[center][img]https://i.ibb.co/TbDKJnz/ezgif-com-crop.gif[/img]
[h2][color=0054a6]Richard Barker[/color][/h2][/center]

Even when the storm had passed over New York the previous night, somehow those persisten clouds managed to squeeze out a few more raindrops on what could have been a sunny day. Relatively sunny, it was fall after all. And New York City. The only time the sun was shining here it was still a nuisance. Richard didn't really mind, his nose never liked being baked in the sun after he got that scar of his. It wasn't the rain he was seemingly annoyed at as he found the Metropolitan Museum in his sight and the bistro January had instructed him to meet her at. 

It was the fact she had forced herself into his investigation. He didn't do partners, hadn't for years and certainly not in the company of a glamorous young lady with a look that could both kill and smooch you. 

Richard had been at the Carlito's before, if his memory served him right. Past cases made the high-society bistro a good place for reconnaissance and a hold-up in-between his working hours. To food was decent enough he suppossed, if pricey. Richard passed by the large window frame that gave a clear view of the museum from the bistro's inside, giving a passing look for his employer - and reluctant partner. If he was told not to be late, he had to wonder what kind of person January herself was. Was she the overjoyed party-animal who was late to everything, or had the sense of maturity he felt in her the day before hinted at a grown woman? 

He wasn't surprised to see her sitting in a booth, though the company she kept made him raise a questioning brow. Not only the greasy Detective Golding of the local NYPD presinct and the unknown straight-looking fella in a trenchcoat with his hand gripped tightly around January, but also the gun pointed at them. If January was anything at this moment, she was certainly not a damsel in distress. Good, that meant Richard didn't have to be her knight in shining armour in some fantastic love story. 

[color=0054a6]"Ey Goldie, what the Hell are you doing here at out of places?"[/color] Richard shouted at Detective Golding in a seemingly friendly manner, pushing the door open and making his presence known to the trio he'd much rather be solo. But if they all knew that they were being watched, less chance that someone was willing to do anything stupid. 

"Richard, is that you? You slick sonov'a bitch, fancy seeing you here too. What you'd do, finally decided to spend your life cooking instead of snooping?" Golding shouted back to Richard, sweat pouring down from his overly-sized hat and greasy hair that. Clearly he was getting nervous. Whatever plan he and the German had had earlier, it was falling to shits quicly. "We were just...discussing something with Miss Endicott. But you haven't..."

[color=0054a6]"As matter of fact, yes I have had the pleasure of being introduced to Miss Endicott. Why the Hell do you think I'm here for, you Israeli greaseball?"[/color] Richard's friendly demanour changed into the fast-paced New York tounge, standing with a powerful pose above the Detective. The other man in the trenchcoat was sending daggers into Richard with every word he spoke. [color=0054a6]"And who's the Hun? Didn't think the NYPD liked dealing with foreigners after last year's little escapade?"[/color] 

"Well Richard...I..." Golding was at a loss of words, knowing perfectly well that a gun was being pointed at him. Golding knew, Richard knew, the German Müller knew. The German spoke up in Golding's stuttering, still clutching January's wrist. "Herr Richard. This is..."

[color=0054a6]"That's Herr or Mister Barker to you, Heinie. And I wasn't talking to you."[/color]

"Why the hostility, ol' Dick? Mr. Müller works as a consoltant for me in the investigation on Janu...Miss Endicot's father's death."

[color=0054a6]"Consoltant? Come one, Berth, you know you haven't had a consultant since you tried getting that Italian guy to help you lose weight. And Herr Müller?"[/color] Richard was fast getting tired of Golding bullshitting him and the German's unfriendly look at him. One thing annoyed him ever more thought. [color=0054a6]"If you want to be a smart cookie, I'd suggest you let go of Miss Endicot's wrist. I think we can all agree you'd look less than flattering with a hole in your gut, right?"[/color] Richard said in a matter-of-factly tone to the German, eyeing the table where a presumable gun was being held towards them. Richard shot both of the men a growing smile again, before looking at January in her fiery look. Not bad. 

[color=0054a6]"Good afternoon, Miss Endicot. Hope I'm not too late. It was nice of Detective Golding and Herr Müller to keep you company until I arrived. Now, have a nice day both of you. Don't mind the rain."[/color]