An Outdoorsman's Guide To The Calls Of Common Thieves

Evoking emotions

26/05/2024
TRIGGER WARNING: This chapter mentions the following: catcalling, extreme overprotectiveness, cutting oneself (by accident) and blood. Reader discretion is advised.

We had decided to gather in the Black Lantern on Monday for two reasons: to work a shift so we can gain information from people undercover, and to do another rehearsal for the festival.

R: "So everyone good with the plan?"
S: "Yep. You and I make stuff, Z get's people talking and Alex sees their emotions."
A: "You ready Z?"
Z: "I think so. Are you?"
A: "Totally."
R: "Let's do this."

Maria Maria - Santana, The Project G&B

I spot Duckie sitting on his own, and approach his table with a smile.
"Hello, Duckie. How are you today?"
"Why I'm just wonderful, thank you for asking, miss Z. And how are you?"
"I'm just wonderful today. Would you like anything to eat or drink?"
"If you have my whiskey, I'd love a glass."
His whiskey?
"Coming right up."

"Hey Ryan, Duckie was asking for a whiskey? His whiskey?"
"Oh, this one. We keep a bottle just for him."
"Ah, perfect."
Duckie has apparently been here for a while, and though he seems too nice to do something so criminal, it's worth a shot seeing if he knows anything.
"Here you go. One glass of Duckie's whiskey."
"Let's see if he has some information."
"Good luck."

"Here, one glass of your special whiskey." I say as I set the glass down on the table.
"Thank you very much."
I casually sit down opposite him to strike up a conversation, and he doesn't seem opposed to it.
"Say, have you heard about the local burglaries recently?"
"Local burglaries? Oh, oh yes! Are you referring to the broken windows, by any chance?"
"Yes, yes I am."
"Well I do know of them, but if you want information, I'm afraid I have nothing to tell you."
"I don't know much about them either to be honest. Apparently it's someone who's been here for a while, and since I haven't been here too long, I honestly wouldn't know who to suspect anyways."
"To be completely honest, I can't  either. I know everyone here like a sister knows a brother, and I can't imagine anyone doing something so... horrible."
Alex is standing by, but isn't getting much. I think his emotion is not strong enough.
"I just think it's criminal for someone to do something like this and sabotage our local businesses."
"They do do a lot for us, yes."
"The look on the owners' faces as well. And imagine the repairs they'd have to pay for, and how much their shops mean to themselves and the community, I mean-" I glance around quickly and the couple that run the ice cream parlour catches my eye. "That couple must be so upset, I heard they've been setting up the ice cream parlour for a good 2 years now."
"Considering everything, yes, it does seem quite upsetting." He looks down, looking a little worried. Alex puts her hand out and I wait anxiously.

She shakes her head. Time for the cheer up.
"Thank goodness Pike is solving this mystery at top speed. He's making excellent progress, so I've heard."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, and he said the only help us citizens can give is to remain positive and keep going."
"I suppose that would help him out, yes."
"Perhaps some of your stories would help to cheer people up."
"I do have many stories. I could do a comedy segment in the Spring Festival."
"I am definitely looking forward to that. Well, I have to go serve some more customers, but I'll see you later. Just call out if you need anything else, I'll be happy to help."
"Why of course, miss Z. Thank you for the excellent idea."

Z: "See anything?"
A: "Nothing but your acting skills."
S: "How do you do that on the fly?"
Z: "Years of studying both emotions and people, I guess."
R: "Might be time to change profession."
Z: "You think? Anyways, it only made me realise that this is gonna be a long afternoon. Who's next?"
A: "What about that group of miners over there?"
Z: "Cool." I turn to Alex. "Oh yeah, if you get burnt out or anything from this, just sit by the bar. I'll figure out away to exit the conversation."
A: Thanks, Z." She says, a look of gratitude on her face.
Z: "Of course! Let's go."

Smooth Operator - Sadie

Z: "Good afternoon, gentlemen."
M1: "Hey miss."
Despite their age, they seem to have quite devilish smirks on their faces.
Z: "Can I get you anything?"
M2: "What about your number?" They laugh, loud enough for the whole bar to hear, causing some heads to turn.

So they're those types of drunk old guys. Alright, I see how I have to play this.

Z: "Nice try, but I'm uh... I'm taken. Food and drink anyone?"
M3: "Taken eh?"
Before I can come up with some lie, Nick steps in for me.
N: "Alright tigers, lay off. She's clearly with...that bloke. At the bar." Nick points to Ryan, who the fellas are clearly too tipsy to recognise.
B: "Trust me fellas, he's the type to knock the pants offa ya if you mess with his gal. I wouldn't try it if I were you."
I mouth thank you to them and they nod. The miners groan.
M1: "Alright pansy. We'll have some beers, little missy."
Z: "Absolutely no problem, I'll get those beers for you."

I walk away from the table, giggling. The idea of Ryan attacking people for flirting with me is hilarious, since Ryan is one of the sweetest people I've ever met and I'm pretty sure he couldn't hurt a fly. Even though he looks and is super strong. Gosh, this guy is-
"Z? Hello?"
"H-huh? What?" I look up to see Ryan giving me a slightly questioning look of amusement.
"You zoned out. What was so funny?"
"U-uh nothing! 5 beers please."
"Alright...coming right up."

I return to the table and begin to evoke emotion from the minors when Alex signals that she's ready. And suddenly- she falls back a bit. She got something!

When she lowers her hand, I escape the conversation and we all return to the bar. Alex writes down everything she could see and hear.
Z: "You alright to go again?"
A: "Could I get some water?"
Z: "Sure thing!"
I go behind the bar and get a glass. As I get up, I accidentally bump into Ryan, who's walking up behind me without me realising, dropping the glass.
Z: "Oh fudge-"
R: "Shit-"
Z: "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry-"
R: "Never mind that,"
R + Z: "-are you okay?"
He laughs, and I start laughing too.
Z: "Sorry about the glass. Lemme pay you back for it."
R: "No worries, we have a ton anyways."
Z: "Are you sure?"
R: "You're good."
Z: "Let me clean this up. Can you get Alex a glass of water?"
R: "Sure thing."
I grab the nearest bin and start putting the big pieces in as Ryan pours a glass for Alex. Then I grab a dustpan and sweep away the small shards and empty it into the bin. I should check on her.
Z: "You ok?"
A: "Yeah, I feel bette- uhh..."
R: "...I think you cut yourself on the glass."
Blood is slowly trickling down my arm.
Z: "Oh shoot- I think I have a first aid kit with my stuff."
R: "Hey Steph? Can you distract someone else? Zoe cut herself, I'm gonna go help her."
S: "Alright. Let's go babe, I'm gonna show you all how it's done."
As Steph brings out the charm, Ryan and I go up to my apartment to get my first aid kit.