genessia | voice || action

[There's the tell tale sound of a cigarette lighter and the sharp intake of breath before Ronan begins to speak.]

Anybody else notice how hot it got around here? I took a look around and the paper wasn't lying. It's this hot everywhere. I wonder if it has anything to do with those ruins they found over in Fayren. It's hard to believe this place isn't more connected than it seems, you know? What do you guys think?

Action | Office (Terra's Flower Shop, Attleton)

[Because of the sweltering heat, Ronan has decided to stay inside, in his cramped but slightly homey office in the back of Terra's flower shop, and get some paperwork done. As a somewhat pleasant surprise, business for his PI firm has been pretty steady, whether it was people, locals, or even the municipality hiring them, they were getting cases. Some of them were pretty mundane, but it was work, and it was work helping people, which is just the way Ronan liked it.

He's spent too long, in a life that seemed a lifetime ago, making the lives of people around him Hell. This was how he could atone, and it was good work, even if it was looking for lost kittens.

He'd head out front occasionally to check for customers while Terra was away, and to get some lemonade, because that's what weather this sweltering required: lemonade. Julia used to say it was a mandate. Who was he to argue?]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Ronan looked the man over. He'd seen him around the network but had never actually spoken to him. Anyone who came looking for Terra recently made him more than a little suspicious, though and he crosse his arms, tilting his head to the side, his eyes slightly narrowed.]

Not recently. Maybe I can help you.

[ The suspicion was more than warranted and Jefferson couldn't blame the other man for it. Terra had been through a lot and there were no doubt people that viewed her differently or had bad intentions toward her after finding out she wasn't all that she appeared to be. Jefferson still thought of her the same way as he always had, but proving that could be difficult. ]

Not necessarily. I'm not here on business or anything of the sort. I was going to ask her about a few things, but --

[ But he was getting ahead of himself. ]

Apologies. I should tell you who I am before anything else. [ He stepped forward and offered his hand. ] The name's Jefferson. I work at Terra's shop in Genessia City. We're friends.

[Ronan doesn't immediately return the handshake, taking a moment to size the man up. They were of a height, and the guy seemed pretty unassuming, but in his business, looks were always deceiving.

Finally, he returned the handshake.]

Ronan O'Connor. I rent the other room, and I run a detective service out of the back.

[he glances around for a moment before looking back to the guy.] Was Terra expecting you?

[ He felt increasingly awkward as the staring continued on and he couldn't help but pull a face that clearly displayed both his confusion and how strange he found the situation he'd walked into. Just as Jefferson was about to pull back and concede that the stranger probably wasn't the hospitable type the man finally took his hand. He piqued an eyebrow but was fast to take on a more friendly expression. ]

A pleasure, Mr. O'Connor. [ He gave a casual nod to indicate his acknowledgment and withdrew his arm. ] Your hat is rather fetching, by the way. If you don't mind me saying so, I mean.

[ At the question he had to consider how to answer for a few seconds. The truth probably wasn't going to help his case any but lying to Terra's friend just felt wrong. ]

Vaguely? I told her I'd be around here and there but we didn't set any dates. If now is a bad time I can...? [ He gestured toward the door. ]

Ronan's fine. [Mr. O'Connor had never sat well with him. He could tell he was making the man uncomfortable, but he just had that effect on some people. Julia had always told him how intimidating he could be.] And...thanks. [He touched the brim of his hat on reflex.] My...wife gave it to me.

[He looks around.] You're welcome to stay, I guess.

Ronan then. [ He nodded again. Was that becoming as nervous habit...? Jefferson kind of hoped not because he already had too many. Ronan's words made him stop for a moment like he had to process them a bit longer than usual. That hesitation in the other man's voice was much too familiar. Maybe they were only separated by worlds, or maybe his wife was...

Either way, it was a horrible fate. ]

I think I'd end up in your way if I did stay.

[ He counted bringing up unfortunate memories as being in the way. ]

Only if you like to stare. [He smirked, getting his swagger back. Thinking of Julia...of seeing her again only to have her pulled away...

...well, there was no use thinking about it right now.]

Can I get you something? I think Terra's got water...and some tea.

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