2019-03-28 Camera and Counterfeits

2019-03-28 Camera
Lee, Anna

[18:34:15] <Hoxton> *It's good to be working. With so many things happened in the past few weeks. Well, the quiet kind of work that is. Bishop is in the precinct, where it's busy as ever. Just returned from a parking ticket run, cradling a mug of coffee and enjoying a brief break.*
[18:40:58] <Wolf> *If there's one positive thing Agent Lee would say about her job, it would be that it's not boring. Calm days are rare, which is good for a woman who hates being bored. This day is no exception, Meena deciding to take a short second to mill about. Socialize, y'know? However, she failed to account for the fact that A: she does not like people, and B: people do not like her. She knows this. She's okay with it. She's content being the naive little kid who cares about her job too much. She's productive, and at the end of the day that's all that matters. So she just stands there, in the midst of the precinct, watching. Observing.*
[18:55:16] <Anna> *Miss Domenza does not particularly enjoy police stations, and her clothes are armor against judgment or assessment. Professional, quality, but not obviously expensive, dark brown hair caught in a loose bun. Light makeup. All the same, there's a low, shimmering glare to her. Probably related to the small bag clutched in her hand. She moves deliberately, but slowly, scanning the room. Unfamiliar terrain.*
[19:22:22] <Wolf> *Meena catches sight of the woman, instantly knowing that she's a civillian. It's the way she dresses, mainly, it's... civilliany, y'know? She doesn't seem to have been noticed by anyone else, so she'll do the honors.* Can, I- uh- can I help you, ma'am?
[19:26:05] <Anna> *Anna turns. Her relief is evident in her eyes, but she grips her posture tight, and smiles warmly.* Yes, ah. That would be wonderful. *A brief glance towards the presumably mostly male room* Can I speak with you alone, officer? I have a situation I'd like... advice on.
[19:30:11] <Wolf> O-Oh- *The girl nods, it's an.. odd request, but hey, it's something.* Of course!
[19:31:15] <Anna> *The smile spreads, softens.* Thank you. Lead on?
[19:38:02] <Wolf> *Another nod, Agent Lee leads the woman into her office. It's relatively empty, but there's a picture of a gerbil on her desk. She sits down in the chair, motioning to the one across from her.* .. So, what's up?
[19:44:35] <Anna> *Anna grits her teeth, then opens the purse, draws out a cloth-wrapped object, and sets it on the desk. She does not sit down. The cloth falls away. A camera, mid-range, not cheap and disposable, but not hugely expensive, in a plastic bag, protecting it from touch. Anna's expression changes as she looks at it. Almost as if she might vomit, she turns, recovering herself.* Right. *Her tone brisk, she sits down in the chair and crosses her ankles* This camera has a set of pictures on it. I don't know precisely how many. These pictures show a woman, who has my face and someone else's body, engaging in sexual acts with men I have never met. This camera was left in my room last night. Nothing else was taken or disturbed. I was supposed to meet with a *beat* friend, but he canceled last minute, so I am the only one who knows of *she waves a hand at it* this.
[19:45:36] <Anna> *She closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, forcing herself calm. After a second, she opens her eyes.* That, is the situation. What do you make of it, officer?
[19:49:34] <Wolf> .... You're likely being blackmailed. Whoever put that camera in your room wants something, and they're going to release those photos if they don't get it, but... they would've said that.... *She looks down, chewing at her thumb.* .. This- friend of yours, how long have you known him? Would he do this?
[19:55:11] <Anna> *She flushes pink slightly.* We've been-- going out, for about five months now. Casual, nothing really serious. I don't... *she trails off briefly, entertaining the notion* It's possible, I suppose. I don't know a lot about him. I don't *think* he would. He's friendly. I wouldn't call him gentlemanly, but he's nice enough. *A pause* If he hadn't had to cancel, its likely he would have been the one to find them. Maybe he planned to accuse me of cheating? *She's twitchy, her calm fraying with pitches of her voice*
[19:57:26] <Wolf> That sounds about right. *She looks back at the camera.* .. Maybe we could check it for fingerprints or something. Try to identify the people in the photos.
[20:02:49] <Anna> *She nods.* It has mine on it. I picked it up when I found it, turned it on. I hope I didn't smudge any of the important information.
[20:06:13] <Wolf> *Meena shakes her head.* No, I'm sure it's fine. *She opens a drawer in her desk, putting on a pair of gloves.* I can get it analyzed for prints, keep in touch with you. Oh- can I get your phone number?
[20:09:46] <Anna> *Anna nods, pulls out a small pad of paper and a pencil, and scribbles down her number. 202 630 7278. She passes her the number.* It'll take a few days for the prints to be analyzed, right? *She pauses, chews her lip, says softly.* And to identify it, you'll need to look at the pictures.
[20:15:55] <Wolf> ... I can have your face blurred before the lab sees it. I'll keep it confidential. Promise.
[20:21:59] <Anna> *Anna looks up. Relief blurs in her eyes. She squeezes them shut, plucks a tissue from the purse draped over her free arm, dabs it away. A smear of mascara shadows the inner edge of her eye.* Thank you for that. *Her voice is controlled again. But she refuses to make eye contact.* What can be done in the interim?
[20:23:21] <Wolf> *Meena flashes a smile, biting her thumb again.* .. Just keep in touch with me. If your friend contacts you again, let me know. Or if anything else appears in your house.
[20:25:29] <Anna> *A flash of frustration* Yes but-- should I behave as if everything is normal? What if he asks after a camera? What if- *she cuts off. Her hands tighten.* I can't avoid him. That is not an option.
[20:27:29] <Wolf> *She nods.* No, no, it's not. If he asks about a camera, play dumb and then immediately tell me what he says. Behave like nothing happened, don't tell anybody if you can help it.
[20:30:22] <Anna> *Anna narrows her eyes at the officer. After a moment, voice soft.* When you find anything about who might have done it, identities for the participants, or the fingerprints, is it policy to follow up on the leads? For that matter, should I expect a search of my apartment?
[20:33:42] <Wolf> .. Depends. First question, sometimes, second question, probably not. When it's my case I usually get to decide.
[20:34:57] <Anna> *An arch of her eyebrow* Is that a particular freedom granted to you?
[20:35:54] <Wolf> Partially the freedom, partially the fact that Winters doesn't really care unless it's about the Payday gang nowadays. *She chuckles at herself.* ... But, yeah.
[20:37:15] <Anna> *A strained, half-forced laugh is Anna's answer.* What, they can't be disrupting DC that badly. They haven't gone after the Hill yet.
[20:39:02] <Wolf> They're really not that big of a problem, no. I don't get it. But he's- like, he's obsessed with catching them. Just upset that a bunch of bank-robbing clowns keep slipping right under his nose but like, even then-
[20:42:03] <Anna> *Anna huffs a sigh. Tension shifts from her neck, settles in her spine. She smiles.* If he's personally offended by something so minor, perhaps he shouldn't be in charge. *A pause* It's good he has competent assistants to take care of the real work. One hopes they receive credit and resources for their work? *A questioning glance*
[20:47:22] <Wolf> Oh, i'd *love* to have Winters's job, and frankly, I think I deserve it, but, as you could see out there- *She points out to the precinct* I got a couple more hurdles than everyone else. But I do get credit and stuff, like, usually you have to run a case through Winters or the assistant chief before it can be taken up, but I don't need to do that, and like, I get paid a little bit more than the rest of the special agents 'cause they wanna look Woke??. *The ?? is pronounced.
[20:50:36] <Anna> *Anna's laugh is genuine.* There is benefit to that situation. *She glances out, then back to the officer.* What's your name again? I don't think I caught it.
[20:52:12] <Wolf> OH! Right. I always forget abou that. Meena Lee. You can put a 'special agent' in front of that if you want, but I don't really care. What's yours?
[20:59:20] <Anna> Anna Domenza. No titles or anything fancy. Not for now, anyways. *A slow wave of exhaustion from the release of stress. She sags slightly in her posture, braces a hand on the desk.* May I ask a favor?
[21:00:32] <Wolf> *With the gloves still on, Meena takes the camera, putting it in a plastic bag.* Yeah, gotcha. 'Sup?
[21:03:46] <Anna> There are... some people in my life, some *men* who, if they turn out to be related to this situation, it would really be better to not go after. Can I trust you to not pursue the case if I ask you not to?
[21:05:20] <Wolf> .... Of course.
[21:06:22] <Anna> It's nothing against your capabilities, of course. I just... I have to look after my own safety. *Her smile is too bright.*
[21:30:30] <Wolf> No, I get it. You wanna look out for yourself. I respect it, Anna. *She flashes a smile.*
[21:32:51] <Anna> *Anna blinks. This was not the response she was expecting. She relaxes, smiles.* Yes, precisely. *Her eyes are narrowed slightly, analyzing Meena's movements and expressions.* I'm glad you understand.
[21:36:42] <Wolf> *Meena's very expressive, hands hardly touching the table from all the motioning she does. But it doesn't seem like she's lying. Not visibly, at least.*
[21:42:10] <Anna> *Anna watches her for a moment longer, then nods.* Before I go, just to confirm, *she gestures at the phone* Send me a text so that I can contact you again if something happens? I'll hold off on changing the locks or anything significant for a few days, if you want to come over and check the place.
[21:44:46] <Wolf> Got it. *She grabs her phone, sending the text. "Testing, testing, 7, 5, 3!"*
[21:48:36] <Anna> *Anna's phone flashes and beeps. She picks it up, checks, and nods, and makes a new contact labeled "Hannah from SPN 311"* Thank you, for all your help. And for calming me down. *A crooked smile breaks over her face.* I'll be in touch.
[21:51:34] <Wolf> Yeah, yeah!
[21:54:03] <Anna> Have a good day, Officer Lee. *Anna gathers her purse, shoots a glance at the camera, momentary revulsion crossing her face again. Then she turns, and steps out of the room into the precinct. She locks her posture into poise and confidence, and heads for the door, giving a nod and a smile to anyone who looks her way.*

Counterfeits (part III)
"Bishop", "Hoxton"

[20:02:48] <Dallas> *After days of extensive grilling from the sergeant, the lieutenant, the captain, weeks of suspicious looks and scrutiny in the precinct, watercooler talk just loud enough he hears the words--"jokered", what they called Stockholm Syndrome when Dallas strolled out of a bank, bold as brass and smiling mask, dazed cop following close on his heels like a trained K-9 unit. They think that's what happened on that roof the day he let Hoxton get away. That they did something to his head, and now he's a liability. But the mandated shrink sessions are done and the waiting's over, and he's been cleared for duty, assigned the shit shift. Manning speed traps and sticking tickets to windshields. It's a quiet night in downtown DC, and he's all alone in the patrol car. How's he feeling?*
[20:10:29] <Hoxton> *It's.....a lot. It's a big mess or it was. And the hill is not yet climbed. But he is not even minding the shit shift of gloriously manning speed traps and distributing tickets. Though all that shame is still embedded deeply in him, the relief to be out and finally cleared to work is immense. Shitty to go coffee tastes sweeter and the drive thru donuts as well. He misses the stoic calm of his partner but for not, he is glad to have a moment of private peace in the patrol car. He takes a sip from his coffee, hands clenching slightlly on the steering wheel. The humiliation and talk....god. That*s gonna linger. And he has no proof. None at all. None for the feeling of the sniper laser on his chest or...that other incident. So maybe the shrink sessions werent too bad and for now he is keen as fuck to get into the general good books again. Though the hepless anger remains. He didnt lie. He'd never lie about something like this. His record was spotless and yet. He sighs, keeping an eye on the street.*
[20:16:41] <Dallas> *While he's been stuck in administrative leave limbo, the clowns have been hard at work. Just days after the attack at the precinct, they knocked over an armored convoy, killing multiple GenSec guards, even federal agents. More recently, a jewelry store hit in Foggy Bottom, not too far from here. Not to mention the slew of copycat crimes all around the DC area, men in Payday masks holding up cafes and gas stations. And he's allowed no part in it. Anger should translate into action, but this isn't his jurisdiction. His superiors have made sure of it.*
[20:21:16] <Hoxton> *Unfair. And stupid. What do they expect of him? Hah, maybe they think he's the ...jokered cop they made him out to be. But he is not. He's been keeping an eye on the recent hits of the gang. That armored truck and the jewelery store robbed. The hand on the steering wheel tightens. This is a deep, searing sense of frustration and anger. He could be useful! He wants those brought to action. But here he is, doing the glorious and important work. He sighs, rummaging for a donut with frustration a tight knot in his chest.*
[20:28:56] <Dallas> *His patrol car's stopped a short jog away from a clean glass and brick storefront flanked by rustling fronds, right across the street. It's been warm enough for jackets these past couple days, and the shopowners have set out a couple potted plants outside. It's eyecatching. MFA--Morton Fine Art, the type of small gallery that isn't quite a museum but looks like your average store at first glance, and showcases fine art for sale. Something's off about this picture, though. Something doesn't look quite right.*
[20:37:30] <Hoxton> *His gaze wanders along the quiet street. You can see spring creeping up into the city by now. The flowers catch his attention. He is not much of a flower person but they do look nice. He relaxes a little, thoughts still focused on rather unpleasant things but he looks back at the....huh. Gallery. Something feels odd. He squints, scanning the store front.*
[20:42:30] <Dallas> *It's dark in the building, just a couple lights on out front where a pair of surrealist paintings hang in the window in prominence. But there's a light moving around back there in the gallery. Flashlight shining around--then down to where two poster tubes lie flat on the ground. No alarms, no broken glass. But there's no doubt what's going on in there.*
[20:51:00] <Hoxton> *He freezes. It takes a moment of repeated flashlight swinging to make him believe he is not imagining it. He hastily puts his coffee away, getting out of his cruiser. He carefully walks towards the store front, though avoiding to be in direct line of sight. A robbery! Right there and the thief is still inside! This is lucky, very lucky. And a satisfying thought to apprehend the criminal in a couple moments. One hand on his radio, he inches closer to the storefront.*
[20:54:49] <Dallas> *It's a quiet street. Couple cars pass at an intersection two blocks down. As he approaches the glass front of the store, he gets a proper look at the man inside, half hidden behind a clean white gallery wall. He's on his hands and knees rolling artwork to put in the tube. Head down, no idea he's being watched. There's a small sticker on the window--says the premises are under GenSec surveillance, but clearly he's found some way to bypass their security.*
[21:01:14] <Hoxton> *Look at this. He is baffled, really. No sign of intrusion and the door doesnt look broken in. And since he had parked at that spot for a while, GenSec doesnt seem to be any wiser as well. Crafty. It's....goddamn crafty. He carefully heads for the doors, giving them a gentle push. Unlocked?*
[21:02:37] <Hoxton> *There is something odd about watching people unnoticed. And he has got to almost admire him. Rolling in expensive paintings with quiet care unlike just busting in and tearing them off.*
[21:04:00] <Anna> ((Somewhere, Vasili nods approvingly.))
[21:05:53] <Dallas> *This door opens outward, though it doesn't budge. Locked. God only knows how the burglar made his way in, and who the hell knows how he plans on getting back out. He's taking his damn time, too, unrolling the works to adjust the layers of archival paper sandwiched between the paintings. Getting everything lined up just right. And when it's all rolled up and taped, he starts pulling bubble wrap out of one of the tubes and goes on rolling like he owns the place, eventually feeding the padded roll into the tube.*
[21:06:49] <Anna> ((wow, somebody is paying top coin for these paintings))
[21:06:57] <Anna> ((i wonder if it's vasili!))
[21:07:20] <Hoxton> ((Bain's redecorating his basement!))
[21:07:36] <Dallas> ((Locke's redecorating his bathroom! B[D))
[21:07:47] <Hoxton> ((OH NO. LOCKE.))
[21:07:53] <Dallas> (("I'd put it in my crapper, but it's worth a shitload of cash! B[D"))
[21:08:05] <Anna> ((what. no. do not))
[21:08:14] <Dallas> ((JUST THINK OF THE STEAMMMM.))
[21:08:22] <Anna> ((nooooooooooooooooo))
[21:09:51] <Hoxton> *Shit. Not budging. But the guy must have somehow gotten inside. Is there a way to get to the back of the store? Maybe there is a back exit which the guy could have used. He could....well. Smash his way inside but if he can just intercept the guy getting out, it's gonna be easy apprehending him, evidence bold as fuck in the tubes.*
[21:15:19] <Dallas> *The burglar's finishing up, all excess packing materials squared away. Poster tubes slung over his shoulder, he stands and slips a mask over his face, unhurriedly making his way to the front of the gallery, adjusting the fit. Familiar mask--it's Hoxton's mask, the happily smiling pink one.*
[21:20:44] <Hoxton> *Oh! Oh nevermind. His pulse goes up with excitement. Only to miss a couple beats when he sees the mask. Oh shit a copycat. Though....that would be the first one striking quietly, wouldnt it? He goes to undo the holster of his sidearm, moving to the side of the entrance door. So the guy somehow made his way in. Lockpicking? Though bypassing a GenSec alarm like this....cunning bastard. If he didnt stumble by this place, the owners would have probably never known who robbed the precious paintings.*
[21:21:43] <Hoxton> *He pushes images aside. The firece wind of the helicopter, the accented voice. The laser on his chest. That guy is nowhere like the real deal.*
[21:22:01] <Dallas> ((First of all, this guy's taller--))
[21:22:07] <Dallas> ((I'M JUST KIDDING PUT THE GUN DOWN JIM.))
[21:24:38] <Hoxton> ((D8<))
[21:24:51] <Hoxton> ((*HOLSTERS THEM RELUCTANTLY* AHH.))
[21:25:33] <Dallas> *The thief glances out, then pulls tools out of his jacket and gets to work on the lock. Looking at him earlier, it didn't look like he was carrying, but you never know. A car goes by without slowing, and the guy glances up, but doesn't flinch. Just finishes up scrubbing the lock, and pushes the door open.*
[21:26:16] <Dallas> *It's not Hoxton. No way this is Hoxton, that's a cheap plastic mask he's got on, even though he's wearing a suit to match. Nothing like the real deal.*
[21:30:04] <Hoxton> *He tried. It's nowhere near the originals. The cheap, gleaming masks dont do the real ones justice. Back then....at the bank....he thought they'd actually start moving. Real, terrifying faces. But this is nowhere near it. But at least he has got the subtlety and nimble fingers, that is for sure. Fucking lockpicked the secured door. He stays in covr for a second more, waiting until the guy is outside proper.*
[21:32:40] <Dallas> *The thief--that copycat Hoxton, he steps outside and carefully lets the door close. Must've done something to the alarm in there, 'cause it hasn't gone off. And then he turns to leave and looks right at him, stopping in his tracks.*
[21:37:52] <Hoxton> *The cop almost jumps. Almost. His heart misses a beat and he ends up staring at the fake Hoxton for a moment. Surreal moment, almost forgetting he is the police. Until that penny drops and he takes a step to cut off his path of escape.* Arms up. *He moves to reach for his sidearm.* Nice paintings. *he briskly nods at the store* Borrowed?
[21:38:25] <Hoxton> ((Bishop: D8 D8<))
[21:39:09] <Anna> ((good to see y'all still emotional sadists, I don't even know this character and I'm invested.))
[21:42:24] <Dallas> *"Hoxton" gives a start, trying to sidestep him--first one way, then the other, looking increasingly baffled and frantic like the whole MPD thing hasn't quite registered, and then backwards when he sees him reaching for the gun, backpedaling until he's turning tail and dashing away down the street at full tilt.*
[21:44:46] <Hoxton> Oh no! STOP! *He dashes right after the copycat. Not gonna let him get away. So full tilt after the guy, the hat moving precariously on his head*
[21:52:56] <Dallas> *The thief's running ahead, poster tubes clacking, not a sound or a glance back now that he's broken out of his disorganized scramble and hit his stride. Past the bright neons of a pawn shop, and he skids and takes a sharp left down a narrow alley, kicking up water when he hits a puddle.*
[21:55:39] <Hoxton> *He juices out all the speed from his legs, the frustration and anger venting right in the need to catch the burglar. He wont let him get away. He is breathing hard, almost missing the sudden turn but doesnt slow down.* STOP! STOP THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE! DONT MAKE ME USE FORCE.
[21:58:58] <Dallas> *The thief's stumbled to a stop, hesitating. There's a chainlink fence blocking the way, and he shoots the cop a glance--a flash of that smiling pink mask--before taking a run at it to scramble up and over. He loses his footing in a rattle of metal, manages to pull himself up--*
[22:01:35] <Hoxton> *The cop lunges forward.* Oh no you little..! *Arms extended, trying to pull the burglar off the fence. Adrenaline and excitement making him almost dizzy. He grabs for his legs or jacket, whatever is easier to reach and gives him a shark yank.*
[22:07:23] <Dallas> *The burglar finally makes a sound--a startled yelp that cuts off sharply as he hits the ground with a hollow knock from the poster tubes. He's winded and hurting, lying flat on the ground on his back.*
[22:11:37] <Hoxton> *He jumps back, the burglar almost landing on him. He is panting, breathing hard but cant take a break yet. Still feeling almost dizzy with the adrenaline in his system, he goes to promply straddle the burglar to cuff him.* You are.....under ..arrest! For....burglary! *He attempts to cuff him, checking for any sidearm or weapon....and to strip off that mask.*
[22:16:40] <Dallas> *Winded from the fall, the burglar doesn't resist being pushed onto his stomach, or having his wrists cuffed. He's not armed, surprisingly. Just a switched off phone and a set of lockpicks and small tools. When it comes to the mask, however--he stubbornly keeps his head to the ground, sandwiching the mask in between his face and the concrete. Tough getting that mask off.*
[22:17:26] <Hoxton> ((AWWW. HAHAHA sorry but that desmasking resist is amazing.))
[22:19:36] <Dallas> (("You are.....under ..arrest! For....burglary!" This is the best, though. My sides.))
[22:21:00] <Hoxton> *Quick breaths and slowly his heart is beating in a more normal pace again. He is still sitting on the guy, finding his breath. And tugs....only to feel the mask not budging. A frown and almost, almost pitying the guy. He's cuffed and on his stomach. Not much wiggle room for him to run now.* Dont...resist. It's...pointless! *Jesus, what a quick bas
[22:21:00] <Hoxton> tard. That was almost a miss. He tugs again, using both hands to slide the mask from his head.*
[22:25:52] <Dallas> *It's an awkward struggle. Policing is awkward, and in the academy, they don't really teach you the best approach to prying a mask off an angry and restrained suspect. He tries digging in with his chin, doing whatever it takes to keep that plastic shell of a mask, his last shred of heisting dignity, but then it's off his face and he lies back down, panting.*
[22:28:33] <Hoxton> ((Maan I almost feel bad for demasking him.))
[22:31:40] <Hoxton> *He almost carefully puts the mask aside. All evidence to be secured. He is slowly regaining his breath, scooting off the guy. Brushing off mud and dirt that now clings to his trousers and jacket from the scuffle. He gets on his feet and goes to help the thief up. Surprisingly gentle now though. Not gonna be uselessly harsh and risk the guy resisting each meter of the the way.* You are a fast one. But it's over. Do you have anything to say for yourself?
[22:38:36] <Dallas> *The thief puts up a token resistance to being pulled to his feet, but at a certain point, he realizes he's going nowhere in a hurry lying on his belly in this dank alleyway, and lets him help. Once he's standing, however, he stubbornly keeps his head angled away, refusing to look at him. Mid-thirties, by the looks of him. Brown hair.*
[22:38:50] <Dallas> *After a moment--* Sorry for running. *The words come out reluctant. Guy's got an English accent.*
[22:39:21] <Sydney> ((oh noooooo))
[22:47:11] <Hoxton> *Now that's ....surprising. English accent for the fake Hoxton. It would be very ironic. If that guy wasnt actually just busy robbing a gallery. But the apology...it's taken him off guard. He had dimissed this being one of the copycats. But maybe he is?* Hah...that was a good attempt. *he reaches for the tubes, takes one off him to see if the paintings are in there.* I am going to have to ask you a few questions. *He clears his throat.* You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in court. You have the right to talk to a lawyer for advice before we ask you any questions. You have the right to have a lawyer with you during questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you before any questioning if you wish. If you decide to answer questions now without a lawyer present, you have the right to stop answering at any time. *He takes a deep breath, chuckling almost sheepishly.*
[22:48:09] <Hoxton> ((Bishop: FINALLY LEARNING THIS BY HEART PAID OFF.))
[22:51:25] <Dallas> *Amusingly, the poster tubes are kind of tied to him now that his wrists are cuffed, strap still looped around his arm. It jerks him around a bit, and he shoots the officer a scowl--careful with those!--but whatever comment he was about to make gets lost in the flood of Miranda rights. Looking baffled, he patiently waits it out.*
[22:51:41] <Dallas> *After a moment* It's a lot of paperwork, you know. Stopping a burglary.
[22:55:16] <Hoxton> Apparently a great deal of cardio as well. *He just goes to open the tops, trying to see if the paintings are still there. That's gonna be unbeatable evidence. Though he hesitates. A little sigh.* Really? How did you bypass the alarm? I saw the GenSec sticker.
[22:57:37] <Dallas> *Maybe it's the adrenaline, but at his joke, the burglar lets out a chuckle. The cap unscrews to reveal the paintings rolled up inside against a cushion of bubble wrap. Unharmed. The thief's protesting* No, don't do that-- Don't touch it.
[23:01:24] <Hoxton> Why? *The question is genuine. It's just a painting and the guy himself rolled them up to be transported.* So do you admit to have robbed that gallery just now? I guess these helped you. *He pats the lockpicks.* I have seen you doing it. Taking the pictures off. No point in denying.
[23:06:03] <Dallas> *The thief sighs, looks down the length of the alleyway, to the street. No point running, of course, but he looks restless, working his jaw.* A respected gallery's broken into, and you stopped the thief getting away with the paintings. You are hailed as a bloody hero, Officer...? *He twists a little, trying to look for a name tag, then gives up and goes on--* You don't need me for that. Just let me go.
[23:07:08] <Sydney> ((I don't think London here knows how crime works))
[23:08:04] <Anna> ((hey some cops probably would go for that, with some cash.))
[23:09:45] <Hoxton> Stopping small fry burglars? I dont think so. *He pauses, looking at the thief with genuine surprise.* You want me to let you go...like that?  *Hard to tell what the name is from this angle. But the first letter could be a B or G.*
[23:14:08] <Dallas> *The thief decides, perhaps wisely, not to hazard a guess as to the name. He's quiet for a moment, hesitating, looking at a spot on the ground, then says* You can mirandize me just fine from the car, or at the police station. Is there some reason we're stood in the middle of an alleyway, still? You're not some kind of pervert, are you?
[23:14:31] <Hoxton> ((D8))
[23:16:43] <Hoxton> *Bishop almost splutters out something every embarrassing.* P-Pervert? *He stutters, a flush actually creeping on his face.* Of course not! What are you thinking? Yes, car. Now! *he goes towards the thief, grabbing his arm and going to lead him to his cruiser.* I can grant you this wish.

2019-30-29

[22:31:02] <Dallas> *Instant regret. Like a cat carried crying and struggling to the bath, the thief resists arrest, digging his heels in, trying to pull away from the officer's grip on his arm.* Hey, hey hey hey, waitwaitwait--I didn't mean it like that, now hang on a minute! Wait! *He changes tack, swings around to face him and block him leaving the alley.* Hang on a minute, will you?
[22:34:32] <Hoxton> *The Officer is dead set on marching this fellow into his cruiser. Still flushed from that comment earlier. Quiet and reslute movements, a man on a mission. Till the guy starts resisting. He sighs. tightening his grip but there he is, blocking his way.* What.
[22:40:04] <Dallas> *The thief hesitates, breathing hard. Looking away, straight past him, but it's uncomfortably intense, having someone this close.* I'm not just some... small fry. I've done this before. I've been to prison, and if you take me in now, it's my third strike, and it's life. They'll never let me out again. Please.
[22:43:57] <Hoxton> *The cop hesitates a little. The annoyed and somewhat stony look softening just a little but for the thief plain to see.* You did? Well....shouldnt have went on to do the exact thing to get you behind bars. *He eyes the thief.* Why that mask?
[22:50:08] <Dallas> *beat; lamely* I like the way it looks. Can't exactly get away with being Chains, now can I? *He goes quiet, slowly looks the officer up and down, lingering on his belt. He sticks the tip of his tongue out between his teeth, says quietly* I'm sure we can come to some sort of understanding.
[22:53:37] <Hoxton> *That actually coaxes a little huff of a laugh out of him. Whoever this thief is, he is...charming. Almost. He gotta give him that. The cop takes a step forward, about to get him to the car and yet the thief hasnt budged. He frowns, looking up and stopping. Eyes a little too wide.* What? W-What do you mean?
[23:01:38] <Dallas> *The thief's breathing a little hard, looking quietly excited. Shifting just a little closer to whisper.* You know what I mean. The two of us, this alleyway... *His eyes go down to the officer's belt again.* Bit of fun. Then you get your paintings, and I-- *He hesitates, breaks into a mean smile, and two things happen in rapid succession--his wrists come free of the cuffs, and he grabs the officer tightly by the shoulders and drives his knee into his crotch.*
[23:08:37] <Hoxton> *The officer looks like a deer in the head lights. Of course. It's an open secret some criminals caught red handed might go ahead and suggest less than kosher deals out of situations. And now? This...the way he looks at him. HIs heart is racing, frantically searching for words to ...do something. He takes a half step back, mouth slightly open when it happens, fast as a snake biting. A brief flash of untied hands and then...the pain. THe Officer cries out as he gets kneed right bullseye. His eyes water and the spectacular pain drives him onto his knees. Face scrunched up in pain.* ARGH! YOU--! *He almost curls up. What a little shit! How did he get out of his cuffs?*
[23:13:30] <Dallas> *Hard to say, but the thief's already backpedaling with an aggressive snarl on his face, wide-eyed, showing teeth. The straps of the poster tubes slipped off his shoulder in the scuffle, tubes and precious artwork within clattering to the ground to where they lie between them. He makes a small attempt to lunge for one, warily watching the cop, like a scared fox reluctant to grab an out of reach piece of food.*
[23:19:29] <Hoxton> *Oh god the pain. The asshole hit right where it hurts. Tears glisten in the corner of his eyes and he takes quick, shallow breaths. Breathing the pain away. Looking up, meeting his gaze. THe cop painstricken but also fierce. As if betrayed. As if seeing what it gets him to show more than the stony cop. He fumbles for his sidearm.* Stop! Right.....there!
[23:24:37] <Dallas> *The thief freezes in place, staring at him. Instinctively raising his hands. He doesn't look sorry, only startled and breathless. Brief glance down to the paintings, and he looks horribly torn for a moment, but starts slowly backing away from them and him, putting some distance between them before he abruptly turns and dashes back out to the street.*
[23:27:14] <Dallas> *He doesn't look back, confident the officer won't pull the trigger.*
[23:28:03] <Hoxton> No! NO! STOP! *He scrambles to his feet, gritting his teeth, setting after the thief. It's a lost cause of course, the thief being at a huge advantage. But nevertheless, he sets after him, the gun in his hands. But...the trigger finger feels stony and he lowers the gun again.* STOP! *He cant bring himself to shoot him in the back.*
[23:30:39] <Dallas> *A single second of hesitation is enough. A quick flicker of a glance as he turns the corner, and he's gone, leaving the officer alone in a dark, dank alleyway with a cheap plastic Hoxton mask, a pair of open cuffs and two poster tubes full of stolen artwork.*
[23:36:02] <Hoxton> *He curses. And it's nothing he does frequently. But this time, he does. Alone in the dank alleyway and hurting and feeling properly humiliated. And....how to explain this to his superiors? That a guy already cuffed got out and overpowered a fully equipped officer of the law? He grits his teeth. Feeling helplessy furious. After a moment, he picks up the mask, frowning deeply. But if he can promise anything, he's gonna find this little shit of a thief and bring him to justice.*