Investigating Bromley: An Open Log

[constantprisoner]

 As is typical for Sirius, he's found himself in a situation he never really thought he'd find himself in. And probably should have given more thought to. 

But the promise of money had been there, and he had been running low. And it was just a recon mission so he didn't need to involve himself any further than that, or so he told himself. All of these justifications continued to run in his mind as he entered the territory. 

He went in his dog form. It was easier that way. People didn't notice dogs and all he had to do was act as a loveable stray if anyone did. As long as he didn't do anything too out of the ordinary, he should be fine and this would be done quickly. 

Any further misgivings would had to be dealt with later.

Comments

Early March, after the investigation

[bellbound]

As promised, Mogget kept in touch with Sirius using his contact number, with text messages instructing him on what to do and where to go next. At the end of the recon mission, Sirius receives a message instructing him to go to Lots Road Power Station to report back on his findings.

The sun is setting, not that anyone would know it given the black clouds looming overhead. Inside the derelict warehouse, the sound of rain drums against the walls and roof, and there are damp patches where the water leaks in. Mogget avoids these, waiting just inside the entrance with his tail curled around his paws. Next to him is a brown leather bag, tucked away in a corner behind the front gate.

It's cold. Mogget's sharp eyes scour the derelict land outside, but with the rain driving down even he can't see much. He's expecting Sirius to arrive at any minute.

[knowntohisfriends]

The Artful Dodger always noticed dogs. Mainly because he liked dogs, and thought he might get one of his own when he old enough to be out on his own and not need the 'protection' of Fagin anymore. This one was a great big one, though, more like a small bear than a dog. Didn't stop him doing over to it.

"An' what you doing skulking 'round these parts, then?"

[constantprisoner]

Sirius looks up, wagging his tail and putting on his loveable stray act. Even if he did turn into a big dog, he could at least act friendly, and that generally allowed people to let their guard down.

He glances at the garbage can he'd been sniffing around.

[knowntohisfriends]

The Dodger follows the glance, pulling a face at the sight.

"Nah, mate, you come with Dodger, I'll get you some proper food."

[constantprisoner]

At the mention of food, Sirius's ears perk up and he breaks into a smiling pant. He goes up to Dodger with some enthusiasm.

Not that he'd been planning to eat the garbage, but getting away from it works as well. The smell is almost overpowering.

[knowntohisfriends]

The Dodger grins. "Yeah, you're a good boy, ain't ya?" He likes dogs, more than cats at any rate, and this one is... well. He's friendly enough, that's what matters, and frankly the Dodger wouldn't mind the company.

"Know a place that does good sausages, you want?"

[constantprisoner]

Sirius barks his approval, halfway between a dog barking and someone saying "bark" , and his tail wags enthusiastically.

If this is how a recon mission was going to go, it was already worth it.

[knowntohisfriends]

The Dodger tilted his head, a little smirk on his face at the "bark." He laughed, because of course, and made to scratch behind the dog's ears.

"You'll need to act really friendly, here, 'cause they c'n be right odd about newcomers, even ones that look like you do."

[constantprisoner]

Sirius tilts his head, almost as if he's curious about that statement, or he could just be leaning into the scratch it's kind of hard to tell. He closes his eyes a bit so that he doesn't look so alert.

[knowntohisfriends]

The Dodger leads them both to a bar - the Three Cripples. He may have understated it a bit, it's filled with a lot of people who would have once been termed as the "criminal classes" of London. Of course, to the Dodger, these are friends, neighbours, and other things along that line.

He wanders up to the bar, grinning, and speaks to a lady he calls Bet, before wandering to a table and gesturing for Sirius to come over.

"Bet'll see us right, don't you worry."

[constantprisoner]

Sirius is a bit surprised, considering he's in dog form, to be allowed into a bar. But given the cliental of the establishment, maybe he shouldn't be. Either way, he follows Dodger in, sitting at his feet and looking up expectantly.

Places like this are good for information, so maybe he'll get lucky.

[knowntohisfriends]

Bet comes over, bringing a plate and drink for the Dodger and briefly cooing at the dog before leaving - having told the boy she wants a clean plate by the time she gets back. The Dodger grins, and begins slipping the sausages off the plate, holding one out to let Sirius eat it.

"Told you Bet would see us right. She's a good one."

He sips at his drink.

[constantprisoner]

Sirius takes the sausage, probably more daintily than the average dog might, before chomping it down and looking expectantly for another one. All the while his ears are open for any interesting conversations he might hear or something he might pick up on.

[knowntohisfriends]

He just watches the way the dog eats for a few minutes before shaking his head, and passing down a few more sausages for him to eat.

"Might want to eat these faster. People watch, y'know."

[constantprisoner]

Sirius tilts his head again, as if asking why? He is totally just a dog.

Not going to stop him from gobbling another sausage though. A little less daintily this time.

[knowntohisfriends]

Of course he's a dog. It's just bears sayin' that most people don't see dog that are polite about their food round these parts. The Dodger is munching on a bit of the bacon on the plate, sipping from the mug of drink Bet brought him and glancing round the Cripples himself. There's no one he needs to do business with here, and he doesn't reckon he's on night work for another few days.

"Always a lot of talk in here," he says, well mutters, to Sirius. "People hear all sorts when people don't think they're listenin'."

[constantprisoner]

Sirius has been trying to do that, and he's caught bits and pieces of conversation. Information to follow up on or pocket away for some other use. However, when you're also presented with sausages your attention does shift somewhat.

He looks up, and it's hard to say exactly if he's curious at what Dodger's saying, or if he just wants that bacon. The human part of his brain is trying to kick itself into gear, to pay attention. But Bacon is really distracting.

[knowntohisfriends]

The Dodger sees the way Sirius is eyeing up his bacon and sighs.

"Too much of a bleedin' heart, I am," he mutters, sliding some over.

[constantprisoner]

Victory! Hopefully this sates the dog-brain for now, but once he's done licking the plate Sirius finally starts looking around the bar, taking it in.

Although he also nudges Dodger's hand with his nose, as a thank you.

[knowntohisfriends]

The Dodger rolls his eyes, grumbling. "S'all right thankin' me me now. After you go eatin' my bacon." He could only be thankful Sirius wasn't after his beer. That would be something that would not get shared. At all.

[constantprisoner]

Sirius seems to shrug. He's still grateful, since it was a lot better than anything else he'd likely find. He noses Dodger's hand again, as if he's expecting something more.

[knowntohisfriends]

"Bugger off," the Dodger shot down at the dog, pulling a face to lessen any harshness the words could provide. "Gave you most of me dinner, you c'n let me have my drink."

[constantprisoner]

There's a disappointed dog look up at Dodger, ears down and everything. Not that he was after the beer or anything. But still, he backs up a bit and sits, still looking disappointed, but also examining the bar.

It's a little difficult to do both though.

[knowntohisfriends]

The Dodger sighs, and takes the plate - pouring a little of the beer into it - and sits it down in front of Sirius. It's a little amazing he manages not to spill anything, but that's always been a little trick of his.

"Here."

[constantprisoner]

There's a small bark of appreciation. Again sounding more like the word bark than anything else.

He slurps it up noisily.

[knowntohisfriends]

The Dodger looks down, laughing a little, before drinking some more on his own.

[constantprisoner]

Sirius looks up after he's done, looks around the room and seems to nod. Before wandering off to sniff at something near the bar.

[knowntohisfriends]

He should be paying closer attention, but right now he's just enjoying his beer, and some peace and quiet. Back at the den, you don't really get that. Too many kids, really. Cripples isn't exactly peaceful, but people ain't crowding him. It's good.

Of course, when he does look down, he sees no dog. And then: "Oh fer...". He swings himself off his seat to go looking.

[constantprisoner]

Sirius has made his way around the bar, sniffing at whatever he could, stopping to listen to conversations and mooch off of other plates. At the very least, he seems to be having a good time, since there's a good number of people who seem happy to scratch his ears.

[knowntohisfriends]

The Dodger, meanwhile, is trying to find the damn dog because while there's plenty who'll be friendly, there's plenty who won't

[constantprisoner]

Sirius isn't exactly hiding, and he is a rather large dog, so hopefully it shouldn't be too hard. Though right now he's begging at a table with two women at it.

[knowntohisfriends]

The Dodger breathes a sigh of relief. He knows those ladies, some of the ones who report to Fagin. Harmless, really, just looking for a quiet life. Wouldn't notice anything different about anything.

"There you are, you great mutt," he mutters to Sirius, scratching behind his ear as he comes up to him

[constantprisoner]

Sirius just looks pleased with all the attention he's getting. He offers a small "woof" in response.

[knowntohisfriends]

There's a slight eye-roll from the Dodger. "Come on," he said, "been here too long, gotta get back to grafting."

[constantprisoner]

Sirius does his best to do the disappointed dog look, but he'll still follow dutifully. Although now he's torn between continuing to follow or going off exploring on his own again.

[knowntohisfriends]

He waits until they're a little away from Cripples before turning to Sirius. "Don't expect you to follow me all night. Reckon you got stuff to be gettin' on with. Just... watch who you stick that nose around."

[constantprisoner]

Again Sirius seems to nod, before wagging his tail and heading off in the opposite direction.