[Call of Cthulhu] Cyclops - IC

thumbprince · 04-03-2013, 05:37 PM

Sonder's Jewelry is a store in the diamond district of Jersualem, on Bezalel Street. Each of you is there at the end of the lunch hour.

buddy · 04-03-2013, 06:53 PM

Frank Goldman eyed the store for anything usual while waiting for his accomplice, Arthur, to analyze the available data garnered in the U.S.

Frank was 6'1", 190 lbs., Jewish with a cinnamon complexion that suggested native birth, blonde hair, brown eyes, dressed in a black collared shirt, black pants & shoes. His expression was always serious and challenging. He sipped from a bottled water as he gazed over the store.

That long flight without a smoke. Arthur's relentless chatter. Customs. It all nearly made him lose focus on his objective: the girl. Based on her parents' information and Arthur's unerring talent, he should find her, Provided the boyfriend didn't muck it up. "Paul". His love for the girl might be a problem. Love always was .... problematic.

Spoiler

Amaril · 04-03-2013, 07:29 PM

This is it. This is the place.

Standing in the narrow, windy side street, staring at the sign swinging above the door in the light breeze, I couldn't have explained to myself how I knew with such certainty--but I did. After two months--two long, stressful months, full of worry and late nights and constant arguments with mom--I'd finally made it.

Sonder's Jewelry. First floor 476C Bezalel St., Jerusalem.

In spite of my instincts, I forced myself not to get excited (or, more likely, to throw up all over the sidewalk). Swinging my backpack down off my shoulders and kneeling down on the pavement, I found the now-familiar side pocket, digging out the scrap of battered lined paper and unfolding it carefully. I knew I had to be quick here, since someone from the tour group might come looking for me any moment, but I had to check. If I'd somehow gotten the wrong place, I wanted to waste as little time as possible.

When I'd first found the notes that had led me here, seeing Lila's handwriting on the page had made my heart skip. This was the first time in weeks it had had that same effect. Lila had never been the neatest printer, and the stuff on this page was even messier than usual, but still, there was no mistake. This was it. Nervous and relieved simultaneously, I refolded the scrap of paper, replaced it in its pocket, and swung my backpack over my shoulders.

Okay, you've found it...

...now what?

Actually, that was a good point. Now that I'd finally managed to get here, after all this work and stress, it occurred to me that I had absolutely no idea what to do next. Lila's notes hadn't give any information about this place beyond the address itself--no helpful additions scrawled in the margins saying "ask for Frank, he'll help you out" or anything so easy. Until now, I'd had some idea of what I was doing, a trail to follow. It looked as though from here on out, I was on my own.

Well, what the hell. Might as well just go for it.

I took a deep breath and pushed open the door.

Mr White · 04-04-2013, 08:27 AM

Dieumerci raced through the streets. He knew better than to linger when he just ended his … employment, for lack of better description. The stingy old coot wouldn’t have paid without some decent results anyway. Better to just get an advance and get out. And this ring sure looks like it could pay for at least a few months of carefree living.

There … the jewel store … Dieu had kept his eyes open when passing through the streets these past few days. Always best to plan your escape route well before.
He rushed through the door. His eyes needed to adjust to the indoor light.

LPlate · 04-04-2013, 08:38 AM

Joshua strolled easily down Bezazel Street. He was moving against the general flow of pedestrian traffic as people made their way back to work. He was dressed in a light brown, inexpensive suit. It suggested that he was a professional, albeit a not very well paid one. He stroked his goatee as he walked - with or without the goatee, he did not receive many compliments on his looks. His skin was a little too lined and worn for his age.
The widow Lorre had refused his "generous" offer for the amulet. Given that her estate was insolvent, she could have used that money. Then again, given that she had died, she probably wouldn't have had the chance to spend it. The lawyers, Sondheim and Sondheim were dealing with her estate. They'd sold the amulet along with all her jewellery to the Sonder jeweller at a quickly agreed price. Joshua hoped to claim that amulet before Sonder discovered there were collectors interested in it.
He bounded up the stairs to the first floor jeweller. His steps were silent as he climbed, so another customer was surprised as Joshua appeared behind them just as they pushed open the upper door.

Strawberries · 04-04-2013, 12:47 PM

George Harring shifts his weight from one foot to the other. For a city that's not exactly known for being uneventful, he was expecting a bit more excitement. Still, he's come to Jerusalem to lay low, and Don's fixed him this job exactly for this reason, he should be grateful that everything has been quiet so far. He eyes the few customers in the store, keeping an eye out for signs of troubles.

thumbprince · 04-06-2013, 11:06 AM

In addition to you five, there are three clerks and two other patrons looking at stones and expensive pieces. All of a sudden, two things happen simultaneously. A wealthy looking man comes in the front door while two employees emerge from the back door, which is marked "jewelry workshop."

[OOC You can all try to make a Spot Hidden roll].

thumbprince · 04-09-2013, 05:54 AM

The first two patrons look like a couple shopping for an engagement ring. Two of the employees are female and the third looks like the owner.

All the newcomers are male.

You see the arriving shopper flip the "open" sign to its "closed sign" as the shop owner notices the men in the employee door.

"I'm sorry, that's not a door-" he begins before one of them pulls out a mini-Uzi. In the silence that follows you hear the click of the front door locking.

LPlate · 04-09-2013, 10:10 AM

The couple were startled by Joshua but in a good mood and recovered quickly.
Eyeing up the woman, "You're gorgeous." He winked and nodded his head toward her partner. "Don't let him spend less on you than you deserve."
The couple continued in, as did Joshua. There were a couple of store girls apart from the owner. He didn't want to deal with them yet, not until he had assessed where the amulet was and what was close to it. He sauntered around the shop, casually searching for the amulet.
Glancing around he sized up the other shoppers, "...the loving couple, one lost tourist, one shifty customer, hmmn... a little over eager for a quick sale, could be a good time to negotiate after the jeweler gets his high from fleecing him.., a cop?, not to mention a security guard ... definitely not the day for a five finger discount, "honest" haggling it will have to be."
Joshua thought he spotted the amulet in a jewel case when the emergence of two more workmen from the staff area caught his eye, along with the arrival of a gentleman who proceeded to lock the door!
"That's an Uzi. Oh ****, oh ****, oh ****. Calm, Their crisis could be my opportunity. Guard and cop will both have their hands full. Might be able to grab the amulet for free and this heist provides ready-made scapegoats. Hope it's just a store robbery and not a customer shakedown..."
Joshua began to back towards the cabinet where he thought the amulet was. He kept his hands out from his body, so he didn't look like a threat. He kept his face lowered, "Don't look directly in the faces of the robbers and they won't worry about you as a witness."
He did keep watching though to see what would happen and how the others, particularly the cop and guard were going to respond. Opportunity could present itself at any moment.

Mr White · 04-10-2013, 05:23 AM

Dieumerci finally got his breath under control. "A lot of people in this store," he mutters to himself. He doesn't notice anything special about the actions of others.

Amaril · 04-10-2013, 09:28 AM

"Whoa, wait, is that guy holding a gun? What the ****? Oh God, what do I do what do I do what do I do? I don't wanna die here!

Struggling to calm down, I was amazed at my luck--of all the days for this to happen, didn't it just have to be today. I forced myself to breathe slowly. "Come on, Paul, pull yourself together. He hasn't actually started shooting or said anything. He probably just wants to rob the store, he won't care about the customers as long as we don't get in his way. Just act calm and go along with whatever he says.

Breathing deeply and slowly, I forced myself to relax and pointedly fixed my gaze on the floor, trying my best not to look like a threat.

Strawberries · 04-10-2013, 04:18 PM

Fu-ing hell. Apparently, he had been complaining too soon about the lack of excitement. What now?

George Harring wasn't a security guard by vocation by any stretch of imagination, and he doesn't really fancy getting a bullet in the guts for the sake of the job. Far from it - god knows he'd been on the opposite side loads of times. But still, the owner is a friend of a friend...a friend of a friend to whom George owns a massive favour. Still swearing silently to himself, he tries to manoeuvre to put himself in a good position to pull his gun on the armed man.

Spoiler

thumbprince · 04-10-2013, 07:26 PM

The other two men - one at the store entrance, and one with his accomplice - are also pulling out weapons. They haven't noticed George trying to work his way behind them.

"This is not a robbery. But I will need your help, friends" says the one at the front. "Please raise your hands."

Amaril · 04-10-2013, 07:42 PM

At the sound of the gunman's voice, I couldn't stop myself from risking a furtive glance upward towards the rest of the shop. When I saw that two other men had pulled guns as well, I almost passed out in fear. The threat of a bullet in the head was all that kept me standing as, moving slowly and carefully, I raised my shaking hands above my head.

"Please, God, let me make it through this..."

LPlate · 04-11-2013, 01:23 AM

"Not a robbery? Noone here worth kidnapping...unless that tourist is someone special. It sounds like a lie to keep us guessing and disorientated, so noone will call 112. Noone walks into a jewellers with Uzis, if it isn't a robbery."
Joshua's head unconsciously shook slightly as he raised his hands.
"Guards moving to be a hero. I may still have my chance."
When he reached the cabinet, he took a quick glance in to see if he was right about the amulet being in there.

thumbprince · 04-11-2013, 01:19 PM

The man who came through the front door seems to be in charge.

"You" and "you" - he points to Joshua and Dieu. "I need your help escorting Mr. Sonder into the back room. Everyone else, please accompany us. I'm sorry you are here, but I will not waste an opportunity to show someone the truth."

Mr White · 04-12-2013, 05:23 AM

Dieumerci hesitated ... kept his head down and pretended he hadn't heard the man.

LPlate · 04-12-2013, 05:34 AM

Joshua sighed as he saw he was mistaken. The amulet wasn't there. Then the leader? grabbed his attention with his, "You".
He glanced at the African and noticed a hesitation. "Someone needs to act before they get angry."

He stepped over towards Mr. Sonders. He spoke clearly, making sure that the robbers could hear what he was initially saying.
"Its best to stay calm and just do as they ask. Your insurance will cover any losses. Just remember that the most important thing for you to do now is not get yourself hurt or worse. It'll be over soon. Please, step this way."
He lightly placed his left hand on Mr. Sonders back and gestured with the right towards the back room.

"That's it, keep it tranquil and keep the jeweller alive. This could work well - he might give a better deal on the amulet if I seem to befriend him. Close bonds forming in a time of emotional stress and all that. It's time to try to mirror his life so he empathises more with me. Who knows, humanising everyone might make the robbers think twice if things start to turn nasty."

"Focus on the good stuff. Tell me, do you have a wife or children?"

thumbprince · 04-13-2013, 06:03 AM

"We're here to help him, honestly. But we can't show you here. It has to be in back."

Strawberries · 04-13-2013, 06:19 AM

George hesitates at the realisation that there are now three armed men. Do you really want to play hero? For a friggin' favour owned? It was a pretty damn big favour, though. Not a life-saving sort of deal, but close.

George mentally sends the whole universe to go **** itself, then takes the last two steps behind the nearest man and pulls out his gun, resting it against the back of the man's head. "If that's ain't a robbery, then there ain't no reason for you not to put your guns down, right?"

Spoiler

LPlate · 04-14-2013, 01:03 PM

"Why did there have to be a wannabe hero?"

Joshua quickly whispered to Mr. Sonders.
"In a stand off you're the only guaranteed victim. Keep walking and persuade your guard to lower his weapon. He can't win. Everyone knows it. He'll lose but you'll be the first to die."

OOC

Spoiler

He gave a final very light push to Mr. Sonder back and then started moving sideways away from this potential target.

thumbprince · 04-14-2013, 02:44 PM

One of the female employees comes to George with a pleading look on her face.

"I I-called them, sir. It's for his own good. Grandfather is-"

"You %$#@&!" Sonder spits. "I'll pull your spine from your back and show it to your mother, by Azathoth!"

Then he runs for the front door.

Amaril · 04-14-2013, 02:57 PM

"Azathoth..."

It didn't sound like a word from any language I knew of (it certainly wasn't Hebrew), but for some reason, the term sounded familiar. Wracking my stress-addled brain, I struggled to remember where I'd seen it...

The notes! That was it! I must have read it somewhere in the notes Lila had left. That didn't explain what it meant, but it confirmed one thing--this place was where I needed to be if I was going to find answers. The knowledge was comforting, even in the middle of a scene like this.

"Now I just need to keep my head down and avoid getting shot..."

LPlate · 04-15-2013, 12:37 AM

Joshua dove away from the jeweller. As he was airborne,
"Uzis at a family intervention? yeah, right. No prize for spotting the insider on this job."

Mr White · 04-15-2013, 01:19 AM

Dieumerci made use of the confusion to take a step back. No need to make a good target if this situation would explode.

"By Azathoth ... that's something that grandpère could've said." Not that Dieu was ever interested in the ramblings of his senile grandfather.

Strawberries · 04-15-2013, 08:44 AM

Bugger it all. George hesitates, for a fraction of a second, lowering the gun for a split second and losing contact with his target's head

Spoiler

thumbprince · 04-16-2013, 02:13 PM

"Please help bring him in the back. It will be for the best, I assure you."

LPlate · 04-16-2013, 03:32 PM

Joshua lands on the ground and looks back. The jeweller is still making for the locked door and leader? of the robbers/interventionists?. For the moment Joshua feels safely out of the firing line. He repositions himself into a crouch ready to move.
OOC

Spoiler

thumbprince · 04-19-2013, 09:30 AM

The larger of the two men at the rear of the store slings his weapon and tries to grab Sonder. The old man is feeble, and cannot resist, but he swears in a mix of Hebrew, German, and even languages none of you recognize.

As they move into the back room, the ringleader says "you may want to protect yourself, even if you are unwilling to help."

"Take him to the drill press, Musab."

LPlate · 04-19-2013, 05:34 PM

"Protect ourselves from who? The men with the guns or the old man they think they needed the guns for?"

"Okay, situation's crazy but salvagable. This insanity will still cover up the disappearance of the amulet ...once I find it. So, find the amulet and get out."

"It's not out here, must be in that back room. I'm going in but need a way out. The hero seems to be buying into their story, the African was frozen, the tourist has been overlooked...yes, the tourist."

Joshua got to his feet. As he passed Paul, he whispered, "I'm going to see if I can help the old man. Someone should get that door unlocked while they're out back. 112 for cops."

He continued into the back room after the armed men.
"Hey, what are you going to do to him at that drill press? He's just an old man." His voice was all concern but his eyes were taking in the rest of the room, looking for the amulet or a likely location for it.