:
:
:
Hauser runs 2 blocks down to where the he last say the group of drinkers. Peering around the corner he spots the group just before they take another turn 1 block away.
Christel follows Hauser.
Andrew keeps following the group, trying to remember a few sights on the side so he might find his way back to anybody not folling him.
Andrew reaches the corner that he saw the group turn down in time to see them filter in a doorway. The door is unmarked by any signs and there are no lights on in the building. It could be the back of a business or a warehouse
Turing around the corner, Andrew realizes that the other drinkers might have some question about him missing, so he just starts to hobble a bit, hopefully explaining that they gained some distance.
Snuffy puts an arm around Hauser to help him 'limp' along hopefully bolstering both of their stories.
Danny, needing no explanation as to the ruse they were pulling to keep suspicions low, shuffles along behind them, as if ready to swoop in and provide secondary assistance to the limping Hauser.
As the last of the group shuffles into the building one of them spots you. Stopping by the door he says
"Come on slow coach" smiling, he's obviously taken in by the rouse.
When you get to the door you see that it's being held open by a civilian. He's a middle aged man wearing a flat cap with sharp brown eyes. He bids you to enter in German, then in French and bolts the door behind you as you follow the others down the stairs into a basement.
In the basement there are some simple benches and tables set out with a makeshift bar and shelves made out of wooden boxes. There are no other patrons of the bar and no-one has been served when you enter. Most of the other hospital patients are already sat around 1 bench or another talking quietly amongst themselves but there is still plenty of room. When the civilian arrives he introduces himself to each member of the group by pointing to his own chest and saying
"Jenkin. Beer?" pointing back at the individual when he says beer. Each introduction is followed by a handshake. It seems the man has absolutely no English, but that doesn't stop him
Christel takes a seat, but refuses a beer.
Snuffy nods and says "Ja ein Beer"
Gerne, Herr Jenkins.
Ich bitte um Entschuldigung. Die junge Dame ist Fräulein Wexler, dies hier ist William und ich heiße Andrew
"Yeah, beer."
Danny's response and subsequent handshake were notably dimmed of the enthusiasm he had possessed when they had set out. He forced something resembling a smile at Jenkin (or Jenkins or whatever), but his gaze kept drifting to the door they had all entered through. Why had Jenkin locked it? It wasn't as if anyone had any major plans to go anywhere anytime soon. And Danny had no intention of dying anywhere on this side of the Atlantic.
"Hey." Danny nudged Hauser, who was carrying on well enough with Jenkin. "Ask him why he bolted the door."
Snuffy nods at Danny, "Bud, I had the same question, ain't like old J Edgar is going to bust down the door for a prohibition violation."
When Andrew translates the question the man will respond
Christel pales slightly, listening to the man's words. She eyes the door surreptitiously, trying not to draw attention to herself.
Andrew sits down and waits for Jenkins to turn to the bar. He translates what Jenkis said fast and in a low voice, adding Stay en garde an be easy on the beer. I don't like the smell of this basement
Andrew forces himeslf not to stare at the door, fighting his recently evolved anxiety...
If you look at the bar map you'll see the stairs are in the middle of the room and there are 2 other doors at the northwest ans northeast. You'll soon realise that 1 of these is the toilet, while the function of the other one is unknown. There is no door at the bottom of the stairs and going up it will give you access to the rest of the building. You saw that the rest of the building had it's lights off when you came in, so you know it's dark up there.
Also you'll notice a ladder that goes upstairs, of unknown function and small fires to the north and south of the room. The room is pleasantly warm. It's sizeable enough that it shouldn't cause Andrew too much trouble, the toilet on the other hand might be a bit cramped for his liking.
While Jenkins finishes introducing himself to everyone in the room and starts to pass out beers about the same wounded man that invited Christel saunters over to you.
"Hey guys. Name's Cook. I don't think we were properly introduced."