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CYOA: Honeyman's quest

Repressed Homosexual
Joined
Mar 29, 2010
Messages
17,867
Location
Ottawa, Can.
While Rachel waits in a room adjacent to yours, you two watch TV while you wait for Mr. Primrose to arrive.

Then, at exactly 8PM, someone knocks on the door.

You step up. You open.

You then have Brian Primrose face to face.

You now have time to study this odd individual a little more.

Some could say life hasn't been especially kind to him, in spite of him being one of the heirs to the richest family in New Brunswick.

Brian has an elongated face, glasses, greasy brown hair, acne, and overall a silly look.

Picture in your mind what you think a stereotypical "nerd" looks like, and Brian corresponds to it perfectly.

One starts to understand why he seems to have to resort to escort services. Which makes you almost want to pity him.

Almost.

He stares downward, sheepishly, like a child who has been caught misbehaving, sent to the principal's office.

Then he enters the room, looks at both you and Louis, smiles, and starts talking.

Brian: Hey guys, how's it going? (jiggles)

His laugh has to be seen to be believed. This man is a caricature on two legs.

Unbelievable. Such a goofy, nerdy, crass laugh. He sounds like Jim Carrey.

But nevertheless, he looks nervous. Very, very nervous.

Which you can use to your advantage.

Brian: Hey (jiggles)... you're not recording this meeting, are you?
Louis: No, we're not. You have our word. We're not trying to gather evidence to prosecute you anyway. Don't worry about that. We know your family has an army of lawyers, and we could never prove any misbehavior anyhow.
Brian: Ok, great! I feel more relaxed now! (jiggles)

(That unbearable laughter again... you feel a mix of pity, revulsion, and confusion... how is this man one of the VIPs of the elite of this province? And yet he is.)

Raphael: You looked... unusually uncomfortable when our friend Tiffany uttered two names earlier at lunch. Why is it so?
Brian: Why? I dunno... (jiggles)

(AH PLEASE STOP LAUGHING LIKE AN IDIOT. PLEASE. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD.)

Brian: But... guess what. I don't know anything about this... but... my friend does! Isn't that amazing? My friend has been involved in this sort of business! (jiggles)

(Brian sees that now it is the two of you that seem to become uncomfortable. That makes him stop laughing. Praise the heavens!)

Raphael: And how did this work. How did this friend come across this opportunity anyway?
Brian: How does any man gets around doing this anyway? Hmmm, maybe by having a penis? (jiggles)

(One of the most atrociously insufferable characters you've ever come across)

Raphael: I get the picture. Can you be a little more explicit about the steps he took to meet... some of these special ladies?
Brian: He just looked around online, and he found it.
Louis: And then I hear that at some point, he came across a... a very, very important, and special lady. Very elusive as well. How did that materialize?
Brian: Oh, that? (jiggles)

(Brian starts sweating. His laughter is starting to look more distressed. He hoped it wouldn't be that. He hoped that Tiffany was just bluffing earlier today. But now he sees you two know exactly what he has done. He knows he's stuck).

Brian: W... w... well... th... th... that's...

(He cannot end his phrases)

Louis: Obviously, you look very nervous. You can relax, this isn't an inquisition. And anyway, I have something for you.
Brian: What? (jiggles)

(You give him a cup of gynostemma, that you wanted to drink but didn't get to yet. You figure this can help.

Brian drinks it.)

After a few minutes...

Brian: I don't know what that is, but I don't feel as tense all of a sudden. Thank you.
Louis: It's gynostemma. Don't thank me.
Brian: Hmmm, gynostemma... I never heard of that. I'll have to look this up. It might be useful for meetings and stuff. (jiggles)

(His unpleasant laughter and cocky demeanor starts again. But then he gets to the point).

Brian: Weeeeelllll... my friend was a regular... of a certain organization... procuring girls over Atlantic Canada. Obviously, a wealthy type. So, at some point... the sort of boss of this organization, named Carlos... he said he had an opportunity. To sleep with a VIP. A very, very elusive VIP. For a price of $10000. Sooo... my friend, you know, is bored. He's looking for excitement. Money is no matter to him. So then he sees this opportunity... and then he... well... he seizes it! (jiggles)
Raphael: Ok, now we're getting to the point. How was HE brought to see the girl.
Brian: (jiggles) Well, he drove over to Truro. He went to a safehouse. Some girls and some members of this gang happened to be there. So was Carlos. He was told by Carlos to go to an empty field, that Carlos would join him back later. So he went, and waited. Then, Carlos came. Carlos put bandage over his eyes. Then drove my friend away, he doesn't know where. After 10 minutes or so, the car stopped. Carlos took the bandage off his eyes. Then my friend saw an RV. He didn't know where they were, but it was close to some woods. It looked like a desolate area.

And then, Carlos motioned him to go inside. He did... and there was the girl.

Raphael: The girl being... Patricia Campbell? The prime minister of PEI's daughter?
Brian: (jiggles) (jiggles)... well... well... no. It was Patricia Powell, her best friend!

(A collective facepalm ensues. This type doesn't look like a slick criminal mastermind. You can't wait for this interview to be over)

Brian: So we... he talked to her a little... and then, did the deed with her... after that, he gave her tip... then he left. And Carlos... Carlos used the same methods to bring him back to the empty field with his car. Then he went back home. And that was it.
Louis: Ok, thank you. And how did Patricia look? Was she under duress?
Brian: He told me that she didn't really look under duress. She smiled. She seemed like she enjoyed it. Although, my friend couldn't shake off the impression that she looked kind of numb. Which, my friend found sad. Anyway, that's all I know that can help you, from what I can gather.

Raphael: Ok, ok. And would you mind contacting Carlos again, to see if we can get someone to... eventually see Patricia?
Brian: Hell, no. I'm not co... I... I mean (jiggles)... I mean MY FRIEND is not going to want to cooperate with this. Plus, it's almost impossible. They only allow this opportunity to people who have patronized these girls for a really long time. They can sometimes make an exception, but only if the person is notorious and really wealthy, really has something to lose. Understandably, they're super paranoid about getting infiltrated or caught. Carlos, at least, is paranoid. I also talked to Ian a little. Ian... he's more like a brat. He's more trusting and naive. He's looking to make his mark and come off as a big man.

(Good thing that Carlos stays away, guarding Patricia and tending to other business, and that you've dealt with Ian. Carlos might have smelled something was fishy about you much more quickly. Ian is apparently desperate to make money and acquire status. You were a golden opportunity to him. At least, what's what he believes).

Louis: Ok... well, if you don't have anything else to tell us, I think you can go. Here's my number, if you have anything more to say. Can we have yours?
Brian: Sure. I feel better getting off my chest. What I di... I mean... I mean... what MY FRIEND did really weighted heavily on my conscience. I don't think that MY FRIEND wants to do it ever again. (jiggles)

(Oh Lord... he really is the most cringe-worthy human being on the planet. You're not sure people would want to talk to him if it wasn't for his money and his last name).

Brian: So... you promise this will not get out? My family is rich and powerful, you know.
Louis: We haven't read you your rights anyway. And we could never prove that you commited a crime. We just looked for information. We just ask the same of you. Speak of this to no one else. Because although we know that your family controls all newspapers in Atlantic Canada, and most of Atlantic Canada... as we say in French, "Les murs ont des oreilles."
Brian: Les what? Sorry, I was never good in French in high school. (jiggles). Anyway sure guys, you can contact me if you need me again. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be on my way.

Brian leaves in good spirits. He seems relieved. Probably he thought that this would be exposed, or you were trying to arrest him, that his reputation would be ruined... and now he gets away with everything.

Louis: So Raphael, what do you think?
Raphael: Unfortunately, it doesn't look like we've learned anything that will allow us access to Carlos or to Patricia. Still, some of his information looks somewhat useful, I guess. I figured they were really paranoid about nobody finding out where Patricia is.
Louis: I think the same thing. Well, I don't think there's anything left to do here. We should go back to Moncton.

You go get Rachel, check out from the hotel (extremely early), and head back to the safehouse in Moncton.
 
Repressed Homosexual
Joined
Mar 29, 2010
Messages
17,867
Location
Ottawa, Can.
While driving on the road towards Moncton, with Raphael and Rachel in the car with you, your cellphone starts to ring.

You stop at a rest stop alongside the road and answer.

-Bonjour Louis, comment ça va?

It's Commander Rene Arsenault back in Halifax, who asks for updates on the operation. You do your best to give him a Cliff's Notes version of what happened.

-Hmmmm, you've done good work. It's especially good that you were able to get that girl on our side, she's going to be an important witness later. And it seems your little "side business" is doing well, and that it's helping you to ingratiate yourself with this "Rascals" group. I've heard of them, they've been a pain for a while. I know about their sort of turf war with the Moose, or however they call themselves. If both of these gangs of scumbags would be gone, Nova Scotia would be a better place.

Louis : I agree. Hopefully we can dismantle their operations as much as possible.

Rene: Also, I talked to Ryan, who is still with the Rascals. Ian is impressed with you, according to what he hears him say. I think you should try to make a move soon. We can't let this last for too long. They might hand this girl out to people far away from the Maritimes at any point and it might be impossible to find her again. We need to close this and rescue Patricia ASAP.

Louis: Ok, but it might be difficult not to look pushy or suspicious. I'll keep looking for an opening. Mr. Primrose gave us a little bit of info of how some VIP customers can meet her for her "services".

Rene: Hopefully he does. The nerve of that asshole... paying a fortune to sleep with a kidnapping victim, who's only stopped being a child a few years ago. It's just sad that we would never, ever be able to charge him. We can never prove criminal intent, or that he actually did it. And his family has an army of the best lawyers in the Maritimes at his disposal, as I'm sure you know. He can go to Hell as far as I'm concerned.

Well, whatever, I trust you to make our breakthrough happen. Keep up the good work, Louis. I always think of all those families looking for their lost children. Hopefully they can all be reunited. À la prochaine!

Louis : À la prochaine Rene.

You end the call, encouraged by your Superior's positive words. You realize he is right and you need to make a move soon, or it could endanger Patricia.

While you were talking, Raphael has headed into the Burger Ace restaurant located in the rest stop to offer her a meal. From the window, you see them joking around, and her smiling and laughing.

You smile as well when you see this. That's good. Finally some levity, for this girl who has been through so many dark situations.

You join them.

Rachel: So Louis, how was I? I thought I totally overdid it.
Louis : Don't put yourself down too much Rachel. You were actually convincing. Didn't you see the men on the table next to us? The nitty gritty of St John's. They were riveted by your story.
Rachel: Thanks... I always thought I was a useless girl. That's why I went along with Ian when he showed interest in me. He made me feel good for the first time. And he gradually ensnared me. Once he had me firmly in his grip, then he began to manipulate me and make me feel more useless than ever.
Louis : Hopefully you now see him for who he is: a sociopath, a criminal, who not only deserves to pay for what he did to you and forced you to do, but also to receive help to eventually turn his own life around.
Rachel: I guess so.
Louis: What happened to us proves me that you are not useless. You've been a good actor. Maybe you could pursue further education in this. I was set on this path, before becoming a policeman.
Raphael: yeah Rachel, these men were devastated when we left the restaurant. You thoroughly convinced them. Well, in your case it's true... but the delivery was perfect.

(Rachel smiles. She realizes, seemingly for the very first time in a long while, that she indeed has to offer something positive to the world).

(You want to approach her about going back to her family and regular life. Or at least, to not be involved in this infiltration or these criminal circles anymore).

Louis: So Rachel... don't you think you've been through enough? Where are you from anyway? Do you want me to drive you home to your father's house? All the while I make sure you receive proper support and therapy.

(Rachel frowns and looks downward. She looks uncomfortable with the idea)

Rachel: I... I... I still feel so ashamed. Also, I'm scared of Ian and his men. Sometimes, he told me that if I ever escaped without paying him all I owed, he would find my family and kill them all.

(You feel such rage inside you. That guy needs to be stopped. And you'll only be too glad to put him behind bars. What a creep).

Rachel: I'm from Fredericton by the way.

(What could you do? Hmmmm... you have a crazy idea)

Louis : Ok Rachel. I understand that you don't feel at ease to remain here. So I have an idea. Maybe I shouldn't do this... but whatever at this point, I don't care. I just want you safe, away from all this, in a calmer environment.

If my wife agrees... maybe you should go stay at our house for a little while. Probably a few weeks. It's a small town, quiet and friendly. You need a change of scenery. And while you are there... well, there's the French language barrier, people speak almost exclusively French in this area... but I could try to get you a therapist in Fredericton to give you online therapy sessions, so you can begin to heal from all this trauma.

(Rachel seems touched)

Rachel: Really? You would do this for me? That's so nice. Are you sure it's fine?

(Raphael seems to look at you disapprovingly... but also that this comes from a good place, and that this might help Rachel).

Louis: Yes. But be nice to my kids, ok? Eat the rest of your burger... I'll call my wife and explain everything to her.

You head outside. You call your wife Catherine. Without revealing too many specifics, you explain the situation to her. That you have a girl who's been through a lot that needs a place to lay low for a while. She says she trusts you and accepts, and that she will try to help this girl heal. She offers to show her around the surrounding countryside and have her see some of the attractions in Quebec.

Louis: Thank you Catherine, you have a heart of gold. It should only be for a few weeks.

After that, you think that you at least owe her family some explanations. These poor people are worried sick. But you're not sure how Rachel will take it. So you head back in...

Louis: Rachel, we really owe your father an update, and we should ask him permission too. Do you feel capable of this right now? Should we contact him?
Rachel: I... I guess a can. With you to explain things, I feel stronger. (She gives you his phone number. You call nervously)

Father: Hello, yes?
Louis: Hello, Mr. Allitt? I'm detective Louis Marcoux.
Father:Yes, what for????? You can call me Cliff.
(That poor man sounds terrified. He probably thinks Rachel has gotten in a lot of trouble, or that she's even dead)
Louis: I work for the Sûreté du Québec and collaborate with the RCMP. I have good news for you. We freed Rachel from the sex traffickers that kept her captive.
Cliff: WHAAAT? (he sounds shocked and pauses). Wow, best news ever! Thank you so much detective! Me and my wife were losing all hope. Thank God for answering our prayers! Can I talk to her? Can I see her?
Louis: Of course.

(You organize a video call between you, Rachel, Cliff, and Rachel's mother who later joins in. Without being too graphic, you explain the situation, and how it looks preferable to send Rachel away for a while, until the Rascals can be arrested and stopped. Cliff has difficulty not to reunite with his daughter, but ultimately understands. Her mother is just glad to know she's safe. After the touching reunion, you look for which flights you she can take).

Louis: Ok Rachel... tomorrow morning, you can take a flight from Moncton to Montreal. From Montreal, my wife can pick you up at the Pierre Elliott Trudeau airport and bring you to Nicolet. Tomorrow I'll look for a therapist for you.

Rachel: I want to say goodbye to all the girls before though.
Raphael: of course. You want to say goodbye to be too, right?
Rachel: Haha yes you too Mr. Jolicoeur! I'll miss your rantings.

The whole group is satisfied. You go back on the road, and then arrive in Moncton at the safehouse.
 
Repressed Homosexual
Joined
Mar 29, 2010
Messages
17,867
Location
Ottawa, Can.
You finally arrive at the safehouse. Jessica and Kyle are there and happy to see you. You explain the situation. It's late and most of the girls are out servicing clients by now, according to Kyle.

As you are about to sleep, you get a phone call from Gloria.

Gloria: Louis, are you back now? You need to come to the hotel fast. It's Maria! Her customer seems to be mistreating her. I hear muffled screaming coming from her room! Please, you have to make it stop!
Louis: I'm coming immediately!

You explain the situation, and get Raphael and Kyle to accompany you.

Who is this man who is mistreating Maria? According to Kyle, he only identified himself as "Jeremy".

You're not sure exactly how to approach it. Is making a scene really a good idea? Wouldn't this alert the entire hotel and attract unwanted attention? Or does this man need to be taught a good lesson?

A) Go to the hotel, enter the room, and try to resolve the situation firmly but calmly.
B) Go to the hotel, enter the room, and make this man pay dearly.
C) Go to the room with Raphael and Kyle to surround him and intimidate him.

baud ERYFKRAD Nevill hello friend Lithium Flower
 
Repressed Homosexual
Joined
Mar 29, 2010
Messages
17,867
Location
Ottawa, Can.
If the three of you barge in and make a scene, it will attract a lot of attention. It won't be quiet. But nevertheless, at this point, you deem that it's more important to retaliate strongly and swiftly. This man, whoever he is, is damaging your reputation. In this scene, reputation is all that matters.

You decide that since all three of you will intervene, you might as well make a show. The louder and the more spectacular, the better.

While you are driving towards the hotel, Kyle, who is sitting at the back, feels very guilty.

Kyle: What have I done? I should have stayed near and stood guard. But nothing ever happens on most nights. Since I could barely keep my eyes opened, I thought it was fine if I went back to the hideout to sleep. But it came at the absolute worst time. And now I might have endangered Maria.
Raphael: Kyle, I don't even like you that much. You tend to annoy me. But even I can see that you're a guy who means well. Everyone makes mistakes. This isn't your fault. The fault entirely lies on that man. And we will make him pay.
Kyle: Thanks Raphael. I will help you two any way I can.

You elaborate a quick strategy.

The three of you enter the hotel. Kyle goes to the counter, and shows his badge.

Kyle: Police, keep quiet and carry on.

The young woman at the counter nods, looking scared.

The three of you then walk towards the room where Maria is.

As your steps draw you near, you hear a man with a high-pitched voice shouting. You can gradually distinguish what he says:

MAN: Did you get your lesson now? Ian and his thugs, and especially his new frog butt buddy, are not welcome in Truro. You need to leave. This is OUR territory. Understood?
Maria: Y, yes... don't get upset too much.
MAN: Shut up b****!

You then hear what appears to be the man hitting Maria, and Maria sobbing.

The three of you are fuming. But, you know this man will soon get a good wrecking.

You push the door open...

Man: What the? Who the f*** are you?

Inside lies a man who is of average built and size, looking very sleazy. He is standing over Maria in the bed, wearing only his briefs.

Man: Hey, f********, don't disturb us! You're rude as f***!

The three of you look at him menacingly.

You step forward.

The man now looks unsure.

Julien: You've made a bad, bad decision, my friend. You pissed us off. You REALLY, REALLY pissed us off. You touched one of MY GIRLS! NOBODY TOUCHES MY GIRLS!

The man now looks panicked. He points his finger at you. His mouth is opened, he is in awe and fear of you.

Man: OH S***! Y... Y... you're... you're the crazy wrestler f***, aren't you? Errrrrr.... errrr..... hahahaha....

You want to go all out. And damn the consequences.

You grab the man.

Man: Hey, what are you d... WAIT! WAIT! I'LL LEAVE! I'LL...

But his plea falls on deaf ears. This pathetic coward is about to deeply regret what he has done.

You grab him outside the room, while the man looks around in panic.

A few patrons have opened their door and are looking out, in fear and confusion.

Raphael: Get back in, this doesn't concern you. NOW.

After confronting Raphael's menacing tone and gaze, the doors quickly close.

Hmmm, this window on the other side of the hall doesn't look thick...

While the man is still screaming, you gather all your strenght. You throw him through the window. The window shatters, and the man lands on some bushes on the other side. He is unharmed, just a little bloodied.

You and Raphael rushes out. Kyle goes to the counter, counts many $20 bills, hands them to the clerk, and tells her "Sorry, for your troubles. Please send my apologies to the manager."

The clerk nods nervously, looking extremely scared.

You and Raphael cross onto the other side, up to the bushes, where the man is painfully trying to stand back up.

He turns around and sees you coming towards him. At this point, he points, stares and screams.

Man: Noooo noooo NOOOOOO! GET AWAY FROM ME! GET AWAY FROM ME I SAID! YOU'RE F****** INSANE!
Julien: Hey, f***tard, you NEVER DO THIS S*** AGAIN TO ONE OF MY GIRLS! If you do, I'm going to twist your f****** neck. UNDERSTOOD?
Man: Y, yes! I understood! I'll never do it again! Sorry, I'm so sorry! I was stupid!

After which, Raphael throws his clothes and wallet to him. The man puts them on haphazardly, and then runs in panic.

Kyle calls the Moncton RCMP, to warn them that the incident at the hotel really is an important undercover investigation.

After Kyle brings back Maria and notices she was more scared than hurt, the whole group returns to the safehouse to sleep. Tired, but satisfied. Everyone back in the safehouse is delighted that Maria is safe.

After you left, the RCMP comes to do a fake routine check, apologizes for the trouble, and then quickly leaves.

On the next morning, you are awakened by a call from René.

René: Hey, was it really necessary to make such a mess in Moncton? The RCMP there was quite puzzled and shocked.
Louis: Commander, trust me on this. I think the boost it made to our reputation made it all worth it, and then some.
René: Hmmmm, if you say so, I suppose. Although I hate the bastard who touches Maria, you're lucky he wasn't seriously hurt. I don't know what took you to actually throw him out of the window. At the police station in Moncton this evening, the chief told me it's all the guys are talking about.
Louis: See Commander, I'm right. Anyway, we're done here. I decided to get Rachel to a safe place, she's seen a lot already. Then I'm going to go back to Truro, and find a way to get closer to Ian and Carlos.
René: Ok, keep me posted. We really want results in the shorm term here.

After this, Jessica comes to talk to you.

Jessica: I will say I won't shed a tear for this man. Who did he think he is? Despite your unorthodox methods, you gave him just what he deserved.
Louis: Well, like René said, I was lucky it didn't get completely out of hand.
Jessica: I'm also glad that Rachel is going to a safe place. So she'll actually be with your family?
Louis: Yes, I booked a flight for her from the Moncton airport to Montreal. My wife will pick her up there, and bring her in Nicolet, a quiet little town where she can rest. She's a psychologist, so she will probably be able to quickly gain her trust and reassure her. I will also get her a therapist from her hometown who can give her proper therapy for what she endured.
Jessica: That's good. You have a heart of gold Louis. You really gave it your all to give her a better future. I want to say goodbye to her before she leaves, though.

After that, Jessica, the trio, Raphael and Kyle all have a time with Rachel, wishing her goodbye and farewell.

While they do, you get a call from Ian.

Ian: I heard about what happened yesterday. Dave must be getting desperate to gain back Truro. It's a very important hub for the sex trade in the Maritimes, that's why he wants it badly. He sent one of his thugs to mess with our girls to try to scare us off. Let me tell you, that won't work. I'm going to contact him right now to settle the score. Thanks for giving his thug a good ass-kicking, by the way. I heard it was quite a show.
Julien: Yeah. My pleasure, boss. By the way Rachel is too agitated. I'm sending her today to a motel in Greenfield Park, south of Montreal. Better to get her away from here.
Ian: Yes, that's what we usually do. If a girl is too much trouble, we ship her out somewhere else.
Julien: Anyway keep me posted Ian. See you.

You begin to resent Ian even more than before.. He never seems to do any real work. He rather seems to have his men do it, to then take all the credit for their efforts.

After this, you drive with Rachel to the airport. Her plane is about to leave.

Rachel: So, you and Raphael really think I could be an actress?
Louis: Of course Rachel. With enough effort, it is possible. You will be proud of yourself. I know you've been through so much. But, you've emerged from it. It will make you stronger. Silly little worries that affect other people, will no longer look so important to you. You'll be unstoppable.
Rachel: Thanks Louis. I promise to be on my best behavior with your wife and kids. I guess they can help me learn French a bit more, I don't remember much from my high school lessons. Does your wife speak English?
Louis: Yes, well Catherine has a thick accent. Usually when we go to the States, she lets me handle the talking. But she speaks it pretty well and understands it without issue.

You then arrive at the tiny Moncton airport. Rachel steps off with her luggage. She waves at you and smile.

You wave back. You're so glad to see that Rachel seems to be overcoming her demons. She still has a long way to go, for sure. But her early progress is encouraging.
 
Last edited:
Repressed Homosexual
Joined
Mar 29, 2010
Messages
17,867
Location
Ottawa, Can.
You go back to the hideout. You order lunch for everyone. You make gynostemma tea for all. But unfortunately, few are interested in drinking it.

Eventually, they'll understand, you tell yourself. They'll see the benefits.

Soon after lunch, you get a phone call.

Voice: Hello Julien. I'm Dave. The man you had a... confrontation with at the bar the other day.
Julien: Hello. What can I do for you?
Dave: First off, I want to apologize for the behavior of our guy. He was really, really out of line. He did this entirely of his own initiative. He's simply overzealous, for some reason. When I learned of it, I was about to give him a proper beating, but I saw that you already did it for us. So thank you for that.
Julien: Ok, good. Finally we have some common ground.

(Yeah right, an overzealous employee... you don't believe that for even a second)

Dave:So Ian contacted me, very upset of course. Then, I had an idea. An idea to solve the dispute between the Rascals and the Moose about Truro, once and for all. And I think you'll agree with me it's a great idea as well.
Julien:Go on.
Dave: So, from what I gathered the other night, and from what our employee told us today... you are appear to be a proficient wrestler. Am I right?
Julien:Yes, you are. I used to be involved in amateur wrestling in Quebec.
Dave:Well, right now we're Thursday, noon or so. On Saturday evening, at the Truro community center, there is a wrestling night. With big names from amateur wrestling all over New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. These events happen there every other week or so. And, it just happens that one of my cousins, Paul, is pretty famous in that circuit. He's called "The Bear Hunter", if you want to look him up. He would be an adversary that would represent a proper challenge for you.

I already contacted the manager of the event. He's really to include you and Paul as a last minute, surprise addition at the very end. And, on Friday, if you'll agree, Paul with head to the community center early afternoon. You can go too, and they will let the both of you practice. So that on the following Saturday night, there can be a good fight, and a good show. Not something fake, choreographed. Something to remember for a long time. And the winner will get to control Truro.

I think it's the best solution for everyone involved, don't you? Ian already said he agreed, if you'll agree to it as well. And you can wear a mask during the fight to conceal who you are, it's no issue.

(Hmmm... actually... this does sound like a great idea. You don't think it would forever solve tensions and hostilities between the two groups. But if it might avoid the need for violence for a while, and impress Ian and Carlos enough, then it might just be the breakthrough you need. For the first time, Dave has a point. The more you think about the idea, the more you love it.)

Julien: Fine, I accept. I look forward to the fight.
Dave: Great. Here's the phone number of the manager. He needs to know by tomorrow under which name you'll run. See you on Saturday evening. Paul is a tough bastard, so he'll be a very tenacious adversary. Prepare well.

After the call, you explain the situation to the others.

Maria: Wow, this looks exciting! It'll be so cool!
Raphael: I know you'll kick the other guy's ass in no time!

The reception is unanimously positive. Even Kyle, who is usually so mild-mannered, seems to look like a kid again. He's eagerly looking forward to the fight as well.

But what will you call yourself?

After looking up old Quebec wrestlers, you come across one named "La merveille masquée" (The masked marvel).

Wanting to pay an homage to this icon of yore, and since you are a French-speaking Quebecer in English Canada, you decide to call yourself... La merveille masquée bleue (The Blue Masked Marvel).

You call an old friend, asking him to send you an old wrestling mask.

Then, you head to a thrift store, in which you get blue shorts.

Then, you get the trio to draw a big white and blue Quebec flag on your chest.

The next day, in the morning, the mask arrives by priority mail.

You put it on.

The others look at you in amazement.

Jessica: Perfect! You look terrific! And though!
Raphael: You'll be a total badass! Show those anglos who's the best!

Everyone then drives back to Truro. You leave the others as the safehouse in the company of Ian, Ryan and his other men, who look similarly enthusiastic at the ensuing fight.

After which, you drive to the Truro community center. You ask where the gym is, and someone points a room to you.

You push two big doors open, and find a wrestling ring on the other side

You step up into the ring. The memories from prior games you played in your native Quebec flood back in your mind. You look forward to reliving them, and giving the crowd a good show.

Then, you hear from the back:

"Hello? Are you Julien?"

The Bear Hunter is apparently here. You are suddenly nervous. You picture him to be a colossus.

You turn around to look at him...
 
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At the door, you see a slightly chubby, but solidly-built man of slightly above average height, with short brown hair and a thin mustache, who look at you with a friendly smile.

Paul: Hi, I'm Paul. My wrestler nickname is "The Bear Hunter", because I thought it made me look strong and fearless. I'm delighted to meet you, Julien.
Julien: Very pleased to meet you as well, Paul. My nickname will be "The Blue Masked Marvel."
Paul: That's great. Dave told me you were recently arrived from Quebec. He told me most of what happened.

Paul looks sorry all of a sudden.

Paul: I want to apologize for my cousin's behavior. I know he's really, really up to no good. What he's doing isn't right. Me personally, I have a hard time treating him like a criminal, because we used to play together when we were children. Family is sacred to a point, if you can understand.

But from what I understand, the fight we're about to do tomorrow might help avoid a whole lot of trouble and possibly violence. So I thought, better to do this than have people beating the crap out of each other and someone getting seriously hurt or even killed, right? So, please accept my apologies. Know that once we're on the ring, tomorrow evening, I will give it my all. It will not be easy for you. But I'm sure that you and me, we will make it a memorable fight, and it will be a good show for everyone in attendance.

(You can see the passion in Paul's eyes when he speaks. He seems to really be taken by wrestling. You see the sincerity in his eyes. You're very impressed. You expected a thoroughly unpleasant character that would be very awkward to talk to. But yet, Paul seems like a gentle giant. He speaks to you so politely and kindly. Suddenly, you feel very good about this. If you met him under any other circumstances, you're sure the two of you would have become very good friends).

Julien: Glad we see eye to eye. I also want to avoid conflicts and violence. I used to be an amateur wrestler for many years. I'm glad to step back on the ring. No matter what happens, let's give everyone a night to remember.

(Paul smiles enthusiastically. He seemed to have been worried about you as well. But he's glad to see you already have built good rapport, even complicity).

Paul: That's wonderful. You know, wrestling is a hobby for the poor and the working class. Not people who have the easiest lives or the most education. They come to wrestling games to unwind. To be carefree again. Because they need heroes to believe in, so they can be inspired in turn. To me, when I see people cheering, with passion in their eyes, I think I've accomplished my mission

Julien: Great. Although this will not be a scripted match, I will do everything not to seriously hurt you. But however, what we can agree beforehand, is to agree on some banter or dialogue, to create some drama. The crowd always loves this. Me being Quebecois, you being English... how about we play up that aspect? I'm sure people will really get into it.
Paul: I like the sound of that. But, if I hurl rude comments or insults at you, know that I believe none of it. It is purely for show.
Julien: Well, how about we start practicing? What are we waiting for?

For the rest of the afternoon, with Paul, you practice various wrestling moves. It is exceedingly difficult for you to lift him at all, you manage to do it a little only once. Despite being chubby, Paul is surprisingly fast and tends to anticipate the moves of his adversary. He's also very strong, and has an easier time to lift you. He's obviously a very accomplished wrestler, although you yourself are no slouch. You seem to be roughly evenly matched.

Towards the end, as Paul has grappled you, you hear someone clapping. The both of you turn around to look.

Manager: "Wonderful! I look forward to it! The Bear Hunter vs. The Blue Masked Marvel. Your moves are solid. The crowd will be impressed. Give it your best tomorrow guys."

You both agree with the manager that you will give it your best.

Then, Saturday evening comes.

The trio and Jessica help you prepare your costume.

Everyone heads to the community center to watch the game. For about 2h30, you see various characters fight each other. Insults and other taunts seem to be common, to the delight of the crowd.

Ian and his men are also sitting. Dave and his are at an opposite end. You look at the man you beat up last time, who looks very upset, and then turns his head away.

Then, finally, it is soon time. You go prepare for your entrance.

Manager: Ladies... and gentlemen... I have a surprise for you. We have a surprise fight! One of the best fighters in the Maritimes, the Bear Hunter, is making his grand return tonight!

Paul enters the arena, to the sound of rock music. The crowd cheers.

Manager: To face him... coming all the way from Quebec... a former wrestling champion, eager to display his skills... I present you, La merveillle masquée bleue... The Blue Masked Wonder!

You enter the arena, feeling stressed and pressure. The crowd is a mix of cheers and boos.

Both of you step into the ring.

The Bear Hunter asks for the microphone.

Paul: Who wants to beat up a frog tonight? You think we can do this?

The crowd cheers a lot, very enthusiastically.

You then ask for it yourself.

Julien: Don't f*** with the frog, buddy. You're going to regret it. I'm going to lead you straight to the hospital.

The crowd starts booing loudly.

Paul: Well, we won't let him get away with it that easily, friends. Will we?

The crowd stands up. "NOOOOOOO!" and cheers.

Every single person is the room is super pumped up for what is about to happen.

You both look each other in the eyes, determined to do your best. To show everyone a great time. To make them dream a little.

Then the bell rings.

And it's showtime!
 
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While the epic fight leading us closer to the conclusion of detectives Marcoux, Jolicoeur, Naughton and Freeman's adventure in Truro is ongoing, we'll go back a few days to find out what our hero Bruno, his wife Mylene, and his new boss and new friend Maxime have been doing in Vancouver.

Those who want to vote for the fight in the meanwhile still can.
 
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Those weeks have been blissful. After having been through so much, finally you enjoy some peace and quiet with your new wife. Away from the cold winter present in most of Canada, too, which is always good.

Vancouver is a charming, pleasant little place, although it is immediately obvious to you how sinicized the city is (since there are very many Asian people living here), and how incredibly expensive real estate is (since most shops you see are curiously small compared to the standards you are used to in Manitoba). Also, you notice that although there seem to be plenty of businessmen and office workers, there are plenty of more liberal-leaning individuals. Hipsters, drug users, artists and the like... which you find out tends to rub you off the wrong way.

Although you've been meaning to spend all this time with Mylene, you end up spending plenty of time with Maxime as well. And in the end, why shouldn't you? You can't very well shun your new friend, can you? Maxime has opened significant opportunities for you. And you'll need to bond with him, as he will be your superior, and the both of you will be called to work as partners.

Maxime is a joy to listen to. Knowledgeable, quick-witted and with a great sense of humor. He also gets to work, and ends up accelerating greatly the paperwork needed for you to carry a weapon, considering the dangerous situation you find end up facing. The two of you head to a shooting range usually reserved to train RCMP officers from the greater Vancouver area a few times. You did carry a gun a few times before, and even shoot it, although it was illegal and you didn't call anyone. Now officially, you will become a man "licensed to kill" so to speak.

One day, while you and Mylene are relaxing in your hotel room, Max calls you.

Max: Hey Bruno, we could use you for something. Nolin, the head of the SQ in Quebec, needs an English-speaking infiltrator for an operation in Quebec City, but he can't find anyone off hand. I told him it would be perfect practice for you, and he seems very open to the idea. You will not be in any danger, and you will only have a few lines to deliver, essentially. We need to catch a civil servant doing bad things in the act before we can arrest him.

But of course, if we do that, it would mean cutting your honeymoon in Vancouver short.
Bruno: Well, I seem to cut it short one way or another just about every day. Honestly, I don't think I really mind. I think I'm getting kind of tired of all the hipsters and poseurs in Vancouver. Although, I will miss the weather. When I arrived there, I had a winter coat on, and I was amazed I could just take it back. Now it will be the reverse.
Max: Quebec is not as cold as Manitoba most of the times. There's way more snow, though. It just piles up for the entire winter. Towards the end of the winter, the snow that accumulates in front of a bungalow can be almost as all as the bungalow itself.
Bruno: Good to know.
Max: Well, we need to ask for Mylene's opinion, though. Can you put me on speaker phone (You do and Max explains the situation to Mylene). So what do you say, Mylene? If you do, in compensation for cutting your honeymoon short, I'll offer you a stay in the hotel of your choosing in town.
Mylene: I think I would really like that actually! I've gone there when I was very young as part of a school trip. I'm really eager to go back, especially for the old town! Can you get us a room at Chateau Frontenac?
Max: Sure, I can get you the Chateau Frontenac if you want. But if you want my opinion, there's an ever better hotel.
Mylene: And what is it?
Max: The best hotel in town is the Chateau Bonne Entente. Well, they just call it Le Bonne Entente maintenant. It and Frontenac are the only five star hotels in town. But Frontenac is totally overrated. Bonne Entente is more all-inclusive. You can still get in the old town fairly easily from it, it doesn't take that long. You can either drive, take a bus, or just a cab.
Mylene: I think we'll trust your judgment. Thank you Maxime!

You hang up. You don't know what Maxime has in store for you, but you trust him he's not going to throw you in danger so early. You're plenty talented enough to put yourself in danger.

You and Mylene look at each other smiling. Neither of you is upset. In fact, you both welcome it. You're in for a superb change of scenery. You've never been to Quebec before. Now, finally, this will change.

On that afternoon, yourself Mylene and Max board your flight from Vancouver International Airport. The flight then arrives in Lester B Pearson airport in Toronto, and you transit after two hours for your flight to Quebec City's Jean Lesage airport.

When you finally land in Jean Lesage, it is about 9PM.
 
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Jean Lesage airport is extremely small. Few traverlers pass by it, compared to the humongous monster that is Lester B Pearson.

The three of you pick up your luggage and head outside. You then head in the section where cabs are waiting. A friendly taxi driver in his late fifties helps you with the luggage.

Driver: Alors, messieurs et madame, vous allez où? Quel est votre hôtel?

(You've not understood anything of what he said. The driver seems to realize this. He replies in a heavily accented English.)

Driver: Oh, sorry. I was wondering where you're all going?

Bruno: Well, our hotel is at the Bonne Entente.
Mylene: But I'll like to have a look at the old town before. Can you bring us there, and then back to the Bonne Entente? I just want to see Chateau Frontenac a little.
Driver: Oh, of course. With great pleasure miss.
Mylene: Merci beaucoup!

The friendly driver leaves the airport, then heads south on Rue de l'aéroport.

Driver: Since you don't seem to have been here before, let me describe your surroundings a little as we go. East of the airport is a city called L'Ancienne-Lorette. It's independent from Quebec City itself. Most cities in the area merged together more than 25 years ago, but it was a controversial move. After a few years, L'Ancienne-Lorette used a referendum to break free and remain independent.

After a few more minutes, going down a slope, you arrive at an intersection. The driver is about to turn left. You see the name of the street you are about to embark on: Boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel.

The driver then turns left and drives east. Quickly, you and Mylene are surprised at what you see: this place is filled to the brim with sleazy hotels and strip clubs.

Bruno: Wow, what's up with this place? What's with all those, establishments?

Maxime is very amused at your reaction.

Maxime: Well, I don't know why, but it developed this way. Close to the airport on Wilfrid-Hamel, it's titty central, really.
Driver: I wouldn't have put it as bluntly as your friend, but yes, it's well known here. I take it neither of you are interested in these places. Don't worry, we're going to drive past them soon.
Maxime: I'm not either. Most of the times. Hahahaha!

You keep driving east. These sleazy establishments quickly vanish from your view. The rest is more normal: warehouses, shops, restaurants, houses, etc. Nothing beautiful so part, but it looks nice and safe.

After a while, you arrive in a part of town that's more residential. The driver tells you that this district is called Duberger. You drive alongside a river, which the driver says is called "Rivière St-Charles".

Driver: some parts of it you can walk through. It's pretty nice. Many people enjoy it.

After a while, the city gets a little more tense. You see many shops around you. At a stop, you see a fairly large shopping center to your left.

Bruno: What's it called?
Maxime: It's Place Fleur de Lys.

Then, the driver turns right, embarking into a highway called "Autoroute Laurentienne". After a while, you start going up a slope.

Driver: From here on, we're entering what is called "La haute ville". It's composed of a few districts: Cap-Rouge/Sainte-Foy/Sillery, Saint-Sauveur, Limoilou, Saint-Jean Baptiste, Saint-Roch, and finally, Vieux-Québec. It's considered slightly more like the "proper" town.
Bruno: And I presume we just left the "lower" town?
Driver: Yes, "La Basse-Ville". There are considered suburbs. It's fairly large and comprised of many parts. Roughly, from west to east: Val-Bélair, Neufchâtel, Chauveau, Saint-Émile, Lac Saint-Charles, Charlesbourg, and Beauport.
Bruno: Oh, I see. Interesting.
Driver: Real-estate is less expensive there. And there are a few people that look a little down on "La Basse Ville". Like you know... intellectuals, politicians, etc, they prefer to be in La Haute Ville.
Mylene: I get it, thank you.

Then you arrive in what seems to be the older part of town. You keep driving upward.

Driver: Look over there, you see this fancy building? That's the provincial parliament. It's called the National Assembly.
Bruno: Oh wow, I'd never seen it! Nice!

The driver presses ahead. You are now in the old town proper, and it gets a little hard for cars to circulate. You finally have a good view of the city. It is majestic to say the least. You see the Saint-Lawrence river around it. And then..
Mylene: Bruno, look! Chateau Frontenac is there!

Finally you see this. This iconic hotel with the appearance of a castle is superb and has a majestic seat, as if it was welcoming all travelers to the city.

The driver then heads downward. He takes a Boulevard called Champlain, that's right next to the Saint-Lawrence river. You look at the other side of the river.

Driver: This city on the other side is called Lévis. Not much to see there, to be frank. It's more utilitarian. You can take a ferry boat that goes there when the river isn't frozen.

From Boulevard Champlain, the view is fantastic. You and Mylene gaze all around in amazement.

After a few minutes, you come into view of an old rusty bridge.

Driver: That's le Pont de Québec. It fell down two times before its construction was successful.

Then, the driver goes up a slope. He eventually gains a highway called "Autoroute Duplessis".

Driver: We've soon arrived.

He eventually takes a right exit. He advances up to a road called "Chemin Ste-Foy." He turns left.

He drives over an overpass. Looking to your right, you see Autoroute Duplessis that continues into the Basse Ville.

Maxime: If you keep driving autoroute Duplessis, you're going to get eventually to the first place where we stopped at a street corner after getting off the airport, on boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel.

Then, you quickly arrive to your destination, to the Bonne Entente. The site is very large, and comprised of many facilities. Mylene looks delighted.

Maxime: Ok, I'll drop the both of you off here. I know you deserve a little privacy. I'll just get to another hotel that's like a few minutes away. I'll contact both of you tomorrow. We're going to rent out a car. And when I have more details, I'll explain your mission to you, Bruno.
Bruno: Sounds good.

You and Mylene thank the driver, head off, and to got the reception. A friendly woman helps you check in.

Clerk: Bonjour, vous avez une réservation?

She quickly sees you have trouble understanding and switches to a perfect English. You are reassured. It seems you will have fewer issues to communicate here than you thought.

Then, you two head to your room. It's huge, with a king-sized bed, and a good view of the installations from the window.

Truly, you've made a good decision to come here. But what awaits you tomorrow?
 
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On the next day, after you wake up, you receive a message from Max on the encrypted app: the operation is still in the planning phase, and will likely occur tomorrow. As such, you have plenty of time today to do whatever you wish.

Well, fine by you!

And so you and Mylene, after enjoying some of the amneties at Bonne Entente, decide to head into town. The bus quickly allows you to go to various places.

First, you head to Boulevard Laurier. It is considered the "entrance" into town. From there, you arrive at the biggest shopping center in town, called Place Laurier. In fact, this area is not comprised of one shopping center, but of three, all next to each other: Place Laurier, Place de la Cité, and Place Sainte-Foy. All three shopping centers are bustling with people, and going from one to another is easy.

When exiting Place Sainte-Foy, you are right in front of the local University: Université Laval, which is in fact one of the oldest universities on the continent. Although, you learn, this isn't its original emplacement, which dates back to the sixties or so. The original emplacement is in the old town, and in fact the original building still exists.

From there, you take a bus which leads you farther on Boulevard Laurier. At some point, Boulevard Laurier changes its name and is called "Grande Allée", when it borders and enters the old town. On that road farther ahead are many fancy restaurants, some very popular with local civil servants and politicians. You find one, and you have a succulent (but very expensive!) lunch with Mylene.

You then spend a few hours in the old town, walking around, admiring the view. The old town itself looks old and European. Quebec City, it seems, remains about as vibrant in the winter when snow covers it. It even thrives it these conditions. Someone tells you that there is a Carnival here, but it will only begin later. You'll have to come back another time to enjoy it.

From there, you take another cab, and head into the "basse-ville". You're not sure where to go, so you just ask the driver to drive you around. He drives up eastward in Beauport (which is very residential and looks clean and safe), and then you head further north in Charlesbourg.

Bruno: Sir, is there a park to walk around?

The driver then offers you to drive you to Parc de l'escarpement. It is located west of Charlesbourg, in an area called Lebourgneuf. Lebourgneuf seems largely like a relatively newly occupied area, all buildings looks from the 70s and 80s at most. Then, you are dropped off in the park. You spend about an hour walking there into the paths in the wood. Along the way, many people salute you.

After that, you decide to take another cab. The driver offers you to get you to Galeries de la capitale, which is the second biggest shopping center in town. He tells you that there are a lot of attractions in it. Indeed, parts of it is "like an amusement park."

After you head inside the very busy shopping center, you arrive at the amusement park. It is very impressive! There is an ice rink at the bottom, a carousel, a miniature golf ground, an arcade, and many other games. You spend about two hours trying as much of it as you can.

After all this, you decide to call it a day. You go back to the Bonne Entente with Mylene. You order pizza, and then afterwards you go enjoy the spa in the Bonne Entente.

After which, you watch TV, and then sleep.
 
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On the next day, Maxime messages you saying the plan is ready. Mylene stays at the hotel, and Maxime comes pick you up in his rental car in the afternoon. He says to wear very casual clothes.

Maxime then explains to you the plan:

Maxime: In Quebec, the provincial government perceives its own taxes, through a branch called Revenu Québec. RQ is headquartered here in Quebec City, and most of its civil servants work in what is called the "glass" building. That building is located in front of what is considered a bus terminal called terminal Marly.

The police has learned that one of the civil servants is selling personal data from taxpayers to organized crime figures, who then use it to commit identity fraud. We wanted to stop him, so we came up with a plan: give him very generous rates, but he has to hand us the data in person.

Today, at 5pm, you will need to wait at Terminus Marly. You need to wait for bus 834, that will leave at 5:15pm. That bus will circulate on boulevard Quatre-Bourgeois, then to Route de l'Église, and afterwards on Boulevard Laurier. The man called Bernard Lachance, will be boarding the same bus after he finishes work. He will not know who you are, but will try to take note of the people boarding the bus with him.

Get off the bus at the CHUL hospital, it's located right in front of Place Laurier. From there, get across Boulevard Laurier, then enter Place Laurier. Go to the third floor, there will be a coffee shop called Le Lève-Tôt. Order something and sit.

The man will sit alongside you. The trade will happen there. Here is an envelope with the money. In the surroundings, there will be police officers. Everything will be recorded. This will give us proof to finally arrest that guy. If Bernard resists. seeing as you are gifted with martial arts, I want you to quickly stop him.

10 minutes before 5pm, Maxime drops you off on Boulevard Neilson, pointing to you where Terminus Marly is. You walk up to the station, where many people are waiting.

You are surprised. Since this is located right in front of a giant governmental office, you would expect most of the people waiting for the bus to be workers. However, they all appear to be young students.

When bus 834 arrives a few minutes after the planned time, you enter it. You take it, and following Maxime's instructions, you drop off the bus at the CHUL. Then, you take the pedestrian crossing leading you to a parking lot for Place Laurier. You enter Place Laurier, and then take the escalator twice, arriving at the third floor. Directly in front of you, to your left, is Le Lève-Tôt. You order hot chocolate, and sit and wait.

After only three minutes, one of the men you recognize from the bus is here. Bernard recognizes you, and comes to sit at your table.

You seem to recognize that around you are police officers in plain clothes, but they are very inconspicuous. Bernard doesn't notice their presence at all.

Bruno: So, you got what we need?

He then replies to you in a heavily accented English.

Bernard: Yes, but you have to give me the money first.
Bruno: Sure, here you go. Just don't mess with me.

Bernard takes the envelope, peeks inside. He puts his hand inside to make sure it is filled to the brim with $20 bills. He looks visibly excited.

Satisfied, he hands you over a USB key.

Bernard: Here are the pictures of my ski trip that you wanted.
Bruno: Pleasure to do business with you. We'll put these ski trip pictures to good use.

Unfortunately for Bernard, two young men approach him.

Officer: Bernard Lachance, vous êtes en état d'arrestation pour vol de données. Tout ce que vous dites pourra être utilisé contre vous. Vous avez droit à un avocat. Si vous n'en avez pas, on vous...

(You don't understand what is being said, but you presume that they are arresting him and reading him his rights. However, he cuts them short.

Bernard: Eille tabarnak, f*** you!

On impulse, with surprising speed, he grabs one of the police officers. He grabs him by the throat.

Bernard: PERSONNE BOUGE OU IL VA Y PASSER!

He walks backwards. He gets closer to a guard rail. He begins pushing the terrified officer down, making him stare downward. The officer realizes that if he falls down, he will hit the bottom floor and die of a horrible death.

Officer: Qu'est-ce que tu fais là? J'veux pas mourir! Calme-toi, on veux t'aider! Tu fais une erreur Benard!
Bernard: Ferme ta gueule! FAITES ÉVACUER LE CENTRE D'ACHATS, SINON IL VA Y PASSER!

You don't understand what they're saying, but from their tone, it's easy to understand: the police officer is pleading for his life, and Bernard is telling him to shut off, and tauting the police officers.
At this point everyone on the third floor is looking at him. Passerbys are running around scared, creaming in panic. The police officers are losing control of the situation. This has turned very badly. They had underestimated him.

Everyone is frozen and scared.

Everyone, but you You have absolutely no intention of letting an innocent police officer getting scared. And you think that this guy is a coward. He doesn't really want to kill anyone. He just panicked.

You motion closer.

Officers: Eille, qu'est-ce tu fais? C'est pas le moment!
Bernard: GET THE F*** AWAY FROM ME OR HE GETS IT!

You motion closer, defianlty.

Bernard: WHAT DID I TELL YOU??

He says that, but he is scared, and you can see it.

Remembering one of the moves taught to you by Steven, you quickly back kick him, yelling loudly "AYYYYAAAAAAA!". In the process, Bernard loses grip of the officer, who starts pulling away,

A few punches and kicks later, and before he knows it, Bernard lies on the ground before you, his back pressed against the guard rail.

You look at him downward, as the other police officers barging in are getting the crowd under control. Some of the onlookers witnessed what happened and are amazed at your defiant rescue. They start clapping their hands and whistling!

Bruno: Bernard, imagine what would have happened if you actually threw him down. It would have made things considerably worse for everyone. You would have never forgiven yourself. Look at what you're doing. Turn your life around.
Bernard: I know. The bank was about to foreclose on my house, and my girlfriend about to leave me and take the kids away. I was desperate! I felt humiliated when I realized it was a setup!

The cops then take Bernard away. The police gets the crowd to calm down, and everyone involved in the operation leaves.

You've had enough emotions for today. Just as you are about to leave the shopping center, someone pats you on the back.

It's the police officer who was held hostage.

Officer: Je pourrai jamais te remercier ass... err, sorry. I owe you my life here. I can't ever thank you enough buddy. I thought I would never see my wife and kids again. Thank you so munch.
Bruno: I think it's our duty to help others in need. Based on what I saw, I don't think Bernard is especially evil. He seems to mostly be a very desperate man driven to commit something crazy due to the amount of pressure he was under.
Officer: To tell you the truth, I believe you're right. He's no hardened criminal. He's very much like you and me. Well, the people who've had their identities stolen due to him would never be so lenient. Hopefully, he can indeded turn his life around.
Bruno: He's done this terrible thing to you, and yet to seem half-ready to forgive him. I'm a Christian, and I agree with the way you act. We've all done terrible things. I don't know if you're a Christian yourself, but even if you aren't, I think in order to live honest lives, we need to try to forgive even those who have harmed us the most, to the same extent we would like our worst deeds to be forgiven by others.
Officer: Well, I go to the mass on Christmas Eve. Does that count? Hahaha.

After talking with him a little more, a few more of his colleagues who listened to you speak come to pat you on the back, and thank you for helping their colleague. You've not very comfortable with such praise. You smile at them, but you leave soon after.

You take a bus that soon leads you to Chemin Sainte-Foy, and then arrive at the Bonne Entente again.

You enter your room, exhausted.

Mylene: So, how did it go?
Bruno: Well, OK I guess. What's on TV now?
 
Repressed Homosexual
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Université Laval, which is in fact one of the oldest universities on the continent. Although, you learn, this isn't its original emplacement, which dates back to the sixties or so.
I studied a few months there, while in student exchange. Good times

You're in for a treat because we'll spend a lot of time in Quebec City.
 
Repressed Homosexual
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As the match begins, The Bear Hunter screams violently, attempting to mimic a bear.

"ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!"

It is actually genuinely terrifying! It gives you the creeps! How delightful!

You decide to attempt to grapple The Bear Hunter at every opportunity. A fearsome adversary like him needs to be allowed as few opportunities as possible to even strike to begin with. He is very skilled and brutal. During this match, he no longer is the friendly chubby man he used to be. He is a ruthless brute that doesn't leave you a single chance.

He acts in this way, but yet when your eyes cross, they are benevolent eyes. It is obvious that he is giving you his absolute best, for the sake of the sport, and in order to push you to your limits, so you also give him your best. And it works! It compels you to give your absolute best as well.

And the crowd feels it!

The crowd feels something is different. Something is very, very different. The matches so far, before yours, were slow. Wrestling usually is, as moves are usually choreographed in advance. It's ballet for muscled men.

But not this time. You two are fighting for real. Repeatedly, The Bear Hunter hits you, lunges at you and throws you on the ground.

He reuses his dreadful scream on multiple occasions, and it gets under your skin every time.

On a few times, when you or him are on the ground and held on it by the other, the referee starts counting to 3, but every time, you or him pulls away.

20 minutes have now passed. Not a single person in the crowd is not enthralled. They have never seen anything like this. People cheer you on. No longer are you shown any disrespect because of your origins. You've earned their respect.

The both of you are now extremely tired.

But by now, you've noticed a weakness in your opponent: he is very impatient.

He always strikes first aggressively, looking for any opportunity to win...

A) Keep playing cautiously and wait for him to make a mistake.
B) He's tired now. It's my turn to strike hard.
C) Try to attack him suddenly by surprise.
 
Repressed Homosexual
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The Bear Hunter tried his hardest to strike at you over the last 20 minutes, but strained himself considerably in the process. You presume it's only a matter of time before he makes a serious mistake, one that you can profit from. You see him reacting and moving more and more slowly.

As he moves to hit you one more time, he suddenly loses his balance on one leg, and crumbles on the ground.

You immediately seize this opportunity! You jump on him and lay on him, summoning all your strenght, hoping he will stay stuck there for just a few seconds.

Referee: "One... two..."

He pushes hard, tries his hardest to move you away. And just when he is on the verge of doing it.

Referee: "And three!!!!!!!"

You did it! You beat the Bear Hunter! What a splendid victory! The entire crowd cheers on you! You've not lived anything so memorable in any wrestling match you've had so far!

The Bear Hunter gets back up, and pulls your hand into the air to congratulate you. He then asks for the microphone.

Paul: It was a pleasure to fight you, the Blue Masked Marvel. You think he fought well?

The crowd cheers!

Paul: I thought so too. In fact, I have a confession to make. We don't hate each other. We only met yesterday, but have already become friends. He's a good guy. But... I think in a few months, I deserve a rematch. What do you guys think? Would you like it?

The crowd is delighted at the idea of another match like this!

Manager: We haven't had a fight like this in ages! Thanks to the Blue Masked Marvel for having come all this way and given us the time of our lives. Even I have become jaded, but you've made me feel like a kid again. Anytime you want to come back, or bring some of your friends from Quebec, you're welcome. I'm already dying to see the rematch!

The whole crowd cheers on and has a good time... well, not exactly. One person doesn't: Dave.

Dave has lost badly. His plan backfired. His cousin Paul let him down. And he is pissed at seeing Ian's grin.

Dave: I'LL KILL YOU IAN! I'LL F******* KILL YOU, YOU AND ALL OF YOUR MEN! YOU HEAR ME????

His men struggle to contain him and get him out of the arena before he starts fighting with Ian, but ultimately succeed and they leave.

Paul: Too bad, he's always had a temper. He wasn't so bad as a kid. Well, hopefully he doesn't get involved in so much shady stuff anymore. We can only hope. Anyway, I had a blast meeting you. It was an honor. I'll give you my number. Anytime you want to practice again or have a rematch, contact me and I'm game. We will meet again, friend.

You give him your number in turn, shake his hand, and the both of you part way.

You join back with the gang. Ian congratulates you, along with Ryan, Kyle, Jessica, all of Ian's men, and all of the girls. You are the star tonight.

Everyone goes back to the safehouse to drink beer and party.

On the next day, things do not stop there. By going on social media, you find out that the wrestling club that used the Community center has a social media page, and they posted videos of the various fights that happened last night, yours included.

The video of your fight with The Bear Hunter gets shared widely on social media in Atlantic Canada. You even see a brief clip of it on the news. Everyone is surprised at the riveting fight that just happened, and wonders who the Blue Masked Marvel is, and how he was able to cause a stunning upset and beat a local favorite.

Feeling a little vain, you send the link to your wife Catherine, so that she and the kids, along with Rachel, can see it.

Ian then approaches you:

Ian: Hey Julien, congrats again. We own Truro now. Hopefully they stop pestering us. And I have a delicate job for you to do. Are you willing to help?
Julien: Of course Ian. What is it?

(Let me guess... another silly errand?)

Ian: Well, I need you to drive over to Halifax, and pick up a man at a specific street corner at 8 AM. Then, I need you to bring him to an empty field in Truro. He's a VIP who intends to pay a premium for our "special services". The password he has to give is "secret sauce".
Julien: Oh, I see, I'll do it. By special services, you mean... sleeping with that "special girl?"
Ian: Yes, that very special girl we keep apart. We take a lot of extra steps to be careful and make sure no one finds her. It's getting a pain so we're looking to offload her soon, but we'll take this gig before.

(Talking about her like merchandise... absolutely disgusting. It takes a lot for you not to fume... but at least, it looks like you're finally getting closer to finding the girl)

You head into your car. You don't have a lot of time left to get to Halifax in time, it is a little more than an hour's drive away.

After a while, you arrive. You go to the aforementioned street corner on the agreed upon time. You see a man with a long face and a refined mustache, with distinguished mannerisms, who looks gentlemanly.

You approach him and park. You get out of the car. The man looks at you.

Man: "So, you have secret sauce to sell me?"
Julien: "Yeah, just come on board and I'll bring you there."

The man sits to your right. He takes an enveloppe out of his coat and shows it to you.

You open it and find it is loaded with 20 dollar bills.

Man: "That's the full amount agreed upon with Ian. You can count it if you prefer."
Julien: "Nah, it's all good, I trust you."

You leave and head back to Truro.

Along the way, the man speaks very little, seemingly lost in thought and annoyed. He looks a little haughty. You nevertheless make an effort to start some small talk.

Julien: Hopefully you've had a good night?
Man: Yes, my stay in Halifax was pleasant, been there a few days. Now, I'm going to start heading back west soon. I decided to have a "little fun" before I did.
Julien: I understand. So, you live out West? You wanted a little vacation?
Man: Yes, I come from afar. From Alberta in fact.
Julien: I see, that's quite a long way off.
Man: I intend to spend a few days in Quebec, although not much because I don't speak French. Then I'll take a plane in Montreal and head back to Edmonton.
Julien: Ok, good. Why did you make the trip in the first place? Just wanted a change of scenery?
Man: Yes, things got...
Julien: ... a little heated at home?
Man: *chuckles* yes, you could say that. Had to get away for a while.
 
Repressed Homosexual
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You arrive at the empty field in Truro. You leave the man there.

Man: "Thank you. I'll wait for Carlos to come pick me up. Then I'll have it leave me here and you can pick me up again."
Julien: "Been a pleasure. I'm Julien. And you are...?
Man: "Oh, call me Ed."

You both shake hands. Then you leave and get back to the safehouse.

You give Ian the money and tell him you followed his instructions exactly.

Ian gleefully counts the money.

Ian: Excellent work Julien, as always. I knew I could count on you.

The both of you wait, watching TV. Then Ian comes to speak to you:

Ian: Ok, the customer is finished, but Carlos contacted me and said that in the end, he and the customer have some business to discuss, so he'll drive him to his next destination himself. So it won't be necessary for you to go pick him up again.

(One less silly errand to do... you don't exactly regret anything here.)

You plan a way to get Ian to get you a meeting with Carlos. Since you handled sensitive business, you presume he will probably trust you with it. Perhaps you could even offer to guard the girl for a while. After all, Carlos must be getting tired and paranoid to stay all by himself just to keep guard over the same girl.

You think of it throughout the day. And then suddenly in the evening, Ian rushes at you, in panic.

Ian: Oh s***, OH S***! Carlos is in big trouble!
Julien: What, I don't get it?
Ian: We have to go see him now! I'll tell you where!!

Ryan approaches the both of you.

Ryan: It looks urgent. Let me accompany the both of you, boss.
Ian: Ok, thank you for the help Ryan.
Julien: But please, give us some explanations.

The three of you rush in your car, with Ryan driving. Ian gives you some directions through some rural roads.

Ryan: So what the f*** is going on Ian?
Ian: I thought he messaged me back early today telling me Julien wouldn't have to pick up our customer. But that wasn't Carlos! Carlos just called me, he's a bloody mess. He's really badly wounded!
Julien: Oh wow, our customer did this?
Ian: He escaped in Carlos' car. And... I think he stole the girl away.
Julien and Ryan: WHAT?

You decide to message Duchesne about the situation. Based on what the customer has said earlier, he intends to head west. Since he stole Carlos' car, he'll go there by driving. You describe the customer to Maxime.

Maxime: Uh-oh... that's really bad. I'm having a really bad thought about this... I'll send you a picture. Tell me if the customer looked like it.

You then see a picture of a distinguished-looking fellow with a thin mustache... that looks suspiciously like your customer...

Julien: Pretty sure it's him Max.
Maxime: Oh wow F***! Unbelievable! It's Edward Snodgrass! He was the VIP customer! He's the one that kidnapped the girl! We're in big trouble now! We suspected him back in Edmonton of kidnapping prostitutes and murdering them, and stealing their panties, but we could never nail him. Bruno tried his hardest but he just didn't have enough evidence.
Julien: Unbelievable! Where is he now?
Maxime: Do you know when's the last time you heard of him?

(You decide to ask something to Ian)

Julien: Ian, how long ago was the text message supposedly from Carlos that you received?
Ian: Let me look... it was 11:30 hours or so ago.

Ed must have sent this message before he was about to leave. He intended to drive west. Presumably, he will use the Trans-Canada highway.

You calculate the driving distance from Truro... and... you find that with this time, it gets you close to Quebec City... or maybe he has enough time to get close to Montreal, but that seems way too little time. Along the way from Quebec, there are some places where he could stop... but even those look like a stretch.

Most likely, after driving all this time, he will be exhausted, and need to find a place to stay.

The three of you arrive at a spot close to some woods on a rural road. You head closer to the woods. There is an RV there, and a body laying on the ground.

You get closer, and see the body of a man whose throat was sliced. He was also sliced all over his body. Apparently, he had been unconscious for a while, and slowly bled out.

His cellphone stands next to him. He apparently had time to make this last phone call when he gained back consciousness, but collapsed shortly after.

You try to take his pulse, but he doesn't have any.

Julien: Ian... I regret to say... Carlos is dead.
Ian: Oh f*** NO! What a disaster!
Julien: Don't worry Ian, it will not be in vain. I know guys in Quebec. I'll get them to find the client and the girl. They will make him pay for what he did to Carlos. And we'll get the girl back.
Ian: Oh really? Yes, please do that!

You message Max with the news.

Max: Oh you say he could be around Quebec City? Well, we're here tonight. We were there with Bruno for a special operation. We're dining in a restaurant to congratulate him, on Chemin Ste-Foy. Maybe we could look for him here?

Yes, that is a good idea. But where could he be?

Suddenly, you start thinking that you know where he could be. You seem to recall an emplacement in Quebec, where he is most likely to not be noticed and be able to rest. But the name escapes you for the moment.

As you try to remember it, Ryan looks at you solemnly. He's an undercover officer, like you.

He looks at you, and points towards Ian, still grieving and panicking over Carlos' corpse.

He seems to be asking, what about Ian? Should we arrest him now? He lost the girl.
 
Last edited:
Repressed Homosexual
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Mar 29, 2010
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Ottawa, Can.
This time, my friends, you response will be twofold.

1-Where is the customer who kidnapped Patricia Campbell likely to be in Quebec City? Type your answer.
2-Should you arrest Ian now or not?

A) Arrest Ian, he needs to pay and lost the girl, we don't need him anymore. Time to dismantle his gang.
B) Don't arrest Ian for now.

baud ERYFKRAD Nevill hello friend Lithium Flower
 

baud

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RPG Wokedex Strap Yourselves In Steve gets a Kidney but I don't even get a tag. Pathfinder: Wrath I helped put crap in Monomyth
If I were to guess where to hide Patricia, it'd be in a bordello on/somewhere close to Boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel. But other than that, it could be in any quiet residential area around Quebec city, from basse ville to Lévis.

I don't think arresting Ian right now is the right call; our job here is to find Patricia, not clean up the sleazy business in the Maritimes. We should have enough dirt to send him to jail at a later date, no? And I don't want to waste time on that while Snodgrass is driving off. (you know, I really though that he was innocent from our last interaction...)
 

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