2019-07-11 - Bayside Apartments Tenants Meeting

It seems that Vivian has decided to partake of the treats that are on offer, in the form of a mimoas and a bowl of fruit that she's got carefully balanced on her knee. While Byron mingles with the guests she nibbles at a piece of fruit, the mimoas dangling lightly from her fingers as she takes all the time this allows for her to watch the tenants gathering and mingling.

Rebecca Carr is here, making sure that the refreshments from Patisserie Vydal are prominently placed. She works for the Chef after all. She also happens to live on the 5th floor of the building. A mimosa dangles from one manicured hand. The blonde is in a lightweight black sweater with a pearl embellished collar, and a pale yellow miniskirt with black gridlines, black tights, and calf high leather boots.

Geoff shows up and makes his way into the swanky apartment building, the man dressed up in biker leathers, a pair of grey jeans and a Wolfmother tour t-shirt. Stopping just inside the Lobby he looks around as if searching someone out before his eyes settle on Erin and he strides for her with a cocky gait, giving Easton's rear a slap as he passes behind the man. As he pulls up to the Addington he flashes her an easy going grin "Hey babe."

Easton arrives promptly before the meeting still feeling the need to be exactly on time or early for everything, though it long since stopped mattering. He is dressed in his usual dark jeans, light gray tee-shirt and scuffed boots. He eyes the spread of food on the table and skips over the food to just pick a glass of wine. He scans through the crowd, picking out familiar faces he's seen around from his building. He's only had the casual awkward nods and smile interactions for the most part. The slap on his backside doesn't even cause him to bat an eye, he just blows Geoff a kiss as he walks by.

Captain de la Vega has opted to show up attired in accordance with his official capacity, as desk jockey in Chief at the precinct. Or, more accurately, assistant to the Chief. Of Police. Which would be Thatchery. This is apparently not important enough to warrant the head honcho's appearance, so he's dispatched his trusty minion instead.

Ruiz, thus tucked into a trim charcoal suit and bright blue tie, is currently availing himself of a cup of caffeinated beverage. It seems he takes some coffee with his sugar.

Erin has skipped the food but she's nursing a mimosa for the moment. It's about half gone and while she tries to portray herself as relaxed and waiting for the meeting to begin, the tips of her fingers are white where she holds the glass in hand. Her features remain somewhat amiable though. Dressed in expensive attire, she wears it well, looking trendy yet understated. The heels boost her height to a confident 6'1 since they're only four inch.
At the arrival of Geoff, her expression does alter some and the hold on the glass relaxes marginally. His attire gets a once over. He was one hundred percent totally Geoff. A smile is given as he greets his boy toy, but she mostly focuses on the former instead of the latter.

Christopher is here in the official capacity of: a resident of the apartment building. It's an important role that only a few dozen or so in the world can pull off, and only a select few of those in such tastefully understated sportswear. "Good thinking," he offers to Erin, gesturing toward the glass in her hand.

Sutton is leaned against the back of the elevator when the doors open, wearing an old Seattle PD tee and a pair of midnight blue shorts, short and cuffed. She shoves off the wall of the elevator and wanders out into the lobby. She has some white paint spatters, long dry, on the tee. She wears a pair of dark sunglasses, and her hair is pulled back into a tail. Though she's recently showered with some kind of floral body wash, she's clearly hung over, feeling it, and she goes right for a mimosa and a handful of chocolate, the latter of which goes right into her mouth. Then she finds a couch to sit on. She seems to have neglected shoes: bare feet, fuchsia toenails.

Hyacinth arrives with all the aplomb of an awaited event, and is most certainly not a tenant, and certainly not a subtle woman. Black sundress and a wide brimmed matching hat are today's statement in fashionable mourning for the Addington fashionista. She is wearing the leg that is clear acrylic with the vine of morning glories cured inside the acrylic and honestly a pretty damn cute pair of shoes that do not lend for practicality. Statements are never meant to be practical, just punctuated apparently. She's got to be fun to work with at City Council. She breezes by Erin, taking a moment to rest a finger to elbow to let her know she's there in silent greeting and moves with a tik-tik-tik metronome cadence of her shoes to find Vyv. Her eyes narrow slightly. "You catered this?"

Drifting from the refreshments table, Byron brushes his fingers along Vivian's shoulder in passing, on his way to the podium that was set up for this event. He recognizes most of the faces here as most are his tenants, but those who are not his tenants, he recognizes quite a few of them as well. Gray Harbor is a small town after all.

"I thank you all for coming here this afternoon. I should have scheduled something similar a while ago -- giving everyone the opportunity to get to know their neighbors. It saddens me that we're all being drawn together only now, after this tragedy. If anyone had questions or would like to speak, please do not hesitate to do so." That's when his eyes look to Ruiz in the crowd, "Captain de la Vega from the Gray Harbor PD is available to help field questions. That said, this is still an ongoing investigation."

Geoff offers a wink to Easton at that blown kiss but once he is standing beside Erin his attention is taken up by her, an easy going roguish smile pulling at the corner of his lips as he says "Now that we're finally into summer I figured it was a lovely evening for a ride, not to mention after we're done here if you want to get changed I could take on on a ride to go get ice cream." His shoulder bumping lightly to hers as he looks out over the crowd to see if he recognizes anyone else.

Vivian tosses one grape into her mouth that she washes down with her drink before she sets it to the side. Once her hands are free she carefully dusts them off before she folds them carefully in her lap. Now that things are officially beginning she turns her attention towards Byron to listen to him and what he has to say.

Rebecca moves to a seat and settles in it, crossing her legs at the ankles primly. She listens to Byron with a mild expression, and then looks around the room to see if someone is going to speak up.

Vyv's pastries and assistant are here. So is Vyv, though it has more to do with the fact that he lives in the building, up on the top floor that's not inconsiderately already occupied by the owner. He's claimed a mimosa and a corner seat on one of the sofas, for the moment, and he's managing to lounge with good posture, which is frankly a neat trick.

He's wearing a slimly-cut silk/wool suit in a warm shade of camel, a crisp white shirt, and a burgundy silk tie with small mustard polkadots, the last kept neatly in place with a fairly simple gold and garnet tie-bar. Also setting things off are equally simple round gold and garnet cufflinks and a silk pocket square, a paisley pattern in burgundy, mustard, white, and browns. There are faint inclinations of his head in greeting to various people he recognizes -- or possibly not, who knows -- and appraising glances over sips of his drink; Hyacinth's arrival gets a faint but genuine smile, and a vague gesture toward the rest of his couch that clearly suggests she's invited to claim a portion if she's so inclined. "Essentially." As anyone with any taste would have decided should be the case. Of course.

Easton smiles and waves over to Erin as she and Geoff bump, and then flops down on the couch next to Sutton right before Byron gets up to speak. He watches her toss down the chocolate and takes in her overall demeanor. He nods approvingly and says, "Aw, you look how I feel." He extends his free hand and says, "I'm Easton, apartment 400." His attention is momentarily distracted by Hyacinth, or more specifically her flashy acrylic leg. He does a small double take, making sure that he's seeing that correctly. A small frown crosses his face at the thought of bringing extra attention to his own artificial left leg that he nearly always keeps covered. At Byron's speech he turns back and face him, though he doesn't look overly invested in asking a question.

Coffee in hand, alcohol eschewed for obvious reasons while in uniform and here in an official capacity, Ruiz angles toward the podium when Byron makes his way over. Two sips of coffee, and then the cup is set aside on the table behind him, and the cop makes like the other man's bulkier, slightly shorter shadow. Hands clasped behind his back, dark eyes on the milling residents.

"I highly recommend one." Erin murmurs to Christopher with a smile, appearing to be familiar with him beyond being neighbors, perhaps. "Or three." The smile is genuine as she does give it, then her cousin comes by and she dips her head in acknowledgement to the brief gesture from her. "It's good to see you," she says softly, as not to interrupt her greeting Vyv. Only when Byron begins talking does she press her lips together in wake of the tragedy comment. Taking a deep breath, she slowly releases it and gives Geoff a grateful look for the distraction, even the shoulder bump to bring her back around to the moment. Easton's wave receives one in turn, even a half smile in his direction. Apparently all is forgiven. "I'd like to get out of here for awhile tonight. My parents are at grandmothers for the moment but they will continue staying with me for their time in town." Unable to keep the disapproval from her tone. Her eyes lift to the police officer and again, her lips thin as they are pressed together.

Sutton sits on the periphery of the room sipping her mimosa, chewing on a dangerously large mouthful of chocolate, resisting the urge to chew on a thumbnail. When Easton drops next to her, she looks over. And then she glances down and takes his hand with hers. There's a little melted chocolate on it. "Sutton, 503." There's a pause, and it might take her a minute, because she had a night. This is all asked quietly under Byron's words. She might sink a little lower in her seat when De la Vega's name is mentioned, or, you know, maybe her posture is simply the direct opposite of Vyv's. "Do you think they'd protest if I just sat here with the chocolate tray?" Asked quietly. "These mimosas are amaaazing." She can do sing-song-y quietly. Ish.

"The night is still young," the man points out to Erin in return. The outline of his usual charm is still there, but he's just going through the motions, considering. "Christopher, 501," he introduces himself in turn, since that's going around now.

Geoff 's arm wraps fondly about Erin's shoulders in a quick hug "Sure thing, we'll get you out of here for a bit and get your mind on something else." And then his eyes are turning to the watch the Officer with a feint look of suspicion as if he might have heard a dirty rumor or two about him. Looking to Christopher he studies him for a long few moments before flashing him a grin "Hey man, don't suppose your last name is Hayes is it?"

There's a buzz of voices talking amongst one another when Thorne asks if anyone had questions for the Police Captain. Or anyone really. An elderly woman speaks up, one who Byron recognizes. She takes a step forward, her gaze first on the young landlord before moving onto de la Vega. "Officer," She addresses Ruiz, "I'm Mrs. Chambers in 108. The Lewises have been my neighbors for years." She then gets to meat of her inquiry, "The husband, Mr. Lewis. Did he do it? Are you arresting him?"

To this, Byron's own eyes now look to Ruiz, not having been given a straight answer from the GHPD, himself, but he'd heard news regarding it.

Rebecca sips from her mimosa, not offering up any questions or her room number. When Mrs. Chambers speaks, however, she sits forward a touch to listen. This is what they're all really here for isn't it? The details of the crime?

Hyacinth snags a mimosa and joins Vyv on the couch softening that severe look of hers a bit. Her hand pats the outside of Vyv's knee in a thank you as she sits with care not to wrinkle the man. "Erin, we have to get together when the world stops falling apart." Statement, but there's insistence spent only on the things nearest and dearest to her priority list and family remains pinned to that board. Do those sharp eyes miss either gentleman speaking to the woman? No, but she doesn't address it either. For now the small tablet in her purse is pulled out and her nail clacks against the glass as she swipes it to life taking notes apparently. Attention stays on Byron and the officer speaking with something murmured to her couch companion as she silently, and passivly judges the room, the food, what people are wearing, and likely the situation too. OH the ridiculous amount of scrutiny!

Ruiz doesn't move, doesn't smile, and definitely doesn't speak until it's required of him; he's silent and gargoyle-like a foot or two from Byron's side, gaze shifting askance to regard the younger man at the question from Mrs. Chambers. Back to the gathered crowd then, and he clearly doesn't need a microphone to project his voice; this is clearly a man who's accustomed to speaking in public, to barking orders, and having them followed.

"Silence, please." His voice is a whipcrack that's hard to miss in the enclosed space. "The question was, whether Mr. Lewis is being arrested." A moment, to make sure folks are listening. "Mr. Lewis and the Lewis children have been cleared as suspects, and we are currently pursuing other leads in this case. In addition, the Addington family has requested that the details of this investigation not be released to the media, and we will be abiding by those wishes. Are there any other questions?"

Vivian's brows shift a fraction upwards, but she remains quiet as she unfolds her hands, reaching for another piece of fruit before setting her empty bowl to the side as well. There does not appear to be many, or perhaps any, questions that she wishes to ask regarding the investigation.

It's like that couch was secretly the judges' table or something. Vyv's had longer to quietly appraise everything and -one, but that doesn't mean he's necessarily done. Whatever Hyacinth murmurs gets faint and fleeting upward curl of his lips, and a brief murmur back before he settles in again to see what this Captain de la Vega has to say about the crime. He's interested, clearly, so maybe his phone comes out to take notes on the matter; a brow lifts at the sharp demand for silence, and there's a tiny twitch at the side of his mouth before it's hidden by another sip of the drink.

"Erin Addington." Though she isn't one that gives her apartment number since it's not exactly safe. "Yes it is," she tells Christopher, a tilt of her glass towards him in a silent salute. Leaning in to hear Geoff, she smiles in response. "I look forward to it." A sip of her drink and she just loses herself in the buzz of conversation, leaving Christopher to answer Geoff while she listens to Hyacinth. "We do need to get together. Everyone is meeting at grandmothers before the funeral. I've spent most of my time there the past few days." Then the matter of Mr Lewis comes up and she falls silent, lips pursed, attention riveted.

Easton takes the offered hand, and doesn't seem to notice or care about the smudge of chocolate. He looks at Sutton thoughtfully at the question and then scans the room. He shrugs and says, "I think even if they do protest, you can take 'em. Or you can just say you're so emotionally upset by the murder and this is your coping mechanism?" He looks at the mimosa, a drink he will forever think of as belonging only inside the hours of brunch, especially after running a bar that serves a mean Sunday brunch, and says, "I'm a little disappointed there wasn't a full open bar t'be honest." The suppressed smile on his face likely indicating he's joking. Kind of.

He glances back at Hyacinth to see her interacting with Erin and he makes a mental note. He also spends just a moment longer watching Erin, trying to gauge how she's doing with what has to be at least difficult, if not outright painful. He really did mean to send flowers or something.

The call for silence causes him to turn and face forward, and grimace. He really can't help but follow orders instinctively.

Raising his voice he asks of Byron, "What changes are you making to the security procedures in light of this if any?" The look he gives the man is not exactly pressing, he's hoping that's a softball question. Hoping.

Christopher inclines his head to Easton. "The boat ride," he mentions, pantomiming spinning a basketball atop the tip of one finger. That said, he falls quiet again, letting the discussion of the case remain front and center.

Rebecca rises. "Rebecca Carr, resident. Do the police suspect the perpetrator to be a resident or from outside the apartments? Do we need to be afraid of our own neighbors?" she asks , bluntly.

Easton forces himself not to turn to Rebecca and mouth 'yes'. Be good.

Erin leans in to whisper to Geoff since Christopher seems to have missed the question, "Yes," she says softly. "Hayes."

Sutton grunts an agreement with Easton's comment about the open bar. "Point." She rises when Ruiz is speaking, but stays silent, and makes her way over to the chocolate tray. She finishes the mimosa then fills the glass to the top with gourmet, handmade chocolates. She's still over there picking through them with the questions start up.

Byron looks content when Ruiz reveals that Mr. Lewis was not being charged and was no longer a suspect in the crime. "Thank you, Captain de la Vega and Mrs. Chambers." He casts his gaze out into the audience to look on the woman. "That was something I'd inquired about before and had received no answer to. I'm glad to know that Mr. Lewis is in the clear.

He's not the only one pleased to learn this. Mrs. Chambers looks relieved as well, having known the Lewises for some time. She didn't believe that Robert Lewis was a killer.

That doesn't stop other questions from being tossed out from the crowd. "If not Lewis, then who?" Cries out one voice. A tenant from Building C.

Another shouts out, "Do you really need to turn those damn sirens on late at night? Just show up! Don't have to wake up the neighborhood!" This must be the person who posted about it first on Friendzone. "Some of us are trying to sleep."

When Easton addresses a question to him, Byron responds in a firm manner, "I've hired extra security guards for the time being. Mainly, we're trying to figure out how the perpetrator entered the complex and then escaped without no one seeing them." That's when he turns back to Ruiz, "The security tapes that I'd surrendered. Were they of any use to you, Captain?"

Geoff watches Christopher for a moment till it seems the man has nothing to say to him, thankfully Erin fills in the question for him. Offering a thankful nod to her, his gaze dance back to Ruiz to see if anything salacious or interesting will come out of this q and a. Though this unsolved and no doubt pretty grizzly murder definitely has his attention. Pulling out his phone he sends off a quick text or two.

Erin listens to much of the conversation around the room rather unabashedly. There is Easton joking about being upset enough by the murder to take refreshments home. Though her gaze narrows on him and she takes a breath and almost says something, she closes her mouth and just shakes her head, keeping her composure. Mostly. After a moment she does add. "Likely, with family here, joking about the murder probably is not such a good idea." Likely taking things wrong, but she's on edge!

Ruiz's gaze lands on Rebecca as she gets to her feet, dark eyes intent, tone even: "We are actively pursuing an investigation involving several persons of interest, Ms. Carr. I cannot provide names, and I am not in a position to definitively say that the perpetrator does not reside in this building." His words, it seems, are chosen carefully. His speech, too, is a little slower than some on account of English obviously not being his first language; dropped syllables and the odd softened consonant suggest Mexican Spanish quite heavily.

The guy from building C is studied for a moment, and his party line about 'pursuing leads' is repeated. Then the guy about the sirens, who gets a bit of a wolfish smile from the police captain. "I'll make sure to forward your complaint to Chief Thatchery." Who will do shit-all about it, and they both know that.

Byron, last of all, is the recipient of a rather direct look, and a curt nod. "The footage is still being reviewed. Thank you for passing it on, Mr. Thorne."

Pulling out his phone as it buzzes, Easton manages to at least give Byron and Ruiz his attention long enough to get an answer to his question. He then fires off a few texts, literally asking after Erin's well being as he simultaneously pisses her off. He is however, oblivious that Erin is referencing him with talk of being sensitive to the family as he only briefly overhears what she says. He does reach over to attempt to take one of the chocolates from Sutton's glass though when she returns.

Geoff reaches down to take Erin's hand in his free one in a comforting manner, sending off one more text before letting the phone hold down by his side. He looks about to speak up about something when he simply shakes his head and remains quiet, though he does seem rather contemplative about the whole situation going on.

Sutton acquires a second glass, this one full of mimosa, and returns with one in either hand, to her seat on the couch. Now she can sip, then tip the other glass and drop a chocolate into her mouth. Next level snacking. She is, of course, listening to the questions and the answers, though it's unlikely anything is being said she doesn't already know -- the perks/dangers of working in the PD/FD. She tips her glass slightly to Easton as he goes to fish out a chocolate. Then she tips it to her mouth and eats one.

They are really good chocolates. At least there's something positive about all this?

Hyacinth flashes a look to Easton that judges the man fourteen ways til Tuesday. It's brief, and she pauses pulling her feelings inward not to show her hand and instead focus on taking notes. Fingers flit up and says in a clear voice, used to saying 'no' all day. "Hyacinth Addington, family, not resident. What further information and support can we provide to expedite the investigation?" They're not done yet, and while this annoys, good work takes a moment. She's not unaffected by the event, but is covering it as well as she can.

That same buzz picks up once more when the Captain cannot tell them whether one of their neighbors is a murderer or not. The Siren guy can be heard muttering, "Yeah. Yeah. you say that now--" GrumbleGrumble.

Of course, Byron isn't exactly pleased by this response too, but he's here to try and set everyone's mind at ease as best he can. "If there's anything more that we can do to help, Captain, please give me a call." He then says to the crowd, "I know that this news is alarming for all of you and those of who are here with your families for the summer, this was not how you planned your vacation. I know. With everyone's help, however, I am hoping that we can all watch out for another. Once the briefing is over, I hope that you use the time to get to know your neighbors."

Hya's question gains Byron's attention, her suggestion mirroring his own.

When Geoff takes her hands, Erin's shoulders slump a little and she gives another grateful look. Nothing about this was easy. Even so, she looks over at Easton with a tentative smile that tilts more into apologetic. Her hand tightens in Geoff's and she remains silent, just wanting answers. Or something!

Vyv gives Hyacinth's knee a fleeting touch of the probably at least intended to be sympathetic kind, apparently having caught that look shot toward Easton, and returns to quietly drinking his mimosa for a minute or so. "Anything particular in the security improvements for dealing with the possibility that we've wandered into an Agatha Christie novel and the perpetrator, in fact, is someone with otherwise every right to be in the complex?" he asks Byron then, head tilting slightly. "Or particular precautions we ought to be taking? Nothing of this sort has happened here before, has it?"

Sutton turns her attention to Hyacinth. She watches the woman for a moment, contemplating the possibility that they're cousins, very, very far removed. She then asides to Easton. "If you need a class in stabbing creepy motherfuckers in the leg, I got you. Personal security." Maybe that could have been quieter and not on the heels of Vyv's question, thus attention swinging to the couch where she, too, sits. Eating chocolate like a boss.

"Good question," replies De la Vega, smile brief, on the heels of Hyacinth's musings to him. "What I can share is that the time of death was around midnight on the first of July. If anyone has anything to report from that evening. Anything suspicious, or simply out of the ordinary. I urge you to contact myself or Chief Thatchery at the precinct. I'll be leaving contact information with Mr. Thorne."

A glance is sent across to the younger man, then he turns back to the residents with that slight set in his jaw. "I realise this is a difficult time for all of you. And I assure you we are doing everything in our power to provide you with answers." Vyv's question gains a brief look, but he'll let Byron field that one.

Rebecca looks suitably disconcerted by the lack of concrete information. She glances over to Vyv, her boss, and her expression seems to say it all. This is not what was expected with their move to Gray Harbor. Neither was the 'gas explosion' and the box of bones. But here they are. She downs her mimosa.

Vivian pushes herself up to her feet, one hand lifting upwards as she clears her throat, trying to call attention to herself without being too disruptive to the goings on, "If I could say a quick something."

At Hyacinth's introduction and question, Easton turns and his eyebrows raise slightly. Oh. Family. He smirks at Sutton and says, "I might take you up on that. And if you need a class on passing out drunk and hitting your head on things? I'm your man." He stands up to get another drink, and some of those chocolates for himself. He stops though when Vivian stands up, his hand still reaching for a glass, he waits.

At Vyv's question, Byron turns to him, his posture straightening subtly when he says, "We're reviewing our current security cameras right now. Seeing whether they need to be updated and if there are any areas that we've missed, that could use the security of such cameras. We can't legally go through everyone's apartments. Not without a warrant." He says, turning back to Ruiz briefly, "Security will be going through the tenant files again, I'm stating this openly right now, as there may be a need for background checks."

"All of this will take some time, but I will advise that everyone lock their doors and remain vigilant. While I've never had them do so before, I am, currently, having security patrol the halls. This is only temporary until the case is solved."

When Vivian asks permission to speak, he graces her with a quiet smile, "Be my guest, Dr. Glass."

Vyv catches that glance from Rebecca, and his brows lift slightly; it's a fairly subtle change in expression, but all in all it seems to agree. Doesn't hurt the impression any that he finishes what's left of his own drink as well, even if it wasn't that much. And even if he takes advantage of the caught look to tip the empty slightly toward her and ask quietly, "Would you?"

He looks back to Byron again, studying the man as he answers. There's a hint of lip-pursing, but it appears to be a more or less satisfactory answer for the time being, as it gets a head-inclination of acknowledgement rather than any further probing.

"Thank you, Mr. Thorne." Vivian replies with a smile for Byron, then she turns her attention towards those that have gathered for the meeting, "I don't believe I've had the pleasure to meet most of you. However, I'm Doctor Vivian Glass, resident." Vivian takes a moment, waiting to make sure that everyone is listening before she continues, "I'm a psychiatrist, and I wanted to extend an offer to anyone that feels they need to talk to someone about what has been going on that my door was open."

Rebecca rises and moves to take Vyv's glass. "Did you want a refill or are you finished here, Chef?" she asks quietly, giving Hyacinth and small smile and a nod of greeting.

Ruiz has reverted to his former role as Byron's Silent Shadow. The broad-shouldered cop sort of looms nearby; a brief flick of his eyes when Byron looks over after mentioning warrants. Then back to the assembled residents with that thousand yard stare that suggests he's either studying faces carefully, or reviewing his week's grocery list in his head.

Sutton smirks at Easton's counter offer. She tries to give him a thumbs up and almost bobbles her chocolates. "Fuck." She balances the glass on the couch and picks some chocolates off the couch, promptly stowing them in her mouth.

Hyacinth nods to the official police announcement with a nod o Ruiz and turns her attention to Byron as he follows up with effectively telling her what she was waiting to hear between the lines. She swirls her half mimosa in her glass taking her time thoughtfully. Her hand pats Vyv's sleeve either as conciliation or, as she drinks the last of her glass that is a silent 'mine too'.

At Vivian's offer, she catches the attention of some residents, who then hesitate and turn away. They don't have a problem! They don't need a psychiatrist. Though some will most likely see her in private. There are, others, who are more open about it and a few are brave enough to shake hands with the good doctor and ask for her card.

His grin broadening a touch, Byron intones, "Thank you, Dr. Glass. That's generous of you to volunteer your time and service." As things seem to be winding down and there are no further questions, unless he missed it, he then announces, "That is all that I wanted to say for now. I'd like to thank Captain de la Vega for coming here today and keeping us informed on this investigation. With that said, I would also like to offer my condolences to Mrs. Lewis and her family," He doesn't come out and say the Addingtons openly. "My door is always open as well for questions, comments. I'm also willing to listen to advice. Now, feel free to partake in the refreshments," Which they've been doing this whole time, "And learning more about your neighbors." Your friend next door. He was right about to say that, as I'd typed it, but even he knows it's corny.

Byron's wrap-up gains a curt nod from the police captain stood nearby, followed up with a firm handshake. Left hand clasped to the man's forearm, eye contact briefly made before he collects his coffee cup and departs the podium area. Most likely, Ruiz is looking to beat as hasty a retreat from this little fete as he can manage.

"Refills, I think," Vyv murmurs back to Rebecca, the plural and fact that he lightly takes Hyacinth's empty to hand that one to his assistant as well suggesting that he's going with the latter interpretation of her gesture. "And perhaps one or two of the chocolates before they're all eaten?" Sutton's fumble and recovery has stellar timing, and he gives her a bit of side-eye as she manages it. "Or otherwise." At least she appreciates they shouldn't go to waste? He takes a moment to regard Vivian as she speaks, though there's no sign he's inclined to leap up and make an appointment. Just politeness.

Rebecca takes the empties and deposits them somewhere, getting fresh glasses for Vyv and Hyacinth, and adds a small assortment of chocolates and fruit onto a plate, with napkins. She returns to pass out the beverages and set the food in arm's reach for the pair. She glances over at the shrink curiously, but doesn't speak up. "You calendar is clear for the day, Chef," she informs Vyv with a glance at an app on her phone. "We do have a meeting tomorrow regarding the stationary to be sent out to our California customers regarding online orders."

Geoff gives Erin's hand a small squeeze as the meeting begins to wrap up, leaning in to ask her "You doing okay, Erin? Want me to grab you another drink?" and he's already moving to go grab her from another mimmosa from the tables, humming to himself as he goes and offering nods to the various residents of the apartment building as he passes them.

Dr. Glass's offer causes Easton to pause and frown. He meant to call and make an appointment, or just show up or really do anything to move in that direction, and yet, he has not. He grabs another glass of wine and then makes his way towards Vivian. "Uhh. Miss Glass? Do you have a moment?" Yes it looks like he's answering her call to talk to her if people are very shaken up about the murder. He isn't, but he doesn't really care about appearances.

Sutton seems not to have noticed people saw her eat couch chocolates. She even dusts a bit of lint off of one before she eats it. Vyv does good work! The paramedic (her shirt says so in enormous letters along the back) rises and heads over to get herself a mimosa for the road, and more chocolate, who are we kidding. Chocolate for dinner. And a strawberry, because you need fruit in your diet, and even Sutton knows mimosas don't count.

Erin has fallen silent, but though she is quiet, she is still listening. Occasionally she'll glance over at Geoff and his phone, even if she doesn't try and read anything on it. Then she'll give a telling glance to Easton, lips twitching slightly. Finally, she releases his hand as he walks over to get her a refill of a mimosa once she['d given the affirmative that she would love one.

Ruiz's gaze briefly follows the journey of Sutton's confections, from pretentious bonbon to lint-furred couch chocolate. And are promptly eaten, anyway. His dark eyes alight on the paramedic's for but a moment, then rove on as he prowls for the exit. Stopping only briefly to lay a hand on Erin's shoulder as he passes the table with the pitcher for mimosas, and murmur a few words to her.

Geoff returns with the drink and a grin, murmuring lowly to Erin so it doesn't carry far beyond the two of them "Was just placing bets with Easton about the likelihood that I'll be nabbed up in the questioning process since I've been in and out of here as of late and well." He offers a shrug, the other reason probably being fairly obvious to anyone who knows him. The next time he catches Byron's eyes he flashes him a grin and a dip of his head.

"Of course, Mister Marshall." Vivian replies to Easton, giving him a nod, her hands tucking into the pockets of her jacket as she glances around at others, "Did you want to step away to speak?" She probably figures that he wants to not talk to her in front of everyone else, but she waits for his choice.

Surprise registers in Erin's eyes as she turns her head marginally to take in the man and his words in passing. A few more are murmured in return to him mostly words of thanks and being grateful he's taking the case on with such ambition. Another word of thanks before she pauses to listen to Geoff as well. Her mouth makes an O as she hadn't thought about that really. "I really don't think there's the need for that though, Geoff." Attempting a reassurance she is far from feeling. After all, everyone was a suspect, for the most part.

Now that the actual meeting is over, Byron steps down from the podium and is met with a few who were too afraid to voice their concerns earlier. One of them is a wealthy couple here on vacation with their daughter. "We only arrived yesterday and it's awful what happened." The wife starts, her voice expressive, "So very awful. Now I'm afraid to turn the lights off at night. Do you think you could get one of the security guards to stand post outside our door until the morning?"

Even with that suggestion made, Byron's still offers up warmth his expression and understanding in his eyes. "Mrs. Bonnell from Building B..." A thoughtful pause, matching face to apartment number. "Suite 602." Hey, this is a summer tenant, he doesn't see them very often. "I can't really have them stationed outside of one unit, but I'll let my guy in building B know to keep an eye on your floor, if that's satisfactory." Whether it is or not, Byron catches the look that Geoff gives him, then says to the pair "Will you excuse me."

Crossing the crowded floor, his head cocked to the side, he says with a grin, "I'd ask what you're doing here, but," His eyes flicker to Erin for a moment, giving her this polite nod of acknowledgement, "Erin. I'm sorry about.. well, everything." This is his building after all.

"Ta, that's lovely," Vyv thanks Rebecca, accepting the glass with a glance at the little plate; something about it makes one corner of his lips quirk upward slightly, and what he actually plucks from it is a small strawberry rather than one of the actual chocolates. Sutton's got it right, after all. Must get one's five a day. "Mn. Ten a.m., isn't it? That should still work. Thank you, Ms. Carr." She gets a little smile before he eats the strawberry. "How's everything otherwise? We ought to squeeze a chat into the calendar." What with, you know. Jello libraries and mouthy bones and all.

"No, I just. Uh, wanted to setup a proper appointment. I don't think that voicemail counted?" Easton looks at least a little abashed about the drunken voicemail he left her that was supposed to be about an appointment, but he's pretty sure veered hard into other territory. He adds, "And it's uh, nice, of you to offer to talk with the people here. How are you holding up with this?" His eyes slightly narrow as if he's wondering something very specific, even though the question was rather vague.

"Ah, I've a few appointments free this week. Would you prefer a morning or afternoon?" Vivian wonders, offering a smile to Easton when he clarifies what it is that he's wanting. She pulls her phone out of her pocket, pulling up the calendar as she moves closer to him so that she doesn't have to speak loudly to be heard. Any questions about how she's holding up are promptly ignored.

"I figured Erin could use a shoulder to lean on through this." Geoff explains as his hand comes up to offfer Byron "Plus you know me, how many decades have I been showing up places that refreshments are offered without an invite." Eyes dancing with mischief he adds "Remember the Band farewell party when we were in junior year?"

Rebecca wrinkles her pert little nose at Vyv's chat topics. "Of course, Chef. And yes, Ten AM. I'm going to go and take care of some paperwork, if there's nothing else you need from me today?"

Extending a hand to slap against Geoff's shoulder in friendly greeting, Byron can't help but laugh, "You and me both." He'll say about show up to places with free refreshments. "Sure I remember. If you're sneaking into somewhere just for the food, it's much easier to do alone rather than coming in with a group. Lesson learned." The hard way, probably.

Spotting Vivian off in the distance, speaking to Easton, it's his turn to make eye contact with her in a silent way to flag her over.

"Morning." He still hasn't managed that whole sleeping thing despite being up late closing the bar down most nights. Easton notes that she doesn't seem interested in talking about her feelings or how she's holding up. He considers trying again but he's pretty sure he'd just end up pissing someone off in the process. So he just smiles and takes another sip of the wine waiting to finalize a day.

"Wednesday morning then." Vivian decides after reviewing her schedule, marking it down and hitting save before she tucks the phone back into her pocket, "I look forward to speaking with you at length, Mister Marshall."

"Thank you, Byron. You have been a rock through all of this. I really appreciate you pulling all of this together, really. You're a great friend." Holding her mimosa in one hand, Erin finds Geoff's with the other. "And Geoff has been indispensable. He's pretty amazing. I'm pretty lucky."

Geoff stands beside Erin, bumping the back of his hand to hers as he carries on talking with Byron "I can't imagine how hard it must be to own this place and deal with this recent uproar." Once Erin goes for his hand he takes it and gives it a warm squeeze "I'm pretty sure I'm the lucky one between us." An easy laugh escaping his lips, angling to face the two of them a bit better.

Vyv's assistant is very good at reading her boss's unspoken implications. Whether he's as good at interpreting her nose-wrinkles, who knows, because he prefers the 'of course' and so that's what he's going to take. "No, go ahead. I'll text you if I need anything." There's a vague gesture to support the excusing, and a quick but slightly less vague little smile for her before he's moved on to exchanging brief introductions with a passing couple who are taking this 'meet your neighbours' thing quite seriously.

"Believe me." Byron says, his brows lifted in an almost exasperated look, "Owning a building full of tenants? One built way back when we were kids? It's been a learning experience. I'm just glad that previous owners kept up the renovations that all I had to do was add additions and upgrades to the building and units as a whole." That's when he notices Vyv. He'll let Vivian finish up her conversation. Not going to drag her away from a patient-to-be!

"Have you both met Mr. Vydal? He owns the fancy French bakery Downtown? These pastries and chocolates?" Byron reaches out for one a little tart, himself, now, "All from that bakery." He's playing host now, connecting his tenants and friends together.

Hyacinth seems to be cross referencing notes with presumably her own investigation or 'Hya's nosy notes' as it should be called. She makes no effort to hide this contents as she sits on the couch. There's a pause to offer a winning smile, brief but polite, to Rebecca before teh woman morning her Auntie goes back to sussing through the details had. When Vyv mentions texting Rebecca if there are needs she helpfully offers, "Google docs lets you post lists now. It can time stamp it too. Pretty pleased about that. So... all we have to do is figure out whoooom is coming into town, where we're going to put them, and swat the vultures. Fantastic." Funerals are no fun to plan. There's no doubt relief she doesn't have to worry about the bulk majority of arrangements at all beyond 'can you help secure the where'.

Easton readily agrees to the appointment but can't quite bring himself to say he looks forward to it. It's progress but slow progress. He then downs the rest of that glass of wine and approaches Erin and Geoff. With all seriousness he tells Erin, "I'm sorry about your cousin." And then he nods to Geoff, slaps him on the shoulder and then grabs his ass. "See ya." And then makes his way back to his apartment.

Geoff doesn't seem surprised at all at that affection game of grabass played by Easton, the man lifting his hand to call back to him "Have a good night man." before looking back to Byron, casually informing "You might want to move away from using any security system that relies on nfc tech. Knew a guy who was able to spoof those far too easily."

"I've been to the pastry place recently to scope things out for grandmother. She was very interested." Erin tells Byron. Then Easton approaches and she gives him a smile. "Thank you, I appreciate it." Rolling her eyes at the affection of the two, but it's a good natured gesture as she smiles just after. "Weirdos."

Hyacinth sighs and pulls out her phone. Lookin to Vyv she informs, "Aaaand it's my father." This could go either way, but she adds, "Don't lose my seat." She lets it roll to voicemail before getting up and heading toward Byron, "We should meet at my office his week. There's a couple things you might find interesting." And her phone rings again. She squints a look at the offending thing debating if she should answer it if it's an emergency or hang up and call them back to emphasize the phone is for her convenience not theirs.

Who are we kidding? Hya kicks it to voicemail and notes to Vivian, "Good to see you again, incidentally." NOW she'll go and call.

There's this look of amusement in Byron's eyes watching the exchange between Easton and Geoff. One of his brows lifts. "You were always one to attract trouble, G. And that one is trouble." He says of Easton, before flashing Erin a winning smile, "An exception made for present company, of course." Then he stage whispers in an obvious and near normal speaking tone to Geoff, "Watch out, she's trouble too."

When Erin brings up her grandmother, there's just a hint of interest that sparks in Byron's eyes when he asks, "Oh? How is she? I remember the last time at the theater when you couldn't find her." But the rent continues to be paid, so she must be fine. Though he blinks at the bit of wisdom that Geoff offers now. "Hmm. I might have you take a look at it then. And give me the name and number of the company that would be able to switch it out."

The couple get handshakes and proper introductions, plus a brief but sincere expression of appreciation for the compliments on the pastries they added in, and head off to corner an older man who looks as though he's had about as much People as he can take for now.

"Does it send a notification, though? Texting has its benefits." Vyv is making little to no effort to hide the fact that he's looking at the notes Hyacinth isn't making any effort to hide, but he does look up when he hears his name from Byron's direction. It's in time to note Easton's mode of farewell to Geoff, and he glances curiously at Erin a moment, then to Hyacinth. If he had something to say in particular, it's interrupted by the phone. That's not quite an eyeroll, but they've probably had lunch. "Well, enjoy." Will he save the seat? ...probably.

Erin bids her cousin farewell before looking back to Byron. While her expression isn't exactly guarded, it's more.. protective when she speaks of her grandmother. There's genuine affection there. "She said she'd gotten tired. Her and my great uncle both left and went home. I was relieved to find them safe and sound after the Globetrotters debacle." Which can still bring a shudder. "I wanted to personally thank you for the generators for the apartments, Byron. Those come in so incredibly useful. I appreciate the thoughtfulness."

Geoff snorts and tells Byron "Erin here is more trouble then I am, I frequently have to bring her down." his head shakes as he says this before straightening marginally "Tell you what buddy, for a meager meager price I'll offer my services as a security consultant with a unique eye for this sort of thing. Think about it, I have eight years in studies of security and containment. Not to mention a wealth of knowledge gained from the peers I met in that field." This is all said entirely professionally as he stands there looking like a biker. Turning to Erin he asks "Would you like to go change and go on a ride with me?"

"Certainly." Erin smiles and releases his hand, passing off the glass to someone collecting them before she turns to head out to go to her room and get changed without a goodbye to anyone since she's coming back through to get Geoff before actually leaving.

"Not a problem, Erin." Byron says about the generators. "I know how the town's like. We get the occasional storm. Everyone living in the Apartments expects things to run smoothly. Always." They really are paying a lot. "The generator was something I'd thought ahead about." Now he'd wished there was another magic fix so solve this case with the Lewises. "But I'm glad that the money I spent on them came in good use." He'll say with a joking laugh.

"A security consultant, eh?" There's this one quiet moment that he seems to be pondering on this, or something, as he stands there looking over at his childhood friend. Several many gears are rotating in his mind. "Are you good with security cameras too? We'll talk about it later. I'll just say this, I'm intrigued and if you're hurting for money..." This is just some ribbing on Thorne's part, "I'll all for helping a friend out."

His eyes then follow Erin to the elevator and he has to ask in a quieter tone, "So how have things been going on between you two?" He's very curious.

Geoff can't help but watch as Erin walks away with a small grin pulling at his lips "Not entirely about money, more seems you need someone who has an eye for these things to go over the place head to toe, but you also need someone you can trust, which would be me." after a pause he admits "That and I've been dying for an interesting project to take on lately."

After a pause he mentions with a grin, eyes turning back to Byron "As for me and Erin, things have been going great man. We just work together, it's crazy. Never would have expected it, but beneath her party princess exterior she can be surprisingly down to earth and caring when she wants to be."

"You're right. I need someone who I can trust." Byron will come out and admit. Biting down at his bottom lip as if in thought, he finally extends a hand to Geoff to shake on it. "You got yourself a deal. And a job, I guess. We can meet at my office later this week and then you can tell me what the hell I need to do to keep people like 'you'" He's wearing this little grin when he says that, "Out of here." There's this look given to the rest of the tenants nearby, when he says quietly, "I'm not even sure how they got in or out. That concerns me."

His posture straightening, he continues takes on that joking mannerism again, "You didn't expect it. Believe me, I wouldn't have thought so either, but I'm happy for you, man. You make an.. uh... cute couple."

Geoff laughs and lightly punches Byron's shoulder "We make an interesting couple is what you mean." Reaching into his pocket he pulls out his phone to send off a text casually "Yeah that's going to be the fun part, looking around and seeing where all I could get into trouble." with a hint of amusement he says "You do realize that if your cameras are functioning, replacing them probably isn't the answer. It's making sure you have no blind spots. Anyways I'll get with you and layout where the majority of the issues are. With the times I've been in and out I've already noticed a few issues."

Erin doesn't take too terribly long to change. When she comes back she's wearing leathers. A leather bandeau top over her pants and a leather jacket. Someone went shopping! Her boots are the finishing touch and while everything is expensive, just makes her look different than she usually does. With a grin, she strolls over. "Ready for that ride." Offering a wave to Byron, she hooks an arm through Geoff's. "I feel like Sandy, in Grease."

"Yeah, I'd appreciate another set of eyes when sweeping the vicinity," Byron says with a nod, "Sounds good. I'll send you a message." That's when Erin returns, fully changed into something more, comfortable is not the word. Sexy, badass. Those are good words. "Wow. That's quite the transformation, Miss Addington." He's teasing her, adding, "But that Sandy reference. Spot on." Having more people to mingle with for the rest of the day, he calls out, "You kids drive safe now. And Geoff, I'll be in touch."

Geoff says with a grin "Well I know I got chills that are multiplyin', and I'm losing control." His hand patting at Erin's as he turns to lead her towards the doors of the apartment complex "I'll be seeing you around man, but I promised Erin here a ride about the city." A broad grin pulling at his features as they head back to where he parked his bike.