Video

[recognize_an_opportunity]

[At least, for once, this is an intentional video. He is, however, much more casually attired than usual -- which, in this case, means with no suit jacket, no tie, and sleeves rolled up to his elbows. And he appears to be leaning on a car, cigarette in hand, as ever, and an errant smudge of grease or two on his face.]

I have two questions for the City at large. Call it... research.

[One of those tiny, polite smiles, and then...]

First of all, if there were one thing you think this city is lacking -- and "a means of escape" isn't a valid answer here, I'm afraid, since we all want that -- what would it be?

[A long pause.]

Second of all, I've been informed that I'm in need of at least one "modern" outfit, whatever that means. Is anyone here willing to assist?

Comments

[recognize_an_opportunity]

Thank you.

[It's good to see Theo looking... slightly less terrifying and/or hungover than he had all October.]

It has always been a personal goal to dress more like you.

[He's joking, obviously. But the fact that he's joking means that he's in a good mood, which is always a good sign.]

[deadmanbusiness]

When did you get it?

[Theo is happy to see himself not all crazy from October.

He snorts.]

Father forbid. But I really can't see you in jeans and a tee-shirt. There's probably a way to get you some more modern cut suits though.

[recognize_an_opportunity]

About a month back, maybe. It still needs a lot of work.

"Modern cut" almost always implies more form fitting. I'm not sure how I feel about that.

[Because nobody needs to see these muscles. He's in disguise as tiny and harmless, shhh.]

[deadmanbusiness]

I certainly don't wear the most form fitting clothing... unless Adrienne insists. But you could get more modern styles in the ... tightness you prefer.

It looks like a nice car. What is it?

[recognize_an_opportunity]

I suppose I could. Maybe I'll give it a try.

It's a Pontiac GTO. From 1968, or so I'm told, although of course whatever year it's from, it's very futuristic to me. It'll be red, eventually.

[At the moment, it's kind of... speckled. And rusty.]

[deadmanbusiness]

Maybe you could even try casual wear. Not jeans and t-shirts but... something in between.

[Theo doesn't think Meyer would ever be able to let down his hair enough to wear jeans and a t-shirt.]

Red is a good color for those cars. Possibly with flame streaks.

[recognize_an_opportunity]

Casual wear...

[He says it like it's a completely foreign concept.]

Flame streaks? I don't think it needs to be quite so... flashy.

[deadmanbusiness]

[And that makes Theo snicker. Sorry.]

Something not suits and ties.

Yeah... well... I guess you're not the flashy type.

[recognize_an_opportunity]

You've never particularly struck me as the flashy type, either.

[Although, admittedly more so than he himself is.]

And I'm not wearing a tie at the moment. Surely that counts for something.

[deadmanbusiness]

I'm not, really. But those kind of cars just...

[Theo shakes his head.]

You're not wearing a tie at the moment because you took it off. Your outfit, if it were put together, would require a tie. I mean an outfit that doesn't require ties.

[Boy does he wish Adrienne or Anna was here. They're the stylists.]

[recognize_an_opportunity]

Believe it or not, I do own several outfits that don't require ties.

[He's lying to you, Theo.]

[deadmanbusiness]

I'll believe it when I see it.

[He doesn't believe you, Meyer.]

[recognize_an_opportunity]

And maybe someday you'll see it. Just not at work.

[deadmanbusiness]

Again, I'll believe it when I see it. In fact I'll pick up the McCallum tradition of starting up a betting pool to when you'd actually do it.

I'm sure your other employees would be happy to join in.

[Okay. Maybe he's not completely done with October.]

[recognize_an_opportunity]

Well, don't tell me that. Then I'll join the betting pool and rig it so that I win.

[deadmanbusiness]

[He grins.]

Maybe. But then you'd still be in a casual outfit!

[He's kinda got you there.]

[recognize_an_opportunity]

Why does everyone feel the burning need to get me out of my suit?

[A long pause.]

That... came out sounding more questionable than I meant it to.

[deadmanbusiness]

[He laughs this time.]

I wouldn't say a burning need. More like one of those well, if it happens it would be eventful.

Or you were cursed.

[recognize_an_opportunity]

Well, if I'm cursed, then no one wins the betting pool. And what an odd curse that'd be.

[deadmanbusiness]

What exactly would an odd curse be around here, really?

[Then]

Are you thinking about expanding the business?

[recognize_an_opportunity]

I'm always considering expansion, yes.

[deadmanbusiness]

You thinking about something in particular? Or just fishing for ideas?

[recognize_an_opportunity]

Fishing for ideas, at the moment. If there's a demand for something, I'd like to be the one to supply it, so to speak.

[deadmanbusiness]

That sounds like my father.

[recognize_an_opportunity]

Is that a good thing, a bad thing, or an attempt to make me feel old?