS #3 left hand.
18 with blessed.
19 with blessed and PBS.
09:37, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 8 using 1d20+7.  LS #2 left hand.
9 with blessed.
10 with blessed and PBS.
09:37, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 15 using 1d20+7.  LS #1 left hand.
16 with blessed.
17 with blessed and PBS.
09:37, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 18 using 1d20+2.  LS #3 right hand.
19 with blessed.
20 with blessed and PBS.
09:36, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 18 using 1d20+7.  LS #2 right hand.
19 with blessed.
20 with blessed and PBS.
09:36, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 15 using 1d20+7.  lightening shot #1, right hand.
16 with blessed bonus.
17 with blessed and PBS.

'Do you really believe,' Penny began sardonically, 'That, if I knew where the Ring of Solomon was, I'd still be here wandering the streets of San José and idling in its little stores?' Penny was beginning to like this demon, he was so refreshingly stupid. But she had to wonder: if Belial hadn't sent him, who had? 'Now who told you a silly little thing like that?' She also wondered what had led him to Mrs Michaels and thus the Winchester House, but it was difficult to ask without giving away what she knew that he might not.


OOC: He's not just playing dumb is he? I figured I should roll something for interrogation; I included my Profile bonus.
22:54, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 18 using 1d20+10. sense motive + 2.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:57, Tue 22 Nov 2016.

Mary-Alice: A few of your shots hit the demon squarely and though he's still alive he is quite wounded and looks extremely upset. He drops his gun and cowers on the floor in a ball. Ian looks flabbergasted. I give up! I give up! he sobs to your shock. You've never seen a demon behave this way. You're almost embarrassed for the lout.

Penny: From what you can tell the man really is this stupid. It's astonishing in fact. Well that's what everybody's saying! You ARE Penny Frightful aren't you? Or was it Dread something...?hm...You and your party fit the descriptions perfectly! No, you're her, I just know it! Besides, my brother told me you were asking questions at the Winchester place. That's got to mean something if you ask me! Unless, you really did just want a pocket watch? he is second guessing himself so comically it almost makes you laugh.

Penny Frightful! She was offended by that alone. Composing herself, she noted 'The Winchester House is a fascinating local landmark home to a well-known heiress. And pocket watches are popular gifts for gentlemen.' Which neither confirmed nor denied the questions and hopefully might steer the pair away from their investigation. 'Why? Why did you think I wanted a pocket watch?'

She tried to steer the conversation back toward the demon's employer or informant. 'I must say, your employer can't be very important to keep such a talented agent like you so poorly informed. Who do you work for anyway? I suppose it's some small-time cowboy operation.' she suggested sniffily, hoping to get the demon to boast of his boss. A little flattery might help too: stupid people liked to think they were clever.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:30, Sat 26 Nov 2016.

Unless Ian stops her, Alice will delive a Coup de Gras saying, "Make sure you tell them Alice Conner sent you when you get back."

Penny: Oh! A gift? We thought the ring might be hidden in it! My brother overheard your questions about that Cole fellow. Why else would you be interested in him? It's said he's the one who hid it. Probably in the watch we thought! he admits proudly, as though the theory were his idea.

At your question of his employer he makes a face. We don't work for no one! Least not anymore... he sounds so bitter about it you're certain he must have been let go somehow, an amusing thought, a demon being fired. Probably for incompetence. But we figured if we could bring the ring back we'd be back in high graces again! It was just dumb luck we ran across you. We've been searching that fool house for weeks! Me brother has a witch lover that knows your Mrs. Bentley. Heh, witches always did gossip too much for their own good!

Mary-Alice: Just before you can finish him Ian does indeed shout for you to stop. He kicks away the demon's pistol and looks at the pitiful man with distaste. I think we should put a few questions to him first don't you think? Though I admire your enthusiasm! he chuckles with a glance at your guns. Since you've more than earned the right, I'll let you ask first milady he gives a teasing bow.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:21, Tue 29 Nov 2016.

Alice is a little stunned, "I don't care, it will just lie. I say we kill it now."

While she waits she reloads both weapons.

In the watch? Penny wondered. That actually wasn't a bad idea; she would look inside later. 'Well, I'm impressed. Your former master made a costly error in letting go two such enterprising fellows as yourselves...' she began, thinking of how to use and/or destroy these enterprising fellows. They were independent rogues, what little they knew wasn't likely to get back to Belial. There was no leak, except perhaps an old one from Mrs Bently; the demons had eavesdropped on their conversation, then somehow gotten ahead them back to town, whereupon they'd ransacked her hotel room. 'How would you like to work for someone more appreciative of your talents?' she inquired, leading him on. 'Someone who can make it very much worth your while?'


OOC: I suppose he's still being honest?
20:10, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 20 using 1d20+8. sense motive.

Not great, but I assume he's carrying hefty penalties:
20:23, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 11 using 1d20+5.  bluff.