Can't Read My Poker Face

[Fractured]

Detective Rizzo shows up at this Poker Night he'd seen advertised, thinkin' he might meet some shifty elements here, maybe even some he recognized. Frank's career in the Sac PD, now continued at DHS, hadn't exactly been squeaky clean. You couldn't beat crime, he'd learned, not altogether. You might as well find those willing to work with you, those interested in keeping the status quo, cuz sure as hell there were some crazy bastards out there who didn't give a damn.

Or maybe its because the old man needed something to do with his evening other than watching television and missing his late wife.

He shows up with a few large hoagies from the good place in a plastic bag and his revolver in a shoulder holster underneath his jacket, his badge tucked away in a jacket pocket. "Evenin', folks," he says, checking out those here and thinkin' he had stumbled upon some unsavory types after all, by the look of the guy in the vest. Who he walks up to right after he's set the sandwiches down, reaching out to shake Digger's hand. "Frank," he offers.

[BloodiedClaws]

Colin takes in all those there, after putting his cooler out for whoever wanted it to have at it and smiles. The two girls seemed oddball to him, but it was cool that they'd showed. On instinct he scans the room, looking for killzones, entry points, exits points, best choices for quick egress, where was best to drop into cover. He was reassured by the pistol tucked into his boot, always a last resort but reassuring nonetheless. He takes in all those who've arrived so far.

Martha was cute, though she seemed a little wierd with her choice in clothes, not his thing, he wasn't sure what it was about her.

Red was cute though, he'd always had a thing for redheads, even that one sergeant back in AIT. He'd had to play nice.

Chris seemed cool, thought the goofy smile had to be watched, he was sure if that was a bluff-face, or... just his face, either way the guy seemed normal enough. Chief had something about him, Colin wasn't sure what it was, but something reassuring about him, he almost reminded him of an old colonel he had served under.

He wasn't sure where to put Jimmy, the guy seemed alright, just a little socially awkward, and Andrew seemed alright as well, if a little held back.

Digger had that fighter air to him. Colin already liked the guy, he had been good at what he did in the military, a little too good at times... authority wasn't really his thing. Frank he wasn't sure where to place, the guy hopefully had some cool stories though being an older guy.

The last guy, Thomas, seemed like a decent dude, but him, as with all the others present, Colin would have to see how they were, especially if he was gonna be coming back for the next time. "I'm Colin, for any who might've missed it. Pleasure to meet ya folks."

[Animus]

The other man's strength catches Animus by surprise, but he quickly increases his own grip to match -- and relieve some of the pressure on his knuckles. Infectious as the grin may be, however, it doesn't quite cut through the Thyrsus' brooding.

"I saw you at the Glissade competition. Do you bring that much energy to everything?"

[GB82]

Thomas took a quick look at the newest arrival and his mind screamed cop, well maybe from the guy's age retired cop but it didn't take much to imagine him with a badge and gun beating a confession out of some lowlife in an interrogation room. At least that was the way cops did things back Thomas was growing up, none of that "he's just holding up liquor stores and pistol whipping people because he's poor, it's not his fault" crap that always seem to float these days. An old time cop like from one of those detective stories he'd loved as a kid, he had a good first impression of this Frank.

He also had a good first impression of the hot little redhead but for a different reason. She was the kind of girl he'd get it up for, even if he had to force the blood to do the job like some type of magical Viagra. The others in the room seemed friendly enough, a collection of strangers with at least two vampires among their number, himself and the Martha girl. This was not a meeting of the Rotary Club.

"So how is everyone this fine evening?"

[West (The Mage)]

West listened and watched, tossing a fake smile and nod at anyone who looked at him. He watched Colin looking for exits and instinctively scanned his waistline. Hopefully it was habit and this wasn't a sorry attempt at a hold-up. With Chief and Animus also here, it would be...

He briefly thought of the... woman... that had tried to shank him, Animus, and Ankh.

Part of him wanted to ask if they were going to play, but he recognized it for envy and irritation at the small talk the others seemed comfortable with, and so he resigned himself to simply sitting at his chosen seat. Looking over at Chief, he quietly asked, "Can we smoke?"

[Terri Nutkins]

Terri emerges from where the food was laid carrying the bottle to the table, a stack of beakers balancing upside down on the bottle itself. Placing it down on the table, she pulls up a seat, a nervous smile on her face as that small shiver of fear tingles down her spine.

"Hey Jimmy, have we met before? I'm sure I recognise you from somewhere," the redhead says, removing a beaker and pouring some wine for herself. "Anyone else want some?" she asks, looking around.

[West]

In retrospect, he realized it was because he hadn't been paying a lot of attention: First rule, don't stare at other pretty girls when you're with your girl. It doesn't matter if you have a 'Freebie' list, or whatever bizarre arrangement, it's just not cool.

It was the chair, that's what did it.

"Yeah," West replied to Terri, laughing and nodding. He suddenly looked over at Al, as the memory was jogged.

Well... wow.

"At that dancing contest," he added, turning back, clarifying. "We did a, ummm, swing, and you did... "

The words kind of limped off like a three-legged dog trying to circle his chosen spot before laying down. There just wasn't a graceful way to say 'lap dance'.

[Terri Nutkins]

Terri blushed slightly, her cheeks almost matching her hair.

"Yeeeeeah. I used a prop," she giggled.

Awkward.

[Martha Villiers]

Martha smiles at Chris' greeting, a happy smile...she was about to reply with glee when she spots him glance to her lame leg, she tries a bashful smile...pauses a moment and leans close to Chris to confide in him...blinks a few times and nods to Chris as if to prepare him for her simple request; "I'd very much like to freshen up, Chris...if I may...might I ask: where are the washroom facilities, please?" she chirps, her smile returning. Martha glances to Chris again, as if really studying him...watching his eyes and hands and taking in his every gesture now. There is no malice in her scrutiny, simply a seemingly happy interest in the man.