Sunday nights (open to those with Access) - Frogman's Lilypad

Jim sat on the back patio, a small reading lamp attached to a stand overlooking his seat as he read the very thick book.  A cigar smoldered in an ashtray next to him and a beer sat on the ground next to his seat.  The fire-pit burned low nearby and gave a slight counter-glow to the small reading light.

It was a quiet night... and one rare to have.

Shauna was also reading and when she heard a particular address mentioned she turned up the scanner that was always with her. "Regency." She said softly. "Somethings up."

Jim looked over at her. "Fire or police?" He asked. "Either is unusual in PSL on a Sunday."

"Police and EMS. Likely a medical call of some kind." Shauna said and went back to reading her book.

"Ah... well, given most kindred won't go near the place other than the Officers now, I'm fairly certain it's something mortal related," Jim said. "Likely someone got drunk, slipped in the pool or something equally benign... something silly."


Lifting his cigar, he took a draw upon it, the glow brightening a bit by the draw of air through it. "Keeping eyes away from anywhere upstairs is the New Keeper's job now, whoever it is."

Shauna shrugged. "Keeper is only responsible for the floor and peoples comings and goings. I have no idea how security is witht he ban in effect." She sounded slightly concerned. "But like you said I'm sure they have it well in hand."

"Yeah, I know... but anything that happens there can be cause for concern for whoever is keeper now." Jim replied with a shrug. "Hope whoever his grace picked to replace you is able to do the job... Otherwise, there will be headaches. not our problem though..."

He set the book down. "Want a beer?"

"Sure." She said. "I'm not even on call tonight."

Jim got up. "I was wondering... as y'all was home and reading out here instead of doing paperwork. Paperwork that always seems to get you called when you are in the middle of it." The Tremere made his way to the door at the kitchen and within seven seconds, returned with a Bitburger, already opened for her.

"Madame..."

"Sir." She said and took it. "If I were Keeper still I'd likely be there since it IS my night off." And with that she drank a good swig from the bottle.

"Yeah..." jim replied as he took his seat once more. "you would be... and that would suck. Here's to not having a job you don't get support in..."

He lifted his beer in toast.

And she drank to that too and placed it on the side with her book.

He set his beer back on the ground and returned to reading the very dry book, cigar in hand.

Shauna closed her eyes. "They will call if they need us." She whispered.

A cocked eyebrow. "Yeah.... they will."

Shauna nodded her eyes opening. "They won't you know." She said. "They never do." Shauna was in one of her moods now. The ones that had Anarch written on them.

"Nope... they won't," He said. "They didn't in Philly either until someone realized that they were being stupid and made a point ot ask for Help." Jim tapped the ash off his cigar.

"Liam was smarter than this one, Shauna..." He said. "As much a stubborn bastard as he was, he did know his limitations and was unafraid to bring in those he knew could do the job. Its why he asked you to help... and asked me to be his Sheriff... We weren't owned and he knew it."

"Too young to be any good here I think." She said softly. "I don't know about you but EVERYONE seems to be an elder here or claim it. I'm considering it a vacation spot for now."

"Yeah... it does seem that way," He said. "Too damn many of them; Assamites from the other side of the fence would have a field day here. Or at least try to."

He shook his head. "Crazy..."

His phone chirped then and he looked at the number. "Hrm... a call from Philly."


Lifting the phone he answered

Hello?
...
Heya what's up? How's you-

....

Seriously? When did it happen?

....

Ok... thank you for the call. You didn't have to.

....

Yeah well, tell him he's too good for them up there.

...

Alright. Later"


He hung up. "Shit."

Shauna looked over at him with a raised eyebrow. "Field trip?"

"Possibly..." Jim said as he looked at Shauna. "That was Rena... she felt I should know Bill Shultz died last night. Rishi gave her the number; he's busy verifying the infernal critter Bill took down with him didn't have friends..."

Shauna looked displeased by the news. "Are you sure?"

He set the phone down. "Rena said Rishi told her that Prince Cole and a few others were near when it happened," Jim replied. "Rishi is a comedian at times but he wouldn't shit me about this. Rena wouldn't either."

Shauna folded her hands into her lap. "Jim I'm sorry for your loss." She said softly. "He was a decent Kindred and a good person."

A quiet nod. "He always thought you were under-appreciated by your Clan, Shauna..." Jim replied. "He was happy to back you in coming back to the Cam; both politically and personally... he made it to Regent, incidentally..."

He stood. "I'll be back in a sec." The Tremere went inside the house and came back with a bottle of German Schnaps along with a pair of glasses.

"This is Straight stuff...