2019-07-06 - This Town

For people who are used to sane places, it's probably a hell of a thing to find that in the case about to come up to trial, the key witness was brought in not by one of the local cops, but by a random citizen who apparently makes a habit of sticking his nose into cases, and is apparently...allowed to do this, for some reason, despite the overall disdain most of the PD expresses for Alexander Clayton.

But it'd be a good idea for John Canton to get put away, considering he was making a habit of beating local homeless people to death when his rage overflowed with the help of alcohol, so making sure the evidence is as air-tight as possible? Probably wise. Even it if means meeting a guy dressed like one of the aforementioned homeless people at a strip mall coffee shop. Alexander got there early, and secured a table a distance away from the others. He has a battered manilla file folder in front of him, and is sort of hunched in place. He looks underslept (or possibly strung out), but he was curt but coherent in the discussion earlier in the day when the appointment was made.

Click clack, click clack. That's the only thing that really announces her presence. She was a vision of professionalism, and when she was in a certain mode, there was no stopping her. Dressed in a grey pencil skirt and a white button down blouse, she pulls down her shades and lets her gaze wash over the various patrons as she looks for a certain Alexander Clayton. Her pumps mak their steady rhythmic sound against the tile floor as she heads on over with a leather portfolio in ehr hand.

"Mister Clayton." she says in clear and crisp tones. "Can I get you something before we begin? I just want to make sure of a few things as the case heads to trial. We got an indictment afterall."

Alexander stands as Cassidy approaches. He stares at her for several beats longer than politeness would allow, before he says, "Ms. Cassidy Bennet. One T. I remember." He shakes his head in an abrupt motion to the offer of something. Then, after a moment, changes his mind. "A coffee would be nice. Thank you." A pause. "Happy to help, Ms. Bennet." He moves to retake his seat. "You're new to Gray Harbor. Summer's a good time to be here, if you have to be."

"Just moved." There's an almost uncomfortable chuckle there, considering she had to completely change her political ambitions and go from Washington D.C to small town. It hasn't hampered her ambitions. "The real estate is at least affordable." Cassidy admits ruefully as she puts up a finger and heads on over to a counter to order herself a latte before taking the seat across from him. "I just want to go over a few things concerning your citizen's arrest. The defense is really trying to hammer home the lack of Miranda Rights."

"There is that," Alexander allows, with the faintest of amusement. He orders himself a small black coffee, much to the disappointment of the barista. "Are you staying at Bayside? I've heard the amenities are good. The murder is not usual." It's said deadpan. He falls silent as she talks, then looks down at his file. He opens it - there are several sheets of handwritten paper. Handwritten in Latin, weirdly enough. He scans it. "Didn't arrest him. Never touched him. Talked to him, he agreed to come in and talk to the police. No physical force was used, and I had no authority to stop him if he said no." It's all recited tonelessly.

Clucking her tongue at the statement of events, she pulls out her fountain pen and starts scribbling. It seems Cassidy is a south-paw from the looks of it as she lets out a soft sigh of relief. "Thank goodness. I had a feeling there was some BS going on at the claim, but if you can swear under oath that things went as you described, then that should remove at least one obstacle from this." a beat. "I really don't like losing."

"I don't mind making a deposition," Alexander agrees, but visibly tenses. He's sitting at a table with Cassidy - a study of contrasts in being put together, with Alexander at the bad end of the spectrum, and Cassidy at the good end. "I would prefer not to testify in court." There's the faintest uptilt of the corner of his mouth. "Juries don't tend to consider me very credible." He looks down at his file. "But it would be good not to lose this one. Those people did not deserve what he did to them. You feel confident, Ms. Bennet?"

The door to the coffee shop swings open and a burst of warm air sweeps in along with a blue-eyed blonde dressed to the nines. Rebecca is wearing a white cap-sleeved blouse with an embroidered collar and a pale butter-yellow pleated mini skirt with white high heeled mary janes. A leather laptop case is slung over her shoulder as she makes her way to the counter to wait in line. Her eyes sweep the place curiously. She's new in town, and everything here is new to her, and every one.

Giving him another appraising glance, there's a nod in the affirmative. It seems she agrees with his sentiments that he'd not make the most credible witness on looks alone. "Well, as long as you're consistent, but I can't promise that you won't be called to the stand. However, during a deposition, you'll still be asked questions by opposing counsel and all. As long as you're okay with that, then I can definitely set something up." Cassidy glances in the direction of the door as another person comes in, and it's then that she closes her folio. "Though we should take this conversation another time. Coffee shops aren't the best place for these types of questions." she offers with a smile.

Alexander nods. "That's fine. I remember what happened. I can answer questions." It'd be more reassuring, maybe, if he smiled. He doesn't smile. His eyes flick to the door when it opens, assessing the person who walks through with narrowed eyes. "I don't know her," he mutters, although possibly not as softly as he meant. It might even sound like he's answering a question that was never asked, if it were overheard. "And that's fine." He closes his file, slides it back to the side. And studies Cassidy again. "Why are you in Gray Harbor, Ms. Bennet?"

Rebecca gets to the front of the line and orders a white chocolate mocha with double espresso shots added to it. When asked if she'd like a pastry, she blinks at the barista like they grew a second head. She works for pastry chef Vyvyan Vydal. Pre-packed nuked croissants are not really acceptable for her anymore. "No, I think I'll pass," she says with an amused smile. She pays for her drink and moves to the waiting area.

Cause my ex's vindictive bitch ass wife made sure I wouldn't have a career in politics? No, she clearly thinks it, but to say that out loud would be too telling. Instead Cassidy takes in a deep and cleansing breath as she keeps an almost neutral smile on her features. "Big fish, small pond, kind of deal. They were looking for graduates other than Middle of Nowhere State's Online Law School Program."

Alexander's eyebrows go up, briefly. "Not a bad idea. Gray Harbor has a statistically unusual amount of violent and," a pause, "newsworthy crime. You'll get practice. Not much publicity. But practice." His coffee is ready! The need to make just a plain black cup apparently offended the barista's sensibilities so much that it actually only just came out. He stands to go and get it, stepping around Rebecca with exaggerated care. He also stares at her, a little, as if trying to memorize her face before he grabs up his cup and starts to make his way back to his seat. He pauses when he passes her again, though, and studies her once more. "I don't know you," he says, bluntly.

The stare gets returned in kind, with one manicured brow arching high. Rebecca cocks her head at the statement from Alexander and the corners of her mouth twitch in a smile. "I don't expect you would. I've only been in town for a week or so. Are you the self-appointed welcome committee?"

Cassidy nods at the mention of the high rate of violent crime in the area. "There /is/ that. It's almost like living in the Law and Order universe..." except, she's not in New York City nor is there a hunky Stabler around for her to swoon over. Le sigh. It's then that the staredown happens and she slips to the side now that her latte is ready. Oh look, she might as well order a rice krispie treat as well!

Some days are better than others, and this seems to be a good one. Entering, Jonathan looks away for a few moments, to see if there's anyone he knows present. He waits for a few moments, before he starts moving over in the direction of the counter, steps a bit slow as he keeps on looking around the room.

"No. I'm Alexander Clayton." There's a thoughtful pause. "I don't believe Gray Harbor has a welcome committee." It's said in a helpful sort of way, as if he's completely oblivious to the fact that she might not have been one hundred percent serious. He nods towards Cassidy as she stands to get her coffee. "Cassidy Bennet. Assistant DA. She is also new." So much for any hope you WOULDN'T get associated with the crazy, Cassidy.

The ring of the bell distracts him, though, and he stares at Jonathan as he comes in. "I remember you," he says, thoughtfully. "From the theatre. I don't know your name." Once again, he makes this sound like a great moral failing on Jonathan's part.

Rebecca studies Alexander thoughtfully as her coffee is delivered. She takes it in hand. "Oh I think it does." She doesn't mention that it's gas explosions and Dreams and boxes of sentient bones that want to be buried though. At the introductions she looks surprised. "Rebecca Carr, and it's nice to see I'm not the only newcomer here." She looks to Jonathan as he's addressed, and offers Cassidy a nod of hello.

With her latte (with extra foam) now in hand with a rice krispy treat, Cassidy heads back on over towards the table. "A pleasure to meet you Miss Carr." TAking a sip of her drink, she squints at the man's bluntness when she looks towards Jonathan, giving him an appraising glance.

There's a brief pause as he hears Alexander's words, and then Jonathan offers a nod. "Ah yes. My name? Jonathan Wallgren," he offers, once more. Nodding to both the women as well, he offers them all a smile. "I hope all of you are doing well today."

"Alexander Clayton," Alexander responds to Jonathan. His eyes narrow at the name. "You're Harper's friend. She had you drive Isolde to the picnic." A short sigh, wry and a bit warmer and more...well, friendly, than anything that's come before. "Sorry for the inconvenience. Thank you for being kind." He nods to Rebecca. "Miss Carr. Nice to meet you." And then he goes to rejoin Cassidy at the table, coffee in hand.

"Nice to meet you all," Rebecca says with a small smile. "Any tips for the new to Gray Harbor set?" she asks the three others curiously. "In the week I've been here there's been a gas explosion and a murder in my apartment building, so any advice on how to not wind up short-lived in this town would be appreciated."

"Mister Wallgren." Cassidy offers with a smile in his direction, her gaze washing over his form. Taking a bite of her marshmallowy treat as she settles back onto her chair, crossing her legs to get a tad bit more comfortable. Squinting at Rebecca, the mention of the murder causes her to sigh. "Well, as the ADA, the murder in your apartment will probably end up on my desk soon enough, so just make sure you answer any of the detectives' questions."

"Leave, Miss Carr." It's not said like a townie who doesn't like no newfangled people in his old-fashioned town. It's just a suggestion, said gently, even. Alexander cants his head towards her. "Or, if you won't, or can't - be careful. Stay with people. Don't go places where people tend to get lost." Then he falls silent again, hunched over his coffee cup as if it's more interesting to look at than to drink.

Pausing a bit at Alexander's words, Jonathan shakes his head a little. "I think we met when I ran into Andi at the waffle place," he replies. "You were going to speak with her about something, if I remember right." A brief pause as he hears Rebecca's words, and he offers her a grin. "At least it's not a boring town, right?" he offers, a bit lightly, before he adds, "I think the best idea is to expect the unexpected." Nodding a bit at Alexander's advice, he adds, "That's good advice too." A brief pause, before he adds, "Aside from the last ten or eleven months, I mostly just lived here during summerr for many years, myself."

"I thought the Bayside Apartments would have better security than they apparently do," Rebecca notes, sitting at the table next to Cassidy and Alexander's, and taking her laptop out of her bag to do some work while chatting. "My employer assured me it's the best option in town." At Alexander's warning she cocks her head at him and snorts in regards to people getting lost. "Too late." It's muttered before she sips her coffee.

Glancing in Alexander's direction, she frowns for a few moments, sighing as she looks back to the others. "You got lost already? I'm sorry to hear that. At least you found your way back." Cassidy says sympathetically, not having any idea as to what that /really/ means, but she's a non shiny Pokemon in this case. Looking towards Jonathan, she hrmms, "Not boring is not necessarily a good thing. There's a reason the Chinese use "May you live in interesting times" as a curse."

Jonathan nods a bit at Cassidy's words. "True. Not boring can work both ways, yes." He smiles briefly. "ADA you said?" he asks, after a few moments of pause.

"Yes, Ms. Carr. At least you found your way back." Alexander's voice holds the slightest thread of humor as he agrees with Cassidy, coming out of whatever reverie the coffee had sent him into. Or maybe he was getting directions from the voices in his head. He looks like that kind of guy. Either way, he gives Jonathan a slow nod. "Ah. I'm sorry. That's right. I had you confused with someone else." A grimace. "Please forgive me. I hope you're well."

Rebecca sets to typing away at her laptop between sips of coffee. "If you are at all interested, I work for Chef Vydal of Patisserie Vydal. Please do stop by and sample the offerings."

Ooooh. A patisserie. "I haven't been to a fancy French bakery in a while, I'll have to check it out." That's definitely an excited Cassidy. Turning to Jonathan, she nods, seemingly proud that she's an ADA. "Just graduated law school, so yeah, I'm all shiny and brand new over there. As Alexander said, I'm getting a LOT of practice in criminal procedure."

Jonathan nods a bit as he hears that. "Practice makes perfect, right? At least that's how I got to where I a... was..." A brief grimace as he corrects himself, before he nods at Alexander. "You're forgiven," he replies, before he adds, "The last few days have been good. Hopefully that means recovery's near the end." At Rebecca's words, he smiles. "That sounds like a place I need to visit," he replies, with a nod.

"Chef Vydal?" Alexander frowns. "I think I've seen ads for it. Opened recently?" He stares at Rebecca like the answer to this question is VITALLY important. Or like he just doesn't know what appropriate eye contact with strangers is. Either way. He nods to Jonathan, distracted by the man's response, a flash of relief on his face. "Recovery, yes. I hope so. Physical therapy?"

Tappity tap tap. Rebecca's eyes move over her screen with each keystroke. "Very recently yes. We just relocated from Southern California. Chef Vydal is quite an exceptional baker. You won't be disappointed. I highly recommend the entremets. They are an absolute delight." She smiles over at the others as she speaks.

"I only know what those are because of Great British Bake Off." Thank goodness for Netflix and access to BBC One. "I'll have to check it out for sure!" Cassidy replies before she quirks a brow as she turns to Jonathan. "Ummm, you were a professional athlete?" Guessing from his quick turn of phrase, it's a guess. "What sport?"

"Some physical teraphy, yes. That's the tricky part, I guess," Jonathan replies to Alexander, before he nods at Cassidy's words. "I was. Not for very long, but at least I made it there." It's offered with a smile, even if there might be some sadness in that smile as well. "Hockey," he replies to the part about the sport.

"What...is an entremet, and why would I want to eat one?" Alexander asks, sounding suspicious, like it might all be part of some nefarious plot. Then Cassidy speaks up, and he frowns, thoughtfully. Research material acquired? He just gives Jonathan a silent, but rather sympathetic, nod.

"It's a dessert that consists of different layers for different textures. Spongy, creamy, bubbly, crunchy and wobbly. Mousse is typically the creamy part, with chiffon cake for the spongy and a jam or jelly for the wobbly. The rest vary widely. Chef Vydal offers several different ones," Rebecca explains.

"Ice or fi..." and then she squints and facepalms. "Ice I imagine, right?" Cause field hockey doesn't have a professional league, does it? For a few moments, it's like Cassidy is checking Jonathan out. With an approving nod, "I could see you in uniform. Nice." she grins. "But now that's behind you, what are you doing now?"

Jonathan nods, "Ice hockey," he replies, before he pauses a bit as he hears the part about him in uniform. "Keep in mind I think I looked best in white or red," he replies, a bit lightly, as he offers a grin. The grin fades a bit at the question about what he's doing now. "At the moment, a whole lot of... nothing, really," he replies, with a brief sigh. "So far, I've been focused on getting well again after that concussion that ended the playing career."

Alexander blinks a couple of times at Rebecca. "I...see. How interesting." He takes a sip of his coffee, contemplates the cup. "Delicious, actually. Where is Patisserie Vydal?" His attention flicks back to Jonathan. "What are you interested in?"

Rebecca glances over at Jonathan curiously. "Do you have any particular skills outside of hockey?" she asks. She sips her coffee as she looks at him over the rim of the paper cup. At Alexander's query she smiles. "Just down the street here in the Downtown area. Please do stop by."

Mental note, there's a legit French patisserie nearby. With that location memorized, she offers a flash of her pearly whites as she gives Jonathan another up and down look. "Every athlete looks good in white, especially in their pants because it leaves /very/ little to the imagination." Have you seen the white pants during football season? Lord have mercy! "Well, hopefully everything gets better. I'm sure you'll find something you enjoy."

"I'm not entirely sure. But thankfully, I went through the college route to get to the big league, so I have a degree in business management. Would probably be a good idea to put that to use somehow, right?" Jonathan replies, shrugging a little. "I'm sure I'll figure out exactly how to use it soon." At Cassidy's comment, he studies her carefully for a few moments.

Alexander gives Cassidy a thoughtful look, then takes a sip of his coffee, finishing off the small cup as he eyes turn back to Jonathan. "It's summer. A lot of seasonal hires. But," he shrugs, "maybe not in stuff you want to do. Good luck finding something." He gives Rebecca a nod of thanks. "I'll have to try it. Thank you."

Rebecca mmhmmms softly at Jonathan. Not something required at the shop at the moment. She glances at her phone and sighs, packing her things up. "Well, it was nice to meet you all. I need to get to a meeting. But please do stop by the Patisserie." She gives them a smile and, with laptop bag and coffee in hand, departs.

"Like he said, there's plenty of employment options. We might be hiring for some clerical jobs, if you wanna take a look there. Being an athlete is surely going to add on your resume from that standpoint." Team player and all. Canting her head to the side, she peers back at Alexander. "I don't have rice krispy stuck in my teeth, do I?"

Jonathan nods a bit as he hears that. "Well, I figure the most important thing to begin with is having a job. I'm sure that after a while I might have figured out exactly what I'd want to do later on." Nodding a bit as he hears that part about clerical jobs. "I'll put that on the list of possible things to do," he offers, with a smile.

"Not that I am aware, Ms. Barret." Alexander looks briefly amused. He rises to his feet, offers a brief nod to Jonathan. "Good luck." Then another glance back at the ADA. "If there's nothing else you need me for? You can call me about the time and the date of the deposition." With that, he starts to leave, without so much as a polite good bye or 'nice to meet you'.

"Do have a pleasant day." she calls out to Alexander as he departs. "Check your voice mail. I'll have my assistant give you a date and time as soon as I can coordinate it with opposing counsel." Cassidy continues as she sighs and leans back, taking in a deep breath. "This town..."