Anne looks at the envelope disappearing, still puzzled by the sight of all the gold teeth.[Private to GM:  Not what I would have hoped for, but Wits+Composure still got me one success.]

When the man leaves, there's not much to think about, Anne writes a message to Malcolm and follows the portly man.

I'll follow him., she types. She pauses for a blink, activates "Share live position", then hits send.

She if course makes sure to be unseen and unheard - which includes switching the volume of the phone off[Private to GM:  and donning either the Caul (2 successes) or the Shroud (4 successes). I won't make an actual Stealth roll, because I don't know if it would be with a bonus - feel free to make that roll in my stead when writing your next reply.].

Returning the man's disapproving gaze with a friendly smile Malcolm glanced at the message on his phone and simply nodded, not wiling to say anything aloud that might call attention to Anne's continued more subtle activities. When the ghosts failed to follow that made his next choice even easier as he noted the shared location, sending only a brief message back, Thanks. My money says he either works with or has access to places that handle dead bodies. Grave robbery is unlikely so it's more likely to be morgues, crematoriums or similar.

As the shop owner addressed him Malcolm checked to confirm no-one else was in the place aside from them before treating the fellow to an amiable grin, "Ah yes. I was interested in the urn? What's it made out of and may I get a closer look at it?"

He waited till the fellow was in the middle of hauling the hopefully weighty object for his attention before continuing, "And then there's the matter of the stolen goods you just purchased."

(OOC: He's very much not going to say that last line if there are others in the shop)

[Private to Anne Reed: The Stillness shroud gives you +1 on all stealth checks and +1 armor rating. I assume this is the one you want to use. I rolled your stealth and you got 1 suxx.

With your wits + composure result, you also notice the handle of a revolver tucked away in his jacket as he puts the envelope in his pocket.]

Anne feels at once closer to the shadows than she had before. Her edges soften as she becomes... not quite invisible but less noticeable than before. The shopkeeper continues to ignore her as she sneaks out and follows the portly man.

The man walks down a block and cuts through an alley without even a glance over his shoulder, the paranoia surrounding him before replaced with a whimsical optimism. On the other side of the alley is a large parking garage. The man presses the 'up' button on an elevator and whistles to himself as he idly pulls out his smartphone and starts scrolling.

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Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
He is going to enter the elevator and then find and get into his car in the next post. LMK what your next intentions are. He doesn't know you are there.)

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~~~~~



Meanwhile, Malcolm's inquiry about the urn is met with a warm smile. "You have an eye for quality, my friend!" the owner brags as he walks over towards the object in question. "This was recognized as a very old antique from as early as the late 1800s! Really, it's worth thousands of dollars but I'll be happy to just see it go to a good home so i'll cut you a deal," he hoists the large urn onto the table with an ease that is a bit surprising.

"And then there's the matter of the stolen goods you just purchased."

He stares at Malcolm for a moment in silence. His eyes narrow and he asks, "You want to run that one by me again?"

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Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
If you are trying to intimidate him please roll pres or manip + intimidation.

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Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
OOC: Not exactly intimidate. Hopefully this post will make it clearer and you can decide the roll from there. Malcolm is of the opinion this man kind of has to know that the source for those teeth is suspect but it'd be hard to prove that easily. So he'd prefer instead to get the teeth by the least complicated method, buying them. However he's no desire to pay top whack if he can avoid it especially when things are this suspect since buying a collection of gold teeth belonging to different people is fairly dodgy given the limited number of possibilities for someone acquiring those.

---

"Must be my lucky day indeed," was Malcolm's dry reply, as he eyed the urn with genuine interest. At the shopkeeper's narrowed eyes he looked up with the same friendly smile in place and answered, "The teeth that fellow just sold you. Oh I'm certain it could be argued back and forth since ultimately his possession of them could be argued to make him seem like the person who owned them but when there's gold teeth from a bit over half a dozen different people claiming that he seemed like he had a legitimate right to them is a bit suspect."

"Of course that's none of your business, you purchased those from the man no doubt soon to get, amongst other things, multiple desecration of a corpse charges levelled at him in good faith. I don't believe you should experience any sort of overall financial loss from a deal made in good faith. As such while I'd like to purchase the urn I'd also be interested in ensuring those teeth do not get melted down and converted into fresh items, partially because of the impact that would have on the families, partially because securing his conviction is easier with physical evidence and avoids the need to drag in witnesses and mostly because I hate to see an honest businessmen at a loss because of the actions of another." He was laying it on somewhat thick with the last but ultimately he was veering a bit too far on the stick side of the pitch and needed to provide more carrot. Hopefully the fact that he was displaying knowledge of what had been in the envelope would make the shopkeeper assume that the fellow who left was already under investigation prior to this and be inclined to co-operation.

Admiring the urn again he went on, "As I say, I'd hate to see you out of pocket. So perhaps we can work out a purchase price for this urn that reflects its value as the lovely piece it is and also get those items out of your possession and back to their rightful owners. As it were."

Sh*t, she thinks, I won't be able to follow him in a car.

There's still not much she could do about it. She could try to pick his pockets, but maybe he has something giving away his address , maybe not - but either way he is armed and likely prepared to use it.

Changes to vehicle. Will try to get the plate. she types. Then she figures out if this lot has a single exit she could monitor.

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Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Does the elevator have a signal for what floor it is in?Might as well wait and then hurry to the right floor.

---

The pawn shop owner froze, taking in Malcolm's words. His eyes stayed narrowed as he gave the older sin-eater a hard look. He seemed to be weighing his options.

Finally, he bent down and unlocked something, producing the same sack from earlier.

"How about 2k for the whole set and neither of us speak about this again?"



~~~~


The first floor elevator does indeed have an indicator letting patrons know which floor it is currently at. The numbers climb until they reach the 6th floor and then stop. Anne can see that the garage has two exits on the ground floor where she is currently standing. One directly behind her and one on the opposite side of the building.

There is also an open stairwell right next to the elevator.

Malcolm resisted the urge to sag in relief. Despite a confident exterior he was largely relying on what Anne had provided to mess with the fellow's confidence and had he held firm or asked for some sort of ID to indicate Malcolm had the right to be asking these questions things could have gone badly. Rather than give a sign of that he just nodded slowly, "Cheque work for you? And if we're not going to talk about it again there's a few questions I'd like to ask about him if you don't mind. Given his behaviour I doubt he gave you much but anything is helpful and avoids any awkward return trips."

The owner shakes his head and points at a sign on the desk. Cash Only, it read.

"There's an ATM in the back if you need it. And ask away. I can't promise I will be much help in your investigation but I don't want any trouble here. Just trying to run a business."

Unsurprised by the answer Malcolm headed for the ATM, calling out as he did so, "Pretty much what I thought. You recognise the guy from before him coming in here today then? And did he leave any details for contacting him or give any information about how he happened to have...those goods for sale?"

In reply to Malcolm Unsworth (msg # 37):

The owner shakes his head. "He does come in here every few weeks for the past few months.... Must've started last January. I don't really keep tabs on my customers... bad for business. I never even asked his name."

"You want a box for this?"

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Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
OOC: In game it is August. Also, if you want to try to press him, you can give me another Manip + pers or manip + intim for more info.

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In reply to The Storyteller (msg # 38):

"Understandable. But was this particular sales product new then or has he sod similar before?" Malcolm was very much hoping the former since if the fellow had sold other teeth before then, as he resisted the urge to glance towards the spectral crowd taking up space still, there was a lot of work still to go.

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Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
OOC: Thanks boss. 2 Successes on Manipulation + Persuasion

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In reply to Malcolm Unsworth (msg # 39):

The shop keeper glances out the door nervously and gulps. He then leans closer towards Malcolm as he answers, "Look, like I said. I'm just a business man. I got mouths to feed. Mainly my own. So I really don't like asking questions. But, if I were a curious man-- which I'm not-- I would wonder why it seems everything he has sold seems to be someone's... leavings. You get me? The gold teeth, engraved flasks, pocket watches with people's names in them, etc... That's all he ever brings in here."

He adjusts his collar and glances out the door again, "Now it's been great business. People are willing to pay way more for those things than they're worth and at the very least, I can sell the gold myself or," he pulls up his sleeve revealing a gold Rolex watch, "take a few for myself."

He strokes his chin, not bothering to roll the sleeve back down. Some sunlight reflects off the face into Malcolm's eyes. "Come to think of it... He did mention once he had 'a guy' that gives him this stuff. Not sure what that's about but, again, I don't ask questions..."

His eyes lose focus as he stares out the shop window for a moment. "Asking too many questions can get you killed in this town," he mumbles, almost as if to himself.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:40, Wed 23 Aug 2023.

Listening to the answer as the man moved closer Malcolm nodded slowly. That the fellow was a repeat customer here meant there was a possibility that he would return at another point it all else failed in terms of tracking him down. That he had sold additional similar items though and that there might be another person involved was a bit more annoying, since it added additional possibilities to how he was getting these goods and where from. Still, at least it was more information to add to the puzzle.

Suppressing a look of distaste at the fellow flashing a watch from the departed, not least because there was every chance he would need some co-operation down the line again from this man, Malcolm could not quite hide a faint shiver at the mention of dying. That though was less due to the words and more the fact that there were a lot of those departed in this enclosed space with them. A moment later his smile was back in place though and he said, "Most towns unfortunately. But speaking of questions I don't suppose the seller dropped any other bits of information either about himself or the source of these items? I can think of a few possibilities myself but every little bit helps."

Glancing at his phone Malcolm's brow furrowed at Anne's answer and he tapped out a quick reply, Thanks. guessing pinching his wallet or similar is too risky?

The man shakes his head, "That's all I got."

He then eyes Malcolm greedily and holds out his hand, "Pleasure doing business with you, sir. Will you be needing a box for the urn or not?"

It would have been too much to hope for more. Offering a slight grin Malcolm began counting out the money he had taken out for the agreed price, "Sure thing. Looks slightly less creepy than carrying the thing round in public and makes it a bit easier to put my other purchase in." As he dropped what should have been the last bill his hand went back to the wallet once more, almost unbidden and his brow furrowed for a moment before clearing as he understood why, "And hell, while we're at it given how helpful you've been throw in something you're after fifty dollars for you know you'll never sell at fifty. I've got a friend who loves the odd stuff and you've been pretty darn helpful." Adding the additional bill to the rest he resisted the urge to chuckle. The fellow he shared space with these days he would never understand but at least to a degree he had started to get what they were after sometimes.

Once the purchases were boxed up and handed over he hefted it with difficulty keeping an eye on the various spectral presences in the shop. If everything had been handed over then he would have expected their attention on him now and if not there might be some questions needed asking.

In reply to Malcolm Unsworth (msg # 43):

The man smiled wider than what seemed natural. "Thank you kindly, sir!" As he counted through the bills, "my pleasure, indeed!"

As Malcolm exited the shop with the box in hand, the line of ghosts did indeed each follow him just as orderly as they had been the entire time. There did not seem to be any other ghosts hanging around that particular establishment.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Malcolm: Feel free to describe if you want to do anything special next. If you just help the ghosts pass on, we can do that 'off screen' and end the scene for you here, we can say you got help from someone you met at the flesh fair as you don't have the 'Pass On' ritual. However, if you want to try to get more information from the apparitions themselves, feel free to continue RP'ing here. Most of them will be unresponsive or in a 'loop' like the first one... but sin-eaters have ways around that.

Additionally, if you want to pursue the original guy, lmk. We'll just have to wait for Anne.

---

Anne rushes up the stairs, hoping to be faster then the man getting to his car.
When she reaches the 6th, she briefly pauses to catch her breath and then peaks out of the stairway door to resume the pursuit.

First priority: Get a licence plate.
Second priority: If he is still away from his car, is there an opportunity to pick pockets?

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Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
15:01, Today: Secret Roll: Anne Reed rolled 4 successes using 5d10 with the World of Darkness nWoD system with a target of 8, rerolling 10s with rolls of 8,8,9,2,9.  Stamina (or Strength) + Athletics.

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Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
I initially thought picking pockets would be far too dangerous because of the weapon I've seen him carry. But then, Anne - if anyone - is pretty well equipped to face physical threats with her martial arts mastery, Shroud and Rage manifestations, etc. So if there is a chance, she might well take the risk.

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In reply to Anne Reed (msg # 45):

Anne easily makes it up the stairs before the suspect is able to find his car. She tries to be as quiet as possible but realizes a little too late that she is breathing audibly as she makes it up to the 6th floor. The man pauses and slowly turns around, giving Anne plenty of time to duck behind something if she likes. He looks scared but doesn't notice her.

His happy-go-lucky demeanor is gone, however. He looks to be back on edge, making the idea of pickpocketing much more difficult. Though, she is still welcome to try.

The license plate is easy to see as the man presses a button on his key fob and a black truck's lights flash, the back of which is unobstructed and easy to see.

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Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
The license plate:

https://untappedcities.com/wp-...ed-New-York-NYC2.jpg

Anne can still try to pick pocket the man before he gets in the truck but will roll at -2.

Please feel free to also describe how Anne hides from the man noticing him, you all both got the same amount of suxx.

Please note: If you don't stop him somehow, in my next post he will get in his car and drive away out of the scene. (Not that you are required to)

---

Oh sh.t, Anne thinks once she realises that she was making too much noise.

She quickly ducks behind a car and then carefully peeks out of her cover to see him turning back again. She quickly takes a picture showing the car, the man and the license plate and sends

Got the car, the man and the plate. No way to get the purse.

together with the picture.

Then she rushes back down, to check if there's anything to be done to temporarily block one of the exits.

For a moment that grin unsettled Malcolm, made him wonder if maybe he was getting the worst end of the deal. But as he looked up and saw various spectral faces watching him the question became moot. This was not about that but about them. Trudging out of the shop with a slightly awkward grip on his purchases he juggled the package as he replied to Anne.

Okay. Send me a pickup point, I'll get us a taxi and we can chat wi9th the spooks somewhere else.

He might be able to manage that on his own but given how much she had done to sort this out it seemed rude to leave her out. And a second pair of eyes always helped.

There's not much for Anne to use to block either of the exits. There is a large trash bin but it looks heavy and Anne can already hear the squeal of tires coming down the levels of the garage.

Anne sighs silently, but is ready to give up and let the portly man go. They have the car and the plate, so she hopes it's giving up for now.

I am right outside the parking lot., she types and walks over to one of the exits - taking a position with cover, should the man exit on this side.

Nodding at the reply Malvolm juggled his new purchase carefully, watching the entourage behind him as he did so. Pulling free his phone he dialled up a few of the taxi firms he had used before until he found one with a free driver in the area, providing them with directions where to pick him up and confirmation they'd be stopping by a nearby parking lot to get another passenger. Once that was done he waited for it to  arrive and when it did loaded up carefully, watching to see how the ghosts kept pace as the vehicle pulled away. Hopefully the anchors should mean they were able to remain nearby but if not that it was only a short distance away should make matters easier to adapt to.

Anne hears the truck before she sees it, the song "Highway to hell" is blaring out of his opened windows as he peels down the runway and into the New York traffic through the opposite side of the garage from her.


The taxi driver for Malcolm arrives without incident, the driver is a middle aged blonde man. "I can put that package in the trunk for you, sir," he offers.

As the taxi is driving, the ghosts continue to walk at their normal pace but every few seconds as the vehicle out-paces them, they 'glitch' forward within range-- very much resembling an online game being played with a bad connection. They don't seem to notice anything different is happening.

When the taxi arrives at Anne's location (it doesn't take long), the driver turns to the two of you and asks, "So, where to next?" The meter continues to run.

This scene is now closed, Malcolm and Anne both get 3xp.