GAME ENTRY 5 // "OBJECTS OF LOVE" // NOV 19 - 25, 2007

[cougar_ridge_v2]

A Welcome back, Jack message is written on the wall of his coffee house - because what would Jack’s be without a cryptic message scrawled on his wall in blood red?

If honey's what you covet,
You'll find that I love it,
Because I'll guzzle
Up the thing you prize!

The city's going downhill,
So I'll give it a thrill
And I'll take any gift of love

Hold

Comments

[starre_jacoby]

Don't think I've kept regular shop hours since Hallowe'en. How much business have I lost because of that? Lucky I was in when the theater manager came by. She's pretty, I've seen her, but she's pale and drawn now. I'm not the only one with bad dreams of late. Explain dreamcatchers, tell her Farah's been making some. Give her some herbal tea, my blend. Showed her books on lucid dreaming, dream interpretation, not much else I can do. I know one thing that's bothering her. She doesn't say, but I've seen it enough. She's tangled with one of the fiercer animals, and she's feeling its bite again. Offer to call an "alternative healer" I know in Redwood, don't say he specializes in addiction. She can keep her secrets.

This week I'll try to keep to the schedule. Monday morning, go to Jack's for coffee. Should go to Bonanza and apologize to Signor Viarenzi, not up to it today. Met the eponymous Jack. He said, "Pleasure to meet you." I said, "Oh, you haven't been back long enough to hear the gossip then."

Get back to open up at 10. Within minutes the door chimes. Deputy Doyle. Shit. Saw her watching us at the funeral, why I don't know. Scott's in Mystique, Amy's gone whoknowswhere. She should be satisfied. Motive, weapon, confession, all wrapped up. Wonder if she knew I was alone this morning, wouldn't have Dash to back me up. I think I can manage, convince her I'm a sex-addled fool, perhaps.

"Deputy Doyle, what a pleasure. Is there something I can help you with?"
"I've been wondering the same thing, Ms. Jacoby."
Smile, "Please, call me Starre. This isn't an official visit, is it?"
"No, Ms. Jacoby. This isn't… official. I'm just trying to tie up loose ends."
"Well, Deputy, I'll see what I can do to help. I'm no Boy Scout, but I do know how to tie a few knots." Lick my lips, slow blink. No reaction, one way or t'other. She's good, or a cold fish.
"Somehow, I'm not surprised. So, what can you tell me about Hallowe'en night?"
"I'm not sure… are you looking for general information, history, rituals, or something more specific?" Lips parted, keep eye contact.
"How about what you were doing that night. Were you up at the Four Maples?"
"Why would I have been up there, Deputy?"
"I'm sure I don't know, Ms. Jacoby. Why was Dashiell Pitt here the next morning then?"
"Dash and I hadn't seen each other in a long time. Maybe he just wanted to get… reacquainted. Or do you really want to know what we do when we're alone together?" Run the tip of my tongue over my teeth, smiling. Ball's in your court, Deputy.