YarnKittymon: : ::Harry and Stephanie had a rather enjoyable night, taking in dinner and a comedic play, and Harry's supposed to be walking her back to her hotel room, now, though he stops to look at the stars, not really wanting the night to end::
Maeve Owens: SV: ::looking up; quietly:: Rather pretty aren't they?
YarnKittymon: HR: ::leans closer to Stephanie, not even thinking of the smooth lines he's prone to use on other girls:: It's a beautiful night. Nearly perfect, in my eyes.
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she turns to look at him, and her eyes widen to find him so close to her. She smiles:: Well, then how do we make such a perfect night never end?
YarnKittymon: HR: ::draws the woman closer, bending down to lightly kiss her::
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she kisses him back:::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::puts his arms around Stephanie and gets rather caught up in the moment; when he pulls back, he's surprised to find a small envelope leaning against his boot::
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she sighs when he pulls away, but she hasn't looked down to inspect his boots so she misses the note::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::keeps one hand on one of Stephanie's, but stoops down and picks up the envelope gingerly; it has no name:: It's not windy. ::frowns:: Still, someone might have lost it, though.
Maeve Owens: SV: ::her eyes widen:: Oh. Hm. Well, open it and see who it belongs to.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::nods, breaking the seal, and holding the note under a streetlight so he can read it::
YarnKittymon: : ::it simply says:: She's in the archery shop.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::shows it to Stephanie, frowning:: Is it a code for someone?
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she frowns:: Probably. A secret rendezvous? But why is it in the third person?
YarnKittymon: HR: "She" could be a code for something, like, oh, I don't know, a jewel shipment.
Maeve Owens: SV: Oh. Thinking like a guard are we? Well in that case we should go check it out. ::she smiles, and saunters away::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::follows her with a smirk, pocketing the envelope:: Still seems a bit suspicious, but we may not have time to call for backup.
Maeve Owens: SV: ::with a mysterious lilt in her voice:: No, after all we have no idea how far of a head start they have on us?
YarnKittymon: HR: ::gives Stephanie a strange look before he gets to the archery store, which should be closed this time of night; the lights are out, but when he tries the back door, it's unlocked::
Maeve Owens: SV: What? You really think something is going on as random as that and a note just happened to land in your lap allerting you to it? If so, I'd say it was a trap. ::she smirks::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::pulls back from the door, blinking, then smiles:: Woman, you've addled my mind. ::smirks:: Got too caught up in your eyes to think straight. If it *is* a trap, we need backup, at any rate.
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she makes a strangled cry through the gag in her mouth, and tries to get their attention by banging her tied feet against the wall::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::looks up at Stephanie:: Did you hear that?
Maeve Owens: SV: Yeah, but it could have just been a rat.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::frowns, looking around; after a moment, he knocks on the door, calling:: Hello?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she yells even louder but its stil muffled by the gag in her mouth. She kicks out at one of the nearby display cases, trying to knock it over::
YarnKittymon: YarnKittymon rolled 2 6-sided dice: 3 1
YarnKittymon: YarnKittymon rolled 2 6-sided dice: 6 2
YarnKittymon: YarnKittymon rolled 2 6-sided dice: 5 4
YarnKittymon: : ::the case doesn't topple, but one of the crossbows falls out, hitting the ground--the silly thing was armed and ready, so the bolt discharges as the weapon hits the ground, hitting the far window and crashing through the glass, shattering it::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she jumps, pressing herself against the wall::
Maeve Owens: SV: Okay, *that* couldn't have been a rat. ::motions for Harry to go through the door::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::draws his dagger and slips inside, looking around for anything out-of-the-ordinary; his eyes soon adjust to the darkness, and he sees a prone figure tied up on the floor; he stoops to loose her::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::sighs in relief:: I really thought I was going to spend the rest of the night tied up, and sitting on this floor! And let me tell you, trying to cut these ropes with an arrow head is not as easy as they make it look in the moves!
YarnKittymon: HR: ::helps Maeve up:: What *happened*?
YarnKittymon: YarnKittymon rolled 2 6-sided dice: 6 6
YarnKittymon: : ::Stephanie doesn't notice a cloaked figure drawing close to the back door of the shop::
Maeve Owens: MV: I don't know. One moment I was sleeping, and the next I'm being attacked by a smelly cloth. Never did see who the arm belonged to. Never got a chance to burn them either. ::she rubs at her throbbing temple::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::frowns::
YarnKittymon: YarnKittymon rolled 2 6-sided dice: 3 4
YarnKittymon: : ::suddenly, Stephanie feels rough hands shove her forward, into the open doorway of the archery shop::
Maeve Owens: SV: ::cries out in alarm as she stumbles forward::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::reaches out to catch Stephanie, just as the door slams closed::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::her eyes widen, and she quickly pushes past them to the door, trying to force it open::
YarnKittymon: : ::the door is closed, and after a few moments, they hear a hammer driving nails into the frame::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::curses, and tries to bash the other door in, though it's firmly shut::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::bangs on the door, and starting to sound slightly panicked:: Hey! What's going on!
YarnKittymon: : ::no one replies to Maeve, though they can hear more nails being driven in::
Maeve Owens: SV: ::decides to investigate the window, see if they could potentially climb out of it::
YarnKittymon: : ::the window is protected by iron bars, to keep anyone from breaking in, though it will keep people from getting out, too::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::quietly:: Watch the window; if they walk by we can at least see who trapped us.
Maeve Owens: SV: ::looks out the window::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she starts pacing:: Why the three of us? Is there anything that connects all of us together? This isn't making any sense.
YarnKittymon: : ::there's nothing much to be seen out the window at the moment::
YarnKittymon: : ::the pounding of the hammer suddenly stops::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she moves to the window, and slides in next to Stephanie::
YarnKittymon: : ::they still don't see anything in front of the window, but suddenly they hear a crackling sound::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she jerks away from the window, and looks back towards the door; cries:: They're setting this place on fire!
YarnKittymon: HR: ::eyes widen, and he looks around the room like a caged animal:: Is there an ax anywhere?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::sarcastically:: I dont know. Do axes and bows go together? ::she searches the place anyway::
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she yanks on the bars, hoping that maybe they're old, and weathered::
YarnKittymon: : ::the bars are in good shape, and there's no ax to be seen; they can already smell the smoke coming up from the floorboards::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she begins to cough, and the pounding in her head intensifies, she moans:: Why is this happening? I haven't done anything in weeks! Besides get thrown in jail, and how could that have possibly made anyone this angry!
Maeve Owens: SV: We'll worry about that later! First find a way out of this place! ::in desperation, she starts searching the walls for another door, anything, they can get out of::
YarnKittymon: : ::the building is well-made, and there's not so much as a loose board, let alone an extra door::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::coughs once:: Stephanie, I'm sorry! I should've listened to you!
Maeve Owens: SV: I didn't think of it myself until it was almost too late, and by then it would have been a little cruel just to leave her!
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she moves over to the window again, and tries to melt down the iron bars::
YarnKittymon: : ::Maeve can't melt the bars, but they get hot enough, they set the wood around the frame to smoking::
Maeve Owens: MV: Blast! ::she gives up, and turns to look around the room again::
YarnKittymon: : ::the room is starting to fill with smoke; Harry suddenly picks up a crossbow, loading it:: We've got to get someone's attention! Is there anyone out there?
Maeve Owens: MV: Not that I could see. Plus, the whole town is sleeping! ::grumbles:: Except for us.
Maeve Owens: SV: And they'd need a hammer to get us out of here! Or an axe. Its not like they can just open the door.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::coughs rather violently, and gives up his thoughts of firing a crossbow bolt, instead tossing his envelope out the window; coughing again:: Maeve, can you burn our way out?
Maeve Owens: MV: I'd probably kill us before I did any good! ::she yells out inbetween coughs::
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she's doubled over near the windows, hacking up a lung::
YarnKittymon: YarnKittymon rolled 2 6-sided dice: 6 3
YarnKittymon: HR: ::calls out too, but no one at all answers; after a moment:: Get down near the floor. We'll--::coughs::--have a little more air.
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she looks towards the window, but there's so much smoke billowing out of it she thinks better of it. Instead she gets down on the ground:: I can start over in the corner, see what good I can do at burning my way out....
Maeve Owens: SV: ::lowers herself to the floor as well, still coughing::
YarnKittymon: HR: Can you make a quick, hot fire? Just destroy the wall? We can run through--::coughs violently::
Maeve Owens: MV: I'm going to try but its never as easy as it sounds! ::she pauses in her trek across the room to cough. By the time her chest is momentarily satisfied, there's tears running down her cheeks from the burning in her chest::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::grabs Stephanie's hand, nearly overcome by the smoke by now::
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she's curled up on the floor, still coughing. Her hand is nearly limp::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she barely makes it over to the wall where she tries to start up a hot enough fire to where they can break through::
YarnKittymon: YarnKittymon rolled 2 6-sided dice: 5 6
YarnKittymon: : ::at first, all Maeve does is cause the wall to smoulder, which just makes things worse, but finally, the fire goes through::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::tries to turn her face away from the smoke, but it does little good. By the end, she's moving on pure adrenalin. Once she sees the outside world, she tries to knock the wood aside:: I've got it! ::she chokes out::
YarnKittymon: : ::Maeve manages to knock the flaming wood aside to make a doorway, though her sleeves get singed::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::perks up with the fresh air coming in, and takes a deep breath; coughs at the smoke still in the air, and hoarsely calls:: Stephanie?
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she coughs; faintly:: I'm here...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she sucks in a lung full of fresh air then crawls back to where they are::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::still holding Stephanie's hand, crawls forward, trying to lead her::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::slowly crawls back towards the opening, having a rather hard time keeping herself moving. Once she's out, she collapses on the lawn, coughing::
Maeve Owens: SV: ::with the thought of finally being free, she gets another burst of energy, and pushes herself out after Harry::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::starts lagging as they near the exit, and Stephanie has to push him before he makes it out::
Maeve Owens: SV: ::doesn't have *enough* energy to physical push him out, but she urges him on as much as she can::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she's still curled up on the grass, completely spent, and trusting they can move out on their own::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::bends over and coughs all the more when he gets the fresh air in his lungs; between coughs he just manages to murmur:: Stephanie?
Maeve Owens: SV: ::weakly:: Are we out yet?
YarnKittymon: HR: ::coughs some more, then turns to look at Stephanie; his eyes are bloodshot and his face is covered in soot, except where the tears have washed it away:: We're alive...Maeve? ::turns to her::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she lifts her hand up in a weak acknowledgement; hoarsly:: Everyone...alive? ::coughs some more::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::nods, though his clothes are scorched and he has a burn on his hand:: We should...get away...get help...
Maeve Owens: MV: You don't...think they'll...be back do you?"
YarnKittymon: : ::finally, one of the guards on patrol comes by; he's a young man, and just stares in astonishment when he sees the building behind them, with its foundations in flames and a pillar of smoke rising from it::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::coughs again, not answering::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::her eyes are closed so she doesn't see him::
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she lifts her head weakly to look around, and when she sees him, she just stares. Coughing again, she puts her head back down, looking at Harry:: It wasn't the guards was it?
YarnKittymon: HR: ::quietly:: Shouldn't have been...::calling out as loudly as he can, which isn't much at this point:: Hahn! You see anyone around? ::caught in another coughing fit; the guard runs to them, and Harry has to yell:: No! Who started the fire!
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she cracks open eye to look at the guard. She opens her mouth to speak, but ends up coughing some more::
Maeve Owens: SV: They're probably...long gone...
YarnKittymon: : ::the guard runs to check anyway; he doesn't come back, but a couple other guards do, one carrying a pitcher of water and a few glasses::
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she smirks at them::
Maeve Owens: MV: Oh right... ::coughs violently:: like that's going... to help.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::frowns at the ladies, then takes a glass of water from the guard; it feels good on his throat, and he's less hoarse when he talks:: Did anyone think to call the fire department?
YarnKittymon: : ::not ten seconds after Harry's remark, a horse-drawn fire carriage comes up, though the best they have is a bucket brigade to douse the flames, or at least keep them from spreading to the other buildings::
Maeve Owens: ((LOL. I so though they meant to put the fire out with that... of course I suppose the smoke could have gotten to them bad enough for them to think the same thing))
YarnKittymon: ((I thought it was pretty funny, actually :D ))
Maeve Owens: SV: ::pulls herself up to a sitting position, and looks up at Harry. She coughs. There's a pretty good burn on forearm, and she winces when she scrapes it across the singed fabric of her pants::
YarnKittymon: : ::the guard with the water looks down at the group in concern:: We need to get you over to Isaac.
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she groans, and finally pulls herself into a sitting position. Her red hair is practically black now, and her eyes are red, and puffy from the smoke and the tears. She wipes at her face which is streaked with black soot::
Maeve Owens: SV: We need...to find who did this.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::nods, slowly getting to his feet, then reaching down to help Stephanie:: We're all right...for now.
YarnKittymon: : ::the guard frowns, shaking his head:: Don't play hero, any of you.
Maeve Owens: MV: ::mutters:: Oh, we wont. We know where *that* gets us. ::coughs some more::
YarnKittymon: HR: They can't have gotten far. We have to find them. ::chokes back a cough::
Maeve Owens: SV: ::hoarsly:: Is there anymore water left?
YarnKittymon: : ::the guard holds a glass out to Stephanie, rather eagerly::
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she takes it from him, smiling weakly, and then gulps down about half of it::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::nods to Stephanie, still looking a fright:: You stay back here. I need to ::coughs:: do some investigation.
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she shakes her head:: I'm going with you. They tried to kill me too.
Maeve Owens: MV; ::shakily gets to her feet; coughs:: And if you think I'm staying behind your crazy.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::smirks:: You have guts, woman. ::glances back at Maeve:: You too. There...should be a few guards on the hunt, too.
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she smirks at Harry, thinking, "and he's just *now* figuring this out?"::
Maeve Owens: SV: The more chance we have of figuring out who wanted us dead.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::nods:: Okay...just watch your back. ::looks around for anyone suspicious::
Maeve Owens: MV: Whoever it was didn't pass by the window so I guess we should look for footprints everywhere but in that direction. ::walks over to the other side of the smouldering shack::
YarnKittymon: HR: And someone working there must have left the note; we can ask if anyone saw anyone then...
Maeve Owens: SV: Why would they do that? Looked like a set up to me.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::coughs:: Sorry. I mean someone in on the plan did it. ::rubs his eyes tiredly; the town is just starting to come awake again, with news of the commotion::
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she nods, figuring that to be true::
YarnKittymon: : ::Maeve just catches sight of someone in a dark robe, though it may be a hallucination caused by the smoke; the person seems to be running away::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she blinks, hesitates just a moment, but then decides not to take the risk:: Harry! ::takes off after them::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::looks back at Maeve:: What? ::sees that she's running after someone, and follows, feeling a stitch in his side develop almost instantly, though he keeps on::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::her lungs are burning, but she forces herself to keep moving:: Hey! ::coughs, and stumbles a bit before she keeps moving:: Wait!
YarnKittymon: : ::when the figure hears Maeve's call, it walks more quickly::
YarnKittymon: YarnKittymon rolled 2 6-sided dice: 1 1
YarnKittymon: HR: ::yells:: Stop, in the name of the guard!
YarnKittymon: : ::the figure looks back for just a moment, though he's still going at such a pace, there's no way the smoke-addled group can catch him--however, in that moment, he doesn't look where he's going, and he collides squarely with one of the few unlit lampposts in town; he staggers back and falls to the ground::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::if her lungs weren't burning so bad, she'd laugh::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::doesn't laugh, but can't help a smile; draws forward to examine the accident's victim::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she closes in, going much slower now:: Who..is he?? ::she huffs, rubbing at her sore throat::
Maeve Owens: SV: ::is slowly catching up to them::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::looks down at the unconscious man, who, despite fashion, has a scraggly beard; hoarsely:: Don't know...could be a Red...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::her eyes widen:: He certainly...went to... a *lot* of trouble. ::coughs a little::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::frowns at Stephanie:: Could be...one of your people...dressed up...you know him?
Maeve Owens: SV: ::walks over to examine the unconscious figure::
YarnKittymon: YarnKittymon rolled 2 6-sided dice: 1 1
YarnKittymon: : ::it takes a few moments, because the beard is new, but Stephanie definitely recognizes him as a spy she's worked with a couple times::
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she sighs:: It's one of ours. Although I dont know why he would take Maeve, or try to kill Harry.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::frowns:: He must have had a partner, at least. What do we do now?
Maeve Owens: MV: You're the guard Harry. ::coughs:: Arrest him.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::nods, looking around for a guard; after a minute or so he spots one and yells, and the man comes running; Harry says, under his breath:: But if it comes out he's in the queen's employ, we have some trouble.
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she frowns:: I doubt the queen will take his side. Not since he tried to kill the two of you after you both helped her.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::rubs his head:: I hope you're right. ::looks up at the guard, a little annoyed because of who it is:: Milton, arrest this fella, will you? We suspect he tried to kill us, or else was at least drunk enough to run into a lamppost.
YarnKittymon: : ::the guard smirks, pulling out his handcuffs::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she doesn't look to happy about *that* guard being there either::
Maeve Owens: SV: We dont have much choice. He knows something so unless we stand here waiting for him to wake up... Jail is the safest bet.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::smiles weakly:: If people who have connections to the queen keep coming in and causing trouble, maybe *she'll* be the one knocked out of her position.
YarnKittymon: : ::Guard Milton hauls up the unconscious man roughly, grimacing at Harry once before walking back towards the jail::
Maeve Owens: SV: ::mutters under her breath:: The whole island better pray for that very thing.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::still rather hoarse:: I still think there's another one. ::turns to go look for him::
Maeve Owens: SV: ::follows him back to the site with Maeve close on her heels::
YarnKittymon: : ::as they draw back to the scene of the crime, the owner of the archery shop approaches the three of them, livid with anger:: What's the meaning of this?!
Maeve Owens: MV: ::mutters hoarsly:: We'd tell you, but we don't know.
YarnKittymon: : ::the owner shakes his head:: Arsonist! Or is it that you can't control your powers!
YarnKittymon: : ::the fire department has managed to keep the fire contained, but the archery shop is almost a total loss; parts of its roof have even caved in::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::her eyes widen, and she stops:: Right. Now why would I *intentionally* burn down the building I was trapped in! What? Are you going to call me suicidal as well?
YarnKittymon: : ::the shop owner glares:: So you're a danger to yourself too.
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she rolls her eyes at him::
YarnKittymon: : ::the owner shakes his head, looking at Harry:: I want this girl arrested!
Maeve Owens: MV: ::angrily:: I didn't start the fire!
YarnKittymon: HR: ::shakes his head:: Stephanie and I are witnesses, sir. She had nothing to do with it. Believe me, she can control her powers better than that.
YarnKittymon: : ::the man doesn't look pacified in the least::
Maeve Owens: SV: Someone else started it. It's either the man we just had arrested, or another working for him. ::she glances at Harry as if to say they'd better be moving on::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::mutters:: We don't have time for this. ::stalks off to search around for more clues::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::clears his throat, and coughs up a bit of soot, then walks off quickly, picking up the "invitation" he received on his way::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she glances back at Harry, and sees the note:: What's that?
Maeve Owens: SV: Is there anyway to tell who might have wrote it? Its not on any kind of special paper is it?
YarnKittymon: HR: ::shows Maeve the note:: It's just regular paper, but maybe we could match the handwriting. I guess you don't recognize it?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::shakes her head::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::frowns, studying it; shakes his head:: Me neither. We'll have to have--::cringes as he catches his burned hand on the note, taking it back from Maeve::--We'll have to have the guards get a sample from the one we've
YarnKittymon: arrested.
Maeve Owens: MV: If there's nothing else to go on then we're just going to have to wait for him to wake up then? That could take hours.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::shakes his head:: The guards should be surrounding the town by now...with luck we can catch the other party.
Maeve Owens: MV: What if they've already headed out of town?
YarnKittymon: HR: ::weakly:: Then we wait 'til the next time someone tries to kill us?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::mutters:: Wonderful.
YarnKittymon: HR: Come on; let's see if anyone around saw who left the note. ::looks around, coughing once::
Maeve Owens: MV: Did you notice anyone else around when you found it? Where were you when you found it?
YarnKittymon: HR: ::motions to the spot:: Just stopped here for a bit. It wasn't *that* long after the play let out; there were a few people about.
Maeve Owens: MV: Do you remember who?
YarnKittymon: HR: ::glances at Stephanie helplessly, thinking he was sort of occupied at the time::
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she winces, trying to recall the names of the people that were there:: Mr. and Mrs. Brockman I believe were out there. The Whittman kids, and two young people I dont know the names of.
Maeve Owens: MV: ::looks just a bit impressed::
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she shrugs, secretly thinking its her job to notice things but she isn't about to clue Maeve in on that::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::smiles, though he's a bit embarrassed that he appears to be losing his touch:: I remember the young people...::looks around, then motions to the nearest cafe:: They just sat down to get something to eat. Mr. and Mrs. Brockman are almost for sure at home, and the Whittman kids are going to be in trouble for sure, if their parents hear they were out so late.
Maeve Owens: SV: ::points to the cafe:: They're closest. Lets start with them.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::nods, walking off with her; pauses:: Unless you want to split up.
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she shrugs:: Sure. I can take the Brockman's.
Maeve Owens: MV: ::quickly:: I get the cafe.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::laughs:: So I'm the one who has to blackmail the kids? Fine; have it your way. Meet you back here in a few, then? ::smiles at Stephanie::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::wipes self consciously at the soot on her face::
Maeve Owens: SV: ::smiles back:: Well, I thought I was being nice. DIid you really want the Brockman's since you'll likely have to get them out of bed?
YarnKittymon: HR: ::laughs:: Okay, okay. ::looks pointedly at Maeve:: *She* has the easy one, besides. ::smirks as he walks off::
YarnKittymon: : ::as Maeve walks off, another passer-by, brought out by news of a fire, whistles at her, eyeing up her nightgown-clad frame::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she glares at him, at first thinking he was trying to be funny since she's covered in soot. Her hand brushes against the fabric of her nightgown, and she freezes. Glancing down, her worst nightmare is confirmed.::
YarnKittymon: YarnKittymon rolled 2 6-sided dice: 4 4
YarnKittymon: : ::the man laughs again, until a girl comes out of a nearby building and elbows him harshly, glaring::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she smirks, and moves on toward her house; muttering:: Serves him right. Hope his rib is broken.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::doesn't bother to do anything besides rinse his face off a bit as he makes his way to the Whittmans'. He sneaks around to the back of the house, the soot on his clothes helping him to blend in with the shadows. He lobs a
YarnKittymon: pebble at the kids' window, only later thinking better of his actions, once it's too late::
Maeve Owens: ::a little girl of about thirteen pulls the curtain back. Her eyes widen when she sees Harry, but she's too surprised to do anything but stare::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::waves at the girl, smiling sheepishly; calls up:: It's Guard Harry Chalmers...can you come down a second?
Maeve Owens: ::she frowns at him, and glances over her shoulder. She says something to the other occupant in the room then looks back at Harry, and nods her head. She disappears from site completely::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::crouches by the door, waiting for the girl::
Maeve Owens: ::three minutes pass before the little girl comes out, wrapped up in a big robe. Her eleven year old brother right behind her; quietly:: Are we in trouble for seeing the movie?
YarnKittymon: HR: ::shakes his head; softly:: I won't tell your parents if they don't catch you. Did you see me and Miss Vallero while you were on your way home?
Maeve Owens: ::the little girl nods:: Yes. ::she giggles::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::blushes a little; softly:: Did you see anyone else?
Maeve Owens: ::she thinks for a moment, then slowly nods::
YarnKittymon: HR: Who did you see?
Maeve Owens: ::she puts on a serious face as she tells him quietly who she saw there.:: Mr. and Mrs. Brockman, Lilly and her boyfriend, and a strange man who was staring at Miss Vallero. ::she leans and whispers:: At first I thought it was my
Maeve Owens: dad because he's been growing a beard and mommy hates it.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::nods slowly:: Was he wearing a robe?
Maeve Owens: ::the little girl shakes her head::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::nods again:: Thanks, kiddo. Did you see which way he went?
Maeve Owens: ::the little girl shakes her head no:: We had to get home real quick.
Maeve Owens: ::the little boy looks up at Harry:: And you're really not gonna tell our dad?
YarnKittymon: HR: ::smiles:: I never saw you, if you never saw me. Now get back in bed before they catch you.
Maeve Owens: ::the little boy nods, and grins then dashes back inside::
Maeve Owens: ::the little girl smiles shyly at Harry:: Good night! ::and then she quietly closes the door::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::still smiling; whispers:: Thanks again.
YarnKittymon: : ::elsewhere, Mr. and Mrs. Brockman live in a rather severe-looking house in the heart of town, with its shutters closed all day long. The lights are already out; in fact, it's surprising that the couple was out late enough to
YarnKittymon: see Harry and Stephanie in the first place::
Maeve Owens: SV: ::She grimaces just before she knocks loudly on the door::
YarnKittymon: YarnKittymon rolled 2 6-sided dice: 6 1
YarnKittymon: : ::it's almost a minute before Stephanie hears a woman almost snarl:: Who's there?
Maeve Owens: SV: It's Stephanie Vallero mam, I need to ask you some questions. It's rather important.
YarnKittymon: : ::the woman opens the door; she's probably in her 40s, and wearing her hair in curlers and a modest nightgown under her modest robe. She scowls:: They're letting women join the guard now?
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she takes a deep breath, and tucks a strand of soot laden brown hair behind her ear:: No, but someone tried to kill a few of us tonight and we were hoping that maybe you saw something while you were walking home from the theat
Maeve Owens: er tonight.
YarnKittymon: : ::the woman squints:: I guess you clean up pretty enough, or else that guard wouldn't have as much as had his way with you in the street.
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she flushes, then clears her throat:: Uh, well, I was hoping that maybe you noticed who else was hanging around the theater? Anyone suspicious looking?
YarnKittymon: : ::the woman grimaces:: Besides you?
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she bites back a sarcastic remark, plasters on a sweet smile, and nods her head:: Yes, besides me.
YarnKittymon: : ::Mrs. Brockman thinks for a while:: Saw a no-good couple watching you and Guard Chalmers like you were a show.
Maeve Owens: SV: ::the sweet smile wavers but it stays in place:: The two young people? I wouldn't call them suspicious.
YarnKittymon: : They're underage and they're not from Marquis. I'd call that suspicious.
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she sighs:: Anyone else?
YarnKittymon: : ::Mrs. Brockman shakes her head:: Well, a couple kids, but it's not *my* business to say whether they should be out alone after dark.
Maeve Owens: SV: ::laughs slightly:: Oh well, you know. Thank you for your time Mrs. Brockman. If you think of anything else, please let Mr. Chalmers no. Thanks! ::quickly walks away::
YarnKittymon: : ::the woman nods, retreating back into her house silently::
YarnKittymon: : ::meanwhile, there's a couple lingering over a couple pieces of pie at the cafe--although their features are rather similar, and they're sitting across the table from each other, so it's hard to tell if they're dating or siblings::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she's changed from her nightgown into a more modest blue dress. She's even taken the time to pull her hair up. She comes to a stop in front of there table. She opens her mouth to say somethig, but has to turn away to cough instead::
YarnKittymon: : ::the two look up at Maeve, rather startled at the cough, and the boy says, rather saucily:: Cigarettes are bad for you, you know.
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she turns back to glare at him:: Ha, very funny. But I'm not here to talk about my "smoking" problems, or lack there of. You two were at the theater tonight, right?
YarnKittymon: : ::the girl smirks back:: Could've been. Why?
YarnKittymon: : ::the young man laughs:: She's probably the talent scout for the show. We're funnier than anything on that stage.
Maeve Owens: MV: ::laughs mockingly at him before turning back to the girl:: Something happened out at the archery shop. I was just wondering if you noticed anyone suspicious hanging around on your way here after the show?
YarnKittymon: : ::the young man laughs:: Saw a fella checking a girl...I think he lost his gum and had to see if she had it.
YarnKittymon: : ::the girl giglges at that, but shakes her head, then snaps her fingers:: Yeah, a dirty Red. Why?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::her eyes widen:: Was he wearing a cape? What did he look like?
YarnKittymon: : ::the girl frowns, thinking:: No cape. Hadn't shaved for at least a week, and he could've used a bath. Bright eyes; you could tell he really cared about the cause.
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she looks aggrivated for a moment over his "caring about the cause". She shakes her head and looks back at the girl:: Did you see where he went?
YarnKittymon: : ::the girl nods, frowning:: I can point out the direction, but we're not from around here, so I don't know which way it was on a compass.
YarnKittymon: : ::the boy replies:: Just like a girl.
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she smirks at him:: Okay, well, if you get lost on the way home I can guess which one of you will be man, or I should say *woman*, enough to stop and ask for directions. ::she turns back to the girl:: Would you mind showing me
YarnKittymon: : ::the girl nods again:: If you let us finish our pie first.
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she shrugs:: That's fine. Thanks. I'll just be outside. ::she smiles, walks off::
YarnKittymon: : ::the boy makes another smart remark, and they both laugh; it's another ten minutes before they've finally finished and come out to see Maeve; the girl walks to about the place where Stephanie and Harry kissed, and points down the street, in the opposite direction of the archery shop:: That way. ::frowns:: And he wasn't really a Red, I guess; he was an anarchist.
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she frowns:: You didn't see him leave anything behind did you?
YarnKittymon: : ::the boy says:: He slipped in and dropped a note off while that couple was...::a dirty look from the girl cuts him off:: Why? Was that something important? I figured it was just anarchist code or something.
Maeve Owens: MV: ::She shrugs:: Just wanted to make sure he was the one that left it. Thanks. You've both been a tremendous help. ::she smiles:: And do enjoy your stay in Marquis. It usualy proves to be eventful around here. ::she walks away::
YarnKittymon: : ::the girl laughs slightly:: Well, that's a better show than that so-called comedy. Good luck!
YarnKittymon: HR: ::is already waiting for Maeve at the agreed-upon area::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::turns back to wave: Thanks! ::she walks up to Harry:: You find out anything? I know which way our anarchist took off in. ::she grins::
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she's already there, standing next to Harry::
YarnKittymon: HR: He's an anarchist, then? I heard he had a beard; nothing too good, but a couple witnesses if we need it...::smirks::...except they're kids and I promised them I wouldn't tell their parents they were out late.
Maeve Owens: MV: Well the teenagers I spoke to seemed to think he was. He had that "gleam" in his eyes. Anyway, he went that way. ::points in the direction the girl did::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::frowns:: Don't know if he made it out of town, then, but we can try our best. ::walks quickly that way, suddenly laughing:: Bet he'll be scared to see me and Steph; probably figure we're walking ghosts.
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she frowns:: Uh, if your thinking it wouldn't have killed me... breathing in smoke is just as deadly.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::laughs softly:: No; I just figure I still look like I lost a fight with a chimney, and no offense, Stephanie, but you're not much cleaner. But Maeve, you're clean as a preacher's wife. ::still keeping his eyes out for anyone who looks suspicious::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::mutters:: Yeah, well you could have reminded me I was running around in my nightgown.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::grins:: Sorry, didn't notice...I have eyes for another girl now, remember?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she rolls her eyes:: Right. Or your observation skills are slipping.
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she tosses Harry a secretive smile then turns her attention back to her surroundings::
YarnKittymon: : ::just when it looks like they're not going to have any luck, they see a bearded man in a guard's uniform, walking boldly towards the gates; Harry squints, not recognizing him::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::whispers: Do they even let any of the guards have beards like that?
YarnKittymon: HR: ::frowns:: One or two, but I don't think that one's right. ::runs forward after the man, though he's soon panting for breath:: Stop! Who are you?
YarnKittymon: : ::the man frowns, and walks faster::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::her lungs are still burning, and she barely manages to keep up with Harry, and Stephanie isn't far behind her::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::yells:: Guards!
YarnKittymon: : ::the man frowns, cooly walking back to Harry; he smirks:: At your service; what do you need?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she stops beside Harry, waiting for him to say something since he knows more of the guards than they do::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::frowns:: Show me your badge.
YarnKittymon: : ::the so-called guard grimaces, but takes it out::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::turning red:: That's my badge! Give that back!
Maeve Owens: MV: ::her eyes widen, and she looks from the badge, then back to Harry::
YarnKittymon: : ::the guard grimaces, and suddenly throws a punch at Harry::
YarnKittymon: YarnKittymon rolled 2 6-sided dice: 3 5
YarnKittymon: : ::the fist connects with Harry's face, giving the man a bloody lip::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she jumps at first, not expectng him to start swinging, and before Stephanie can even move, she throws a punch at the guy:: Hey!
YarnKittymon: YarnKittymon rolled 2 6-sided dice: 5 3
YarnKittymon: : ::the man pulls back from Maeve, and turns tail and runs, leaving his badge behind::
Maeve Owens: SV: Hey! We aren't finished with you! ::she coughs, then takes off running after him. Maeve follows her::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::wipes the blood from his face and picks up his badge, then follows::
YarnKittymon: : ::there's a guard watching for an anarchist just outside of Marquis; however, a man in a guard uniform doesn't fit the bill at all, and he stands by to let him pass, calling out to Stephanie and Maeve:: Hold it, ladies!
Maeve Owens: MV: Don't have time to talk! ::tries to push past him::
Maeve Owens: SV: You need to stop that man! He set fire to the archery shop!
YarnKittymon: : ::the guard frowns:: Then why ain't he covered in soot, miss?
YarnKittymon: HR: ::comes by, glaring:: Dry up, Kevin! ::under his breath:: I can see why Jack isn't too fond of the guard. ::shakes his head:: He's impersonating a guard, Kevin! Bring him in!
YarnKittymon: : ::the guard shakes his head:: I've been ordered to stay here.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::is having a very hard time reining in his temper::
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she coughs:: Then let us through!
Maeve Owens: MV: ::shouts hoarsly:: He's getting away!
YarnKittymon: HR: ::rolls his eyes and glares at Kevin:: Fine. Stand back and let us pass! ::at last, the man does let them through, though the false guard already has a head start::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::both of the ladies glare at him as they pass::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::frowns:: Any guesses to where he's headed? We need a horse.
Maeve Owens: MV: ::hesitantly:: Well, that house they were at before is in that direction.
Maeve Owens: SV: Did he leave behind a trail? ::she looks around, trying to find any footprints::
YarnKittymon: HR: But they'd know better than to go there, wouldn't they?
YarnKittymon: : ::there's a lot of footprints since it's such a busy area, and it's too dark to see far into the forest; unless he has a flashlight, the anarchist is rather gutsy to even sneak off that late at night::
Maeve Owens: MV: You would think but he was dumb enough to show you *your* badge instead of just... oh I dont know. Running?
YarnKittymon: HR: ::shrugs:: Maybe he thought I just wouldn't check. ::pauses:: I don't have enough in me to go any farther than that house, anyway. ::frowns, glancing back at Stephanie:: But suppose it's trapped again?
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she shrugs:: It's getting late anyway. I doubt he'd go back there anyhow. ::she coughs again::
Maeve Owens: MV: Or he comes back and kills us in our sleep. ::she smirks::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::frowns:: He tried that for you, didn't he? Maybe we should take watches tonight, just to be sure.
Maeve Owens: MV: Then where do you propose *we* should sleep? I don't feel like adding more kindling to the rumors that are already going around about me.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::frowns; after a moment:: I'm sure I could get one of the other guards to watch your door. Honest, most of them are better than Kevin. ::scowls::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::smirks:: No thanks. I'll think I'll just take my chances. ::looking tired, she turns back towards the town::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::sighs, looking rather tired, himself; softly, to Stephanie:: Sorry I wrecked our romantic evening, though I guess I helped keep it from ending for a couple more hours.
Maeve Owens: SV: That's okay. ::she says, smiling slightly:: I think Maeve is rather grateful anyway.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::smiles, then softly:: What are you going to do tonight?
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she frowns:: I'm not so sure I was the intended victim. So unless you want me to keep an eye out for you- ::she grins at him:: I think I'll be safe.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::smirks:: No...I'm a bit worried for you, though.
Maeve Owens: SV: Why? It was you and Maeve who took out the anarchist.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::frowns:: But you knew the other man involved, right? Maybe you *were* one of the targets.
Maeve Owens: SV: Maybe by accident. I dont see why he'd be after me. At least I dont rememer stepping on his toes at any point during our working relationship.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::softly:: Except siding with the mayor.
Maeve Owens: SV: Ssshh... I think that's still a secret. ::she smiles weakly at him::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::smiles back; softly:: You really think you'll be safe? ::looks a little distant as he speaks::
Maeve Owens: SV: I'll be fine. I'll keep my door locked.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::nods; quietly:: Are you sure?
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she laughs:: Yes Harry. I'll be fine.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::nods, still thoughtfully:: All right, then. You going to Isaac's now, or is your burn not too bad?
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she shakes her head:: I'm all rght I think. I'll just put some cream on it. I don't want to wake them all up for this if it can wait a few more hours. How about you?
YarnKittymon: HR: ::nods:: Yeah, I think you're right. I'll take an aspirin and it won't keep me from sleeping. ::smiles:: Maybe I'll see you at Isaac's in the morning.
Maeve Owens: SV: Oh, you can count on it.
YarnKittymon: HR: ::laughs; after a moment, he leans forward and kisses Stephanie, not minding the soot:: I'll be a bit cleaner then, too, honest.
Maeve Owens: SV: ::she sighs, kissing him back:: I will be too. ::she smiles slightly::
YarnKittymon: HR: ::shrugs, grinning:: You're still pretty, though. Good night.
Maeve Owens: SV: Why thank you. ::whispers:: Good night.

On to Tuesday, August 8, 1933

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