2020-04-15 - Two Ships Passing...

The office here is a touch modern with a splash of an avant garde look but that is not the most notable thing. What is obvious are the computers. At least six, off white colored desk sport the most modern computers, all sleek in their black, slim design. The shade of black is not too pronounced here. The panes in the windows are the same color but the cabinets, walls, support beams above and unique looking circular lights on the ceiling are also a lighter shade. Another thing notable about the area is the fact everything is clean and in order, almost perfectly so. Either the owner has a nack for keeping things clean or there is a team of housekeepers that seem to stay out of the public view for the most part.

Yet, there's probably a staffer or two walking about to greet those that enter. Since the business is obviously not a bar or another gathering place, there's likely no high traffic. Those that come here do not just "hang out" to visit but there is one information about the place on a white counter somewhat near the entrance. There visitors can see a neat brochure, made of glassy cardstock, that reads, "The Hub. Where all your computer needs are met." Simple phrase but efficient and the businesses' web site, company owner, and other contact information is seen in a clear black font on a professional light background.

In this case in particular, there are no other staffers here. However, everything appears very immaculate, almost unnaturally so. Even if there's many computers, no dust is present in and nook or corner. The keyboards themselves shine with s sheen of clean that is quite uncanny. A few more computers down, there is Stefhan. He has a tablet in his hand and he appears to be perusing the screen there. "Only 20 more screens to put in order." He humphs to himself, "No need to worry, no need to fret."

Atli Addington is not typically one to look lost anywhere. Out of place? Never. She has to walk past the storefront twice though to make sure she is in fact in the correct location simply due to her unfamiliarity with what to expect. She is clad in a blue gingham wrap dress, elongated navy blazer and tan strappy wedge heels. The wind bounces her platinum curls as she opens the door with a single french manicured hand. Though a majority of this was foreign, how tidy the space is would not be lost on her. She smiles approvingly about the space before doe eyes fall on Stefhan. "Hello Mr.Rosenberg!" Atli greets overly cheerful in a too formal manner. Part of her seems nervous though she is trying not to look it.

Stefhan can feel out of place himself from time to time, though around computers he hardly has such an issue. Hearing the door open he looks over and he appears a bit transfixed as he looks at the pretty blonde. But, he gathers his wits and, hoping not to make a fool of himself, he walks over. She may well notice his eyes looking over at the platinum curls and when he is in view he nods his head politely. "Hello Ms. Addington." He greets, "It is nice to see you and, if you do not mind me humbly saying, you look lovely. What brings you by?" He attempts to remain pleasant, hopefully not ready to make any rash accusations as before as he states, "Is there anything I can help you with today?"

Atli laughs like wind chimes in spring breeze at Stefhan's flattery. "You look rather yourself Stefhan!" She was beyond glad that he was in fact primarily a perfect gentleman and simply beside himself when the two met. Perhaps in fact the only person she had ever met that the first impression rule was in contrary to. "I certainly hope so. I am somewhat challenged? By navigation of online nuances. I wanted to post a question in a particular place online, but it was extremely confusing! Nothing like Yelp! It's rather important towards some research I am doing for my family you see." The anxiety is more apparent with this bit revealed, Atli Addington did not like admitting short comings.

Stefhan smiles for a very brief moment, but when the task is presented, he bows his head and then offers her a half bow, as if he was presenting himself to royalty. "It is hard to imagine that you could be challenged but, even the most perfect of creatures has trying times. Some online forums can be user friendly, while others, obviously, are not. Also, for family, that does make the task more important. My services are but yours to command m'lady." Maybe chivalry does still exist? "I am your humble servant." Whoa, where did that come from? Fortunately the cat isn't around to witness this! Stefhan having multiple servants will not do! "Do you happen to have a web address? As you can see, there are many computers here so connecting to the internet would be the least of our issues."

Atli is positively beaming in the taller man's direction. "I am at your mercy sir! It's this 'Friendzone' thing. I am well...I know there are people who knew more details about my father's murder but I do not actually know who they are...I was hoping If I asked there I could get some closure prior to the anniversary of his death." She is hopeful chivalry does still exist, primarily because the thought of all this is bringing her close to tears. "I apologize, I realize it's all rather morbid."

The most advanced thing Atli knew how to do on a website was writing papers on Google Docs from completing her degree. "The people who actually knew the person prior to the act are of course not included in any reports with the police. I am once again, terribly sorry to even bring this up."

Stefhan blinks a moment as he hears the seriousness of the situation. Responding first, he says, "No m'lady, I am at your mercy and discretion. I didn't realize that we might be looking into your father's murder. I am." he can't help but appear a little glum, "Sorry for your loss. Loosing someone like that, it must have been horrible. If I can do anything to help you obtain closure." he bows for a moment and then stands back up, "I am at your disposal. But sure, it's not a morbid topic, but an important one." He finds a nearby chair and pulls it out, "Please, have a seat." Naturally, there's a computer there, "Can I get you something to drink? Unfortunately, I don't have alcohol to offer."

Atli smooths her gingham dress and seems to lose some of the tension she had been carrying upon entry, she sits on the chair pulled out by the gentleman graciously. "Thank you, I am quite alright though. I really only have a glass of wine in a social manner, never been much of a drinker." Atli did in fact usually get light headed from two or three glasses, not a sensation someone preferring situational control found much enjoyment in. Part of her had thought she may be laughed at for her request, yet Stefhan seemed so professional. "I appreciate your condolences, he was a rather excellent man." Her lips form a sad smile and she looks to him for further direction.

Stefhan watches her get situated and the notion that the pretty lady has little knowledge of online databases crosses his mind. "The internet," he says, "Is a wealth of databases. It can show you anything you want, but, you do have to be careful." He pulls up a chair and sits beside her. "Actually, I may know of a few places to go. If you can understand how to go into certain databases then you can find your way into another and then, into another." he says, "I hate to pry but, do you have a proper time and location for this, sad event? From there, I can try to do a few advanced searches and we can see what I can uncover."

Atli blushes slightly at the notion, waving her hands. "Oh no! I just want to know if there is a covert way to put something up that people can reach out with information if they have it...the man was...unstable." She wrings her hands lightly looking towards him innocently. Atli would typically go into more detail but Stefhan had both a blessing and curse to how much information she could give him, he didn't shine. One could not simply say 'This involves possession and ghost serial killers I am looking into burial rituals for because it will help me determine what my recently deceased grandfather did to the veil.' "I have heard about accounts not being associated with personal records? Just in case the people who knew the murderer were also troubled?" This was not entirely a lie as the people who had sent Billie on had to be a tad off to attempt it, and she did not want to be directly associated.

Stefhan tries not to frown as he hears the sad story but he merely nods. "So, simply a search to try to find new information?" He asks. "There's simple ways that we could try to do a, how can you say, ad for information? We could take the time to make it rather, anonymous about who is asking. Facebook of course is a good place to start and setting up a ghost account is easy. Then there's Craigslist and things like that though." he ponders, "We would need to make sure it is in tune with the local area. I am sure there is a local internet portal of some sort, like an online community center. So" he asks, "This is what you have in mind?"

Atli nods, "Local is preferable! Why does this man Craig have a list? What is it a list of?" She frowns, reminded of Holocaust history and horrific registries for unfair reasons. Surely no one would let the man do that! Regardless thwarting Craig was not her current concern, it was the veil and the undead sawbones people. "They will be able to message only the account right? No one will come to my home?" This genuinely worries her considering she had only really used a few phone apps. No one who grew up with the Addington name would have use for ghost accounts or used furniture for that matter, until now that is.

Stefhan tries not to laugh and for now, he manages to do just that. "No m'lady." he says, "Craigslist well, let me tell you about it if you don't mind so you will be all the wiser. It's a place where people look up things, just about anything. In a way it's sort of like a classified section of a paper. But, there's many different places where you can go and post things and no one will be able to find you, especially from this location. I'll make sure the IP is dynamic." Clickity clack clack clack and click. Yup, he's found a forum and after a few minutes a box inside the website on the screen comes up, "Post what you are seeking." He says as he gently puts the keyboard back in front of her. When it comes to computers and the internet, the man seems to know what he's doing.

Stefhan may as well be a wizard with what he is doing, Atli watches in a transfixed state, hypnotized by the cursor. When prompted, the spell breaks and she blinks momentarily at the screen. Her fingers move to the keyboard in a more adept way than one may expect, she had done papers after all, it was mostly navigation of nuances and the lack of need for certain IP's. She does her best and looks up at him, wishing him to inspect if it was internet worthy.

Dear local citizens: I am seeking information on Billy and what transpired at the end of his life. This information could possibly help people to move forward with changes happening around us in connection to the death of Thomas. Thank you, and have a pleasant day!

Atli is beaming with pride as though she had just cured a longstanding illness or been named poet laureate. "How's that?"

Stefhan looks over on the screen and nods, "Actually, it looks well. Your login name is whiteroses2020. If you can't remember that, I will write it all down for you. You can go to this web site any time with the login and password and see what kind of response you have. Do you check your email at home?"

Her smile only grows with the approval of the internet wizard. "You are truly and excellent instructor! Thank you for picking something so memorable, I should be able to! I usually only check it three times after six PM in case of an emergency with the house." The fact that if the Addington house was having an emergency, there would be a text and not an e-mail did not seem as though it registered with her, neither did the concept of good anonymity. Atli was much more adept at being seen.

Stefhan bows his head again, as if still wanting to show reverence to her on some level. "Only to those who are intelligent but yes, it's fairly easy once you know where you are going. I assume you have a good computer to use from your house?"

"Yes I do! It's a Dell Inspiron!" Atli replies mater-of-fact. The poor girl spent her days working with objects which often required no technology what-so-ever. Restoration usually rooted in the old rather than new. If you told her about the premise of digital reconstruction she would likely faint. She gives him her brightest, cheerful smile, hand moving to play with a stray lock of hair in an absent fashion.

Stefhan suddenly gets a bit of a blank look on his face when she plays with a stray lock of hair. His lips tremble for a bit but he takes in a deep breath and 'finds the calm and serene place' in his mind so he doesn't loose it. Fortunately, he doesn't and after a few deep breaths he exhales and goes back to being professional. "Ah, Dell." He chuckles, now more at ease that he regained his strength over his greatest weakness....blonde hair. "I remember those commercials from the 90s with the." He changes his tone of voice to sound a bit silly, "Dude you're getting a Dell promos. They didn't hold the market though like they wishes. Competition can be a healthy thing. I imagine you're happy with your Inspiron though?"

Atli's bell choir of laughter rings out if the otherwise quiet establishment. "That bad huh?" While she did not ever admit that she was in fact fallible, Atli could recognize the accolades of another. "I do have to leave it plugged in all the time...it may be nice to take it somewhere on occasion!" Perhaps if she can just look as stunning as possible he wouldn't realize she was contradicting herself in any way. She bats thick lashes and tilts her head, desiring his recommendation, but not wishing to admit a need for it. Sparkling bright pools lock on to the blue of his own. "You have an admirable level of expertise though..."

The gorgeous blonde woman continues to sit next to him, and as her locks move about her perfect face, he finds himself distracted. The first time though, he was able to claim his senses and not go over the line of professionalism. This time, it was likely the bat of her eyelashes and the compliment that she gave that sets him over the edge. "Your eyes reek of a sapphire beauty that could drown any many into a sea of forgetfulness, only to name you empress of comeliness, that lost fools would worship forever....and ever...."

He's quite the poet, but yes, he is quite the fool. Her presence seems to have spellbound him in a way he didn't anticipate. Surely his newfound willpower would have caused him not to take another reckless move?

Wrong again. She's too close and his face moves in closer still. The businessman's lips are pursed and, unless she stops him, the light pink flesh seeks the outer rim of her gorgeous mouth.

Fortunately for the young beauty, she can manage to edge away should she not want him in her personal business.

Atli smiles at the poets prose, before realizing he was in fact drawing ever closer. The realization dawning of a desire for intimacy from the intelligent man horrified her. This was not due to a lack of attractiveness, rather that she had only begun fanning an old flame the day before. She has enough time to turn her cheek to him, moving her lips away from reach.

Her eyes close for a moment and she inhales deeply as the kiss grazes her cheek. Atli did not wish to cause Stefhan guilt or shame unduly. "I'm so sorry Mr. Rosenberg," she says softly, "I had no idea you would be interested in me, I recently started seeing someone..." Her tone is almost apologetic.

Stefhan blinks a moment as her words, fortunately, snap him back into reality. With a deep sigh he gathers himself again and goes back to being professional, "Of course you are m'lady. Why wouldn't you be? I'm the one who should, again, apologize to you. " He sounds sincere but his eyes go to the keyboard as he's ashamed of his actions, "Maybe one day I will do something for you that doesn't warrant an apology. Twice I have offended you but." He hasn't forgotten the reason why she has come in so he looks back to the computer screen, "Have you, posted your query to find more information? There are other sites we can go to."

Atli irons the front of her dress obsessively, unable to look directly to him in these circumstances. She makes the decision to rise from the chair, shaking her head. "Not today, but I am ever so grateful for the help. You are a rather fantastic person Mr. Rosenberg, if confusing at times." The expression a day late and a dollar short comes to mid, Atli only having discussed a relationship within the last cycle of the sun. She did not like disappointing people. "I am in no way repelled by you, it would simply seem fate has other plans..." Her gaze goes to the floor. "Thank you again for your chivalry."

Stefhan bows his head to the blonde woman and, for reasons he keeps to himself, he doesn't rise from his seat. "Again, I do deeply apologize. Sometimes there are, things that get the better of me. It is my fault, and not yours." He sincerely seems to mean that, "I do hope you and your gentleman are well. Should you need additional assistance." he says before going for his phone, "You know where to find me."

A curt nod is given by the blonde, unsure of what entirely to make of the afternoon. She had tried to respect the dapper man's wishes for Faith's attention, reminded by seeing the woman just the other day. Certainly Stefhan would set a course true of heart and find his way. Atli just could not be expected to wait for a wanderer when there was another whom had had patience with her for so long... "I will do just that Mr. Rosenberg." With that she exits the door of his establishment, at least reassured by the fact he had genuinely helped her.