For Whom The Bell Tolls

[Eddie Digby]

As he'd expected, the bar was buzzing. Digby didn't really have the opportunity to chat much, mostly focused on the drinks, but he could observe (as per usual, really). There were some interesting costumes, that was for sure. Admittedly he didn't understand all of them, but he could generally pick up on their sources even if he didn't know what they were called.

He moved from patron to patron as they approached the bar, mixing drinks, taking empty glasses, and checking on the punch bowl. While he didn't get a chance to say much to Dr. Neville - of course the doc was still at Hammel, he seemed like an eternal fixture - Eddie shot him a smile and a nod of acknowledgement as he got him his drink. But there were other people to tend to, other things to watch, so he moved on.

A girl entered who he thought he recognized - what was her name again? He was sure they'd had a class or two together back in school - she might have been a year ahead of him maybe? Damn, he couldn't remember her name. Oh wait - blind girl, right? What was it....

"Hay-lin!" Eddie greeted her at last, glancing around to make sure no one needed him before he settled in to chat with her. "Hey, it's Digby - Eddie Digby, from Hammel - how have you been? Can I get anything for you?" He hadn't seen her in years. She looked good - really good - except she seemed to be a little annoyed. Digby wondered if maybe the guy she'd come in with had been her boyfriend or brother or something. Whoever he was, he'd pretty much ditched her right away, which wasn't very nice.

And unfortunately, Digby felt he might do the same as he saw a woman dressed as Jessica Rabbit approaching the bar. "Be right back, customer-" He excused himself and went to fill her order. Having handed over the drink, he smiled as the older man - Abe, right? - picked up her tab. Before she could protest, he gave the man a nod and walked back to the till, essentially dismissing any argument that might ensue. They looked like they could get along fabulously. And he was all for facilitating romance.

"Sorry about that," he apologized as he returned to Hay-lin, "It comes with the territory, I suppose."

[Gabriel James]

Gabe had known exactly what Everett was going to be for Halloween before he had even picked up the costume. As much as Gabriel hated to admit it, Everett made a great batman. Every part of Gabriel wanted to show up to the Churchkey in his last minute homemade Robin costume, but he swiftly decided that robin sucked, and changed it up. there were going to be women at the bar. He couldn't be there in tights.

He gathered some old clothes and boy-scout badges, and got a few props at a costume shop. He shaved his face, because he couldn't look too old or it would throw off the look. Gabe was going as Sam Shakusky from Moonrise Kingdom. It was a good look for him.

When he got to the bar, Gabriel got himself a drink and quickly found the nearest batman. Unfortunately, there were a couple there and it was hard to find Everett, but once he noticed a lock of blonde hair coming out from behind a mask, Gabriel knew he had found his man. "Ev!" Gabe said, going over to his friend. "I'm going to let you know now... I tried so... so hard to make a Robin costume... but..." without more explanation Gabe just showed Everett the picture he had somebody take for him on his phone. "Robin sucks, man."

[Lahja Morgan]

Lahja had never exactly been the most subtle of people, and though she was perfectly capable of maintaining a professional and dignified air while working she saw little point in holding back from pleasurable delights when they presented themselves. She had never been particularly fussy in exactly what those delights entailed; she was just as happy with the knowledge that she had successfully managed to make a rather complex dress as she was with the look that crossed one or two faces as they saw her wearing it.

It had been quite a while since Lahja had been to any of the bars in town and as the barman made up her drink she took in the atmosphere, dark eyes scanning the faces and recognising some of them either from her work or just people that she had bumped into around Pilot Ridge. That was one of the things that she loved most about the quiet little mountain town, the sense of community. Sure it lacked many of the thrills of city life but she couldn't imagine herself living anywhere else. She idly wondered how Jeff was doing in his new home in LA but she quickly tried to brush that thought aside. Tonight she was determined to keep the sadness well at bay.

As the barman brought her drink over Lahja had her purse out to pay and the dismissal caused a faint look of confusion to cross her face before the barman indicated to a gent sitting at the other end of the bar. A well-groomed eyebrow arched as she looked over the uniformed man, a smile slowly curling the corners of her lips, and she blew the barman a kiss before sliding off her stool and sauntering over to take a seat on the stool next to the officer. Tucking a long lock of red hair behind her ear, her dark eyes quite obviously roamed over him before she took a sip of her drink. Her voice was amused, carrying the faint traces of a Finnish accent. “I didn't realise you were allowed to drink on duty, officer.”

[Deleted]

"Sounds good," Zach said with a nod to his best friend. He hoped that Ollie would use him as a guidepost, though he wasn't exactly sure to what extent the brit would need it. But apparently he had a good enough grasp on things to pull Zachary back to admire one of the costumes. Which was quite amazing, Zach didn't think he knew anyone with that kind of talent and devotion to make their own costume with that kind of detail.

It was strange hearing the giant eye speak and greet him so jovially. He turned back to see who the eye was waving at. Dr. Neville. Interesting. "Hi, I'm Zach," he returned the greeting as he turned back to face Devon and hesitantly offered out his own hand to shake, hoping that the blood on Devon's was fake enough to not rub off.

His eyes, however kept getting distracted by all the magnificent costumes that were starting to file in and suddenly he felt sheepish for being satisfied with a costume he'd procured from his closet and about $15 at the last minute. Zach pulled up the hockey mask to look his friend's co-worker in the…..eye.

"I don't remember seeing you at the school before….well, obviously, I didn't see you…as a giant..eye, but I mean I don't recognize the name. Devon." Zach puckered his lips into a tight frown as he mentally scolded himself for saying something so stupid. His face was back to normal momentarily. "My younger brothers and sisters go there, but I don't think they've mentioned…" Wait a minute….Zachary's brain clicked into overdrive as he remembered Savvy saying something about the new art teacher. "No. No…now I remember," he said, rocking his finger as he tried to pluck the memory from the air. "I think Savvy's mentioned you a couple times. Art teacher, right?"

[Abe Milton]

Abe hadn’t been expecting much—he had never been a big flirt, but he wasn’t adverse to buying a drink for anyone who he liked the look of, men or women—but he wasn’t displeased by her arrival at all. He also noticed the way her eyes skimmed up and down him, and hid a smile behind his drink as she seemed to find it to her liking. Not bad. He was a little rusty, sure, but he liked the look of her, and, well, it wasn’t that hard to remember to flirt, right? It was like charming a customer, but with a different goal in mind.

He offered her a smile back. “We prefer agent, you know.” Oh yes, Special Agent Abraham Milton. Not exactly the kind of name that struck fear into the heart of all criminals. He was also grateful that he’d never get stuck doing hate crimes. It was a bit of a hot button issue for him as it was. “But I am. Only on special occasions. You’re out late, Ms. Rabbit. Haven’t been committing any more crimes of passion, have you? Trying to save a Mr. Rabbit?”

She was definitely a beautiful woman, and that dress left little to the imagination. He wasn’t normally the kind of guy to be flirtatious with that kind of woman. He was a conservative man, true. So logically he should go with a more conservative woman. Except that Jewish law was fairly vague when it came to widows or widowers, and a long stream of bad dates—attempts to get back into the swing thing, the way his wife had wanted him to. And in this case, he didn’t think she’d mind.

“Where are you from?” he asked, pushing the thoughts away. “That’s a nice accent you’ve got.”

[Lahja Morgan]

Lahja hadn't gone to the bar with any intention other than to have a few drinks and hopefully enjoy herself, letting some of the stress of the past few months slide through her fingers. It was always slightly uncomfortable for her to be away from her farm for too long but she knew it was currently being watched over by safe hands... and the instant attention she had drawn certainly made it a little easier for her to push those concerns aside for now.

The uniformed man was not really her usual type, too innocent seeming and clean cut, but he had instantly bought her drink and was clearly unafraid of her rather provocative dress so perhaps there was more to him than met the eye. His face was certainly inviting and his hair looked deliciously tuggable. At that thought she smiled to herself as she sipped her drink, glad that she had allowed her staff to talk her into going for the night out. “My apologies, Agent. Do you have a name to go along with that title, or would it be inappropriate for me to know that?”

Closing the purse up and sliding it back into the bag, Lahja rested it on her lap as she spoke to the gentleman. “Crimes of passion are the most fun, darling.” She tossed her head slightly to face him properly, the dyed red curls tumbling over her shoulder as a playful smile crept across her lips. “I would quote the 'I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way' line, but I fear the lie would be rather transparent.” The uniform caused an odd little thrill to crawl up her spine – she could all too easily remember the days when she worked at the club in Burlington and spent a large chunk of her weekends actively avoiding people in uniform. A part of her missed that life terribly; the life of dancing up on a stage and hoping a cop wasn't hanging around to pick her up on the way out. Then again, some of her best clients had been cops tipping high to keep her knowledge about them quiet.

The compliment about her accent caused a soft laugh to leave Lahja's lips. “I am from a distant, magical land far-far away named Ohio.” Long legs crossed elegantly, turned towards the man she was chatting to. “But my mother was Finnish; I spent most of my time with her when I was growing up so I half-inherited her accent. Have you always lived in Pilot Ridge? I don't recall seeing you before, and I'm usually fairly good with faces.” She smiled coyly, taking another drink. “I would have remembered yours, certainly.”

[Hay-lin Mae]

Hay-lin was a bit sad that her blindness was what people remembered about her. It wasn’t like she had been the only blind teenager, or had she been? Still, she wished people didn’t only remember her being blind, or at least not the first thing people thought when they saw her… She guessed it was something she really did need to come to terms with. In Korea she wasn’t known for solely being blind.. It was just not something she was used to now.

Hay-lin raised an eyebrow, she did not recognize the voice, so she really wasn’t sure how the person knew her… Until he introduced himself, which made her smile a bit. She gave him a small nod, “Hello, Eddie. It’s nice to talk to you again.” She gave him a small smile, they hadn’t been close but they did have those small conversations, and enough of them for Hay-lin to remember him. She was annoyed, but she would get over that as the night went on, hopefully.


She turned on her powers just to see how many people were at the bar, and get a vague image of what everyone might be dressed up like. That’s when she saw the lady in a very skimpy dress walk in, she had to smirk as Digby excused himself. She knew the reason why he went wasn’t just because he was doing his job… but that was to be expected with guys, they naturally flocked to the more attractive person in the room, and the same can go for woman.

Raising an eyebrow at the man as he returned, something she did not expect. She had turned her powers off when he had walked away. She smiled a little, “Did she turn you down?” She ran her fingers over the menu. “But since you’re back; is there anything you might recommend?” Because she couldn’t read the menu… and she hardly ever went to bars. She rather have a glass of wine at home.

[Abe Milton]

In turn, Lahja wasn’t really Abe’s usual type. She was the kind of girl that all the FBI agents would’ve teased each other about approaching, but none of them really would’ve. If you were in white collar, she would’ve been the girl on your target’s arm. Or, if you were in organized crime, you would’ve probably joked she was some mobster’s girlfriend. In any case, well out of any FBI agent’s reach unless you were in the movies. And Abe had never really needed to get the gorgeous girl, it was true. His wife had been quite pretty, and he’d been shy about approaching her. Deep down, Abe was just an accountant with a knack in the kitchen. However, it was Halloween. And he liked the look of this woman. Not just the look, but her confidence. Her ease. She entered the room like she didn’t care who saw her, and Abe knew how rare that was. For that reason alone, he’d be happy to treat her to a drink.

She also seemed to like the look of him. Apparently he hadn’t lost all of the touch, and he chuckled softly. “Abraham Milton, Ms. Rabbit. When I’m not wearing the badge, I own Honest Abe’s down the way.” Boasting? Maybe a little. Abe had found a woman who knew a guy could A) cook, and B) be proud of the fact tended to be a little more interested. “But that’s strictly confidential. Can’t go blowing my cover.”

Yeah, this woman was comfortable in her own skin. Not like some of the others he’d known, who would wear something provocative but spend the whole time squirming around, trying to adjust it. No, she was aware and enjoying it. Interesting. “I agree. Although nothing wrong with being bad.” A quirk of the lips. “I’ll add a disclaimer of ‘legally,’ for the costume.”

And for his former position. Abe knew a lot of cops and people in the law enforcement department of governments, and as a result tended to obey the laws lest someone find out and laugh at him. Or worse, have to bail him out. He tilted his head. “Interesting. A transplant, huh? Well, welcome to our town. And not always. I was here and there for a while, but I’ve been a local here for a handful of years, at least. And you? Please tell me I haven’t been denied meeting you for too long. It’s too small a town for me to believe you.”

[Angie Flores]

Angie didn’t get why you’d go out to sulk. If she was going out to sulk, she’d go to one of the serious bars where everyone was there to drink and definitely not to talk. She didn’t go out for parties if she felt like sulking. Oh, no. Tonight was all about having fun and enjoying the chance to be utterly geeky. Because that was what a great Halloween was all about to Angie. She didn’t have to be miss professional. She could, instead, be the gamer and sci-fi nerd she really was.

Angie knew it was supposed to be creepy, and it was, but she couldn’t help laughing in delight as he twisted his head anyways. “You’re amazing,” she said. “I ought to buy you a drink for that.” She didn’t know he owned the place. She’d never met him before. But when he said ‘thanks for coming out,’ she blinked. “Oooh. You must be the owner. Cecil, right? Nice to meet you. I’m glad I could finally make it. It’s been too long since I played Slender.” She smiled wistfully. “Little one at home doesn’t like it, and I can’t stay up too late playing it either.” But it was a fun game. Hard and creepy, but fun. But Portal…Portal she could play with Marcus with no problem and no fear that he’d overreact. She liked that a lot. “But I am enjoying,” she said. “Thank you for having us all over. Hopefully, things’ll end up better with more alcohol.” It usually did. But not too much alcohol or she’d see these people across a desk later.

[Dr. Sean Neville]

Sean watched as Cecil mixed their drinks, offering his partner a smile and making another joke in his approximation of Bela Lugosi’s accent. Once their drinks were made, he paid Cecil and left him a substantial tip, before turning to survey those around them.

The nice aspect of adults-only parties was that there was almost zero chance of running into current students at the event. This allowed him to let his hair down and be a person as opposed to an authority figure. It also allowed him and Josh to drink with impunity, even if they had to be careful about their tendency towards public displays of (intoxicated) affection.

Seeing Angie’s smile, the telepath returned it with one of his own, coupled with a nod. It was nice to see former students, well integrated into the adult community, out and about at Halloween events. The more the merrier in terms of celebration.

Sean also saw Devon’s wave, which he returned with a smile. He also waved as Lahja and Abe, as they approached the bar area. It was a good mix of people thus far, and the night was still young. That was what he liked for Halloween parties.

Taking a sip of his drink, he resolved to switch to something a little harder when he finished with this one.

[Lahja Morgan]

As Abraham dropped the name of his restaurant a genuinely impressed look flickered across Lahja's features and she set her glass back down on the bar while they chatted. “That is a fine thing to be able to add to your resume. I've eaten there a few times and always enjoyed it, although the atmosphere isn't exactly suited for a single woman.” The truth was that there were relatively few food places in Pilot Ridge that hadn't hosted Lahja at one point or another. Between her constantly busy schedule and complete inability to be in a kitchen for more than five minutes without wanting to start throwing things, she ate out or got food delivered far more often that she would ever care to admit. Lahja was certain that if she didn't spend so very much of her time running around everywhere she would be at least double the size she was now – far more Miss Piggy than Jessica Rabbit. Lahja gave a teasing smile. “Do you actually cook there or are you one of those owners that just sits in the office all day and takes the credit for everyone else's work?”

When Abe announced the confidentiality clause Lahja laughed lightly, holding a gloved finger to her lips like she was shushing herself before giving him a wink. “You are secret safe with me, Agent Milton.”

Lahja smiled easily, completely confident within herself and enjoying every moment of the attention being bestowed upon her. She had never been the slightest bit shy or modest, but in her business image and personality were so absolutely vital that over the years she had been turning it into an art form. Granted when she was working the horses tended to get more attention than she did but that first impression was always so absolutely vital, and it pleased her to know that the impression she was currently making on the uniform-clad gentleman was clearly a positive one. “I approve of your disclaimer being based on the costume you are wearing. Perhaps one day I might get to hear your opinion on the subject when you are out of it.”
She was well aware of how many different ways that statement could be taken, and she was looking forward to seeing how he chose to take it.

At his welcome to the town Lahja gave a quiet laugh, lightly resting her fingers on his arm. “I appreciate your welcome, but I'm sorry to break it to you that you are a few years late. I went to high school here, then I lived in Burlington for a while before moving back here. I inherited my parents farm on the outskirts of town; if you've ever seen any horses in the parks there is a fair chance they were mine. Clearly we have both been wandering around with blinkers on for far too long.”

[Devon Wentsworth]

The fake blood on Devon's hands was his own mixture of fake blood and acrylic paint and thankfully was dry enough that none of it transferred when he shook Zach's hand with a soft grip. He had considered just using normal fake blood but the three types that he had tried all looked far too... well... fake. One was too comedy red, one was too watery and wouldn't dry and the other had a funky smell that unsettled him slightly. He didn't see much point in spending all that time and energy in making the rest of the costume and then letting it down by using obviously from-a-tube blood. Between the eyeball, neck piece and the rotten, decaying effect he had painted onto his nails, Devon had spent a great many hours on putting this all together. Compared to all that, mixing up some realistic looking blood mixture had been a doddle.

Zach's little muttering caused Devon to chuckle softly to himself and he gave a small shrug. That kind of social anxiousness wasn't something that he had ever been cursed with and the Brit did sometimes find it a little tough to relate to those that were that way. Sometimes it might have been something of a blessing to him though; his motor-mouth did sometimes get him into trouble after all. Still, it was oddly endearing.

Listening intently as Zachary went through the motions of trying to pin-point him, Devon grinned and nodded as Zach twigged on. The sudden movement caused Devon to go off balance slightly and he shifted a foot forwards to steady himself. He wasn't used to having such a huge weight on his head. “Yeah, that's right. I just started a couple months back. Savvy's a good kid. Your sister, I assume?”

[Abe Milton]

Abe laughed. “I hope it’s not to add to my resume. I was kind of planning on it being the last thing on my resume, if you understand me. If I can keep it running until I retire, I will be a happy man. And I understand that.” He sighed. “I’ve tried for lunch, but my, ah.” This was not a good thing to bring up to a beautiful woman at a bar, but he’d started it and he wasn’t going to end it here. “My wife wanted something more upscale, so I did it at her request.” And now how to smoothly say that he wasn’t trying to pick up someone else—he wasn’t wearing the ring, but she might just think he was clumsy at this, which he was—and that his wife was no longer in the picture? Best, perhaps, to be blunt. “She is deceased now,” he added. “I am not that kind of a sleaze.” He smiled. “And as for the rest, yes, I cook. Quite a bit. And then I sit in the office and calculate a lot of money. And what is your business, then?”

God, she was beautiful. And Abe was rarely one to take his lord’s name in vain. But she was. The smile that he had on his face lingered for perhaps a little too long, then he cleared his throat and offered a smile in return. “How can I be sure of trusting a known criminal like Jessica Rabbit? I still have my eye on you.”

A flirt, too. Abe had loved his wife, and after they’d been married he’d been surprised at how adventurous she’d seemed, but Lahja was quite different. She was bold. Brazen, even. Considering he’d never been a flirt all on his own, perhaps this wasn’t a bad thing. He leaned forward too, pressing a finger to his lips. “I hope so too. My definition of ‘bad’ tends to shift a bit once I’m out of the costume.” He smiled. “Is it bad that I hope yours won’t?”

He tilted his head to the side. “Were you a Hammel attendee? I was one, a long time ago. Burlington, huh? I spent a lot of time in DC and New York myself. It’s nice to be in a smaller town.” His lips curved up. “I’m guessing blinkers are a horse term and not the one I’m used to. Do you still own the farm, then?” Horses were not his strong suit—city boy, after all—but for this woman he’d try to be one even for a brief while.