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<<nobr>>
<p>The turnout was sparse at Captain Russell McCabe's burial ceremony, and Jake found himself wondering if, when the day came, his own would draw a sizable crowd. //Not likely//, he thought, based on his current state of affairs.</p>
<p>Jake Butcher was still relatively young, for a thief of his experience. Not quite thirty yet, and he'd assembled quite the resume. Unfortunately, his most recent undertaking would not be making the list. In fact, it was the reason he found himself in a new town. His partner, Carmine, had planned that one. Poorly. Now he was dead, and Jake was doing the fade out.</p>
<p>He'd needed to disappear quickly, and fortunately for him, Jake was an ordinary looking guy. He blended in, especially in New Jersey. Just under six feet, with an average build. An olive complexion, dark, slicked hair, and a decent sense of style, but not over the top like some of his associates. His only 'disguise', was that he'd trimmed his beard into just a thin mustache.</p>
<p>Jake had found his way to Shady Crest Cemetary in Manahawkin after coming across an obituary for long-time resident, McCabe. Some of Jake's most successful scores had been as a result of browsing the local obituaries. Usually, he could determine the person's wealth, status in the community, and, most importantly, get a good idea of whether they lived alone.</p>
<p>In this case, it was mentioned that the recently deceased owner of a charter boat business was an avid 'collector', which either meant he was a hoarder, or that he'd have plenty of worthwile valuables at his estate. A little digging revealed that in his later years, he'd earned himself a reputation as a 'mean drunk', and had pretty much ostracized himself from the local residents. He had no immediate family either living with him, or nearby, as far as Jake could tell, so he decided to make a brief appearance.</p>
<p>Across from where Jake stood, a puckered old woman was badgering the pastor, and, //just his luck//, he had caught her eye. She turned not only her regard, but grating voice to Jake as she approached. Padre appeared relieved at this. The smell of cheap hand lotion and vinegar made him wince as she put her hand on his.</p>
<p>"Hello, young man." she squawked, and handed him a memorial card.</p>
<p>Jake examined the card. It featured some text that read, "In the storms, winds, and waves, he whispers, 'fear not, I am with you.' A white-bearded visage stared, menacingly at Jake from the card. It appeared that either an angry, or constipated God took this man's life.</p>
<p>"And how did you know Mr. McCabe?" The woman asked.</p>
<p>"Oh, uh... he used to take me fishing when I was a kid," he lied. "It's been years, but I thought I'd pay my respects."</p>
<p>Jake flipped the card and saw what he was looking for. An address. //The late Mr. Russell McCabe of 288 Ruby Drive, Ship Bottom, NJ//. He'd visit tonight.</p>
<p>"How nice... Mister, um..." she hesitated, waiting for Jake to introduce himself.</p>
<p>Jake told the woman his name was "Matt Gumina" from Surf City. It was the name of one of his childhood friends that he'd poked dead jellyfish with at the beach down here back in the day. Long passed, now. Overdose in '99.</p>
<p>"Most of the neighborhood kids were frightened of Russell, and his big spooky house, but he was a good man." She wiped away a nonexistent tear, and scuttled back to the preacher to continue where she'd left off.</p>
<p>Jake took a few steps back, amongst a small stand of maples, wanting to avoid more attention. He'd already gotten what he came for, but thought it'd be too suspicious to just up and disappear.</p>
<p>He glanced around at the attendees. Most looked like they were on death's door themselves, which made the one, breathtaking young woman stand out to him even more so.</p>
<p>She was a dark and graceful beauty. Standing a short distance away, conversing with another funeral-goer, Jake noticed as each subtle movement, her tight, black dress gently accentuated every curve of her flawless figure. Her blue-gray eyes seemed to call out to him, even though they weren't looking his way.</p>
<p>His attention focused on her, he barely noticed the prodigious, cigar-chewing man approaching, before it was too late.</p>
<p>"Thank you for attending!" the man boomed.</p>
<p>Jake quickly checked his surroundings, but the man was clearly [[speaking to him. |Mr. Vandercook]].</p>
<<endnobr>>
<<nobr>>
<p>He introduced himself as "Mr. Vandercook", with a meaty handshake and a smirk. He was an exceptionally large man, and the custom Brioni suit also spoke to his weath. Jake stuck with the pseudonym for his introduction.</p>
<p>"Matt. Matt Gumina."</p>
<p>Vandercook said, "Russell McCabe was a wealthy man, Matt. He didn't flaunt it, didn't hang around in the same circles as myself, and we weren't quite as close as two coats of paint, but I knew him, and I knew who his friends were."</p>
<p>The big man leaned in close, whispering, "In other words, I'm on to you, my man." His penetrating stare burned into Jake, and a small tremor of panic crept over him.</p>
<p>//It was true. But how could this Vandercook guy really know?// Sure, Jake was new in Manahawkin, and, true, Jake was only here casing out McCabe's estate. Surely the Captain had some obscure acquaintances, such as himself.</p>
<p>"So, that begs the question, Matt..." He took a massive pull of his stogie and blew what appeared to be an endless cloud of wretched smoke in Jake's direction. "What is it you're really here for?"</p>
<p>Jake sensed that his cover was blown. At this point, he could either [[see what the fat man wanted|Admit It][$admit = true]], or [[try and talk his way out of it|Deny It][$admit = false]].</p>
<<endnobr>><<nobr>>
<p>//Is it so obvious?//, Jake thought.</p>
<p>His luck had recently run out. A job went terribly wrong in Jackson and he was on the run. Not only from the law, but from some men of ill repute. He came down the shore to snag some quick cash before heading west. He'd already had some success, with all the absent-minded tourists leaving their summer rentals unlocked while they dozed on the beach.</p>
<p>"I'm not sure what you're getting at... //my man//.", he cracked, "but you've clearly mistaken me for someone else. Old captain Russell taught me everything I know about fishing."</p>
<p>Jake held a stern gaze. He'd been told he had a decent poker face, and he put it to the test.</p>
<p>He watched the man gnaw on his foul cigar, eyeing him up and down.</p>
<p>The demon, currently known as Vandercook, knew this man wasn't going to admit what he already knew for fact. That he didn't, indeed, know Russell McCabe from Adam, and that he planned on pilfering the old man's beachfront estate. A demon can read into any man's true intentions. That's how demonic influence begins. Vandercook got a sense that this particular man was not easily influenced, like the weaker ones. If things didn't go as planned, he'd need to take... other measures.</p>
<p>Thinking he'd poke a bit more, Vandercook spat a chunk of cigar and said, "I take it Russell had you aboard the Arion for your angling lessons?"</p>
<p>"You mean The Speckle, don't you?", Jake replied.</p>
<p>Vandercook held Jake's gaze for a moment, only taking his eyes off of him to flick a massive ash from his stogie. They both watched it float downward, quickly disintegrating in the afternoon air, just like Jake's story would if he stuck around for more questions.</p>
<p>The massive man laughed deeply, and gave Jake a friendly punch in the shoulder.</p>
<p>"Ha!", he coughed. "Worth a shot. Knowing the name of Russell's ship doesn't mean you're not lying, but... at least you did your research. I can respect that, my man."</p>
<p>[[It was time for Jake to make his exit.|Leave Funeral]]</p>
<<endnobr>><<nobr>>
<p>"Vandercook, eh?" Jake nodded, and stepped back, admiring the fat man in the fancy suit. He'd heard that name before, but didn't remember exactly where.</p>
<p>"Heh. Don't start sweating just yet, my man." the fat man chuckled. "I'm aware of your work, Jake. You might even say, I'm a fan."</p>
<p>Mr. Vandercook was the founder and CEO of Ocean County Contractors, a facade for his //real// business: a small, but successful crime syndicate. The high-profile jobs he facilitated were quite effective. The semi-legitimate construction business, combined with some grand larceny, fraud, a few elaborate heists, and more, had made him a wealthy man. Although he was, in fact, not a man at all. He was an 800 year old demon.</p>
<p>Being the prominent figure that he was, as well as a very powerful demon, Vandercook was well aware of criminal activity in most of South Jersey. Jake didn't know it, but he'd even had a hand in the job that went awry in Jackson a few weeks back. He'd has his eye on Jake for a while now. The kid was a gifted thief.</p>
<p>Jake gave him a suspicious look. //He knows me?//</p>
<p>"A job such as this, involving a //dear friend//, would be a little too personal, if you know what I mean." Vandercook whispered. "I could use the //assistance// of an... outsider."</p>
<p>Jake was listening... but mostly for the catch. There was always a catch.</p>
<p>Vandercook continued, "As you probably have come to find out, Russell had quite a collection at that stately home of his... full of artifacts he'd accumulated over the years, on his many adventures."</p>
<p>The mountainous man tugged at his belt and made a gruesome wheezing noise. The kind of noise only a man of that size was capable of making. A tucked-in shirt didn't agree with a belly of those dimensions, despite however //custom// the suit was.</p>
<p>Clearing his throat, he said, "There's one item of his, in particular, that I've been wanting to get my hands on for a long, long time."</p>
<p>//More time than you could even begin to comprehend//, the demon mused.</p>
<p>Vandercook paused, visualizing the Calyx. Just the thought of it made his human shell crawl and prespire. McCabe had kept it very secure for a long time, knowing exactly what it meant if the demon were to ever obtain it. The Captain had even set up preventative measures in his home to protect it from, someone of his... distinction. Hence, his inability to simply waltz in, overpower the old man and take the Calyx himself.</p>
<p>"The pay would be... very worthwile, I assure you. How does ten thousand sound?" The big man straightened his spine and lifted his chin a bit, as the number rolled off his tounge.</p>
<p>Jake took a breath.</p>
<p>//Ten grand?//</p>
<p>With that kind of money, he could head straight out west. After things had gone sour up in Jackson, he was on the lam, and his plan had been to pilfer a few vacation rentals down here before making his exit. That wouldn't be necessary if he took this offer.</p>
<p>//This seemed almost too good to be true//.</p>
<p>Jake considered his options. On one hand, [[it was a lot of money, and he'd only be doing what he set out to do, anyway|Accept Job][$job = true]], but on the other hand, [[Jake preferred working alone|Refuse Job][$job = false]].</p>
<<endnobr>><<nobr>>
<p>Jake looked at his watch. "Well, it was nice to meet you mister, uh... Vanderhoof, you said?"</p>
<p>"Cook. Vander-COOK." The man declared, clearly starting to get irritated.</p>
<p>Vandercook's demonic intuition also granted him the ability to detect when a human was lying. It was part of a demon's nature. A pulsing aura would surround the human as it spoke. Colorless and faint, but undeniable, nonetheless. Vandercook saw it now, surrounding the man.</p>
<p>Jake gestured to the crowd. "We're all sorry to see old Russell go. And I expect his beneficiaries, a little less sorry. Am I right?" He figured he'd try and pry for a little more information before taking his leave.</p>
<p>"One of which, I assure you, I am not.", said Vandercook.</p>
<p>The demon saw an opportunity here. Jake was most definitely going to break into the Captain's home, and soon. This was good. Not only would he not have to influence another, but he knew this man was quite good at what he did. Jake would do the work for him, and he'd do it discreetly.</p>
<p>Vandercook gave his minion, Eduardo a simple look that told him all he needed to know.</p>
<p>//Follow this man when he leaves the funeral.//</p>
<p>"I'm sure I'll be seeing you, Jake.", the big man said with a smile.</p>
<<if $admit is false>>
<p>Jake's reality flickered briefly.</p>
<p>//Had he said 'Jake'?//</p>
<p>He hadn't admitted to anything, but it appeared Vandercook knew more than Jake was comfortable with. It was definitely time to go.</p>
<<else>>
<p>He'd better get lost, and quickly. He'd already regretted admitting to anything. Apparently, this guy actually WAS on to him.</p>
<<endif>>
<p>[[Jake quickly turned to leave, before there were more questions.|Bump Barbara]]</p>
<<endnobr>>
<<nobr>>
<p>Jake didn't want any part of this. For all he knew, it was a frame-job, and he'd never get out of Jersey alive. He'd take his chances on his own. Hell, if Vandercook wanted to purchase any of his takings after the job was done, he'd probably be willing to deal with him later.</p>
<p>"That's a generous offer, but, you know, I just wanted to come pay my respects." Jake backtracked. "I'm not sure what you think you know about me, but I'm out of that line of work."</p>
<p>From the sound of things, Vandercook would probably be an easy man to find if he changed his mind. Not likely though. Jake needed to get this done and get out of town.</p>
<p>Also, there was something about Vandercook that just didn't sit right with Jake. Not only did the fat man seem to know too much, but he gave Jake a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach.</p>
<p>[[Jake thought it'd be a good idea to take his leave.|Leave Funeral]]</p>
<<endnobr>><<nobr>>
<p>"Alright, Mr. Vandercook. I'm game." Jake reached out to shake the man's hand. He didn't quite know what he was getting himself into, but if he was good for the dough, and the job went smoothly, he'd be on a bus by tomorrow.</p>
<p>"After the service, stop by my silver Lexus in the parking lot. I'll have Eduardo fill you in on the details.", Vandercook said with, what appeared to be, a twinkle in his eye.</p>
<p>Unlike humans, a demon's capacity for emotion is limited. They can experience the eight basic feelings, but nothing complex, and in turn, can only emulate these via a human carapace, if so occupied. At this particular moment, the demon felt a simple 'joy'.</p>
<p>First, Captain McCabe had finally passed on, and now, the demon had found a fool to do his dirty work for him. Of course, the thief would have to be dispatched after the job was done. He'd arrange for his men to be waiting outside the house later that night.</p>
<p>Jake still hadn't stopped thinking of the money. Not only was he going to get ten grand, but anything that Vandercook didn't claim from the Captain's house was his too.</p>
<p>//This was going to work out perfectly.//</p>
<p>To keep his appearance at the funeral authentic, Jake thought he'd swing by the Captain's casket and [[pay his respects.|Pay Respects][$hag = false]], or maybe he'd get a [[closer look at the Captain's headstone.|Look at Headstone][$hag = true]]</p>
<<endnobr>><<nobr>>
<p>Backing away from Mr. Vandercook, Jake didn't even notice that the alluring woman from earlier had been standing beside him until he turned right into her, clumsily stepping on her foot.</p>
<p>"Oh! Pardon me." Jake said, unconciously laying his hand across the small of her back. He didn't typically do impulsively macho stuff like that, but something about her made him feel slightly... protective.</p>
<p>"Not at all." she said, side-stepping out of his grasp, but with a look that told him she wasn't entirely uncomfortable with it.</p>
<p>Vandercook chuckled. "Barb. This is Jake. He was just leaving."</p>
<p>"I'd noticed." Barbera said slyly. She'd been there for most of the conversation. If this guy had Vandercook's attention, he'd likely someone worth getting to know, and that was something she excelled at.</p>
<p>"Charmed to meet you, Jake. I'm Barbara."</p>
<p>She felt the rush start to surface. The familar one that often followed an interaction such as this. Flirting was a trigger for Bizarrebie, who had been somewhat dormant within her today.</p>
<p>"I was just heading out, myself. Will you walk with me?"</p>
<p>Still feeling a little flustered, Jake thought [[it'd be best if he just left.|The Plan][$barb = false]], but at the same time, [[how could he resist a conversation with this beauty?|Barbara's Story][$barb = true]]</p>
<<endnobr>><<nobr>>
<p>Jake put on his best solemn look as he hovered over the Captain's final resting place. He didn't know how to genuflect, or any of that nonsense, so he just sort of let his arms hang. That would probably do.</p>
<p>//30 seconds//, he thought. That's the right amount of time for a believeable respect paying.</p>
<p>Standing across the open grave, was the young woman he noticed earlier, but she didn't appear to be grieving. In fact, she was staring right at him.</p>
<p>So far, he'd spoken to more folks, and admitted much more than was ideal in regard to his plan. Regardless, he had an overwhelming urge to interact with her. He'd noticed her having a word with Vandercook, so she must be in on the deal somehow too.</p>
<p>Perhaps she'd have some insight about the man who'd just hired him.</p>
<p>Jake rounded the grave, and approached the woman.</p>
<p>"Hi. I'm Jake", he said, deepening his voice a bit.</p>
<p>"Barbara." She spoke softly as she [[looked up and extended her hand.|Meet Barbara]]</p>
<<endnobr>><<nobr>>
<p>The Captain's headstone was pretty run-of-the-mill, save a unique engraving. Roughly the shape of a human head, but without any features except for two deep-cut eyes, surrounded with concentric circles, and what looked like asymmetrical waves of hair emanating upward.</p>
<p>"It's supposedly his most prized possesion." came a sultry voice from just behind him.</p>
<p>"What's that?" Jake turned and asked. It was the beautiful woman from earlier.</p>
<p>"The head of a sea hag." She said, staring at him. "Apparently, he captured and beheaded a witch while at sea, and still keeps the head."</p>
<p>In his formative 'crazy old man' years, Captain McCabe spent great quantities of time at the Old Causeway bar, soaking up rum, and telling tales of his adventures at sea. The most commonly told story was about how he'd encountered an enchantress in South America, and barely escaped with his life. Most just chalked it up to the ramblings of an old kook. When confronted, he refused to reveal the evidence, saying it was too dangerous for the average person to come in contact with the head of the hag.</p>
<p>Jake imagined the scene from that old Clash of the Titans film, where Perseus carries the head of Medusa around in a bloody sack. //Gross//.</p>
<p>"I'm Barbara." said the woman.</p>
<p>Jake couldn't help but want to [[find out more.|Meet Barbara]]</p>
<<endnobr>><<nobr>>
<p>Today, it was Barbara Jacobs that Jake was meeting. It wouldn't be long before he was introduced to the part of her known as Bizarrebie. As she greeted him, she'd felt that familiar impulse coming from deep within her, where Bizarrebie dwelled. That part of her longed to reach out and touch his mind. To search his thoughts. To find his greatest fears, his desires, and use them to manipulate him.</p>
<<if $admit and $job>>
<p>Jake took his time releasing Barbara's hand, saying, "So, this job is legit? What have I gotten myself into?"</p>
<p>Barbara could vouch for Vandercook's offer, having worked with him on several con jobs. Vandercook knew talent when he saw it. Unlike Jake, she hadn't been as eager to work with him. It was her alter-ego that the work had appealed to, and she'd let Bizarrebie get the better of her on more than one occasion.</p>
<p>"Oh yes. Vandercook is the real deal. Very convincing too, wouldn't you say? It didn't take much for you to jump on his offer." Barbara teased.</p>
<p>Jake huffed, "You think ten thousand isn't much? Maybe I should get in on this art gallery game."</p>
<p>Barbara was curious as to what Jake was deep into that he needed the money. Also, why did Vandercook want him in particular? He had a vast network of thieves to choose from. What was so special about Jake? She'd find out more later. Or, perhaps Bizarrebie would.</p>
<p>"I should warn you about working with Vandercook.", she said. "He's good for the money, but he may not be telling you everything."</p>
<<endif>>
<<if $admit and $job is false>>
<p>Jake took his time releasing Barbara's hand, saying, "So, that offer was legit? With the big man?"</p>
<p>Barbara could vouch for Vandercook's offer, having worked with him on several con jobs. Vandercook knew talent when he saw it. It was her alter-ego that the work had appealed to, and she'd let Bizarrebie get the better of her on more than one occasion. Jake clearly possessed more self control than she did, and she admired that.</p>
<p>"Oh yes. Vandercook is the real deal. I'm surprised you didn't go for it, Jake. Was the price too low?" Barbara asked.</p>
<p>"It's not that. I just prefer to work alone."</p>
<p>Vandercook was usually much more tenacious with his 'offers'. He was the type of man that usually got his way. The only other time she'd witnessed the contrary, was when he'd attempted to buy that artifact from Russell McCabe, and apparently he still hadn't given up on obtaining it. He'd find a way, regardless of Jake's preferences. Probably something drastic, knowing Vandercook.</p>
<p>"Vandercook doesn't take 'no' as an answer very readily.", she said. "I'd watch your back, if I were you." She'd already decided that she'd be watching him, but he seemed like the type that wouldn't respond well to knowing that.</p>
<p>Of course, there was much more to the story, but she kept that part of it to herself. Let it play out, and let Vandercook reveal himself for who he really was. Either way, she knew that she'd have to keep a close eye on both of them.</p>
<<endif>>
<<if $admit is false>>
<p>"Excuse me, fellas." Barbara said, waving Vandercook's cronies away, as they attempted to follow along.</p>
<p>"I can tell by your look, you think I'm with Vandercook, but it's not like that." she said. "I work with him sometimes."</p>
<p>Barbara had participated a few con jobs with Vandercook, and she'd even paid a visit the Captain with him on more than one occasion. She'd determined that Vandercook was after something called a Calyx, and if it was what she thought it was, that would confirm her suspicions about him.</p>
<p>She continued, "I own a gallery nearby in Beach Haven, and Vandercook is a collector."</p>
<p>"Amongst other things, I can imagine.", said Jake. "The guy seems like trouble to me."</p>
<p>The Calyx was definitely not a piece of fine art for collecting. It served some other purpose altogether, and Barbara intended to find out what that was. Vandercook had attempted to purchase the item from McCabe a number of times, but the old man refused to sell, and Barbara had a feeling as to why that was.</p>
<p>As much as he wanted to get to know Barbara, Jake was still a bit flustered over his interaction with Vandercook, and the urge to be on his way crept back.</p>
<p>"I really should get going...", Jake said. "Maybe we could...um..."</p>
<p>Barbara sensed, just as well as Vandercook did, what Jake was up to. She also knew he'd already succumbed to Bizarrebie's //charm//. That's what she was calling it these days. Men would do just about anything for her. They wanted to protect her, make her safe. To their own ends, in most cases.</p>
<<endif>>
<p>Barbara handed Jake a business card.</p>
<p>"I'd love it if you would stop by the gallery sometime, Jake." She said as she turned to go.</p>
<p>Jake didn't even wonder why his feet were still glued in place, minutes after she'd walked away. He hadn't felt this way since high school.</p>
<p>[[Jake snapped out of it, and started to think about tonight's plan.|The Plan]]</p>
<<endnobr>><<nobr>>
<p>Jake immediately blurted out, "I just made a deal with that Vandercook guy to break into the Captain's home.", and was more shocked to hear the words coming out of his mouth than she appeared to be in hearing them.</p>
<p>//What just happened?//, Jake wondered.</p>
<p>His story was solid, and practiced. He'd intended to lie to her, just like the old woman, but he'd suddenly become overwhelmed with a feeling of comfort, and complacency, and had opted for complete candor at the last second. It was only a small, distant part of his mind that had resisted this feeling, and even marveled at why, but within a few seconds, any doubt that he'd done the right thing disappeared altogther.</p>
<p>"Didn't expect to pick up a job, coming here, did you?" she asked Jake.</p>
<p>"You could say that, yeah." Jake answered. As her eyes met his, part of him wanted to go on, to tell her more, but he resisted, and it was difficult.</p>
<p>Barbara did not know the Captain well, but she was aware of his collection. She had determined that he and Vandercook had a relationship, but whether it was based in animosity or just simple rivalry, she had not yet settled on.</p>
<p>Vandercook had taken her there once. To his old house near the beach. It was large, but dilapidated, and for a rich fellow, he didn't appear to spend any money on upkeep or a cleaning service or the like. She had simply marked that in the 'crazy old man' column.</p>
<p>The house was filled with all kinds of curious things. Things he'd said he'd collected over the years on his 'voyages'. Much of it looked like phony treasures, the kind you'd see in on a movie set. Vandercook wanted something in there, and he was pushy with the Captain about it. That she knew.</p>
<p>She'd done a little eavesdropping in attempt to find out what it was. Something he called the "Calyx". She'd done some research at the local library. It was a type of chalice, crafted from the flesh of an animal. According to what she'd found, it had ostensibly been something that shaman used in rituals, across various cultures. One particular anectode mentioned that drinking from it granted protection to supernatural beings.</p>
<p>She'd been curious about Vandercook. He reacted differently when she used her abilities on him. He wasn't immune, but she'd found that he resisted more easily than most.</p>
<p>"So, uh. What do you do, Barbara?" Jake broke the silence, making Barbara realize she'd been zoning out.</p>
<p>"Oh... my apologies. I'm a little out of it today." She replied.</p>
<p>"Well, Jake. I happen to manage an art gallery in town. Are you an art lover?"</p>
<p>Jake wasn't, but at this moment, he thought maybe he could be. He'd be whatever it took to [[get to know Barbara.|Barbara's Story][$barb = true]]</p>
<<endnobr>><<nobr>>
<<if $admit and $job and $hag>>
<p>It wasn't clear what this 'special something' Vandercook was after, but it must be pretty valuable. Which meant there'd be more worthwile items for the taking. He'd preferred to stick with cash, jewelry, and that were easy to flip, but his curiosity was getting the better of him when it came to the potential of this job. If the job was indeed legit, he'd really only need to find Vandercook's item.</p>
<p>The image from McCabe's headstone flashed into Jake's head. He'd never seen a decapitated head, and tried to imagine what it looked like. How would one even go about keeping something like that? In a glass jar of formaldehyde? He recalled Barbara's story, and pictured drunken old Russell McCabe spouting off about his treasure, and snickered to himself.</p>
<p>//Crazy old coot.//</p>
<p>He'd learned a lot coming to this funeral. They weren't exactly the things he'd been looking for, and some were more disturbing than others. He'd have to adjust his plan accordingly. Not only would he need to know what he was looking for, but what to look out for.</p>
<p>Jake headed for the parking lot to meet Eduardo and get the details. Hopefully, this would all go down quickly so he could get out of town. As he walked down the cemetary pathway, he turned to catch another quick glimpse of Barbara. It appeared she hadn't stopped watching him. She waved, and his heart beat a little faster.</p>
<p>//Well, maybe it didn't have to go down too quickly.//</p>
<<endif>>
<<if $admit and $job and $hag is false>>
<p>It wasn't clear what this 'special something' Vandercook was after, but it must be pretty valuable. Which meant there'd be more worthwile items for the taking. He'd preferred to stick with cash, jewelry, and that were easy to flip, but his curiosity was getting the better of him when it came to the potential of this job. If the job was indeed legit, he'd really only need to find Vandercook's item.</p>
<p>Barbara hadn't mentioned much about her relationship with Vandercook, or the Captain, for that matter. Did she work for him? Were they just mutual acquaintances of the Captain's? It seemed like she may be involved in all this somehow, but to what extent? Perhaps he'd need to stop by the gallery after all.</p>
<p>Jake headed for the parking lot to meet Eduardo and get the details. Hopefully, this would all go down quickly so he could get out of town. As he walked down the cemetary pathway, he turned to catch another quick glimpse of Barbara. It appeared she hadn't stopped watching him. She waved, and his heart beat a little faster.</p>
<p>//Well, maybe it didn't have to go down too quickly.//</p>
<<endif>>
<<if $admit and $job is false and $barb is false>>
<p>"I've really got to get going." Jake lied. As much as he wanted to talk with the woman, something told him he'd probably regret it. He'd already said too much.</p>
<p>The big man creeped him out, and Jake was glad he'd walked away. He could swear he'd heard that name, 'Vandercook' somewhere before. He wondered if maybe it was Carmine that had mentioned it before the Jackson heist? If the guy was on to him, then he should expect a tail. He'd have to be on his toes if he was still going to go through with this.</p>
<p>Jake may have almost outed himself here today, but that wasn't going to stop him from doing what he did best. This was going to be a good score. Perhaps the only one left he needed to get on the road. This slightly alarming interaction just solidified his plan. It would happen tonight.</p>
<p>While walking away, Jake impulsively glanced back, if only just to catch another glimpse of the woman. She hadn't moved, and was watching him. She smiled. He looked around awkwardly, attempting to disguise his whim.</p>
<p>As beautiful as she was, and as much as he'd wanted it, it chilled him that her look gave him the eerie feeling that he'd be seeing her again, and likely, soon.</p>
<<endif>>
<<if $admit and $job is false and $barb>>
<p>The big man creeped him out, and Jake was glad he'd walked away. He could swear he'd heard that name, 'Vandercook' somewhere before. He wondered if maybe it was Carmine that had mentioned it before the Jackson heist? If the guy was on to him, then he should expect a tail. He'd have to be on his toes if he was still going to go through with this.</p>
<p>Despite the bad feeling he'd gotten from Vandercook, he was still going to get into that house, and he knew it was going to be a good score. Perhaps the only one left he needed to get on the road. This slightly alarming interaction only solidified his plan. It would happen tonight.</p>
<p>As he left, he thumbed the business card, and his thoughts went to Barbara.</p>
<p>//Could she be trusted?//, he wondered. He'd felt like he could, just a minute ago while speaking with her, but that feeling had begun to fade. His desire had not. Regardless of how she was involved, or what she knew, he needed to see more of her.</p>
<<endif>>
<<if $admit is false and $barb>>
<p>Jake's plan was still on. He was going to hit the Captain's house that night. Now, he knew where he was heading, and his instincts had been right about the potential score.</p>
<p>As he left, he thumbed the business card, and his thoughts went to Barbara. It was more than simple intrigue. He hoped he'd encounter her again. Maybe he'd pay her a visit at the gallery before he left town.</p>
<p>//Maybe?//</p>
<p>Jake knew that he would.</p>
<<endif>>
<<if $admit is false and $barb is false>>
<p>Jake found his way to the pathway and walked with his head down, before anyone else could grab his attention. Too many close calls, and too many questions. He'd anticipated this, but not to the extend of which it had gone down. This Vandercook guy was on to him, but what did that mean?</p>
<p>The plan was still on. He was going to hit the Captain's house, but now Jake wasn't so clear on when. Should he let this little incident blow over? Maybe Vandercook would forget about him.</p>
<p>He resisted the urge to glance back at the woman.</p>
<p>//Keep your head down. Keep going, Jake.//</p>
<<endif>>
<<endnobr>>