#kc_necropolis

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S.T. Emerson keeps a low profile, but Riverlands Entertainment Magazine employs him. So there must be some good there.

Well, good leads.

While Caesar's business lead and fine liquors connection was a pleasant way to pass the time, wheeling and dealing, One mr. Stodgepole still remembers that article disparaging CC's club

The receptionist is a pretty young thing, probably counting the days until she can legally drink, but she has a level head on her shoulders, can be disarming in her hellos, and knows her business as he walks in "Welcome to Riverlands Entertainment Magazine. Do you have an appointment?"

"Yes, with Mr. Emerson." Smoothly. His quick, dark eyes will note any clues or helpful information left lying about.

She scans over some notes, beyond her, in the main area he can see folks scrambling about coordinating. As is often the case, interns are counted on heavily, paid little. But some love their work so they up with it. He sees an overly stressed looking middle aged man walking through the desks advising hte interns now and then.

"My dear, I do not have my glasses on, is that him?" William gestures.

"Oh no, that's the owner Mr. Calvert." she smiles, then says "I'm sorry, sir. I'm not showing an appointment scheduled with Mr. Emmerson today. And he's not in yet."

"No? Oh my, Miss Hawthorne must have.... well, I will sort this out. Thank you. " and he turns to go.... but not TOO far.

He finds a stop to watch from. If that is in a nearby cafe, so much the better.

He finds a coffee place right across. Nice

He orders a pastry sampler and coffee while he waits.

It does take some time.

But finally a 30 year old man enters into the magazine area. He moves with an air of familiarity, and perhaps slight disdain, as if he's better than everyone there

William watches from behind his coffee cup.

Well, the man talks to the receptionist... she catches his attention. And well, clearly he's a bit surprised by her news. Lipreading indicates the word Emerson

He's had better pastries. Still, they are a useful distraction. He watches for a reaction.

Annoyance mostly.

Alas, there's nothing more he can see or hear from here as the man goes into the main offices

and out of sight /sound

He pays the bill and, carrying a pastry to go, crosses back to the magazine offices. He pauses in the building's restroom and wets the tip of his finger in his mouth, facing the mirror. "See me not." He traces a pattern on the glass for a Veil.

And just like that, he has access towards the whole place, well, more or less.

No rush. He ambles along and into the magazine offices to explore and find this Emerson.

Immaculate desk, great hair... nicer suit than the job warrants. And a big gold name plate that says 'Emerson' on it.. the fellow workers either envy or just flat out dislike the man. Even Mr. Calvert, who is upset aobut SOMETHING unrelated, doesn't like the guy.

But there he is.

William slips into his office area, standing back to watch him at close range. Let's see what this fellow does.

Apparently he goes to clubs, evaluates them, and finds something to criticize. His official job is 'Establishment Critic' , and he does get some phone calls. Ignoring the veiled man, ST says "Free tickets you say? You understand I can't let that be a deciding influence on my article and review?"

A high priced harlot essentially.

"Well, I am glad to hear it... yes yes. Fortunately for you, my wife adores magician acts."

Unseen, the boggan lifts an eyebrow. Does she indeed?

So it would seem.

Mr. Calvert comes up, "Emerson," The man says "We need to talk."

"Sure thing, Stan." The employee uses his boss' first name. That could indicate either a relaxed environment, or a sense of job security.

They go into Mr. Calvert's office, and Calvert says "What is it with you and these latest articles? Of all the niit picky bullshit... our readers aren't morons. They know what they want from each club, and you seem to have a different angle. One place has great music, you fuss about their food not being authentic? Another place has a fantastic menu... but you grumble about the decor? And then one place would give five stars but you take two off for costuming? It's a jazz club, not cosplay."

"Stan," S.T. Emerson says "You don't grasp the nuance. The more intense competition, the more important the minutae for those places. "

"The readers..."

"Defer to my expertise, OR they get riled and involved defending a place...either way, it draws clicks to the website, and that is where the real money is now right?" S.T. says a bit condescendingly.

S.T. Is pushing it. And not because of his own behavior. Something is really eating at Stan Calvert. It's only with great will power he isn't exploding.

Calvert might be worth looking into as well.... he muses silently.

"Listen, Emerson," A low hiss, "You're sitting pretty. I get that. Got it all, great wife, great car, nice house.. but something is fishy about your style this last year... and maybe it gets us more clicks, but you seem to be doing VERY well for someone on a journalist/critic's salary, and I don't have to be Dan Rather or something to notice it. You need to make sure what you're doing isn't a story in itself with you as the main piece, or so help me... I may dig into it myself and see how many clicks we get then!!"

S.T. Backs up, a bit surprised, "Don't know what you mean, Mr. Calvert. I'm just.. very refined."

And his boss is onto him, well, onto the fact something is fishy. But he needs Emerson right now so he lets it slide FOR now.

"uh huh," Stan Calvert says with a nod, "Sure. Right. Just tone it down, and judge things on the merits of the business. Don't be so -refined- you cheat folks of a good show or whatever they actually ARE Looking for."

Emerson remains hidden, watching.

"Of course," Emerson smooths his tie, "i'm a profesional. Now if there's nothing else?"