Phantoms of the Night

Third-Eye Investigative Services - Lobby

	The lobby of this hole-in-the-wall detective agency is rather austere by design, likely repurposed from whatever business owned the space last before folding. Hardwood flooring, wood-paneled baseboards, and eggshell plaster give the room a rustic charm, further amplified by some old-fashioned ceiling fans and exposed pipework running along the ceiling. A large and faded poster stylized like a classic 1920's circus advertisement hangs above the reception desk and filing cabinets in the back. It depicts a caped magician with a curly mustache and top hat, who seems to have a glowing inhuman eye protruding from his forehead. Heavily stylized font frames the panorama, declaring 'THIRD EYE INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES'.

Windows cover the west wall, the contents of the room beyond hidden by slatted blinds. A windowed door leads to this area, completed by the words 'OFFICE OF L. TRUESDALE' printed across the frosted glass. Opposite of this is an old but comfortable looking sofa made from black leather. Next to this is a counter that is stocked with a coffee machine and watercooler, along with a box of donuts from a local chain. A plain door is on the other side of the sofa, kept locked and marked with a small brass plaque that reads 'PRIVATE'.

Contents:
Midori
Loretta
Obvious Exits:
  Out <O>   Office <OF>   Upstairs <UP>

	"It's my new business. Weren't you paying attention to the texts I sent you?" She chortles softly, following close behind Midori since he seems to know where he's going. If it's the plain looking door that marked 'PRIVATE', then he'd be right. Otherwise, Loretta has reason to course correct! "What do you think, anyway? Do you like it?" Sure, there are bigger and ritzier places to be had, and her choice of decor is probably tacky, but... It's hers. And that's enough to bring a smile to her face.

	Mo peeks on in, curious about what this place is and who does it!

Ghost_18 comes in from Broadway and Second Ave.

 	 "I'll admit to not exactly reading most of them." He bobs his head, slowly. "Let's just check it out. My head is pounding." He falls in line behind Loretta, a weariness to his eyes that had only increased with his regard of the arcane object. It felt like it had drained him, drained him of what little energy he'd had left. He only stopped with the arrival of another, looked-- briefly, and made to loiter near the door.

	Loretta and Midori seem to be over by the plain door by the lobby sofa marked 'PRIVATE'. She was reaching for the doorknob, before she hears the bell by the front door jingle again. Not another mover this time though, no. It's someone she doesn't recognize. "Oh, bonsoir. Can I help you?" She offers to MoGui with a tilted head.

	Mo's gaze goes all squinty as he looks around. "Wai- wai - wait.WHat exactly happens in here?"

<Phone> (Ghost_18 talking to someone) (White Noise and Mysterious Voice) I am told you can help me with something. Can we talk?

	"I'm a private investigator and this is my office. Can I help you with something?" Loretta offers politely, before blinking and looking down at her pocket. She withdraws her buzzing phone and squints slightly. "...hello?" A pause. "Excuse me?" How weird. She's just sort of made to look apologetically at Midori, whom is now being made to awkwardly wait. "When it rain it pours, hmm?" She laughs nervously.

<Phone> (Ghost_18 talking to someone) My name is Jason and I need your help. Is it true you help those that have already died?

 	 Midori hikes his shoulders near the doorway. He can wait, he wasn't impatient, he just had a headache, and was really wishing he had any of the random party pills he'd taken the night before, right now.

	Mo nods to Loretta. "I need some help with an investigation."

	There's a look of deadpan on Loretta's face, as if she can't decide whether this is a prank call or not. "...I can in theory, maybe. I'd have to meet you in person at some point though, to see you are serious. Perhaps you can come by the office at some point tomorrow?" Despite her inherent disbelief she's not outright snarky. Not yet, at least. What she *does* do in the meantime is walk on over to the coffee machine and fill a paper cup up with rich blackness, with some dairy and sugar to soften the bite. She remembered how Midori enjoyed his java. "Here... This might help your head a bit." It is thusly offered over to the youth with a gentle smile. "Oh? I'm afraid I was just about to close up for the night, but if you come back tomorrow I'd be happy to help you." Back she turns to MoGui.

<Phone> (Ghost_18 talking to someone) I see... Very well. (White Noise and disconnect)

Ghost_18 moves to Broadway and Second Ave.
Ghost_18 has left.

	Mo nods and sighs. "I don't do too well during the daytime. I work nights. Maybe an evening appointment?"

	Loretta blinks abruptly as her phone disconnects. She seems to hold her temple and looks off in a random direction for a bit, just long enough for it to be awkward, before she sighs. "...that'd be fine. We'll meet tomorrow evening then if it works for you, darling."

	Mo brightens up at Loretta's response and nods. "Ok. Tomorrow evening, then."