14179/On the Hunt

On the Hunt
Date of Scene:	11 March 2022
Location:	Rain Day Books, South Point
Synopsis:	What better way to spend a rainy day than in the presence of books?
Cast of Characters:	Phantasm (Drago), Thomas Raith

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Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
While not nighttime, Gotham is experiencing darkness a little bit earlier today. Heavy clouds have rolled in and are currently releasing their load over the city, dropplets making a rhythmic pitter patter upon the sidewalk and pavement.

There aren't many outdoors and those who are are moving at a brisk pace, the less careful ones splashing in unseen puddles as they speed to their destinations. And others, like Nick are already huddled into their chosen shelters for the duration of the storm.

Up in the back loft of the store, the ballcap wearing musician sits in one of the sofas provided up there with a book in his hand and a small stack of already decided upon books lying next to him.

The old shop keeper remains behind the register, humming a small tune as he looks through an inventory list.

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith is mostly knowns one of two ways, as the almost Gangster like figure referred to as "The man in White" inside the Blue Lady, or as a loud and somewhat obnoxious rich guy who drives his car to fast, plays his music too loud and is completely full of himself. Today however he seems subdued as it were, riding up to the book store on an antique motorcycle. Still his perchent for wearing all white is very present, and that confident swagger of a monster walking into the sheep's pen is there. He doesn't notice Nick right away, heading to the counter. "I'm Mr. Blanche you called me about a first edition Keats?

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
The shopkeeper looks over to the front door as it chimes open, alerting him to the bar owner's entrance. An assessing glance is given to the man in white, and then sneaking a peek at the antique motorcycle sitting out in the rain drenched street. "All white and on a motorcycle in the middle of a rain storm." The shopkeeper comments, he shakes his head, giving a short chuckle.

The mention of Keats does bring him up to topic though. "OH yes. We did come into possession of one just the other day. But-" He glances to the door, "Do you have a dry place to keep it while taking it home?"

Hearing bits of the exchange Nick arcs a brow, looking towards the staircase that leads down to the first level. That sounds a bit like Thomas but- He shakes his head, looking back to his book. No. Thomas does the humvee thing, not motorcycles. Can't be him.

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith chuckles a little bit to the man behind the counter and nods, pulling out a large ziplock style bag from his inner coat pocket. "I like riding my bike in the rain. It's like having mother nature riding shotgun with you." He says amused. Still he does glance around, hearing the other presense.. Or perhaps just sensing an old friend.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Upon seeing the bag produced, the shopkeeper gives a sigh of relief. "Oh that is good. I would be wary of selling something of that nature to someone who would not take care of it." With a twist of the wrist, he locks up the register and tugs out the key. A coiled wristband snapping it along his hand for easier finding. "I will go fetch the book. It may take a few moments. But in the meantime, feel free to look around."

Invitation given, the store owner putters off to a back room, leaving Thomas to entertain himself.

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith nods to the shop keeper and once he has headed into the bak, steps back onto the enterence mat and wrings his hair out. A lesser man would have the curtesy to look like a drowned rat in that downpour. Thomas naturally looks like he stepped onto the stage of a romantic drama, his hair already starting to curl as it dries. He then glances up the bit os stairs. "Is that you Nick?

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Hearing his name, Nick lowers the book he has in his hands and looks back over to the stairwell, not quite able to look down from where he's situated. Wait is it really him? "...Thomas?" Nick asks. He closes the book, adding it to the 'to buy' stack before he shifts his weight off of the sofa to move over towards the stairwell. He peers around the corner and downwards. Seeing the man, he gives a bit of a smile. "So it is. I thought it might have been but the motorcycle comment threw me off."

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith shrugs a little bit. "It wasn't raining when I left the Club, didn't bother to check the app on my phone." He chuckles a little bit, "What about you, just browsing?

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Not feeling the need to keep speaking down the stairs, Nick descends to speak to his friend a bit more naturally. "That and having a bit of nostalgia." He answers, "Got to get out sometime."

He glances towards the back area before looking to Thomas once more, "So how are things going on at the club?"

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith hesitates and then shakes his head, his blue eyes storming over. "Not the time and place." He says simply, not wanting to talk about the Club, and thus his personal life, here. "But the gentleman told me he had a book I've been looking for. Inari love Ketes and it's her birthday coming up.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick's smile fades a bit to the response, perhaps reading a bit too much into it. "Ah. Well, if he says he has it, he probably does."

The sound of footsteps causes for Nick to take a few steps to the side so as not to block the pathway the shopkeeper needs to return to the counter. "Ah Michael, did you find any books today?"

Nick nods, "Yeah, I've got a small collection going in the loft. Might add a few more if the rain keeps on."

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith looks away from his friend, taking a steading breath and then offering that smile to the Shop keeper. "Now then how much do I owe you?" He asks taking out a white envelope that is ull of soggy but perfectlly acceptable cash.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
The shopkeeper looks to the fully saturated envelope and gives a momentary frown. He sets the book to the far end of the counter away from the envelope, tugging out a card that had been placed on the inside of it. He opens it up, looking to the contents before walking over to Thomas, displaying the amount rather than saying it out loud. There's no point in making other patrons faint at the number, or others get any ideas about what to do with the new owner of said book once it leaves the building. "Considering the nature of your request. I assume you've done your research on what this would be valued." The shopkeeper comments.

Nick makes his way back up the stairs.