10904/Shades of Gray

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Shades of Gray
Date of Scene: 25 April 2022
Location: The Black Market
Synopsis: Thomas and Mike meet the Shade. Networking is done over cognac.
Cast of Characters: Richard Swift, Thomas Blake, Michael Hannigan
Tinyplot: Theme_of_the_Crime


Richard Swift has posed:
Richard Swift enters into the establishment, with a frown on his face. It was obvious by his expression that his nose was pointed upwards in distaste. He sniffs loudly, and methodically takes off his gloves, one finger at a time, starting with his left hand, and moving to his right.

Tucking his cane under his left arm after divesting himself of his gloves, he then uses his right hand to remove his top hat. Next was his left hand, removing his obsidan black lensed glasses, which he makes disappear.

"I see this place still hasn't changed." The Shade moves forward and heads to get a drink. The finest, of course.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake is in the back of the more quiet area of the Black Market. He is the only one remaining at the table. Twi large and rough looking men are getting up and leaving, unhappily. Thomas has a pile of money in front of them but he waits till they leave to begin counting, obviously pleased with himself.

He looks up and tracks the Shade as he enters. You recognize the A-Listers in his game or you never get beyond the minor leagues. Thomas is not sure he's an A-Lister. He is sure the A-Listers will think twice before taking him on. He grabs a server passing by, gives her some instructions and sends her on her way with a swat on the rear that gets a giggle.

It takes her a moment to remember she doesn't date men and the last guy who did that is now called lefty. Such is the power of the Cat.

She approaches Richard Swift and her apprehension grows. She swallows and says, "Sir, Catman invites you to share his table, his company and to quote 'the last good bottle of cognac to be found.'" She gestures to the table as the band begins to wind down.

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Over to the stage area there is the presence of band equipment set up. But no one actually playing at it. This is with good reason. Those who have found themselves performing up until a few minutes ago have finished up their set for the evening, leading to another group having to take the stage later.

Judging from the expressions on their faces, these are the ones that are here for one of the first two reasons. Mike is one of that number and is currently here in the guise of his On-Stage persona of Nick Drago. The wild haired, darkly clothed performer makes his way over to the bar where he waits to get the bartender's attention.

Richard Swift has posed:
The Shade was indeed an A Lister. If that was what they were called in this day and age. At least in his own mind. As the woman approaches, he feels her get closer and closer. As she arrives, Swift stops, and looks at her, his grey-black eyes cold and distant. He absently taps his cane still tucked under his arm.

"Catman." It was a statement. "I see." Shade smiles, a cold smile, but a smile nonetheless. "Thank you Miss, for bringing his message. An invitation to share good cognac is not to be ignored. Please bring me a glass so I can share in the man's good fortune."

Shade watches as Nick Drago makes his way to the bar, and with a subtle nod, says hello without speaking.

Shade then turns, and seems to float towards Catman and his table. Then, he was there. "Mr. Blake. I believe it has been a very long time. I trust you are well." Pulling out a chair, Swift leans his cane against the back of his chair, leaning against his left side, and takes a seat.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake gives the server a generous tip as she returns with glasses and pours out three drinks. She tucks a C-note in her bodice and smiles. "I've had some memory issues so you must forgive me. It seems we all get something like that, or our bones turn to gold or we wind up werewolves. Pleasure to have some intelligent conversation. Most of these guys are morons... figuring how to destroy the heroes. It's way easier to avoid them. All I had to do was move out of Gotham." He raises his glass.

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Getting a sense of someone looking his way, Nick glances over to see the nod directed his way. The gesture is returned in kind before he turns back to the bar to put his own drink order in. While he waits, there's a general glance around. Not lingering too long anywhere but getting a general sense of what areas of the club NOT to walk towards.

Many.

The glance is a bit longer towards the direction Richard went off to. Not for the obligatory not that was given to him but more to who he was approaching.

Nick gives a nod to Thomas in greeting.

Richard Swift has posed:
Watching as the woman pours the drinks, x3, Shade waits and looks over at Thomas. "Three. I expect we are going to be joined by another? Perhaps that musician at the bar looking this way?" Swift takes his glass, raises it in support of Blake's words and salute, and wets his lips with the alcohol. Acceptable with a nod.

"Of course. I appreciate the compliment, understand and agree 100 percent. I learned very early in my...life that it was better to stay in the shadows. It is less painful." Putting his glass on the table, Swift places his left hand on the head of his cane to support his arm.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake indicates the third glass to Nick. He gives a nod, calling him over. "My friend is Nick Drago. He plays the Music Master on a cable show. So he is technically a villain. But he's a stand up guy. Not that I plan on discussing business. I wanted to say hello. We sort of have different methods -if you even have continued that career. I mostly play cards with rich dupes or relieve bad people of their money. They don't call the cops. I do miss a really good job though."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
As Thomas gesture to the glass, the musician gives a bit of a shrug, glancing to the bartender as he approaches. Giving a 'nevermind' to the employee, he then turns to walk over to the table.

"Sorry," Nick apologizes to Thomas, "Stage lights are set so bright you can't really see more than a few feet off the stage. I just noticed you."

He glances back over to Richard once more, giving another nod to him in greeting.

Richard Swift has posed:
Looking up at Nick, The Shade nods and says, "A pleasure to meet you Mr. Drago. I am Richard Swift. The Shade. Your musical talents are exemplary. Very...classic feel to them. I can appreciate that." Swift takes his glass, and takes another drink after a slight "tip of the glass" towards Nick.

Turning back to Catman, Shade says, "I have not been into too many criminal enterprises lately. I have had a lot of other things to take up my time. That does not preclude the possibility of doing something in the near future. I would, of course, consider eliciting your aid in any future enterprise." A pause. "In payment for a fine glass of cognac." He finishes his drink with one drink.

Shade then stands, and offers his chair to Nick. "I must be off, however, perhaps we should make this a recurring event? Say, every few weeks? It will give me an opportunity to share in your fine Cognac, Mr. Blake." A cold smile. "As well as your fine musical talents, Mr. Drago?" A sideways look, and a tap of his forehead with his cane. Placing his top hat on his head, and his obsidian glasses in front of his eyes, Shade says, "Gentlemen." With that, the shadows engulf the Shade...and he is gone.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake watches him leave, lifting a glass to him. He turns to Nick and says, "Of course I have no intention of taking him up on the offer. I've done enough time. You remember I said that if anyone asks you. That includes Terry. He can try to get it out of my if he wants. Does Wade know where you're researching your part?" Thomas takes another sip. "Cognac was the only good habit I got from my father."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
"Pleasure as well, Mr. Swift." Nick replies, using the offered regular name instead of the theme name, "And thank you for the feedback." When Shade leaves, Nick looks over towards Thomas curiously, which may or may not have triggered the defensive. But once Nick sits down in the now vacated seat, taking the glass that Thomas had indicated for him previously, he comes up with a response to Thomas's spiel.

"...What offer?" He lifts up the glass, "As for Wade knowing, who do you think does my music bookings?" He takes a bit longer with his drink than Richard did.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake hehs. "You're probably safer here than a lot of places. The management does not take kindly to the staff and talent being molested. Oh the servers get groped a little but it is reflected in their tips, or your drink gets spit in, or worse."

He regards Nick over the rim of the cognac glass. "Offer? Just idle talk. Really. Nothing."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
"I won't doubt that. But usually the ones that end up getting shot down are ones for private parties in obscure locations. This is at least in the city." Nick's glass lowers, giving enough of a view of a half smile forming on his lips in the process. "I meant, 'consider that forgotten'. You know how distracted us performers can get. Sometimes if it's not written down it's just gone forever..."