Special Delivery

This is a role play log from a grocery rp night we had at Chen's Supermarket.

Rory the grocery clerk comes out of the back room and sees the officer "Hello Officer. Can I help you find anything?"

Michael Reinhardt walks into the grocery and heads for the post office stand. "I have to change my address ... my mail is still going to Vancouver."

Rory the grocery clerk looks a bit nervous "Uh...I'm not the usual postal clerk but I can...try..." he heads behind the counter and starts opening drawers for various forms.

Michael Reinhardt watches him fumble for forms. "That’s OK, I don't do this every day anyway."

Rory the grocery clerk frowns and clicks a button on the intercom "Post office?" He digs through a few more drawers "Hmmmm.....oh maybe...." He pulls out a stack of somethings "Yes...these..." he passes one over and then fumbles for a pen. Finding it he looks up and smiles and then looks past the officer "Huh, funny time for a delivery...."

Oshi Shikigami: Hello Michael! Good to see you officer san :-)

Michael Reinhardt takes the pen and looks over his shoulder. "You aren’t EXPECTING that truck?" he asks, mostly casual.

Rory the grocery clerk shakes his head and then smiles at the woman "Hello there Miss." He walks past her to the windows "That's not the loading zone....geez....what the heck..."

Oshi Shikigami: (Oshi sees her friend is preoccupied with 'business' and continues shopping)

Michael Reinhardt turns and watches the clerk. Since 9-11 everything is suspect. He sets the pen down and turns taking a step forward, seeing Oshi and simply nodding, his senses on alert.

Rory the grocery clerk pushes the door open and hollers "Hey buddy I think you have the wrong place." The man spits out a toothpick, walks up to him and hands him an invoice. Rory's eyes go wide and he grits his teeth.

Michael Reinhardt listens and watches, noting the kid’s expression, but for all he knows it is a gross of condoms instead of bananas and the kid is freaking out.

Oshi sees the officer's concern, and decides to pop outside and check on Tatsu.

Rory the grocery clerk walks back in looking nervous muttering "Oh man oh man......." and heading for the intercom behind the cash. He winces as he reaches to push the buzzer.

 Michael Reinhardt moves his eyes from the clerk to the truck outside and simply waits to hear what the kid has to say. All he was trying to do was fill out a form in five minutes, but nooooooooo.

Rory the grocery clerk talks into the intercom "Ms Chen, we have a delivery....not it's not that...um it's from your son's landlord...well former....you better come see...

 Mitch Newmore: Oh geez...I forgot my list!

Michael Reinhardt arches his brow and murmurs. "For fucks sake." and goes back to the counter to fill out the simplest of forms.

Mitch Newmore looks over the salad fixings...

Rory the grocery clerk nods nervously still talking into the intercom phone "Yes I understand...." and then hangs up, looking nervously outside at the furniture truck.

Mitch Newmore “Geez, I didn't think pumpkins were in season. (scratches head) these must be from Costa Rica or Thailand.”

Michael Reinhardt fills out the form slowly, so he only has to do it once. He struggles with the small boxes and grumbles to himself

Rory the grocery clerk starts walking around to try to calm his nerves "You doing OK Officer?" He asks as he passes.

Mitch Newmore: “...or maybe Cleveland.”(heads over to the packaged meats)

Michael Reinhardt nods. "Are you, Kid?" he sets the pen down and turns around looking at the delivery truck calmly.

Rory the grocery clerk laughs nervously "Have you met my boss? She’s not happy...not happy at all..." he sounds jittery and walks a bit more and addresses the man by the meats "Finding everything OK?"

Mitch Newmore thinks: I always think, awww I don't need a cart but then I always am juggling too much stuff)...geez...

Oshi and Ryuko are chatting about what food to get for dinner, and for tomorrow. They are discussing in a mix of Japanese and English and it seems that She is more interested in western fair, and he in Eastern.

Michael Reinhardt chuckles. "I only know her by reputation." and it occurs to him he may be meeting the woman live and in person. "Um .. where do I stick this thing?" he waves the change of address card as if to dry the ink.

Rory the grocery clerk walks back to the officer to take the card "I'll ask where it goes.....thanks." He hears other customers speaking in English and Japanese and glances in the direction of the voices for a moment and then back to the officer.

Mitch Newmore: Excuse me? The salmon? that wasn't frozen, was it? (looks at the fish counter man, giving him that third degree look. like that'll change anything)

Michael Reinhardt hands the card over. "Thanks kid." he looks at the truck again and pauses a moment before leaving the store. If what he has heard about the owner ... he may get called right back if he leaves.

Ushi Chen storms out of the back room like a raging bull and stops just short of ploughing into the man in the orange shirt. Rudely she barks "Do you mind?!" at him.

Mitch Newmore: uhhh? no, i don't mind? ...what...what would i be minding?

Michael Reinhardt hears the disturbance and watches, carefully. Silently. Well aware he is in uniform.

Rory the grocery clerk practically cowers from his spot and mutters again "Oh man...oh man...."

Oshi Shikigami: So, you do have some fresh Salmon then? Well then I will take two pounds please, er one kilo, oh whatever...

Ryuko is reading labels on some of the kitchen utensils and a rice maker, seems to be contemplating something.

Ushi Chen stares up at the orange shirted man, way up but her height doesn't contain her fiest. She gestures behind her "This is a door. It opens this way......do you like your head?" her question is vague and sounds a little nuts but she's ready to burst a gasket over something that has nothing to do with it.

Mitch Newmore: uhhh, sorry Miss. I didn't....uhh, i was trying to order some salmon. (turns to the counter) two pounds?

Michael Reinhardt watches the kid clerk cringe and continues to watch Ushi. The woman’s voice makes him cough but then he goes to loitering, finally observing Ushi live and in person.

Rory the grocery clerk retreats back to the cash desk and engages in busy work putting bags on hooks, stacking random piles of stuff, hiding in general.

Oshi Shikigami: Perhaps we should have salmon tomorrow?

Ryuko Shujinko: Yeah, I know a tuna recipe with fried rice that will knock your socks off! Better than the tuna Cheetos from the university, I promise you. LOL

Ushi Chen navigates around the man and harumphs ad then makes a beeline for outside yelling as she opens the door "You can't park there!!!!"

Mitch Newmore: orders his salmon from the man at the counter. Turns to Ushi and says toward the man at the counter, "I'd like to get my tuna rectified, if that's possible"

Michael Reinhardt watches the kid scamper and finds it all amusing, even though his face reveals nothing. He moves to the counter and stays well out of the way. It both improves his view and may make the kid feel safer. Ushi moves outside bellowing like an angry hockey player and he leans against the counter casually, wondering if he and his uniform will be spotted.

Wolfgang.Pots @hypergrid.org:8002 walks through the doors of the supermarket making a beeline for the post office to pick up his mail at his post box.

Rory the grocery clerk nods at the man heading to the post office and then watches out the door with a look of worry. He looks back at the officer "This isn't going to be pretty."

Mitch Newmore: thinks: This is the longest God-damned salmon order in BC history. I coulda gone out to the bay and caught one myself. Smiles at the counter man and accepts the salmon in the brown paper wrapping. "And my rectified tuna? ...Oh, one pound please. 0.4535924 kg if you prefer. Smiles

Michael Reinhardt sees Wolf and nods, then at the clerk. "From what I’ve heard, that’s probably a hell of an understatement, kid." he half considers calling in Nault, then decides there is no need to aggravate the situation.

Oshi Shikigami: Well, I don’t see any 'Code Red' here, you may just have to survive with regular mountain Dew? *snicker*

Ryuko Shujinko: Oh, I think, under the circumstances, that is a fair trade-off. He chuckles.

Wolfgang.Pots @hypergrid.org:8002 pick up his mail  'what got her bloomers in a twist " he whisper soflty 'what sorta hornet nest did i step in ta'he say in a low voice

Ushi Chen can be heard through the glass "I AM NOT PAYING C.O.D. SEND IT ALL BACK TO THAT ASSHOLE!"

Mitch Newmore: Smiles at the counter man as he expects the rectified tuna. "Thanks.:" turns toward a loud yelling...something about Assholes...or Fuckers...nope, it was Assholes......smiles and goes over to the canned goods.

Michael Reinhardt arches his brows again, still looking mostly deadpan, but he moves from one side of the counter to the other ... towards the doors and the pandemonium. As he does he murmurs to Wolf. "Be ready to duck and cover, sailor."

Mitch Newmore: *expects...accepts the rectified tuna

Wolfgang.Pots @hypergrid.org:8002: aye , captain , 'he salutes the officer ..

Rory the grocery clerk just mutters "Oh man oh man....."

Oshi Shikigami: Mac and cheese? Really? Well yeah I have a recipe for one, a bit different though. Hope you are not one of those Catchup sucks on Mac types though...

Ryuko Shujinko: Well, I kinda thought I was a 'purest', but if you say you have something um, special, well who am I to say, at least without tasting.

Ushi Chen starts shoving the boxes back on the truck "I'LL TELL YOU WHERE YOU CAN SHOVE IT PUNK!"

Mitch Newmore: ...compares shampoo. "This one is three dollars...but this one is 3.50. And it has zest appeal. Gee, do i need zest appeal?"

Michael Reinhardt watches and nods. "That’s my cue." he murmurs to no one in particular and steps outside. "What seems to be the problem?" he asks as if he has just been beamed down and is clueless.

Wolfgang.Pots @hypergrid.org:8002 looks over the magazine and grab him a bottle of  Shady lane sweet tea and some kit kats and places it and the some adult mags on the counter

Rory the grocery clerk turns to ring through the blonde man "Find everything OK today?" he asks nervously.

Oshi Shikigami: I just wish they had some prepared bentos. Sometimes it is a real pain to get a good meal for Tatsu for school, every day.

Ryuko Shujinko: It's ok, give me some sheets of seaweed and a few hotdogs to make into octopuses, a slice of cheese... I can make an mean bento.

Mitch Newmore: thinks, "Geez this supermarket plays great music...for a .....Supermarket." Mitch studies the tampons. "Geez, I hate when Patty sends me out to do this." squirms...looks at the laundry detergent again.

Ushi Chen swivels and stares up at the cop "Arrest him! He's taking all my parking spots. Tell your Chief.....this is trespassing, harassment, loitering with intent to...." she's so mad she can't even come up with more "Just take him down!"

Michael Reinhardt looks at the irate woman with raised brows. Then he looks at the truck. "Just pack it up and move the truck." he orders, mildly, as the man IS parked illegally. "Now."

Wolfgang.Pots @hypergrid.org:8002 smiles 'doing fine 'he laughs 'just breath there sonny boy 'he smiles in a sorta fatherly way .. not knowing the kids age but he had be at least old enough to be his own kid '

Rory the grocery clerk starts bagging and sees the magazine. His eyes go wide and he awkwardly blurts out "That'll be 22.50...Sir..."

Oshi Shikigami: Speaking of anime, you did set up that Roko account so we can get it on our flat screen? I don't mind paying for it, if it works, but I never get it to work.

Ryuko Shujinko: Yes, it is all set along with three other services. You can see every anime broadcast to Canada, and a lot of them for Asia only Shhh, do tell anyone though.

Ushi Chen sighs "Fine." She gives the officer a little shove "Don't you like to cuff people? If I was a cop I'd cuff him...then I'd be good cop and bad cop...Which one are you?"

Mitch Newmore: waits in line, juggling a ridiculous amount of groceries in his arms...dropping the shampoo as he reaches for a bag of Smarties...smiles at the counter clerk and the customer in fron of him...embarrassed

Michael Reinhardt doesn’t move. He is a mountain of a man, but he looks at her, as if amused shed try. "You want me to arrest him? Fine. Then his truck will be in your lot for at least another three hours while he is processed and his vehicle impounded." he waits a moment to see if she wants him to do it. "And then he can sue all of us, since illegal parking is not a crime anyone gets arrested for. SO while he is being processed, you call your attorney, ma'am."

Wolfgang.Pots @hypergrid.org:8002: he laughs the rack over there say there was a two fer.. is that right 'he say curious .. Did you get that deal or does that offer apply ' he say wave around a copy of Busty black bosoms

Rory the grocery clerk gestures to the magazine turning beet red "A two for....sorry..." He pulls the magazines back out and rescans “16.75...."

Oshi Shikigami: Did you see Tatsu's latest pastel painting? It was outside, when you came in. She shys it is coming. Whatever "it" is? And she is slathering sunscreen on her for "protection"? What the... Zinc Oxide. For protection? From what, sunburn? It is all so weird.

Ryuko Shujinko: Ok, I got to think that one trough. It is a painting of some plant creature bursting forth from the ground, yes? Hummmm.

Ushi Chen rolls her eyes "Oh fine...just move the truck, and don't unload it to the store. Put it by the stairs to the apartment."

Mitch Newmore: ...hears the shouting from outside and looks toward it...then back at the cashier...hopes whatever is going on outside is done before he gets there. He  looks out there again.

Michael Reinhardt nods to the driver. "You heard the woman. Unload by the stairs and clear out." He’s heard about a C.O.D and rephrases. "On second thought, just clear out. I believe the lady mentioned she was not accepting the delivery, in which case you need to return it to the sender. Have a nice day, sir."

Wolfgang.Pots @hypergrid.org:8002 smiles handing over the money happily 'thank ya kindly "

Rory the grocery clerk pushes the man's bags at him like he's eager to get rid of them and smiles awkwardly at the next customer "Hello....how are you....today..." he stammers, glancing outside and then back.

Oshi Shikigami: What do you think? Enough for now? We can always get more. The fridge is good, but only holds so much.

Ryuko Shujinko: Yeah, I think I will get this rice cooker though. You never know. Besides you can do mac and cheese in it!  LOL

Ushi Chen looks surprised and delighted by the officer's words and then wags her finger "Next time he'll cuff you!"

Mitch Newmore: "What do you mean my credit card is rejecting the charge?"

Michael Reinhardt glances at Oshi then back to the driver. "Maybe shoot you too. Now clear off."

Wolfgang.Pots @hypergrid.org:8002 watches through the window seeing if the hornets have left .. ie the coast was clear looking at his mag as he waits

Rory the grocery clerk looks at the man about his card "Uh...do you want to try again?"

Oshi puts an odd assortment of foodstuffs on the counter and digs into her purse for payment.

Ryuko, looks a Oshi turns his head, and says, this is on me. I am the person adding to your grocery list!

Ryuko Shujinko: he slaps a card on the counter.

Ushi Chen looks at the officer in aw "What's your name? I like you. You're not an idiot like some of the people in this town.'

Mitch Newmore: uhhh, yes, try again please. ...starts to perspire, gets out his only other credit card, the expiration date in May 2016. does that mean it’s no good now? Or it's still good now?

Michael Reinhardt turns to her. "Michael Reinhardt, ma'am. At your service." he introduces himself.

Wolfgang.Pots @hypergrid.org:8002 sees it simmer down and tucks his mag back in the bag and start for the door "

Rory the grocery clerk reaches to swipe the card uncertainly "Ok this one?" He pushes the pin pad to the man "We'll give it a try eh?"

Oshi Shikigami: I am going to have to stuff those many 'K' of Yen, into your unmentionables, if you do that! LOL and she blushes when she realizes what she said sounds like.

Ryuko Shujinko: UM, Uh, That will not be at all necessary! he give a mock blush and fidgets with his card.

Ushi Chen reaches out a hand to shake "Ushi Chen. That was my son's stuff. He got evicted and his landlord shipped it all here. I don't know what the hell is going on with him."

Ryuko Shujinko: "Sir I beseech you, let me pay!"

Mitch Newmore: ...breathes a sigh of relief as the same credit card works fine this time. "21st century" he says to the cashier, "Oh that modern technology, eh?" he smiles at the clerk, smiles at the others in line...looks outside toward where the hollering was before and slowly edges toward the door

Michael Reinhardt takes the small elderly hand and shakes. "Well, he'll be getting it all back. If it comes again, just keep refusing to accept it, Miss Chen." he replies politely.

Wolfgang.Pots @hypergrid.org:8002 walk tentatively passed Ms Chen and walks toward the pier

Rory the grocery clerk watches the one guy go "Have a good one." and then turns to the people arguing over who pays and waits to see how they resolve as he starts swiping stuff through slowly "Hello. Find everything OK today? We take Mastercard, Visa and Debit as well as Canadian cash.."

Oshi is digging through a pile of yen, looking for Canadian cash.

Ryuko pulls out a multicolored stack of Canadian cash, and slaps it on the counter. “Well, just ‘because’.”He says with a smile.

Ushi Chen nods and then lets go "Thank you." she sees the blond man walk past and glances briefly at him. Looking back in she sees a line up in the store ebbing away "And at least it didn't hurt business too much." She nods to the man in the orange shirt with a bit of a sour look.

Oshi Shikigami: You booger! Why did you do that? I am hosting you!

Mitch Newmore: ...passes Ushi on the way out, smiles, even though she has a distressed look on her face...nods at the officer...heads home

Michael Reinhardt nods. “Well it all took place outside and it’s all sorted now." he nods to her. "I need to get back on the beat, ma'am. You have a fantastic day, alright."

Oshi Shikigami: They both bundle up their items, and walk out of the store, and seem to have an animated conversation just starting!

Wolfgang.Pots @hypergrid.org:8002 turn to see Oshi and knocks on the glass and waves madly

Rory the grocery clerk gave change as needed and wished them a good day and then exhaled, looking outside.

Ushi Chen: You too Michael Reinhardht.

Oshi Shikigami: Oshi looks at wolf confusion on her face, and in a moment, smiles and waves at him. Turns and continues on her way.

Puff the Magic Dragon

Anna walks through the town of Cedar Point at night, dimly lit by the street lights and warm glows from the windows of residents and businesses. The police station that never sleeps is a bustle of activity with officers walking around inside talking to each other. She cranes to see if Tamela is on duty but there’s no sign of her. Instead she sees Angie Johnson barking at a beefy young bald cop who Anna recognizes as Cody Nault from Tams’s complaints about him. She chuckles to herself and keeps walking, rounding the corner now and heading to the door of the Mariner’s Pub.

She would dearly love to be going home to her bed and not to a second bar. She was supposed to meet her brother Lee at the Black Hole but it seemed they got their messages crossed and he had come here instead. She had waited for some time and run into Oshi and her friend Ruyko talking about some very complicated mathematics and model rockets. Anna suspected there might be a bit of a spark between the two of them and if it ignited, they would be perfect for each other. Partly due to the fact that no one else she’d ever met could talk about that much math for fun.

Anna pushed the door open into a sparsely populated beverage room. There were two old men in the corner Anna recognized at once; Hiroshi Yamada and Yuki Tanaka. Hiroshi, or Hiro as he was usually called, was Stephanie’s father and the long time beloved sushi chef of the town before he recently had to retire because of a heart condition. Hiro looked like and older version of Garrett but carried himself more confidently through age and experience. Yuki was the tiny man who ran the fish and chip stand at the docks. Yuki had run it forever it seemed, like a one man show of crispy oily goodness. He was a stocky little man with round wire frame glasses, a cheerful round face and a golf style cap. Yuki was known for speaking with his hands and was gesturing wildly in the air at Hiro who seemed to be replying with minimal words and facial expression. A moment later they both burst out laughing and Yuki smacked the table three times with his stubby palm down open hand. A half full pint almost careened over and Hiro just caught it in time, making both of them laugh even harder. They saw Anna and smiled at her, Yuki waving while wiping at his eyes and Hiro holding up what was left of his beer in a toast gesture. 

Anna shook her head and smiled at them and gave a little wave back before walking up to Deidre at the bar “You let those guys in here but my brother got kicked out? Geez…what did he do this time?”

Deidre rolled her eyes and grinned “Those two are harmless Anna, just a couple old goofballs reliving their glory days. I wish I could say Lee didn’t deserve it but he was kind of an ass to his date. They got in a fight and then she switched tables and told him to leave her alone and he wouldn’t. He slammed back quite a few rum and cokes. I would have kept count better but we were hopping in here and I don’t think he’d eaten anything before drinking. It hit him hard and fast and it wasn’t pretty. Mick from the flower stand held him back while the girl got in a cab and took off. Then he tried to pick a fight with Mick and just wouldn’t shut up so I told him to get out. Probably wouldn’t have taken as long if Eien was on tonight. I’m not very tough looking but I did tell him I’d call the cops next.”

Anna sighs “Ugh I’m so sorry. Was it that hairdresser girl? Where did he go…or which way if you saw…”

Deidre “Yeah the blonde…Candy or something right? I didn’t watch Anna, I’m sorry. He didn’t pay his tab either but I don’t care.”

Anna feels her face flush in embarrassment “It’s Brandy, the girlfriend…or ex maybe…I dunno. Shoot, let me pay it so you’re not out….” She pulls her backpack around and fishes her wallet out of the small pocket.

Deidre sheepishly digs out the bill “You can’t choose your family. This isn’t on you….but I probably have to make this disappear from my boss’s radar if it doesn’t get paid so I’ll take your money. It’s twenty seven fifty.”

Anna quietly nods and pulls out her debit card, wishing her brother had chosen to get wasted on beer instead. Tired and fed up now, she left the Mariner’s, stopping under the awning of the hotel to send a text to Lee.

Where the hell are you now? I just paid your stupid tab!

She held onto her phone and took a few steps down the side walk looking around the streets to see if he was out walking. Suddenly she heard someone yell her name from diagonally across the road. It was unmistakably Lee calling her.

“Anna I’m up here!”

Anna squinted in the direction of his voice, confused and then saw him leaning out of his former apartment window and took off running towards him “Jesus Lee! Be careful!”

She stood right under the window and Lee ducked back in so it was just his head sticking out, his black brown hair cascading messily around his face as he looked down.

“Can you believe that fucker changed my locks? All my shit is still in here!”

Anna’s eyes went wide “Oh my god Lee! What are you doing in there? You got evicted. You need to come out now.”

Lee waived her off like she was being ridiculous “Nah it’s fine. Come in, I’ll put on tea. “Now he descended into the ludicrous “Ave ye got any crumpets Governor?”

Anna curses under her breath and heads quickly to his door. She finds it open with obvious pry marks around the lock and cringes before bolting up the stairs “Lee, we have to go. This is breaking and entering. He could press charges for this. You could go to jail!”

Lee is in his kitchen holding a bottle of rum over his tea pot “So that’s a no on the crumpets then?”

Anna’s green eyes flash “Are you fucking hearing me? Jail! You have a kid and a job….Lee seriously! Let’s go!”

Lee shrugs and decides not to bother with the tea pot and instead takes a swig from the bottle before saying “Alright, but first you need to see my mural. It’s a legacy of my rental here, a beautiful fucking legacy.”

Anna’s expression shifts from anger to slightly horrified curiosity “What?!”

Lee takes his sister by the hand and leads her to the living room. He’s drawn and written extensively on a large section of the main wall with what looks like a black sharpie marker. There is a caricature of a cartoon dragon in a bathtub smoking a giant dooby with the words underneath saying “Be Kind Smoke Pot Take Baths”

Anna’s jaw falls open and she just stares at it for almost a full minute before muttering “Jesus Fucking Christ Lee.”

Lee takes it as a huge compliment and beams gleefully “I KNOW RIGHT!”

She face palms and then says exhaustedly “Pack some clothes, I’m checking you in.”

“Checking me in where?” Lee inquires.

“I should consider the nut house but for now, the B&B will do.”

Eryn's Day

Tamela Douglas took the bakery box from the clerk at the Dandelion and pocketed her debit receipt.

“Hope it’s a fun party!” The girl said cheerfully.

Tamela nodded at her casually and gave her a bitter-sweet smile “Yeah me too.”

The morning air still has its chill from last night’s rain. Tamela quickened her pace as she walked down main towards work. She was in uniform already with her police rain jacket over top and had a small sporty black nylon purse slung across her torso. Her eyes darted a fleeting look at the cemetery and then she blinked hard and carried on through the parking lot. The police station was its usual morning bustle of activity. She slipped through the chaos of a woman arguing a speeding ticket at the front desk with Lieutenant Johnson. That left Constable Nault to answer the phones and he seemed to be fumbling through another coon call and feebly trying to get Angie’s attention while she held up a finger at him and stared down the ranting complainant. She passed the back of Officer Reinhardht as he typed madly away at the computer and headed for her own desk. Tamela tried not to look at the collection of photos around her computer. This was not the time to wallow. She had to make it at least until lunch. Often, she had taken this day off work but with so much guilt it was almost easier to just push through it.

April 14^th was Eryn’s day, her birthday to be more specific. Eryn Callahan was her lifelong friend, first and only true love, and at the end of her time on this earth, her fiancé. She was also Chief Nick Callahan’s daughter. He never took the day off, even the first one without her in 2012. So here they were again, coping and painfully aware of the void in their lives.

Tamela dove into a scheduling project for one of her community service programs like it was a life raft. Normally it was annoying fussy work but she gave it all of her time and patience.  The project took her until 11:45 and she noticed the time on her computer monitor and stood up after closing the calendar program. She discreetly took the bakery box and slid on her purse and walked through the now more settled work space to the door leading to the holding cells and Callahan’s office. There was one male occupant in the first cell sleeping off a bender after a bar fight. The room smelled distinctly of vomit so clearly he’d managed to purge some of the alcohol from his system in the night. Tamela breathed through her mouth and knocked softly on the Chief’s door.

“Come in.” he called out from the other side.

She pushed the door open and then quickly closed it after her, taking a deep breath through her nose now.

Nick Callahan looked up and gave her a half smile “Yeah it stinks out there. I’ll put Nault on clean up when we release that bugger later.” His smile faded as he saw the bakery box and he swallowed hard “I went this morning.”

Tamela nodded, not meeting his gaze as she felt her eyes trying to water again. “I figured, but I got you one anyway.” She opened the box and took out a red cupcake with white icing holding it out for Nick.

He took it with a sigh “Red velvet, her favourite.”

Tamela couldn’t help but chuckle a bit “I know. I hate them, but for Eryn….” She trailed off as her voice got hoarse at the name.

Nick pushed his chair back and stood up as he set the cupcake on his desk. He walked around the desk and hugged Tamela without words. She hugged back with a small stifled sob and buried her face in his arm. They stood there for several minutes and then finally broke apart, sniffing and wiping at their faces.

The Chief straightened his badge and smoothed his shirt and sat back down looking numbly at the picture on the wall behind where Tamela still stood. She ran her pinky finger along each lower eyelid and inhaled bracingly “Ok, I’m going to meet them.”

Nick glanced at her directly and gave a small nod “Jen’s coming in tonight. She texted Tally and I yesterday.”

“Anna told me. I got her a cupcake too. See you after lunch…Nick.”

Nick Callahan was her boss and she always observed the protocol of calling him Chief or Sir at work, but right now she was addressing him how she would outside the station because boss or not, he was still and always would be family to her.

Tamela walked through Nick’s office to the side door and made her exit without looking back at the station workspace.

Stephanie Yamada was already at Eryn’s grave kneeling in front of it and digging to plant purple and yellow pansies. She patted the soil as she packed it down and then stood up, brushing at the knees of her jeans, to fetch her watering can and saw Tamela approaching with the bakery box. Upon seeing each other the two women both burst into tears and started hugging. The quiet sobs abated slowly and they pulled back, still loosely embraced. Tamela spoke.

“Some people tell me it gets easier with time. It’s not really happening yet.”

Stephanie rubbed her friend’s back “I think maybe it gets different, but it doesn’t actually get easier.”

“Yeah.” Tamela said in an exhale, letting go.

The squeak of bike brakes revealed Anna’s arrival.  She had seen her two friends hugging and talking as she rode up and set her bike against the brick wall of the cemetery and walked over to hug them each in turn, hanging onto Tamela just a bit longer at the end. Her own tears were silent and she pushed her hair behind her ear and stood between the two women “The flowers look nice Steph.”

“Thanks. Did you bring matches?” Three votive candle holders stood in a row on the edge of the headstone.

Anna nodded and pulled her woven purse towards her hip from the back of her body where she had shifted it to ride.

Tamela leaned down and turned the candle holders over, dumping out water from the rain the last few nights and any debris that has blown in since their last visit. There were some sad looking soggy tea lights that fell out “I think these are toast now.”

Anna knelt beside her producing three fresh ones and the matches “That’s OK I have some more.” As Tamela blew on each holder and set it down, Anna straightened a wick on each candle and dropped it in after. Then she offered the matches to Tams “You first.” Steph squatted on the other side of Anna patiently.

“Hang on.” Tamela said and opened the cupcake box. She added a red velvet cupcake to the little shrine and put a birthday candle in it “May as well do it all…” She took the matches and lit her candle and then the birthday one with a big sniff and then passed the matches back to Anna.

Anna watched Tams and then lit her own with a shaky hand before passing them to Steph.

Steph shuddered and then struggled with get her match started over and over before choking out “Fuck…”

Tamela couldn’t help but chuckle a bit and then held out her hand to offer assistance. She got the next match lit and then passed it burning to Steph.

“Thanks.” Steph forced out quietly as she lit her candle.

They didn’t sing Happy Birthday. They used to try but it always made it feel so much worse so they had stopped years ago. The three women stood up in sad silence for a few minutes until Anna finally said “Ok dammit give me a cupcake.”

The two other women giggled through tears and then Tamela handed them out. As the other two seemed to be enjoying theirs, she took her first bite and made a face.

Her friends watched her with sardonic amusement as she struggled through it. Steph commented “Now that’s love.”

Tamela wiped at her face and laughed “I know right.”

 They left the birthday candle and the others burning and started to pack up. It was a short heart wrenching yearly ritual now.

Stephanie watered the pansies and then shook out the watering can over another grave beside Eryn’s and tossed her muddy trowel into the watering can.  She turned her gaze on Anna and asked sternly “Are you GOING today?”

Anna shifted her weight between her feet and fidgeted with her purse strap, not answering right away.

Tamela looked between the two and then seemingly joined Team Stephanie “Anna you said you were going on Monday.”

With a sigh Anna conceded “I’ll go as a walk in later.”

Steph shook her head “Nope, the clinic is already open. I’ll walk you over on my way back to the restaurant. That way I know you do it.”

“Fer chrisakes…” Anna muttered under her breath.

Tams stepped in towards Anna “Do you know how sick Ryan and Reinhardht have been after getting the shots they give you AFTER a bite? Reinhardt even puked on Nault. Get the little one. It’s only a few days of shitty. Trust me.”

Stephanie and Anna laughed and then Steph looked serious, agreeing with Tams “Ryan was a wreck. His new woman had to take care of his sorry ass for days. Prevention is key.”

The two other women now looked wide eyed at Steph and she winced at her accidental over share.

“Oh…I’m not supposed to talk about that until AFTER we’ve all met her…..sorry classified.”

Tamela grinned “I could have Angie get it out of him. Her interrogations are epic……but I’ll leave it alone…for now. “ She looked genuinely at her two friends “Thanks ladies, again. I’m going to stay for a few minutes longer.”

Anna and Steph nodded in understanding and then both stepped in to hug Tamela at the same time, initiating a closing group hug before the three said their goodbyes. Anna walked her bike beside Steph as they headed off towards the clinic. The trowel in the watering can rattled around as Steph’s arm swung a bit with her steps.

Tamela walked over to Eryn’s grave once more and knelt down again. She slid her hand over the cold marble as if reaching out for the lost connection and said quietly “Happy Birthday my love. I miss you.”

Michael Reinhardt spent his morning typing nonstop.  He had, over the last decade, improved his typing skill and speed what seemed like a thousand percent.  No more hunting and pecking.  He could even look at the screen and not at the keyboard.  In Vancouver, his boss had threatened to make him the shop secretary.  The last time he took a typing test, he’d scored sixty-nine words per minute.  Much teasing ensued.  Now, he figured he might be up to eighty.  Part of him hoped no one would notice, as he was looking forward to getting put back on the beat.  He wasn’t enjoying desk duty.

Around eleven thirty, he decided it was time for lunch.  He called Sakura and ordered one of their soups.  Something light, as the third rabies shot had been as bad as the last two.  He was looking forward to Saturday … two weeks after the raccoon bite and the scheduled date of he and Ryan’s final shot of the series.  With luck they would be back on the street by next Wednesday.

His miso soup arrived at ten to noon.  Michael paid the delivery man and slipped out of the side door of the cop shop, turning right and going along the walk behind the station towards the beach.  Looking neither left nor right, he moved casually and with purpose.  The weather was definitely warming.  He heard some voices at the cemetery and his eyes flicked to Tamara Douglas with Anna Wright, who he had met Sunday in an ALMOST failed attempt to eat a solid meal.  At last he hadn’t lost it, but it had been close.  They were with another woman and seemed to be having some kind of party, complete with cupcakes, on someone’s grave.  It was one of the ones the mayor had shown him.  Tamela’s lover and fiancée;  Chief Callahan’s daughter,  Eryn.

Naturally, he did not stop.  Michael didn’t even slow his casual pace.  He moved to the other end of the bone yard and, stopping under the drooping leaves of a weeping willow, he slid his soup bag between the wrought iron bars and hopped halfway up the brick wall where he could vault easier over the wrought iron grating.  He landed softly on the grass under the tree beyond, took his soup and settled himself between the raised concrete coffin grave directly beside it.  Then he opened up the soup and ate … or rather drank … his mostly liquid lunch.

Tamela finally stood up, wrapping her arms around herself protectively as she took a last look at the grave and let out a slow sigh. She was about to turn and walk back out the way she came in when she noticed movement in the far corner of the cemetery and squinted, trying to see what was happening. There was a willow tree with low hanging branches that was a bit challenging to see through or around. Curiously she stepped towards the middle path, after picking up the bakery box, and began to walk that way. As she was almost in range to see what or who was in the corner, a car alarm went off in the street beside her and made her turn her head in the other direction with a start. She could hear Coco, the Mayor's dog, barking at the alarm from inside the house and chuckled a bit.

Michael finished his miso and was sitting back, enjoying the feeling that it was not going to defy gravity. In his mind, he elevated the chef or chef's at Sakura to the level of minor deities, even though before that damn raccoon, he had not been a huge fan of Japanese cuisine. He put the empty soup container back in its bag and was about to stand anyway when a car alarm began blaring. Quickly standing, he looked in the direction, almost immediately understanding it was probably an over-sensitive car alarm. Then he heard the mayor's dog begin to back. He stepped through the hanging branches and around the grave to get a better look. Just in case. Then he spotted Tams. Officer Douglas.

Tamela shook her head and then turned back to where she had originally followed her curiosity and then blinked as she noticed Officer Reinhardht. He clearly wasn't what or who she was expecting. "Reinhardht?" she called out to him, narrowing her eyes a little as the sun hit her.

Michael noted Douglas and raised his empty hand in greeting, changing his route and walking towards her a bit. "Afternoon, Douglas." he intoned. Half hoping not to be questioned about his favorite picnic spot, he nodded towards the street and the noise. "Ah, the sounds of home." he quipped. 

"Watch your step around that little dog." she jokes "You just out for a....walk?" She's asking in a tone that reflects a trying to pry while seeming like she's not. Her own eyes are still very red.

Michael grins. "I haven't had the pleasure of meeting it yet, but I met its owner." he glances back at the tree. "I was .. picnicking." he confesses, unsure if she knew whose grave he was beside. "Under the willow tree. Quiet. Almost meditative." he looks at her. "You were visiting Eryn's grave." his voice makes it a statement. "I know it’s late but .. my condolences."

Tamela inhales and nods "Thanks. It's her birthday today, or would have been. She was always the last of us to turn our age....skipped grade 2 and joined us in our year." She changes the subject, grasping onto the other offered conversation "So you met my Great Aunt? She's quite spry for 82, still loves being the mayor, keeps us all in line." she says smiling. She glances over towards the tree casually with a nod "Bit of shade is nice in here." If she suspects anything more she's not showing it.

Michael glanced in the direction of the grave. "It's STILL her birthday and always will be." he speaks softly, as if speaking from experience on that thought process. Then he smiles, taking up the new conversation gladly. "I almost ran her down on the sidewalk last week. But instead of firing me, she bought me tea to settle my stomach, then gave me a walking tour which ended here." he motions around the cemetery. He looks back at the grave; at the tree. "Yea. That's my spot. Might change it up when the snow starts flying again."

Tamela gave Michael a grateful little smile and then snickered a bit as he talked about Aunt Shirley "Sounds about right. The snow never stays this close to the ocean." She gestures up towards the lighthouse and the forest "They might get a few days of it on the ground up there. Kinda like Vancouver really. Are you heading back to work? I'll walk with you."

Michael notes the smile but doesn't acknowledge it. "Well, then I guess I've found a perfect lunch spot." he smiled and nods. "Thanks. I've been typing like a fiend lately. With luck .. another week of it and I can get back on the street." he sighs. "I read the side effects but ... I don't feel like I am going to have a seizure or anything. And .. at least I threw up on that knob Nault and not any of the beloved citizenry, right?" he understands why hes been put behind the desk. He just doesn't like it. Too much energy.

Tamela nods "It's rough sitting still. That's why I do the outreach. I hate the desk. We all do, except maybe Angie. It feeds her inner control freak. Of course with community service planning comes scheduling...ugh. Nault gets to clean up even more puke today. Let's hope it's happened already or we'll have to listen to his whining." She points her body towards the station making to start walking but looks to see if Michael is ready to do the same before she steps.

Michael nods and turns in the direction of the station to walk with her. "I've done community service. Some self defence .. not karate or anything exotic. More basic, poor man’s street self defence sort of stuff. But I didn’t do the scheduling." he shakes his head. "Nault is a little old to be acting like such a kid. What's his problem anyway. I know he doesn't like me .. even BEFORE I puked on him." they pass a garbage can and he tosses his lunch bag.

Tamela shrugs "Natural born moron. I don't even try to understand that guy any more. maybe I should puke on him next." she jokes as they pass Spokes and cross the walkway to the little Japanese garden beside it, heading for the cop shop door.

Michael laughs richly a minute.  "We can all take it in shifts.  Bet I can get some ipecac from a nurse or two I've dealt with over the years...."  he seems to ponder this as they approach the door.  "Thanks for seeing me safely back to my keyboard."  he winks, not to be flirtatious but because Nault is watching ... and Nault baiting is becoming a fun pastime for him.

Sunday Brunch April 10th RP Log

This is a role play log of our last Sunday Brunch. Bon appetit!

Eien Fumetsu notes a customer the second he unlocks the door and smiles brightly at them. "Welcome to breakfast brunch, please have a seat and I get your order."

Anna Wright pulls the first batch of sweet potato hash browns out of the oven and smiles as she inhales.

Michael Reinhardt comes EXACTLY on time and is greeted by a large black man and a Japanese accent.  He arches his brows, smiles and moves to a table by the door.  "I'll have the breakfast.  Thanks."  he orders, already knowing it comes with coffee.

Eien nods "Hai .. right away sir." and moves to stick his head in the kitchen and give the order to Anna.

Anna flips the bacon already in the fry pan and smiles at Eien "We got one?" she calls out. "The regular full breakfast? How do they want the eggs?"

Michael considers the man, who he's seen but never met.  "You're Eien .."  he pauses and decides to ignore the last name, which he will botch.  "I'm Michael Reinhardt.  CPPD.  Nice to finally meet you.  We spoke on the phone."

Eien nods. "Good too meet you. How do you want those eggs?" he asks, kicking himself that he forgot.

Michael smiles.  "Scrambled.  Please."

Eien puts his head back in the door. "Scrambled, Wright-san."

Anna Wright pops the toast in and nods "K cool thanks." she calls as she reaches for a grapefruit to cut.

Michael sits back.  "I noticed your scooter isn’t front of the bakery now."  he says, softly.  "I hope that fixes the joy riding problem."

Eien smiles and bows. "So far, at least." he replies. "We will see." and suddenly he is tempted to see if it is still there. Eien Fumetsu then moves to get the man his coffee.

Anna scrambles the eggs and assembles the plate with all the fixings. Because it's not busy, she pops out the door with it. Seeing only one customer she sets it down for him "This must be for you then." she says with a friendly smile.

Michael smiles as he is brought coffee and breakfast at the same time.  "Thank you both." he looks at the woman.  "You must be Anna?"  he looks at her.  "I met your brother Lee last night."  he begins to put creamer and sugar in his coffee.

Eien nods. "You are welcomed." he replies and backs off of him so he can enjoy his coffee.

Anna smiles again and then looks apprehensive "Oh cool..." Lee was sometimes unpredictable and she hoped it was a good meeting. She darts a look at Eien as he backs off. He's so on top of his game always. Looking back to the red haired man she says "Sorry I didn't catch your name?"

Michael bites and swallows and hums at the taste.  "Sorry.  Michael Reinhardt.  I'm with the CDPD now."  he pauses and lifts his mug.  "I met Lee while I was having a couple off duty drinks before I went back to Vancouver.  I know people always wonder when they find out I'm a cop."  And he sips the coffee again.  "Excellent cooking, by the way.  My compliments to the chef."  he smiles a charming smile.

Eien watches and smiles but says little. He likes this job.

Anna tilts her head "Thank you Michael. You must have just started at our station. How do you like it so far?" She makes eye contact with Eien too, including him in the conversation visually.

Michael makes a piece of bacon go bye-bye.  "Only a couple of weeks ago.  From Vancouver PD.  I wanted a less stress free existence.  A friend told me about Cedar Point and ... I finally got a job here."  he holds up his left hand, which is bandage free but still a bit scabby from the bite .. mostly the stark white of a new scar.  "And learned that raccoons are not always cute, cuddly and funny."  he smiles with good humor.

Eien chuckles, checking out the coffee maker, creamers and the like to make sure there’s plenty. "Ah so ... Reinhardt-san is very good. He helped me with my first ticket." he chuckles. "Maybe it is those racoons take my scooter for rides."

Anna looks at Michael's hand with a look of dawning "Steph told me about that....you and Ryan right? I'm friends with his sister. She says he's been super sick from the shot though. I am NOT getting that vaccine...." she shudders and then turns to Eien "YOU got a ticket for something? " she laughs in disbelief "Was it for being TOO polite?"

Michael eats a bit more and chuckles, nodding.  "I hear they're smart enough.  I never saw a raccoon out of a zoo before I came here."  he considers.  "Steph ... yea ... Ryan's sister.  Yea, I guess we BOTH have.  It's like having the flu or something.  And I can NOT take any time off a job I JUST got, you know."  he glances at Eien.  "Yea .. he got a ticket for jay walking.  It was nothing and it's .. just gone now.  Taken care of."  he wasn't sure who but SOMEONE had torn it up.

Eien shudders also. "I did not get it, either. I do not have money to put on what may happen." he insists. Then he laughs. "Normally I would not jay walk. But my scooter was gone again so ... I was in a hurry and the officer made me THIRTY minutes late to work." his eyes fall, as if it was the most shaming thing to ever happen to him.

Anna tries not to giggles at Eien and says kindly "It happens. I'm sure the Yamadas were totally cool. Garrett's late all the time." she has a momentary awkward look and then continues "How many times has your scooter been taken?" She glances at Michael and says "Glad you're well enough to eat now. "

Michael finishes the bacon and works to make a little scrambled egg sandwich.  "I don't blame either of you."  he snorts.  "This is the first real meal I have had in a week .. and I may come to regret IT ... which is nothing against you, ma'am."  he tells Anna.  He grins a bit at Eien.  "Nice work ethic, man."  he compliments.

Eien smiles. "Arigato." he says. "If you will excuse me." he moves to Oshi. "Good morning time to you, Sikigami-san. What can I get for you?" he asks her, taking in the less than basic outfit. Not that he can talk in hit tie-dye.

Anna grins at Michael "No offense taken." She moves to check the coffee and juice supplies and looks back at Oshi "Morning Oshi"

“Good morning Anna san and Eien San.” Oshi bows to each in turn and notices “Oh and to you aw well Michel san.”

Oshi Shikigami smiles

Michael looks over as Oshi enters.  "Good morning, Oshi."  he takes in her outfit.  "Nice hat."  he folds the toast over and takes a bit of the impromptu sammie.

Oshi: Why thank you, I just felt like , how you say, gussing up, a bit? She winks.

Eien smiles at her. "Is a good hat, Shikigami-san. Very like your hair and your shirt. Is all one color." while he is every color of the hippie rainbow.

Anna peers in the coffee pot and then closes it back up "You look nice Oshi. OK more bacon cooking time." she heads for the kitchen.

Michael t grins as he finishes his breakfast and sits back sipping his coffee, waiting to see how his body will take fried bacon.

Oshi: Tatsu san, so glad you could join me for brunch! Oshi smiles at her cousin as she comes in and plops herself at the table.

Tatsu Yume: Well my shoes don’t fit any more! I had to come here in my socks, it took longer! She sounds a little unhappy and then rubs her feet.

Eien stands at the table seeing Tatsu enter and sit. he bows. "Tatsu-chan. What can I get for you on this good morning?" he is still waiting on Oshi's order as well.

Anna puts one pan of hash browns back in to keep warm and flips the bacon around in the pan. She plunks down some toast in anticipation of orders coming in.

Michael sips a little more coffee.  "Eien ... do you have any ... tea?  Green if possible but some kind of herbal blend?"

Oshi: Your breakfast special sound great for me. The first one on the board outside. And for Tatsu, well I will let her decide, But I bet she goes for that Vegan thing. Oshi looks over to Tatsu expectantly.

Tatsu: Well you told me I am too busy with death and killing and stuff. So I decided I won’t eat any food that is killed. That should make you happy? She then excuses herself to wash her hands before eating.

Eien nods and looks at the kid. "I will get them for you now, thank you." he bows and watches after Tatsu as she goes off to wash her hands. Very traditional stuff. Very good. He approves.

Michael leans back and settles one hand on his stomach as the other reaches behind, getting his walled out of his back pocket to pay his tab.

Waiting for Tatsu to return, Oshi turns and smiles at Michael, as He starts to get ready to leave, And says, Hope your day goes well, It was fun last night at the black hole. And nods to him.

Anna starts slicing grapefruit and putting them in bowls, singing to herself a bit . It might be heard muffled through the door "Blackbird singing in the dead of night..."

Eien smiles and sees that Michael is paying his tab. "You do not want the tea?" he wonders. The man looks slightly ill to him. He hears the singing and grins slightly as he pokes his head in the kitchen. "A breakfast and the vegan one, Wright-san."

Michael shakes his head. "No, I better pay and go." he leaves cash and a nice tip on the table and stands. "Great food though. Thank you. I had a great time as well, thanks." he heads out of the door and turns left towards the beach.

Tatsu sits up to the table, and mumbles with a stage whisper, "I cannot abide these western toilets, Weird, and all that paper..." And stares at her plate.

Eien smiles at Tatsu going to wash her hands, then moves in the kitchen. "A breakfast and a vegan .. plate." he tells Anna.

Oshi giggles for a second, and then in a mock tome says, That is not *exactly* proper table conversation. Um, don't you think? Trying not to grin.

Anna calls back "Coming right up!" and pulls a pack of medium tofu out of the fridge for the vegan. She grabs some fakin bacon and throws it in the microwave.

Eien had missed the comment about tables or he would have been mortified. he gets Oshi a coffee and asks Tetsu. "A drink Tatsu-chan?" he still hasn’t dropped the Japanese honorifics.

Tatsu, says I will have coffee too please Eien san. And grins

Oshi: So how are you doing with your studies? I hope you remembered to get that paper about the importance of the Miji period in Japan as effects the rest fo the world, was it called?

Eien hesitates slightly, but bows and brings her a cup.

Tatsu: NO milk in that please! She adds as an afterthought.

Anna arranges the two plates and comes out with them, since it's quiet. As she opens the door she's still singing quietly "Blackbird flies....." and then she stops as she approaches the table. It was the Sarah McLaughlin version if anyone knew it and was listening carefully. "Here you go ladies."

Eien brings black coffee. "Sugar and creamer on the table for you Tatsu-chan." he tells her. She can pour her own milk or not.

Tatsu: My paper is turned in as you know, cus the teacher, talked to you about already!

Oshi: Well I was going to get to that. Seems it is not appropriate to quote manga or anime, in a historical research paper?

Eien turns a laugh into a cough, covering his mouth appropriately. He turns to check the coffee supplies.

Anna smiles at the conversation and starts to step back "Bon appetit!"

Tatsu: That's just not fair. Next they will tell you that YouTube is not a "credible source" for reference either...

Oshi: You have a hard sale for me. I have had to write college research paper, and I cant begin to tell you how picky they get about sources, or a lot of other details...

Eien fiddles with the coffee supplies, waiting a chance to serve and wondering if the child is in college or if Canada was different that way

Wolfgang Pots walks in smelling faintly of engine oil and boss Hugo cologne with a rumbling belly that can be heard outside the door .. he saunters  in beaming big. But has a bit of a hitch in his step .. like one sore from a workout.

Anna sniffs at the air and chuckles "Morning Wolf."

Oshi i: Wolgang San, so good to se you this lovely morning, er, day Oshi smiles and give sa slight bow

Tatsu: Hello Mr. Wolfman san, Tatsu smiles and nods...

Eien sees the blond come in and waits for him to sit so he can be of service. This is one man he has not yet met, but hears Anna call him 'wolf'. An interesting name. Oshi continues and it is Wolfgang. Even more interesting. He offers a nod .. a truncated boy as the Westerners do and waits.

Wolfgang chuckles used to the Japanese people of cedar point and bows in west meet east with a southern flare  'well a fine, how de do to yall , lovely ladies ' he bows at the ladies seated and then to Anna 'morning, Anna '  he smiles nodding then to Eien 'pleasure is all mine , ' he say to the apparently Japanese but black tall man .. his drawl long . 'how are yall doing he sits down still facing them

Anna  walks by but stops at the table, leaning her hands on the empty chair casually "As I'm heading for the kitchen again, what would you like cooked up there cowboy?"

Eien nods and smiles moving to this wolf. Anna gets his order and he waits to see if he is bringing coffee or not.

Oshi: Tatsu, the gentleman’s name is Wolfgang! And I only call him by his first name, as it is customary here in Canada to do so. Were we in Japan, it would be different. To call him that would be rude and insulting even here in Canada. You should apologies. Oshi looks sternly at her cousin.

Tatsu: OK, sensei Humble apologies to Mr. Wolfgang san. And she bows deeply and then turns her head.

Eien nods and smiles moving to this wolf. Anna gets his order and he waits to see if he is bringing coffee or not.

Wolfgang winks at her flirting just a bit in a friendly sort of matter 'the usual, wonderful kitchen goddess except some of that vegan meat ..yall got in the back . 'he say meaning his usual bacon and eggs 'tried it the other day ,  darn near good 'he chuckles .. looking to Eien smile 'may I please have some coffee .. black ' he winks and waves to the ladies

Anna laughs, blushing a bit "Well if you're going to ask like that. Coming right up." She sees him extend his flirtation across the room and snickers, watching and then shaking her head at Eien and the cousins at the antics.

Oshi looks at Ein and in a quiet voice, says, do you have chopsticks here, in Japanese. If So I would like some, and I think Tatsu would eat better with them.

Tatsu, sneaks a small bit of Canadian bacon off of Oshi's plate while she seems distracted with the two boys in the room.

Eien nods and turns to get the coffee, setting it in front of him. "I am Eien Fumetsu, if you need more." he moves to the table with the Japanese girls. "I can get you anything?" he asks. he chuckles. "This is a Western place, Shikigami=san so no. There is not much Japanese here. But I live only across the way and have plenty if you would like me to get you some." above and beyond the call as usual.

Wolfgang laughs softly at Tatsu 'little lady , you may address whatever way you deem fit ' he smiles  and waves to Oshi 'good to see ya again . he chuckles 'well thank ya kindly , Anna " and comments to Tatsu 'but also whatever Oshi says too ,, ' he say meaning to her about minding her elders .  chuckles  a bit seeing Tatsu sneak the bacon . . he turns to Eien 'nice to know ' he smiles beam 'Names Wolf .. 'he chuckles  softly interesting accent .. 'he say seem genuinely interested"

Anna slips back into the kitchen and cooks up Wolf's order.

Oshi blushes, and looks mortified. She stumbles a bit in saying, Oh, please no, that is a very honorable thing you offer. But it is not necessary. We can get by without. And maybe it is better,, for Tatsu, if we don’t anyway. SO Many thanks, but do not need do so. And, she bows deeply.

Tatsu plays around with the food on her plate. Coming to the realization, it just isn't that tasty to her. And seems lost in a daydream.

Eien bows deeply. "I do understand. It can be hard. No Saki, no chopsticks ... but it is good. We should be as they are here to get along and not make the waves." he moves to the doctors table. "May I help you?"

Wolfgang laughs softly at her fluster 'whatever works fer yall . When in Rome right 'he shrugs. 'he watches the good doctor walk in smiling then returns to his black hot coffee eyeing Eien a bit but goes back to watching the ladies ' he nods at the doctor

Anna comes right back out with Wolf's plate and sets it down with a half grapefruit "There you go."

Oshi, sees the doctor come in and says greetings “Doctor san! You were correct with the shots, they did not hurt much at all, and everyone should consider getting them.” Oshi seems to be saying this so all can hear, in an attempt to promote the shots, and the doctor's skill in giving them.

Adam Pierson walks in, knowing he's almost at the end of serving time. He nods to Wolf, remembering him from the market. He looks up at Eien with a smile, "The special." He smiles over at Oshi when Eien has his order. He bows with his upper body back to Tatsu, "You must be Tatsu, greetings!"

Eien nods and bows. "Right away." and he sticks his head in the kitchen to tell Anna "Special for doctor." and moves to get the man some coffee.

Wolfgang sniffs it “Well 'dang... 'he say in a lustful tone .. 'egg perfection as per usual Anna and he starts on his eggs . he pauses laughing 'had mine .. When I was 7 got bit by a raccoon.. When I was a lil en 'he laughs 'or do I need an update?”

Anna hears Oshi, shudders at the idea of the shot and smiles at Wolf and then calls across the room "Morning Doc Pierson. Coming right up." She smirks at Eien after and runs to make another special.

Oshi beams at Tatsu, for her very well trained and proper Japanese styled greeting done in English. She will savor this moment for as long as she can, as it is so rare...

Tatsu, notices Oshi's happiness and smiles back. She is happy that they do not need to be at opposite ends, or disagreeing on customs all the time...

Adam listens to the bustle in the room and smiles.

Eien moves around the room after bringing the doctor his coffee, seeing who needs refills.

Wolfgang continues on eating his dinner savouring the vegan meat .. with fervor  he consults the doctor 'I’m good right .. don’t need a booster shot for the hydrophobia , do I "

Anna brings out the Doctor's plate. Most of the stuff was prepared ahead except the eggs and sets it before him "Busy week for you eh?"

Oshi looks at Tatsu, and says “Did you know MunYo has come out with a new series of water micerable oil pastels, and they will blend with regular oil paints? What do you think, should we get a set, and see how they work?” A smile creeping on her face.

Tatsu: COOL! Tasu says with genuine enthusiasm. That sounds crazy cool to try, please, please Sensei, let us try some. (and pushing her luck) And can you get some extra crimson sticks too? She smiles a big cute irresistible and devil making smile.

Adam smiles at Anna, "Yes, it was a very busy week. Thank you." He chuckles at the enthusiasm he hears in another voice, drinking his coffee.

Wolfgang looks over to Oshi and Tatsu “Now that’s got me thinking of red velvet churros. “

Eien has made the rounds with the coffee pot and puts it back, tiding the area, which doesn’t need tiding,

Anna nods at the doctor and looks around "Does everyone NEED a shot? I hate needles...and I react badly to vaccinations....."

Oshi says, done then we get a set, but you will have to 'nurse' that crimson, the _only_ one in the set, I am NOT buying extra.

Tatsu: Aww, OK then. i will just have to come up with another color for blood... Tatsu looks very deep in thought. Oh wait, I be they have also alezrian crimson as well! ah ha!

Adam "Well the needles we use are for children, so there's less than a mosquito bite. I would recommend it, considering the way the raccoon is reported to have acted."

Eien stands casually by the coffee station, nodding his agreement to Anna's words.

Wolfgang turns to listen to the doctor response also curious.. he listen with a raise eyebrow at the word blood " and turns back to the doctor 'I think I’ll go schedule an appointment with you soon. 'He say softly ' he rub his neck . You can see what looks like a bruised bite mark on his neck .. but clear not from a rodent ' he sips his coffee

Anna looks nervously at everyone and then the Doctor "Ok I'll come in sometime this week....if I can fit it in." Her tone is both shaky and non committal. She clears her throat and heads for the kitchen looking a bit anxious. She hates needles more than anything in the known world.

Oshi says, with a little more volume than necessary to get across the table with, "I think it is a good time to do more Kendo practice! You have your own stick, I even have another" Her vice sounding almost conspiratorial, "I would not wish to see you, or anyone, getting attacked by such monsters! Even the Komoto dragon I captured was less aggressive...

Tatsu: OK, You had me at the Kendo for self protection story. I want to be (she stands up straight) 'P repaired', then sat down.

Adam "Whenever you can make it Anna, I'd hate for a raccoon to catch you at a trash bin. They're very small needles." He says then eats quickly. "My pager went off. I need to go." He leaves enough for his bill on the table and a tip, grabs a final swallow of coffee and heads out the door.

Eien glances at his watch .. his scheduled time is up. He bows. "It has been an honor serving you all." and he heads for the door closest to his home.

As they both finish up their meals, Oshi pays cash, for the brunch and give Eien a 30% tip. She bows to all her friends at the place, and smiles, and then looking at Tatsus feet, and soiled socks, says “You want a 'Piggy Back Ride'?

Wolfgang waves at Anna as she goes and chuckling at  kendo and he oddly say a broken 'the faith of the village is with you young one ' in Japanese and bows and chuckles 'his Japanese unpracticed and minimalistic

Tatsu finishes, bows and when offered she says SURE! gleefully, and hops on Oshi's back as they head out the door.

Wolfgang  finishes his coffee and leaves his money and tip and stalks off.

Cedar Point News Bulletin Regarding Raccoons

***in all publications, websites and social media***

Press Release From the office of Mayor Shirley Douglas

Cedar Point Citizens, we have had several reports of nuisance raccoons and related incidents. This season seems to be bringing in a larger than normal population of the animals. Please do not be alarmed. These incidents are preventable and if we all take the proper precautions we can reduce nuisance raccoons and the risk of disease. We've started a Cedar Point Community Task Force to assist in education. Volunteers will be coming to your door with printed information in the next few days and will be happy to answer some of your questions.

The rabies vaccine will be available at the Cedar Point Clinic as of Thursday, April 7th for those who wish to be immunized. This is not considered an outbreak or essential immunization so it will not be covered under Canadian Medicare. Whether or not you chose vaccination, please seek medical attention immediately if you are bitten or scratched by a raccoon or any wild animal.

Coon Calls - Part 2 - First Blood

Michael Reinhardt almost couldn't believe it when he heard his radio squawk.  Officer needs assistance.  Cody came back just in time for his turn at the desk, where hopefully no one would walk in and wind up with a citation.  So Michael took a cruiser to Ryan’s location and, pulling up almost couldn’t believe what he saw, four raccoons all over a car.  Michael stops his cruiser and gets out moving slowly to Ryan’s side.  He looks completely incredulous.  "So .... this ... is .....  normal?"  he asks, cause it’s the strangest thing he’s ever seen.

Ryan nods, his tazer in his right hand and pepper spray in the left. "Yeah. But this is extreme....even for here..."

Ryan gestures at a middle aged balding man with glasses cowering in the driver's seat. His car is filled with food wrappers from various take out places, all contributing to the smell that attracted the raccoons.

"Might want to clean out your car Sir!" Ryan yells towards the window.

Michael reaches for his own pepper spray and tazer as he takes in the scene.  It was like something out of a horror movie ... or maybe a comedy.  The man IN the car looks terrified, at least.  "Alright ...."  the raccoons are all over the car.  Two on the hood, one on the roof and one at the passenger side door.  "OK ..."  he almost repeats, unsure how to proceed.  "Pepper spray and taze if they attack?"  he asks, that seeming to be the most logical solution to him.  Experimentally, he takes a step forward and around the front of the car, trying to flank the fur balls.

 Ryan nods "First we'll try annoying them with noise, but these ones don't look too scared...."

Ryan starts banging on the side of the car with his pepper spray can and yells at the creatures "Get outta here...Aaaaahhhhhhhhh!" at the top of his lungs. The racoons startle but then just stand and stare at the officers.

Michael raises both eyebrows, but follows Ryan's lead.  It isn't working.  "There wouldn't be an air horn in the trunk of one of these cruisers, would there?"  he suggests.  "That’s the loudest thing I can think of."

Ryan looks encouraged "Yeah and the sirens. The residents will hate us for a few minutes...but it might work...." He glares back at the raccoons "Let's blast them!"

Michael nods and motions them both back to the car.  "Let’s give it a try."  He gets in the car leaving the door open.  Flipping on the siren in his cruiser ... he waits.

Ryan walks to the other car and does the same. Three of the animals scamper off down the street but one remains, right above the driver on the roof. It peers down into the window as the occupant unwraps a hamburger and takes a bite. Ryan watches the man in disbelief and then looks at Mike with wide eyes.

Michael watches as three take o but one remains.  Then the driver starts eating.  "What the ....."  he gets out of the car and approaches, pepper spray extended.  He sprays towards the animal and he turns, clearly angry and runs towards Michael, pausing to bite hand before running over him and towards Yamada.  Michael swears and grabs one hand with the other, pepper spray hitting the pavement/

Ryan charges forward, seeing Mike get bit and then tries to dodge the animal, holding out his own pepper spray. The racoon looks at him with bloodshot eyes and then dives at his leg, biting him hard through the fabric of his pants before he can spray. Ryan cries out "Ah fuck!" before shaking it off his leg and giving it a swift kick. It whimpers and runs off, a bit disoriented and swerving. Ryan grits his teeth and heads straight for the car now and pounds on the window "What the hell is the matter with you Mister?! Why would you open up more food?!"

He looks towards Mike worriedly "You ok man?"

The passenger nervously presses a button and rolls the window down "I eat when I'm nervous....sorry!" His face is red and a little moist with sweat.

 Michael doesn't see Ryan get bit, but he does hear the swearing.  He straightens slightly, shaking his pain filled bloody hand.  "Damn thing BIT me."  he looks at the man in the car.  "Well, they are gone, sir.  You can go on with your day."  Which is followed by half a dozen words in perfect German which are unlikely to be complimentary.

Ryan gives the roof of the car one last smack with his open hand and nods, even though he doesn't speak German - he has an idea of what Mike may have spouted off. His last words to the man are a sharp "Clean out your car!" before turning back to Mike "Yeah he got me in the leg. I think we might need shots. Did you see its eyes?" He watches in irritation as the car with the hamburger eater pulls away.

Michael watches the man go while shaking his aching, bloody hand.  "Shots?"  he blinks.  "As in RABIES shots?"  He sounds ... reluctant.  "I mean .. they eyes were red . That’s not natural?"  Big city boy knows nothing about raccoons.

Ryan sighs "Yeah I think we better go get checked. I'd hate to start frothing and then lose my mind, know what I'm saying? I don't think the local clinic has the stuff all the time so let me drive us to White Rock. You're not afraid of needles are you Mike?"

Michael sighs.  "You're leg okay to drive?"  he asks.  "I can probably drive, too."  he arches his brows at Ryan.  "I seen too many drug addicts dead with the needles still stickin out of them to completely trust needles .. OR doctors."  He grumbles.  He straightens.  "Okay ... lets man up and get out of here."  He sighs deeply.  "My car or yours?  And I say we go with the sirens..." which are still blaring, since neither of them turned the damn things off.

Ryan laughs "I can do it. It's my left anyway. Let's turn off the other one though or Angie will have both our asses if she gets calls from the whole street all day about the noise." He walks over and clicks the siren off and then radio's in "Uh Yamada and Reinhardt seeking medical attention. We might be....rabid. Can someone pick up a cruiser on Galley Crescent by the school? I'll hide the keys in the usual spot...over..."

Michael gets in the car on the passenger’s side and  is looking at his hand as Ryan calls it in.  He listens as Cody, sounding somewhat jealous, agrees to get the car.  "What is WITH that guy?"  He marvels, waiting for Ryan to start driving.  Seems like it’s going to be an interesting day.

Ryan clicks off the radio and then laughs "Maybe he's already rabid? I better fuckin drive or we'll all be Code Naults!" Ryan pulls his seatbelt on and puts the pedal to the metal dramatically, causing a wheel spinning squeal as they peel out of Galley and turn onto Main heading for the hill, head turning from all directions at the speeding cop car heading for the edge of town, sirens blaring.

 Michael snorts.  "A fate worse than death."  he agrees and leans back as Ryan peels out of town.  "This is not how I thought I would spend time getting to know my fellow officers."  He rolls his eyes.  "I was gonna deposit the check I got yesterday, maybe go have a drink downtown and start looking into housing closer to where I work NOW."  He blows out a breath.

Ryan turns off on the exit for the 99 and then breezes past the traffic as it moves over and slips effortlessly into the merge. He chuckles to himself "Sirens for rabies, never for donuts. Shit." He glances over and clicks off the siren "I don't think we're going to die on the way and there's no backup right now. Depending on what they give us we might be able to drink after. But while we're killing time and not yet foaming at the mouth tell me about where you're looking for a place? And after that, tell me who that hot blonde is who handed you a check.....that caught my attention, not that ALL gentlemen prefer blondes, but you seem to..."His tone is a little teasing about the woman.

Michael chuckles as the siren is finally turned off.  "I need a place that is NOT in Vancouver.  Closer to Cedar Point.  Maybe even IN Cedar Point.  House, apartment, condo, doghouse or houseboat, I don't really care."  He laughs.  "Ah ... you saw that?  That was Sara.  My ex-wife.  She was dropping off my alimony.  First of every month she hands it to me."  he shrugs.  "Celebrity models."  he almost growls.  "Goes to their heads, man.  I don’t know how many times she cheated, but I finally just divorced her over it."  he shrugs.  "Although sometimes she IS still around come the morning of the second of the month ...."  Suggesting that near smoldering near kiss sometimes became more smoldering other things.

Ryan raises a brow "You lead an interesting life Mike." It's all he can think of to say about alimony until he asks "You guys have kids?" Ryan checks the rear-view mirror and then moves back into the slow lane letting a big rig pass them on the right.

Michael snorts in reply.  "Nooooooo.  She didn't want to ruin her perfect size zero getting fat with my child in her....  her words, not mine."  he shakes his head and glances out the window.  "You got kids?  I don't see a wedding ring..."  may as well get to know each other before they are rabid frothing zombie officers.

Ryan smiles awkwardly "No kids, no ring. I do have a girlfriend, it's kinda new still. Sorry about your wife....well ex, now."

Michael nods.  "Now is good."  He remembers.  "And you live and learn I guess.  When they are career minded, the relationship goes to hell."  He shrugs.  "My mother wants me to go for a nice Irish girl.  My father says another German one, but more home-minded."  he rolls his eyes.  "Of course, my parents fight like its World War Two all over again sometimes but they're still married.  Maybe its my mothers strong red haired Irish temper or something?  They're full of those racial stereotypes .. we heard all about it all the time growing up."

Ryan chuckles "Can't choose your parents right? Brothers and sisters? I got one of each, both older than I am."

Michael blows out a breath.  "Ohh yea.  I have a brother.  John.  My parents had tried and tried to have a dozen children and nothing but John.  SO they just stopped trying and BAM ... John was twelve .. and I'm not sure he's ever forgiven me."  He laughs, good naturedly.

Ryan blinks and then glances briefly at Mike "That's eerie. Garrett's exactly twelve years older than I am...for the exact same reason. They had Steph and the doc said they couldn't have more. Ooops here I am!"

Michael laughs a bit.  "That is weird."  He agrees.  "Accidents like us need to stick together."  He chuckles.  "Did your brother try and kill you on several occasions when left to baby sit you?  Of course John SWEARS he wasn't.  A few times he tried to shut up my crying using good old fashioned Irish whiskey."  he shakes his head.  "Miracle I ever saw double digits."

Ryan hunches a bit over the steering wheel "No Garrett was more of a pyro and taught me how to set off fireworks "Here Ry hold this while I light it......two less eyebrows later..... Steph's style was more physical torture and interrogation once I grew too big to dress up in doll clothes.THAT doesn't leave this car by the way. I still can't look at a bonnet without my heart racing in fear."

Michael laughs.  "Man see I could have lived with that.  Well, maybe not the doll clothes, but ... yea ...  your secret's safe with me.  My mother wanted a daughter.  She got me as the last hurrah ... unless they got something to tell me since the last time I talked to them.  I'm lucky I DIDNT wind up in doll clothes.  But she taught me all the old Irish dishes and the meals my father likes.  SO I cool like a housewife."  He rolls his eyes.  "You feel like taking a bite outta anybody?"  He wonders.

Ryan looks sideways at Mike with a wary expression "Don't fuck with me man. We're still ten minutes away. I'm good....so far. My leg feels a little sore and itchy but I've had worse. If you promise not to chew on any nurses you can make me a schnitzel pot pie or something OK?"

Michael shrugs.  "I wouldn't know if we were developing rabies or not, man."  he scoffs.  "I've been stabbed twice in ten years and one bullet grazed me.  Now I needed a TETNUS shot when some crazy bitch high on PCP decided to take a bite out of me, but RABIES?  Should we have shot that damn rat?  Raccoon .. whatever?"  he cocks an eyebrow.  "Depends on how good looking the nurse is and where she lets me chew on her."  he grins.  "And Ill make dinner for you AND your woman if we make it out of this."

Ryan shakes his head "Jesus Mike. I've had a few hand to hand situations but nothing like that. I worked for the West Van PD before Cedar Point so a couple of times we got called to a B&E in progress. And a few weeks back a woman went ape shit in the Black Hole and was ready to cut me with a broken glass until I pulled out my tazer. But that's considered odd in Cedar Point...AND she's from West Van...." he laughs sardonically before saying "We can't shoot the raccoons. We have to call it in and let conservation make the decisions about wildlife or it's our asses. We should make sure Cody told Angie we got bit so she does that though. As soon as I park I'll text her." He turns into the lot and starts circling the rows. "We'll be fine, bored maybe but fine. You're on for cooking though. Indy's a bit....slow to want to meet people so I'd have to run it by her." he says carefully "But watch yourself around those nurses. They'll sedate you if they have to Mike." He finds a spot and turns in and then turns off the car and pulls out his phone to send the text.

Michael chuckles.  "West Van is NOT the Devil's Kitchen neighborhood of Vancouver."  he reminds.  "Oh was that that .. Alice chick I was hearing about on the street yesterday?  A couple guys were saying this did that AND tore up the supermarket?  And you DIDN'T taze her?"  he snorts.  "You think Nault did his job?  Yea ... we're dead meat."  he shakes his head, mock sadly.  "As soon as I get a place, I'll invite you guys over.  Irish and German food mixed together in something that is probably against the Geneva Convention."  he watches Ryan as he writes and sends the text.  "Sedation is startin to sound kinda good about now."  he blows out a breath.  "Thank God for black uniforms."

"Alison Chase." he mutters as he watches Angie's all caps reply comes across his screen "Oh shit...... he didn't tell her......and she's not happy. I almost wish we were there to watch......" He looks over at Mike "I feel a little gross too. Maybe it's psychological, like watching someone puke and feeling nausea. Let's go in." He undoes his seatbelt and pockets his phone before pushing his door open.

 Michael snorts.  "Of course not.  Too busy giving parked cars tickets for going under the speed limit."  he blows out a breath and undoes his seatbelt with a growl of pain.  "That hurts .. yea ... that is not fun."  he gets out of the car and slams the door.  "Nault can wash the goddamn blood off the seats."  he blows out a breath as the gimp into the emergency room.  Two cops, both apparently injured.  He wonders if it’s like the Devils Kitchen here or not.