'what we know and what we don't know.' Nodding, as Jon wolfs down his breakfast. Leaning in "What we know: one: there's a supernatural evil festering , two: someone his hired bikers to raise a ruckus at a reasonably peaceful celebration, three: a local girl whose brother has mob connections has been kidnapped, four: we've been contacted by the local guardian spirits oracle to fight the big bad evil, oh, and the same oracle noticed the russian looking guy who was meeting with the Kaijtsu's oozing old magic."
He pauses long enough to see Jon look up from hoovering his breakfast "What we don't know: who or what the supernatural evil is nor what it intends, who hired the thugs or why, how stable Sato's relationship with the yakuza is, who the russian-looking guy is nor why he's involved, who kidnapped Ameiko nor why, why the local spirits contacted us nor what their ultimate plan is." He lets out a heavy sigh, "And frankly we don't even know if we can actually trust each other." He pushes his plate away, a fourth of the last egg and a crust still uneaten. "Does that about cover it?"
Nodding towards the door he reaches his empty hand into his pocket, gripping the pack of Lucky Strikes. Pausing to think about where they should go or what they should do. "I figure the kidnapping either has something to do with the bikers in town, or Sato's 'friends' are leaning on him and took his sister as collateral." He shrugs, "The two may be connected, or not, what do you think about going to talk to Sato about it?"
Still holding the phone in his hand, Sariel feels it vibrate, "I hope this is good news." opening the phone he quickly reads the text. 'Smart girl.' He looks back at Jon wondering what the soldier was thinking.
Heh...you'd make a decent analyst in the forces...the ones who filter the intel and do the briefings and stuff. That pretty much sums it up in a nice tidy little package with a bow on top. The bikers is a head scratcher. They usually only go through this much hassle for money or revenge. Someone made them a deal they couldn't refuse...big time. And experience has taught me that there's no such thing as coincidences...not on this scale at least... Jon says as he wipes his face with a napkin. He sits for a moment and looks at Sariel.
I get the hesitation to trust others..especially in the...unique nature of this gathering. This is like X-Files, meets Lord of the Rings with a dash of Black Rain and Sons of Anarchy thrown in just for the giggles. The way I look at it...you have to trust someone who's facing the same thing you are...at least to a certain extent. But keep your head on a swivel and your eyes and ears open...best advice I can give...
'X-Files... Lord of the Rings... Black Rain...Sons of Anarchy. I wonder what he will think when he see's Mack's sword.' Nodding, "welcome to my life." While speaking, Sariel, using his burner phone, starts to google the Kaijtsu business trying to find any information about Sato. He looks up to Jon. "It sounds like Ameiko was taken last night. So should we go speak with Sato, or just case him to see if any of his friends show up with a message?" He pauses, "Or is there another lead I'm missing?"
Gather intel...we watch them. Let them think no one knows anything...they'll be complacent. They'll act normal if they think no one is watching them. Ever seen the stakeouts in the cop shows and movies? That's what we're gonna do. They almost always gloss over the downside to those...hitting the head. Grab a couple extra water bottles...you're gonna need them... Jon says with a grin.
Zania watches Bethany's reaction...The Restaurant General Manager said I dont know if thats wise...to look at her room. If its real, the Sherrif needs to look first. Id think. Why would you need to? Why do you care? and 'this others' youre referring to...who are They? she paused looking intently at Zania suspiciously. She then said Somethings not right on the motives youre telling me. A businesswoman wouldnt care about any of this. usually would ask if we contacted the law not want to see her room. Who are you Zania?
Zania smiled reassuringly, although she was a little disappointed in her personal charm. Usually people liked her right away, but of course it was justified... the woman was smart to have concerns, especially with her boss and friend going missing like this. This was going to take longer, but it was important. She took a breath, and launched into the story.
It's good to be suspicious in a circumstance like this, Bethany, and you should definitely call in the sheriff as well. I can wait here for you to do that if you are really concerned about me being in on something.
Zania pulls out a business card and hands it to Bethany.
As I told you, I really am a businesswoman, and I used that fact to try to get a meeting with her, but I really came to warn her about a concern that was raised yesterday. Do you know Nishka Mvashti? She owns Seagull Gifts and Collectibles?
Anyway, she came to a group of us yesterday, when we were at the festival... we were worried that trouble was brewing there from the bikers, and have since confirmed that the bikers have been paid off to cause trouble... well..., but let me start at the beginning.
We were at the festival yesterday, organizing in case something came up. I'm not sure if you were there yesterday, but it was feeling sort of ominous, like something was going to happen, so it seemed prudent. I had Amanda and Kendra leave early because it seemed that way (do you know them... Amanda Sorn and Kendra Deverin?) and when I was walking back from seeing them off I met up with some other people who were also trying to help make sure everyone got home safely.
While we were there discussing what to do, we saw Ameiko, along with her brother, Sato, but the three others I didn't know. Maybe you do? One was an obvious bodyguard... well muscled with shifty eyes, then there was a well-groomed man with a goatee, and a scholarly looking gentleman with glasses. They seemed to be arguing.
As we were observing this, Nishka came up, warning us about the people Ameiko was with, and at first a lot of us were skeptical, but as we talked about it afterward, we realized that she actually was on to something, which we confirmed later.
Zania smiles again, in a self-deprecatory way.
Anyway, not a secret society or anything... just a group of us who organized yesterday to try to protect the people at the festival, and I volunteered to come over to talk to Ameiko because I own a business and figured I might be able to get a meeting with her and ask her who those people were, and maybe try to find out more.
The rest of the group are around town, including one at the festival, and I figured it would be a good start on looking for her to tell them, especially if it is related to the concerns that we already had about security at the festival. She doesn't seem the type to be in on it, but... kind of her brother does, no offense.
Does that clear things up for you? I only wanted to look at her room because you said it had been ransacked and there was an odd note... maybe there is something there that would help in the search. And if we get some pictures, then you will have more sway with the sheriff anyway. Normally they won't take missing person cases when it has been less than 24 hours, but clear evidence of foul play might help.
What I'd like to do is just take a look, and then go talk to Shelly Anderson and see if she knows anything... keeping you informed all the way, and definitely available if the sheriff wants to talk to me.
However, I can see you are concerned, and that concern is valid. I can stay and wait for the sheriff if it would make you feel better. Should I text my friends and tell them to proceed without me until we get this cleared up?
After googling a couple of names and reading parts of and article, Sariel looks up at Jon and Cayden, "It looks like Sato works our of his folks Marina business and RV park." He gestures towards the door, as he fingers the pack of cigarettes in his jacket. "Do we want to split up and cover more ground or do we want to stick together?"
"If we aim to keep things subtle, anything I might bring to a fight goes out the window. Strength in numbers, I say."
'Anything I might bring to a fight.' Raising an eyebrow at Cayden's comment, he smiles to himself. 'I wonder if he has a sword hidden in a guitar case.' Nodding as the Woodsman continues. 'Strength in numbers it is.' As the waitress returns with the tab, he asks her. "I've got my bike on the side of the building, not taking up any parking." He lays a twenty on the table for a tip. "You mind if I leave it there for a bit?"
Following Jon's lead, Sariel hits the head before they leave. As they step outside, he lights up his second cigarette of the day. "So whose car we taking?" Then he turns to Cayden and asks, "Exactly what kind of ordinance can you get your hands on in a short notice?"
We're gonna need some gear...battery pack for our cells and those wireless buds I mentioned....Best Buy or Target has the ones we need... Jon says as he motions the others to the jeep. He checks again his pistol is in the right spot.
My kingdom for an M4...I know a guy that has guns...but this short of notice won't do...
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Toni sends a quick update
>all quiet so far. not many bikes<
then she begins to wander, apparently aimlessly (take ten bluff is 13), but actually to try to get a look at the bike gang's colours
to see who they are
'At least I have sword, but a shotgun would be nice.' Chuckling at Jon's desire for an AR, Sariel, Pauses outside of the Diner long enough to see if anyone was following them out. Feeling his phone vibrate he takes it out of the jean's pocket and reads Toni's message as he finishes his cigarette.
Asking "So who's ride are we taking?" As he texts back. >Good, we three will case Sato, see if anyone unusual shows up< He gestures towards the phone as they walk. "I think that's enough info, I don't really trust these things, God knows who can actually pick up whatever they want."
"Ordinance? None. But psychic powers, making plants grow with my mind and telekinetically hurling things hard enough to break bone? Check and check."
Jon looks at Cayden a bit incredulously.
You serious, man? That's some next level stuff there. Man...this keeps getting weirder and weirder. He says as he gets his gear ready.
Charge your phones...never know when they'll run out... he says as he plugs his into charge off the never used lighter outlet.
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Toni moves closer to the bikes and glances at the colors and notes whats going on. All is normal, they are rousing late as would be expected from a night of drinking. Looks to be maybe 20-30 of them present. They are flying the Ghost Mountain Riders Colors.
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Bethany looks at Zania and takes in all she said. What the hell? Nishka is a little out there but not prone to conspiracy theories. She thinks the Bikers are going to cause trouble today? We need to tell the Sherrif. That will take some time though since we dont have an office in town. They will have to send someone down, but there will be a Sherrif present ...assigned for the day anyway, so we might as well wait til we see him. She thinks through the problem...[/B]Yes lets go to see her room. Now. Sato is scum. hes come here a few times to roust her. And hes been hanging around that blonde anarchist, who knows what thoughts are in his head now. Lets go....oh and yes tell your friends. Can I know who they are?[/b]
she gets up and heads towards the restaurants door, knowing Zania will follow.
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Cayden, Jon and Sariel leave the diner and are heading out. When they notice a crowd nearby, by The Grange 777 Hall standing around what looks to be Freddies car.
Chloe parks and grabs her messenger bag from the passenger seat. She swings the bag over her shoulder as she walks across the parking lot then through the Hotel entrance doors. Chloe is looking for Ameiko, and a little put out, her friend isn't one to dodge answering texts or calls.
Although they're supposed to be meeting for breakfast, Chloe goes out of her way to walk by the hotel's front desk first, thinking maybe Ameiko is tied up with something there. With no hint of her in sight though, She turns toward the restaurant. That's where they were supposed to meet so it's possible Ameiko is already in there. Maybe a dead or broken phone? Not much of a reason though, the hotel is full of phones.
As she walks in the restaurant's direction, Chloe sees Bethany come out of the restaurant with a guest. She figures if anyone will know where Ameiko is right now, it will be Bethany. Talking to her should save a bunch of time and walking around. She changes course to intercept the two of them. It might be just a tiny bit rude to interrupt Bethany while she's with a guest, but since she's asking for Ameiko by name maybe it will seem like urgent business.
When Chloe is within speaking range she says "Bethany, sorry, do you have just a second? I'm looking for Ameiko, we're supposed to be meeting now but I can't get her on her phone. Do you know where I can find her?"
Chloe flashes a quick smile of apology to the blonde woman Bethany is walking and talking with, revealing a perfectly flawless set of gleaming white teeth.
Hey...is that Freddie's car? Think he's signing autographs for his fans? Jon says, his sense of curiosity and danger fighting for domination. He hops out of his jeep to scope the scene.
Zania gets up and goes with Bethany.
She texts
>Bethany reporting Ameiko as missing person to Sheriff. Will update when I know more. Anyone have a problem with being known to the Sheriff as part of this group, tell me soonest.<
Once she and Bethany get outside, Zania spots a woman who starts heading towards them... really pleasant to look at, come to think of it. The kind of beauty that rivals her own... well, almost.
She reaches surreptitiously into her bag, wondering if the woman is part of the group they are supposed to be hunting and thinking she might need her taser. When the woman gets close though Zania realizes that there is something really familiar about her. Could this be one of her own kind?
As the woman approaches Bethany, Zania realizes that it is someone who knows Ameiko. She might have some good information. After returning new girl's smile, Zania steps away to give the two of them space to talk, sitting on a nearby bench and typing up her notes on her laptop, but she also keeps an ear open to see if they are sharing any leads.
'That is Freddie's car.' As Jon pulls the jeep over, Sariel speculates. "Do you think he has that many fans?" As he climbs out of the back of the car, Sariel feels his burner phone vibrate. Reading the text, he pauses then exhaling slowly answers, >Info to sheriff ok, Father Patrick Knight, from Indianapolis.< He slips the phone back into his jeans pocket and follows Jon towards the crowd, 'this doesn't feel right.' moving slowly keeping a keen eye out.
There's something about the woman with Bethany that clicks with Chloe as well. Maybe a shade of familiarity, like someone one has seen before without meeting. Or maybe a person described by another then met. But Chloe is too busy with her present mission of finding Ameiko to give it any thought.
With a bit more time to observe Chloe, Zania gets a better picture of her. She's maybe in her early twenties, tallish, and extremely fit. Slender, but not the soft skinny kind, her legs show well defined muscles through the black yoga pants she wears.
Her long hair in a ponytail and eyes are dark brown, and her complexion is dusky. Her ancestry could be Mediterranean or Latin, but it's hard to tell. Chloe is wearing a thin teal fleece jacket, and has trail runners on her feet. The jacket color is perfect for her, complimenting her skin tone and making it pop in the best way.
She is undoubtedly beautiful, but it's not just the collective particulars of her features that makes her so. There's a glow about Chloe that isn't literally the emitting of light, but more as if something about her interior is almost visible on the surface. It's the kind of healthy glow one might see along with a sheen of sweat after an athlete has exercised, but Chloe isn't perspiring and seems completely are rest. It's is if her vitality and positivity can't be completely contained by her body, so it oozes from her pores.
With the woman moving away to give them a moment, Chloe explains more to Bethany.
"Sorry" she tells Bethany as well, apologizing for the interruption. "I'm supposed to meet Ameiko here for breakfast before we go to watch the bathtub races at the festival. I've been texting her, and then called to see if we were still on but she hasn't answered, which isn't like her at all. Anyway, is she around here? I'm getting close to being late."
Bethany pauses before Chloe. Uhh Hi Chloe. ...mmm This is Zania. She stops and looks back and forth between the two. then decides something. Look this cant get out, but I know you and Ameiko are close. Shes gone missing. Zania here is helping us find her. She thinks there might be something 'bad' behind it. Some folks she saw Sato with at the festival yesterday. We are heading to her room to look it over. You want to come? Ten she turned to Zania. Chloe, Shelly and Ameiko are like the 3 musketeers.
The jeep stops and they three climb out and they move towards the front of the crowd. Freddies car is just sitting there, Keys in the ignition. windows down. no sign of Freddie. Some blood on the seat and inside door opposite the drivers door. Thats what drew the small crowd of 10-12 people.
I'm no criminalist...but that's not a good sign. I wonder if he was targeted by someone...maybe he knew something. We can't get in there to figure it out...too many eyes.
Cautiously following Jon, Sariel, moved closer to the car. Remembering what Nishka said about the russian-looking guy, Sariel mumbles softly in latin, "deprehendere" attempting to discern if magic had been involved in the attack.
Nodding in agreement, with Jon, Sariel turned and headed back to the car, casually brushing the inside pocket of his jacket where the forty-five was holstered. "I have trouble believing this is a coincidence. I wonder if the meeting was observed." He looks from Jon to Cayden, "Or worse, divination."
Chloe offers her hand on being introduced. "Hi Zania, it's nice to meet you."
When Bethany explains what she's doing with Zania, Chloe's face registers surprise, doubt, and concern.
"Are you sure she's missing? Maybe she's with her family or something like that? What did these people with Sato do to make you think they'd want to do anything to Ameiko? Sure, Sato's no prince for sure, but this is weirder than I'd expect from him?"
Although it sounds really odd and she's not convinced, Chloe isn't going to be left behind. "Sure, I'll come too."
Hi Chloe says Zania.
Those are excellent questions, but let's take a look at the room first. If it is still as Bethany described it, I think that will convince you.
She looks Chloe up and down, convinced that she is also Aasimar. What would Nishka say? If there were two "star people" ... maybe the prophecy was about Chloe and not her?
After, I want to talk to Shelly and see if she knows anything... you might be useful there, since you know her, and then I can take you over to Nishka, the source, if you like.
... or, I can keep you both updated by email. Your choice.
A lot of strange sounding stuff is coming at Chloe very quickly. Still, Zania seems sincere, and she makes everything sound really urgent. Besides that feeling is still there, something about Zenia she can't put her finger on. It's uncanny comfortable rather than uncanny disturbing though.
"I'll send Shelly a text right now, let her know we need to see her."
Chloe takes a phone from her messenger bag and quickly fires off a message.
"The source? What's the source?"
Of the information you are asking about.
"Nishka Mvashti? Who runs the collectibles shop?"
Chloe is thoroughly confused now and frowns.
"What does she know about people snatching Ameiko?"
She doesn't know anything about that. Seriously, do you want to just stand here in the parking... oh, nevermind.
She looks frustrated, but she takes a breath and stops in the middle of the parking lot to explain.
Nishka warned us that something bad was going to happen, pointing out the people that Ameiko was with at the festival yesterday. I came to warn her, but found her missing. Bethany says the room was broken into and there was a note, but not in her own handwriting. That's what we're going to see.
Returning to your earlier questions, what Bethany says makes it pretty likely that she is missing, which is why I wanted to go see the room. I don't know Sato, and nobody said he did anything. Just his connections seem to indicate that the possibility exists. And yes, Nishka who runs the collectibles shop. Anything else you need to know before we go see Ameiko's room?
Chloe isn't quite convinced Zania isn't batshit crazy, but maybe seeing the room will help decide things.
"Fine. Let's go."
Chloe, Bethany and Zania move up to Ameikos room and open it up. Its one of the Hotels suites complete with a small living area as well as a large bed and desk. The rooms been trashed. the clothes in the closet are out and on the bed, every drawer and door is open and rifled.
from a distance Sariel glances at Freddy's classic car looking for traces of magic. He see's no trace of magic.
Jon heres the crowd talking about Sherriff Benjamin Hemlock being called.
Cayden sits in the jeep scowling at the car sitting there.
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Toni continues to keep an eye on things at the festival grounds, noting a woman wearing jeans and a nice shirt, with platinum hair walking up to the Gang
Zania takes pictures and notes, and sends a copy to Bethany and Chloe (if they want them and are willing to give her a contact number to send them to) and BCCs the team.
You guys can give those to the sheriff if you like.
Chloe, did you hear back from Shelly? If not, maybe I should take you over to Nishka so you can hear the whole story from her... you sound a little skeptical, and that would be the way to resolve that. If not, I am a little worried about what is brewing over at the festival, so I'll head over there and get out of your hair. Your call.
Either way, Zania thanks Bethany warmly for her help, and lets her know that she will keep her appraised if she finds anything out about her friend's disappearance.
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Toni sends out a quick update to the group
>non-local blonde talk 2 bikers. maybe from whoevas paying?<
Chloe is truly shocked at the state of Ameiko's suite. It might not be conclusive proof that Ameiko has been kidnapped, but there's certainly something wrong.
She gives Zania her number, and accepts the transfer of photos. Really she's satisfied there're going to the police. But you never know I suppose. It's not impossible they won't be useful for some reason she isn't presently thinking of.
"No. No reply from Shelly yet."
As for the choices Zania gives her, Chloe doesn't now what the better thing to do might be.
"Shouldn't we do whatever helps us find Ameiko? Which one does that best?"
Zania glances at her phone, reading the note from Toni.
Distractedly she answers Chloe
Both and neither. At the festival I could keep an eye out for her, in case her disappearance is tied to the biker gang problem, and whoever hired them. Nishka might be able to give us more insight into what is going on, since you seemed skeptical, but it's a long shot, so if you aren't worried about whether it is all true anymore, then we don't need to do that. Neither of those relates directly to Ameiko's disappearance, only to the larger picture, which it could be a part of. Since it seems like you want to stay focused on your friend, which I completely understand, why don't you stick with Bethany, who is planning on talking to the Sheriff, and I'll go to the festival and let you know if we find anything out through other means.
She thanks them both for their help, promising to keep in touch, and starts walking back to her car.
Chloe finds Zania frustrating in a whipsaw kind of way. A few minutes ago it was terribly important she believe all this stuff about a plot. Now, none of that really has much to do with Ameiko, except it does maybe, but not enough she should worry about it.
Except there's something I have to worry about that we can't really discuss. You could very well be involved in Ameiko's disappearance yourself.
Zania seems like a fast-talker, of the school of thought that believes if you say enough, fast enough, details that don't quite hold together will be drowned out with only the message you want coming across through the noise.
I'm not playing the chump for you, if that's what you're trying for.
"No, I'm coming with you. I'll follow you; I'm parked outside."
As she leaves she asks Bethany "Call me or text when the police are finished. Let me know what they say."
Zania shrugs, but instead of driving to the festival, she drives over to Nishka's shop to see if she is there.
Before Chloe drives off following Zania, she makes a couple of quick changes. She takes the little woven pouch the contains her ID and cards from her messenger bag and puts it, along with her phone, in the small zipper pack of her yoga mat carrier. She also pulls out the three-section staff she keeps under the driver's seat and slides it down into the center hole of the rolled up yoga mat. The staff rests there out of sight, but quickly accessible.
She follows Zania to the shop. When she gets out of her vehicle, she grabs the yoga mat and slings it crossways over her shoulder.
Zania drives north along The Pacific Coast highway until she gets to the cur off going inland to Bodega she drives the 10 minutes it takes to get to The Collectible Shop, to see a closed sign up in the window.
Chloe follows her parking next to her in the parking lot.
Then a *buzz* from her alerts her to a text. She glances and she can see that shelly responded. sure. whats up
As they return to Jon's car Sariel feels the 'burner' phone vibrate. Reaching in his pocket, he reads Toni's text as he climbs into the back of the Jeep. Telling Jon and Cayden, "I didn't sense any magic being used near Freddie's car." Holding up the phone he asks, "Do you think the new lady changes anything or do we continue towards Sato's?"
As the three continue their discussion, Sariel texts back, >Found Warrior's car covered in blood, no sign of warrior<
Cayden furrows his brow and shakes his head, "Bizarre. If not magic, I've got no clue what could've happened to him. I say we head for Sato's."
Zania pulls up, seeing the closed sign, and then looks at the text from Sariel.
What? One of the group was gone now? This was getting bad. And Nishka wasn't here to find out how the other Aasimar fit into anything either. Arrgh.
She texts back
>Where are you? On my way to festival, but will come to you if you tell me where. FYI, might have a tail... it's another "star person" ... not sure how she fits in, and Nishka not around to ask.<
Then she starts the car back up and heads towards the festival.
Chloe barely has time to get her phone out and tap in a message back to Shelly before Zania pulls back out of the lot and drives off. Again Chloe follows.
>Ameiko's suite has been tossed all around and she's missing. Police called but there's a woman saying some weird stuff who claims to know something. Can you get to town right away to meet?<
Chloe receives a text back from Shelly.
>NCD. workin. Get ahold of Sherrif Hemlock He'll help.<
Zania pulls her car around and heads back to the bay and pulls up in the festival parking, seeing the biker gang lounging about as Toni had described...and talking to the Platinum Blonde...who she is sure is another Star Person, as Nisha called her...she positively radiated light.
Chloe pulled in next to her after following her.
Jon headed over to the Marina, where Sato worked and lived. he lived on a boat, and was the primary guide for Bay Tours, on one of the three the Company boats.
Zania locks up her car, puts her laptop in her messenger bag, and goes to find Toni. This conglomeration of "star people" was positively strange, but she wasn't sure if it meant anything or not.
She also keeps an eye out for Nishka, in case she is here at the festival.
As soon as she's out of her car with her yoga mat roll over her shoulder, Chloe gets to Zania and sticks right with her.
"I heard back from Shelly. She's working and can't come now. Where are we going here? Who are you looking for?"
Chloe also looks around because it seems to be the thing to do.
Seeing the Marina where Sato worked and lived. Seamus points to a parking spot near the back of the lot. "Park over there, I'd rather not be to close to other cars, in case this gets ugly." As Jon parks the Jeep, Seamus waits until Cayden gets out before he leans the seat forward and climbs out of the back. Nodding towards the other cars.
"Let's wait a few minutes, see who's moving around." Figuring it would look more natural for them to have the hood open like something might be wrong, instead of just loitering around, he asks. "Hey Jon pop the hood."
Slipping his hands in his pocket, he feels the 'Lucky Strikes,' resisting the urge to smoke his third cigarette early, he pulls his hands out of his pockets. Rubbing them together while he walks around to the front of the Jeep. As he lifts the hood he keeps a keen eye on the parking lot, occasionally looking and pointing at the engine.
I'm looking for my friend to see what the situation is here and to ask if she needs help. If you want something to do, keep an eye out for Ameiko.
Zania walks close enough to overhear the blonde Aasimar as she is trying to spot Toni, hoping to catch the nature of the conversation she is having with the bikers.