The other man does a quick look around the cafe, and then the two of them exchange glances, and the one nods and continues talking.  "We work in information security.  And we understand that you have some interest in keeping information secure as well..."  He goes on for a bit longer with what sounds like a well rehearsed spiel, until he sees his companion wave toward the door.  Two more men have just entered, and now they wave back and begin walking to your table.  He turns back to you then and says "It looks like our other friends have finally found us.  Now that we're all gathered, why don't we take a nice walk?"

In reply to Director (msg # 331):

Rob laughs as he subtly make sure his com is open. "But we've just sat down for lunch. Your friends are welcome to join us if you'd like, or the can stand by the door looking like hired muscle, but I plan to eat right here in the cafe."

He glances over to get a quick measure on the men who have just arrived.

"I'll have the cordon bleu," Lia says civilly, following up from Rob's reply. She smiles her secretarial smile and waits for the men to approach.

---

Spending a point of Bullshit Detector as soon as they start talking.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:02, Tue 13 July 2021.

The newcomers join you at the table, and they all order food as well.  Between the four of them they are easily able to match any idle small talk or fake business conversation you throw at them.

Lia - they're lying, and they know that you know it.  You are very much picking up a vibe of "we'll have the real conversation somewhere less public."

In reply to Director (msg # 334):

We're going to talk for a while to give the others time to do whatever they will in response to the situation. Rob will use Reassurance to keep them from worrying about the time.

Lia participates in the conversation with smiles and minimal input, except to say (making sure her mike is open):

"So, gentlemen, where do you propose we adjourn to?"

Galen listens intently to the parts of the communication which make it through the comms with a growing frown, "I think maybe they could do with some backup. Maybe these newcomers do just want to chat but in case not, a couple of extra hands nearby could make all the difference?"

Assuming Evelyn doesn't have a hugely different plan then he will make his way to the cafe (I assume Rob and Lia are saavy enough to have slipped in their location at some point) and either look to take a discreet table in there - assuming there is space - or find a spot to watch the door so he's at least close enough to burst in if needed.

"Yeah, sounds like trouble," Evelyn replies.

When they arrive she say, "Maybe each of us can take an entrance. Make sure these people can't get away without eyes on them."  Provided Galen agrees, she would move to stand guard at one either the front or back entrance (assuming there is one).

"We've got eyes on you," she says over the comm to Lia and Rob. "Just give the signal if you need us to get you out of there. Or, if you want to accept their invitation, we can tail you."

There are three doors that you can quickly identify - the front entrance where Rob and Lia had gone in, a side door that leads to a couple of outdoor tables (easy access, no fence or anything around them), and an unmarked back door that is probably locked from this side.

Walking by the front door for a quick glance, Galen can easily spot his friends (and their new "friends") at their table inside.  Evelyn has her pick of which other door to cover.

Inside, one of your new friends says "It's such a nice day outside.  I was thinking we should finish our drinks and then go for a nice walk around the park.  I saw a couple things on the way in that I wanted to check out some more; I can lead there and you follow me."

Lia exchanges a cheerful glance with Rob, then nods amenably. She keeps her discreet alert.

In reply to Lia Mizrahi (msg # 340):

Before we let them lead this dance, Rob wants to identify which is the weakest link of them. Not sure what ability that falls under.

"I'm at the 3'oclock of the first table by the door to outdoor seating," Evelyn said, as she chose that as the more advantageous location. This way, she could attempt to see the events going on inside, and were they to move towards the back of the restaurant, she felt she would have time to run to the back entrance.

Do you mean physically, or something else?

In reply to Director (msg # 343):

I think Rob would only notice physically if they had a medical issue he might spot. I was thinking more along the lines of is any of them looking nervous, easily distracted, etc...

In reply to Rob Zwartnacht (msg # 344):

Spend 1 from Notice, or any interpersonal ability that you can justify based on what you are going to do with the info (Streetwise would be the easiest sell, at least if you plan to turn this into a fight).  You will get a +2 bonus to your next roll which takes advantage of this knowledge, or roughly equivalent advantage if you do something that doesn't require rolling.

In reply to Director (msg # 345):

let's call it streetwise, then.

"So, I imagine your boss is probably getting impatient with you. Maybe it's time to move things along. I'm curious about him as well."

Rob will keep an eye on the leader, particularly where he puts the phone.

The leader has put his phone away already, and he responds casually "Don't worry, the boss gives us great flexibility when he knows we are out on business.  As long as we can get results, we can do whatever we need to get them."

What really catches Rob's attention right now is one of the others in their group, from the pair that joined later.  This guy looks to be several years younger than any of the others, and when Rob comments about the boss, he throws a nervous glance toward the man you assume is his partner.

At this point everyone starts rising.  First the leader and his partner, then they motion for you to follow them, and then nervous guy and his partner follow behind you.  Once everyone is up they lead you out the front door of the cafe.

With barely a glance at his colleagues as they leave Galen falls into step with the group a short distance behind, ready for trouble. He'll also fire off a quick message to Evelyn so she  knows they're heading out the front.

Keeping her inconspicuous assistant persona, Lia gets up and follows Rob civilly, like a good little, inoffensive employee.

In reply to Lia Mizrahi (msg # 349):

Rob casually falls in near the young one as they walk. "So, how long have you been in private security?"

Evelyn retrieves the car she and Galen came in, and will use that to follow along at a greater distance.

The group is walking back in the direction where you (and at least some of them) had parked.  Galen is able to follow from a moderate distance where he will be harder to spot, and Evelyn is able to work her way quickly through the crowds to get back to the car.

In response to Rob's question, the younger man says curtly "For long enough."  Though his tone of voice is forceful, his eyes still look more nervous as he glances around at his elder colleagues (one of whom chuckles just a bit at the younger one's words).

Lia gives the kid a sweet smile of solidarity. I'm also young and a bit insecure, it says. Let's be friend, it says.

It might be useful, it push comes to shove. Give her an extra split second as he hesitates. Often that's all it takes.

Lia - Reassurance fits well here.  You don't have to do anything with it yet, but spend a point if/when you want to get a bonus like I offered to Rob.

The young man nods back at Lia but quickly breaks eye contact.  The group keeps walking, and as you near the parking area you see a man wave and then open the back door of his car (Evelyn, you recognize that this is the same guy who checked on the other car after you bugged it).

Sure, I'll spend the point. Any edge I can get.