2019-07-02 - Landlord Concerns

After having the busiest of mornings fielding questions from other tenants within the apartment complex, Byron finally finds the time to catch a cab to the precinct. His car was annoying still in the shop since Saturday, so this was a bit of an inconvenience. Dressed in his normal business attire, his dark suit and tie get up with a briefcase in hand, on entering the place, he makes his way to the front desk to voice his request. "I'm the owner of the Bayside Apartments." This is a small town, most people would know this, but he makes his introduction anyway. and I was wondering if Captain de la Vega or any of the officers investigating that particular case are on hand to answer a few questions."

The officer at the front desk makes a call and a few minutes later, an officer walks in from the front doors and joins Byron by the duty desk. "Hello there, I'm Officer O'Malley, I was told you had some information about the case?" he asks. He had apparently misunderstood the nature of the call, but he's there all the same.

When Michael takes up the call to speak to him, Byron immediately steps forward, extending his free hand out for a shake, "Ah, Officer O'Malley. I remember seeing you at the scene Byron Thorne." There does happen to be some confusion, perhaps an error on the middleman's part, but no matter. "I'm afraid not, Officer. I was hoping that you would be able to fill me in on what's going on." Seeing as they are standing in the middle of the lobby, he asks, "Is there a place in which we can speak? Also, were the security tapes that I surrendered any help at all?"

Looking around, Michael says, "We're fine here," and seeing as how it's a small town station, it's not like there are people being perp-walked past the desk every few minutes. It's relatively quiet. Though to put a touch of distance between them and the officer on the desk duty, he does lure him a few feet further towards a backroom, grabbing a refill of coffee. "So, as to filling you in? Not really, we can't comment on ongoing investigations. As to the tapes? Can't really say anything to that either. We're investigating everything we can at the moment, and if we need anything more from you, someone will be in touch."

"I figured as much." Byron says with just this touch of resignation in his voice. "I'm doing my best to keep the rest of my tenants' minds at ease. If someone was attacked in our apartment complex, I'm trying to figure out how they got past security. Twice. And whether we should be concerned that this person is still on the loose." As far as he knows, the victim's husband was taken in for questioning.

"Just tell your tenants to watch out for each other, if they hear anything out of the ordinary, call it in. Don't assume it was a plate being broken, don't buzz anyone in unless they know the person, general tips I'd give anyone even if there wasn't a murder," the Officer explains trying to give some tips. Sipping at his coffee, he carries the styrofoam cup along as he leads the way out through the doors of the station and to his cruiser. Opening the passenger door he grabs out his thermos and empties the cup into the thermos.

At this practical advice, the edges of Byron's lips quirk up, giving this wry, yet humored grin. "Wise words indeed, Officer. Thanks." He'll follow along, of course, to the officer's car, his eyes quietly observing the coffee being exchanged from one container to another. "I'll post that information in the lobbies and each floor for all buildings." Here, he idly licks his lips in thought, before murmuring, "I suppose I shouldn't expect an ETA of sorts on a matter like this, but if there's anything more than I can help with, let me know. That said, I'd like to be kept informed as soon as possible if there's anything important that either myself or my tenants need to know. The Lewises lived in the Apartments for a while. Even before I took over management. It's a shame really."

"Sure, and also, you might hold a little building meeting, put out some pastries, order a few pizzas, BBQ, whatever. Let everyone get to know each other, knowing each other's faces is helpful," Michael mentions with a laugh, his arms crossing over his chest. "And sir, I don't think at this point there is any reason for us or you, or anyone, to believe that there is any increased risk to you or your tenants. This, at present, appears to be an isolated incedent."

Byron just blinks once at the suggestion made by the officer, though this does bring a wide, genuine smile to his lips. "You, sir, are a genius. I'll probably wait a few days, so that some of that paranoia, fear and grief that a few of our tenants are currently experiencing to pass. It's a good thing that we have a psychiatrist on hand to assist with some of them, but you're right. A little gettogether sounds like a great idea." A pause, "In fact, I'll send you an invite once I've scheduled it. Since it was /your/ idea."

To the latter statement, he nods slowly, "I'm hoping that you're right, officer. I'll do my best to try relieve this sense of panic before it gets out of hand." To that, he seems satisfied enough, "Thank you for your time." The corners of his lips tugging up again, "And for the suggestion. Both of them. I won't keep you from your investigation." During this time, the man's phone had mostly beeped to indicate a text message. Most likely from concerned tenants. It's when his phone actually rings that he reaches for it, to look at whose calling and with a heavy sigh he murmurs, "I have my own hands full as it is."