Early Morning Coffee with Nancy Neiro

I read the newspaper report about the burglary at the therapists's practice, but I didn't connect it to the note I received until later. If nothing else, this has taught me that I need to be a lot sharper. I'm now thinking that the note probably came from a third party rather than from the therapist himself. Did this person know what to look for, or was the note to me just an opportunity taken after a chance find? I don't know for sure if there is a connection but it does at least give me something to go on, and now I have a name - Dr Jake Hobie.

Early the next morning I went to the Dogs Bollocks for a coffee. The coffee isn't great there but I like the feel of the place (when the owner isn't around) and the location, so close to the sea. It helps me to wake me up.


There was only one other patron in there at that time, Nancy, the cousin of poor Laura. I did want to speak to her but I hadn't planned on looking for her yet. She had far too many other things on her mind, after all.

I found her to be still edgy, which was no surprise, but on the whole she seems to be bearing up quite well. She's managed to find out a little more about her cousin's lifestyle, including some suggestions which are likely to raise a few eyebrows.

She also mentioned that the dead girl had been seeing Dr Hobie, which of course made me sit up and take notice. It seems he works out of a room over the Daily Sins newspaper office. I'll have to take a look. I could ask Dita what she knows about it, but I'll need to be careful what I say to her. She's sure to have a few questions of her own.

Anyway, back to Nancy. She said her mother amd Laura's are sisters, and that both she and Laura were only children. My heart went out to her when she said that. I did ask if she knew anything about Laura's father, but she said she knew very little. I can see I'm not going to have an easy time finding out more about that line.

We chatted a bit more and it seems that we have a few other mutual acquaintances in this and nearby towns, so it's likely we'll be seeing more of each other while she's around. She's a bright girl, but vulnerable, and I have an uneasy feeling she's going to have a lot more pain to go through before she finds any peace.

Later on I did get to speak to Dr Balut at the hospital. She didn't know Dr Hobie but offered to make enquiries. She'd read the newspaper report too, of course, and I expect she has her own reasons for wanting to find out more about him. On my way back I stopped off at his place but the door leading upstairs was locked and there was no reply when I rang the bell. The newspaper office was empty too so I shall have to try another day.

Agent Dresden questions Q.:

(OOC preamble - On a visit to Qadriyya's store, Q's Quirks, in Sinner's Bay, Agent Dresden (Vittorio Abruzzo) begins to question Q about Laura's death and what she might know.)


Vittorio Abruzzo smiles, as he closes the door, glancing around the establishment, his pale blue eyes alert and flickering over details as his mind registers them.


Qadriyya Halostar turns as someone enters the store, and she recognizes the man from the other night at the club in Sinner's Rest. "Ah, you're the .. agent or something, right?" She studies him briefly.

Vince Dresden chuckles softly,.. a mild amount of irritation wavering through his voice.. "My word sure does travel fast in these parts! Yes, Ma'am.. that's me.. Agent Vince Dresden.. But please, feel free to call me Vince."


Qadriyya Halostar eyes him. "I saw you at the club the other day, and I briefly overheard you talking to a blond lady, not much, but I got an idea. It wasn't through mind reading or something, I assure you, or word traveling anywhere.." She chuckles. "Well, Mr. Dresden, to what reason do I owe this visit?"


Vince Dresden smiles, and glances around for seating... seeing none, he simply leans his back against the counter.. "I see your love for music extends past your DJ'ing. Sex Pistols, old Billy Idol.. you seem to have some good taste."


Qadriyya Halostar glances around the small store and nods at him. "Yes, I do like quite a bit of music, and those are some of the genres I enjoy. I sell music here in record form and other formats besides vinyl."


Vince Dresden grins wider, and settles an elbow onto the counter making himself more comfortable.. "I'm not sure I can consciously agree with Adam Ant or the Human League, however. But, let me cut to the chase as to why I'm here to speak with you..."


Qadriyya Halostar shrugs. "Merely a display. I carry other stuff as well, so what can I do for you, Mr. Dresden?"


Vince Dresden: "I would first like to offer my condolences, I know how it feels to lose someone close to you in such a horrible way."
Vince Dresden loses his smile, his lips down turning mildly in empathy, pale blue eyes clouding mildly as he imagines his own loss for a moment, before his head shakes softly.. and their keen gaze settle back on her.


Qadriyya Halostar sighs as he mentions Laura's demise and the body being -- "Yes, I heard, and I've identified.." She nods briefly. "Thank you. It is horrible."


Vince Dresden offers a small, encouraging smile.. "I want you to know, I am going to do everything in my power to find the killer, and bring them to justice... which is one of the things that brings me here today... Anything that you may know, could prove very helpful.."


Qadriyya Halostar studies him and smiles. "I'm glad to hear that, Mr. Dresden. Ah, yes, I've had one policeman come by with some questions.. "


Vince Dresden: "Well, not to impugn the reputation of the local police, I'd really rather deal with everyone myself.. they seem a bit.....overwhelmed.. by this all. And of course, I have experience on the case... We believe this killer has struck before you see?"


Qadriyya Halostar shrugs. "Well, I am happy to try and help either way as it is needed." At his words, she nods again. "I see. Well, I would like to find out whoever did this to Laura and see them end up behind bars where they belong."


Vince Dresden: All accounts have you as Laura's dearest friend.. I can certainly see why, even in a city full of lovely women, you two most definitely stand out. Birds of a feather, and the like. I, also was paying rather good attention the other night, and it could actually prove of interest, were you and Laura friends......or lovers?


Qadriyya Halostar chuckles. "Yes, she is my best friend, and I've known her for a while." She nods. "We always kept in touch, even going and coming back." She stares at him. "Lovers?" Her voice holds some tone of surprise.


Vince Dresden: Well miss, I would be more than happy to have a woman as lovely as yourself give me the looks you were shooting your lady friend at the 7 sins.... So, I am assuming you are at the least interested in women.... again, this is in no way a judgment, but if I'm looking for a man, when I should be looking for a woman.... you understand."


Qadriyya Halostar snorts lightly. "I don't recall giving anyone looks, Mr. Dresden, and no, I wasn't Laura's lover or something. Just good friends."


Vince Dresden: "The condition of the body, as well as the means used to kill her, both point to a crime of passion.. As you were such good friends perhaps you could illuminate me on her very swift growing interest in illicit drugs?"


Qadriyya Halostar shrugs. "I suspected that she was using, and I could see the signs, though I don't actually take part in such myself. It wasn't too long as I think that she has been into such.. stuff."


Vince Dresden: No. Me either. I don't suppose you knwo of any new friends she may have made? Ones that are active in such drug use? Possibly someone who could have supplied her? Did she have a boyfriend?



Qadriyya Halostar rubs a hand over her cheek. "I'm sure I could probably give it some thought.. this is all rather sudden, Mr. Dresden, and hard to take in. Could we pick up this questioning soon? I'd like to some time to adjust."


Vince Dresden smiles softly and nods his head solemnly.. "Well, just remember,t he longer we take, the more of a head start our murderer gets... " He pulls out his wallet ahnding over a business card.


Vince Dresden: Any time of night, if you think of anything at all, do not be at all worried over calling me.. that's my personal number."

Qadriyya Halostar nods. "I won't take long, Mr. Dresden, and agreed." She reaches out to take his card. "I will, and call you with anything that I have."


Vince Dresden: good... good. I look forward to hearing from you miss Q, and Im sure I will be seeing you at your shows.. I admire you work.
Vince Dresden: Good evening for now, Miss..

Qadriyya Halostar smiles. "Ah, thank you, glad you enjoy it. I sing sometimes at the Smuggler's Inn in Sinner's Rest as well. I'll be in contact in the next couple of days."

Conversations: Lynx, Kay and Mika talk about Laura

April 17th, early evening

Lynx Debruyere fumbles with her key in the lock, having some difficulty turning it with the slight tremor in her hands, and making quite a bit of noise before finally forcing the door open. "Goddamn it..."

Mika Shoreman hugs Kay closer, "They told me the meaning behind it..." turning slowly to look at the front door, "Madame is home..."
Kayleigh Balut jumps, a guilty nervous look in her eye as she stares at the door. "I... um... so I hear."
Mika Shoreman kisses your cheek, "Do not worry..." standing up slowly, letting her down onto the couch as he rises and walks towards Lynx.

Mika Shoreman passes the chains dangling from the chandelier as he hugs Lynx.
Lynx Debruyere pulls the door shut, rubs at her face a little, and looks up at Mika and his guest, not immediately recognizing her from behind. "Ohhh uh....hi, Love." She sighs, pulling him close...and holding him for a moment longer than she normally would have. "I'm glad you're home."
Mika Shoreman: "Is something wrong?"

Kayleigh Balut bites her lip, turning on the couch to watch them, not sure if she should leave, or wait, or run like hell before Lynx gets mad. She takes deep breath, Mika's words helping to calm her a bit as she watches the two.

Lynx Debruyere shrugs, and shakes her head in a sort of defeated way. "Well...not really I guess, I dunno. Just...something..." she glances over his shoulder at Kay, finally recognizing her when she turns around. "Ohhh! Uhm--hi, Kay. Sorry if I interrupted you guys, I'm just stopping in."

Kayleigh Balut waves sheepishly. "Hi Lynx. I hope you don't mind... we were.... um... talking."

Mika Shoreman kisses Lynx's cheek, "She...wants to help me..."
Lynx Debruyere smirks a little, and gives Mika a gentle kiss on the cheek, hoping he has naughtier plans for a lone damsel than just talking. She nods to him. "Help you? You've been feeling better though, haven't you?"
Mika Shoreman frowns, "Off and on...but..." he strokes some of his hair back to reveal a surgical scar, "She knows...and she..." pausing for a moment, "She wants to help me...see if the Demon left anything inside..."
Mika Shoreman lets his hair fall down over the scar. "As well as with...other problems."

Lynx Debruyere sighs again, and scratches uncomfortably at no particular itch on a random patch of skin. Demons seem abundant today and all she can think about is getting some more of her stash to sell, making some money and spending the rest of the night pleasantly high. She nods. "Well....uhm....good, I hope it goes well. We can pay, if she thinks you need meds or anything, okay? Don't worry about money."

Mika Shoreman tesnes up at the word meds, "O-oui..."

Lynx Debruyere rubs his arm gently, and feels another uncomfortable twinge of sadness for a moment. "Have you uh...heard the news? Radio or tv or anything?"

Mika Shoreman shakes his head, "Non." He turns, walking over to Kay and sitting down next to her again.

Lynx Debruyere frowns. "Well...uhm....you remember Laura? The one with the pretty dress you liked at that party?"
Mika Shoreman looks up, "Oui."
Kayleigh Balut turns, listening to Lynx. "Laura Dreadlow? She's missing, right?"
Mika Shoreman looks between Kay and Lynx, looking confused, "Quoi?"

Lynx Debruyere shakes her head at Kay. "They found her, down by the water I guess. She's dead."
Kayleigh Balut gasps, wide eyed. "My god.... no one told me. That poor girl.... "
Mika Shoreman: "Is that who they were talking about at the party?"

Lynx Debruyere can't help but smile, just a little. "More than talk, Love...I'm not surprised you don't remember, you drank like three bottles of Iko's wine." She shakes her head again, thinking more now about the toll this is gonna take on her finances than the horror of what actually happened to the girl. "Anyway, yeah...poor thing. But can't really say it's a giant shock."

Kayleigh Balut raises an eyebrow. "what do you mean Lynx? I heard she was quite the innocent."

Mika Shoreman: "No, not that, I heard someone at the party today mention a body."
Lynx Debruyere blinks, looking between Kay and Mika, and shrugs quickly at Kay's tone. "Ohhh, well, I mean...I'm not saying she deserved it, or anything like that. Not that they even know how she died...at least I don't think they do. But 'innocent' isn't really a word I'd use...not that it's any of my business."

Mika Shoreman turns to Kay, "It was after you left to do that errand, the man and the woman sitting under the stairs."
Kayleigh Balut frowns. "That was Dita, and some new guy... Vince, I think he said he name was."
Mika Shoreman: "They talked at length about it."
Kayleigh Balut shrugs. "I'm suprised I wasn't called to the scene... But I guess I'll be... busy at work tomorrow" Kay sighs, not wanting to mention the word 'autopsy' but knowing that is what will fill her day.
Mika Shoreman wraps his arms around Kay
Kayleigh Balut leans back against Mika's chest, still flicking her eyes to Lynx to see her reaction, as she tries to relax.

Lynx Debruyere smiles a little to herself at Mika and Kay, and heads upstairs, trying to put Laura out of her head.

Mika Shoreman kisses Kay softly, "You seem tense..." He slides his hands down her arms, taking her hands into his.
Kayleigh Balut turns her head, watching Lynx, letting out a breath as she leans against Mika, chuckling. "I know you said she wouldn't mind, but..... I defintiely did not want Lynx mad at me."
Mika Shoreman kisses her neck as he pulls her hands in front of her. "She will not be." Mika Shoreman pulls her wrists together, then links the rings in her cuffs together.
Kayleigh Balut smiles, watching you latch the cuffs together. "We'll have to talk more... but maybe another time..."
Mika Shoreman nuzzles her, "Oui..." He pushes her forward slightly and pulls her arms back, digging into the couch and finding a short length of chain, linking it to both of her arm cuffs.
Kayleigh Balut smiles, glancing up at him. "I'm guessing you want to do something other than talk?"
Mika Shoreman kisses your ear, "Oui..."
Kayleigh Balut tilts her head, stretching a long expanse of neck before him. "I'm yours for the night Mika.... Whatever you want."

Lynx Debruyere digs the little tin box out from under the bed, and portions a few grams of powder into a couple of seperate baggies, which she ties off. She flinches, unable to push down another memory of Laura, and mutters to herself. "If that bitch is gone she better at least have a couple friends left or something."

Mika Shoreman kisses Kay's neck up and down, murmuring a moment. He reaches down, gripping her ass cheeks and pulling upwards, sliding her legs up into the air.
Kayleigh Balut moans, her legs rising as she wonders what he is planning, her pulse begins to speed in anticipation.
Mika Shoreman pushes her legs together , then links the rings on her ankle cuffs, then slowly lowers her legs down.
Kayleigh Balut watches as he locks the chain in place, squirming a bit on his lap, leaning up to kiss him gently.
Mika Shoreman kisses her neck, he shifts her on top of him so that she's on one leg, his knee in her ass pushing on the beads.

Lynx Debruyere pockets the baggies, and checks the time on her phone. Still only 7:20; she should be able to get around to the necessary places before it gets too late. With any luck Mika will stay safe at home occupied with his guest, and she can bring home enough to pay some bills before the electricity gets shut off.

Kayleigh Balut throws her head back, gasping at the pressure in her ass
Mika Shoreman kisses her cheek again, "Do you like that?" bouncing Kay on his knee slowly.

Lynx Debruyere heads back down, taking a peek at Mika and Kay on the couch. "You two have fun, okay? Especially you, Love, you deserve it. You've had a busy week."
Mika Shoreman nods, catching the ring gag and setting it down.
Lynx Debruyere smiles. "It'll be a late night, but I should be home before dawn. Oh and if Laz comes around, tell her to get the table saw out of the playroom...her and her stupid projects."
Mika Shoreman nods.
Lynx Debruyere lets herself out, locks the door behind her, and heads for the bus stop.