Morningstar Manor

Mondays in the Mocha. Always a place to see lots of the Manor tenants.

Demitri sat in one of the overstuffed chairs, sipping his coffee and reading a book on the Irish Gaelic language. Okay so he wasn't having to learn things for a certain job anymore but that didn't mean he didn't like to learn. And he wanted to keep that little talent of picking up languages fresh. Never know when you might need it.

****

Jason was sitting near the door to the Mocha, sipping his coffee and having a bagel and keeping his eye on both the lobby and the Mocha itself.

****

Zack was curled up by the fireplace in the Mocha, legs crossed tailor style in the big chair and flipping through a graphic novel. He was deciding whether to brave the chilly weather outside or work from home today. So far home was looking most likely.

****

Loki usually wasn't one that could be missed but today he was dressed smartly for the gallery, bright hair tied back at the nape of his neck as he stood in line for a coffee. It was amusing to see the surprised looks.

The wind outside was chilly but it was lovely and warm in the Lamb tonight, its lights shining invitingly out onto the sidewalk, lively Irish pub music, laughter and the clinking of glasses drifting out each time the door opened.

It was a good night and Kara was smiling as she went about her duties. She helped with both the tables and the bar and if she looked up a tad hopefully each time the door opened... well who could blame her?

***

Though he was promised a night off when he wanted it Jack had decided to come in tonight. Phil was on call at the Manor, Nick was likely spending time with Seth and Jack didn't much feel like getting shit faced at a club tonight. And bartending here was a pretty easy job. He was happy to lend an ear or flirt unashamedly with the customers and was making some great tips.

***

Jason - wonder of wonders - was taking a night off himself and had a booth to himself near the back where he was sipping a pint and nibbling on a plate of cheese fries.

***

Demitri had taken over a pool table and for the moment was playing a solitary game.

***

Hugh had heard about the pub and decided to check it out and now sat in a booth going on his second pint and feeling much more relaxed. It reminded him of a pub he'd spent a good deal of time in during his youth.

Of course he'd heard what had happened. He'd called Owens and found out more details. Owens might not be on the case but being over the department he had access to the case files. And Jason had been watching closely once she'd come back to the Manor. Watching Jane visit. Watching Avery.

He'd stayed away but today he finally gave in to what he had been wanting to do for a while.

Check on her.

He paused outside her door for a moment then sighed and knocked.

Things had been quiet around the Manor and while that might mean that some of his staff felt relaxed and at ease it only put Jason on edge. It was always quietest before the storm and with Halloween quickly approaching he took to making the rounds of the building more often.

From the top of the roof to the very bottom of the basements, Jason strolled the halls and corridors keeping a sharp eye out.


[ooc: you can find him anywhere in the Manor you like at any time of day or night]

Furniture and most all of his possessions had already been delivered but Hugh still had plenty with him when he stepped through the doors to the Manor lobby. Dressed in jeans, trainers, tshirt and a blazer and messenger back hanging round his shoulders, Hugh dropped his bags just inside the door and watched the taxi driver unload a couple of boxes.

"Ah yes thanks," Hugh mumbled and headed for the front desk, patting his pockets in search of his wallet. The man behind the desk seemed rather forboding and Hugh took note of his features and manners and stowed it away for future reference without really thinking about it.

"May I help you?" Jason said.

"Yes, yes, um, Hugh Davis. Moving in?" Hugh finally found his wallet and produced his ID and Jason looked it over then nodded and gathered up the welcome packet.

"Pleasure to have you here, Mr. Davis," he said. "Here's your welcome packet and your keys and I'll ring for someone to come help you with your things."

"Brilliant thanks," Hugh said, signing the form Jason had pushed towards him to show he'd picked up his keys and then went to wait by his bags.

[ooc: apologies as several of my pups seem a bit down tonight, poor things]

Jason was off tonight. Not because he had plans but because he had to give some shifts to the other guys. So he'd put on jeans and a tshirt and headed for the Lamb for a drink. He and Kara had gotten to talking - about relationships and how you didn't always get what you wanted.

Now he sat in the garden at the Manor, smoking a cigarette and sipping on a beer and feeling rather - alone. For the best though. The Manor needed him... Jason sighed. The Manor was a fickle mistress. And not one you could hold at night. Sadly, most didn't understand his devotion to his job. Except Elspeth. But - well she wasn't interested in him like that. He wished she was.

Jason took a sip of his beer and then a long drag of his cigarette and leaned his head back on the bench, blowing the smoke up into the air.

***

Kara was unusually quiet in the Lamb once Jason left. Their talk had made her think about Niles - how much she was starting to feel for him and how, she was pretty sure, he didn't feel the same. As much as he seemed to like being with her - well one only need listen to the maids at the Manor to know he enjoyed spending time with several others.

She missed Brian. Sweet, kind, goofy Brian who had seemed to adore her. But he was gone. And Niles would probably head for the hills if he knew how she felt. Sighing she rubbed the bar down until is shown.

"Well at least I have you," she said to the old wood and moved to serve the next customer.

***

Zack was in the ballroom, sitting on the stage, guitar plugged into an amp but the volume turned down low as he worked on a song for Arcane. Baggy jeans, t-shirt, hoodie - he looked small in his clothes and had Seth seen him he would have been worried.

He pushed his hair from his face and took the pencil from his mouth, jotted something on the paper laying next to him then stuck it back in his mouth and went back to playing.

Elspeth was working. Hard at working. Working of course, for the Manor and all things Manor-related.

Because that was what she did.

She didn't have much of a life, otherwise, did she? Because that would interfere with the Manor and what the Manor wanted. What Mr. Vision expected. No, she worked here. In the Manor. For the Manor.

Now she stared at folders and files and wondered why she thought there should ever be anything else, ever.

Certainly not something like a relationship with a man, or owning a pet, or having a good girl friend to watch chick flicks with. None of that was any good, was it? When compared to what the Manor gave?

She stared.
And stared.
And waited for someone, anyone, to knock on the door and need her.

It had all started with the doorman, well of course he would open the door for her, that was his job, but it set the tone in her head, and she couldn't resist playing, never had been able to. Her whole posture had changed, and she'd literally swanned into the Manor lobby, the cabbie bringing her two huge suitcases and her rather large carry on as well. "Just leave those there darling, I'm sure they've got porters or something here."

She fished in her purse and paid the cabbie, "Keep the change, there's a sweetie, I can't be having all those heavy coins in my purse now can I?" She smiled as the cabbie nodded and backed away before scrambling out of the doors and back to his cab. Meanwhile, Cleo did a quick 360 turn, her sharp eyes noting the exits, the cameras, and the various people in the lobby. She smiled confidently at the man at the security desk, "I'm totally exhausted darling, so need a coffee, you can watch the bags for me right? I'll just be in there."

She waved at the Mocha, and without even waiting for an answer strolled nonchalantly into the Mocha and up to the counter. The lack of any long lines was a blessing, she really was tired, but, oh dear lord, look at the choices!!! This was Cleo's idea of heaven! So she ordered a double shot cappuccino with extra foam, and ooooh, the white chocolate chip muffins... Two of those. Now, where to wait for someone that wouldn't be too obvious, but at the same time, would allow her to see most clearly..... she picked a table, with a sofa, and having paid for her breakfast, headed over to sit down. Luckily she had a magazine with her, but she'd save that for later. Right now? After a long flight, and a boring wait in an airport, Cleo wanted some fun!

It was just after eight that morning when the lobby doors opened and two men walked in - followed by a rather lot of luggage and boxes. Gabe, as usual, was on the phone coordinating something or other and dressed in what he considered casual clothes - but then Rock and Republic jeans and Affliction t-shirts were the kind of casual that cost good money. But they were jeans and t-shirts so - casual.

Snapping his phone shut Gabe looked around the lobby and whistled.

"Oh I think this will do quite nicely," he said. "Or it would if they weren't putting us in the basement."

EVale: Got a call today re: security clearance requests from service providers. Sounded fishy to me. All cable/phone providers on my list have already been approved. Know anything about this company, SERVICE CHEK -- claim they're a third party service to make sure ALL maintenance, etc. gets clearance.

EVale: PS -- xxoo

There had been a meeting that morning of all the guards and Jason had finally laid down the law. Yes they'd all seen the video, yes they'd all heard the rumors. But it was not Manor security's job to spread said rumors or talk about anything they saw on the cameras and if Jason heard one more man discussing those events in any way shape or form they'd be out on their ass by the end of the day.

And he would know. He always did.

So if the guards found around the Manor were quieter than usual and more professional it was with good reason. Jason took over the desk for the day and sipped coffee as he went through his usual routine of checking cameras, filling out paperwork, and reading the newspaper.

Spencer came home late, Mrs Sullivan had been remarkably good, and let him worry at her for a while before making him a coffee and reminding him that he wasn't the only one arranging this wedding. Then the day had really started, work and more work, on top of which came Mrs Sullivan's to do lists updated every time she sorted something out. Including, to Spencer's horror, signing them up for a Michaels Bros Wedding Gift List.

Now though, he was home, having stopped on the way home for a take out meal to heat at home. He was so tired he didn't want to think about cooking. But he had to talk to Mr Abrams, about the wedding. He was seriously going off this idea... but, he stopped by the desk. "Hi, is Mr Abrams around right now? Or should I make an appointment to see him?"

There were several familiar faces gracing the Mocha this morning.

Jason sat at a table in the corner - his uniform looking crisp, shoes polished, badge cleaming - and sipped a coffee as he worked on some forms attached to a clipboard.

***

Demitri had some early lessons to teach this morning so had stopped in for coffee and a bagel.

***

Max had numerous meetings to attend to that day so was up as well, dressed smartly and having his coffee and reading the paper while he waited for Micah to arrive with the car.

***

Erik too was in the Mocha, having tea before heading to a meeting with his agent.

The day had been hell. Finding out about the fight in the lobby had put him in a bad mood. Finding out that his guard on duty had been busy flirting with a made in the library had put him on the war path. The guard in question was now on basement duty for a week - and already jumping like he'd seen a ghost whenever spoken to - and the rest of the guards had been subjected to a thorough talking to that had had them all walking on egg shells for the remainder of the day.

Normally on a day like this Jason might work late, but tonight was pizza night with Elspeth and by god he was going to have it. So he'd gone home on time, showered, ordered pizza from Edwardo's down the street - the best pizza in town, lots of cheese and greasy goodness - and now just waited it - and Elspeth's - arrival.

Sir,

I've been informed of the altercation in the Manor lobby last night involving yourself and another tenant. A full investigation is being undertaken and I would appriciate you coming down to my office to discuss it.

Sincerely,
Jason Abrams
Chief of Security

It was a busy Monday in the Mocha. Several familiar faces sat at tables or waited in line.

At one sat Erik, sipping a cup of tea and making changes to hand written sheet music spread out before him.

At another sat Deacon - a stroller beside him and a curly haired little girl on his lap. He sipped his coffee and she sipped her juice as he read her a Dr. Seuss book.

In the line for the counter was Kara, looking soft and sleepy in a pair of penguin pajama bottoms and a tank top.

And at another table with a view of everyone sat Jason - having his coffee and bagel and reading a newspaper. And watching. Always watching.

He was on the desk today. The bruising on his face was all but gone, the only thing left a slight mark on his lip where the cut was nearly healed. He'd done the schedule for the next few weeks, gone over some reports, looked over the paperwork for the Memorial Day BBQ - basically done all the work he had. And he still had a few hours until his shift ended.

So he sat, sipping a cup of coffee and watching the people come and go through the lobby. And tried not to think about Elspeth talking to the new guy.

There was a soft purrt and something rubbed against his leg and then Isis, his Siamese, jumped up onto the desk and demanded attention. Jason smiled and scratched her behind the ears.

"And what trouble have you been getting into I wonder," he said softly and Isis just ignored him and proceeded to wash a paw.

Niles sat down with his coffee and muffin with a perplexed look on his face, wearing a tight black t-shirt that only showed hints of the tattoos on his arms, ripped and faded low slung jeans, and bright green converse low-tops. His hair was messy, the mohawk almost prominent, but it was more from bedhead than any actual styling on his behalf.
What's up that woman's ass? He wondered as he turned to give the woman behind the counter a disgruntled look. He certainly wasn't used to people in a customer service position being rude to him when he was being perfectly pleasant, let alone a woman. His brow crinkled again and he took the lid off of his coffee to peer down into it and search for signs of spit or snot.
Had her nametag really said 'Joy?' 
Jesus. Hopefully that was a joke, because that was a little too much irony for a man who'd just woken up a few minutes into the afternoon and hadn't had his coffee yet.

A plate of toast, a cup of tea, an old movie on the television. It was all she needed, really. Time had passed. She'd been...gone.

But now she was back as if she'd never gone, and Elspeth Vale absently switched the channels as she nibbled toast and drank tea...

A few days under her belt and Jazz believed the worst was behind her. She'd avoided Jane on Tuesday, making sure to find something outside the apartment to do before the maid had even arrived, and working helped. Nobody knew there, and it was easier to pretend nothing was out of the ordinary.

She swallowed the whispers she heard from the pair of maids she'd had the misfortune of crossing paths with, and ignored the looks she got when she passed the security desk...As it turned out, there was only thing she couldn't handle with a combination of poise, grace and false deafness.

Joy.

All it took was one, not exactly whispered, drop of the word "whore" and Jazz was abandoning all hope of getting coffee from the Mocha and retreating to the Gardens.

There she settled on a bench, pulling her legs up to her chest and resting her chin on her knees. Still bristling, she studied an early blooming flower across the way and tried to decide if it would be worth it go walk to the closest Starbucks for coffee, or if she should just call it day and go home.