Not down on any map

https://abload.de/img/15.10.22_23-52-05hnfk9.png

This early the only other person present is a seaman.

A flock of sea gulls scours the boardwalk for scraps. The older gentlemen’s gaze rests on the birds as if trying to recall something important regarding them. But it won’t come back, so he shakes his head and walks on.

https://abload.de/img/15.10.22_23-53-251wcmm.png

The men briefly turn their heads when they pass by the seaman. He obviously is middle aged and looks relaxed. But then again he is ALSO Rika Mack.
And they are… they are… Well, who are say? For a moment his own name escapes Hank Anderson. It takes all the focus he can muster to remember that came here voluntarily. But even so much as reaching out to Rika to remind her at this fact feels impossible. Their feet aren’t externally controlled, but even so the trio is free to walk the path they choose within certain limits only.

Realizing he has come way too close to the sea gulls already, Hank takes a sharp turn left. Flock birds of all kinds, especially pigeons, make the man uncomfortable. At least they did so in Detroit.

So much for free will, Hank muses. Even when he is himself, invisible forces direct his actions to no small degree.

https://abload.de/img/15.10.22_23-54-186sd7l.png

Hank and… whoever that is by his side… approach the Inn. A pot of hot tea would do them much good now.

“Did you see the sign, Fe… Con… Siggy?”

“The one saying “Smoking and Suicide prohibited”? Yeah.”

“I think we should make this Inn the base for our investigations. With the ban in place, there is no risk for me to relapse.”

https://abload.de/img/15.10.22_23-55-48hkij9.png

“Relapse? You mean you quit smoking?”

“What the heck gave you that idea? Of course not!”

“…oh.”

Is there potential for empathy in Sigstein? Does he feel for his companion in the light of what he has just learned about the man’s past?
Siggy cannot tell himself. All he knows is that the realization served to root them both deeply again. He is Sigstein Connor, the Chief of Security of the Magic HQ that orbits Earth about halfway up to the moon. And for good or ill the old geezer next to him is Hank Anderson, former Captain of the Detroit Police (central station). Unfortunately two sources of identity simultaneously whisper to the spellcaster that Hank is his boss.

“I think I need a strong coffee now.”