LIKE LIGHTNING .

the salesman.

[jimmymcnichol]

vikazielinski‌:

His words seemed more like a challenge to Vika; dangerous he had said and that caused her to smile more, a somewhat wicked gleam to the way her lips curved into it. If he believed her words to be an indication of the trouble she could cause, then he was in for a shock if, and when, he ever saw her in action. “Now, that’s more of my speed.” she told him, giving him a sharp nod. “No need to play safe, sir, not when we know what we want here.”

She listened to his explanations, nodding along to show that she was doing just so – still unable to shake the years of teachings within her, she had her mother and Madame Oksana to thank for that –, though she didn’t necessarily need them. She had found herself exploring certain ventures in her antics and although it would have been nice to upstage him, she opted to let him feel like he had the expertise over her.

“Naturally,” she stated, “I’m inclined to ask for your normal price, but I’m sure a man of your career knows exactly the right price to ask for. Instead, I’m willing to make you an offer; think of it as an exchanging of services.” 

Elbows on the table, she clasped her hands in front of her, that wicked gleam still shining within her. “I can offer you a small fraction of the normal price, as I appreciate your work, and as for the rest of the payment, I am very willing to show you how to have a good night, the right kind of a good night, mind you.”

"I’ll keep that in mind. I aim to please, Miss.” He enjoyed the banter, and thought that perhaps she did too. To him, this was much more interesting than his usual sales, there was a bit of play to it. He watched as she nodded along, wondering where her mind was. It was a good distraction for him, throwing himself fully into people and allowing himself to not think about the current events spiraling around them.

If he had known, he would have been thankful for her not embarrassing him, even if he wouldn’t admit it. Jimmy always liked to feel like he had knowledge, some arcane secrets in his back pockets, that no one else did. That he was the magic stepping into their life to help them. If it could have been anyone else, or no one at all, than what was he worth?

 “Do you mind if I’m blunt with you? I feel like we should be honest with each other. And if I’m being honest, I don’t particularly like the implication that it’s an exchange. Why don’t I give you these at half price, since we’re friends, and I always give the best prices to my friends. And then, if my friend wishes to spend time with me tonight because , well I would be honored.”

“10 shillings for the whole thing, no matter what choice you make later.”

[jimmymcnichol]

“What are you doing?” He knew he wasn’t supposed to be out of his compartment either. 

      @ofdresses​

[jimmymcnichol]

dorothykipper‌:

“Oh! Oh, I thought it would be far more expensive. I’d pay a high price for a restful sleep so one euro is certainly a bargain. I’d be happy to make the exchange,” she remarked, pulling the bill our of her purse, and handing it over with a soft smile, “It’ll be worth it I’m sure. It’s best I look for a new job with my head on my shoulders.” 

"No, not at all. I’m a reasonable man and we’ve already had enough trouble on both of our hands. I truly do hope it helps, Miss Kipper.” He hands over a small glass vial with a dropper stop, his hand lingering -- waiting for the exchange. “Oh I’m certain it wouldn’t matter if you showed up without a week of sleep, anyone could tell you’re a lovely woman with a good head. However, it is always best to give ourselves every advantage we can.”

[jimmymcnichol]

dorothykipper‌:

“Oh, I imagine you miss it though, don’t you? Wish you were there when you are here? And wish you were here when you are there?” she said, trying not to pry too deep in case his home life was a sensitive subject, her eyes drifted away from him and danced about the room. “Unless, of course, the killer was not after Charles in particular. And is merely going to pick us off one by one.”

"I don’t think I had a home in the same way you did, Miss, if you don’t mind my frankness. Not much to miss but a building. I quite prefer getting to see a little bit of everything,” he replied, unbothered and giving a slight nod. “In my experience, evil like that doesn’t truly exist. Everyone likes to think they’re important, that they’re a hero, and that stops us from being truly awful.” 

The idea that everyone wanted to be important was one he knew well, it was how he made his living. If she asked, he would say that he thought perhaps he could understand the adjustment in morality that needed to be made to commit such an act a single time. More than once and for no reason? Surely not. Jimmy prided himself on knowing people, and that was a narrative that didn’t make sense. 

[jimmymcnichol]

orientgoverness‌:

Evelyn looked up from where she had been running her finger around the rim of her cup and she put on a forced smile, “I suppose it is, though I’d rather be reading it in the comfort of my room not living it.”

"Aye, I think we’d all prefer that,” he said, returning her smile. “Just a thought. The killer doesn’t usually get too far in those, so here’s to hoping.”

[jimmymcnichol]

ofdresses‌:

Eleanor attempts to eat her meal slowly, as if even this horrific train ride is not one of the best meals she’s had all month. After finishing her bite, she glances up and offers a soft shrug. “ We don’t know that for certain, do we ? I heard there’s a chance it could have been an accident… ”

"Who told you that?” he asked, tilting his head to look at the other. “It’s an interesting theory, but I’m not sure I believe it.”

[jimmymcnichol]

thebvtler‌:

“i hadn’t thought of it that way, but i s’ppose it does,” ernest acknowledged, tilting his head ever so lightly. what a crude way to put it, he thought. but then again, when was murder not crude? “what have you got there?” the man furrowed, gesturing at the cards. 

"I’m trying not to, but my mind isn’t exactly cooperative. my imagination tends to get the best of me.” He fanned out the cards as answer to the other’s question. “Do you play anything?”

[jimmymcnichol]

“Dinner with a killer, sounds like a dime novel doesn’t it?” He sits there, barely looking up, nervously thumbing through a pack of playing cards. 

[dorothykipper]

@jimmymcnichol​

“Okay, okay… I have three euros. How much lavender oil can I get for that?”

[jimmymcnichol]

"Three bottles, but I hardly think you’ll need that much. It’s a dropper and should last you quite a while; one should be quite sufficient. Besides, I can’t bring myself to take your last three euros.”

[jimmymcnichol]

dorothykipper‌:

“I hope so. Funny thing about going home is that I simultaneously wish that everything and nothing will be the same. Do you know what I mean?” she inquired, and then suddenly felt silly and looked away. How could he possibly understand what she meant? “I’m sure you’ll get plenty of buyers in Paris. I hear it’s full of decadence and needless spending.” 

“Yes, yes,” she concurred quickly and quietly, “Best to leave that sort of thing to the authorities. As anxious as I am to see this all resolved and I know these next few days will drive me absolutely mad, all will be well. We just have to wait it out. Unless of course…”

"I don’t go home often, Miss Kipper, so I can’t say that I do. Occupational hazard, I’m afraid,” he gave a small shrug. “Well, I sure hope so. We all have our struggles and I’m a bit short on coin myself.” There was a soft pause. “Unless? Sounds like you have a theory.”

[jimmymcnichol]

dorothykipper‌:

She shrugged, her shoulders pressing up near her ears so tight that it jostled her brunette curls. “Paris is full of …connections. It is a center, like the middle of a spiderweb and from there different paths expand. I’m going there to find a way to somewhere else. To get home, really. But that’ll take scrapping together a few more coins to make it all the way. What draws you there?” 

“Whoever it was, I don’t know what they were doing in the women’s car. Although I do think I heard the car door open and close at least once. They may have been passing through, or leaving to go to another car. I don’t like to think what that might mean,” she breathed, “Drawing conclusions feels rather hasty.”

"Well home is always nice. I hope the spiderweb gets you there quickly and safely,” he smiles, imparting his own blessing on her, free of charge. He gave a similar shrug, but much smaller than hers, simply a hitch of his shoulders. “Salesman has to travel. Paris is just the next place.”

“Interesting..” he said, trailing off, thinking about the implications. “But yes, I suppose you’re right. We really don’t know all that much at the moment, even though it feels like we do. I’m sure Paris will bring answers as well.”

[jimmymcnichol]

vikazielinski‌:

Vika barely hid the excitement that grew in her eyes, like the ancient oil lamp her old ballet tutor insisted on using. His collection of items was very much reminiscent of the items she had seen in the many markets she had visited before, and although all of this new age stuff might not have been what everyone wanted, Vika was a new age girl. At least, she was in her heart.

“Teas are not really my thing, I always prefer my liquid with a bit of a kick –” She winked at him, her mouth quirking up on one side in what was a generous hint to what she liked to drink. “However, the oils and the tablets, they seem helpful.”

She leaned forward, hands clasping in front of her. “You have me interest. Though, I believe I left my purse back in my room, but I’m sure a man like yourself would be up for a little haggle.”

He couldn’t help but smile when he saw the look in the other’s eyes. That was a look of hope and the look of a profit, and he enjoyed both so much. “That’s dangerous, young lady, but I like your styles.I have a few tinctures if that’s more you’re looking for.” A paused, his smile broadening; still a child at heart, he always enjoyed a game.

“The oils you can rub on your temples, or just take a few whiffs of. It does the trick quite well. I’m sure you’d know what to do with the tablets, you seem like a smart girl and they’re not hard to figure out. Now, if we’re talking haggling, well I’m a gentleman, you know, ladies first and all... What is it you’re offering?” 

[jimmymcnichol]

dorothykipper‌:

Dotty’s lips parted and eyelashes fluttered in a sudden moment of embarrassment. She was taken aback suddenly, realizing that his words were a sales pitch and not a genuine token of wisdom. “No…no I’m afraid I don’t,” her cheeks filled with color, “Spent my last cent on this train ticket.” 

She could not help her fidgeting the conversation had taken a rather unpleasant turn quickly, “Must have been. The knives didn’t enter his back of his own accord, I don’t think.” 

It was, however, genuine. His sales pitches always were. He might be trying to make a pound, but in his mind he wasn’t doing so dishonestly. He truly believed that the oil might help the woman sleep. “Don’t look so worried Miss Kipper. Though I do have a question for you: what’s in Paris that was worth your last cent? I’m a collector of valuables and it must be something great.” 

He couldn’t help himself could he? He give her a wild smile of curiosity. It must be something hopeful in Paris, and maybe thinking of that might help her sleep. 

“Of course. I didn’t mean to imply otherwise, but hearing it... I’m sorry that you believe that’s the case. I wouldn’t be able to sleep either.”

[jimmymcnichol]

joseyward‌:

“You sell magic tricks, too?” She laughed aloud, unable to help herself. “Where does one purchase a thing like that, to begin with? For authenticity sake, of course.” She swirled the liquid in her glass without care. “Well, Mr. McNichol, I’m not too worried about the long term right now.” 

“Oh, I’m quite good at magic tricks, if that’s what you’re in the market for. Things with playing cards, things with matches, things with coins, but that’s not what we’re discussing at the moment, I assure you. No, we’re talking about a necklace with history surrounding it. I like to believe in people, believe in stories they tell me, Miss Ward, but I am a bit more discerning with what I invest my money into. We can all listen to stories for hours, but where we put our money, that’s what means something. ”

[jimmymcnichol]

dorothykipper‌:

dotty reacted quickly to his words, pulling the small, mostly-full notebook out of her purse and jotting down his suggestions with her dull pencil, “anything to make the nights less restless would be very appreciated. i usually consider myself a heavy sleeper, but last night…maybe i was hearing someone sneaking around last night.”

"I have a few vials of it back in my compartment. If you have a spare dollar, I’d be happy to trade you. It really does wonders, a few drops on your pillow before bed, always knocks me out. Best sleep I’ve ever gotten really.” His tone shifted when he heard her follow up though, tilting his head, “Do you really think so?” 

[jimmymcnichol]

joseyward‌:

She didn’t bother to hide her disappointed pout. “Oils and teas?” She shook her head, raising her glass to indicate the liquor inside it, “I think this is going to work much better than that.” She took another drink and smiled once more to prove her point. “Feeling better already.” She set the glass down again and gave Jimmy a once over for good measure. “I see no harm in an honest living, if it suits you. Do you consider yourself an honest man?” 

"I have a necklace that protects to the wearer if you’re looking for something more of that nature,” his words leave his lips as sincere, a genuine offer. “Alcohol has actually been known to increase anxiety in the long term.” He looks directly at the other, nodding slightly, “Nothing less than.” 

[jimmymcnichol]

joseyward‌:

She might have admired him if the situation were different. “Peddling your wares at a time like this?” She cocked her head to the side and tsked lightly. “If I were a better woman…” She took another swig from her glass before refilling it and adding some of the liquid to another for the salesman. 

“What have you got?” 

"Bit of a habit. I mean no disrespect to the dead, of course, but we all have our ways of coping.” A quick pause, his brow furrowing like something had just occurred to him. “He was a debt collector, no? I’m sure he would respect a man trying to make an honest living.” Jimmy gives a small shrug, before taking a sip of the drink placed before him. “If you’re interested I’ve got a few oils and a few teas that might be able to help.”