The team managed to find an empty apartment across the street, from which to keep an eye on the comings and goings from Simon’s apartment building. They had observed him for about a week before they sent Cleo back for another visit. She would return to offer thanks for his prior assistance, and maintain a growing familiarity with him in case they needed to approach him suddenly. She brought flowers with her, as Alester was quite adept at flower arrangement, a hobby he’d developed to keep the place interesting over the years. One which Helen used to enjoy, as they would use it as an excuse to getaway together, in search of the perfect elements. Now Alester had little desire to go looking for flowers, since revisiting old places only reminded him of something he may have lost forever, and the new places simply did not hold the same draw as they had when he was with her.

Cleo had little trouble making her way into Simon’s apartment, he seemed excited to see her. “I brought these to say thanks, plus I had no ideal what to get someone who already seems to have everything they could want,” she said, as she handed him the bouquet. “I hope your not allergic or anything. I didn’t see any the last time I was here.”

“No, not at all. They’re lovely… thank you,” Simon replied. “I was beginning to wonder when I might see you again. You know, most of my friends seem to visit almost daily… or they would if I allowed it.”

“Oh, then we’re friends already?” she asked curious as to his response.

“Of course, isn’t that what you want?” He asked re-assuredly.

“No, that’s… wonderful. I’m just surprised that you’re so… welcoming,” she replied cautiously, before finding her footing. “Considering you have all this stuff, but you don’t seem like you entertain very often. I mean, I’d imagine someone with so many creature comforts might want to put them to use as often as possible. I mean its like a ‘Better Living With Friends & Neighbors’ catalog in here,” she continued. Observing Simon’s quizzical expression at the mention of the catalog, she explained that it was a store that specialized in the most amazing gadgets and new age appliances available… guaranteed to improve your life and impress your friends and neighbors.

“I’ll have to look into to that sometime,” Simon said, his interest clearly peeked. “But no, I have regular visits, but I try to avoid large gatherings. I prefer intimate gatherings, when I do chose to entertain. Like this one. Oh, by the way, I did come into a rather fantastic coffee machine recently. Would you like some? I can make just about anything you’d like with it.” Simon said with a cheerful smile, obviously eager to impress her with his ability to produce whatever she might have in mind.

“Double Chocolate Iced Espresso, please,” she figured he would take the challenge, and this would keep him busy for a minute while she took another look around.

“Coming right up, just make yourself at home,” he said as he head to the other room. “Do you like music?” he yelled back from the kitchen.

“Sure,” Cleo replied, “how bout some jazz?” As she imagined this might keep the mood light, kind of give it a coffee house feel. Then suddenly she could hear jazz playing on some sort of whole home speaker system. This time she peeked into a few drawers, searched the books on the narrow book shelf. But nothing.

They had watched people coming in and out of the building all week, Simon’s friends perhaps. as often as not, they would be carrying packages of some sort with them. By the looks of it, gifts for Simon. Some large, some small. Cleo could see at least a few new additions to Simon’s growing collection of luxuries. Yet, they had not seen Simon leave the apartment once. Simon returned with the coffee just in time to answer a knock at the door.

“Just a moment, please. This wont take long, its just one of my neighbors,” he said, before ever reaching the door. When he returned he had a bag full of groceries. He had explained that he was already entertaining, and asked them to come back later for coffee. Then he took the bag to the kitchen and returned to sit with Cleo. “How is it?”

“It’s good, thank you,” She replied. But I really do have to get going after this. I have an appointment to keep today.

“Of course, maybe you could stay a little longer next time.” Simon said, almost as if he was insisting. They talked a bit longer as Cleo drank her coffee, and inquired about his many possessions. She tried to inquire as to their origins, in the most natural way possible. Simon mostly responded that they were gifts and he had never thought to ask. So Cleo mentioned what generous friends he must have, and tried to get him to talk about the circumstances behind such friendships. But Simon offered little substantial info in return.

Cleo headed down the block and around the corner, in case he was watching her departure. However, on her way she discovered a mysterious van, which was clearly occupied. She stared at the driver, and he started up the van and took off. She came to the door they had marked for her exit, and returned to the others. She reported the events of her encounter, both of them. and latter that evening they noticed another van pull up down the street. No one got out, they just sat there watching. This was probably bad news for Simon. After talking with the rest of the team, they decided it was time to act. They had to confront Simon, to find out what kind of person he really was, and decide what to do with him.