Coming outside it was dark now and the sound of the festival was gone. There were still many motorcycles parked around town, at restaurants and bars. but it appeared most of them had gone to the various campgrounds around the area.
A Black and white Ford Explorer was parked nearby showing that a Sherriff was here. Most of the Sherriff's drove a vehicle like that.
The 6 fledgling Guardians stood outside in the mid spring evening enjoying the slight cool breeze blowing. No clouds in the sky, the smell of the ocean giving rise to their senses of freedom and love of nature. Bats fluttered in the night sky nearby. Despite what they heard, it felt like a normal evening. They new they had to talk to the Kaijitsu's keep an ear out for the strangers, research what secrets Bodega Bay might hold of lores long forgotten, watch the biker gangs and be ready for whatevermight occur tomorrow...where to start....at 930 at night in a sleepy coastal town.
Nodding as Cayden, sends him a text, Sariel picks up his phone off of the table and starts entering abbreviated version of the titles Nishka gave then into the phone with their numbers.
Toni's body language while adding Sariel to her phone suggests she's not completely convinced it's a good idea, but she does send him a text
"Lot more bikes than usual. Maybe somebody'll spill why they're here, if they're drinking"
"Could be... but I think I will stay out here. Me and bars... not a great combination."
'The 'S' can stand for 'Sneak' or 'Shadow Squirrel Person.' Chuckling to himself as he used the initial of the titles Nishka gave each of them, entering their phone numbers into the 'burner' he carried. Once the numbers and initials were entered he sent the group a text with the six initials and the corresponding number. Since he had his phone out, he googled The Tides Inn in Bodega Bay.
Finishing his cigarette, he put the butt out pinching it between his thumb and forefinger; not seeing a trash can he tucked it in his pocket. Looking towards the others he said; "Give me a moment" and dialed the Inn's number. When the desk clerk answered he asks, "Yes, I'm looking for a room do you have any available?"
I'll watch your six, Toni...you ain't going in there alone... Jon says as he makes sure his "roll" of quarters is good to go.
Zania goes back to her room, and after she puts her stuff away, she knocks on Amanda's door to make sure they got back okay, and when there is a lull in the conversation she asks her about Ameiko.
I've already been negotiating with Lonjiku... is that her father? Anything else I should know? I want to see if she'll offer group discounts if I bring in tour groups.
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Zania walked down the street to 'Eclectic Amanda' and went up the back stairs to the room she rented on the second floor. It was a light blue building with fading paint. The stairs were white however. From the top of the stairs she could look out over the Headlands of Bodega Bay.
Opening her door she moved inside, locking the door behind her and after stowing her gear she went downstairs seeing Amanda restocking shelves for the following day
Amanda smiled and waved at Zania and makes small talk until an opening occurs and she asks about the Kaijitsu's Amanda smiles and nods.
Most folks know about them. Lonjiku brought his family over from Japan before world war II. Settled in the area. They were forced into the camps during the war. They leveraged the error to get assistance to build the marina and the rv park behind it. Very frugal, I wasnt around for any of that though, When I came to Bodega Bay, both Sato and Ameiko were away in San Francisco for school. Ameiko is a very talented young woman, almost won a singing contract for partipating on America's Got Talent. That A*%!%&* Simon ended her chance though. Dont know if you saw her...she was on about 4 years ago. Shes a very nice Woman. Cant say that about her brother though. He is a slime ball. Has lots of shady friends. He pilots boat tours for his father. They both came back when their mother, Atsuko, fell overboard in a storm that blew in suddenly. Her and Lonjiku had taken some Japanese tourists out on a bay tour. A very sad affair. They both returned to help settle affairs and look after their father. She used her money from her inheritance to buy The Tides after. Im sure shed be ready to help Shes a team player for certain. By the way, I dont know if you can use the connection or not, but shes personal friends with Shelly Anderson, The Park Ranger from Sonoma Coast Park, just a few miles up the road. They were roommates in College so its said.
Toni was looking at The Casino Bar and Grill, and the amount of Bikes in it. The Vago's had taken up the patio and were drinking and carousing.
Her and Jon stood across the street next door at Seagull Collectibles, Madam Nishka's store and looked at what was going on.
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about 10' away Sariel, Cayden and Freddy stood next Caydens Gladiator and while Sariel called the Tides. A desk clerk answered and told him no. They were quite full suggested a campground, because all the Inns would be full for the festival.
Zania hangs with Amanda a little longer, and then goes upstairs to turn in. Before she does, she sends a group text to everyone in their new little group and tells them to send her their email addresses if they want updates about Ameiko.
Then she types up what she has learned so far and saves it, to send out in the morning to whoever shares their email with her.
Then she types up what she has learned so far and saves it, to send out in the morning to whoever shares their email with her.
'Not surprised, but I had to check.' Turning to Cayden and Freddy, Sariel nods towards Jon and Toni. "I'll head with them, did anyone mention where we were meeting in the morning."
Trotting towards Jon and Toni and the Casino Bar and Grill, he calls out. "Wait up, I'll keep Jon company while he watches your six." Getting near enough, he softens his speech. "I'll head around the building to see if there is a rear exit. Don't like not knowing if there isn't another way out."
Entering the bar, Toni orders 3 bottled beers for herself, Jon and (assuming he'll be with them quickly) Sariel. She takes a couple of minutes to judge where the most talkative bikers are, then casually moves to try a bit of simple eaves-dropping.
Good idea... Jon says as he nods to Sariel as he looks for a back door. He takes the beer from Toni and takes in the surroundings.
As Jon and Toni enter the front door Seamus slips around the building looking for any other entrances or exits including windows. After making a quick check of the perimeter, he takes one last look around the front to make sure nothing was out of sorts then walked into establishment.
His eyes moving quickly he takes the room in at a glance, trying to mentally identify any windows or doors he had seen. Heading to the back to check the hallway the bathrooms were in. Once reasonably satisfied with the layout, he heads to the table Toni had selected, sitting in the chair where the beer had been placed. Nodding to Toni, "Thanks for the beer, I'll buy the next round."
Out of habit he picks up the beer with his left hand, slipping his right hand into the jacket pocket. Brushing the pack of cigarettes and wrapping his fingers around the knuckleduster. Watching Jon's eyes he knew the soldier was following Toni's movement, so he watched the other side of the bar. Trying to appear to make conversation. "So Jon," He cocks his head, "Or is it Jonathon? Anyway how long were you in the army?"
Seeing the text from Zamia, he responds. "Sorry, no e-mail, entering 20th century kicking and screaming. Will get info tomorrow, where and when do you want to meet? I will inform 'K' and 'S'
just over 8 years...did the "smart" thing and signed up at 18...college wasn't an option for me. Did the grunt thing for a bit, then Sgt. Miller thought I had something special...so he suggested the Rangers. So off to Georgia I went, and lucky me...I made it. Got my tan beret and tab and off I went to the sandbox. Fun times... he says flatly as he takes a pull from his beer and looks around.
Here's my cell...just in case...I have an email...but don't use it much...not like I shop on Amazon a whole lot...don't think I qualify for next day Prime living in the boonies... he says with a chuckle.
So...what's you deal, Sariel...you're an odd one to sort out...
'eight years, started training to kill at eighteen, good enough to go into the rangers and saw combat.' Looking at the unfamiliar label on the bottle, 'Huh, must be a local beer.' He takes a sip of the beer, Looking past Jon towards the crowded room. "My Deal?" He pauses looking the man in the eyes. 'When this thing 'goes native' were going to need to trust each other a little.' Shrugging, "Abandoned at a catholic hospital, raised in a catholic orphanage, mentored by a catholic priest."
Taking a sip of the beer. "Who happened to be part of an ancient catholic order of knights who fight supernatural evil." He sets the beer on the table. "Like your Sargent, my mentor saw something in me. That's who Nishka mentioned, his nickname is 'Mack.' Apparently she knows him. That's how I knew this was on the up and up."
Releasing the knuckleduster in his pocket he reaches for the pack of cigarettes. "That's about where the similarity ends. Our order trains and operates individually, the same way a knight trains his squires and pages." Forcing him to take his hand off the cigarette pack. "Kind of like that kid in the second set of Starwar's movies. I was around ten when I started my training." He gives a slight smile. "But I wasn't as whiney. Mack would have," His smile widens, "Never mind what Mack would have done."
Looking back over Jon's shoulder, checking the room. "The organization split the country up into regions. The knights usually work alone, sometimes working with other knights, sometimes working with other...' pausing for a moment, "hunters? I guess that's as good of description as any." Pausing for a moment. "Mack sent me on a job to help a freelance team that needed someone with our skills; thought it would be a good training. I didn't like the set up, the team, the team leader or the plan. I told them it wouldn't work and they shouldn't try and I left. They attempted to clear the nest anyway, most of the team died. The Freelance teams leader blamed me." Giving a shrug. "Sadly the team's employer was a local mobster who in retaliation has put a contract out on me." He takes another sip of the local micro brew. "It will take Mack some time to clean the situation up. So here I am faraway from my city, laying low."
Cayden waits with Freddie. This day was weird, drinking wouldn't end well on top of it.
How much is the contract for? I could use a new truck... Jon says with a stupid grin. I know the feeling...there was bounties put on our heads over there...not exactly the same as a mob button job...but the higher rank, the bigger the bounty. And if you were specops..Us, SEALs, SAS, TF2...you were looking at big bucks...the warlords had lots of it to throw around...
'Is that a sense of humor?' Raising an eyebrow at Jon's 'joke' Sariel listens and nods sympathetically. "I heard they had a lot of cash to work with. Fortunately this particular gentleman is Italian and still values keeping up appearances. So once Mack explains the idea of excommunication we figure he will come around. Especially since we've gone ahead and dealt with the nest." He chuckles, "so the bounty may already be removed."
He turn slightly so Toni is in his peripheral, "So How's she doing?"
Zania texts Sariel back.
>No meeting planned so far. Hate typing with my thumbs. If you don't have an email, you'll have to wait till after I have a meeting with Ameiko directly and have more information.<
Feeling his 'burner phone' vibrating in his pocket, Sariel reaches into his jeans pulling it out. Looking at it quickly, he tells Jon. "Zania's working on a meeting with Ameiko. Should we all meet in the morning someplace?" Not waiting for Jon to answer, Sariel holds the phone in one hand and clumsily types with the thumb on his other.
>Understand completely< >should team meet in morning? or later? Where?<
Hitting send, he shows Jon the text. "I hate texting, what do you think, when should we meet?"
>I'm going to try to get a meeting with Ameiko in the morning. If you guys are going to meet then (why? are there updates on your end?), I'll have to skip it. Good night.<
Yeah...not a huge fan of texting either...but handy as hell. Had a dedicated phone in case we got spun up back in the day. Here's my number...just in case... Jon says as he pulls out the phone and gets Sariel's number, as well as the others.
Should get a wireless earpiece for our phones...in case we're driving or anything...and we can voice dial. My doctor has one...she swears by it...I swear she has that thing grafted on to her ear. If we need a place to crash, i got my place...and if we need to meet up there's a 24 hour diner on the corner of Markson and Bellingham...let's call that out rally point...
'Wireless earpiece, not a bad idea, I wonder how it would work on the bike.' Nodding in agreement with Jon, Sariel takes a sip of the beer. "An all night diner, not a bad idea." Shaking his head. "Zania's right, we really don't have a good reason to meet. But if something's going down at the festival there will be strength in numbers."
Looking from Jon towards Toni, who had headed towards the far end of the bar. Scooting his chair back, Sariel picks up his beer with his left hand as he keeps his right hand firmly grasping the knuckleduster in his pocket. "While she works that end of the bar I'll work the other side." He begins moving towards the near side, speaking with locals and bikers alike listening for hints and clues as to the purpose of so many bikers being at the festival.
Jon and Sariel silde up to the bar and start small talking while keeping an eye on the place. Toni moves over nearer the Patio where the gang is hanging out. The Vago's were getting drunk.
The background noise in the bar, and general rowdiness on the patio result in Toni not being able to make out any particular conversations.
Given the level of drunkenness, she decides she doesn't want to get any closer.
Returning to Jon and Sariel, she admits her failure "Can't make anything out in all the noise they're making. And no way am I getting close enough for them to notice I'm listening"
No worries Toni...not the best environment to eavesdrop. I'll try it...if anything goes down, get out. I'll find my way. Sariel...here's where my cabin is...in case we get split up or whatever. It's locked, but you should be able to jimmy a window if needed. Jon says as he pulls out his phone and sends the info to the others. He then opens up his phone's recording app and turns it on. He mutes all other apps and puts the phone in his jacket pocket, hoping to get any info.
Toni comes back after about 15 minutes of walking around and acting like shes looking for a date.
Jon decides to try and move in to listen to whats going on. He walks near the front door. The patio has access straight to the outside and an entrance from the inside as well. Toni had no luck near the inside entrance to Jon moves outside and shuts the door and sips his beer. Just acting like hes a guy needing breath of fresh air.
He stands there taking things in, noone even notices him. and he moves back in with some information he overheard in snippets of concersations among the drunk bikers.
I think we've found out enough for now...let's get out of here...Jon says as he motions to the exit.
Well, that was enlightening...here's what I found out.... he relays what he overheard.
Toni...can you relay the info to the others, please? I'll drive...
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"I'm heading home. I'll send an update when I get there. I'm going to head to the festival tomorrow, and keep an eye on things until Zania's talked to Ameiko"
Toni collects her bike from where she parked earlier and heads off.
Once home she sends a message to all the numbers Sariel sent to her, and adds a gmail address at the end
>vagos vs angels tmrw. dmg n scare. sato buying from vago? watching fest in mrng. Z check after meeting<
While talking at the opposite end of the bar Sariel notices Toni moving back to the table. Joining them as she explains that she wasn't able to pick up anything. Nodding as he reads Jon's text. 'Well, that gives me an option other than May's house or a sleeping under a bridge.' Before the big man leaves the table he confirms the text. "Got it, I'll keep that in mind. But hopefully it won't be necessary."
As Jon moves out to the patio, Sariel tells Toni. "I'm going to slip outside for a cigarette, make sure Jon's ok." Heading out the door they came in, Sariel walks across the street as he draws out his third cigarette for the day. Moving to a dark spot where he could see Jon's location. He lights up, enjoying the cigarette, just as his stomach growled, he had forgotten supper. After a time he saw Jon move towards the exit, crossing the street he rejoined his two companions exiting the bar. Raising an eyebrow as they head to Jon's Jeep.
As they walk to where the vehicles are parked Sariel Listens as first Toni and then Jon share what they learned. Turning from one to the other Sariel gives a puzzled look. "So a bikers idea of a good time, making drug deals, fighting other bikers tearing up property and terrorizing normal folks. No surprise there, but a bonus? Who'd pay them a bonus to make sure no one gets killed?" He asks the obviously rhetorical question. "Who'd pay bikers to tear up the town?"
Shaking his head he pulls out his phone, he sends Zania, Freddy and Cayden a group text. >Biker's being paid to terrorize town. Zania, any way to work that in conversation with Ameiko?<' Leaning back up, the tells Jon and Toni, "I sent out a text telling the others. Hopefully Zania might be able to get more from Ameiko."
As the conversation came to an end, he asks. "Jon, do you mind dropping me off at Kent and Shoreline Highway, I'll walk from there." He looks towards Toni, "What time does the festival start?" Looking back at Jon. "Remembering that Zania has a meeting in the morning, What time do we want to meet at the all night diner?"
Cayden shoots a reply back, >Yikes, that's bad! Anything Freddy and I can do?<
Sure...I think if we meet up an hour before the meeting and get ready for the meeting would work. I'll likely be there first...loading up for the day. Get some rack time...and keep some stuff with you..bottle of water, protein bars and such...never know when we'll get a chance for chow. Jon says as he drops off Sariel at the corner. He stops off at a 24 hour gas station and gets a few last minute supplies(couple packs of jerky, some trail mix and two gatorades). He then heads back to his cabin and lays out some gear for the next day. He double checks his gun, making sure one is in the pipe if needed and packs his messenger bag with
his supplies. He stops and tosses his camping gear in the back...just in case. He sets his alarm for an hour and a half before the meeting, but figures he'll be up long before that as usual.
'i think Army's right. Get some rest and let's see what the morning brings. Can anyone run me back to my car?"
Sure...hop in, hoss...
climbing in the back of Jon's jeep so Freddie could ride in front, Sariel, seeing Cayden's text, answers. >Not sure meeting at 24 hour diner corner Markson/Bellingham 6:30 if you want to join.< As he sends the text he leans up and tells the other two. "I told Cayden we're meeting at six thirty, I hope that's not too early." As Jon stopped at the corner of Kent and Shoreline Highway, Sariel climbs out of the back. "I'll see you two in the morning."
Sleeping fitfully as always, Sariel woke before dawn. Checking the watch on the night stand, he remembered he was going to meet the 'Guardians' at the diner. Wanting to get 'the lay of the land' he planned on getting to the diner early. Showering and dressing quickly, he mentally did a check list of his gear: Business phone, wooden stake, wallet, bandana, keys, money roll and burner phone. Putting on the jacket, out of habit, he verifies the cigarette lighter, knuckle duster and 'Lucky Strikes were still in the pockets. Picking up the watch and the forty five off the night stand he tucked it into the interior pocket of the leather jacket. Pushing the triumph back outside, he stopped to smoke the morning cigarette before heading out. As he pushed the bike to the gate he saw Aunt May looking out the window at him, giving her a half hearted smile and a wave, he continued. The less she knew the better.
Arriving at the diner early, Sariel rides past, circling the block just to get an idea of possible exit routes if things go awry. Eventually parking the Triumph near the building, he walks around the building, looking for possible exits. As is his habit he walks into the restaurant, nodding to the waitress at the counter, headed towards the facilities. After checking out the restroom and the back hall, he returns to the diner, taking a seat at a table large enough to accommodate six. As the waitress raises an eyebrow at him, taking out her pad and pencil, he smiles. "I'll have some friends joining me."
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After a good night's sleep, Zania got up, showered, and dressed in something a little more upscale from yesterday's casual attire, just in case Ameiko had an eye for those things. She wasn't sure what to expect after having met the father and hearing about the brother's mob contacts. Strange family... but not something to hold against anyone, for sure.
She took her phone off of mute and saw that there was a lot of activity last night... and apparently a meeting this morning that she had already missed. Ah well, she had warned them she was skipping any morning meeting.
She waited a bit to be sure that Ameiko's shop would be open and she wouldn't catch her unlocking, and then drove over, taking the car just in case Ameiko was setting up at the festival instead and she needed to drive over there.
Morning came and Sariel found himself sitting in the diner by himself for a good bit of time before most of the others began to show up. Discussion turned to the Festival. Today was the Bathtub races, makeshift boats racing across the inlet. Additionally, live music, and games. of course food. and the normal faire activities for the kids. Mid afternoon was the blessing of the Fishing Fleet and the boat parade after. Talk turned to when the 'attack' was likely to occur....
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Zania knew The Inn at The Tides, was at the far end of Bodega Bay, right next to the only Gas Station, the 76 station. She owned the Inn and the across the road the Tides Restaurant, and gift shop. and the Tides Wholesale fish market. She did a lot of business with the local fishers. It must have cost a pretty penny to get all of that going within a few short years.
Ameiko rarely was at the Restaurant, rather trusting it to the General Manager Bethany Corwin . A tip told her Ameiko always met with Beth every morning at 8 am sharp to discuss what was needed so it could be tended to with ample time before the lunch crowd drifted in. After all Breakfast was easy....
Zania pulled up at The Tides at paused to gather her wits. Of course her tip had told her only vendors come by in the morning at this time besides the Inns Breakfast crowd.
Zania, who was usually pretty laid back about things like this, took a second to plan her approach. If this was just for her business, no big deal either way, but since a mysterious prophecy was involved, it seemed somewhat more important that she make a good impression. She laughed at herself for thinking so hard about it and proceeded indoors.
At the entrance she asked the hostess for a table and a menu and then said
I also understand that the owner, Ameiko, is here this morning. Will you please let her know that I'd like to talk to her briefly before she leaves? My name is Zania Sheridan. Some mutual friends recommended that I talk to her about bringing some tour groups here, and I wanted to meet her and see if we could work something out.
It was a small town, and she guessed that Ameiko would already know who she was from her father and perhaps some of the other business owners, but she was prepared to start from scratch if necessary. Hopefully Ameiko could fit her in for at least 10 minutes so she had time to ask her some side questions and have something to report back to the group.
The waitress glanced at Zania and frowned. ummm Ill be right back
a few minutes later the General Manager Bethany walked up and sat down opposite Zania. She looked straight at her. Dont know who you are. But if youve hurt Ameiko Ill see you thrown to the sharks. Where is she.
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Zania changes all of her plans instantly, leaning forward earnestly.
Honestly? Oh, this is bad. I honestly am a businesswoman and was trying to use that as an in, but only to warn Ameiko. We saw some shady people talking with her and Sato yesterday, and we need to know more. I promise I have no idea where she is, but we have found out that some of the biker gangs are being paid to terrorize the town. No idea why, but this is likely part of some larger plot.
Do you have any other information... when did you hear from her last?
Zania types an emergency text
>Ameiko missing! Change of plans. Need to find her.<
Jon gets up and shakes the cobwebs and such from his head.
Better night's sleep than normal...won't say no to that...
He then sets out with his morning ritual...calisthenics, shower and coffee and a protein shake. He tops off his travel mug and tosses his gear in the Jeep. He parks across the street and makes his way in. Seeing the others, he joins them and orders a breakfast special and a pair of muffins for the road.
Not Michelin star rated, but the food is good here. This place would make a pile if it was just off a base. So...any updates? he asks as he tears into his plate of bacon and eggs.
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Having waited for the others to arrive before he ordered, 'I've already had a cup of coffee, might as well splurge a little.' Sariel asks the waitress to bring three eggs and two pieces of toast, along with a glass of orange juice. Nodding with Jon's observation, he gestures towards the crowded diner. "Looks like they do ok."
As they sit and talk about the Festival, the races, the bands, the games Sariel's mind wanders to when the bikers would cause the most havoc. He observes "It sounds like everyone would be at a central location during the 'blessing' just before the parade."
Feeling his phone vibrate, he reaches into his pants pocket and pulls the phone out reading the message. He looks up, assuming everyone else was getting the same text. Speaking a little lower. "That's more than I thought they would do." He texts back to Zania, >Do we want to meet up, or search separately?<
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Toni is on her way to the festival for an early look round when the message from Zania arrives. Checking her phone as soon as she parks her bike, she fires back a quick message
>at festival. search here or meet?<
Well that escalated quickly. We need a plan...and need to find out what we know and don't know...first two things you need for any op. I think we meet up and bash our heads together. Message the others...rally point is here. If everything goes south, scatter and meet at my place. Let's get going... Jon says as he calmly inhales the rest of his food and guns his coffee.
You learn to eat fast in the army...handy trick, believe it or not... he says as Sariel watches him. He hits the head before leaving and heads to his Jeep. He makes sure his gun is ready after doing a press check and seats his gun on his kidney, making sure it's covered my his thin hoodie.
Freddie looks at his phone, thinking it has been awfully quiet today. Then he realizes the battery is dead. Sticking it on the charger, he waits a while until the power comes back on.
Distracted by the newspaper he found on his doorstep, Freddie anjoys a cup of coffee while relaxing in the the small kitchen. Suddenly, his phone in the other room starts blowing up with texts.
"What's going on? Who even texts me?"
Taking a look, it dawns on him. Those people I met... they seem so intent on there being inevitable doom. Still, I guess I have heard worse stories. And they seemed like good folks.
He texts back, leaving the phone on the charger. "I'm ok to meet up. Give me 30 minutes?"
Tonis is walking around the festival area early. the booths are being opened up and prep for the days activties are going on. Itll still be a few hours before folks start showing up though. It looks like one of the biker gangs slept nearby though. They are just starting to get up. from her vantage point she cant tell who they are.
The text comes in, and she glances over to where the Kaijitsu's have their booth. There are workers setting up for the Bay tours and for the crab pots, but no sign of any of the family members.
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Zania remarks to Bethany telling her the truth of the meeting and watches Bethany turn bright red from embarrassment then looks around, take a drink of her coffee and look back, then swallowing hard she said Look Im sorry. She never misses a meeting. I asked the Night Clerk to check her room before she took off. It was in a shambles, and a note was found on her desk saying something had come up and she was going to San Francisco for a few days....thing is. It wasnt in her handwriting. so I jumped to a conclusion.Im sorry
No worries, I get it. I would probably jump to conclusions if it was my friend too. And there could actually be something going on here. I'm just saying I'm one of the good guys, okay? I want to help.
Mind if I take a look through her room? You can come with me if you want. I just want to see if there are any clues to what might have happened.
Also, I'm just going to update my friends so they can keep an eye out for her or anyone who might know more, and I'll report back to you anything that we find. Sound good?
Zania sends a text
>No leads so far, but sounds like her room was ransacked. That's my next stop. No way to know where she might be, so no need to meet... just everyone keep your eyes and ears open and track down friends and family members if possible. Let everyone know if you get a solid lead and then we can meet up if help is needed.<
If allowed to search the room, Zania takes her phone with her and gets pictures of everything, including the forged note.
She then updates everyone in an email with attached photos detailing everything she knows up to this point.
(After this, if Bethany doesn't have any other leads, Zania will go look up Ameiko's friend Shelly Anderson.)