A Kiss of Crimson

Chapter 4

After taking time to collect himself, Greg reaches down dusting off what he can of the mud caked on his pants and coat. He stands up straight, and once more, shoves his hands deep into his coat pockets. He sighs and shuffles on down the road again. With his eyes cast downward, Greg ignores the bustling city street around him.
A gust of crisp autumn wind blows past him, bringing a trail of brightly colored leaves with it to swirl around his feet before being lifted into the air. The whimsical medley of oranges and yellows and reds catches his eye. He watches as they are caught again in a cross breeze, circling in front of a brightly decorated store window. The leaves fly off, scattering to the wind, leaving Greg staring at a holiday display in a jewelers window done up in festive reds and greens and sparkling diamonds. A note card sits between a matched set of golden wedding rings. Greg pauses in front of the window and reads the note card speaking softly to himself. "This holiday season, say 'forever'..."
Greg reaches up, touching his scarf again in an unconscious gesture and scowls at the words. He turns to walk away but stops a moment and looks back again, his eyes gone soft. He places one hand on the glass gazing in at the rings, "...forever..." he whispers quietly.
"Nothing lasts forever, son. Forever is a very long time indeed." a cheerful voice with a thick cockney accent speaks behind him.
Greg turns around quickly, startled out of his reverie. A tall man with silver hair trailing down to his knees and a pair of round spectacles stands there with a small black notebook in his hand. His dress is a bit odd compared to those around him being a well tailored simple black suit and floor length trench coat. He holds out a hand to Greg, "Adrian Craven, a pleasure to meet you."
The red-head takes his hand hesitantly, his eyes taking in the other's strange appearance. "Sutcliff, Gregory Sutcliff.... do I... know you?" He says with a pause.
Adrian chuckles softly "Not yet, but then we've just met!" His grin is a bit disturbing despite his jovial demeanor. He looks back at the window nodding at the display. "Got a sweetheart do ye?"
Greg follows the older man's gaze and sighs "Yes...no..." He shakes his head, lowering his eyes as he reaches up touching the tattered crimson scarf. "I don't know anymore..." He says quietly.