Day 265 - Friday, September 12th

[papalobo]

[A Chinese man who is definitely a mature adult and not a teenager checks in to the Hyatt, one of their more exclusive rooms, along with his half-white half brother who is also certainly not a teenager and most definitely not the notorious gang leader wanted on suspicion of a September 11th New York City bombing in retaliation for an angry rogue sect of anti-American zealots.

The entire suite floor has been rented out, and it requires a special key card in the elevator and on the stairs to enter that floor. But they can rent one of the still very luxe rooms directly beneath.

A familiar white limo is in the car garage, though the opportunity to gawk or investigate is slim, between the security cameras and live guards.

There's still no contact from Max, but the Department of Homeland Security has become involved, and has begun to enter Ash's territory with intent to arrest any known figures within his gang to bring in for questioning.]

Day 284, Wednesday, Oct 1st

Comments

[jadedlynx]

[ Most have already been hidden. Those that are still on the open interact better with the cops, have no criminal records, and are sure to be confused. The don't really interact with anybody of that description.

The hotel is harder. Being below them helps, but this place isn't going to have thin walls.

But, Shawn's station in the lobby and restaurants to watch for men coming out. He might recognize their faces. Ash, meanwhile, spends more time at the front desk chatting up the workers and learning about the staff. The cleaning staff is also important. He's in the room as they come by and have a conversation. Will they be the same cleaners every day? He bets it can be hard sometimes with some of the more entitled visitors. Don't worry, they'll try not to be as bad as he's seen them yet. Ah, but if they clean more than the suites, maybe it's different.

He wants to know if they have special staff for them. ]

[papalobo]

[No, it's the same standard staff, but so far, rather than entitled, they've just refused cleaning services.

Shawn can camp with a newspaper and be on the look out with ease.

It's around 11:00 there's a call from Max's number. Not his spare number, but his normal number.]

[jadedlynx]

[ He's not in the mood. He's not in the damn mood, but he knows he has to keep his calm if he plans to come out of this and not have to make a new identity. ]

Hello?

[ Is this when they ask him to turn himself in? ]

[papalobo]

We've taken in Max Lobo. Don't you think it's time for you to turn yourself in, too?

[It's an unfamiliar, gruff voice.]

[jadedlynx]

[ Have you? That's... troubling, but being in police custody is better than being in their hands. But, eventually, they will get him. This game can't go on forever. ]

I will as soon as I have my proof together. I didn't do anything, but somehow, that doesn't feel like it's going to be enough for you.

[papalobo]

What do you mean by proof? Leave this up to the pros.

[jadedlynx]

I already see the pros chasing the wrong leads. That doesn't help me put a lot of faith in them. I come in, Mr. Wu stays missing, and the people behind this walk free. I can't see where the good idea comes into play.

[papalobo]

Then, why don't you tell me where you think we should be looking?

[jadedlynx]

The Ling family from Chicago. One of their sons is staying here. I've worked with Mr. Wu in the past, and we stayed in touch. We're on good terms. I just happened to be somebody they could blame this on.

[papalobo]

Yeah. I happen to remember the last time Lobo got drug in. It was with this Wu guy, who also got taken in for cooperating with you. I won't say nobody's wondering why you'd do him in.

Listen. Let's meet up and work at this together. What do you say?

[jadedlynx]

I wouldn't!

[ The frustration he feels is real. The worry is real. The expression of both is fake. Ash is more controlled than that. ]

Sorry. I might be in over my head, but I know what happens the second I show my face. I'm arrested, you've already decided I'm guilty. Maybe I can try and trust the system more after I know Wu is safe. He's a nice guy, you know. He thought it was some kind of crime if you didn't play host every time somebody came over. He probably even fed those bastards.

[papalobo]

Lot of us know Lobo. Charlie's being held by DHS now too, in case he was working with him to let him escape this far. If we don't all work together, we don't get anywhere.

[jadedlynx]

He wouldn't. Charlie. You could be best friends with the guy and still have to say no if somebody asked you if you had connections in the force.

Help me find Wu, and I'll come in pre-cuffed. I'm really not running from the law. I just have to make sure he's out of their hands first.

[papalobo]

Then, as a gesture of good will, lemme ask another one.

What's your real name, kid?

[jadedlynx]

[ He isn't surprised they'd be connected. He's been waiting for it for a long time, and with this, the possibility became all the more likely. ]

Ash Golzine.

[ It really is his legal name now. ]

[papalobo]

Before you were adopted by him.

[jadedlynx]

I give you a show of good faith. What's your show?

[papalobo]

The guy Lobo slugged'll agree not to press charges for assaulting a police officer. Again.

Gimmie another show of good faith and we're willing to let him fax an article to his publisher.

[jadedlynx]

Aslan Callenreese.

[papalobo]

Thought so. Guess enough money raises the dead.

DHS's gonna get first dibs on his article, I don't have a say in that, but we'll get it faxed once we get it back.

[jadedlynx]

They took him in a white limo. What kind of good faith would it take to have you at least look into that lead, too?

[papalobo]

It'd stand out more if it was literally any other color, but.

[jadedlynx]

I have the license plate.

[papalobo]

Happen to know where it's at now?

[jadedlynx]

If my info is right.