This scullion boy was unexpectedly plucky, even if his attempts at snarky comebacks were lame enough to appear in the script of a Mister Rogers episode. He was also most likely upset. João paused to adjust his glasses with the palm of his hand while the tall man made his escape, and then answered the scraggly haired youth's challenge with smile and a gratuitous offer for a firm handshake.

"João Reis. Sorry to have upset you. I'm working with the city to realize a bright new future for Duskwick, one where the walls are no longer lined with missing posters. I was just taking some before and after photos to illustrate my vision. In the midst of crisis it is easy to be overwhelmed by despair, and I think it's just as important to put up signs to help us find that elusive hope as it is to put up signs to help us find our missing people."

Deep exhale as he bent down to retrieve one of the discarded fliers. "Of course I will put those posters back up. But before I do, take a look at this partially empty cork board. Relish the moment. It would be dishonest to get there by simply taking down the posters and ignoring the problem. We need to do whatever we can to find them. And one suggestion I have, meaning no disrespect, is to reduce the clutter. It may be counter-intuitive, but by only placing one or two posters you make a much stronger and lasting impression on passerby. When it's a solid wall of missing person fliers, well, then people more or less ignore it all together or even when they do look at it there's too many faces and names to remember and they end up remembering nothing. It also sets the mood to be depressed, something I think this town doesn't need any more of right now."

Hopefully this would placate the kid and he could go on with his plans to order a quick brunch.