SMALL TOWN SCRIBBLES - Volume 2035

Mayoral Menagerie
by Rita Potter

The year 2016 was very difficult on the towns I love to cover and you, dear reader, love to read about.  But just when you think things have settled down, more dust flies up.

Alexandra's Winter Formal was, as always, a beautiful scene.  Couples came from as far away as Theta to attend.  Of course, as has been the case since 1977, the mayor of Cedar Point came to represent the city as well as do the Mayoral Dance, also a staple since 1977.  And since 1977 Alexandra Mayor Frederick Sewid says something that makes Cedar Point mayor Shirley Douglas march off the dance floor in a huff of perfectly coiffed feathers.  In his legendary temper, Sewid appears to come close to attacking an innocent boy who nearly knocked down the Formals holiday tree.

People seem to be fascinated with the perfect Shirley Douglas, but your reporter was not fooled for a second.  I've since discovered several things about both mayors.

Stalin Sewid, as he is occasionally known, has been the mayor of Alexandra since 1968, and has held the office for all that time or reasons that are not known.  However is IS well known that there has not even been an ELECTION for mayor in Alexandra since 1990, when Fred Sewid soundly beat his last opponent.

Dainty Delightful Douglas, on the other hand, has been mayor of Cedar Point since 1977.  They adore everything about her, despite the fact that one husband left her for another man and another died o her.  Ow don't get me wrong.  Death is horrible.  But Cedar Point surely suffered while Douglas tended family first as opposed to resigning to do what was right.

Cedar Point and Alexandra became Sister Cities in December of 1980, helping each other out when it is needed, despite the obviously strained relationship between the cities mayors.

And speaking of relationships …

We have gotten EXCLUSIVE photographs here at the Scribbler that clearly show this Dynamic Duo of Mayoral Might exiting the Italian restaurant 13 in White Rock, and later entering the high class Waterfront hotel.  Our photographer remained waiting outside until past midnight, but they did not emerge.  The only logical assumption that can be made is that the couple stayed the night together.

At least it was a weekend.  But was it on governmental monies?

Could these to seniors, both past 80 years old, finally have bridged he gap between their cities?  And what could that mean for the futures of BOTH towns?  How long have the mayors been misappropriating funds (if, of course they have been, we admit to not having substantiated proof one way or another) for weekend trysts?  Is it an affair?  Perhaps not something anyone wants to imagine in their brain, given the age of these two and the temperament of Sewid.  But it continues to make you wonder; Is Douglas once again putting herself in an abusive relationship, as she did I her first marriage, which ended in his death in a drunk driving accident.

Shirley Douglass has made many mistakes over the years.  Is this simply another one?

As I write this, I am sitting in the Lavender B&B.  Speaking of mayors; Theta has a new one.  Apparently the coffee in Theta is so substandard that new mayor, Trevon Kennor leaves its confines.  Or perhaps it is his … companion … a self proclaimed 'bone head' who may well be one of the 'girls' that secretly works at the B&B.  Or perhaps the new mayor needs a break from cleaning up the 'bloody mess' made by the death of the old Theta mayor.  I'll be sure to get back to you on all of that, dear readers.

And the U.S thinks THEIR politicians can be scandalous!

SMALL TOWN SCRIBBLES - Volume 2034

CEDAR POINT SCRIBBLES
by Rita Potter

Cedar Point has had a difficult year, as everyone knows.  The spring earthquake took it's toll, to be sure.    However there are dark things there that remain as a regular staple to the community that should concern not only residents of Cedar Point, but all of British Columbia and Canada as a whole.

One of the 'brighter' of these are reports of illegal and illicit acts within the Lavender Bed and Breakfast, found on Galley Crescent.  The brothel, owned and operated by Tallulah Beal, works without interference from police, as Beal is 'romantically' linked to police chief Nick Callahan.  Neither Beal nor Callahan could be reached for comment.

An even darker shadow over Cedar Point is internationally linked.  The Japanese government has reportedly recruited a 13 year old girl into its military.  This child, who is of Japanese ancestry, allegedly entered the program with the consent, support and encouragement of her parents.  However, as all Canadians know, a 13 year old is neither emotionally or legally of age to make decisions along those lines of any kind.  Apparently the Japanese government lacks consenting adults for their mission and so is using its long history of brainwashing I the name of 'honor' and 'cultural responsibility' to conscript children.

The child, who is apparently already an officer, is being taught to use deadly weapons and very possibly to fly, and will be returning to Canada at some point in the future.  It is possible this child will be attending the Cedar Point School with the knowledge of the use of deadly force, which of course, her classmates will not have.  School officials could not be reached for comment.

Could this child, whose name is withheld, become a modern day Takeo Yoshikawa, the Japanese spy in Hawaii before the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941?  Use of children as solders has long been frowned upon by world leaders and countries practicing it in modern times have faced appropriate charges.  Perhaps Japan is next.


ALEXANDRA SCRIBBLES
by Rita Potter

Alexandra Island has a dark and mysterious history of it's own.  Halloween has always been a banned holiday there.  Mayor Frederic Sewid continues to enforce this law, supported by the Alexandra Police chief Adum Brate.  Perhaps they believe that the ban will improve the islands exorbitant crime rate.  In September alone there have been, two felony assaults, one rape, one attempted rape, and a murder.  If this does not improve, the towns annual Winter Festival may suffer from lack of attendance, which in turn could deliver a devastating blow to the island community.

Ironically, Cedar Point and Alexandra are sister cities to each other.  And an odd pair if sisters, indeed.

Lightening in the dark

After the RP @ http://ccharactercafe.blogspot.com/2016/09/hot-steamy-nights.html


Kagiso Jackson walked home without a backward glance. Opening and closing his door, he looked around his completely open concept apartment over the studios he worked in.

Him.

Not the guy who had gone screaming to the tabloids after a drunken duck, slamming the door to Aqoustic Spirit career in his face. No, not that ass hole. But the one night stand that had possibly been the beginning of the end. Before Gareth, Kagiso had never screwed a man in a hotel room. Stairways ... alleyways ... front and back seats of cars ... sure ... but not BEDS. And never overnight! But ... Gareth had been different ... They had both been drunk. They were in the lobby of his hotel and he had brought the man u to his room, really NOT intending sex .. or so he'd told himself. But that is what had happened. And in the morning, it was a rush to the door and out of his life. But it had been a risk. Perhaps the beginning of the end.

And now .... they meet again. In the same town ... in another club.

Gareth could have tried to extort money at any time, so Kagiso didn't think he was going to try now. But ... the offer of a tour of the studio ... and an impromptu song was genuine.

No question the sex HAD been THAT good. And could only have been better if they were both sober.

"Sheeit he probably forgot, too." he murmurs to himself as he undresses for bed.

But he forgot, even as he fell into a sleep. He had forgotten Gareth ... but had then remembered.


Hot Steamy Nights

Kitty Carmichael adores the new idea that Mr Blewes had of turning the heat up to 75 degrees in the club. With all the people dancing, it made the place just plain hot on MANY levels. She dances with one of the boys who was trying to hang along the fringes. She was against wall flowers of all genders, so she grabbed him by the hand and dragged him out onto the floor.

Kitsune Stewart walks in surveying the club.. like scout.. like she was bound to do with the pub, bars and clubs in this area.. checking out a new lead for business .. she fans herself .. instantly when she enters but tries to blend in to get the gist of the place.. seeing if it was a potentially business .. for marketing she looks around shrugs as she is apparently over dress in her leather band jacket and saunters pass the dance floor not making a beeline for the bar but just scoping the place out

Kagiso Jackson sits in what has become his corner of the club. Tonight he isn't dancing, he's only observing, drink in hand. This first drink can have alcohol in it, but hes very careful about not getting drunk. He watches the ladies and tries to decide if he wants to dance .. or just sit.

Kitty Carmichael lets the boy go ... and he promptly begins dancing with another girl .. fine by her. She dances her way over to the bar to check out Lollie, her hips swinging to suggest anything to everyone.

Kitsune Stewart just smiles and continues to dance sorta getting into the groove of the place .. she loved this about her job.. she dances a bit oddly .. enough to blend in but not enough to get picked up.. she was all business tonight

Kagiso Jackson watches Kitty come dancing by and waves at her. He chuckles and bobs his head to the music, completely in rhythm.

Kitty Carmichael dances past Kagiso, giving him a wink and rhythmic thrusts of her hips. Dancing behind the bar, she picks up the microphone. "How's everyone doing tonight! The music is hot, the girls are wet and the boys are hard ... up! Drinks at the bar. Lolly will serve you up RIGHT! I'm Kitty your hostess!" then she turns the mike off and dances out from behind the bar.

Kitsune Stewart dodges some jerk that is dancing to close for comfort and saunter to the bar where another man .. is chatting her up.. she looks over the menu deciding on what to try

Kagiso Jackson keeps bobbing his head, actually loving the beat.  he unbuttons his shirt a bit.  He knows the tricks and knows the place is INTENTIONALLY hot as hell. Sometimes he missed it.

Kitty Carmichael sees the woman, who doesn't seem interested in the men getting closer and closer to her. She saunters over. "Boys ... why don't you two check out those girls over there." she all but points across the club with her nipples. As they move on, she remains close, but not TOO close.

Kitsune Stewart smiles 'thanks. some gits cant take a hint ' she turns to bartend 'oi.. yeah.. ill have a tense. 'she say softy . she turns back to the lady 'how are you .. ' she say softly in her soft cockney accent .. resting her gloved hands on her hips

Kagiso Jackson: me watches the guys Kitty seems to have redirected and chuckles, sipping his drink and just people watching.

Kitty Carmichael stops dancing and grins. "We want everyone to have a good time, and you obviously weren't feeling those boys, even if THEY wanted to feel YOU." she moves to the bar and nods to Lolly. "Make that two, but mines a virgin." she winks and nods to the sign asking who would want a virgin drink. Employees, of course.

Kitsune Stewart laugh softly 'i generally like blokes but those weren't to my liking ..plus i needed a stiff one to relax abit ' she say moving her body to the beat abit..'flattering but.. i tend to do the chasing .' she winks more fun that way .

Kagiso Jackson keeps his head a bobbin.  The music was on point as always.

Kitty Carmichael giggles and takes the virgin version of the drink. "Pity, but it works. I can always use a stiff one to relax too. But .. oh the variety." she giggles. "Well, I am Kitty. I'm the manager or hostess here if you need anything .. or decide you changed your mind about that stiff one." she sips and turns to see Gareth entering. She squees. "Hey!" she calls out.

Gareth Dunham saunters in and up to the bar, greeting Kitty with a charming kiss on the cheek "Evening Lovely Lady.....oooh and I see there's more." He smiles at the woman she's talking to "Hello there."

Kagiso Jackson continues to watch the crowd, his feet tapping and sipping his drink.  He looks across the room at the faces and frowns slightly at a man whose face is familiar ... of course the question is .. where the hell FROM.  He hears Kitty call out to him, so maybe he's someone he's already seen with Kitty? He and the girl have become relatively close, since he is in the music industry and these wanna be Jay-Zs like when a beautiful woman is working.  But he doesn't really acknowledge either of them.

Kitsune Stewart: she laughs .. softy at the double innuendo .. as she gets her drink sipping softly .. dancing at the bar abit.. she smiles and nods 'great place by the way she say as she dances and goes out to the dance floor abit surveying the offerings of dancer in the club .. 'she nods at the man smiling as she shimmies abit drink in hand..

Kitty Carmichael winks. "Mr Blewe has a great place .. I just make it run well." she demurs and watches the woman dance a little bit. She moves close to Gareth and will kiss him on the cheek if allowed. "Now I can stop worrying the place will burn down." she teases.

Kitsune Stewart just dances in place enjoying the musics dancing abit .. in place ... looks around as she dances ... watching abit of everything .. as she gets the feel of the place

Gareth Dunham accepts the kiss and laughs "You saying it's not hot in here?" He looks at the crowd, possibly pushing the fire regulations at it's capacity "But I won't tell the inspector." He glances after the woman who seemed to dance away at his approach "Who's that?" he asks Kitty casually with a grin. He waves at the bartender. They know his drink and notices a man on the couches who he could swear looked his way. He gives the man a smile because hey, you never know . Taking his drink in hand he spins back around on his heel.

Kagiso Jackson watches around a bit, his hand hovering on his bag .. obviously containing a laptop; as if this was a coffee house he could get some work done in ... and for him ... it is.  The man who is familiar smiles at him and, without really meaning to .. he smiles back.

Kitty Carmichael giggles and begins to dance in place again. "Mmmm its always hot when I'm here." she chuckles. And we're three short of capacity. I keep count you know. I can shake my ass and count at the same time. Mikey will close the doors after we hit capacity." she rolls her eyes. "You just hunt these waters I have chummed so nicely for you, Gareth." and she looks at the woman. "I have no idea, but she suggests shes straight, yet isn't into the boys. She isn't into me so ... I'm guessing shes some flavor of solicitor. I'm about to find out tho." and she winks at him and dances in the womans direction.

Gareth Dunham watches Kitty, the woman, the man and the room and chuckles, sipping his drink for a bit.

Kagiso Jackson stops his smile and looks around the room.  Living on this island has ... changed him .. relaxed him?  He wasn't sure which.

Kitsune Stewart smiles as she gets approach but a suitable dancer partner and allows herself to get pulled into a dance.. might was well enjoy herself seeing this ain't the place to peddle her family brew might as well not waste a night out.. and enjoy herself

Kitty Carmichael shrugs when the woman picks a guy to dance with. So much for her wanting to do business. Kitty shrugs and moves back to the bar.

Gareth Dunham downs his drink, as usual an edger, and orders another joking with the bartender "I like to work my way up to a squirter if you know what I mean..." He glances towards the dancing folk and approaches the man on the couch after the bartender rolls her eyes. He gives the man a nod and then tilts his head "Do I know you from somewhere?"

Kagiso Jackson starts when the man speaks to him, but he doesn't blow him off. "I .. don't know.  Not from here, that's for sure."  he  rolls his neck. "Unless you a fan or somethin...."  he is still trying to place the man, looking him up and down, curiously.

Kitsune Stewart gets into the dance with the tattoo man before excuses herself heading to the bar for another drink dancing .. with the man abit before he head off with a blonde lady she orders some food leaning on the bar

Kitty Carmichael dances with another wall flower, making her rounds as usual. The night is quite successful.

Gareth Dunham stirred his finger around the ice in his drink, took a piece out and crunched it while the man replied and then said "Ooooh are you famous?" with a little eyebrow wiggle "Porn star or musician?" he teases.

Kagiso Jackson watches the man and chuckles at his guesses.  "Musician.  I'm Aqoustic Spirit.  But I also have a studio here in town."  he frowns slightly.  "If you're from around here you may have seen me around."  he offers, and he may have seen him, but ... this guy is familiar.

Kitsune Stewart grabs the hand of another man dancing with him for bit slowly making her way closer to the couch chuckling before starting toward the man in the corner watching them as she dances

Kitty Carmichael enjoys her job .. dancing .. with all kinds of people .. sometimes making a night match of her own. Life is good!

Gareth Dunham sits down with his drink, stretching out his legs like it's his home couch "I think I've seen you play....R&B stuff? I used to be a roadie for a few bands who toured in the US before I settled back here. I'm Gareth."

Kagiso Jackson watches the glass and the man.  He frowns and then stares at the man hard.  "Is that so?"  he considers slightly.  "You ever work in Seattle?  Maybe?  I done a lot of concerts there."  he admits.

Kitsune Stewart just walks around dancing to the beat by herself abit .

Kitty Carmichael lets that boy go and moves to the bar to rest and watch the patrons.

Gareth Dunham nods "Oh yeah Seattle in the grunge era..." he laughs and then picks another ice cube from his drink and crunches it, giving a glance to Kitty and the evasive lady by the bar.

Kagiso Jackson shakes his head. "I ain't never done no grunge, brutha."  he starts to laugh when Gareth puts the ice in his mouth.  Then he sips his drink.  "Fuck!" he frowns, reaching for a napkin.

Kitsune Stewart fans herself and takes off her jacket .. can you hold this back there ..s he say slipping a couple bills with it .. bloody hell its hot .. she walks up to kitty 'oi.. shes say with a smile .. 'i swear those fuckbois are multiplying by the second .. she laughs ordering some more food

Kitty Carmichael nods to Lolly who takes the jacket. "Thats cause we like it hot!" she insists and touches fingers with a passing man. "Well, Friday and Saturday night we get em from all over .. Vancouver, White Rock, Cedar Point and beyond .. so yea. Takes all kinds, but they are paying and thats how we like it."

Gareth Dunham sees the drink go down and winces "Shit...want me to grab you another one of those? Are you cut?" He sets his drink down, leaning forward to stand up.

Kagiso Jackson growls and leans forward to grab a napkin.  "No I'm fine."  he looks up and directly at Gareth.  "I guess I'm done drinking for tonight."  he makes a motion at Lolly who quickly brings him a virgin version of his drink.

Kitsune Stewart: she laughs 'sorry don't mean offense.. ill even give the wee lads a chance for abit .. if you like ' she say softy .. hullo name kits she say softly .. watch some of the men passes .. 'they at all bad she say softly ..pleasantly

Kitty Carmichael laughs. "I get paid do dance with fuckbois, wall flowers, closet cases and perverts." she says. "So this is my job. What are you doing here?" she wonders, casually.

Gareth Dunham looks down at the new drink "Well no need to punish yourself. Accidents happen right? So you still play and record in town? I'm guessing your real name isn't Acoustic?"


Kagiso Jackson takes the virgin drink.  "No need to get drunk."  he argues.  "I tend to wake u with strangers in my damn bed."  he snorts and shrugs.  "I'm .. retired.  Now I am a producer.  My studio is neat to Sigh .. that coffee house with that 80's and 9 0's music all up in it?"

Kitsune Stewart: looks around 'just checking this place out.. had some free time .. heard there was a club that i really need to check out so im here ' she say with a grins .. 'i love the night life so yeah ..'she say softly

Kitty Carmichael nods. "Yea this is a great place and sort of hidden .. on an island all exotic and whatnot. But great drinks and the snacks ... long and hard is MY favorite...."

Gareth Dunham laughs "You say that like it's a bad thing. Sometimes strangers make the most interesting bed fellows." His tone is teasing and he winks after before taking a new piece of ice. As he rolls it around in his mouth it clicks against something and then he crunches again and glances at the ladies, the people dancing, a pair of women by the door who seem to be getting it on. He can't help but chuckle at them and gestures at them to the Acoustic man who still hasn't said his name.

Kagiso Jackson snorts.  "Maybe."  he almost agrees.  "My real name is Kagiso Jackson."  he lowers his voice, so only their loud corner would hear.  "If you read the papers I was in em bout a year ago."  he pauses.  "They used both names. Fuckers."

Kitsune Stewart chuckles 'yeah .. i like the theme of the drinks she smiles at some men pass but continues on with her talk 'who don't ' she laughs

Kitty Carmichael giggles. "Exactly and these boys .... don't get me wrong .. we god some MEN in here ... but .. see how easy they are?" she picks up a long and hard .. which is their code for an exlair. She turns towards the main part of the club and tuns her tongue around it, then puts a couple inches in her mouth and sucks the filling out of it, smooching it out and then licking it off of her lips. Several of the pants in the room become tents. She turns away. "Lightweights."

Gareth Dunham looks curious now "I'm not very news savvy....but now you're making me wonder...." He pulls out his phone and Googles Kagiso on the spot, in front of him. Gareth sometimes lacks tact but makes up for it with charm. He raises a brow and then smirks "That's pretty smearing but ...yeah dick move tabloids. Pun intended."

Kagiso Jackson watches Gareth pull out his phone.  Sometimes he hated Google more than the torrent sites.  "Yea.  It was rough ... and .. ain't no room in hip hop for a gay artist .. not a POPULAR one, anyway."  he shrugs. Then he snorts a laugh. "Shit .. I ain't even say it out lout till now with you."  he shakes his head. "Sorry, dawg."  he looks a little uncomfortable at the news he knows has just been read.  If this guy was some kind of homophobe .. and the world still had WAY too many ... or if he was an EX fan ... it could all go very badly very quickly.

Kitsune Stewart laugh softly 'yeah i but they're good cuz those type of boys.. drink alot.. lads like that drink alot.. like a fine wine or whiskey it takes awhile for them to get the sense of it all .. well for the most part she say softly .. 'but its good for getting a good dance energetic for abit .. 'she laughs softly 'some have potential.. for a good time .. if i don't wanna see them again ' she say softly watching the commotions

Kitty Carmichael giggles and bites into the long and hard. After she swallows she shrugs. "Its a club. Hype em on sugar and alcohol. Give em some dark corners to play in and .... its all good and profitable."

Gareth Dunham gives Kagiso a comforting look and gestures to the news on his phone "I'm not one to judge and I never would. Cards on the table...I'm a pansexual kinky freak myself." He snorts "Always safe, but beyond that some of it's been a bit of a blur." He sees Kitty eating a long and hard and smiles at her. She always puts on a show with them that gets the bar gawking.

Kagiso Jackson chuckles.  "Thanks I think.  I'm a R&B artist .. neo-soul ... but its the same .. maybe a LITTLE better than the hip hop artists.  I did a couple raps around then .. then my career imploded."  he catches Kittys display and chuckles.  "She a trip and a half.  I think if not for her ... I'dda lost my way bad."  he nods.

Kitsune Stewart nods yeah 'good semi safe to let all your vices out .. under control conditons .. ' she smiles dancing abit at the bar .. reminds of this place back home call neverland.. she say fondle 'spent my youth in a corner or two 'she dances freely order a virgiin tease with a order of blue balls

Kitty Carmichael laughs. "Well we're completely legal .. no drugs .. no kids ... the bouncer is an off duty cop .. they all are and they all can spot most fake ID's .. the ones the CANT spot are professionally made and cost so much the kid is probably a pro." she laughs.

Gareth Dunham nods "Sounds like some music I'd like to give a listen to. Kitty has many talents." He looks over and gives her a wink, smiles to the evasive woman and then grins back to Kagiso "It's that hair..." he gives a little shudder and then bites his lip.

Kagiso Jackson shrugs.  "Stop n by the studio and have a listen.  I got security. His names Michael.  Don't call him Mike and he'll let you up." he laughs.  "Yea ... that hair.  One of these days I just might ...  I ain't gonna lie and say I ain't thought about it."  he chuckles.  "Hey what did you say your name was?"

Kitsune Stewart smiles back at Gareth then chuckles soflty slighty flattered but just chilling 'yeah thats good. ill have to make it down here more often ."she shake her head abit 'some of these men are fit .. ; she say spotting several different men and chuckles softly

Kitty Carmichael nods. "Oh definitely. Come on by .. cause some of the women are just .. Christ ... good thing most of these men aren't interested in a woman who can think."

Gareth Dunham laughs "There ya go. I highly recommend it Kagiso. I'm Gareth, Gareth Dunham. I work at the Fire House and I might take you up on that music."

Kagiso Jackson arches his brows and nods slowly.  "Gareth.  OK ...  I got you, brutha."  he assures him.  "Kitty does a little assisting.  my company isn't so big I need more than one, but she keeps my damn schedule.  OK ... so yea ... come by .. maybe I can make something up on the spot just for you."

Kitsune Stewart: she chuckles softly 'yeah .. well it works both ways.. sometimes a women just needs some too ' she chuckles softly ..slightly joking slightly being serious 'just gown up like they have the plague or something " she laughs

Kitty Carmichael snorts. "Men are supposed to walk around with a hard on .. women .. sets us back to much blah blah blah."

Gareth Dunham stirs the ice in his drink with his finger again and then licks it. It's melted too much and the drink is almost done. He flag down a waitress and she's got another Edger before he's even asked and is handing it to him with a little giggle "Thank you....." He hesitates as if struggling for the name "My dear..." As she walks away with a finger waggle at him he winces "Fuck I hate that....memory like a sieve. We've totally banged too....twice I think...." he's searching for it in his mind and the process seems arduous.

Kagiso Jackson watches the waitress and shakes his head at her, declining another drink.  "Sometimes its like that.  I have a good memory, as long as I'm not drunk. Besides you remember Kitty. But Imma guess you hit that more than twice ... looks of her more than double digits."

Kitsune Stewart: well im all for that equalizer of the sexes.. women can get theres when they need it too ' she say soflty 'butttt we have the power to control with whom we take care of said need 'she say soflty 'but anyways ' she say sucking on a dumpling abit before chomping down hard on it savoring it '

Kitty Carmichael nods. "Try doing that after they hang the Scarlett S on you for slut. Great for the open minded. Thats pretty limited on an island like this. But I know the cool ones."

Gareth Dunham gestures at Kitty, letting her see he's looking even "Sort of an ongoing open relationship thing.....I'm one of a few for her but that's cool. I want her to explore whatever she needs to with anyone she wants. I don't own her. We're all free right? And it goes both ways."

Kagiso Jackson nods.  "She's cool.  And a good assistant, which I need more than a piece of, if you know what I mean.  I know she rolls that way, but ... I got one really loose open relationship, even if it IS a guy, yanno?"

Kitsune Stewart shakes her head 'yeah .. ill just hang the scarlet FB on them ; she quip back but 'yeah .. i know shit sucks .. yeah ... but no worries .. she shrugs .. 'im carefuly despite my attitude ..; she say soflty 'wise as a serpent .. or something like that "

Kitty Carmichael: me smiles. "Well, I still have to live here. But I am opening a condom shop, and working here . so I am far from penniless. The prudes keep their distance and I keep mine." she winks at Gareth, then gives him and Kagiso a thumbs up. "SO what do you do for a living, lady?"

Gareth Dunham smiles "I'm glad you're not lonely Kagiso. This town doesn't have many tabloids....just one closed minded bible thumper who lives right down the street from me. I actually find her to be a hoot. You just need to know how to play her....sad people afraid or their own unresolved shit right?"

Kagiso Jackson snorts.  "I know her, I think.  She came up on a couple young rappers that came in to record.  Once.  Seriously she tried to convert a couple Philly bruthas.. I thought they was gonna kill her a minute.  Good thing that Chief is cool.  Wasn't even gangsta rappers.  They just want tryin to get preached to by a little old white woman ..."  he chuckles again.  "I guess she just a product of her time?  Hell when she was a young woman they was burning gays at the stake for being witches while their black slaves watched."  he rolls his eyes.

Kitsune Stewart sigh softy 'just marketing .. for brewery. old English stuff .. ' she say softly . she smiles as finishs up her drink..

Kitty Carmichael nods. "Yeaaaa ... we don't honestly do much old ANYTHING .. not even alcohol." she shrug\s. "But that can clear this place for you to just have FUN in, eh?"

Gareth Dunham shakes his head "God the world is a mess sometimes eh?" He fishes a new ice cube out of his fresh drink and rolls it around on his tongue a bit. It clicks again and just before he crunches it, his tongue piercing become visible just for a second.

Kagiso Jackson watches him with the ice cube and frowns curiously, a brow lifting at the flash of surgical steel.  "Yea .... sho nuff."  he murmurs, as if deep in thought.

Kitsune Stewart laugh soflty 'yeah its business i was born into .. she say soflty 'its good shit but yeah ... but.. different strokes for different folks ; she say soflty 'i sorta like it all can down a pint of ale or have a trendy mix drink ' she smiles and chuckles as she watches the dance floor

Kitty Carmichael giggles. "Well, we reserve the right to rename all drinks, so unless yo already got a drink like Ole Age or something ... I think we'll just have to be friends."

Gareth Dunham glances over to the conversation between the women and then back to Kagiso warily "You OK over there?"

Kagiso Jackson bits his lower lip.  "Yea ...  I'm fine.  But you best to watch how you eat them ice cubes around me.  Cold steel make me hit the high notes." he deadpans.

Kitsune Stewart shrugs 'no worries .. she smiles 'its all good .. youre style of drinks fits your club .. its unique i ilike it just the way it is ' she smiles at kitty 'friends are good too . she laugh softlty ..

Kitty Carmichael smiles. "I love working here. besides, I like you .. so I am kind of glad your not gonna be our distributer. The ones we have are all hot MEN .. just . saying.." she winks at her fellow straight woman.

Gareth Dunham darts a sideways look at Kagiso as if something registers but almost on a subliminal level. He shakes it off and laughs and then says "I'll keep that in mind....kind of my specialty...."

Kagiso Jackson nods slowly.  "I bet." he rolls his shoulders and drains his drink. "I really like this town.  The crazy old ladies and all."

Kitsune Stewart just nods slowly 'most of the distributer are .. yeahh i get this funny look.. like love... let me talk to youre manager.. im like .. sure.. but im the owner.. so good luck getting a deall ... cuz i was going to hook you up " she laugh soflty

Kitty Carmichael laughs. "And I can't fuck an extra fifteen percent off out of ya." she teases. But its all good."

Gareth Dunham stretches back, scratching the back of his neck "Yeah it's good. I grew up here...couldn't wait to get out, but now I rarely want to leave. You never know until it is sometimes." He smiles at the women laughing "Good people though."

Kagiso Jackson nods.  "Well this is SO not Philly.  But its home now.  My girl India live in a nearby town ... so I'm set.  She like my sistah by another Mistah." he grins and leans forward to set his drink down.  "I think I need to bounce up outta here.  It's damn near two in the morning and I ain't gettin paid to sing to nobody."  he leans forward to stand and offer Gareth his hand.  for a man, he is only about five five .. relatively short.

Kitsune Stewart chuckles 'friendship work better with me .. we ain't all old white english men drinks .. been getting really creative try to reach a new set of people but yeah understanble ..; she exhales 'you're breath of fresh air though ' she chuckles 'ive really enjoy myself here tonight she say soflty

Kitty Carmichael smiles and nods. "Thank you. I liked my time with you too ... but I had better make another round .... it's nearly two and we close in an hour. But you come on back and we'll talk again, okay?"

Gareth Dunham: Gareth stands up, towering over Kagiso a bit and takes the hand to shake. As he looks down and their hands connect he has a curious expression and then says "Yeah...cool....well have a good night....Kagiso" He looks at the other man's hand entwined with his in the shake, face, and up and down him as if trying to solve a mystery.

Kagiso Jackson nods and shakes hands.  then he takes Gareth by the wrist and removes his hand , returning to slap the hand with his, slap it again, grasping Gareth's fingers and pulling in to half bump chests, patting Gareth on the back.  "Peace. Out."  and he walks through the crowd and out the door without a backward glance, but looking pre occupied.

Kitsune Stewart laugh soflty and nods ;yeah ill come back when im back throught this area ; she laugh soflty looking around

Kitty Carmichael smiles and begins to dance away, laughing and flirting with everyone.

Gareth Dunham has a confused look on his face as the complex shake starts but as it ends he looks completely stunned and then extremely embarrassed. He watches him leave rubbing a hand over his mouth and slowly makes for the bar in need of a last drink and then maybe a dance to shake it all off.

Kitty Carmichael dances around to Gareth all smiles and then stops. "You OK, Gar?" she looks amused. "K didn't say anything did he? I would have sworn you two would get along..." she looks disappointed.

Gareth Dunham tosses back 3/4 of his drink "Oh we get along..." he laughs "Fuck I did it again....I need a list Kitty. That's twice tonight." He glances out at the dance floor "Let's go join your friend and shake the stupid off me. She has a cute ass by the way. Did I mention that?" He smiles at the evasive girl and watches her on the next twirl.

Kitsune Stewart: she watches her new friend talking with fit dude .. she shakes her ass as she dances getting into groove as she dances she waves at Kitty smile and laughs as she is dip

Kitty Carmichael looks mildly confused and hen her eyes go wide. "Oh my GOD! You IDIOT!" but she is smiling and laughing, as if Gareth has been an idiot before now. "Well lets dance and you can tell me when and where and how good it was. And stop looking at her. She likes men with brains further north. If you need some you just hand out till I get off then get Me off." she rolls her eyes and drags him onto the dance floor.

Gareth Dunham follows her and pulls her to him, dancing against her like it's common place "I wish I could remember...fuck maybe I'm narcoleptic..." he jokes." He looks towards the woman now dancing with another guy and sighs. Yeah his brain was pretty south, best to be honest.

Kitsune Stewart: she twirls with the guy she is with laughing at some of the stupid shit he is say but shrugs and just shrugs and looks over oi kitty ... ; she say nodding smiles making a face rolling her eyes but laugh as she is just having some mindless fun ..

Kitty Carmichael dances with his as if they are Fred and Ginger, but kinkier ... "You fucked Aqoustic Spirit and FORGOT?" she slaps him in the chest as if she does it at least once a week. "Do you just WEAR he oxygen tank in fires and not turn it ON? Is that the problem? A smoke inhalation brain? Do beams fall on your head a lot? AQOISTIC SPIRIT! Jesus Christ." she shakes her head and rolls her eyes. "I woulda taken pictures and asked for him to autograph my labia."

Gareth Dunham laughs out loud "Could you ask him to do that anyway and take pictures? I'd like copies please." He eyes the evasive girl's dance partner "What's with the tux? I guess everyone has their...thing right..."

Kitty Carmichael: /m snorts. "I just might. I thought I had caught a look or two with his security guard ... but that guy is so deep int he closet he lives in fuckin Narnia." she shrugs. "Ask him for an autograph .. go to his place and tell him you remember, then fuck like crazy and laugh about it." she turns and hugs him. "NOW before he goes to sleep .... no .. tomorrow just go home and sleep now and go all shiny and showered and sober!" she grinds her hips into his and with a full body writhe points directly at the door. Clear message. Out.

Gareth Dunham grins and then gives Kitty a little smack on the ass and a kiss. He winks at the evasive woman after and heads out with a salute.

Kitsune Stewart: she swats off an advance just laughing it off and excuse herself.. and goes to waves to Kitty .. ;oi, Kitty ... i best get wander away before the monkey in the peguin suit .. thinks he has shot with me she say to her when she is out of earshot.. looking at kitty directly just shakes her head at gareth

Graveside ...

The first night, all he could do was stare from across the street from the mayor’s house.  And then, he went home.  His body was more sick than stunned, and he was feeling better than he had in the last  near week.  For the first time in days, he was able to eat, or rather drink, food.  Clear broth.  Then came sleep, but he was up again at one in the morning.  Pacing.

By two in the morning, he was back in his car and, being the middle of the night, was back in Cedar Point inside of half an hour.  He parked beside the cemetery, and entered, taking some of the hand gardening tools he had in the back of his truck, which had been clattering around for almost a year and a half, bought shortly after his ex wife Sara bought her house and he helped her with the flowers under her windows.

At five, he was satisfied with his work.  And a little hoarse, as he has been talking in a near whisper and, in spots, crying softly, from the moment he approached the grave until he finally stood, brushed off his jeans and then the coffin and looked with some satisfaction on the now well tended plot under the weeping willow tree.

Going home would have been a waste of time, so he simply “arrived” at work early, claiming that he could not sleep, which at least wasn’t a lie.  Still on desk duty, he was able to work automatically.  At lunch, he bought something simple from the bakery, where the evening before, he’d met the most important person in Cedar Point, and took it to the private beach near the cemetery.  Sitting on the steps to the breakwater, he ate and talked “to himself’ softly until the lunch break was over.  He went straight home after his shift and slept deeply until his alarm went off on Saturday morning.

He ate lunch more often than not at his new spot whenever he could get away with it.

Doctors, Accidents and Tours

Michael Reinhardt walks into the clinic, a scowl on his face and a hand at his temple. He looks around as if not totally sure who he should be speaking to.

Adam Pierson: Hi welcome to Cedar Point's clinic, How can I help you?

Michael Reinhardt glances down and tightens his jaw visibly. "I was bitten by a raccoon and got the first of the vaccinations two days ago. But my head is still pounding, my muscles ache and I haven't been able to keep much down since before I was bitten."

Adam Pierson: "Hmm, okay. why don't you follow me into the exam room."

Adam Pierson: "Okay first let's get a little medical info into the computer. Have you been here before?"

Michael Reinhardt follows the doctor with a slight growl of annoyance and sigh of exasperation. "No, I haven't. I probably should have driven back to Vancouver, where I live, but I just ... listen. I'm a Cedar Point police officer and my boss doesn't know I am here. I want to KEEP it that way. Understood?" he makes it sound ALMOST like a question.

Adam Pierson makes a little moue of annoyance, "Rabies is a serious condition, and can be very contagious. If not treated properly, it can be fatal. You wouldn't want to wish that on anyone else, would you?"

Michael Reinhardt looks evenly at the doctor. "Thats why we went, lights and sirens to the White Rock emergency room when it HAPPENED, doctor." he sits and keeps his fingers on is temple. "We began the series, took two days off and went back to work on Tuesday. But this headache is annoying me. I ma be in a bad mood but I'm not tempted t BITE anyone.

Adam Pierson looks a bit amused. "Have you tried any over the counter medicines for the headache?"

Michael Reinhardt pinches the bridge of his nose. "I've been taking Tylenol like they were M&M's. Actually that may be why I am in a constant state of wanting to throw up. Might be Nault to, but ... it's a toss up."

Adam Pierson: "Alright, when's the last dose of Tylenol? And I do need to examine you, just to make sure it's a reaction from the shots. Good news, I can give you something for the nausea too, and a stronger pain killer, just different."

Michael Reinhardt considers and looks at his watch. "Three. And before that was One. And around noon, I threw up on Nault. That was bad cause it was an attempt to eat something mild. Just some rice from the Chinese restaurant and ...." he shakes his head. "I had an examine in Vancouver before I took this job." he begins to protest, showing the first signs of being a man who is not happy with doctors. "Know what. Never mind. As long as my bosses don't find out."

Adam Pierson: "Here's the thing about your bosses finding out. One, all your medical expenses are worker's compensation. Two, they should be understanding, it happened on the job.

Adam Pierson: ok hop up on the table, let's make sure this is just a reaction to the shots.

Michael Reinhardt rolls his eyes and stands, rolling is eyes again and steadying himself. "A job I have had barely two weeks. Low man on the totem pole and I am god damned if I am going back to VPD." he slips off his coat and squares his shoulders. "Lets do this." hes had the first in a series of rabies shots. He figures he can handle this. He tosses his jacket in the chair he was just in and hops on the table

Adam Pierson looks into the officer's eyes, has him open his mouth, then listens to his heart and his breathing. "Abdominal shots? Any unusual redness, swelling or pain around the injection area?"

Michael Reinhardt allows the poking AND the prodding. "Yes and no." he grumbles.

Adam Pierson: "Good, so far it looks like just a stronger reaction to the shots. I'll give you a prescription for ibuprofen, and something for the nausea. Also, try ginger ale for the nausea."

Michael Reinhardt nods and looks relieved. "Sure thing, Doctor." he begins to slide off the table, ready and willing to go home now.

Adam Pierson: "Would you like me to change the bandage for you?"

Adam Pierson: Dr. Pierson asks, then writes out the two prescriptions. "You can have those filled next door."

Michael Reinhardt stops and sighs, holding out his bandaged left hand. "Go for it." he figures why not.

Adam Pierson very carefully takes the current bandage off, cleans the wound quickly, and re-applies the bandage with a more waterproof bandage. "If you want, you can come in here for the rest of the shots."

Michael Reinhardt looks around the clinic. "Let me think on that one, doc. Ryan and I both have appointments in White Rock so ...."

Adam Pierson: "Okay. Hopefully this will not be a rabid raccoon, just a mother or a very hungry raccoon."

Adam Pierson: "Alright, do not mix the Advil and the Tylenol. And come back if you don't get any relief for the headache."

Michael Reinhardt snorts. "As long as it doesn't bite anyone else. Maybe its already crawled off and died on its own." he listens to the instructions so he can say he did and nods. "Gotcha." he pauses. "Let me guess .... Its gonna be like this for the whole damn SERIES, isn't it?"

Adam Pierson: "It may be, it may not. It depends on how your body adjusts."

Michael Reinhardt scoffs. "So far I'm adjusting badly ... but .. considering no one survives rabies .. its better than just riding it out."

Adam Pierson: "It can take a bit, rather like a flu shot in some people. Precisely."

Michael Reinhardt shakes his head. "Oh ... terrific." he pauses and seems to consider. "Well, at least I got to puke on Nault. That ALMOST makes it worth it."

Adam Pierson chuckles. "Ginger ale, and the second prescription ought to help that."

Michael Reinhardt offers up a grin that is JUST the side of pure evil. "As long as Nault doesn't know that ....." he nods. "Thanks. Pay on my way out, right?"

Michael Reinhardt is leaning against the building, waiting apparently

Adam Pierson: "Good bye." Adam says as he returns the bow.

Oshi Shikigami: Good afternoon, officer Reinhard? yes? Oshi smiles and bows slightly.

Michael Reinhardt sees the little woman walking out of the clinic. "Miss S!" he calls and nods. "That's me .. you caught me in civilian clothes." he looks at the clinic and then back at her .. and that ... dress ... "You alright, Miss S?"

Oshi Shikigami: LOL I hope you not incognito? It's Shikigami, or you may call me Oshi, everyone else does :-)

Michael Reinhardt nods at her. "No, I am waiting on a prescription. i .. got bit on Saturday so ..." he shrugs. "And i botched your name so badly I think i will stick to Oshi. As long as you call me Michael. Deal?  As long as I'm not on duty, of course"

Oshi Shikigami: Just here to get my booster shot for rabies. I had the whole series done about five years ago, though, so this was not all that bad this time... And Michael, I am sorry to hear you got bit! Oh my! But at least you did get the shots, No fun, but better than not.

Michael Reinhardt nods. "I'm not taking them too well, either." he admits. "Headache. nausea. haven't been able to hold much of anything down since before I saw you on Saturday, as a matter of fact." he admits. "So I have a script for my head and my stomach. then a long drive home."

Oshi Shikigami: Perhaps, I should loan you one of my Kendo sticks, like this one I have, to hold off any raccoon attack! Oshi pulls out her stick from its attachment on her gown. And shows him it in a not provocative manner.

Michael Reinhardt laughs lightly. "It's WAY too late for that, Oshi." he looks at the stick tho, considering its legality. "What does it .. do?" he asks.

Oshi Shikigami: Well, if you are too ill to drive, you may come to my place for a bit until you feel better enough to do so safely? Oshi points to the building, second floor, and says my place is right there, so it would be no problem, if you think it might help?  Oh it is a traditional martial arts from Japan. we use this wooden and blunted swords to train with, even school children learn it in gym class at school.

Michael Reinhardt blinks a bit at the offer .. and at his question being ignored. "I should be fine. I'm gonna pick up the script, take a dose and maybe see if clear soup will stay down. Then I should be able to drive home." he smiles as she DOES answer he question. So ... you beat raccoons with it?" he asks bemused.

Oshi Shikigami: When she sees his look at the stick, she thinks and then it looks like something occurs to her... Um, I hope it is OK to carry this when I need? I was told there was no problem in bringing it to Canada. And I guess I just assumed it would be OK to take with me,? She now looks a bit unsure.

Michael Reinhardt arches is brow. "I have to look it up." he admits. "It looks like it could be used to hurt someone, but so can a baseball bat." he considers. "Do me a favor and keep it under wraps unless yo REALLY need it. It's illegal to kill the raccoons, I'm sorry to say at this point I'm still mad at the one who bit me. But that ... who knows."

Oshi Shikigami: Well, not here, not yet. At least. But was just trying to be safe, and if someone else, who had no training with wild animals, was being attacked I could help them too. I have done animal rescue before, in Japan. I even helped capture a runaways Komodo dragon once. That being a reason for the shots…  Ah yes, well If used properly, you can strike just to stun, or scare, no permanent damage, Oshi tucks the stick away, and it almost disappears.

Michael Reinhardt nods, fascinated. "I wont run you in. Just don't hit any HUMANS in the head, which can cause anything from deafness to death." although she looks so small, he has to wonder. "What about self defense? May not work on a raccoon or a cat, but it ma help with a human." he pauses. "Do the offer an self defense classes here in town?"

Oshi Shikigami: I have been looking for a dojo here in town, but no luck so far. And when we spar with kendo, we wear head gear, but it would still be dishonorable to be striking about the head when sparing.

Michael Reinhardt nods. "Well theres a YMCA in Vancouver I KNOW ... and maybe in White Rock." he looks at her "If you are in a situation where you are going to be assaulted, I think worrying about your opponents honor isn't always wise."

Oshi Shikigami: DO the police have any training, or sparing in self defense? I guess that would not be open to civilians though?

Michael Reinhardt smiles. "Exactly, but there are community centers that would teach that sort of thing. Cedar Point is safe, but its not an isolated island or anything." he sighs. "Forgive me, Oshi. I'm a big city cop. That means I'm more than a little paranoid."

Oshi Shikigami: I have found the best defense is just to be aware. TO always know what and who are around you, and what they may have in mind. But to prevent, it is still the best defense. But if necessary, It is wise to know how to defend oneself. Oshi Shikigami: When I was at university in Toronto, I did get some formal training.

Michael Reinhardt nods. "I would probably go off the deep end and say assume everyone is dangerous, unless you know them. Always look like you know where you are going, even if you don't and learn to use the most mundane things as a weapon. Your cousin could learn a thing or two about what her house keys can do." he grins.

Oshi Shikigami: I have been looking for some formal training for Tatsu, I have not really seen anything that is suitable yet. But If you find out about any close by do let me know?

Michael Reinhardt nods. "I will, but her formal training may not be a match for down and dirty street fighting. Her aim is to get away from her attacker. Using her feet, fingers, knees and elbows. What would be suitable?" he wonders.

Oshi Shikigami: Indeed you are correct.

Michael Reinhardt looks at her. "Look at us. I have to outweigh you by a hundred kilos. And I am quite a bit taller than you. Your cousin.. the odds are MORE uneven. But she could put me down long enough to run away. Find a cop or get home." he smiles. "Think about it. A class in the city may help."

Oshi Shikigami: Oh, And I did give her a REAL loud whistle too! LOL

Michael Reinhardt points a finger at her "Good thinking!" he says, impressed

Oshi Shikigami: Silly me I am holding you up form getting things done, and you aren't even feeling well! Oshi seems surprised at herself for makes such a mistake. She blushes and smiles, and does a quick bow and says Do let me know If I can help though?

Michael Reinhardt smiles/. "I guess I am NEVER really off-duty." he admits. "I'd better get my script. I think things will blow over. But if you can help, I will have them contact you."

Oshi Shikigami: And if you can, try some green tea, it is good for an unsettled stomach...

Michael Reinhardt nods. "I will, thanks." he smiles and turns waving over his shoulder. "Take care, Oshi."

Oshi Shikigami: Oshi give a peace sign flash to him, giggles a little and heads off to her home.

Mayor Shirley Douglas strolls confidently down the street nodding and smiling to those she passes with the odd "Evening." and "Oh yes the flowers are in bloom aren't they dear? So lovely." She is about to pass the redheaded man and she smiles at him too "Hello." she greets like he's an old friend.

Michael Reinhardt walks down he street with the white bag of pharmaceuticals in his hand, peering inside as he walks almost blindly. He hears the greeting but assumes it isn't for him and he isn't watching where he is going so he may well bump into her.

Mayor Shirley Douglas backs up and puts her hands gingerly on the man's arm trying to steer him away from crashing into her "Young man, do be careful. I'm no spring chicken."

Michael Reinhardt blinks and comes out of the bag to see hes nearly run a little old lady down in the street. Mama would be ashamed of him. "Oh, Jesus I'm sorry Ma'am." he apologizes profusely and then looks at her blinking. "Wait ... you're ... you mayor ... Douglas?" he groans. "I am SO fired." he reaches up to pinch the bridge of his nose, as if fighting off a headache.

Mayor Shirley Douglas laughs "I don't think you work for City Hall do you? And you'd have to do more than be clumsy. What's your name....and are you quite alright?"

Michael Reinhardt lowers his hand. "Well, ma'am. I do, sort of." he sighs and offers his hand. "Officer Michael Reinhardt, Cedar Point Police Department." he clears his throat. "And no .. not really. I'm having a bad reaction to .. well .. rabies shots. I got bit on Saturday." he confesses.

Mayor Shirley Douglas shakes his hand "Nice to meet you Officer Reinhardt. Goodness what a welcome you got to our little town. You and Officer Yamada if I remember correctly? Those are nasty shots."

Michael Reinhardt shakes her hand. "Yes. Ryan Yamada. We went into white Rock for the shots and both wound up staying in the hotel there." he motions across the street. "Neither of us was up to driving .. and I still live in Vancouver. Well... I am still having headaches and nausea. This." he holds up the bag that almost caused him to run her down. "Is the cure." he says it with the air of a magician offering a cure.

Mayor Shirley Douglas looks at the bag and then gestures at the coffee shop "Come with me Dear. Let's get you something to wash those down with."

Michael Reinhardt smiles and opens the door, noticing the bakery he has never been to yet. "Thank you ma'am. But I CAN pay ... " he offers.

Mayor Shirley Douglas walks in and smiles as all the bakery staff turn their attention to her "Good evening. Not a raccoon in sight. You all must be keeping the garbages well sealed. Could I get two ginger mint teas to go please? One for my handsome young friend..." she giggles at Michael.

Michael Reinhardt actually blushes and seems rendered slightly speechless as the chef looks him up and down as if disapproving of the May/December romance.

Mayor Shirley Douglas takes the teas and hands one to Micheal "Here. This'll help. Damn doctors put me on iron pills and sometimes it's the only thing I can stomach." She pulls a ten out of her pocket and begins to hand it to the clerk.

Michael Reinhardt takes the tea. "Ma'am, I really CAN pay you .. and you'd be paying ME back.. with my first paycheck." he sounds almost pleading. Bu now both of his hands are full so he places his meds on the counter.

Mayor Shirley Douglas laughs "Oh my dear boy. You've had a hell of a first week. Let me buy you a cup of tea. Now take your pills so all our officers are accounted for this week. We may need you all if the town decides to riot over the side effects of those shots."

Michael Reinhardt sighs and shrugs. She had a point. He sets the tea down and reaches in for his pills, taking the prescribed amount and then crumpling the bag up and shoving it in his pocket like an errant ten year old. He swallows the pills dry and blows on the tea, taking a cautious sip. He raises his brows. "This is pretty good. Thank you, Mayor Douglas." he sort of feels like a little boy proving to his mother he took the pills.

Mayor Shirley Douglas gives him an approving look and then takes her change from the clerk who has many facial piercings with a polite smile "Thank you Jane, have a good evening. And my best to your mother." She looks back at Michael "I was going to continue my walk. You're welcome to join me if you don't need to lie down. Some sea air might help."

Michael Reinhardt nods. "I would love to join you." he tells her. "And I don't really .. lie down very well. My mother always threatened four point restraints." A good Irish woman. "She has that Irish temper thing down."

Mayor Shirley Douglas laughs "That explains the red hair. Off we go then."

Michael Reinhardt chuckles and holds the door for her to exit. "Yes. I have her hair and eyes. My father is German .. straight from ze Fadderland." he chuckles. :He still has such a heavy accent we just speak German around him." he smiles.

Mayor Shirley Douglas nods "Well I'm probably one of the last of my people around this area..." she cuts off and looks in the middle of the road "Who's scooter is that? Is it stalled?"

Michael Reinhardt arches his brows. "Last of the line or ... Native?" he looks at the scooter. "Thats the sushi chef's scooter I think someone has been joyriding." he sighs and jogs out, motioning to the cars to stop and pushes it onto the sidewalk. "One moment ma'am." he pulls his phone out and sends a text. "The station can call him. He's registered. "

Mayor Shirley Douglas waits and looks relieved "Well I'll take teenage hooligans over raccoons this week. Thank you Officer Reinhardt."

Michael Reinhardt chuckles. "I will to. You know .. we don't get this problem where I was in Vancouver. Place called the Devils Kitchen, if you ever heard of it." if she has it was nothing good.

Mayor Shirley Douglas shakes her head and gestures they cross and walk some more "No I can't say I have. I lived in Vancouver in my university days but never came across that. "

Michael Reinhardt shakes his head. "It's alright. It's the worst neighborhood in Vancouver. Drugs, prostitution, murder, rape ... I was going to burn out .. so I came here." he laughs lightly. "And get attacked by a maybe rabid raccoon." he shakes his head in disbelief. "But really ... I like it here . ti really IS relaxing. At least the raccoon didn't try and get my gun or steal my wallet."

Mayor Shirley Douglas snorts "No they tend to get carded at the liquor mart so why bother eh?" She keeps walking and stops by the soccer filed. A practice is going on and the parents are all hovering and looking nervously at the woods. Shirley smiles at a few of them and it seems to give them a boost of confidence. A boy in goal dives and makes a spectacular save and Shirley cheers "Way to go Luke!"

Michael Reinhardt chuckles and watches the soccer game with her. He smiles and nods at the save. "Yea, this really IS a nice place." he says almost to himself. "Be nice when I finally get a place."

Mayor Shirley Douglas "Yes you said you had to stay at the hotel because home is far?" She starts towards Chens but not with the intent to go in, just walk by.

Michael Reinhardt nods. "Yes ma'am. In Vancouver still. My parents live there. My brother lives on an island called Alexandra. I just really don't want to be in the big city anymore." he admits glancing in Chen's window as a small pack of teen girls walk by giggling and looking at him.

Mayor Shirley Douglas looks at Micheal after and smiles "You have some admirers. Yes I've heard of Alexandra, been there even but not for many years. Nice place." Michael Chen walks out of the grocery store and pushes a few carts into the racks and then cheerfully waves across to the mayor. She waves back before walking to the waterfront "That's our other Michael. Have you met him? So the opposite of his sister Ushi."

Michael Reinhardt blinks and then blushes. "They're a little young, Ma'am. I'm thirty." he nods. "My brother likes it well enough." he shakes his head. "Not yet. Ryan .. Officer Yamada mentioned him. He was calling me Mike ... which ... normally I hate, but after we've been attacked by the same psychotic raccoon ... he can call em Shirley Douglas if it makes him happy."

Mayor Shirley Douglas laughs "Oh I don't think he would. I've known all the Yamada kids since they were born, well they're hardly kids now. Forgive an old lady. That Ryan is such a dear, showed me how to work the Twitter on my iPhone one say. I didn't really understand what he was telling me but it was nice of him to try. Everything's on the Twitter now isn't it? Do you use it?" She breathes in the salty air for a few minutes, not walking yet as the waves crash on the wall of the public walkway.

Michael Reinhardt smiles at the idea of her doing anything with "the Twitter". "Seems so. I actually moved a way from all of that when I got divorced." he watches her. "So .. Ryan as a kid? Interesting. Did he get in a lot of trouble with his little gang of friends? Oh wait, that was me." he winks and inhales deeply. Even the air smelled different here.

Mayor Shirley Douglas smiles "Oh they were a bunch of rascals. Ryan and his little friend Adum, they ran wild with my grand niece, Megan. Adum's actually from Alexandra, their Chief and Police now. And Jack tells me he and Megan have quite the romance going on. Ah to be young and in love! Never take it for granted Officer Reinhardt. Is there a missus?"

Michael Reinhardt laughs. "Well, that's something else." he sighs at her question. "I used to be .. we were married three years and been divorced for two years now. She was ... having quite the romance with several other men." he shrugs. "I don't know if I'll ever try that again. marriage. I wanted kids but .. in hindsight ..." he shrugs again and stares out to sea.

Mayor Shirley Douglas muses "Well that's only round one dear. I've been married three times. First one drank and gambled all our money away so I left him. The second one was one of my anthropology professors - quite the scandal! At least I was a mature student and not a sweet young thing. We had a daughter, Roberta, she's in Nova Scotia now. Elliot decided one day he preferred men and moved in with one of his colleagues. We're still friends. Then years later I married Eddy. The cancer got him about ten years ago. You're still young....love, and kids could still happen."

Michael Reinhardt hears her stories, wincing a bit at the gay husband. "Maybe. And maybe I'll be a better person here." he looks at her. "The only time I've ever heard a siren here ... like ten days or so ... was when Ryan was driving us out of town because of the bites. I've ... never gone a DAY before without hearing sirens." it still stuns him. "The city makes people dark. makes MEN dark."

Mayor Shirley Douglas thinks on this "Could be. Although any place will make you dark if you don't let in the light. We're not immune to that here, but I think a sense of community does help people."

Michael Reinhardt nods and looks towards the docks. "Could be. I had my family but my brother and I are a dozen years apart, so in a way he was like ... grown to me." he pauses. "Do you know where I could live here?" he suddenly asks. "I don't want a house. An apartment .. maybe a condo. But here ... I don't now .. this building here." he motions behind him. "It's too ... bright and quiet?" he laughs. "Ruin my brooding German reputation for sure."

Mayor Shirley Douglas chuckles "Hard to brood with this view. There's some little bachelor pads over the shops on main. You could definitely sulk in those. And the same landlord is renovating the lofts above Jack's bar. Jack is my nephew. He runs the Black Hole. I'm actually a silent partner but it's his area. Bit loud for my liking nowadays. But if you like rock music you might not mind living over it. There's a laundromat and the pizza place right below as well."

Michael Reinhardt chuckles. "Well, a bachelor pad would probably make me feel all confined." but he listens to the rest. "I DO like music." he admits. "With food and clean clothes all int he same building. Thats the high life for me." he smiles. "Although I've heard that bar can get rather rowdy. But maybe if its known a cop loves over it .... that may calm things down." he pauses. "I dunno ... just heard something about hurricane Alison?" he shrugs. before his time.

Mayor Shirley Douglas's usual sweet face sours into a huge scowl "That woman is deeply disturbed. She nearly gave Jack a concussion for trying to prevent her from drinking and driving. She's not from this town, and she's not welcome here as far as I'm concerned."

Michael Reinhardt notes the change and nods. "No ... I can imagine not. But .. I am not sure you can ban someone from a town. Even if that woman is trying to make it happen." he suddenly cocks his head. "Hey! It's working. My head doesn't hurt and I no longer feel like throwing up." hes been sipping at his tea and loving it. Man ... I'm tempted to eat. I better not .. I threw up on Cody Nault at lunch today. Rice from the Chinese joint .. its probably alright but .. " he sighs. "And I have another shot scheduled soon." he sounds like he is dreading it.

Mayor Shirley Douglas sighs "I know we can't ban her but that doesn't mean I have to like her. I know I'm being defensive because she hurt Jack." She looks like she's trying not to laugh about Cody "Constable Nault. Such and eager boy.....poor thing." It's hard to tell but there might be a tiny hint of sarcasm in her tone "Maybe best to just stick with the tea for awhile."

Michael Reinhardt grins. "Well, I DID apologize." he nods. "Yea .. thats probably best. But it all smells so GOOD." and he laughs.

Mayor Shirley Douglas points her stride again down the pathway "That's all part of the healing. You could probably eat by tomorrow. Have you been on the whale watching tour?"

Michael Reinhardt nods. "Patience .. right." he shakes his head. "Honestly, this is the longest I have been in town and OFF duty since the twenty-eighth when I started. And since no one needed a cop ...." he shrugs.

Mayor Shirley Douglas thinks "Might not be good for the nausea to add seasickness just yet, but later, it's a lovely tour. They come with up to the boat." She passes the clinic and then stops at the bike rack.

Michael Reinhardt nods. "Another good point. I'll be good. I promise." he looks at the bike rack. A good place for exercise.

Mayor Shirley Douglas pats one of the bikes on the seat "This was one of the best things the council came up with in recent years. Take a bike and just park at at the next rack after using it. Remarkably we've only lost 4 to theft in 2 years."

Michael Reinhardt looks at the rack and blinks. "Seriously?" he sounds honestly stunned, but not at the plan. "Only four bikes in two YEARS?"

Mayor Shirley Douglas grins "I know. Of course they're not top of the line but they'll get you from A to B."

Michael Reinhardt sighs. "I've seen bikes stolen for RUSTY parts." he sighs. "It's like I transfered to ... The Twilight Zone."

Mayor Shirley Douglas nods and smiles to an elderly Chinese couple as they pass by "We have a lot of eyes out and about all the time. I can see this rack from the boardroom upstairs." she gestures to the second floor of City Hall. And it's across from the station. The ones that were taken were from the alley way by the B&B, bit of a blind spot but still busy. But yes, we're nothing like Vancouver. I don't even think everyone locks their doors here."

Michael Reinhardt shakes his head and nods at the couple. "That must be where Mr F ... Eien .. is parking that bike of his." he ponders. "If he moves it .... or just gets a car. Might solve all his problems." he looks at the station. "No officers dying int he line of duty here." he muses, softly .. as if hes known officers who have died .. at least one.

Mayor Shirley Douglas shrugs "Oddly Micheal, the most dangerous thing in this town......are the quakes. You're going to think it's crazy, because it is, but seismologists can't explain it. What's a small quake for the rest of the area, hits hard here. We've lost a lot of people..."

Michael Reinhardt nods. "I suppose thats .. I don't know. I'm not calling you a liar. Then again, I have only been here a week and a half." he admits. "And don't know a lot about earthquakes. Are they really that bad?"

Mayor Shirley Douglas looks intensely at him and then beckons him across the street "Let's visit the cemetery. It might be easier to explain there."

Michael Reinhardt nods and moves with her to the cemetery. A place he has not yet really visited except to walk around it. he enters and looks around the place, almost nervously.

Mayor Shirley Douglas gestures around "Not everyone in here was taken by a quake." She waves towards the graves to her left "These are all from the wars....but many of the others have nothing buried, no remains, just a headstone so the families can mourn." She takes a walk to a specific grave, indicating he should follow.

Michael Reinhardt follows her, looking and yet not looking at the graves. He joins her and looks down at the grave.

Mayor Shirley Douglas says matter of factly but softly "Your Chief's daughter. Such a lovely girl. She was so gifted at sports. Her friends keep these candles lit every day. You work with one of them, my niece, Tamela. They were to be married..."

Michael Reinhardt looks down at the grave. "I didn't know the Chief HAD a daughter." he admits, quietly. "I've seen Tams in here but .. you know .. you don't pry."

Mayor Shirley Douglas nods sadly "Nearly broke her, all of them. You may have seen a red haired woman with Tams, Anna and then of course Ryan's sister Stephanie. The four of them were as thick as thieves all through school. Anna is Eryn's cousin. Wright is her last name, Beale her mother, they have mausoleums those families....many fell through the cracks for them..." She walks back to the center and points to two mausoleums.

Michael Reinhardt follows her, pretty quietly. "How long ago was this?" he asks, keeping his voice soft. Looking only where she points his eyes TO look.

Mayor Shirley Douglas "Well Eryn Callahan was 2011. Of course there was a big quake 3 years back. Lost a few then. Jack lost his wife when his girls were young." She walks to a stone with roses inset on it and the name Isabella Douglas nee Herrera and stands in front of it sighing.

Michael Reinhardt looks at the stone. and nods. "This is a very cared for place." he murmurs.

Mayor Shirley Douglas nods "No one to bury is the hardest thing. The closure, you never get it..." she smiles "I don't want to depress you. This is just one of the odd things about the town."

Michael Reinhardt shakes his head. "I'm not depressed." he replies. "But ... yea ... closure s important I've heard." he takes in a deep breath. "Any other odd stories for me, Mayor?" he asks, is voice light almost joking.

Mayor Shirley Douglas laughs "Oh I'm sure you'll get your fair share at the station. I should go home and feed Cocoa, my dog. I've been keeping her inside away from raccoons. She's getting annoyed but better safe than sorry."

Michael Reinhardt chuckles and nods. "Fair enough." he agrees. "Don't keep her in TOO long .. she may be worse than the raccoons."

Mayor Shirley Douglas walks down the last row " I do let her in the yard during the day and I've been taking her to the office so she's amused. This one's a bit neglected. Our town's most brilliant archivist, Harley Bell. He could find any document in a heartbeat.." she pats the raised stone coffin style grave "Rather extravagant for an empty..."

Michael Reinhardt is walking towards the neglected grave listening. His step slows when the word archivist comes out of the mayors mouth. He stumbles and drops to his knees, reaching out. The stone coffin stops his fall. His remaining tea falls from the cup. He stares at the stone and the name. "I'm ... I'm ... I'm sorry." the pale redhead pales more.

Mayor Shirley Douglas looks down at Michale in concern "Oh goodness dear. I've tired you out. Harley and I weren't close, though I did love his work. I think you need to get some rest Michael. I'm so sorry to have dragged you on such a long walk."

Michael Reinhardt nods, slowly. "Yes. I .. I guess those pills working gave me that false sense of security. It's not your fault. It's mine." he gets to his feet. "I'm sorry Mayor. But ... You're right I had better get on home." he looks at the stone and turns to face her. "Thank you for this." he says. "I feel this town is where I belong now. Raccoons or no raccoons." he laughs nervously.

Mayor Shirley Douglas smiles "Well I'm glad to hear it. Thank you for letting me ramble on. I really just wanted the town to see me out and about so the fear calms down. There won't be a raccoon on every rood top waiting to get them after all. We just need to be vigilant. You take care Michael. I'm going to head home as well."

Michael Reinhardt smiles. "Let me at least walk you home?" he offers. he isn't letting a little old lady go on her own.

Mayor Shirley Douglas points at the roof top across the street "Alright, since it's right there." she laughs.

Michael Reinhardt looks and laughs. "Good. If my mother found out I let you walk home alone, even spry as you are, she'd put me in that empty grave." he quips as they walk. Then he sees her to her door. "You take care, Mayor." he will see her in the door then turn and move across the street, staring at the archivists grave for a long time before he moves off towards his car and home.

Mayor Shirley Douglas replies "You too dear." as she gets out her key. A little yappy dog starts up inside and she murmurs "Mummy's coming Cocoa." as the door opens and she steps in.

Rabid Ryan

Ryan had just wobbled away from saying goodbye to Mike as he made his way to a room in the Mariner's Inn himself since Angie had insisted he not drive all the way home. He winced and rubbed at his temples, his hand over his face while he uncharacteristically rode the elevator up to India's room. He had composed about 4 texts to warn her he was feeling so rotten but deleted each because they got increasingly pathetic as the side effects of the rabies shot took hold. He stumbled to her door and leaned his head against it as he weakly tapped out his signature knock. A wave of nausea made him scrunch up his face in a horrific expression as he waited.


She wasn't expecting anyone.  Just a nice Saturday night watching movies and maybe reading. Maybe a visit from Ryan when his shift was over.  He'd call or text either way it went. She caught his knock, but it sounded ... off.  So she was cautious when she opened the door to her room and saw him standing there, looking ... sick.  "What happened to you?"  she wonders aloud as, if he lets her, she helps him into the room, kicking the door shot behind them, if he comes with her.  She'll put him on the closest bed if allowed and look down at him, noting he was actually still in uniform.  "God, baby?  You got the flu or something?"  she wonders.


Ryan lets India help him and rolls his head slowly from side to side as he sinks to the bed and sits a bit slumped "Please don't freak out....I uh....got bit by a raccoon and had to get a rabies shot. Apparently these are the side effects. I feel like total shit Indy. I'm sorry to crash on you like this. I don't think I should drive home. I barely made the stretch from White Rock to here behind the wheel. Mike got bit too and Angie made him get a room downstairs. I can sleep in a separate bed....I don't want to be a pain."


India listens to him with her eyes widening bit by bit in disbelief with each sentence.  "A raccoon?"  she blinks and backs up a bit.  Moving to his feet, she starts to take his shoes off, even before he got to that part of his narrative.  "No sorry's remember?  You can sleep here and you can sleep in the same bed with me."  she begins to undress him.  "Now who's Mike?"  she asks, in many ways selfishly glad she has an opportunity to take care of him for a change.


Ryan lifts his feet as she pulls off each shoe, allowing her to help him and leaning back on his hands as he winces and then blinks hard "Oh god....Mike, Reinhardt, Officer Reinhardt, new transfer to the station. He's alright, pretty cool actually. This call came in, we've been getting them all week, some guy stuck in his car with a raccoon on top. I thought it was one or maybe two so I went alone. It was four of those fuckers and the guy's vehicle was like a trash bin with food wrappers. I called for backup and Mike and I had them on the run by putting the sirens on and then the asshole starts eating a hamburger and the last one was hanging around......it had red eyes....and it got Mike first on the hand and then got me in the leg before I could even pepper spray it......I was so pissed off."


India shakes her head.  "Some 'welcome to Cedar Point' for Officer Reinhardt." she blows out a breath.  She begins to take off his shirt and undo his duty belt, placing everything on the other bed.  "You know I didn't see a live raccoon like out of a zoo until I came here?"  she is a big city girl.  she reaches for his pants.  "I promise  not to rape you, but you'll feel better in nothing but your boxers." she tells him.  "So just the one bite and its a rabies shot?  I thought it was more than one.  My father had a partner who said hed rather go through a whole series of rabies shots instead of doing something he REALLY didnt want to do.


Ryan laughs and then grimaces and holds his abdomen "You wouldn't get much action from me tonight....god my stomach....fuck...." He lies back and lets her take off his clothes but nothing about him is remotely sexy tonight. "What could possibly be so bad that anyone would choose feeling like this over it? Christ....." he mutters.


India looks at him with deep concern.  "Are you going to throw up?"  she asks, concerned.  She could deal with it, but she wanted to be prepared.  Her hand inches towards the empty waste paper basket.


Ryan reaches up and grips a pillow like he's holding it for dear life and then curls into a ball on his right side "I dunno...maybe.....it keeps coming and going...."


India gets the basket just in case.  She is wearing an over-sized shirt and sits on the bed beside him.  "I'm here."  he reassures him.  "And the culprit got away?  Shame.  sOunds like you guys owe it some pay back."


Ryan gives her a slight smile "I did kick it...but it ran off." he sees the basket and mutters "Thanks....wow I'm a terrible date tonight."


India smiles at him.  "Its our first crisis yet.  A sick Ryan."  she teases.  "I get to find out how you are when you're sick.  Good patient or bad patient or what."


Ryan half snickers but is careful not to belly laugh "I'll make sure to hit the bucket if I hurl. That's good right?" His phone plays the Star Wars Cantina song in his pants pocket from the other bed, indicating a call. Ryan looks at it for a second and then decides not to get up.


India laughs lightly.  "That's VERY good, baby."  she hears the phone and moves to get it, bringing it within reach if he wants to answer it.  She won't presume to answer it for him.


Ryan fumbles for the phone since it's near and clicks to answer, not realizing immediately it's Garrett making a face time call when he presses the button.

"Dude, clothes....where ARE you? Angie called us and Mom and Steph went to your house. That mime guy answered and Steph said when Mom started asking questions he sat on the floor and boxed himself in with his hands." All you can see in the phone is an extreme close up of Garrett's face with the angle being very up the nose, almost Blair Witch project like.

Ryan groans and pulls his phone closer "Could you TEXT first? I'm....resting at India's. Tell Mom I'm fine...please. I just feel a bit shitty."

Garrett's huge face grins "Oh your girlfriend! Can I say hi?" He doesn't hesitate and just shouts into the phone "Hi India!" From the echo, Garrett might be in the cooler at Sakuras.

Ryan cringes and looks apologetically at India.


India listens to the conversation, looking bemused.  She sits on the bed when Garrett asks to speak and then DOES to her.  "Hey, Garrett!"  she calls back, rather friendly looking.  "Nice nostrils!  Now Ryan got to GO, cause hes not feeling well ... and NO I ain't the one got him sick.  He'll tell you everything later.  You take care!  Bye"  she twiddles her fingers and boldly pressed the screen to end the call, looking at Ryan with amusement.


Ryan looks relieved as she clicks Garrett's wide eyed grin off at her reply "You'll fit in with them perfectly Indy...." he says as he stretches out his legs and switches his phone to silent before putting it on the bedside night table. The left ankle has a small bandage where the bite happened. He rubs at his temples again, trying to release some of the headache.


India laughs softly.  "I know that type.  If you don't cut him off he just go on and on and on.  But he sounded happy.  Isn't he the one that had the breakup?"  she looks at his bandage, but won't touch it.  "I know you have to have some sort of "This is how you take care of yourself" note.  Where is it?"  and without waiting for his reply begins to go through the pockets of his uniform.


Ryan nods weakly "Yeah he's getting better. Just time. Left shirt pocket."


India nods and takes out the sheet, scanning it.  "OK, imma get you some tylenol for your head.  Then if you want you can sleep or we can lay and watch the movie you know the best ... so well you don't have to watch it to see it.  Just chillax, you know."  and she gets up and heads into the bathroom or the Tylenol.


Ryan closes his eyes and leans his head back on the pillow "Thank you..." His tone emits absolute gratitude for India's care and kindness right now.


India comes back with the Tylenol and a small glass of water.  Handing him the pills, she says "If you decide you are hungry, I can get some broth or something from the bar downstairs."  she sits again, a little worried but not terrified for him.


Ryan sits up slowly to take the pill and reaches for the glass "Thanks. I don't think I can deal with food. But if you didn't have supper yet, please don't not eat because of me. "


India smiles.  "Maybe later."  if he was feeling nauseous, she was willing to wait until he was asleep at least.  She arranges the sheets and covers so he can get under them and then joins him, holding his head to her chest and humming softly into his hair.


Ryan settles in and relaxes into her "Mmm now I'm spoiled.." As the tylenol begins to kick in he becomes noticeably drowsy. He starts making less sense as he mumbles, starting to drift off "Shoulda let the raccoon have the hamburger....they like those...their grubby little hands....hamburglars...." He chuckles a bit as he exhales and then lets out a last sleepy mumble "I love you Indy...." before his breath deepens and he is fully asleep.


India is amused by his rumblings, but tries not to laugh and disturb his falling off into sleep.  His last words make her smile and she stays, humming another song before she carefully gets out of the bed.  She orders room service from the bar and eats while she watches a movie with a single earbud in her bad ear, so she can hear Ryan if he stirs.  She selected something good, but not too funny so her laughing wouldn't wake him.  Once it is over, she powers down her laptop and cleans the room a little before carefully getting into bed beside him and catnapping herself.


Ryan stirs with a sad little moan. He's slept at an odd time and woken up in the middle of the night and is self consciously aware of India seemingly sleeping peacefully beside him. The Tylenol has worn off and he sits up in bed too quickly as his bladder alerts him of an urgent need to be drained. He endeavours to be quiet about his motions but his body fights him at every turn. As soon as he's vertical a wave of nausea hits him full force and he makes a series of truly disturbing heaving noises that produce nothing offering any relief from the sensation. With an exasperated grunt he stands and lumbers unsteadily to the bathroom.


India feels Ryan move almost immediately, but it takes her a while to wake.  The noises he makes bring her fully awake, and she is sitting up as he is going into the bathroom.  While he is in there, she shakes out her locks and sits on the edge of the bed, bringing herself the rest of the way out of sleep.  She watches for him to come out of the bathroom.


Ryan managed to find the Tylenol bottle in the bathroom and is opening it as he walks out, shaking two into his hand "Shit I was trying to be quiet. Sorry." He says as he reaches for his still partially full water on the night stand.


India watches him come out.  "You lucky you got the bottle open."  she comments and shrugs.  "I didn't know I fell asleep.  But I was sleeping light.  So no biggie.  How are you feeling, baby?"  she asks, still watching him.  She'd done a little research while he slept and realized he was not going to turn into some frothing biting monster, but she still knew he was in for a rough time.


Ryan sits down on the bed and pops the pills, followed by drinking the rest of the water before he answers.

"Gross, a bit less than earlier, but gross. I wish I'd brought pajama pants.." he says before standing and pulling on his t shirt that acts as an under shirt for his uniform with a small shiver. Ryan crawls back under the covers and looks at India "You win the girlfriend of the year award for putting up with my sorry ass right now."


India smiles.  "Your own fault for not leaving an extra pair of sweats over here ...."  she chides him with a grin.  Striking a pose, she laughs.  "This year and every one after!"  then she  crawls in with him.  "Snuggle up if your cold.  I'll keep you warm ... not in THAT way, either."


Ryan chuckles and then winces, but less than before sleeping. He rolls towards India and wraps his arms around her "We'll have to think of other reasons to nominate you because there's no way I'm getting a rabies shot every year." Ryan isn't feeling well enough to have his usual level of body awareness and after the dry heaves, his breath could possibly kill a small horse.


India seems to consider.  "Well, none of the usual cop things ... you already got bit by an animal that may have been rabid, so no following that up with stabbings, shootings or anything like that."  she lifts her head a bit, saying nothing about his breath, because she isn't that sort of a person, especially when its not due to neglect.  "Maybe I will rent this hotel room every spring just for us or something."  she looks at him.  "Maybe I will rent it forever so no one can ever sleep in it but us."  she giggles a bit.


Ryan grins a bit at that thought "The tabloids can call it the India Tor love nest. We'll have to wear sunglasses all the time and get one of those obnoxious purse dogs for you. We'll have to give our kids weird names like Apple and Moonbeam just so they stand out in the headlines."


India laughs.  "NO purse dog!  PLEASE .. a real dog or none at all.  Maybe a police doggie dropout or something."  she she smirks.  "Oh you do NOT want to know some of these African American names.  Shaquanda and Alegrineia and TopRamenisha."  she shakes her head.  "But I don't think the tabloids care.  At least I HOPE not."


Ryan snickers "Way better than Apple and Moonbeam. Although we could name a dog those. You want a dog that flunks as a sniffer? That would be hilarious. No Moonbeam that's Shaquanda's koolaid powder, not coke! Put your fucking shades back on you stupid mutt." Ryan's humour is a good sign that he's not so horribly ill as before.


India smiles.  "Exactly.  Kool-aid .. sugar ... old woman with cheap perfume.  But ... a police dog might be fun.  Or one of the breeds they like.  Keep us safe."  she smiles softly, glad he's feeling better.  "I'm glad you came."  she smirks.  "You could have got another room and I never would have known."


Ryan gives India a little squeeze "Even feeling like crap, I couldn't have been down a hall from you without wanting to see you. You want that award, you're stuck with me good and gross." He teases.


India laughs.  "Good answer and I want that award and I want YOU ... well or sick." she kisses his forehead.  "You need to check that dressing on your leg?"  she wonders.  "I mean you seem alright ... you don't have to go in to work tomorrow .. I mean .. today ..."  she wonders.


Ryan smiles as she replies and kisses his forehead and then yanks his leg out of the covers, lets her go and sits up to look at it. The bandage has been mashed around in his sleep and there's a tiny bit of seepage.

"It'll probably hold until I need to shower. Indy, I know this is a crazy question, but do you drive? I want to go grab some stuff from my house in a few hours....you know I'll probably be OK to do it, but would you consider coming with me for the ride? You can say no and I won't push my luck."


India looks as well and nods.  "Yes, I drive.  My license actually doesn't expire for a couple years.  Maybe I'll get a Canadian license once I get that place.  But sure, I'll come with you."  like shed let him go alone.  "I better put on something besides this...."  shes still in a long t-shirt.  She moves to her dresser and finds a pair of sweats, slipping into them.  She holds her arms out.  "Dress for success.'  and she winks at him.


Ryan looks genuinely surprised she's agreed to come with him but smiles and take the arm, getting up a little slower than usual still. However he looks determined to be a little more self sufficient and reaches for his work pants on the other bed after standing and steps into them with only a bit of obvious imbalance. He piles his duty belt on his uniform shirt as if he intends to simply carry those and then checks his pockets for keys, nodding as they jangle. Ryan casually swipes for his phone and then glances at it "Jesus I missed a few texts.....from Steph....and oh no....my Mom. I shoulda called her myself.....dammit, my bad. I'll call her at seven. She hates texting, sends them like emails....." He scrolls though and then looks awkwardly at India "My parents want to meet you."


India looks at his surprised look.  "You aint goin out there with that raccoon on the loose.  I'm like your body guard."  she poses like a body builder.  "I'll turn that rat into a hat like Davey Crocket."  she threatens the animal.  She puts on some socks and is knocking her locs around in the name of styling her hair when Ryan mentions his mother.  Then she freezes, one hand at the back of her head and one at the front.  "Like ....  BOTH of them?"



Ryan licks his lips and the purses them and nods quietly before saying apologetically "Well and Steph... She's conspiring with Mom and Dad to get me to bring you to the restaurant on a Monday when they're closed for a private dinner. I know this is a lot to take in. They just get excited. I mean you've seen Garrett... Kinda like that times 5 if you include the kid..."


India's hands freeze in her hair and she stares at him.  "And Steph ...."  her eyes widen a little with each word and realization.  It was one thing to ride shotgun while he gets a change of clothes in the dead of night.  But this ... "Private dinner .... "  and then she tries to get a visual.  "Like Garrett .... times five plus the kid ...."  she blinks.  "I ....  I don't know ... Ryan.  I mean ... I ... do they KNOW about me?"  she releases her hair and motions around the room ... her isolationist home for the last nine months or so.


Ryan pockets his phone and walks over to her, reaching out to smooth a hand along her locks on the right side of her face "You don't have to do any of it. And yeah they know. Steph tried to explain it at least. My parents are a bit sheltered to be honest but it is why they're suggesting a private dinner. And my mom also said no rush. They don't want to scare you Indy.... If you want to do this, you get to decide when OK?"


India leans into his comforting hande, although her eyes are still wide.  "You mean I an the private dinner."  the words didn't come out QUITE right.  "Can....  I maybe ...  one .... or two at a time.  Your sister and her son ...  your parents ...  Garrett on tranquilizers?"  she swallows hard and covers his hand on her locs with hers.  "I want to ...  I REALLY do ...  and .. if they know I'm this weird isolationist prima donna singer ... ugh ...  Americans ... "  she moves forward and rests her head on his shoulder.  "Let's go . get my mind off of them ... take me to the mime."  part of her plans to stay in the car ... its progress in her mind.


Ryan hugs her "I'm sorry I stressed you out. I'm not firing on all cylinders here myself yet. You can take on Yamadas in whatever combination makes you comfortable. You're not a weird prima donna and my family loves Americans. Let's go. I'm hoping Mark and Sean are fast asleep..." He lets go and looks around for his socks and shoes and then spotting them, puts them on before grabbing his shirt and belt to carry.


India nods.  "I'll be alright."  she assures him, returning the hug.  But she is getting an idea.  "After I get the stones to REALLY leave here ... then I will be ready to meet them."  she pauses.  "Can I invite a friend?  Almost like family?"


Ryan stops at the door and opens it for her "Sure anyone you want. Who are you thinking of Indy?"


India moves out of the door then holds it for him, waiting to see if he will take the stairs or the elevator.  "Kagiso.  I think I told you about him ... had you send him that letter?  He's in Alexandra now ... and ... we're working on something ... that I think I would like to show you along with your family ... but I need him to do it."  she says it casually but her heart is pounding.


Ryan nods, starting for the elevator and then pads at his pocket as his phone buzzes "The secret envelope guy?" he asks with a smile.

He presses the arrow down button and casually looks down at his phone "Oh for fuck's sakes..." he mutters at it, chuckling a bit.


India nods.  "Yea, that guy.  He's sort of retiring too and he liked my poem or song and we're ironing it out."  she looks at him when he looks at his phone.  "What?"


Ryan rubs at his face, shaking his head "Adum got wind of my raccoon bite through Tams. Wants to know if I was foaming at your door threatening to turn to bestiality if....well the rest is even cruder...you get the idea....jackass." he laughs.


India listens and her eyes get round again, but this time it is accompanied by a wide grin.  "Your friends have some very interesting minds."  she teases.  Then she considers it.  "Does that mean he doesn't know youand I have ...."  she shrugs, even though she is not all THAT modest .. she isnt overtly crude either.  "You know." part of her is curious who knows they have progressed to a sexual relationship.


Ryan rolls his eyes and pockets his phone and then reaches to take India's hand, if allowed, as they're about to step into the elevator.

"He's being an ass Indy. I did tell him we're together but I'm not the kind of guy who tells all in the locker room. He might be assuming though because he and Megan are like rabbits. And HE didn't tell me that, just you know, headphones...." he chuckles and then his hand goes to his stomach as the elevator begins to move "Ugh..."


India takes his hand and boards the elevator.  She smiles and nods a bit.  "I think that makes sense"  she looks at him as he clutches his stomach.  "If you need me to drive ....."  she volunteers.


Ryan puts moves his hand from his stomach to the wall of the elevator as if steadying himself "We'll see. I don't usually get motion sick..." The elevator dings and the door opens. The 20 something clean cut looking male Chinese front desk clerk on the night shift glances up from gaming on his 3DS as they come into view and nods with a smile.


India nods and walks with him past the clerk, who she is pleased doesn't recognize her.  They leave the hotel.  "You're parked at the station?"  she is still getting used to the term 'cop shop'.


Ryan nods and inhales the fresh air deeply as they move through the front doors to the street, it's cooler temperature helping ease the nausea somewhat "Yeah just in the lot across." As they walk down main to the corner Ryan looks at India, aware this may be the farthest she's intentionally gone from seclusion outside their runs "Indy....are you cool?" He asks carefully. The street light above them flickers a bit. A slight breeze brings the scent of the ocean inland and rustles the leaves on the trees. Across the way you can hear a door shut in the upstairs interior of one of the bachelor apartments. A pizza delivery car turns in front of them, returning from it's last run and somewhere in the distance there is are cats yowling at one another.


India also takes in a deep breath.  She only leaves the hotel now to run with Ryan.  The fact that she is with him now means something.  But she is scanning the street like a cop at the scene that could potentially become explosive.  "I'm cool."  she tells him and leads him towards the car.  She isnt jumpy.  The car she watches to make sure they don't get hit and the sound of the cats she completely ignores.


Ryan's car is a little black Chevy Sonic hatch back with some red detailing on the sides and back. He steers them towards it as they walk and fishes for his keys. Letting go of her hand he double clicks the key fob and it makes a little "blip blip" sound. He pops open the trunk and starts to put his shirt and belt in there so they're out of the way.

"Should be open!" he calls out to India as he shuffles some things around. The car is immaculately clean on the inside. It's a few years old but so well kept that it still has a hint of the new car smell. 


India chuckles at the look of the car.  She had seen it as her room overlooks the cop shop.  Getting in on the passengers side she arches a brow at how clean it is inside.  She glances back to make sure Ryan gets around and behind the wheel and only then does the CLOSE the passenger side door and put on her seat belt.


Ryan settles in and buckles himself. He starts the car and the stereo connected to his iPhone cues into the last album he was playing and one of India's songs starts playing. Ryan laughs self consciously "I dunno if you want to listen to yourself....." he says as he shoulder checks and backs up.


India chuckles as her own voice comes from the speakers.  "I don't mind."  she admits.  "I'm flattered you bought the album."  she teases and takes in a deep breath.  "I havent been in a car since June."  she looks at him.  "Thanks."  she glances around.  If not for him, she wouldnt have made THIS much progress.


Ryan smiles at her before straightening out and shifting from reverse to drive "We could make it a habit, night drives. Ease you into going out again." He gestures at the stereo "I uh might have bought...a few...albums..." he says, downplaying that he has all her music in his iTunes library now. He drives to the edge of town and then just outside it to a newish housing development that's starting to encroach on the edge of Cedar Point's limits. There is a section of tall white town houses and Ryan pulls into the second street of them and drives to the fifth attached house. There's a huge filthy truck in the carport with an assortment of rakes and other garden tools in the back. A decal on the side says McGee Tree Care and Landscaping.

"Damn, Sean's home and got the good spot. Oh well, whatever. Do you want to come in? They're probably asleep."


India smiles.  "All SEVEN?"  she is flattered.  She's made only the seven albums in her dozen or so years recording.  "The next one is on me."  she tells him.  She looks up at the place and considers.  "Yea."  her tone is decisive and yet a little defensive.  "I want to come in."  its hard to say i she is talking to him or herself, but she is determined to beat her agoraphobia.


Ryan turns off the car once it's parked and reaches for her hand to give it a squeeze "You don't have to Indy. I won't make you do anything you don't want to do. I'm cool either way, seriously. You set the pace." He says earnestly.


India turns from the building to look at him.  "Wanting to and having to are two different things."  she tells him.  "I have to do this or I'll be in that damn hotel room the rest of my life."  she winks at him.  "So this time, we do it fast and furious."  she straightens and puts her hand on the car door handle.


Ryan smirks at her and says cheekily "Baby!" before opening his own door and heading out. He grabs his stuff from the trunk and heads for the front door trying to open it as quietly as he can with his keys and then looking back to make sure India's behind him.


India follows, scanning the street and telling herself to think logically.  It only partially works, but she manages to NOT step in Ryan's shoes as he unlocks the door, following him inside.


Ryan tiptoes in and quietly removes his shows at the door. The entry way is a jumble of men's footwear. Ryan puts his work shoes on a rack that are clearly his designated spot and the only area of order in the mess. His shoes are lined up there in tidy pairs. In the random array around it are work boots, clown shoes, a pair of very muddy rain boots, and several pairs of sneakers.

He beckons to India down a hallway that leads to a set of stairs, heading up the stairs. At the top is a bathroom in the middle flanked by two rooms on either side. Rounding the corner there is another set of stairs leading to a small attic style bedroom that is clearly Ryan's. He clicks on a small lamp and a well kept space is revealed with a futon bed, made perfectly with a nondescript black quilt and matching pillows and sheets, a black veneer computer desk and chair containing a laptop and a few gaming consoles. There is a treadmill by the window for days when the rain is too extreme for outdoor running. It faces a flat screen TV and behind and slightly to the side is a small black leather couch. On the wall are pictures of Ryan's family and friends interspersed with Marvel Comics and movie posters. The Yamada family portraits are in the mix and he was not exaggerating how extreme some of them are. There's a matching black veneer bookshelf and a dresser, all dusted and tidy. Ryan opens the dresser and pulls out a couple of pairs of fresh boxer briefs, 3 rolled up pairs of black sports socks, a few tshirts, a pair of black track pants, and a pair of jeans. From his dresser he takes what looks like some sort of hair pomade and a stick of sports deodorant. Opening his closet, he screetches through some hangers for a hoodie.


India blinks at the array of shoes and slips her sneakers off, setting them neatly in the area of Ryan's.  Moving up with him, she looks around his room carefully, trying not to look as nosy as she is being, but as he gathers things, she finds herself moving around the room looking at, but not touching, everything.  She makes all kinds of mental notes about his tastes but doesnt turn away from her examination until she hears the hangers screaming in his closet.


Ryan winces and lifts up the hangers more quietly muttering "Damn."

As if on cue there is a male voice moaning in protest of the noise from the floor below and then movement from the room to the left of the bathroom. Floor creaking and a few grunts later the bathroom door closes and the distinct sound of a male human standing and urinating can be just made out through the walls, doors and floors.

Ryan sighs "Sean..." he notes to India "I should warn you, he doesn't always wear PJs.....and he won't care that you're a stranger or a woman." As if the word PJs reminded him Ryan walks over to the dresser again and pulls out a pair of grey flannel pajama bottoms before grabbing a duffle bag from his closet and beginning to fold the clothes and stick them inside.


India's eyebrows lift at the sound of another human being in the house. She listens to Ryan's warning and nods, not moving ... turning only on her axis to keep looking around the place.  But suddenly Ryan's packing is noisier than a rap concert.


Before Ryan zips the bag he decides to change, having no shyness about stripping down in front of India and putting his dirty clothes in a hamper in the closet, after switching the contents of his pants pockets to his dresser. He dons fresh boxer briefs, socks, a plain black t shirt and the track pants from the open bag. He swipes the deodorant on under the shirt and then casually checks his breath by breathing into his hand and looks suddenly horrified "Holy shit that's nasty. Indy, why didn't you say something?! I'm so sorry...." Ryan grabs for his signature cinnamon gum and pops a piece in his mouth rapidly and then holds out the pack to her if she wishes for a piece herself.


India listens to his exclamation and shrugs.  "Because you're sick.  It's not your fault and BELIEVE me, I've smelled worse."  she tells him and takes the cinnamon gum offered.  "If you have an extra toothbrush, I have plenty of toothpaste.  If not you can just use mine."  she did note he hadn't packed them.


Ryan smiles at her "You're too nice. I hate smelling bad...kind of a thing with me." He listens down the stairs "I think Sean went back to bed...I can grab my toothbrush and razor from the bathroom on the way past."

He shoulders the bag and starts for the door, waiting for Indy to pass him before turning out the light.


India smiles.  "Not TOO nice."  she argues, and begins to proceed him through the door.


Ryan reaches the bottom of the stairs and takes two steps towards the bathroom when he realizes the door is still shut, a strip of light showing from underneath it. He freezes and is about to back up when the toilet flushes oddly, with a struggling gurgle and Sean's voice yells "Mark!!! Did you pay the fuckin water bill?!"

The door flew open and a buck naked stocky hairy man emerged. To clarify, his hair was thinning on his head, which he compensated for with a near brush cut in the receding pattern. What he lacked on top he more than made up for with a bushy beard and a thick layer of fully covering brown body hair that gave him the appearance of a deranged baby grizzly bear. The baby bear didn't even notice Ryan and India but instead stormed to the bedroom on the right and pounded on the door "MARK!"

The door opened a crack and a tall pale thin terrified looking man with a shaggy mop of bleached blond hair stood cowering. The remains of black mime makeup clung around his pale blue eyes and he wore a faded purple David Bowie tshirt and a pair of black cotton shorts. He didn't answer with words but sat down on the floor in the doorway and shifted his hands creating four walls in the air and then a roof above him.

"Not the box you mute little shit!" Sean said as he lunged for his roommate.

"Guys!" Ryan interjected before anything worse happened. Why did his house have to be such a freakshow...now?

Both the roommates suddenly looked and saw Ryan and then India. Mark turtled further into his box and Sean smiled "Jesus Ryan, a little warning before you bring girls home. I'm in no fit state to entertain." He broke into a smile and gave India a wink, clearly having no shame.


India freezes as the door opens and a bear .. or bear of a man appears.  Naked as the day he was born, but with more hair, he was yelling and pounding, which brought out the mime roommate.  Ryan calls for order and the bear ... Sean ... speaks, but the whole things gets to India.  She tries to contain it, but fails.  First she starts giggling and then she starts laughing.  Apparently at both, but possibly at the hairy man ... but the mime is sort of in this invisible box and it is the funniest thing India has seen in years.  But to the bear and the mime ...maybe not so much.


Ryan starts laughing too, India's reaction becoming contagious and moves past Sean to the bathroom "I'm just going to get my toothbrush and razor and pretend this never happened. Mark you can pay the bill online and they'll reconnect us tomorrow.....Sean...pants! Oh by the way this is India, my girlfriend. She might never want to see either of you again. Don't take it personally. It's not her, it's you." He's in the bathroom now opening the cabinet and rustling around.

Sean smirks and clears his throat and then steps into his room and hops into a pair of baggy grey sweats cut-offs, not bothering with a shirt. He comes back out and starts to extend a hairy hand and then looks at it and retracts "Right no water...I'm Sean and your boyfriend's a cleaning nazi and a prude. Don't say you haven't been warned." He stands back and folds his arms chuckling.

Mark stands briefly, gives India a nervous smile and then closes his door again.


India watches and stares at Seans hand until he realizes the water has been cut off.  "Hello Sean."  she greets him, still giggling a bit.  "And both are alright with me."  she tells him, adjusting her grin to a more serious stand.  "See people as clean as he is don't even like the mess of sex, so we have decided to live a chaste and clean life."  and she watches, wondering if anyone would actually fall for this.


Sean looks India up and down and then exhales with a smarmy grin "I meant he was a prude about seeing my naked ass. He'd have to be blind not to want yours."

From the bathroom Ryan's protest to Sean's flirting can be heard as one stern word "Hey!"

Sean laughs and continues talking "No if you want chaste we can set you up with handy Mark. I don't even think he jacks off, just mimes it. I mean can you imagine two mimes talking dirty?"

Ryan walks out of the bathroom and smacks Sean on the back of the head now "Dude seriously." but then retorts in jest "Better question, what happens when they put on the latex gloves?"


India nods, canting her head in acceptance of what she planned to take as a compliment.  Ryan's protest was also flattering.  She liked a certain amount of possessiveness in a man ... just not to Dion's extreme.  As she begins to imagine mime sex, she looks at Ryan when he comes out.  "One of them bends over and grabs the imaginary bar?


Sean leans back and laughs heartily before saying "I like this one Ryan. You gotta keep her."

Ryan shakes his head at India and laughs "And here I was worried about them." He looks between Sean and the now closed door where Mark resides, possibly building himself an imaginary raft to sail away on imaginary water since there is no real water. Ryan looks more seriously at Sean with a twinkle in his eyes "I plan on it if she'll let me." and then more severely he says "I'm off for a few days. Got bit by a raccoon at work and had to get a shot. The side effects are super shitty. You work outside. Be careful man. It's a bad year for them. And if Mark doesn't pay that bill, text me please. You might have to drive to Sev if you need to take a dump before then but there's some water bottles in the pantry and here..." He tosses a small bottle of hand sanitizer at Sean "Use this for now."

Sean catches the bottle and looks warily at Ryan "Fuck, are you rabid?"

Ryan shrugs and smiles "Hope not, but they are treating me a few times just in case."


India grins both at Seans approval and Ryans interest in keeping her.  She listens to the conversation, only looking like she doesn't understand at the word Sev, wondering if that was a friend or theirs or something.  But she DOES know about the rabies shot process.  "Four shots over the next two weeks.  I THINK they're letting him back to work.  Aren't they?"  as much as she loved the idea of nursing Ryan back to health over the next two weeks, she did NOT like the idea of Cedar Point being short two officers for that time.  "Can they get .. substitute officers?"  she tries not to look worried.  Her father was a big city cop ... there were thousands of them to take over if one got sick.


Ryan nods "Yeah I'll be back in two days and on lighter duty when they give us the other shots. It shouldn't be as bad once my system has had a dose or two and figured out what to do with it."

Sean finally tunes into India's accent and her confusion "American?" Then he looks at Ryan "Sev is a Canadianism for 7/11. I lived in Cincinnati for a year. They like to worsh their cars down there and leave their shoes on in the house. K if people are getting bit, are they calling in conservation?"

Ryan steps closer to India and intertwines the fingers of his free hand with hers as he answers "Sorry about that Indy. Angie called conservation. There's going to be a big thing about this all from City Hall in the next day or so too. I guess they might offer vaccine in the clinic but seriously don't do it unless you HAVE to."


India nods, relieved.  She looks at Sean.  "Thanks for the translation."  she places her hand on her chest.  "I am a Chicagoian.  The A takes precedence in that part of the midwest.  The shoe thing sort of takes getting used to but I was always barefoot in the house ... and out of it the second I could convince my parents it was spring."  she gladly holds Ryans hand.  "Conserving what?  They ain't gonna round the raccoons up and euthanize em?"  she looks really confused now.  "A rabid animal is a dead animal walking."  and if she could identify the raccoon that bit Ryan she'd beat it to death with her shoe like a cockroach.  "You can get a full series of rabies shots BEFORE somebody get bit?"


Sean snickers "India you got one house trained but no shots. I guess if they can do it to dogs they can do it to us right?" He stretches and yawns, his body hair bristling at them as he moves "Ok I need to get some more beauty rest kids. Nice to meet you India. If he starts foaming, call me OK? I'll come throw the mime at him. Night Ryan, don't do anything I wouldn't do.." he teases before wandering back to his room, which through the door looks like a tornado hit it.

Ryan shakes his head at Sean "Night Sean." and then answers India "No they don't kill them unless they're sure one is rabid and a danger. They're probably going to set traps and try to relocate them into a more appropriate habitat like a forest." He starts to walk with her hand in hand towards the first flight of stairs leading to the door.


India chuckles softly and nods as Sean says his goodbyes.  She listens as Ryan heads for the door with her.  "I guess that makes sense."  she gets and slips back into her shoes.  "So do you want me to get vaccinated?"  she asks, very casually.


Ryan lets go of her hand to pull on sneakers and lean down to quickly tie them. As he stands up, he looks a bit light headed, still feeling the effects. He swallows and grimaces "Well I don't imagine the regular shot is as bad as this but it's your choice. Even though I got bit, this is a serious fluke. Raccoons are here every year and attacks are extremely rare Indy. Either this one WAS rabid or it was a female with babies nearby. I don't think the whole town should panic over it. I really hope they don't anyway...." He took a few deep breaths and opened the door. It was the pre dawn haze outside in the sky. Birds were starting to chirp and the breeze was shifting in the air.


India considers it.  "I'll ... try."  she promises.  "Either get in early or come in late ... I don't want to sit in the crowd waiting ...."  she swallows.  "I mean .. it didnt just bite YOU . it bit ... the other officer too.  Mike, was it?  Thats like .. habitual .... biting ..."  she comes outside with him and glances up at the sky.  "May I take care of you while you heal?"  she asks as they approach the car.  "Or am I too much of a rabid bitsh?"  she teases and moves to kiss him.  If she can manage it she will even swap gum with him.


Ryan gets so distracted by her moving in to kiss him he doesn't totally hear everything she says and blinks before saying "Who? Oh yeah Mike...." He's clearly feeling a little better because he drops his bag on the ground and wraps his arms around her, kissing her fully, chuckling as the gum swaps like they're teenagers making out behind a school. Afterwards he grins at her "You can take care of me all the time if that's how you want to do it.....not rabid at all. And Indy, you've just survived the full Sean McGee and Mark the Mime experience. After them, my family are a walk in the park."


India giggles.  "Yea .. Mike ..."  she shakes her head and chews HIS gum thoughtfully.  "That's how I want to do it."  she confirms.  "And I think .. after the mime and whatever Sean is ... I can take on your family.  Tell me when?  I'll get to working with K about when he can come down.  He's ... probably all I got for fam myself now."  she smiles.  "Want me to drive you back?"


Ryan gives her one more sweet kiss on the cheek and then steps back to pick up his bag "Pick a Monday, any Monday. And don't let me forget to call my Mom at seven." He hands her the keys to the car before going to stash his bag in the trunk "Do you remember the way back?"


India relishes the kiss and lets him go when he steps back.  "Seven it is.  We'll be back by then."  she gets behind the wheel.  "I was paying attention."  she is good with directions.  Once hes in the car, she'll buckle up and they can head off.


Ryan slides into the passenger seat and buckles himself in. And then looks curious to see what kind of a driver India is as they take off.


India has a slightly rocky start, but within a few blocks seems to have remembered how to drive.  She's a little bit slow, having not driven in over a year.  But she gets them back into Cedar Point proper and back in the same spot his car was parked in before.  She turns off the engine.  "Not bad for nearly four hundred days not driving."  she winks at him.  "Back in bed with you, young man." she unbuckles and makes to get out of the car.


Ryan looked a little nervous at the beginning of the drive but visibly relaxed by the time they parked "You did well." He smiles at the bed comment "Keep your expectations LOW." he jokes, but knows he's likely still not able to perform that way, or at least not well. He steps out and heads for the trunk and calls to her "Click the top button to lock it." after closing the trunk with a click.


India chuckles.  "We will play old married couple.  Watch Wheel Of Fortune and other game shows that have been on the air since the beginning.  Maybe I'll knit something in my rocking chair and later we can figure out whose false teeth are in which glass again."  she teases.  Sex is the LAST thing on her mind.  She does as bade and moves to his side for the short walk back to the hotel.


Ryan is walking a little slower than his normal brisk pace and as they go through the door to the Mariner's he's still joking "Hey careful now, I kick ass at Wheel of Fortune."


Michael Reinhardt is leaning heavily against the front desk, dressed in uniform shoes, socks and pants, but with his "wife-beater" undershirt the only thing on his torso.  His uniform shirt and duty belt are folded on top of the counter.  The carrot red hair is obviously finger combed and he desperately needs a shave.  Overall .... he looks hung over.  His left hand is bandaged, apparently freshly from the night before.  But the young female clerk is smiling at something he just said to her when the opening door catches his attention.  "Yamada!"  he half calls, half groans.  Then he sees India and both his brows lift.  "Private nurse?"

India chuckles as she leads Ryan through the door and sees a giant of a man at the front desk,  speaking to Ryan.


Ryan grins at India and then nods towards Michael "Hey Mike. Yeah I won't brag but I got the best care in town." He turns back to India and then says "Mike, India. India, Mike. He's my blood brother now."


Michael shakes his head and chuckles.  "Braggart."  he offers his hand to India.  "Michael Reinhardt.  Fellow victim, at your service, ma'am."  he offers her a charming, rough around the edges smile.

India smiles and, after the briefest of hesitations, shakes Michaels hand.   "Well he came over because I was closer than home.  I'll take care of him and get him ready for work again."  she promises and takes her hand back to herself. "Is it Mike, or Michael?" she asks, looking between the two officers.


Ryan laughs "Geez I never even asked did I? There's a Michael Chen at the grocer so to me he's Michael...but if it bugs ya..."


Michael smiles, impressed she even asked.  "Most people call me Michael.  I was Mike when my brother wanted to annoy me.  But Ryan ,.. he can call me anything he wants after yesterday."  he touches the side of his head with his good hand.  "Now that the techno band has calmed down a little, I'm going to drive home.  We're not on duty again till Monday?  Or is it Tuesday?"  he looks at India again.  "Forgive me for not being really all there ... its been a rough weekend ... and not in a GOOD way."

India smiles.  "Michael it is, then."  she then falls quiet a bit, only looking at the clock.  Theres a few minutes left at least.


Ryan pats Mike on the back "Tuesday. Now don't go tying one on tonight with all this time off." He teases. In reality he's still pretty queasy and run down himself but the time with India has helped his mood about it all.


Michael snorts.  "I think I might actually take it easy.  I was supposed to go out with my nephews, but if I am sick, maybe my niece will come take care of Uncle Mikey ... "  he levels a finger at Ryan.  "Only SHE can call me that.  Shes been my nurse eve since shes been old enough to tell me to sit my ass down and take my medicine.  Sometimes even using those words.  My father taught her before me or John could do anything."  he nods at India.  "Pleasure to meet you and hopefully the next time I'll be closer to human."  and he grabs his receipt and heads for the door.

India nods.  "You too.  Take care, Michael."  she watches him go then turns to Ryan.  "Upstairs, in bed and on the phone."  she reminds him.  "It's almost seven."


Ryan waves "See ya Mike. Take care." He gulps at India's reminder "Shit, thanks." he heads for the elevator.


India giggles and gets in the elevator with him.  Using it is a sign to her how truly bad he is feeling.  She gets him in the room and once the door is locked she nods to the bed.  "Call a few minutes early.  It won't kill you."  she knew how males can be about calling RIGHT at the appointed time .. or worse .. later .. and later ... and later.  "Want me to unpack your things?"  she offers, already primed to listen to at least his side of the conversation.


Ryan puts his bag down near a dresser "Oh you don't have to. It's not that much stuff...." He sighs and pulls out his phone "Ok, here goes." He presses the button to dial and then hold the phone to his ear waiting. After a second he says "Hi Mom." Followed by a long pause and the sound of a slightly shrill woman's voice talking fast at him. Ryan pulls the phone slightly away from his head and the words "visions of you in the morgue..." and "your father's heart condition" are clear in the rant. Better keep that bag packed Yamada, you're going on a guilt trip.


India shrugs and does it anyway.  She divides the drawers evenly.  He is not likely to confuse her cotton briefs with his.  She listens to the shrillness and grins.  In a way she can't blame her ... if she had a child she thought she might go off the same way.


Ryan starts stammering "Mom I'm sorry. I just crashed. I'm OK. Didn't Garrett tell y.......no I know it's not the same.....I'm sorry....." He sits down, letting her storm just break over him until it dissipates and he exhales "Yeah she's here...." his eyes lift to India who is putting away his stuff despite what he said. He chuckles silently and nods "We're picking a Monday.....I'll tell her. I love you Mom. I really AM sorry I didn't call." He clicks the phone and then leans his head back tiredly "Indy my mother thanks you for putting up with me and gives you full permission to kick my butt if I don't express myself with proper manners and gratitude. Just so you know......"


India grins as she puts away the few pieces of clothes int he bag while Ryan is verbally chastened by his mother.  When the call ends, she moves over as he speaks.  She cups her chin.  "Hmmm .... I appreciate the thanks.  And your very polite, although I don't think I will explain to her how you apologize if you cum faster than you think you should or eat me out with more enthusiasm than I like.  But you ARE learning, so I think I am justified keeping that to myself.  The last time was nearly half an hour ..  you're getting teasing down cold."  she pauses.  "Unless you THINK I should put that in an editorial to every Japanese newspaper in the country...."  she says it all innocently.


Ryan chokes a bit and looks at her wide eyed "You're a little evil sometimes Indy." he says, his cheeks turning a bit pink "And I appreciate the discretion.." he starts to laugh and shake his head "Thanks for taking care of my stuff there, an me. You are...awesome."


India winks at him and places her arms around his neck and setting her forehead against his.  "And you LOVE it, Ryan."  she loves hos pink he gets in his blushing.  "And of course I would take care of you.  What was I supposed to do.  Tell you I was sorry to hear about the attack, call me when you heal, then slam the door in your face?"  she arches her brow and shakes her head.  "Ain't happenin, baby."  she lets her diction slip a bit.  Then she seriouses up.  "Now how bout we get this wild raucous weekend started.  Might be better NOT to order Japanese this weekend ... or Chinese, in case we wind up starting a war.  Pizza ... burgers ... laying in bed relaxing as we watch Wheel and ...  whats that one where you have to guess the words ... whichever.  A no brainer weekend."