A man of no meager means

[simon_ash]

Characters: Simon Ash, Abby Scutio and Open
Rating: PG
Time Period: Modern
Location: Helicopter drop off and entrance
Relative Date: Day of Simon's Arrival
Status: Open to everyone. No pm necessary

Comments

[simon_ash]

Simon takes his walking cane from the hand holding the violin case. The head of the cane is the shape of a lion's head and there seems to be a crease partway down.

"Well Abby," Simon said, "I am Simon Ash. Most Call me Mr. Ash but Simon works as well"

He leans in using the cane as support, "So you mean to tell me more people have been lured here?"

[forensicjunkie]

Abby was the nosy sort and wanted nothing more than to examine the cane fully, but she did her best to resist the urge. Instead she merely shifted back and forth in her platform boots while they talked. She couldn't help but wonder if there really was a violin in the case but she was sure that was just her paranoia talking. He was dressed real nice though, usually people like that could just hire a hit man if they wanted.

"Well, Simon, if that's okay and you're not used to only Mr. Ash, nice to meet you. Too bad the circumstances aren't so great. And yeah, you're one of many. From what I can gather, well over a dozen people have been brought so far. And more keep coming too. All brought by the spooky helicopter and all under false pretenses."

"Oh! And you made sure to keep that weird phone right? That's pretty much the only hint they give. There were some cryptic messages on mine when I arrived." Apparently Abby had been doing her research since her arrival.

[simon_ash]

"Weird phone..." Simon trailed off, taking his weight off the cane and putting it under his arm, he began fishing through the inside pockets until he discovered it, "That is strange. I don't actually remember anyone giving this to me. No wonder my suit felt rather heavy."

Simon creased his eyebrows. He was not pleased that this was slipped in his coat, and disturbed that he hadn't noticed. He would have to pay better attention in the future. The phone itself was unlike anything he'd seen before.

"Well there is little we can do outside," Simon said, "Let us find some place to put my things so we are less burdened."

[forensicjunkie]

Abby led the way into the castle as the talked. The place could be a little overwhelming but she'd managed to mostly get the hang of the layout. The phone however, that thing still stumped her. It would have been nice to have McGee around but she wasn't even sure he could figure the thing out.

"Yeah, it's more like a walkie talkie but you can send texts too. I tried to pull mine apart but it was so complicated I actually wasn't sure if I could get it back together. And normally I'm a whiz with technology." Abby was proud to admit her talents. "I'll still take it though, since my phone hasn't worked since the moment I got into that helicopter."

Eventually they began to stumble upon multiple rooms, many of which appeared vacant. "So I just sort of picked one and it worked out. The ones people aren't in appear immaculate so if one strikes your fancy I guess go for it!"

[simon_ash]

Simon followed Abby, thinking she was much too loquacious. He couldn't wait to be rid of her, but at the same time he needed her help. A temporary alliance would have to be forged.

"Cesar," Simon read, "This one seems open let us drop everything off here" Simon said, setting the cane to lean against the wall as he opened the door. Taking a step inside, he let out a sigh of admiration, "Ah! Yes this will do perfectly."

Simon stepped further inside, setting the violin case on the ground near the wall, "So how many people did you say were already here again?" Simon asked, looking around the room.

His search would be more comfortable than he anticipated. Simon smiled, then turned back towards the hallway.

[forensicjunkie]

The room was oddly ornate, far too much so for Abby's tastes, but it seemed to suit the wealthy man well enough. Gently laying out the suit bag on the bed, she turned back to him. So far she'd guessed at least fifteen or more people were there, just based on those in transmissions (both speaking and mentioned

[simon_ash]

Simon picks up his walking stick on his way out and shuts the door behind him. He had to pick up the pace to keep up with Abby, but it was just a small discomfort. To be left behind in a strange place would be of no benefit. He made note of every place that he could remember, and of the meeting Abby mentioned. A large alliance of strangers made Simon uncomfortable, but he did his best to keep stoic.

The places Abby showed him were of minor interest. Basic survival and entertainment. He wondered what other things were hidden deeper in the castle, a thought that toyed with his mind as he noticed he passed only a smattering of servants. Lost in thought, he nearly missed Abby's question.

He cleared his throat as if startled from a dream, "Well I'm not exactly sure if either are true you see." He managed to regain his former composure, "I didn't expect to find what I was looking for right away, even coming here."

[forensicjunkie]

Abby couldn't help but pity him. The gravity of the situation was very real but it would seem he believed in whatever his ticket had told him. Rather than argue, as it probably wouldn't do much good, she decided to let it slide. Surely when he met others as she had he'd learn of the deception that had managed to corral everyone to the castle. One they stood in the foyer, she gestured around

[simon_ash]

Simon could feel the quiet desperation in Abby's voice, as if she already gave up on her ticket. Simon knew first-hand how things were rarely as they appeared. Simon had the feeling he was the only one who was made aware his quarry would take a little digging. However, there was always the strong possibility it was a lie, but then, how would 'they' know.

Even if it was a lie, there was still many questions, and leaving the castle would leave them unanswered. There was only one way he would find out the truth.

"Was there anything suspicious deeper in the castle?" Simon asked.

[forensicjunkie]

Suspicious wasn't the exact word Abby would have used. More like mysterious, or intriguing. Certainly not what she expected. She hadn't actually tried any of the buttons though, so it was hard to say how much truth there was in what the others on the messages had alluded to. Though time travel wasn't entirely a physical impossibility, the theories were hardly there to support it, much less the technology.

"Well there weren't any bowling lanes that's for sure," she remarked. When she realized how weird a comment that must of been, she waved her hands to clarify. "Not that castles usually come with those of course. Just, the ticket that brought me here was supposed to be for a bowling tournament."

"I seem to run into the most people here, I suppose because it's apparently the only entrance in or out. Or, at least that I've managed to find or be told of. Some of them seem to have gotten into more of the castle's 'secrets' than I have so far."

[simon_ash]

Simon nodded, feeling he understood things a little better. He would not give up, but he was not holding his breath anymore.

"I suppose I will wait here and find someone who can answer those question," He said, "Good luck exploring the grounds, give me a call if you need anything"

Simon takes out the strange phone and looks through it, "It looks like frequency is 27.1318. If I don't answer it is because I have no idea how to work this."

[forensicjunkie]

Abby nodded, taking her leave of Simon as she still had to make her way to the ground's perimeter. Her goal was to try and get all of her planning done before evening set in and try to leave to following morning. A little recon was still definitely in order. She made sure to jot down his phone number as she left, adding it to her rather small list of contacts.

"Mines 222.9. Once you mess with the phone it'll make more sense. Just remember that it doesn't let you make proper calls. It's just a tool that lets you access and send voice messages and texts too I believe."

From the doorway she flashed the man a final smile. "Good luck!"