[COLOR=GRAY][INDENT][COLOR=SILVER][SUB][h3]|| A[SUB][SUP]RCHIE'S [/SUP][/SUB]L[SUB][SUP]OFT - [/SUP][/SUB]W[SUB][SUP]AMPANOAG [/SUP][/SUB]A[SUB][SUP]PARTMENT [/SUP][/SUB]C[SUB][SUP]OMPLEX[/SUP][/SUB][/h3][/SUB][/COLOR]
[INDENT][table][row][CELL][abbr=Exterior of the Wampanoag Apartment Complex][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019f37e4-32ef-76d8-9770-cb13ad98a772.webp[/img][/abbr]
[color=2e2c2c]________________________________[/color][/CELL][cell]Harri took a deep breath, watching while Archie moved to the bathroom before she turned around and made her way to towards the couch in the center of the apartment. She flopped down on the sofa, allowing it to cradle her before hanging her head in her hands and running her fingers through her hair. She couldn't believe she was turning to Archie Hardwick, of all people, for help. 

It wasn't that she didn't like Archie; they were friends and had been for a very long time, but Archie wasn't exactly someone she would have typically thought of in her hour of need. It's not like Archie to ride in at the eleventh hour and save the day.

[COLOR=#98FB98][i]Girl.[/i][/COLOR]

Okay, perhaps that wasn't entirely true. Archie had come to her rescue more times than Harri could count. Maybe it was the fact that when she pictured a knight in shining armour, the only image of Archie that came to her was him as the squire clumsily running alongside the knight's horse, futilely trying to keep up. Archie was like a kid brother, practically a sibling in every way, and Treasure was actually her sister.

Maybe becoming a Junior Partner was the push that Archie needed to start maturing.

Archie's loft apartment was a modest affair.[/cell][/row][/table][table][row][cell]Sterile, concrete walls towered from the floor to the high ceilings, giving the Spartan space a void, if not a well-lit appearance. A large accent rug covered the majority of the main living space, doing little to hide the cement floor that sprawled from under it, reaching to each of the four walls. 

Situated on the Eastern edge of Milk Street, the Wampanoag Apartment complex was once an industrial space before being gentrified and turned into luxury apartments for about thirty seconds before the operating company went under and the building was slowly bankrolled between affordable and student living to recoup any and all income possible. While the units occupied small footprints, the building's tall rooms allowed for a mezzanine or loft style of unit, increasing living space by nearly fifty percent and giving the Wampanoag a unique draw for mature students and young working professionals.[/cell][/row][/table][table][row][cell]The building had character, and given that the median age was younger, it was an active building full of life. Hallways often had the sound of music drifting from each unit, while the later hours of the day were filled with young adults excitedly going out for any one of Pointe Bordeaux's numerous nocturnal activities. Harri had crashed at Archie's place more than enough times to know just how much she enjoyed the quaint, out-of-the-way location, even to some degree, in comparison to her own luxury apartment in the Sound.

The last of the day's light shone brightly against the tall, factory-style, frosted windows that remained intact from the original building. The sun fought to penetrate the translucent coating, only ever capable of fully entering through an open window. 

Each panel of the towering pane was capable of independent movement, allowing both light and airflow to enter the unit through the massive window frame. It encapsulated the entirety of the eighteen foot celling height, stretching from just about a foot above the floor to approximately an equal distance under the ceiling. 

Painted steel girders ran horizontally above the modest kitchenette and small corridor that led away to the enclosed bathroom neatly hidden behind it. Above the metalwork sat the loft, which housed Archie's bed, which was likely the most expensive item in the entire loft.[/cell][cell][abbr=Interior Shot of Archie's Apartment][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019f37e4-60ff-779e-9624-a837986eca69.webp[/img][/abbr]
[color=2e2c2c]________________________________[/color][/cell][/row][/table][table][row][cell]In the time that Harri had known Archie, he had almost always bought secondhand. It had been her experience that Archie had always liked to pick items which, in his own words, looked like they had a story to tell.  Despite being thrifted, everything inside his apartment was intentional, from the rug to the couch and apparently even to his new dog, Marrok, whose eyes told Harri of a thousand lifetimes that the mysterious black dog had already lived.

There was one exception, however, Archie's towering bookshelves.

A dominant feature of not only the main living space, but the entire loft, large built-in bookcases that covered the wall opposite the kitchenette, complete with a rail-mounted ladder for each access. Various titles from fiction to non-fiction, from how tos to various dabbles in psychology and religion, all filled the overbrimming bookcase. Despite how many books had been jammed into it, not a single one was out of place or looked to have suffered any form of abuse. Each was treasured, adored and respected.[/cell][/row][/table][table][row][cell][abbr=The Infamous Bookshelf][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019f37f3-0478-7668-a557-87fe831c7d0c.webp[/img][/abbr]
[color=2e2c2c]________________________________[/color][/cell][cell]Harri couldn't help but smile as she leaned back into the carefully chosen and worn sofa; it smelled like Archie, and while she'd likely never admit it to him, there was a comfort that came from being around him. There was, after all, a reason they were still friends, and perhaps, if Harri was honest with herself for a second, perhaps there was a reason that she did so often turn to Archie in a crisis. She allowed herself to inhale the faint aroma of Archie's cologne again, hugging a pillow tightly before the strange, black dog jumped up beside her, stomping about in a circle before collapsing against her thigh and flopping its massive head onto her lap. 

[color=#98FB98]"You're a funny guy,"[/color] She stated, scratching the dog on his chin again while continuing to look around. If someone had asked Harri to describe Mark Twain's office, she would have likely shown them a picture of Archie's apartment. Deep, dark chocolatey hardwood dominated the shelves and accent furniture while numerous books were spread across both the coffee tables and the desk, each in the midst of being lovingly enjoyed.

While no expense was spared when it came to the books and his personal work station, everything else was painfully spartan. The kitchen, in particular, was functional, but that was it. There were no signs of any affection given to cooking, no quirky mugs, nor even seemingly any plates or cutlery for guests. The fortress-like walls of the apartment lacked any sort of art or mementos, with the only picture in Harri's immediate view being a small frame kept atop a functional table beside the door.[/cell][/row][/table][table][row][cell]Harri stood up from the couch, gingerly walking over towards the picture on her tiptoes as though she was sneaking through the room she had clearly been invited to stay in. Picking up the frame, a small smile crept across her glossed lips. It was a picture of her and Archie at their graduation. She was looking straight into the camera, smiling brightly while Archie; Archie was looking only at her. 

Harri brushed the back of her fingers against her neck. Suddenly feeling slightly flustered before turning around. The bathroom door was ajar, and Archie had his shirt off. Harri had to stop herself from letting out an audible gasp at the sight of his bare torso. Despite his slender build, she was taken aback by the actual definition of his body. She stifled a small gasp, her eyes staring far longer than she knew she should before Archie suddenly broke the silence.

[COLOR=C0C0C0]"Ready to go?"[/COLOR] Archie called absently, his eyes looking elsewhere, seemingly unaware of Harri's intrusion before she hastily scampered back to the couch, her eyes meeting Marrok's, who had been watching her the entire time. Her heart felt like it was moving a mile a minute, her pulse quickening as she felt like a schoolgirl who had been caught peeking in the boy's locker room.

The dog looked at her again, his jaw open, giving him the appearance of an ear-to-ear grin while his brow twitched in a way that gave him the appearance of raising a knowing eyebrow towards Harri.

[COLOR=#98FB98]"Yeah, definitely,"[/COLOR] Harri replied, breaking eye contact with Marrok before composing herself as though she had been sitting on the couch the entire time. There was no way that Archie had seen her looking at him.

She didn't think, at least. 

There was no way Archie Hardwick, of all people, could play it that cool if he had thought she was checking him out.

Exiting the bathroom, Archie adjusted his new shirt before grabbing a jacket and awkwardly smiling at Harri. She felt her cheeks threatening to flush further before hurrying out the door with Marrok as Archie locked up behind them.[/cell][/row][/table][center][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019ed633-146b-75dd-a83a-c9ce8b3d63da.webp[/img]
[sup][h2]O[i][sub][sup]nce was a man who lived a life so mundane, it could only be true. 

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Practically invisible to the world around him, life carries on while he felt perpetually stuck treading water just to keep his head

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afloat. Fortunately for the man, fate had different ideas and intervened with a heavy hand. Pushed into a corner, the man 

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was driven to hide amongst dusty shelves and heavy tomes. In the silence, he could hear his name being whispered, 

[color=2c2c2e]_[/color]
[color=2c2c2e]_[/color]
over and over again, until his hand touched one particular opus. A worn book, bound in leather and tarnished steel. Though 

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[color=2c2c2e]_[/color]
sealed, it opened for a price, and upon spreading its pages, the man's life was changed forever. 
[color=2c2c2e]_[/color]
[color=2c2c2e]_[/color]
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Now, he is the Warlock they call...[/sup][/sub][/i][/h2][/sup][/center][/INDENT][/INDENT][sub][hr][/sub][sup][hr][/sup][CENTER][url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/5661999][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019e83f9-259f-75fb-95e3-57387106ed18.webp[/img][/url][/CENTER][sub][hr][/sub][sup][hr][/sup][SUB][SUP][table][row][cell][INDENT][h2][b][COLOR=SILVER]L[SUP][SUB]OCATION:[/SUB][/SUP][/COLOR][/b] [i][SUP][SUB]THE WAMPANOAG APARTMENT COMPLEX - MILK STREET[/SUB][/SUP][/i][/h2][/INDENT][/cell][cell][INDENT][RIGHT][h2][b][COLOR=SILVER]U[SUP][SUB]RBAN [/SUB][/SUP]G[SUP][SUB]OTHIC[/SUB][/SUP] #1.12[SUP][SUB]:[/SUB][/SUP][/COLOR][/b] [i][SUP][SUB]HUNT[/SUB][/SUP][/i][/h2][/RIGHT][/INDENT][/cell][/row][/table][/SUP][/SUB][hr][SUP][SUP][table][row][cell][INDENT][sup][h1][b][COLOR=SILVER]I[SUP][SUB]NTERACTIONS:[/SUB][/SUP][/COLOR][/b] [i][SUP][SUB]SCOTT KNIGHT - [@Captain Uni], LUCY WILCOX (PHONECALL) - [@Sep][/SUB][/SUP][/i][/h1][/sup][/INDENT][/cell][cell][INDENT][RIGHT][sup][h1][b][COLOR=SILVER]P[SUP][SUB]REVIOUSLY:[/SUB][/SUP][/COLOR][/b] [i][SUP][SUB][URL=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/5667340]HAVEN[/URL][/SUB][/SUP][/i][/h1][/sup][/RIGHT][/INDENT][/cell][/row][/table][/SUP][/SUP][INDENT][INDENT][TABLE][ROW][CELL]Archie had stared at his own reflection in the mirror every day for as long as he could remember. He knew every inch of his face like he knew the tale of Alexander Dumas' Musketeers. Archie knew exactly where his grey hairs were, like how he knew the first page Abraham Van Helsing appeared in Stoker's Dracula. But for the first time, Archie was unfamiliar with the eyes that stared back at him. 

Normally, he would have chalked it up to tiredness, a long night followed by an ever-expanding day. There was nothing he wanted to do more than go upstairs and collapse into the bed he had saved for over three years to buy. Harri had teased him at one point for having more pillows on the bed than he did, combined between sheets, blankets and the duvet. But no, as he stared, it wasn't tiredness; there was something still beyond the dark circles that hung beneath his green eyes. 

There was a glimmer of confidence he had never seen before. A shift in how his spin supported his shoulders, and yet, Archie couldn't help but feel like he should be buried in regret. 

The tap began to steam as the water warmed. He splashed it on his face, feeling the heat soothe each and every pore across his cheeks and forehead. Suddenly, his nose crinkled in disgust, an acrid smell polluting his nostrils. His eyes opened wide, and terror flooded his being. He could feel the floorboards of Galloway's shop as a fist came towards him. Words of a language he knew he didn't know flew out of his mouth, conjuring flames from his fingertips as Archie dropped the Dragon's charred corpse to the ground.

The body bags from this morning.

Screams rang in his ears, and dark blurs became clearer as memories seemingly began to unlock from the fog that had haunted his brain for most of the day. The Dragons retreated while Marrok drove them back, diving between gouts of flame and crackling bolts of lightning as the spells freely left Archie's hands until suddenly he collapsed amidst the dropped bodies.

[COLOR=C0C0C0][i]I killed them? They were just men, normal men.[/i][/COLOR]

He ran for the toilet, barely reaching it in time to lift the lid and seat as the greasy breakfast with Boz made a surprise reappearance. Hot tears welled in the corner of his eyes before he managed to pull himself off the floor. He couldn't let Harri see him like this, not while Treasure was missing. 

[COLOR=C0C0C0][i]Innocent men.[/i][/COLOR]

Ripping the shirt off, Archie returned to the mirror, standing bare-chested in front of it as he swore the memories of last night could never be revealed to anyone. They weren't innocent; they couldn't be. The Dragons had attacked him, they had tried to sell him drugs, and he refused. It was self-defence; he had already been released by the police, and the city would be better with a few fewer trafficking gangbangers in it.

This was not his fault.

Archie had to justify it to himself. He couldn't let himself be bogged down by guilt. There just wasn't time for him to wallow. Whatever happened in Galloway's shop last night was between him, Marrok and the dead now. He gripped the edges of the sink tighter. He needed everything to slow down; Archie needed time to think, to read and to study. If this Grimoire was capable of making him commit murder, then he would need to learn to control it.

A noise outside the door reminded Archie of the task at hand, and he hurriedly threw some toothpaste on his brush before cleaning his teeth.

[COLOR=C0C0C0]"Ready to go?"[/COLOR] He called before grabbing another shirt he had left in the bathroom. He gave it a quick sniff test before throwing it on. 

[COLOR=#98FB98]"Yeah, definitely,"[/COLOR] Came Harri's reply before Archie rushed out, adjusting his shirt before motioning for Marrok to follow as the three left the apartment. 

It was already after six in the evening before Archie and Harri made their way out of his apartment and hastened through the building towards his car. It wasn't much; a small sedan more than a few years older than what would have retained any sort of value. It's what had allowed Archie to buy a luxury-branded vehicle, even if most of its luxuries had given up the ghost prior to purchasing. But it was reliable where it counted and could take a beating. Like any young man, Archie would have liked to buy himself a much nicer car, but being an associate wasn't exactly a huge paycheque. Perhaps if he could hold on to his promotion to Junior Partner, a new car would be in his future.

[COLOR=C0C0C0][i]Or you could use mag'ik, idiot.[/i][/COLOR]

Or, he could start using mag'ik to solve all of his problems. Responsibility be damned, nothing bad ever came of abusing near-limitless cosmic powers. It's not like the Grimoire, or Galloway cautioned him against using these abilities for personal gain. A twinge of guilt caused Archie to wince before his inner voice even began to scold him.

[COLOR=C0C0C0][i]It's not like you already have a body count.[/i][/COLOR]

[COLOR=#98FB98]"I forgot that you drive like my grandma,"[/COLOR] Harri bemoaned from beside Archie, who was brought back out of autopilot to the actual situation at hand. Out of the corner of his eye, he could have sworn he saw Marrok snicker in the rear-view mirror. 

[COLOR=C0C0C0]"I-uh,"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#98FB98]"Could you make an exception?"[/COLOR] Harri pleaded, [COLOR=#98FB98]"Just this once, for Tess."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=C0C0C0]"I'll see what I can do,"[/COLOR] Archie answered before reluctantly pushing down harder on the accelerator and watching the speedometer climb to five miles above the posted limit. An exasperated breath escaped from between Harri's lips, but she didn't complain further, the car falling into an awkward silence as it made its way through the district. 

Bosley was already waiting by the time Archie had found parking for his modest sedan. Parking around the corner from the Haunt, Archie and Harri made their way quickly along Milk Street. While most of the day had already elapsed, it was still too early for the club crowd, meaning the neo-industrial bar was practically empty save for a few regulars who were sitting along the bar rail. Even the DJ hadn't finished setting up for the night, Archie observed while he watched the man clad in the theatrical, angular helmet supervising a couple of sound technicians as they ran his cords and set up his station.[/CELL][/ROW][/TABLE][TABLE][ROW][CELL][COLOR=#606B8E]"Hey, Stud, didn't think I'd see you again until Saturday,"[/COLOR] Boz greeted jovially, before allowing his expression to become more solemn. [COLOR=#606B8E]"Harriet, I'm sorry about your sister, but I promise you I'm going to do everything I can to ensure I get her back."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#98FB98]"Thank you, Tom,"[/COLOR] Harri replied as the two quickly exchanged a side hug. Archie couldn't help but recall Boz's words from this morning, his eyes looking between the pair as they embraced in an obligatory manner, wondering if Boz was playing nice solely for Archie's sake or if there was genuine emotion behind the gesture. 

[COLOR=#98FB98]"Alright, Archie, find your bartender friend."[/COLOR] Harri ordered as Boz raised an eyebrow at the comment. Archie knew there was no way that Boz missed how Harri's words had practically bristled at the mention of Carmilla.

[COLOR=#606B8E]"What's this about a bartender?"[/COLOR] Boz asked excitedly while Harri crossed her arms in front of her. Her eyes wandered around the Haunt, looking anywhere but towards the bar where the dark-haired, caramel-skinned woman in question was currently polishing pint glasses. 

[COLOR=C0C0C0]"I, uh, hit, er, chatted. No, I, ah, made a friend with the bartender over there, Carmilla."[/COLOR] He finally spat out as Boz clapped him on the back. Tom grinned from ear to ear, speaking intentionally loud enough that there was no mistaking that Harri had to have heard every word Boz said.[/CELL][CELL][abbr=Tom 'Boz' Bosley][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019f288a-1481-7367-9a2f-1a125965fa27.webp[/img][/abbr]
[color=2e2c2c]________________________________[/color][/CELL][/ROW][/TABLE][TABLE][ROW][CELL][COLOR=#606B8E]"You dog, she's absolutely gorgeous."[/COLOR] Boz applauded, [COLOR=#606B8E]"Atta boy, I knew you had it in you, but word of advice, don't date bartenders. Especially ones that work at the Haunt."[/color] He smiled. 

[COLOR=#98FB98]"[sub][sup]Remind me to only go to the Velvet Room from now on,[/sup][/sub]"[/color] Harri muttered beneath her breath while Archie scrambled to change the subject.

[COLOR=C0C0C0]"I, I think it's important that we-"[/COLOR] Archie started before Harri viciously cut him off, spitting venom towards Bosley.

[COLOR=#98FB98]"We're here to find Treasure, not set up Archie with the bimbo bartender, so let's say on subject, please, Thomas."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#606B8E]"Yes, Ma'am,"[/color] Boz retorted with a mock salute. [COLOR=#606B8E]"Well, Superstar, why don't we go reintroduce ourselves and see if we can't find out something about Miss Huffy's sister?"[/color]

[COLOR=#98FB98]"I'm not 'huffy', and you're being insensitive."[/COLOR] Harri snapped back. Archie found himself suddenly very torn between his two closest friends. [COLOR=#98FB98]"If you're not actually here to help, then you can leave."[/color]

[color=c0c0c0]"Harri-"[/color]

[COLOR=#98FB98]"Aren't [i]you[/i] supposed to be talking to the bartender?"[/color] Harri snapped, turning on Archie as he tried to interject. Archie, for the first time in his life, felt his fists curl as Harri turned her venom on him. The hairs on the back of his neck started to bristle while she laid into him.

It wasn't right, it wasn't fair. They were there to help here and Archie of all people treated Treasure with every bit of love and respect that he had for Harri herself. 

[color=c0c0c0][b]"ENOUGH!"[/b][/color] He barked suddenly. 

A hush fell over what few patrons were inside the Haunt at this hour. [color=c0c0c0]"We're both here to help you find Treasure, and this bickering isn't accomplishing anything. I'm going to go ask Carmilla if she saw anything last night; you and Boz are going to stay here and make up. Whether you like it or not, Boz has connections through the D.A.'s office that can help, connections we don't have. So yeah, we need him, and I'd like you both to start getting along. Treasure's like a sister to me too, Harri, I know you're stressed, but we're going to find her-"[/color]

[COLOR=#606B8E]"Stud, I want to bring her home, but we can't promise-"[/color]

[color=c0c0c0]"No, Boz."[/color] Archie tightened his fist. He could feel the hum of the Grimoire in his pocket. [color=c0c0c0]"We're bringing her home."[/color] He stated matter-of-factly. The tone of the normally meek, mild-mannered lawyer left no room for argument as he stood his ground. [color=c0c0c0]"You're both my closest friends, and I am asking you, and I never ask for anything, to please get along for one night. I hope you both can find some commonality by the time I get back."[/color] He added before storming off towards the barrail. 

Archie's hands were shaking like a leaf; he had never yelled at Boz before, and for Harri, this was somehow now the second time in twenty-four hours. Never before in his life had he so badly wanted a drink, but the situation wouldn't allow for it as he strode directly towards Carmilla. Checking his breath as he approached, Archie straightened his shirt again before quickly tousling his hair and then combing it with his fingers. Reluctantly satisfied with his appearance being as good as it was going to get, he opened his mouth to address the raven-haired woman, only for her to greet him first.

[color=#9f6cb8]"I didn't think I'd see you again so soon,"[/color] Carmilla purred, a smile crossing her glossy, wine-coloured lips as she rested her elbows on the countertop and cradled her head in her hands, looking up at Archie. Perfectly drawn cat eyeliner accented her doe-like dark eyes. Archie was taken aback for a moment, seemingly recalling that the woman had blue-hued violet eyes the night before.

[color=#9f6cb8]"I mean, I was hoping,"[/color] She smiled, batting her eyes before continuing, [color=#9f6cb8]"You look like you could use a drink. Your usual?"[/color]

[color=#c0c0c0]"N-no, thank you,"[/color] Archie managed to stammer, "[color=#c0c0c0]I uh, actually need a favour."[/color]

[color=#9f6cb8]"I wouldn't consider that a favour,"[/color] Carmilla winked, edging herself closer to Archie, who suddenly felt very hot under the collar. She traced a finger along the back of one of his hands, and it felt like an electric current was suddenly running through his body. In his pocket, the Grimoire began to hum intensely against his thigh, sending further currents through his body as Archie tried to focus.

He couldn't deny his attraction to Carmilla. Her confidence, the way she carried herself, and the way she was dressed in a figure-hugging leather corset top paired with a matching pair of skin-tight pants. It left little to the imagination, and perhaps that was why even in the dim lighting of the club, amidst the diffusion of crimson and copper, Archie spotted for the first time the smoky crystal pommel atop an ebony wood rod snugly holstered on the waist-line of the low-rise pants that gave way to a pair of narrow, lace-adored, silk straps that snugly hugged defined hip bones and teased Archie with the prospect of seeing so much more of Carmilla's wardrobe.

His eyes flashed back to the similar object mounted above the counter at Galloway's shop before he suddenly took a step back, his hand moving to his pocket protectively.

[color=#c0c0c0]"Ha, ha-ha,"[/color] He laughed nervously, [color=#c0c0c0]"A-a-actually, it's Harri. Her, uh, her sister was here last night, and she's missing. Would you have seen anything?"[/color] Archie asked as Carmilla continued to stare at him like a wolf who had entrapped a deer.

[color=#9f6cb8]"Do you have a picture?"[/color] Carmilla asked, standing up as Archie fumbled for his phone. He cautiously reached for the disguised grimoire, keeping a tight grip on the faux device before pulling it from his pocket, hoping it could produce what he needed.

[i][color=#c0c0c0]Do I have a picture of Treasure?[/color][/i]

Responding to his need, the grimoire produced an image of Treasure, pulling her visage from his mind's eye rather than the connected cloud like a regular phone would have. Treasure was strikingly similar to Harri in many ways; they were, after all, sisters. But her face took more after her father's, giving her more of an oval face shape compared to Harri's heart-shaped one. Her hair was highlighted blonde, a stark difference from her older sister, but the pair shared the same nose and unmistakable dark eyes. Treasure notably had a beauty mark above her upper lip on the right side of her mouth, something that Archie had always thought was rather cute.

[color=#9f6cb8]"I serve a lot of people each night, can't say her face stands out,"[/color] Carmilla answered flatly before standing from the counter. She watched Archie's eyes intently before reaching behind and pulling a suede jacket over her shoulders. Her hands subtly reached behind her and ensured the coat covered her waist.

[color=#9f6cb8]"A lot of 'pretty' girls come through her, comes with the proximity to the L.H.C."[/color]

[color=#c0c0c0]"The people she was with,"[/color] Archie started, doing his best to feign ignorance at how Carmilla was using the jacket to hide what Archie could only assume was a 'conduit'. [color=#c0c0c0]"Uh, the people she was with were likely rowdier; she's been hanging out with a rough crowd."[/color]

[color=#9f6cb8]"Then you'd be better off asking a server,"[/color] Carmilla replied, seemingly bored with the conversation, while she rubbed her arms, pretending to warm herself.

[color=#9f6cb8]"Scott Knight was working last night; he's the one standing over there."[/color] She added, pointing towards a moderately tall and toned young man with tight dark curls.

[color=#9f6cb8]"If he recognizes your friend's sister, I can take a look at the cameras, but without a witness, it'd be just like looking for a needle in a haystack."[/color] She shrugged, "You should be more careful with that," Carmilla suddenly added, looking at Archie's phone. He froze, his lips opening, but no sound came out as he found himself unable to move.

[color=#9f6cb8]"Since you lost your last one,"[/color] Carmilla suddenly smiled, [color=#9f6cb8]"That's a different phone from last night, and you're holding it so tightly I'm afraid you'll crush it."[/color] She teased, a mischievous smile crossing her face as Archie relaxed slightly.

[color=#9f6cb8]"I can't give you my number if you keep losing your phone, gorgeous."[/color]

[color=#c0c0c0]"R-right, of course,"[/color] Archie stammered, [color=#c0c0c0]"I-I'll be right back,"[/color] He replied before rushing over to Harri and pointing out Scott.

[color=#c0c0c0]"Carmilla suggested we talk to that server over there, said he was working last night and might have seen Treasure, especially if the people she was with were making a scene."[/color]

Harri had initially crossed her arms as Archie had returned. He looked between her and Boz, the tension in the air still palpable. But it didn't appear that they had argued any further while Archie had been talking to Carmilla. Boz offered an apologetic smile as Harri slowly lowered her arms, a slight sigh of relief loosening her shoulders before she responded.

[color=#98fb98]"Thanks, Arch,"[/color] She said softly, [color=#98fb98]"For what it's worth, it really does look like the bartender is into you."[/color]

Archie shook his head.

[color=#c0c0c0]"Let's not dwell on that right now,"[/color] Archie replied, still feeling like Carmilla was watching him as his eyes kept picturing the conduit stored on her belt below her lower back.

[color=#c0c0c0][i]Her lips are devil-red, and her skin's the colour of mocha[/i][/color]

[color=#c0c0c0]"We've got to get Treasure back before anything happens to her, and it looks like Scott Knight is our best chance."[/color] He reiterated, [color=#c0c0c0]"Did you happen to see who Treasure was with?"[/color]

[color=#98fb98]"Yeah,"[/color] Harri replied, looking one more time at Carmilla and back to Archie, clearly confused about how quickly he had dismissed the beautiful bartender. A small smile crossed her face as Archie focused on Treasure again, and Harri tucked a strand of hair behind her ear before answering further.

[color=#98fb98]"They looked like athletes, Coyotes maybe?"[/color] Harri offered as the pair approached Scott.[/CELL][/ROW][/TABLE][abbr=Archie and Harri meet Scott Knight][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019f2879-f167-7618-b536-eb47db26b5b6.webp[/img][/abbr][TABLE][ROW][CELL][color=#c0c0c0]"Hockey players, the worst."[/color] Archie deadpanned.

[color=#98fb98]"Excuse me,"[/color] Harri started, tapping the young man on the shoulder, [color=#98fb98]"Are you Scott Knight?"[/color]

The young man jumped slightly and looked over his shoulder, as if shaken from a stupor. [color=#5f9ea0]“Oh! Uh…”[/color]

[color=#c0c0c0]"Carmilla, uh, pointed us towards you,"[/color] Archie added, gesturing back towards the buxom bartender.

[color=#5f9ea0]“Oh. Sorry, was uh… Stuck in my own head. Yeah, I’m Scott,”[/color] he said, turning around to face them fully. He set down the rag he had been using to wipe tables and crossed his arms. He tried to give a friendly smile, but it fell flat on his face. [color=#5f9ea0]“What can I help you with?”[/color]

[color=#98fb98]We're looking for my sister,"[/color] Harri said, holding up her phone towards Scott, [color=#98fb98]"She was in here last night, but she's gone missing. I think she was with some members of the Calder Coyotes, the hockey team. Did you happen to see her at all? Or see anything really?"[/color] She asked.

[color=#c0c0c0]"I'm Archie, and this is Harri,"[/color] Archie added before pointing to Bosley, who was waiting for them a couple of paces back. [color=#c0c0c0]"And that's Boz; he's with the D.A.'s office."[/color]

[i][color=#c0c0c0]Why'd you feel the need to say that? Now he's not going to talk to you, idiot.[/color][/i]

At the mention of Boz's employer, the DJ across the room perked up, locking his eyes onto Boz. Archie caught the glare that the man shot Boz from across the room, watching as the DJ's eyes narrowed, studying Boz as a jaguar would study a deer before pouncing. 

A shiver ran down Archie's spine before his attention was brought back to Scott. He was studying the photo on Harri’s phone intently before turning back to her and nodding. 

[color=#5f9ea0]“I’m pretty sure I recognize her. I think her table was one of the ones I served last night. She was really nice… Can’t say the same for the guys she was with.”[/color]

[color=#98fb98]"What about the guys?”[/color] Harri asked, her curiosity piqued.

[color=#c0c0c0]“Er, uh, more importantly,”[/color] Archie interjected, [color=#c0c0c0]“Do you, uh, remember what time and approximately what table?”[/color] He asked, gesturing broadly across the Haunt.

Scott opened his mouth to reply to Harri, then turned to Archie. Nodding, he pointed over to a booth along the wall with a clear view of the dance floor. [color=#5f9ea0]“That one. It was probably about six thirty or so when they came in. I had just clocked in like half an hour before I started serving them. They were there for most of the night, different people heading out to the dance floor or heading back to the table when I’d come around every ten minutes or so. She was there most of the time. Really nice, like I said.”[/color]

He turned back to Harri. [color=#5f9ea0]“And like I said, the guys were assholes.”[/color]

[color=#c0c0c0]"Hockey players, the worst,"[/color] Archie repeated. [color=#c0c0c0]“Hopefully, that, uh, should be enough for Carmilla to narrow it down on the cameras.”[/color]

[color=#5f9ea0]“Yeah, she should be able to do that for you. If it helps, there was a lot of shouting around one AM near that booth. I saw a girl heading out the side door after that. Pretty sure it was her.”[/color]

[color=#c0c0c0]“I think that’s exactly wh-”[/color]

[color=#98fb98]“Thank you so much!”[/color] Harri blurted out while lunging forward. Interrupting Archie, she stepped past him and wrapped her arms around Scott in a tight hug.

Scott fumbled slightly before awkwardly patting Harri on the back. [color=#5f9ea0]“Uh, yeah, no problem. Hope you guys find her.”[/color]

Harri released the younger man before the pair rejoined Boz, and the trio made their way over to the barrail. Boz playfully nudged Archie in the ribcage upon approaching Carmilla, finally getting a close-up look at the beauty that had Archie acting bashful and Harri like her thong was in a twist.[/CELL][/ROW][/TABLE][TABLE][ROW][CELL][abbr=Carmilla Morgan][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019f288a-3bcb-76fd-a8cc-84d189116208.webp[/img][/abbr]
[color=2e2c2c]________________________________[/color][/CELL][CELL][color=c0c0c0]"Uh, h-hi again,"[/COLOR] Archie said nervously as he approached Carmilla with Boz and Harri in tow. [color=c0c0c0]"We talked to Scott, and he said there was a commotion around 1 AM that led to a girl storming out the side door. Said he never saw her enter again."[/COLOR] 

Carmilla nodded.

[COLOR=#9F6CB8]"That I can work with."[/COLOR] She smiled, waving for the trio to follow me. [COLOR=#9F6CB8]"The manager's office is back here. We can take a look at the cameras at that time and see what we can find."[/COLOR] 

[COLOR=#9F6CB8]"You know,"[/COLOR] Carmilla spoke again, turning to look Archie in the eye, [COLOR=#9F6CB8]"You really should give me your phone so I can put my number in it."[/COLOR] She stated, less as a suggestion and more as a demand. Boz's jaw dropped slightly at the woman's forwardness before he looked to Harri, who was doing her best to not show the steam that was threatening to come out of her ears. 

[COLOR=#98FB98]"[SUB][SUP]You're enjoying this too much,[/SUP][/SUB]"[/COLOR] She muttered out the side of her mouth towards Boz.

[color=#606B8E]"[SUB][SUP]A little,[/SUP][/SUB]"[/COLOR] He replied with a wink.

[COLOR=#98FB98]"[SUB][SUP]Do you hear her? She's throwing herself at him like some kind of sl-[/SUP][/SUB]"[/COLOR]

[color=#606B8E]"Carmilla, you're a very forward woman."[/COLOR] Boz interjected, cutting Harri off while attempting to rescue Archie as the foursome entered the office.[/CELL][/ROW][/TABLE][TABLE][ROW][CELL][COLOR=#9F6CB8]"If a woman knows what they want, why shouldn't she be?"[/COLOR] Camilla retorted, a smirk spreading across crimson lips.

[COLOR=#9F6CB8]"See, that's the problem with women today, they don't make moves and get upset when others do. It's only until they can't have something, so they realize they want it."[/COLOR] She didn't even turn to look at Boz while speaking, her accent thickening the longer she spoke. Archie hadn't noticed it before, but beneath her English were subtleties in her enunciation and intonation that indicated the American tongue was not, in fact, her first. Moving directly across the office, she approached the large display of monitors mounted on the nearby wall, then pushed the desk chair out of her way.

[COLOR=#9F6CB8]"Unlike me, I know what I want, and I get it."[/COLOR] Carmilla stated before ditching her jacket and leaning over the keyboard connected to the security monitors. The back of her corset was neatly cinched with a ribbon that matched her dark lipstick as the boned garment enhanced her already accentuated figure into a picture-perfect hourglass. Leaning downward over the desk onto her elbows, Carmilla arched her back seductively to further illustrate her point, not only to Archie but also to Harri. 

Archie felt himself swallow hard, a nervous lump forming in his throat as Carmilla's already cropped corset rose, fully revealing the small of her back and sun-kissed, caramel skin above the waistline of the low-rise leather pants again. The tantalizing temptation of the shimmering, silk straps drew his attention exactly to where he wanted to look, but to Archie's surprise, the conduit from earlier was nowhere to be seen.

Had Carmilla ditched her weapon, or did Galloway have Archie paranoid and seeing threats where there were none? He couldn't say for certain, not with his lack of sleep and rapid transpiring of events in the last twenty-four hours.

[COLOR=#9F6CB8]"There."[/COLOR] Carmilla pointed as Harri took a step closer.

[COLOR=#98FB98]"Yeah, that's definitely Tess."[/COLOR] Harri replied, [COLOR=#98FB98]"What's she doing?"[/COLOR] She asked, watching her sister on the screen, before she suddenly exited through the side door.

[color=#606B8E]"Do you have any exterior cameras?"[/COLOR] Boz asked.

[COLOR=#9F6CB8]"Getting there, Cowboy."[/COLOR] Carmilla replied flatly, [COLOR=#9F6CB8]"Americans, always so impatient."[/COLOR]

The monitors changed to an exterior shot of the Haunt. Treasure was standing outside playing with her vape while leaning against a wall. Suddenly, a black van approached, stopping abruptly before its doors opened, and two men roughly pulled Treasure inside.

[COLOR=#98FB98]"No! no, no, no."[/COLOR] Harri's voice quivered as she continued to watch, unable to look away as the black van with the circular emblem departed from the frame. 

[color=#606B8E]"Wait,"[/COLOR] Boz instructed. [color=#606B8E]"Can you roll it back frame by frame?"[/COLOR] He asked as Carmilla nodded and began to do so.

[color=#606B8E]"There!"[/COLOR] Boz exclaimed as Carmilla paused the video again. [color=#606B8E]"There's a partial plate. I've got contacts in the detective's department who can run that plate. Maybe we'll get a hit."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#98FB98]"That'll take too much time,"[/COLOR] Harri protested. 

[color=#606B8E]"It's the best we've got right now,"[/COLOR] Boz argued before pulling his cell out of his pocket and heading towards the door to make the call. Archie stared intently at the screen before looking at Harri, who was doing her best not to cry. Boz exchanged a knowing glance with Archie while Archie awkwardly tried to hold Harri, who shrugged off his embrace. 

[color=#606B8E]"Yes, hello. I need to speak with Detective Wilcox."[/COLOR] Boz's voice echoed behind him while he moved into the hallway. [color=#606B8E]"No, I will not hold; it's regarding the missing persons case. Tell her A.D.A. Thomas Bosley is on the line. I have a partial plate for a vehicle suspected to be involved in the abduction."[/COLOR]

Archie looked from Harri back to Boz in the hallway and then to Carmilla, who had propped herself up on her elbows against the desk. He hated feeling helpless. If Harri had given him the night to think things through and work on the Grimoire, then maybe there would have been a chance he could have helped. But as it were, he was just who he had always been.

A loser.

[COLOR=#9F6CB8]"If there was nothing else,"[/COLOR] Carmilla commented, [COLOR=#9F6CB8]"I do have to get back to work, for what it's worth, I do hope you find the girl, though."[/COLOR] She added, pausing on her way past Archie. [COLOR=#9F6CB8]"Also, you're not a loser, and you're already more capable than you think,"[/COLOR] Carmilla whispered in Archie's ear, her hot breath sending a shiver down his spine.

[COLOR=#9F6CB8]"Say hi to the dog for me."[/COLOR] She called before leaving the office.

[COLOR=#4682B4][i]"Whether you realize it or not, you're learning to use your familiar. It's the first step any mage makes. Even as we speak, your senses are synchronizing to its own."[/i][/COLOR]

Galloway's words echoed in Archie's head. There was something he had to be able to do after all. He moved to let Harri know he was stepping outside, but opted to just awkwardly exit the room, not wanting to be shrugged off again. Passing Boz on the way out, Archie and Boz exchanged a quick nod before Boz tapped him on the shoulder and stopped him.

[color=#606B8E]"Hey, I don't know what your plans are with Carmilla, but uh, be careful."[/COLOR] He cautioned, [color=#606B8E]"I can't put my finger on it, but she has a certain je ne said quoi about her."[/COLOR] Bosley smiled sadly. 

Archie nodded before walking off, leaving Boz, who was anxiously waiting for a call back. If he had been more aware of his surroundings, Tom might have noticed the glaring eyes of Mikołajek Kamiński staring at him from across the room. The artist brought his cellphone out of his pocket, snapping a quick picture of Bosley before lifting the rat-like mask over his head.

Tapping his hand against his thigh, Mikołajek began to compose a melody, a new song come to him, his eyes unwaveringly fixed on Bosley. Memories of the lawyers and city officials who failed his mother, turning his blood red hot.

[COLOR=#16B15B]"If the D.A. is going to poke around, then it's time to show this city just how corrupt its protectors are."[/COLOR]

A record scratch filled the Haunt before the bass dropped.

[b][COLOR=#16B15B]"LET'S GET WRETCHED!"[/COLOR][/b][/CELL][/ROW][/TABLE][CENTER][abbr=♫ ♫ Get angry! Get loud! Tonight we ain't makin' anyone proud! Get wretched, get twisted and eat the fuckin' rich till you're sick! ♫ ♫][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019f2898-6e1f-7310-80aa-a36b926cb27b.webp[/img][/abbr][/CENTER][/INDENT][/INDENT][/COLOR]