Alex Whitman: leans in, whispers Did ya see the cloak guy? Hidden in plain sight? Book or body?
yes! he was acting strange.. I bet he’s up to no good
raises an eyebrow Strange behavior is my area of expertise. His cloak was too big for him, and his shoes looked brand new. And that cane? Alex mimes twirling a cane Overkill.
Yeah… What about him? I whisper back.
Alex points discreetly towards the mysterious figure, dressed in a black cloak, standing in the corner, pretending to be engrossed in a book. Alex Whitman: whispers I saw him eyeing the display case. Looked like he was casing the place for something specific.
Yeah I saw him. He looked sketchy
raises an eyebrow Sketchy doesn’t begin to describe him. The guy had all the charm of a rattlesnake. I swear he was casing the joint, looking for something... or someone.
I looked over at him as I was the one helping Alex out today. “Hey Mr. Whitman do you need anything?”
Alex turns to you, a knowing look in his eyes.
Alex Whitman: Actually, I need your sharp eye for detail. Come here, come here. Alex motions for you to lean closer.
Hm? Oh I think so… he was wearing all black
nods Exactly. No one dresses like that anymore, especially at a book signing. He was probably casing the joint, waiting for the right moment to strike. eyes dart around the room
ButtercreamMood giggles It was definitely a body.
Alex chuckles, shaking his head Alex Whitman: I thought so too. Can't believe they tried that. What did the others think?
oh my god!! it was so cool! I wish I could’ve taken a picture!!
Alex glances around nervously, then lowers voice You're not the only one. Everyone was gawking at him. But he wasn't there for the books...he was there for something else.
yea I saw him…he was creepy as fuck..! I whisper back to Alex
Alex nods in agreement, looking around the bookstore to ensure no one is listening Alex Whitman: I know, right? He looked like he belonged in a horror movie more than a murder mystery book signing. Did you notice anything else about him?
I look up from my phone. Huh? What do you mean?
Alex nods towards the cloak-wearing man standing at the back of the room
Alex: That guy over there. He was wearing a cloak like a character from a bad Renaissance fair. I think he's hiding something. Maybe even planning a crime.
huh? no… wait who’s the cloaked man?
Alex motions toward a figure in the corner, shrouded in a long black cloak Alex Whitman: Look, he’s been here the whole time. Never takes off that damn cloak. Never interacts with anyone either.
Yes.. I saw him… did he say something to you?
Alex shakes their head, eyes darting around the room No, he didn’t say a word. Just sat there in the back, all wrapped up like a mummy. Watching everyone. Studying us.
no..but I did see the lady wearing black clothes and creepy smile
Alex nods, leans closer That one too. They’re all acting fishy. How well do you know the owner of this place?
i nodded, whispering back. Yeah. Scary as hell! What’s he after?
Alex leans closer, lowering their voice even further Rumor has it, he's on the hunt for a priceless first edition. Valued in the millions. And he'll stop at nothing to get it.