15808/Disguises and Dolls

Disguises and Dolls
Date of Scene:	07 September 2023
Location:	Josie's Bar
Synopsis:	Thomas and Zinda get closer to the men slandering her good name.
Cast of Characters:	Thomas Blake, Zinda Blake

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Thomas Blake has posed:
The bartender in the squalid dive is on the phone. "Josie's. Josie ain't here. Dis is Joe. Yeah? Yeah? I'lll tell her dat when she appeahs. Bye. Asshole." He goes back to cleaning a glass and reaches for another when the door opens.

Okay, we know it's Thomas Blake, wearing a cheesy porn 'stache, and a track suit struggling to contain his arms. But we aren't telling, are we. the barflies and the gin slinger blink at the light as Thomas holds the door open for his auntie, Lady Blackhawk, who will probably not be acting like either to pull the con off.

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake's specialty isn't acting, so they chose her 'alter ego' to be someone who doesn't have to speak very often or very intelligently. The blonde is wearing five inch heels and fishnets, along with a tight leather mini that barely does its job. The half-open shirt is white and the bra is red, to match her lipstick. There's a LOT of lipstick, too, as well as purple eye shadow and fake lashes. Her blonde hair is pulled back into a ponytail, and she's loudly popping bubblegum.

She wiggles into the place and flashes a wide smile when he holds the door for her, managing not to say anything. That Georgia accent is thick enough to cut with a knife, after all. And clipped to the blouse is a nametag that looks like it was stolen from a waitress, reading 'Bubbles'.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake takes Bubbles by the arm, like you might an eager to please but none too bright labradoodle. The two saunter up to the bar. "I am Leo, the new representative of the Lady Blackhawk Premium Whiskey Company. We're here to make you an awesome offer... pay yer fucking bill and stay healthy!"

The bartender takes this in, takes in Bubbles as well. Then he says, "First of all, I don't know from you. You say you represent who you represent, where is the proof I'm saying?"

Thomas keeps smiling and turns Bubbles to show off her more than adequate charms and says, "Show him, baby!" He snaps his fingers and hopes Zinda won't kill him for this later. He points helpfully to her hip.

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake carries a small clutch purse as well, which she keeps tucked under her free arm. She smiles vapidly, chomping and smacking the gum. Her experience during the War was solely combat, even when the Blackhawks did clandestine assignments. So she's been more a commando than a secret agent.

And she can't really be blamed if she misreads his cues.

Almost delicately, so as to not damage the long, fake nails, she opens the purse and casually slips out a large, black automatic. <Click> goes the safety, then she thumbs back the hammer as she points it at the bartender's face. He doesn't need to be good at math to see the caliber starts with a '4'. Then she pops the gum a few times and smiles again, blowing a bubble.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake boggles a tad. He chuckles as the bartender boggles still more and with one finger tries to move the gun out of the way. "Nonono. Not that proof, the evidence of a virtual nature darling. He points to her hip AGAIN. We're here to straighten out a misunderstanding...although, if he keeps reaching for whatever it is he's reaching for, blow his goddam head off. Hang on friend this is a misunderstanding. The NEXT bar we're dealing with is a bunch of deadbeats. Bubbles here mixed up the list."

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake rolls her eyes at that, easing off of the hammer and flipping on the safety again. The gun is delicately replaced, then she shoots Thomas a squinty look. Turning slowly in profile, she lifts one leg and eeeeeases that short skirt up. Right there, like it shows on the bottle, is the tell-tale birthmark. She holds the pose for a moment, then mutters in a deeper drawl. "Well, honey, take a good look. I lift this skirt any higher an' you'll see straight to Kentucky."

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake Waits as the bartender returns to a neutral stance. He looks at Bubbles, then the bottle of the unsanctioned panther sweat. "I mean they can't send me out with a letter of introduction. They figured Bubbles here would be proof enough. Look at the bottle all you want. So anyway, I'm here to clear up some payments you are behind."

The barkeep is several inches taller than Thomas and he fairly loom as he pokes the career combatant in the chest. "We're paid up we paid for your prodeecesor -Lloyd. Lloyd must be skimming."

Thomas considers this a moment. "Well, you are not the first person what we came to with this explanation. I am willing to give you the benefit of the doubt as a valued customer. I will even send you a case for your trouble. One thing, could you phone my employers with this explanation what they don't think I am making up tales or skimming?"

The bartender considers it and then gives an upnod.

Thomas takes Bubbles by the arm and leads her towards the door. He opens it, gives the telephone pole with the wiretap he installed a quick look, then holds the door for Bubbles.

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake lowers her hip and her skirt, watching the two as she lightly drums her fake nails on the purse. She plays along this time, although the blonde -does- give the bartender a look like she'd really enjoy shooting him for real.

The purse opens, then closes again. Opens and closes. And she looks like she's still thinking about it when Thomas takes her by the arm and leads her towards the door. On the threshold she pauses for one last look, popping a bubble before stepping outside.