Evil

[Travellar]

*a thread specificly for running a webforum "Cthulhu" based game. see Archam Horror in Off Topic.*



*ahem*

I've lived in this small, semi-inbred town nearly all my life. Although my birth was farther south in the State of Illinois, my parents brought me here not long after I was born. My father worked at the docks until last week, when he died under circumstances I still contest. The doctor said it was his heart, given out with age. I say something else, something sinister that has been creeping on the edge of my mind since about a month before was the cause. I must use some caution even committing these words to my journal, there is noone in this town I feel I can trust. My mother certainly knew something more she wouldn't tell me, but her nerves have been so shattered I've been forced to send her to stay with my Aunt for some time.

My name is Elias Dockerson. I run a small hospice, and I've finally made my decision. Since there is noone in town to be trusted with this task, I must rely on my guests.

[Travellar]

* Elias dusts off the countertop, while waiting for customers. When he finishes, his thoughts drift as he watches the children playing in the street outside.

[asianmommy]

*An average sized woman with long auburn hair and a hot stare pushes open the doors. She is dressed like a prostitute, and obviously doesn't belong to the town she ended up in. She carries a bag and there is a lump in one pocket that is probably a gun. Janie Red, though her real name is not told to strangers, walks into the hospice, hoping to drink much and talk little, she finds it empty and sighs with relief. The bartender is a fairly decent looking man so she settles in.*

[KeegaKurGurk]

*not long after a talk male walks in rather lowdly exclaming that he wants to party. Hes dressed in a pair of blue slacks and a butt up white shirt. He himself has long hair for a guy and looks something like a james bond bad guy reject and looks out of place this far in land. he sits to stools away from the female in the room deciding that shes not the partying type by the looks of her "lugage" and orders a drink under the name Zal.*

[asianmommy]

*The woman orders a martini from the bartender and introduces herself. Her voice is rather high and nasaly*
The name's Janie, Janie Red. And you are? Pardon me if that's nosy, but I like to know who's servin' me.

[KeegaKurGurk]

So you do speak..... *zal seems confused as he turns his head* so how long are you here?

[asianmommy]

I don't know as I was talkin' to you. *She says without looking. Her gaze remains steady on the bartender* Why don't you mind your own business?

[KeegaKurGurk]

Alright no need to be defensive i was just trying to make small talk i will leave you alone now. *he holds his hands up trying to be as non threataning as posible he then takes his drink and sits at one of the tables*

[Travellar]

The Hotel manager/bartender is not unfreindly, but not very talkative either. Looking at the very oddly dressed young man, he checks him in and shows him to his room.

Understanding "Red"s business just a little too well, he seems a tad uncomfortable. Her appearance in the front of the hotel gives an appearance he's a tad embarrassed about.
As politely as possible, he says, "Excuse me maam, will you be needing a room as well?"

[asianmommy]

*Janie shrugs at this polite refusal to name himself and agrees to take a room.* AH'd also like to buy some more respectable clothin' if you take my meaning? Could you be so kind as to point me in the right direction?

*She lights a cigarette and looks around the room. She knows that she is supposed to meet a client but she isn't sure who. Until then, she doesn't want to spend forever in this get up she's wearing, "short dresses aren't very ladylike" as her mother would say.*

[Travellar]

Elias gladly shows Miss Red to her room, and directs her to one of the few shops in town where there are a few dresses for sale.

"If it's real shopping you want, you may need to catch the train down to the city. But you should be able to find clothes here in town for day to day wear."

[asianmommy]

*She thanks him and then puts her stuff, except for the lump in her coat pocket, under the pillow before going out to find something new to wear. She hopes what little money she made in the last town will be enough. This next trick is supposed to be a major one, and the client is rich enough to pay well. On her way back through the bar she smiles at the bar tender.*
I'll be back soon.

[Farler]

*just outside of the bar a young-ish looking man bumps into miss red having been more preoccupied with his large book then his surroundings. Looking rather startled he extends his hand to the downed miss red*

Oh my, I I I am very sorry m-miss. Let me help you up. *he looks at her momentarily noticing the way she is dressed but is not overly shocked to see a woman dressed as such even if she is a bit out of place for this particular area*

Im sorry miss, my Name is Avery, Mr. Avery white. Im afraid I was a bit too occupied in my passion for reading, I have a tendency to forget the whole world when I encounter something... intriguing.

[asianmommy]

Oh! I'm sorry, Avery. My name is Janie, Janie red. Whatcha reading?

*She bends over him and sneaks a peek at his book, then looks him up and down.* You're kinda cute.

[KeegaKurGurk]

*Zal leaves his room after puting things away, starts out side to see both the red head and some guy talking* Hey whats goin on here? *he asks lowdly*

[Farler]

Oh! I'm sorry, Avery. My name is Janie, Janie red. Whatcha reading?

*She bends over him and sneaks a peek at his book, then looks him up and down.* You're kinda cute.

*blushes slightly* Why, why thank you. Ah the book, it is um, it is a compilation of the history of the region. Rather interesting really, it goes all the way back to when this area was home to an indian tribe though that part is slightly incomplete. As this book is merely a compilation of copies of accounts and many pages are missing or, quite obviously, complete fabrication. But interesting none the less.

*reaches out and takes it from her hands to show where the writer has made note of missing or destroyed pages from the original journals* It really is amazing that this history exists.

I have gone through many libraries including the rather extensive one at my alma mater, the university of chicago and such a complete history is rare indeed. Even if it is *laughs slightly* so Incomplete.

Um, a-a-anyways I was just headed inside to have a drink um, perhaps I will see you around the town Miss Red? I think I would enjoy your company *he said with a shy but charming smile*

[asianmommy]

*Ignoring the loud boy she smiles at the wonderful Avery who, in a moment, seems to have transformed her into a real woman instead of just a prostitute with just a smile.*

You're really too kind, Avery. I'll join you as soon as I'm done shopping can I join you for a drink?

[KeegaKurGurk]

*recognizing avery from the library which he had only been to once* Oh hey its you A-A-A-A wats your name again book worm?

[Farler]

*Ignoring the loud boy she smiles at the wonderful Avery who, in a moment, seems to have transformed her into a real woman instead of just a prostitute with just a smile.*

You're really too kind, Avery. I'll join you as soon as I'm done shopping can I join you for a drink?

OF COURSE! I, I mean It would be my pleasure... *looks towards the rather loud young man, then back at miss red* a friend of yours?

[asianmommy]

Don't call him "bookworm". I think reading is a good thing. *She puts her hand on Avery protectively. *

I don't really know him. I don't know that I want to.

[KeegaKurGurk]

I just called him that cause he works at the library i didnt mean anything by it *zal walks closer* seriously im ok with any body who reads alot just because i cant sit there and read through just 2 doesnt mean im aginst it............. what dou you say abou tme buying you a nice dress? Im going in to the city any way.

[Farler]

*whispers to miss red*
he seems rather harmless

*extends his hand genialy* it is Avery, Mr. avery white. Im afraid I do not remember you at all. Though you seem to recognize me.

[asianmommy]

*She frowns. She really could use a free outfit, save her money for other things. She was hesitant to disagree but she didn't want to give Avery the wrong impression.*

I'd love a free dress, but it's gonna be just that, you buyin' me a dress, Mr...

[KeegaKurGurk]

*takes and shakes Averys hand*
Yea im going to the college i recognized you cause i was in the library one day and seen ya doing your work and readin. It was only the once and i only cought part of your name that time. Nice to meat you Avery.... Sorry, Mister White. Would you like any thing from teh city as well? I may be a flunky but atleast im not horrible.
*bows to Mrs. Red sarcasticly*
sorry mam, where are my manners, my names Zal, Zal Draven.

[Plunder Down-Under]

The children playing have all headed home for dinner by now, the only boy left is sitting on the side of the road watching shyly at the interaction going on. He wears earthy coloured shorts and shirt and has an intelligant look in his eyes beyond his years.

[Farler]

Yea im going to the college i recognized you cause i was in the library one day and seen ya doing your work and readin. It was only the once and i only cought part of your name that time. Nice to meat you Avery.... Sorry, Mister White. Would you like any thing from teh city as well? I may be a flunky but atleast im not horrible.

Um, no no. I still have plenty to read *looks down at his old torn clothes* ah well... no no. I was on my into the bar for a small break. And then back to my research, perhaps later when the two of you return we could have a drink together Mr elias runs a very nice establishment. Though of course if Im not there when you return, you can always find me in the library. *avery smiled and gave a short wave before entering the hospice*

[asianmommy]

Bye, Avery. I'll see you later.

*She turns to Zal* I'm sorry if I'm a bit abrupt, Zal. I'm not used to being trusting of people.

[KeegaKurGurk]

Alright see you when i get back or when ever i get to the library which ever comes first for you hehe..
*notices the kid on the side of teh road*
Hey kid wacha doin? I wouldnt want to be sitin in the road if i was you, c'mere.
*Zal signals for the kid to get out of the road and stand beside him*

*turns back to Mrs. Red* Its alright m not all that used to being trusted, but m trying.

[Travellar]

Elias checks his pocketwatch before chiming in, "If you're going down to the city, you'd better hurry. The three o'clock train leaves in about twenty minutes, and is two blocks away. If you want to wait till morning, there's another daily at seven, while the Northbounds come through around three fifteen and six."

"Meanwhile, I'd love to talk to you all about something over dinner, if you'll join me, around six thirty in the parlor."

"And Mr. White, the University called, your room is paid up through them till the end of the week. They said you'd need to call in again if you'd be staying longer."

[asianmommy]

Oh, Zal, let's wait till tomorrow, can we?
*before he can answer she walks back into the hospice.* I'd rather make sure I'm here for dinner. *She looks at Avery* Shall we have that drink now then?

[KeegaKurGurk]

*Zal looks back in to teh Hospice and yells*
Thanks for the advice Eli i belive i will be back by then.
*looks back at the kid*
c'mon kid lets go to town ill buy you somethin nice.

*looks back inside at Mrs. Red* M goin any way ill be back by then i promise and ill have that dress for ya what size are you bout a 4?

[Farler]

yes, I think. I think perhaps an extended stay is, a good idea. *laughs* Ive barely even shifted the dust in your library. Thank you Mr. dockerson, and may I please use your phone?

[asianmommy]

*Red sits down and orders herself another martini waiting to talk to Avery some more. Being a prostitute, she rarely finds a man who makes her comfortable, and she wants to enjoy his company while she can, before her client shows up.*

[Farler]

*hands miss red his book* I was wondering if you would hold on to this for me while I make a phone call. It is very valuable, and I would rather not leave it out of my sight. But I believe I can trust you.

[asianmommy]

Sure. *She reaches out and takes it* I'll keep it safe.

*Red blushes and tries to hide it by opening the book*

[KeegaKurGurk]

*looks back at the kid*
C'mon kid im gonna be late.
or if you just want to sit there its no skin off my back....
*starts walkin tward the train station*

[Plunder Down-Under]

Sean stands and approaches Zal his intense gaze seems a little off for someone his age, but still friendly and childish like it would be expected.

"You're quite a boistrous character. My name is Sean O'Coileain, pleased to make your Acquaintance, Mister."

[KeegaKurGurk]

people cal me Zal, sean. so what would you like to do besides sit in the street all by your self?

[Farler]

*returns and sits closely next to miss red* Well, it seems I have charmed my way into another 2 weeks in this charming town before I must return to chicago. Which should leave me ample time to persue all of my interests here. *he said his smile warm and inviting, his eyes sincere and friendly* so how do you like that book. Very intriguing isn't it?

[asianmommy]

*her blush reddends* Well, that's great. I'm glad you will be around longer. The book is great if I could understand more of what it was saying. Can you explain it?

[Farler]

ah, I see the problem *points to some of the stranger terms* this is one of the obviously fictional parts of the, hmmm *flips a few pages back* ah yes the third Journal this was when the town was first being established after the indians we're driven out. He mentions that some of his people started adopting the native gods and practices.

Terrible really but in such savage times more then one man lost his faith to superstition. Of course they were all eventually rounded up and burned, not that I condone such actions and as a man of intelligence I see no reason why other faiths can not be accepted but they were becoming more violent as time went on and *stops suddenly* well history is not always golden.

Perhaps you'd enjoy some of the further chapters, the account of the digging of the town centre's well is quite charming *as Avery goes to flip the page his hand ever so gently brushes against hers, He turns a deep deep shade of red* a-a-ah, y-yes, hheeere w-w-we are. heh. As you can see these portions are much more complete. And I find their quaint simplicty rather enjoyable though, perhaps not so enlightening.

[asianmommy]

*as his hand brushes hers, red blushes hard and smiles.* I'm very interested.
I've never really read any history, Avery. In fact, I've never really read much of anything. Oh, it's not that I'm not interested, but before I got out on my own I was kind of spoiled and lazy, but then I found myself having to make my way and then I had no time to myself. *she looks away* sorry, I've probably said too much.

[KeegaKurGurk]

**els where**
So sean wacha want im going in to this shop to pick a dress out for my friend back there at the Hospice.
*looks at sean* Moneys no object k kid?

[Farler]

no no! not at all. I rather enjoy listening to you. Id, like to hear more.

[asianmommy]

well, i grew up in manhattan *her voice squeaks* and my parents are loaded. I married for love, but it turns out the guy was just some jerk, just like all the other guys I met up until now.
He left me, and I was left with nothin' but a stupid dress and some ratty old heels. I started hookin then. *she avoided his gaze* It's not something I'm proud of, but it's how I make a living. I'm actually supposed to meet a client here. *she thought, "oh god, I bet he'll leave me right now"* I don't want to be though.

[Farler]

*avery laughs a bit more loudly then he should* Im sorry Miss red, I told you that I come from chicago didn't I? I knew your profession the moment I laid my eyes on you *blushes* no offence intended. *brushes the back of her hand* it does not matter to me what you do, it only matters who you are. And you obviously have a keen mind and well... if you really are seious about leaving your life behind well *stands abruptly and goes into a boxing stance*

Ive been known to rescue a damsel in distress or 2 in my spair time *overthrows a punch at a mock fighter and falls onto a chair hitting his head, Becoming extremely dazed and passes out*

(real world note. Im off till tomorrow. You can catch avery up on anything that happens when he comes to)

[asianmommy]

Oh, Avery! *Everything he said was so wonderful and he has to knock himself out. Red kneels on the floor and tends to him. She asks the bar tender to help him get Avery to his room, and then goes to wash up for dinner.*

[Plunder Down-Under]

**els where**
So sean wacha want im going in to this shop to pick a dress out for my friend back there at the Hospice.
*looks at sean* Moneys no object k kid?
Some sweets would be great, thank you Zal. *Sean smiles devilishly as only a child can*

Did you actually remember to get your friends size? Or will we be guessing from memory?

[John Northman]

*Meanwhile*

*A black Ford Model A parks near the hospice. A man dressed like a stereotypical civilian cop steps out and light a cigarette. He steps in and walks to the counter noticing a whitehaired guy knocked out.. brobably for trying to hit on the prostitute now tending him*
"sigh" Give it a rest Joe... Not your problem
*he ignores them and talks to the man behind the counter*
"Do you have any rooms available?"

[asianmommy]

*In her room, Red is getting ready for dinner, where who knows what manner of talk will be happening. Ready for anything she's already washed out her long red hair and styled it, piled on top of her head. Her eyes are lined with the small amount of kohl she has left, and her lips get the tiniest touch of lipstick. She doesn't have much make up left and it's been so long since she could last afford any that she's been conserving. In her small bag of treasures is a picture of her husband, she tears it in half and tosses it in the garbage can, along with the "dear jane" letter he wrote her and her cheap, can't pawn it wedding ring.

She looks in the mirror, wishing she had something better to wear, but shrugs since she can't do nothin' about it. She checks what little bit of cash she has left and sighs. This will have to do till her big client comes in.

She decides to go search out the town but barely makes it past Avery's room where she doubles back to check on the bump on his head. She sits down on the edge of his bed with his book and begins to read.*

[KeegaKurGurk]

Some sweets would be great, thank you Zal. *Sean smiles devilishly as only a child can*

Did you actually remember to get your friends size? Or will we be guessing from memory?
Mostly memory but mines a good one, iv got a knac for these things.....
*hands sean a fist full of cash.* heres a few bucks go get urself something extreamly sugary ill be out shortly meet me back here in say 5 minits or so? *turns to the door and starts to go in*

[Travellar]

*Meanwhile*

*A black Ford Model A parks near the hospice. A man dressed like a stereotypical civilian cop steps out and light a cigarette. He steps in and walks to the counter noticing a whitehaired guy knocked out.. brobably for trying to hit on the prostitute now tending him*
"sigh" Give it a rest Joe... Not your problem
*he ignores them and talks to the man behind the counter*
"Do you have any rooms available?"

"Yessir, we'll get you checked in right away. Name please? and how long will you be staying?"
Elias quickly and efficiently runs through the paperwork to get this newcomer to the party set up and comfortable. For what he's about to ask over dinner, this gentleman looks just the type to help out.

[John Northman]

Damn! forgot I cant use my real name.. Quick Joe think of something!
..Jack.. Jack Smith. Real-Estate salesman *He puts on his best fake-salesman smile* Here to see if there is some busines potential in this town and it sure looks like it!

*Joe is not a good actor so it's quite obvous he is not telling the truth*

[asianmommy]

*the book is engrossing so she takes it downstairs, leaving a note behind for Avery.* Avery, I'm going to sit downstairs and read your book some more. Don't worry, I'll keep it safe. See you at, or after dinner, when ever you wake up. ~Janie Red

*She carries it hugged to her chest all the way to the bar where she orders a club soda and sits, engrossed in a book - something she never thought would happen*

[Travellar]

Red's enjoyment of Avery's book is interrupted by the return of Zal, with Sean in tow. Sean's cheeks are stuffed like a chipmunk with candy and sweets, more dangling out of one pocket, as his hands are occupied with a pair of boxes that he delivers to Red. It is Six-Fifteen, and everyone is invited to dinner with Elias in the Parlor.

[KeegaKurGurk]

*Zal hands one of the boxes to Red* Heres your dress i hope you like Crimson, And no its not skimpy ither it is a proper dress.
*he turns to Elias* Dont worry about the kid Eli I will pay for his stay. I hope you dont mind if he comes to diner as well.
*and with a final look to Mrs. Red he heads to his room with sean*

[asianmommy]

*Red walks off to her room to throw the dress on and check on Avery before dinner. The dress is an almost perfect fit. She smiles at how decent she looks for once. She keeps the book close to her chest and peeks in on Avery, who is still out. She heads down to dinner*

[KeegaKurGurk]

*Zal and sean come back out of his room, Zal looks bore presentable then befor. sean is in the same type of suit Zal is in only brown.* So do I look like a mobster? *Zal asks jokingly* I've made Sean here my mini me and he doesnt seem to mind to much so long as i keep him fed with sweets.

[Farler]

*Avery abruptly wakes from a nightmarish dream of burning bodies and chanting he twitches slightly and sighs* First you knock yourself out and then you let yourself have a silly nightmare, you're more of an ox then a scholar... although it isn't my fault if those books are so heavy that my muscles have grown better then my own reflexs...

*reads over the note from miss red* Well now, I hope Im not too late for dinner. *stands a bit dazed at first but isn't too much the worse for wear and heads down to the dining room, taking a chair directly opposite miss red blushing slightly* Ah, thank you Miss red. Im sorry that you had to see me make such a fool of myself. Im a bit stronger then my frame should allow I think.

[Travellar]

Sean's mother arrives, looking quite worried about her son.
"There you are! I've been looking all over town for you, you know the rules about being home before dark, young man! Now get home this instant!" Her attempt to scold her son however, is a little diminished by her suprise to see him so dressed up. She looks over the assembling crowd with a questioning look, before dashing off down the street continuing to scold Sean.

As the Assorted guests take thier seats around the table, Elias closes the door and the curtains against the coming night. He then moves to the table, and as the host, serves out the evening meal to his guests. Taking his own seat at the head of the table, he begins, "I'm sorrey if what I'm about to say may seem to be imposing on you fine people, but I really need help with a very serious matter. Outside help."

'You see, there's something strange about this town. I can't put my finger on it, or rightly describe what is amiss, but I can tell you that noone from this town is to be trusted, at least not with my problem.'

'It began some months ago, maybe a year, and I believe it has something to do with the immigrants.' Elias winces slightly at his own use of such a broad term. 'I've seen plenty of people, from all oer in my life. I've no beef with Chineese, Blacks, Irish, or any others I've ever met. But these newcomers, they're different. They've got short, squat frames, and to look only at thier eyes or hair you may mistake them for Chineese, or some other south asian culture. But these folks are different! Just to look at them, there's something odd, something wrong with thier faces, that makes them look like... I dunno, like frogs.'

Seeing he's begun to loose the interest of his guests with this description, Elias comes back to his point. "I'm sorrey, it's not thier looks that are a problem. It's thier behaviors. Most of them seem to have found jobs working down at the docks. Theres a few what've found jobs up at the old hook farm. The odd part is, the docks have never seen such activity untill they started working there. You can imagine my father's suprise, having worked there for years. One of the first things they did was add a second shift. In all the years he worked there, he said the dockyards were going under for want of work, and it had to be a strain to keep the few people they did have on a payroll. Now all of a sudden, they need people working at night unloading some of these ships that come in!"

[Travellar]

Elias continues;
"Anyhow, about three months ago things started getting really weird. Father mentioned that the day shifters were becoming more idle than ever, even with a ship tied up to the pier. Next morning, the ship was unladen, and getting underway. They'd unloaded the whole thing at night! Apparently the night shift had moved all the cargo off and shipped it wherever already as well, because the only piece of cargo in the warehouse was a huge crate, maybe twenty feet wide and thirty high sitting in the warehouse, covered in a tarp. One of the other old timers had gone to take a look at the crate on his lunch, and got chased out by the shift manager. After that, they'd locked the warehouse up, tight as a drum. He told my father he'd heard sounds from inside the crate, like something was moving in there, something alive!"

"whether there was something alive, or it was just looser cargo settling after being jostled around I don't know. Either way, Phil, My father's friend, didn't show up for work the next day. Supervisors just said he'd musta come down with something, or quit, but we haven't seen him since. Father started getting really untalkative about work after that, and he seemed nervous each day at the prospect of going in. Started talking about moving though, wanted to have the family pick up and get away from this town. Didn't really give us any reason why, nor did he say anything about where we should go. I think he just wanted to get away from something here."

[KeegaKurGurk]

*looking up from his meal Zal asks* So Eli what happend to your pop I didnt see him around, and just how do you supose we investigate these goings on?
*he sits back in his chair and awaits the answers*

[Travellar]

"Last week though, the deputy comes into the hotel. Says he has some real bad news for me. My father had died at work, and the doctor said it was a heart attack." Elias becomes a bit agitated telling the next part. "Linked it to his failing health, HA! My father's health wasn't failing. He was older than alot of folks might live to see in such health, but long lives have always run in my family. There were so many peculiarities about his death I'd be all night telling you everything, but apparently he told my dear mother more."

"When she found out she became hysterical. She wouldn't stop screaming and crying, saying 'They killed him! He knew they were coming but had to go into work anyhow!' I couldn't make much sence of what she was talking about, so I gave her a bit of Opium to calm her down. She still wasn't herself, I'm sure father's death hit her even harder than me. I had to put her on a train down to Springfield to stay with her sister a while."

"Meanwhile, I'm learning much to my hazard that noone around here wants to talk about things, and it's best if I stop asking. But something's still wrong here. Something other than a heart failure killed my father, and I think it was something at the docks."

Elias finishes his story with a pleading look in his eyes. It's obvious he's firmly convinced of this conspiracy against him, though the scale he suggests would seem very improbable. As he rises and clears the plates from the table, the guests are left alone to ponder whether his father's death, and a state of denial have worn too heavily on thier host.

[KeegaKurGurk]

*Zal sits up agian* Well my fellow travelers i vote we figure out what this is i meen its a once in a life time sounding type of thing. Could be fun.

[asianmommy]

I read somethin'! In Avery's book, I read somethin' about the people who came here. The beliefs came from the Southern Pacific, the ones, about the people and the burnings.

*She lifts up the book and opens it to show Avery and see if he can't clarify her meaning*

I'd be willing to help you out, for free room and board. *Instantly she's embarrassed she said it. She blushes.* Sorry, I didn't mean to sound so... It's just, I ain't got nothin' to my name, ya know? I'd be happy to help, just to help and, Ya know, stick around this nice company. *She bumps her hip slightly into Avery*

[Farler]

ah... this, this is all so much to, to h-handle a-a-all at once *looks deeply into miss red's eyes* Ahem, but of course I will help in any way you need. I already know some of the more sordid history of the town and it would seem that well... that this is NOT the first time these foreign fellows have been here.

And Im afraid to say that, well their arrival tends to herald things that fit far too well with your father's apparent murder. You see, violence always seemed to come sometime after the town becomes more prosporous and this always seemed to coincide with a great influx of foreigners. Though rarely ever described one of the latest chapters mentioned what the author called... froggie men... he even wrote out a little rhyme, which I would rather not repeat. It is rather offensive. Um anyways. As the violence escalated well... many times the town went through a cleansing. Homes and... anyone inside were burned. While seals against evil were chanted.

The town is always eventually rebuilt and repopulated.

All town go through black patches in history sometimes... sometimes they go through them often.

*stands closely to miss red* I believe we may find more in the library, I have, I have barely scratched the surface and their are some very odd books to be looked through.

[asianmommy]

*Red looks toward Elias, hoping he'll say something encouraging, or even mildly supportive. Her hand slides down and grabs onto Avery's as they wait for their attentive host. "whatever happens," she thinks. "I'll stay with avery, research, and find out what's causing this, and then maybe, maybe he'll keep me around."*

[KeegaKurGurk]

I'll help with the research if you two dont mind any. I will even be on teh oposite end of the library so you two can have your "alone time" if so wished.*Zal winks over to Avery and Red *

[John Northman]

"Did your father leave behind any keys to his workplace? I could take a look there...."
*He noticed that he was talking like a detective again and again tried to put up that idiot looking too-wide simle*
"I mean.. eh... To see if there is some estate worth buying at the same time... heh"

[Plunder Down-Under]

((you didnt explicitly say but I assume sean is back at home))
**Meanwhile**

That night Seans dreams are tumultuous. He dreamt he was alone at night near the ocean. Small men only slightly taller than him drudged around seeming not to notice him, they radiated malice, but they were nothing compared to the feeling rising up from the sea.

The waves pulled back from the shore and a dark gargantuan sillouette was visible in the low light. Upon sighting it Sean was rooted to the spot racked with fear, he knew the figure could see him and he feared it. Then it opened one eye..

And Sean awoke sweating and breathing deeply. He didnt dare cry out. He thought back over the dream and remembered noticing a vaguely familar face in the dream...

"Elias.. The hospice owner.." Sean realised, then drifted back into dreamless sleep.

[Travellar]

Elias returns from the Kitchen, delighted to see everyone so willing to help him out.

"No, my father didn't have any keys. Not much was locked up at the docks, unless it was in the warehouses themselves. I can give you these though..."
Elias hands "Mr. Smith" a pair of house keys.
"These are the keys to my parents house, which we may need to be selling here in the near future. The help of an expierienced 'realtor' could be useful. I doubt you'll find anything there that I haven't seen already. My father never liked to bring his work home with him."

"I'll draw each of you a mpap of the area, including some points of interest. That'll at least help you get around to investigate this. It'll take some time though, and it's getting late. Since you've all agreed to help, I'll have those maps ready at breakfast for you."

(out of game, I'll need to know what everyone's doing after dinner. PMs please.)

[Travellar]

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-10/425235/Evilgame.JPG

"It's the best I can do, and pretty good if I say so myself. I've taken the liberty of pointing out a few things on the maps, where the docks are, the trains station, Doctor's office, and the way up to the old hook farm. That's the library right next door to us, but I figure Mr. White already knew that much."

[Farler]

I'll help with the research if you two dont mind any. I will even be on teh oposite end of the library so you two can have your "alone time" if so wished.*Zal winks over to Avery and Red *

a w-w-w-well y-y-yes that that would be fine. *ahem* I believe the best method will be to look for anything about the history of the town and anything that ties the instances of violence together.

I am... very skeptical still but this is all I can think of to help. If we find anything we'll let you know and, and if you can think of another way we can assist do not hesitate to ask.

[Travellar]

After spending the rest of the evening in the Parlor, chatting about nothing in particular, everyone finally decides to turn in for the night. Your sleep is mostly undisturbed, and you all awaken greatly refreshed in the morning.

[KeegaKurGurk]

*Zal comes down the hall first rather loudly*
Good morning all shal we get started?

[asianmommy]

*Red's sleep was full of dreams. She doesn't feel quite right, even though she awoke feeling happy, she is tired and snaps at Zal, hoping to see Avery soon.*

No. Do you have to be so damn eager all the time?

*She wipes her eyes and inhales deeply.* I'm sorry, Zal, I didn't sleep so good for the most part.

[Travellar]

So is everyone just hanging out in the hotel then?

[asianmommy]

((i think so, just waiting for everyone to "wake up"))

[Farler]

To The Library!

[asianmommy]

*Red follows Avery to the Library, hoping she can be of help. She wants to tell him about her dream, but she is worried about what those dreams could mean*

[Farler]

*once inside the library Avery starts issuing orders with great confidence* we are looking for history books and anything out of the ordinary. Also *indicates the book he has* anything by this L.P. Howard fellow, he seemed to understand the necessity of grouping together books into larger tomes for future generations. Miss Red, would you like to work with me at that back table? *he said a bit more shyly and with a slight blush to his cheeks*

[Travellar]

Mr. White gains a few shocked stares with his entrance, but the head librarian says it best. "You know perfectly well where the local history and refrence sections are, Avery. I appreciate the grant you arranged from you university, but I'll not be bossed around in my own library."

A few early morning patrons leave at this sudden disturbance, and activity at the back table. One teenaged boy with a rather unkind snarl as he slips out the door.

[KeegaKurGurk]

*Zal waks in to the library shortly after all the comotion*
So what was that kids problem?
*walking up to the back table he looks back at the door*

Oh Mr. White where am I to be stationd? Oh captain my captian.
*he salutes Avery sarcasticly and with the wrong hand*

[Plunder Down-Under]

That morning after breakfast with his family Sean went outside like usual but not to play with the children. He was curious about the new people in town they were so strange and at least Zal seemed nice enough.

He headed towards the Hospice hoping to see them around. Though there was no sign of them in the room.

[asianmommy]

*Red follows Avery to a quiet corner. She didn't like the look of some of the library folk.*

Ever notice that some people around here are kind of creepy.

[KeegaKurGurk]

*Zal feels as if he had forgoten something out side and heads back out the door seeing Sean looking in the hospice window*
Hey kido what are ya doing out here, wanna help with somethin?

[Farler]

*Red follows Avery to a quiet corner. She didn't like the look of some of the library folk.*

Ever notice that some people around here are kind of creepy.

Ive never really noticed. *he muses his white hair* Some people have been known to say the same thing about me so...

[Travellar]

With the hours of the day passing, the frustrating work of putting together the finer details of the towns history proceed. Avery's book, the one he's been reading the last few days, serves as a valuble guide. Using dates and refrences from it, the amature detective are able to seek out archived newspapers, land ownership titles, marrage and birth certificates. Although the basic story remains the same, one of a recurring cult in this town, sorting through the mountain of documents for details may take several days. One thing that does emerge in the first day's investigation though is that the cult seems less oriented with the town itself, than a site just out of town. While you may each form your own guesses as to where, another day's investigation will surely reveal the answers.

[asianmommy]

::Red has never done so much reading in her whole life. By the end of the day she is falling asleep on a large thick volume. Her hand on Avery's, as she tries to keep going.::

We've done so much reading, Avery, I'm not sure I can do this much longer today. We haven't learned so much, really, just that this seems to be more outside town than in the town itself. I don't know how surprising that is.

*she sighs and hauls herself to her feet. She stands behind Avery and rubs his shoulders.* You're the brain though, what do you think?

[Travellar]

The things you can find in this small town library, (and the courthoure across the street), are mostly old records, such as land titles, licenses, and newspapers. You won't be finding much information on the occult, and ceertainly not multiple editions of it.

[Plunder Down-Under]

Sean who has been quietly helping Zal, pleased to be involved pipes up "I've got to go home now or Mum will send me to bed without dinner angain, but I think our best bet would be to go explore the site they are most oriented around, seeing as its our only clue"

Sean decides to wait for a decision of the upcoming days plans before rushing home.

[KeegaKurGurk]

*Zal looks down at Sean* Thats a good idea kid I vote for it.

[John Northman]

Meanwhile...

When Joe finally gets his head settled, he finds the rest of the party already slipping out of the hotel to visit the library. Waiting just a few minutes longer, he slips unnoticed from the Inn. Using the map provided by Elias, he cuts around the block on a smaller dirt road, over one block, and right to the doorstep of the Dockerson residance. With a furitive glance in each direction, he slips inside.

The Dockerson residence is a two story affair, with a rather pleasent little kitchen in the back, just beyond a dining area. Feeling a bit exposed by all the windows in the living room to one side, Joe decides it best if he starts his investigation upstairs.

In what must be the master bedroom, he sees all the signs of normalcy he's used to. Instantly he reads the appearance of the room as artificial, like the smile of an unfaithful wife when her husband comes home. The room is just a little too perfect.

"Alright," he says to himself, "let's get started on the usual hiding spots." Three minutes and one ravaged dresser later, Joe finds what he's looking for under the corner of the mattress...

Sitting on the bed in the Dockerson's bedroom, Joe opens the small journal he found. It's written in a man's handwriting, with heavy strokes. It seems that old Mister Dockerson had started a journal around a year ago, with infrequent entries. Most of the entries have to do with complaints about the docks, but about four pages in things become strange.

The writing is less the heavy writing of a frustrated, angry man, and more the unsteady writing of a man uncertain or afraid.
4/12/27 Things at work continue to get worse every day. Today the boss gathers us all together around lunch, and directs that the ship we saw heading in behind the icebreaker wasn't to be unloaded when she arrived. Alot of us where angry, and demanded to know why, but the boss was rather short tempered about the affair. (even more than last week) Turns out, when that ship got tied up, noone really much wanted to unload her anyhow. maybe it was the way the cold air comes off the lake this time of year, but I felt chilled just being close to her. Once she was tied up, we were all too happy to drop inside for some hot coffee.
Finishing the entry, Joe gets a tingle up his spine. He casually stands up, and looks in the mirror over the dresser. In the reflection he can see out the window behind him. Just beyond the railroad tracks he sees an ugly face watching him.

[Travellar]

As evening arrives, you each begin to grow hungry. Most of the other patrons have filed out of the Library by now, but Elias has his own key. "Jack" meanwhile has still been loitering about the Dockerson residence, searching for other clues. The sun is begining to set, and the little traffic there is outside picks up a little as people head home for the day.

[asianmommy]

Avery, lets go get something to eat and report back to Elias. I'm exhausted and I could use a martini. *She slid her hand into his and tried to drag him off*

[Travellar]

It's dinnertime back in the hotel, and again Elias Dockerson has prepared the table for his guests. Sean's parents have gratefully allowed him to stay over att he hotel a bit longer for dinner with his new (and wealthy) friend. Absent from the table is 'Jack Smith', who noone's seen since morning.

"I hope things are going well," Elias asks, "but could you tell me what you've found?"

[Farler]

It's dinnertime back in the hotel, and again Elias Dockerson has prepared the table for his guests. Sean's parents have gratefully allowed him to stay over att he hotel a bit longer for dinner with his new (and wealthy) friend. Absent from the table is 'Jack Smith', who noone's seen since morning.

"I hope things are going well," Elias asks, "but could you tell me what you've found?"

uh... really? I mean... aren't you supposed to tell us what we found? I mean... Im not getting chewed out again for submitting the wrong findings.

[Plunder Down-Under]

We found that they like to use a specific out of town site and we're gunna go explore it!

[John Northman]

Joe put his hand inside his jacket where his .45 was. He decided to go after the ugly guy watching a house that was left behind by a possible homicide victim..

By the time Joe makes it out the door and around to the back of the house, the mystery observer has already disappeared into the woods. Running up to where you believe Joe saw him, there are signs that he'd been sitting there a while...

"gone like gunsmoke..."

A distant steam whistle blows, and Joe realize it's the six-o-clock northbound coming his way. Joe must decide whether to go chasing shadows in the woods after dark, or fall back and tell the others at the hotel what he's found.

He decides to retreat to the hotel...

After a while Joe arrives at the hotel and starts to enlightend others of his findings.

[Travellar]

Dinner is a relatively cheerful affair, with the multiple accounts of the progress being made into this investigation. It is established that this cult has arrived and been destroyed before, and that it has returned. While the Book that Avery White was reading on the first day of everyone's meeting has been a fantastic roadmap to the past, it seems the journal Mr. Dockerson kept is at least a map to the present.

Unfortunately, the older records you have found so far indicate a location not so easily found anymore, simply labled as Lot 129. Elias suggests that before the town began to really build up with the railroad and all, most of the parcels of land in the area were not privately owned. Tracing the lot number to a current owner (and thus the current location) should be a relatively simple task, involving much rummaging in the courthouse.

As dinner is finished, you are all left to discuss your plans for the next day in the parlor. It is mid evening and you have some time before the morning.

[asianmommy]

*Red sits with Avery, just enjoying that she is tired and for once it is not from being on her back, or dealing with irate customers. She is sipping a martini and playing with Avery's hair.*

[Farler]

*avery lies back and enjoys the simple pleasure of having his hair played with after a long tireing day doing research, Occasionally sipping on a scotch on the rocks* So tomorrow we begin our search anew, at least this time we have FAR more to go on... even if it may take days to search through the various records.

[asianmommy]

I'm sure we'll find something. It's almost as if we're meant to find it. *Red smiles and looks down at Avery. Here's someone who won't treat her bad.*

[Farler]

*Avery stares deeply into red's eyes, his heart flutters and he moves slightly closer... before his shyness kicks in anew and he moves further away hoping she didn't notice what he had just tried*

[Travellar]

So the night passes with little more than idle discussion after dinner. Eventually, everyone does turn in for a quiet night's rest. Who knows what dreams may visit you tonight?

[Travellar]

Dreams or no, you are all awakened late in the night by a crash and a gunshot from one of the rooms. Those who would open the doors to investigate are nearly bowled over by two squat, ugly men rushing down the hall and out the front door. One of the men is clutching something close to his breast, while the other races behind him with a look of terror upon his face.

Checking back the other way, you see they've emerged from "Jack's" room, where he now stands in the door holding a military style pistol.

[Farler]

*rushes out of the same bedroom as red* What the hell happened???

[KeegaKurGurk]

*Zal swings open his door late* What the hell was that!?!?!??

[John Northman]

"They stole the journal!"

"Jack" obviously had been sleeping with all but his coat on. On him a pistol harness with two extra clips shows. He dashes after the two men nearly running everyone over a second time. Just before he disapears from the hallway door he yells something to others.

"All who can come after me! And someone should phone the local sheriff!"

Any suspect as fat and ugly like the had never escaped me and I'm not going to let these be ther first!

[asianmommy]

*Red is startled by the gunshot and wary about rushing into danger but throws open her door anyway to see what has happened. Everyone seems to be in the hallway doing the same thing. She hears "and someone should phone the local sheriff" and goes to do just that.*

[Travellar]

"Sherriff's office, night deputy." answers the man on the phone. As Red begins explaining the crisis, there's a second voice in the background.
"Hey, Norris, we've got an armed maniac running down the street out here!"

The Deputy on the phone quickly responds, "Okay, we see him now! We''ll get him!" and the phone goes dead.

[Farler]

*Avery quickly joins the chase but soon veers off, moving quickly down the alleyways and side streets that he has memorized after walking the town and seeing the map he moves to get ahead and cut off the thieves*

[asianmommy]

*Red joins the people who've stayed up to find out what's happening. She tells them about her phone conversation and waits, nervously, for Avery to return.*

[Travellar]

Red is not kept waiting long for news of her companions. The police arrive at the hotel just a few minutes later, with "Jack" in handcuffs. It becomes clear to all present that he'd been drinking a bit before the commotion.

"Is this your intruder and thief, Maam?" asks the deputy.

[asianmommy]

No, that's... he is staying here.

[John Northman]

"Whut di I told ya.. If I where a thief rhunning around with mine gun. Ya think ya would have gotten me that easily... Ha!"
Whoah!... bad time for the booze to kick in...
He tries to control his speech and temper..
"Now would you kindly take these jewels off? Also could I have my gun back?"

[Travellar]

"You can talk to the Sherrif about your pistol, but you'll be spending the rest of tonight over in the drunk tank. C'mon Bill Cody."

[KeegaKurGurk]

*Zal comes to the front* Officers. He wasnt the one that had broken in to steal something he had discoverd them and chased the robbers after they had ataken something from his room, Also he had just started showing sines of being intoxicated after you had brought him here so he is already where he lives and this is a wrongful arest.

[Travellar]

"Stay out of this buddy," replies the deputy. "He may not be the thief, but running down the street shooting guns in the middle of the night still isn't tolerated around here. We're taking him in, and Sherrif can decide whether we're gonna release him in the morning."

[KeegaKurGurk]

*Zal walks closer to the deputy and whispers.* Wouldnt you like to take a couple hunderd instead of a drunk?

[Travellar]

Two hundred dollars, and one less pair of handcuffs later...

[John Northman]

"Thanks..Oh! Officer you might also want to call someone to take away the HUGE body in my room...He was sneaking up on me while the other two where searching for the now stolen journal. Dunno if he had a weapon but he was up to no good so I shot him dead.. I think"

He takes everyone in his room to see the body

[Travellar]

One thing's for certain, Jack's aim is really good regardless of how much he'd been drinking. One deputy remains in the hotel, and begins collecting some information from everybody, while the other goes to contact the local doctor.

As he takes statements from each of you, the deputy comes around to the inevitable question. "Okay, so this Avery White charecter you mention, where's he at?"

[John Northman]

"#%&@!! WHITHE!"
He doesn't have anything to defend himself with!
Joe quickly dashes for the door yet again, on his way he uses one of his old tricks and "bumbs" into the deputy that has his gun in his posession. Soon the deputy will find out that he is missing something..
Gotta find him before that man gets himself killed! If those people are wiiling to break into the hotel who knows what they'l do to our main researcher... What on earth is going on in this town!!
He starts searching the streets while keeping his guard up. He tries to look any tracks that match Whites shoes.
If I'm lucky he ran over a puddle and left some marks of himself

[KeegaKurGurk]

*Zal quickly rushes after Joe Knowing theyd have a better chance of finding avery with two people.*

[Travellar]

Fortunately for the both of you, Avery isn't exactly a master of stealth. It's no trouble finding his tracks dodging off into an allyway, although tracking them in the shadows is impossible. It's quickly decided that he was probrably heroicly (or foolishly) trying to head off the robbers. You turn to the north, and two house later find an overturned garbage can. Checking the area with a lighter, you find not only footprints, but signs of something heavy being dragged away. You (and the deputies who've joined you) follow the trail, with the deputies calling out into the night like fools.

Some distance later, just outside the fringes of town you find Avery lying on a dirt road. He's been dragged some ways, and is for the moment unconcious, but otherwise appears unharmed. Carrying him between you, there is no choice but to return to the hotel for the night. (well, unless you really want to go chasing after an unknown number of cultists. In the woods. At night...)

[asianmommy]

*Red is waiting when they bring Avery back. She rushes to him.* Avery!
*She starts to cry and wipes his face with her handkerchief.*

[Farler]

*Avery looks up at Red standing rather shakily, shame clearly visible on his face he stammers worse then he has since the first day of meeting everyone as he goes on to explain how he had gotten one of the robbers pinned in an alley. Avery lunged at him and wrestled him to the ground when suddenly everything went black. During this point Avery goes to rub the bump on his head and realizes that he's been clutching a small strip of fabric from his assailants clothing that he must have torn off in the struggle*

[asianmommy]

Oh, Avery, you were very brave. What do you have there?

*she takes the strip of fabric from him and looks at it closely.*

[Farler]

*collapses into a chair* it's nothing special, things get ripped in a tussel I just wish I had won the fight *sighs*

[KeegaKurGurk]

Luckly for you they left you there. *zal collapses in to a chiar next to him* You are definitly heavier then you look.

[Farler]

yes well, books are heavier then they look, and we librarian types aren't all thin old and weak... though i do hope some day to be a withered old white haired man who stalks about the library and hits children with his ruler...

It seems like fun. *he laughs trying to ease some of the tension in the room but soon winces and once more cradles the back of his head*

[Travellar]

As the Deputies depart, the clock strikes three. Knowing there's another long day ahead of them, the party eventually turns in for the night.


Morning arrives, and you are all treated to a complementary breackfast in the Parlor. The most pressing topic of discussion is how to spend this day. A few residents of the town stop in for breakfast as well, though most of thier conversation is over Prohibition and the remarkable number of raids on bootleggers in the Massachusetts town of Innsmouth. While alchohol is still easy enough to get around here, just twenty miles away in Chicago there's also a strong effort to check it's flow.

[asianmommy]

*After breakfast red is still pretty tired. She goes back upstairs to lay down for a little while longer before returning to researching the strange happenings in the town. When she lays down she realizes her stomach isn't feeling so well.*

[Farler]

*avery goes to see if red is ready to start researching again and raps gently on her door*

[asianmommy]

*red sits up* come in. *she wraps herself in her bed sheet*

[Farler]

*avery peeks in and sees her wrapped up in a bedsheet, concerns crosses his features and he sits in a chair next to the bed*

are you alright?

[Plunder Down-Under]

Sean comes in in the morning looking around for any of the researchers.

[asianmommy]

*avery peeks in and sees her wrapped up in a bedsheet, concerns crosses his features and he sits in a chair next to the bed*

are you alright?

just not feeling well, Avery. I dunno what's wrong with me, just didn't get enough rest, I guess, what with all the goings on around here. Did you want to go do more research?

[Farler]

If you're feeling well enough

[asianmommy]

I suppose I can sit in the library and pour over books for a while. *She smiles at Avery, glad that work entails books because her stomach couldn't handle anything else.* Can you, uh, excuse me for a moment while I dress? *'What a strange question', she thinks*

[KeegaKurGurk]

*Zal laies in his bed not wanting to move because of the past nights late events. He soon drifts back off to sleep.*

[Farler]

*avery excuses himself from red's room and waits for her by the front door*

[Plunder Down-Under]

Not having noticed anyone around Sean heads over to the Library alone hoping to find someone there.

[asianmommy]

*Almost a little disappointed not to have avery stay, red gets dressed in her new clothes and gives her hair a quick comb. she doesn't bother to get all preened just for the library. she starts to wonder where her mysterious client is. She joins avery to head out and do more research.*

[Travellar]

The morning gets late, and our adventurers are having difficulty simply leaving their temporary home. Is it fear that grips them? Or have they simply lost their direction? As Joe seems to be the only member awake after the previous night, Mr. Dockerson is speaking with him in the parlor.

"So, you've made good progress? The others told me they'd had quite successful research in the library, found out all about those accursed outsiders. The only thing they couldn't learn was just where exactly these ceremonies are taking place. Still, a quick trip across the street to the courthhouse should solve this mystery for you. Every deed, title, and bill of sale for land is over there. I can save you a bit of trouble myself though, I know they've been up to no good up at the Hook farm, where so many of them got employed."

Calming himself down a bit, and wiping the snear from his face, Elias continues, "Still, now that you mention it, I think my father may have started a journal. The odd thing was, he was being darn secretive about it. Father never kept secrets, but I only ever saw that journal once, and then by accident."

"What's this now, I wonder?" Elias looks out the front window, and points across the street. The Sherrif and his two deputies have just come out of the station, and are crossing to the hotel.

[John Northman]

"Oh great.." Joe coments sarcasticaly.
"I hope they are not coming for my trusty .45... By the way you have probably figured out that I'm not a real-estate agent. My real name is Joe Diamond and I am a private eye. I originally came her to have a small vacation and some minor occupational hazards... And what I found here was one of the most interesting cases I've ever seen. Your father was most deffinetly murdered... And somebody is going for a lot of trouble to keep that fact hidden. Combined with the history of this town and the cult makes this very complicated. But I will do my very best to bring the murderes to justice.. And because I like you I wont even require payment from you" Joe smiles widely and readies himself to ask some questions from the sherif..

[Travellar]

How did I miss the last two posts before my own? oh well.

Red, Avery, and Sean all begin combing through the library archives for more information, while the Sherrif and his two deputies arrive at the hotel.

"That the one?" the sherrif asks of his first deputy.

"Sure is, sir."

"Look son," he begins, "I don't much care for folks taking law into thier own hands around here. Makes my job look sloppy. Still, I'm willing to write it up as self defense and such if you cooperate. See, You've actually done me a bit of a favor. I don't like none of them stranger folk's been comin into my town. couldn't do nothin about it till last night. Why, that fellow you dropped in your room gives me probable cause, and I'm gonna use every bit of it. We're heading up to that ol farm they've been 'workin' at, and round up a few of them. You come along now, incase we need you to 'identify' anyone for us."

With that invitation, the Sheriff turns to leave. His two deputies stand behind Joe, making it clear this isn't exactly optional.

"One more thing," he finishes, "I'm also overlooking that cannon you're carrying, and if you've got any friends you think we ought to bring along, maybe we should grab them on the way."

[KeegaKurGurk]

*Zal comes out of his room to see teh cops and Joe talking* Hey whats going on?

[John Northman]

Joe's smile widens a bit..
"Why hello there Zal! You are just in time to come with me and help with the investigation. Excuse us for a moment while I go upstairs for some preparations"
Joe takes Zal with him. When they reach his rooms he opens one of his suitcases. Inside there is another 45. and some ammo and other necessary gear. Experience and training has taught him that having a second gun is handy if you don't have time to reload (or just need more rate of fire). He takes a second pistol holster and attaches it on the right side of his gun harness. He checks his pistols, locks and loads, puts the safety on and fills all the clips. He also gives Zal a small pocket pistol that he would normally conseal to his ankle holster. "Watch my back. The reason I armed myself this way is that these things don't alays go as planned. You know how to use that?"

[KeegaKurGurk]

*Zal Takes the small pistol* Not expertly but I've been to a few shooting ranges.
And yes things like this alwase tend to go wrong...

[John Northman]

"Now you have probably figured that real-estate agents dont carry around copious ammounts of firearms. So you have come to the conclusion that I am a gangster or a cop. Or if you are really smart you have figured out my true profession wich is private eye"

As they head back to join the sherrif and his deputys he whispers to Zal.

"Keep an eye out for the sheriff and his men too.. About cults.. You never know who is part of it. And if something happens try to stay in cover and pick your shots carefully and I'l deal with the major threaths"

He puts his hat on and lights up a sigarette with a small barely noticeable grin on his face when they walk outside.

Most interesting indeed...

[KeegaKurGurk]

*Zal Gives a quick nod to John then happily follows the group, the small pistol tucked away in his pocket*

[Travellar]

The armed party departs the hotel, turns past the library wher ethey can be seen heading out of town, and takes a small dirt road into the woods.

Nerves are on edge as the sheriff and his deputies take Joe and Zal down the road to the Hook farm. Old Hook was a bit of a recluse before, and there's no telling how far he, or his hands, will go to protect that privacy. The road follows a number of blind turns through the woods, with the final one opening up on the small clearing where the battered old house and barn stand. Beyond the house, a few feilds can be seen, apparently growing more weeds than crops. Busted or boarded up windows are barely outnumbered by those with glass still intact, and the siding is decayed and falling from the structure. The barn, on the other hand, shows some signs of recent repairs. While still giving an outwardly decrepid look, a few new boards suffice to seal it up tight enough against the weather.

[John Northman]

Joe sings the sheriff and his men to go on.
"It's your show gentlemen... I'm only here to identify the thiefs remember?"
He smiles a bit spitefully to them, letting them know that even that he could he is not doing all of their job for them. He opens his cigar case and lights up, afterwards he remembers Zal and offers the case to him also.

[KeegaKurGurk]

*Zal declines a cigar* Sorry I dont smoke Joe.

[Plunder Down-Under]

Back at the Hospice with Avery and Red, Sean voices an oppinion.

"They've gone off, and we're in no fit position to follow, so how about we go to the courthouse to find the deeds we need to find the missing piece for this puzzle. I've got a REAL good feeling about the court house!"

[asianmommy]

*Red, still not feeling well* sure, kid, i guess that sounds like as good a plan as any. *She is contemplating her aching head and sick stomach when she's over come with an urge to throw up. She runs into the back and throws up in a basin. As she comes back out, she looks a little green.* Sorry, i'm better now.

[Travellar]

There is no answer as the Sheriff knocks on the door to the hook farm. Beating on the door louder, he calls, "Hook! Come to the door! I know you aint in town, and you aint in your fields either, so open up!"

A minute later he calls, "C'mon down here and open up! I need to talk to you about some of these farmhands you been hiring!"

There is no answer, and no sounds from inside. Finally the Sheriff says, "Have it your way then. Open up in the name of the law! I have a warrent!" With this last remark, he plants his boot into the door, knocking it open in one blow that breaks two of the hinges as well.

It takes only a moment for everyone's eyes to adjust to the gloom inside, but Hook's refusal to answer the door is clearly explained. He is sitting upright in a large chair in one corner of the living room. A faint odor permeates the room, and probrably the rest of the house. Hook won't be answering any doors, as he's completely mumified. The Deputies ready thier weapons.

[Plunder Down-Under]

"Yay!" Sean cries and rushes off ahead eager to get to the courthouse and 'win the race' that he's suddenly decided they're having. He's at the courthouse shortly waiting for feeling mighty please with himself. He waits for Red and Avery to arrive.

[John Northman]

Joe feelt for his left side .45 with his right hand but doesn't pull it out.
Probable there is nobody in a house with a corpse thats obviously been there for a while... And because he is the employer.. The "employees" probably are aware of his demise thus have left the premices. But what on EARTH has made his body dry up like that!? even indoors he should have rotten or been partially eaten by rats and roaches..."
As he was doing his brainstorming he observed around for another one of those creepy dead-man's-house-wachers. "Don't go in.. it's not a pretty sight" he told to Zal behind him.

[Travellar]

In the courthouse, things will not go as easily as Avery and Red might hope for. Once they gain access to the archives, it becomes clear that the previous clerk's concept of filing was to stack things just far enough apart that he could squeeze through sideways. Peering between stacks, it becomes clear this is a filing system handed down by more than one clerk.

"It's been hopeless trying to get anything in the archives straight," complains the current Clerk, Oswald. "Best I can figure, with these stacks it's mostly chronological. New stuff just got piled atop the old."
"Back here," he continues, "is where I think most off the old deeds and land sales ended up."

[Farler]

*hours, and much soreness ensue* I can't take much more of this, we've gone halfway through soe of these stacks and well... May athena forgive this *Avery walks up to one of the larger stacks of documents and kicks it over he bends over and starts working from the bottom up*

[Plunder Down-Under]

Sean starts reading through files much more slowly than Avery but not much behind Red in pace. As the morning progresses and gets towards lunch time he gets bored and sits looking around the courthouse, with a file unread in his hands.

Renching himself back to the task at hand he reads the document on his lap, Its says;
Bill of sale:
Lot 129
Sold to:
Gregory Hook
$100

"HEY! I think I found something!!" Sean beckons Red and Avery over and shows them the document, "And theres more attached"

License purchase
Be it known on this day, that Gregory Hook has purchased a license in the State of Illinois, for the raiseing of Domestic Livestock.

"That's the place where all them people who aren't working at the docks have gotten jobs! It's not much sure, but that place has come up too much for it to simply be a coincidence don't you think?"

[asianmommy]

No but it's certainly more than we've gotten all day. *She gives him a warm smile and dusts her hands on her sides* Well, shall we keep looking or should we take this back?

[Travellar]

The Deputies seperate, and begin checking room to room while the Sherrif stands watch at the foot of the stairs. Once the Deputies each return, the three of them go upstairs.

"Your welcome to join us..."

**********Meanwhile**********

Back in the courthouse, the document you've sought after has been found. right underneath it are two similar documents. One for the sale of lot 128, and the other a building permit for a house and barn on lot 128. It would seem that Mr. Hook had purchased a double lot for his farm.

[asianmommy]

*Holding up the documents, Red is puzzled* I dont know if i can make sense of it, Avery. What do you think? Maybe we should take it back?

[Farler]

It looks as though the land that the strange men have used in the past has been turned into a farm. It is a bit of a long shot but if we ever hope to learn about these men we should head over there and see what we can find.

[Travellar]

ummmm, yeah....

So what is anyone actually doing?

[Plunder Down-Under]

We've fond our thing, we're going back for lunch

[John Northman]

Joe follows the deputies upstairs while looking for clues in the house.
"Zal. You stay behind and keep your eyes open"

[Farler]

We've fond our thing, we're going back for lunch

actually yeah... *avery and the group having found the documents they were looking for head back towards the hospice to inform their colleagues. However they are nowhere to be found, not wanting to waste their momentum Avery and the others 2 head towards the hook farm to see what they can find*

[Travellar]

A thin layer of dust and a few cobwebs give the indication that the house has been in a state of general disuse for some time. Nothing seems out of place, nor appears to have been searched. As Joe checks a few locations on his 'usual list of hiding spots' he even finds Mr. Hook had a bit of cash he was stashing under the mattress. Geez, hadn't some people ever heard of a bank? Or investing thier money? The stock market's been making folks money hand over fist for years!

oh, right...

Meanwhile, Avery, Red and Sean head out from the Courthouse. Stopping into the parlor to grab some sandwiches, they confer what they've learned with Elias.

"Makes sence," he says. "I told ya they've been uip to no good up there. The others went that way with the Sheriff and his deputies a while ago. Good man that sheriff. I'm sure they'll be getting to the bottom of this matter in no time now. I just wish he'd have acted a while back."

[asianmommy]

Why didn't he act?

[Travellar]

"Said he didn't have probable cause. Something 'bout my father dying of natural causes. Least that's what doc said. Anyhow, without proof of a crime, Sheriff said he couldn't do nothing. I guess that commotion last night was just what he was waiting for."


Meanwhile...

The deputy walks into the room behind Joe. "Whadda you know! Looks like Hook had a little something saved up for a rainy day. HEY, SHERIFF! Come take a look at this!"

Meanwhile...
"Hey Sheriff, come take a look at this." Comes a call from upstairs.

"Yeah, I'll be right up," replies the sheriff, heading up the narrow stairs. He casts a parting glance at Zal, still standing alone on the front porch.

[John Northman]

Joe gives the money to the deputy over his shoulder.
"This is a proof that if someone murdered mr Hook they wheren't interested in money, the hiding place wasn't that much out of the ordinary... By the way have you found mrs Hook?"
He keeps glancing at the room trying to find any other clues.

[Plunder Down-Under]

But they're acting now right? They'll get the baddies?

[asianmommy]

*because of her line of work, Red's never been exactly comfortable with cops. In fact, most times cops WANT to be comfortable with her... so she feels the need to ask*

Are you sure we can trust the police?

[KeegaKurGurk]

*Zal finnaly walks in side the rundown house after sumoning what little curage he had, Upon lookin hat the dead body of Mr. Hook he turns away and sneeses trying to cover up his wanting to vomit.*

[Travellar]

"Mrs. Hook won't be hard to find, I'd hope. She's been dead and buried these last five years. Anyhow, right now other than an unreported dead body, we haven't exactly got alot to go on. I can't proove there's a crime around here, and all them vagrants that've supposedly been working up here appear to be long gone. Let's get back downstairs and take a closer look at Mr. Hook before we call the doc in to determine a cause of death. Hook was getting up in age himself, so after Doc takes his look, I don't think I can get away with callin this a crime scene."

[John Northman]

As Joe and the lawmen wrap up thier search of the house and head downstairs, Joe feels a cold chill down his spine walking past the window...

He takes a quick glance outside..

[Travellar]

You are ach eaten by a large frog.

I win.

[John Northman]

In the big frogs belly oe only has one tought:

"I knew it!!"