open. » awesome song lyrics go here. yeah!

[betterthansubpoenas]

Who: Kalinda Sharma and various. Could be you!
What: A week in the life of an investigator doing surveillance.
Where: All over the city.
When: Any time!
Notes: I've got thread starters for Arthur and Steph, but all are welcome! The settings are flexible, so feel free to come up with whatever. I will roll with it!
Warnings: None as of yet.

Kalinda hasn't been getting near as much extra work as she would like. Rather, she isn't making as much money from her extra work as she would like. Money isn't tight, exactly, but it isn't as abundant as she's used to it being. So much of what she does is built on her image, and that image requires maintenance, that maintenance requires cash. She has a feeling her current assignment, which has had her running from one end of the city to the other, isn't going to result in her being paid the previously agreed upon amount, being as how it's not producing the result her client hoped for.

Fortunately, she took half up front.

Comments

For Arthur:

[betterthansubpoenas]

Kalinda likes the subjects that have a routine. It makes it easier to track them, and it makes it easier to notice anything out of the ordinary for them. This one, a squat, rotund being with blue skin, slightly stubby arms, legs that don't seem quite capable of supporting him, and four large, black eyes, goes to the same café every day at the same time, rain or shine. Consequently, it's become part of her routine as well, at least until the job's finished.

He even has a regular table. The place is small enough that most days, she takes her coffee to go and sits at one of the tables outside, or heads across the street, waiting for him to head to the next destination. Today, though, it's raining. It means that tables are hard to come by, and Kalinda cannot - will not - share a table with the target of her surveillance; that would defeat the purpose.

The words, "Hi, is this seat taken?" actually leave her lips after she's taken the seat. It isn't taken, and she knows it. Manners are for people who haven't got a job to do, and have more time on their hands.

LEMME KNOW IF I SHOULD CHANGE ANYTHING. I wasn't sure how many liberties to take

[paradoxlol]

In Arthur's line of work, it pays to know how to spot a tail. It can be the difference between life or death-- or a very severe beating, at least. Of course, nothing that drastic is at stake here. After all, Arthur's not the one being tailed.

She's good. If he hadn't known she was an investigator by trade-- and if her mark didn't have such a memorable appearance in the first place-- he wouldn't have taken notice of her when he came into this cafe. Really, it was just coincidence that brought Arthur to the coffee shop at the same time that Kalinda was tailing her stumpy blue mark.

The first time, anyway.

Arthur's been back a few times since, rarely lingering after he acquires his coffee. Just in and out, long enough to pick out common threads between his visits. What are the constants? Is she a regular, or is she here with a purpose?

Maybe it's creepy, tailing somebody else's tail, but Arthur's still new to Baedal, and this little exercise serves a purpose. He could use somebody with her skills, somebody who's been established long enough to know things Arthur couldn't pick up over old Network transmissions. He's not looking to recruit her, exactly, so much as get a working partnership going. In time. Kalinda has the makings of a very useful contact.

Imagine Arthur's surprise when she takes a seat right at his table. He glances at her from over the Classifieds section of today's Beacon Standard, one brow slightly arched.

"Be my guest," he says, voice dry with a touch of good humor. He returns to his task, eyes scanning the paper for suitable rentals-- hey, multitasking is just one of his talents-- and after a few moments says, "I think if we talked, this would look more natural." Not that the blue guy is noticing anything amiss. He's too wrapped up in his daily routine.

SAME QUESTION BACK AT YOU.

[betterthansubpoenas]

Kalinda smiles, outwardly friendly. She leans forward, setting her coffee on the table not quite between them. "You're right," she grants, upbeat and very much like an elementary teacher telling a young student that they get a gold star. "Are you working with him?" She doesn't bother to make any move to indicate the xenian she's been following for the past week and change.

Arthur isn't the only one who knows how to spot a tail. (The saying it takes one to know one may be rather apt in this instance.)

Slender fingers walk over the table, a deliberate show before she trails her index along Arthur's forearm as if they were far more familiar. "You want to tell me why you've been following me?"

/THUMBS UP

[paradoxlol]

Arthur lowers the paper. His mouth quirks into a smile, charming and flirty, as if he's responding to that little touch. "I'm not working for him." His tone belies his expression, all flat and professional. There isn't much of that friendly expression in his voice. "Believe it or not, I'm not working for anybody." Well, in this particular context. No need to give out the name of his employer, since she's got nothing to do with his decision to tail Kalinda-- and, since she works in the legal field, there's a small chance that the two women have crossed paths. The last thing Arthur needs is for this to blow up and get back to her. Something tells him that's a sure way to get fired... or promoted...

(But probably fired. An attorney of his boss's caliber doesn't need an assistant who spends his free time following people.)

"Why don't we start with introductions? I'm Arthur." No need for aliases today, not when they're in the same cohort. "You could say I'm a fan of your work."

aaaa i love this thread so much i can't i just can't

[betterthansubpoenas]

He doesn't lie, or even make a play at coincidence. Huh. Now he definitely has her attention. A gracious incline of her head accompanies her introduction, "Kalinda. But I'm guessing you already knew that." Her smile doesn't touch her eyes. "It's nice to be admired."

She withdraws her hand and wraps her fingers around her coffee instead. There's a calculating measure in her gaze, like she's mentally sorting through a metaphorical arsenal and trying to decide which weapon is the best for this situation. -- If weapons even prove to be a necessity, that is. For now, she bides her time. "What can I do for you?"

me tooooo

[paradoxlol]

Arthur folds his newspaper down to a small rectangle and pushes it aside. There's no point in dancing around the issue. "Collaboration," he says, leaning forward and lowering his voice. They're just talking about some private matters; nothing to see here. "Back home, I dealt in information." Sort of. It's true enough. "Coming here, I'm obviously not established. There's only so much of the who's who of Baedal somebody can pick up from traditional sources. I need someone with experience, somebody who's already settled into the city, to work with me when the jobs start rolling in. Gathering information, creating comprehensive biographies of the subjects." He pauses, taking a sip of his coffee. "Interested?"

[betterthansubpoenas]

"That depends on what your angle is." It doesn't. Not completely, at least. Kalinda's eyes meet Arthur's and she'll hold her dark gaze there until either he flinches, or until she's ready to move on. "Information I can do, easily." When you're selling yourself, your expertise, there's no room for modesty. "What kind of jobs are you expecting to roll in? I won't do Militia contracts." Maybe if they pay her double. And only if she likes the job.

"I'm interested." In case there was any doubt.

For Steph:

[betterthansubpoenas]

Her evening meeting went about as well as could be expected, if Kalinda is honest with herself. That disappointment is even registering on her radar is a little shocking to her, but she hasn't quite been herself since the siege on the city. Her physical injuries have healed, at the very least, but it will take her more time to do so mentally.

What it all means is that she's very much enjoying the beer she has in front of her at the bar, while looking a bit more closed off and unapproachable than usual. To those who don't know her anyway.

[controlledvariable]

That closed off and unapproachable look is echoed by Steph, who slides easily into the seat next to Kalinda and orders a bourbon and cola for herself. She's dressed simply, the anarchy symbol hanging around her neck there as a bit of a personal totem. She should probably be more subtle about it, but it was a gift, and the militia can go fuck themselves. Notably, there's a shiny new bruise spread across her right cheekbone, covered as best as possible by make up, and her knuckles are scraped and bruised in a way that indicates she's been throwing punches without wearing her gloves. Steph's been a busy girl, apparently.

Despite - everything that's been happening recently, Steph manages a genuine smile for Kalinda, "One day I'm gonna get somewhere before you, and we'll both die of shock."

No matter how many coffee or drinks dates they have, and no matter how early Steph turns up, Kalinda always seems to be the first to show.

[betterthansubpoenas]

"The city will mourn our loss," Kalinda assures, taking a long sip from her beer. She looks over then and offers a wan smile. "I think it's more likely your recklessness will get you first." Which isn't quite a criticism, actually, but more like a straight observation. Her right shoulder lifts in a shrug, the left staying stationary out of lingering habit learned from her previous injury. "I'm sure the other guy looks worse."

[controlledvariable]

"It's already tried," Her recklessness, that is, "I'm counting on an ironic freak accident." Apparently she's put a bit of thought into this, but there's an amusement in her voice that has been somewhat lacking lately, so there's that. It's also definitely not the first time someone's pointed out her recklessness, and it's nice that it isn't a criticism. (It usually is.)

The latter comment gets a bit of a smirk, "I think the most we can say for him is 'at least he's alive'." Well then.

[betterthansubpoenas]

"Maybe a satellite will fall from the sky and land on you." That's morbid, Kalinda. "Though that's more freak than irony. Not good enough for you."

The assessment of the physical condition of the one who gave her those bruises brings a grin. "That's my girl." On anybody else, the behaviour would be thuggish, but Stephanie wears the vigilante badge with pride, and Kalinda enjoys that a great deal about her.

[controlledvariable]

"I'm thinking it'll have to involve bats, or gameshows," It makes sense in her head, considering her dad's connections to game shows and how it sort of started him on his track to villainy which started her -- It's a long story.

It probably is a little bit thuggish, but at least it can be said that the guy on the other end of Steph's fists deserved it, "People at work keep looking at me funny."

[betterthansubpoenas]

"Reality show death." A theatrical shudder. "I can't think of a worse way to go." And she's seen photos of all manner of grisly murder.

"Well, yeah. You work as a librarian, right? They don't expect it to look like you've been at Brawl Circle." First rule of Brawl Circle, don't talk about Brawl Circle. Kalinda lifts her hand to get the bartender's attention. Apparently her order is standing, because two shots of not-tequila are placed in front of the women without question.

Somewhere in Howl Barrow?

[buildindreemz]

Arthur sent her his list - always with the lists, it's kind of endearing when it's not infuriating - and Ariadne has added a few items of her own to it, for apartment hunting.

Plus, they may be looking for an apartment for three, now, instead of two. What with Mal being here. So today Ariadne is checking out a few cheaper rentals in Howl Barrow.

She likes this neighborhood - she likes the feel of it, and especially the architecture, which is all over the place. She's not sure how Arthur will feel about it, but if the price is right she can probably override any objections he might have.

Still, the weird architecture can make it difficult to find the right place, and she's trying to walk down the street, craning her head to find the actual street numbers so she can find the right building.

It's rather inevitable that she'll run into someone.

"Oof! Crap, I'm sorry..."

Perfect!

[betterthansubpoenas]

The inevitable was made even more so by Kalinda's own design. She turns quickly after clipping Ariadne and puts her hands on her shoulders to steady her. "Whoa! No, that was my fault." Really. "Terribly sorry about that. You all right?"

She's also now also got her back turned, minimising her chances of being recognised by the man she's been following. A couple minutes of conversation, and he'll be up the block and she'll be free to continue her canvas of the neighbourhood without risk of detection.

"I'm Kalinda. You look like you're looking for something."

[buildindreemz]

"I'm fine, don't worry about me," Ariadne says, still apologetic as she rights herself and adjusts her messenger bag. Then she holds out her hand for Kalinda to shake, if she wants. "I'm Ariadne. I'm just sort of...scouting the neighborhood, actually. We're starting to apartment hunt." The we rolls off her tongue like it's perfectly natural.

[betterthansubpoenas]

Kalinda does take that offered hand and shakes firmly, like someone who's used to her handshake being her first impression. "We?" She doesn't look around to see if Ariadne's with anybody. She did that before she decided to run into her. "Well, it's a nice place from what I've seen so far. Your would-be neighbours seem friendly." She's been door to door some already. "I think I saw a place for rent down the block a ways," she points helpfully in the direction she came from.

"We're... in the same cohort, aren't we? CeidaryBlue. You must be looking to move out of the Valhalla."

[buildindreemz]

"Me, and Arthur. And possibly our... friend, Mal," she says with a shrug. "But yeah. We haven't been here very long, but we'd like to get out of the inn pretty soon - neither of us cares much for it. We figured pooling our resources might let us get out a bit sooner than if we did it on our own."

She glances up the street, a smile on her face. "I like this place. It's quirky."

[betterthansubpoenas]

"Yeah," Kalinda agrees with a nod of her head. "That's a good strategy. Getting out of the inn early on is a good move. It might be cramped with the three of you just starting out, but once you find your footing, moving into something more spacious shouldn't be tough."

Her brow doesn't quite furrow, but there is this sense that something has just occurred to Kalinda. Whether it has, or whether she's only playing at the realisation being sudden is up for debate. "Curious, don't you think? Three of you arriving so close together? The city works in mysterious ways."

Spit Hearth

[thedominatrix]

"I'll have to see about tonight, I'm ever so busy--" Irene murmurs to the man whose arm she's resting a light hand on, her mind running through the myriad of things she'd like to say to him, from I prefer your wife to please brush your teeth.

However, he's already bought her a new, upgraded and almost ridiculously expensive CiD (well, back at home, her phone had solid gold inlay and sapphire keys; she has a certain standard when it comes to communication devices) and this week she thinks he'll be good enough to cough up for the imported Bordeaux she likes. Thanks to the necessity of stelanmancy it's far more expensive here than it ever was at home, and at home it wasn't necessarily cheap. His benefits outweigh his (nonetheless numerous) flaws.

He's drawing out their goodbyes, which sets Irene's teeth on edge, but she flutters and laughs and casts looks from under her eyelashes anyway, taking steps backwards and eventually turning to make her escape. If she can get a few more steps away, he'll give up on the idea of running after her and making some sort of romantic gesture, she thinks- romantic gestures don't just irritate her, they also devalue her potential blackmail material. But she can feel him take that step, suddenly overcome by his own hopeless infatuation with the dream Irene has fashioned for him, head probably filled with the notion of dropping her into the sort of kiss where the camera pans around in a 360 whirl and the music swells in the background. Well, she is in no mood to indulge him today, which was why she tried to extricate herself in the first place, knowing that she either had to leave or break character in front of him--

Only one thing for it. "Darling," Irene gasps, hand shooting out to catch the arm of a woman walking by her- a woman she has never met before. "God, I haven't seen you in forever, I thought you'd fallen off the face of Baedal. How are you?"

And from the corner of her eye, she sees the man hesitate on the verge of coming closer- and give in, saving his romantic gestures for another day. Good.

Unfortunately, the thing about this particular move- grabbing someone and pretending to be friends with them in order to discourage someone else from trying to interact with you- is that it works best if the person you grab is someone who doesn't ask questions. So, really, it's unlucky that of all the people in Baedal, Irene's hand landed on the arm of Kalinda Sharma.

[betterthansubpoenas]

Kalinda may ("may") be the type to ask questions, but she's also able to answer many of them without posing them to others. It's not difficult to recognise the plight of the woman attempting to flee an over-affectionate man, and as such, she wastes no time putting on a delighted face, placing her hands on Irene's arms before planting a kiss on her cheek.

"It's been too long! Oh, but I am so busy. Please, could you walk with me?" A hand on Irene's elbow guides her decidedly away from her misguided and amorous suitor, as if Kalinda simply hadn't noticed he was ever there. You see? The slight was entirely unintended, she's just so very distracted.

[thedominatrix]

Irene smiles like the cat that got the cream, all positive girlish glee at the prospect of meeting an old friend, keeping up the charade and the chatter until they turn a corner-- "Still very happy to commandeer people for your own nefarious purposes, I see- still, I probably wouldn't recognise you otherwise..."

And then they're firmly out of view, but Irene keeps walking with arm looped in Kalinda's like they're best friends. She gives her a grin full of teeth. "That was masterful, thanks ever so much."

[betterthansubpoenas]

And she smiles back, finding she's actually enjoyed herself quite a bit. But Kalinda always enjoys thwarting men. Or women. Just having thwarted someone in general is quite fun. "It was my pleasure. You didn't necessarily look in need of rescue, but..." She gives a shrug. Surely Irene knows what she means.

"Is he always such a problem?"

[thedominatrix]

Irene knows very well what she means. Anyway, perhaps it's true to say that she was in need of a rescue, there's no shame in that- just so long as, for the most part, she rescued herself.

"Not always, or I wouldn't put up with him. He has his advantages. You know how it is," she says, flicking her eyes over Kalinda.

Well, she doesn't know if Kalinda knows how it is, but if she does, Irene's neatly implying a level of understanding, as if they're co-conspirators, building bridges- and if she doesn't, then Irene's opinion is that she's probably not worth it anyway.

Win-win.