Conversation · Cafeteria Window

Again you find yourself looking at that big old window...

"There's something out there."

"Yeah -- your mother."

It's not a very good mother-joke, but the room still laughs. Something about those mother-jokes just works.

Look out the window.

There's a yellow ribbon tied to one of the branches -- light yellow, faded with time. A tiny splash of colour in the blackness of the thicket. Hanging from it -- a bronze key.

Someone hid the key in the bush and attached a yellow ribbon to make it easier to find.

It's close enough to the latch up there -- one can slide it open and just take it. Surely not a coincidence.

"Someone's hid a key in the bush." (Point at the window.)

"Huh?" The big guy looks behind him.

"I need your guys to hand the key to me."

"And I need the fatty to get his feet amputated 'cause the smell is killing me -- we can't always get what we want."

"Goddamnit, Dennis. You know I can't help it!" His whiny voice is in deep contrast with his stature.

"Sorry, Fucko! These guys won't help you. Looks like you're gonna have to go bush-diving. The hawthorn's got a bitch of a bite!"

"I'm gonna enjoy the sight of you in the bushes out there..."

With a loud thud the old man stands up -- pushes the window open -- grabs the key from the hawthorn branch and slides it across the table to you.

Take the key.

The key is brass. 'Workshop, Spare' is etched into its bow. The old man closes the window and sits back down in silence.

"C'mon, man. We were just having some fun! Where's the harm in...?"

"I'm tired of listening to your shit."

(Look at the key in your hand.) "I wonder what doors does it open?"

"It's for the blue door in the kitchen -- the note inside said the workshop key is behind the window. This is that key." He makes a note in his blue notebook.

"It's for the blue door in the kitchen. There was a note there that you missed. It said the workshop key is behind the window. It's this key." He makes a note in his blue notebook.

"It could open the door in the kitchen -- the blue door." He looks at the key in your hand. "It says 'Workshop, Spare' -- maybe there's a workshop there?"

It's worth a try.

"There was a barred door on the roof that did not have a lock -- perhaps there is one downstairs that does?" He looks around. "We should search the kitchen."

"What the fuck does the kitchen have to do with this?" The tattooed man does not understand.

"While you're in there -- make fatty a snack." He grins. "Can't you hear how his stomach is growling?!"

You can and it's pretty terrifying.

"That's not even funny, Dennis."

The kitchen -- the only part of the building you haven't thoroughly searched yet. It's worth a try!

"It says... 'Workshop, Spare'." He looks at the key in your hand. "There's a door in the kitchen that caught my eye yesterday -- it's very blue. Maybe there's a workshop behind it?"

"It's an older building -- who knows?" He shrugs.

The shrug is disingenuous. He's intrigued -- if only for a moment.

"It's an older building -- who knows?" He shrugs.

"It's an older building -- who knows?" He shrugs.

The shrug is disingenuous. He's intrigued -- if only for a moment.

The kitchen -- the only part of the building you haven't thoroughly searched yet.

"It's an older building -- who knows?" He shrugs.

[Leave.]

"Thank you." (Nod to the old man.)

"Off yourself -- make it up to me, cop. I still got my money on that."

There is a silence around this man's words -- unlike Titus, they're afraid of him. That's the type of respect he commands.

"Don't thank me." The old man takes out his pack of chewing tobacco. "I don't give two shits about your key."

"Maybe this is somehow connected to Ruby getting to the roof?"

"Your secret route theory?" He shakes his head. "You're grasping for straws, cop-man. Why'd she put it back if it's hers?"

"A little wisdom from old Titus -- not everything is connected to one thing. Keys just lie around. It's a messy world."

It's said without aggression -- as genuine advice.

"Does anyone know why this key was hanging right outside the Union box window?"

"Didn't even know it was there..." The man looks at the key in your hand -- then around the room. "Boys?"

"No idea."

"Never even seen it. Someone must have hidden it there before this room became our place."

"Maybe this is how Ruby got to the roof that night? Using this key."

"Wild theory, cop-man. The worst thing is -- I like it. She's been in this box plenty of times. This would give her access to the workshop route."

"Boss, I don't want to make excuses for her, but..." He stops.

"Go ahead, Glen."

"Why did she put it back? After she took it?"

"Look at Glenny and his girlfriend!"

"It's a solid point, Shanks. There's a lot of things off about pinning this on Ruby. Be careful when you find her, cop -- be fair. Give her a chance to defend herself."

It's said without aggression. In good trust.