When evil stirs....

[Tinker]

Mattie nodded with almost a little bit too much enthusiasm with the mention of the work she had performed on Nolan's most precious of belongings, "I should imagine the airs were quite beautiful to begin with, but nothing makes a music box sound better than not hearing it for an age. . .well that, a new spring and of course a ruddy good cleaning. A couple of the teeth seemed a tad on the worn side too, so I look the liberty of fixing them too, no extra cost, but honest Mister Stoneback, its as if the angels themselves are singing to you. And, why if you don't agree that she sounds better than you remembered than consider no payment for the work done."

The smile that had been nothing more than a glimmer on her dark lips now blossomed upwards to twinkle in her eyes. Her confidence in her work, added with the knowledge of the coming approval of the gentleman before her and of course that rosy glow she always got from rum, "I guarantee you will be best pleased, Sir."  

[CrowsEye]

Nolan smiled widely. "I don't think I could poss'bly thank ye enough f'r fixin' my Sharon f'r me, love." Nolan's eyes grew wide, but only for a moment, after which he quickly composed himself.

No need t'bother this lass with your woes, Nolan, just let it be.

Nolan smiled, almost weakly this time, but still nodded his approval. "Yeh. I appreciate th'work ye've done. If nothin' else, the least I c'n do is keep comin' back to ye if anything else I own goes bunk."

His fingers fidgeted a bit, where they finally rested on his tattered ear, feeling the curves of the bit that had been cut out.

[Tinker]

The shift in demeanor of the usually gregarious fox did not go unnoticed, no matter how touched by the booze Mattie was. An onyx hand appeared from her pocket and extended towards Nolan in a consolatory fashion, but before it made the full voyage to rest on his arm it was casually redirected up to the shiny goggles that perched in her  tufted hair, "You gave your musicbox a name? I do that too, with every project that comes into the shop or the professor gives me. People might think I'm a bit on the daft side for doing such a thing, but I think machines carry their own souls or even part of our own or even of the person that gifted you the item. Its like even if those people are no longer in our lives, there will always be a part of them in the springs and gears."

Thoughts of the picture she had found in the lid of the music box came back to the pocket sized monkey and she only hoped that the words she had spoken could offer Nolan some sort of solace.

[CrowsEye]

Nolan made a long pause. Not because the monkey had noticed he'd named his music box, nor because of the fact that what the little monkey had said was all sorts of kind of ridiculous...

Does she know?

"I...I name everything I own...makes it...more special." The fox's stuttering was obvious now. Nolan had no idea what to do with himself, so he busied himself with other business. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the money that was required for the payment he thought was needed for the repair of his music box, and handed it to Mattie.

"F'r the repairs, miss. The change'll cover anythin' else that I might have to buy to replace it meself later."

[Tinker]

Matties eyes grew to epic proportions as Nolan dug into his pocket and produced cash, quickly she pushed the hand with the money back towards him and shook her head, "Crikey, Mister Stoneback, not on the streets! Anyone could be watching and every single alley along here has someone on the lookout for an opportunity, if you get what I mean? Please, put your money away and we'll settle our business once we're back in the safety of the shop."

Her long fingers lingered on the fox's large paws just a fraction too long and her gaze swiveled up to the great heights to meet his, a soft guilt swam in the copper depth as her voice softened, "If I said anything in my ridiculous babbling that. . . .perhaps. . . caused you discomfort, I apologise. I mean no harm, sometimes I forget my manners, the professor is always telling me off for speaking my mind when I should be observing." 

[CrowsEye]

He shook his head. "No, miss, ye've not stepped out of line. 'S'just that...Well, I'm grateful, y'see."

After a short pause, Nolan continued. "Ye've been nothing but polite t'me. This is just me thanks."

Nolan forced the hand with his money back to the capuchin, a serious look on his face.

"F'r what ye did, ye deserve it."

[Tinker]

Mattie's glittering eyes darted around them, seeking out the possiblity of anyone else viewing the exchange, they then dropped to the money that was being forced into her hand her mouth formed a small letter "O" as she quickly stuffed the coins into one of the many leather pouches that adorned her bet, "Mister Stoneback that is far more than my work and the parts are worth. When we get to the professor's, I will be giving you your change. The professor make sure I want for nothing and though it is appreciated, all I require is the payment for time and parts."

Her eyes rose the heights to reach Nolan's, "But thank you, the gesture is noted and appreciated."

[CrowsEye]

Glaring at Mattie, his tip refused, he clamped his fist around her hand with a stern look. "Look, miss, this means that much to me. I'm wealthy, and this is worth what I gave you."

He pulled his hands away. "it's so worth it. Don't ask questions, don't argue. Jest...consider't a tip. Now...ye've got what you want. Let's get me what I want, yeh?"

Nolan continued walking down the street, saying what he needed to say, towards what he needed to get.

[Tinker]

The small simian stood in shock for a brief few moments as she swithered as to what to do, her head swayed from the sight of the door then to the departing fox and carried out that motion a couple of times before finding her feet and chasing after Nolan

"Mister Stoneback!" She called out as she closed the gap between them, a single long fingered caught his wrist and beckoned him to stop, "Please, I'm sorry. I meant no offence."

Her large eyes pleaded silently, "I'll take the tip and be grateful, but if you ever need more work or get the urge for any of the trinkets we have, will you allow me to offer you a discount?"

Her lips moved wordlessly as her mind played catch up with her mouth, "On account of you being such a valued and loyal customer of course. . ."

The first spring of a blush found its way to the young monkeys cheek as she realised she was still grasping the fox's wrist and she immediately relinquished it along with his gaze, "If that would fare well with yourself, of course."

[CrowsEye]

"Loyal customer me arse. I ain't nothin' of th' sort, dear. This is the first time I ever went t'yer shop." Nolan paused, seeing the insult in his words.

"...I'm sorry if I offended yeh. I didn't mean anything of th'sort."

He politely pushed his hand into his pocket, out of the monkey's grasp, without being rude. "I'll pay what I owe ye, and I'll tip as I like, luv. Ye didn't offend me, so there's no need t'feel bad, miss."

The fox stood thoughtful for a bit. "I'll pay what ye need, dear, no matter what I bring into th'shop. I don't need any discounts or deals, seein' as how I'm well off. Ye're just as high as I am, in my opinion, so don't ye fret, yeh? Let's just get me what ye fixed."

[Tinker]

Without further hesitation and a small a amount of fear that she would again find herself touching him without invitation, Mattie hastily shoved her hands in her pockets, "No offence taken, Mister Stoneback. Its just that I am far from used to having money thrown in my direction, makes me feel a tad on the odd side. 'Specially when I did so little to deserve it."

She tried to give Nolan something of a smile as she shrugged, "But if it pleases you, I'll accept whatever you give without another word."

Her eyes flitted again to the direction of the pub, "And I know you're awful keen to get your Sharon back, but we really best wait for Mister Butcher first, we don't want to seem rude now."

[CrowsEye]

Nodding knowingly, Nolan chuckled. "Yeh, I know." He stood a little awkwardly and anxiously, his hands flitting to his ears again. Stuffing his hands into his pockets, he waited a bit before finally asking the small capuchin lass in front of him, "D'ye think we could meet him later? Sharon's..."

The fox paused.

"She...er - I'm just anxious t'get her back. Can we meet him there? Just a second."

Nolan trotted back to the pub's door and shouted into it, "We'll meet ye there, mate! Ye know what we mean." Prancing back to Mattie, the fox spoke.
"Now then...what say ye meet me there? First one there has to unlock the door,, yeh?" He grinned jokingly.

[Maxx]

OOC:  That's what you get for racing ahead.  I would have assumed that Butcher had followed along.....

BIC:  "Passing cash around on the street like that makes the young Miss look like a streetwalker as well,"  Butcher said.  "This area isn't too thick with pickpockets, so it's the constables you need to worry about.  Half would arrest you, the other half would demand the cash and give you a good solid whack upside your ear with their billy."  He snorted.  "I'm sure they do a decent job for some but they've done little good by me."

Their journey to the shop was uneventful.  Butcher's size kept the bully boys at bay, while Mattie's keen eyes and streetwise ways steered them clear of the more light fingered members of society.

[Tinker]

OOC: Its no biggie, Mister Anal Thread Nazi, Sir. You know me, I never assume or move folks' characters without full consent, besides we got to do a little character development which is always good!

The unlikely trio halted at the storefront of a most curious shop. The windows were crammed full of glittering items in various shades of metallic and each and every one of those items whirred and ticked in perpetual motion. In almost obnoxiously large, golden letters that loomed above them in embellished italics were the words: Cotterill's Magnificent Market of Mechanised Marvels.
 
The smallest of the gang by a good foot or so, dipped her long hand past the collar of her shirt and pulled out an odd skeleton key of the brightest brass and slid it into the cunningly concealed keyhole. In a series of movements of her wrist that resembled more like that of changing the gears of an automobile than the usual simple twisting one would usually perform, a series of clicks and the sound of sliding metal chattered from the door. Mattie turned and smiled a little bashfully up at her cohorts, "Professor's a right one for the security of his premises, please do come in."

Once both men were inside, she slipped the key into a lock on the inside of the door and the symphony of locking was played again. The monkey stretched to turn a winding key that was situated at her eye level and suddenly, the entire shopped was bathed in a rich, honey toned light. The large room was filled with what seemed like millions of clock work oddities, some in the great glass cabinets, some high out of reach and some that looked a little to perilous to even consider touching. Countless clocks lined the walls and all kept perfect syncopated time with all of their pendulums swaying in unison. Mattie trundled with a suprising speed and grace and hoisted herself over the dark wooden counter in one fluid motion all with one small hand. As she disappeared into the unknown darkness of the back shop her voice came floating through, "Just a tick, fellows."

And before that tick had even passed she had reappeared cradling Nolan's music box as if it were a newborn. Her gentle mouth sat in its odd natural semi-smile as her eyes scaled the heights to meet with his as she gingerly offered the item that now glowed with a deeply polished and warm shine, back to its rightful owner, "There you are Mister Stoneback, I hope my work meets your approval, you certainly paid enough for it."

[CrowsEye]

As he stepped into the shop, he said to nobody in particular, "Seems the professor has a penchant f'r flair..."

After Mattie threw the switch, Nolan blinked rapidly, his eyes surprised at the sudden shift in light. After, his eyes widened in fascination with the array of machines and things clocking and tocking and chiming away around him. Before he could even begin to explore, though, the little simian had already returned with his belonging. He smiled at her widely before taking it gingerly from her long fingers. He turned the box around, his own fingers caressing the box lovingly. "She's beautiful, Miss. Thank ye."

He opened the lid, and gave the key on the side a couple of twists, and the box began to play. A look of pure bliss fell over the fox's face as a beautiful sonata came from the little wood toy. His eyes closed as he listened, falling away from the world, if only for a little bit.

The tinkling of tiny bells faded away, but the music didn't stop...it was actually Nolan himself humming the continuation of the song. He realized he was still going, while the music itself was not, and he snapped out of his reverie. His eyes were wet, and he closed the box with a loud clack.

"Thank ye. I can't say it enough."

Sniffing once, the fox seemed more himself once again, stuffing the artifact into one of the larger pockets on his jacket. "Well! Now that that's taken care of, here's what ye're owed." He held out a hand with far too much money in it, then shook his head if she made a move to refuse. "Ye did more than I intended, so the rest o' that's f'r you."

[Tinker]

The display of gratitude that was more than tinged with a soft melancholy caught Mattie slightly unawares and she felt herself almost gawp at the towering fox as his brilliant eyes were left gently clouded with unshed tears. She was quickly shaken from the embarrassment of becoming slack jawed when for a third time that night, a fistful of cash was thrust in her direction with an unwavering conviction. The pint sized primate knew better than to quibble with Nolan this time so simple nodded graciously and accepted the gratuitous tip, stuffing it in a safebox that was situated under the counter. She half shrugged with the obvious blossom of a blush flushing across her cheeks, "Wasn't all that much of a bother, Mister Stoneback. She was a joy to work with and I can promise you will find all is very much in order."

Her eyes dipped slightly, the knowledge of the photograph slipping through if one knew it was there. She splayed her hands on the counter looking expectantly between the two men, "We have a plan then or are we just going to wander the street collaring any youth we happen to cross paths with?"

[CrowsEye]

He held his hand to his mouth in thought, his index finger playing along the tip of his snout. "Well, is there a particular bit o' town that has more ruffians about than here? That's all I could really think of...that or find kids in th'area of one of the deaths, then go where our info takes us."

[Maxx]

Butcher eyed the door with interest.  He tried to imagine what the inner workings might look like.  The rest of the shop was equally interesting.  The odd mechanism caught his attention for a moment or two but there was far to much to focus on any one item for very long.  An unfamiliar, almost forgotten itch began in his fingers and it took a moment for him to recognize it.

"I'll wait outside," he suddenly announced in a gruff voice and without waiting for a response left the shop the way he had entered.

You didn't take anything, Butcher.  You're an honest man now.  You haven't done any of that in twenty years.  Just stay outside, out of temptation's way.  They'll be long soon enough....

[Tinker]

Mattie watched with her mouth slightly agape as Butcher hastily retreated outside with barely a grumble of a pardon. Her glittering copper eyes blinked hard a good three times before returning up to the heights to Nolan's and her brows dropped to knit together, "Was it something I said?"

Her head cocked slightly as she brought a single long hand up to her mouth and breathed forcefully into it, then almost theatrically sniffed her exhale into flared nostrils, "Is m'breath really that bad, Mister Stoneback?"

[CrowsEye]

Nolan shrugged. "I can't be too sure, luv, but I can say our business here's done...What say ye close down shop 'n we see to our other business, yeh?"
Nolan tossed a thumb over his shoulder towards the door. "Butcher's sudden exit included, yeh?"

[Tinker]

Mattie's onyx head bobbed up and down in quick succession as she agreed with the fox towering over her, "I'm thinking you're right, Mister Stoneback."

With an effortless and almost acrobatic grace she vaulted over the counter on one hand, her long tail curled tightly into a spiral and landed soundlessly on the dark wood floors, next to Nolan. She cocked her head to direct her copper eyes up to his and said in a hushed voice as if she feared she could be heard over the whirring of the clockwork curiosities and the closed door, "What do you reckon about what they all said? About this whole killer that marks those that can talk to the dead? Do you reckon those folks really could speak to those that had passed on?"

The complicated key again emerged from the crisp cotton confines of her button down shirt but was held mere millimeters from the lock as her eyes held the fennec fox's gaze that almost perfectly mirrored her own, "Or do you thing its a total load of rubbish and this bloke got ticked off because these folks told him a load of rubbish when he was looking for real  answers?"

[CrowsEye]

The lanky fox shrugged.

"Well, dear, I have t'say that the man would have to be crazy in any sort of sense t'go about killin' folks, be they..." Nolan thought for a bit, then put up air quotes, "Normal 'r not... Only things I c'n think of is that he wants t'be th'only one that wants to hear the voices, or he feels that people what can hear th'dead are daemons, n'feels he has t'go about killin' those that can hear..."

The fox held his hands up in a sort of 'who could say' way. "Either way, lass, people're dyin' that don't haveta, so that bein' th'case, it's gotta stop."

[Tinker]

The simian's brows fell in a look of deep thought before her head bobbed once more in agreement, "You're more than right there Mister Stoneback, there's no exception for killing folks. I guess that's why I said I would lend a hand."

She shrugged so slightly the gesture could almost be missed as her long, scar decorated palm took the brass handle, "Besides, I don't really sleep all that good anyway and this at least will be more interesting that studying the cracks on my bedroom ceiling until its time to rise."

[Maxx]

Butcher was unconsciously wringing his hands when the pair let the shop.  "Right then," he said.  "One of the bodies was dumped in the Thames.  He was a good swimmer, so I doubt he drowned.  Not one that you'd miss remembering either.  Not many albino badgers."

[CrowsEye]

Nolan prods the hole in his ear in thought, without really thinking about what he was doing. "So, obviously foul-type play goin' on there. Why don't we head over that way 'n check in on things, yeh?"