𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐄.
@restlessnights.bsky.social
Everything is simple, if you arrange the facts methodically. | MysteryRP; MVRP | MDNI | MATURE themes.
Does the name Peter Saunders mean anything to you? Aged 33, 180cm tall, blonde, well-off, had a bit of a lisp? I've got a picture of him on me, somewhere."
January 3, 2026 at 12:35 AM
Does the name Peter Saunders mean anything to you? Aged 33, 180cm tall, blonde, well-off, had a bit of a lisp? I've got a picture of him on me, somewhere."
it's no concern of *mine* who is or is not a homosexual. Actually, in my experience, the ones who cry 'queer!' loudest are usually the most flagrant behind closed doors. I'm here on a case, and that's all. Since you're so insistent on getting involved, perhaps you might help.
January 3, 2026 at 12:35 AM
it's no concern of *mine* who is or is not a homosexual. Actually, in my experience, the ones who cry 'queer!' loudest are usually the most flagrant behind closed doors. I'm here on a case, and that's all. Since you're so insistent on getting involved, perhaps you might help.
Rathore closed his notebook and took a small business card out of his breast pocket as Samson spoke, letting the man finish with a face of impatience. "I'm a Detective. A Private Detective, as it happens," he said, tossing his card across the surface.
"I've already told you, *Samson*,
"I've already told you, *Samson*,
January 3, 2026 at 12:35 AM
Rathore closed his notebook and took a small business card out of his breast pocket as Samson spoke, letting the man finish with a face of impatience. "I'm a Detective. A Private Detective, as it happens," he said, tossing his card across the surface.
"I've already told you, *Samson*,
"I've already told you, *Samson*,
take notes on the bar.
January 2, 2026 at 10:27 PM
take notes on the bar.
(with all the loaded implications of the erm) made you dizzy. Sketches of private lives. Wasn't that the whole job?
Rathore observed and gave little response, finishing his drink and leaving it next to his hat on the bar. After a while he took out a notepad and pen from his jacket and began to
Rathore observed and gave little response, finishing his drink and leaving it next to his hat on the bar. After a while he took out a notepad and pen from his jacket and began to
January 2, 2026 at 10:27 PM
(with all the loaded implications of the erm) made you dizzy. Sketches of private lives. Wasn't that the whole job?
Rathore observed and gave little response, finishing his drink and leaving it next to his hat on the bar. After a while he took out a notepad and pen from his jacket and began to
Rathore observed and gave little response, finishing his drink and leaving it next to his hat on the bar. After a while he took out a notepad and pen from his jacket and began to
They were deers caught in the terrible and damning limelight of love, all of them, even the old ones, who had seen it all. The Carousel was a fitting name; everyone was coming and going, their highs and lows on show for all the world to see, and you were following them. And getting off
January 2, 2026 at 10:27 PM
They were deers caught in the terrible and damning limelight of love, all of them, even the old ones, who had seen it all. The Carousel was a fitting name; everyone was coming and going, their highs and lows on show for all the world to see, and you were following them. And getting off
When Sam was gone Rathore turned sideways to look at the men going about the Carousel, passing in and out of tables, leaning in and sharing words or guarded affections, hands lingering on shoulders, hot breath in ears, eyes catching each other, smiles caught and bagged.
January 2, 2026 at 10:27 PM
When Sam was gone Rathore turned sideways to look at the men going about the Carousel, passing in and out of tables, leaning in and sharing words or guarded affections, hands lingering on shoulders, hot breath in ears, eyes catching each other, smiles caught and bagged.
you know. Give the pianist a break, get something else in here. Perhaps, even, something people born this century might recognise. Or has the Jazz Age somehow managed to pass over this particular funfair?"
He stubbed out his cigarette. "I believe your services are needed over there, 'Samson'."
He stubbed out his cigarette. "I believe your services are needed over there, 'Samson'."
January 2, 2026 at 8:23 PM
you know. Give the pianist a break, get something else in here. Perhaps, even, something people born this century might recognise. Or has the Jazz Age somehow managed to pass over this particular funfair?"
He stubbed out his cigarette. "I believe your services are needed over there, 'Samson'."
He stubbed out his cigarette. "I believe your services are needed over there, 'Samson'."
Rathore wasn't impressed, to put it lightly. He took some loose change out of his pockets and handed it over to Sam. "Relax, I've got nothing against you. The music's terrible, that's all. And you could do with more ash trays, while you're at it.
There's nothing wrong with a bit of *class*,
There's nothing wrong with a bit of *class*,
January 2, 2026 at 8:23 PM
Rathore wasn't impressed, to put it lightly. He took some loose change out of his pockets and handed it over to Sam. "Relax, I've got nothing against you. The music's terrible, that's all. And you could do with more ash trays, while you're at it.
There's nothing wrong with a bit of *class*,
There's nothing wrong with a bit of *class*,
'No, you haven't. It's not my crowd,' the man said simply.
He leaned forward, then, eyes matching Sam's with a squint, lips curled into a smirk. 'Have you worked here long? I suppose in a place like this you must see an awful lot. And pay close attention, too, to notice a new face.'
He leaned forward, then, eyes matching Sam's with a squint, lips curled into a smirk. 'Have you worked here long? I suppose in a place like this you must see an awful lot. And pay close attention, too, to notice a new face.'
January 2, 2026 at 4:21 PM
'No, you haven't. It's not my crowd,' the man said simply.
He leaned forward, then, eyes matching Sam's with a squint, lips curled into a smirk. 'Have you worked here long? I suppose in a place like this you must see an awful lot. And pay close attention, too, to notice a new face.'
He leaned forward, then, eyes matching Sam's with a squint, lips curled into a smirk. 'Have you worked here long? I suppose in a place like this you must see an awful lot. And pay close attention, too, to notice a new face.'
curls, a fleur-de-lys on one side, the letters 'ℝ.ℝ.' on the other.
He took out one of the thin white tubes (Egyptian, imported), tapping it against its container, running it under his nose. To smoke a cigarette is a certain ritual, is a certain art . . .
He lit up and took a long drag.
He took out one of the thin white tubes (Egyptian, imported), tapping it against its container, running it under his nose. To smoke a cigarette is a certain ritual, is a certain art . . .
He lit up and took a long drag.
December 30, 2025 at 12:22 PM
curls, a fleur-de-lys on one side, the letters 'ℝ.ℝ.' on the other.
He took out one of the thin white tubes (Egyptian, imported), tapping it against its container, running it under his nose. To smoke a cigarette is a certain ritual, is a certain art . . .
He lit up and took a long drag.
He took out one of the thin white tubes (Egyptian, imported), tapping it against its container, running it under his nose. To smoke a cigarette is a certain ritual, is a certain art . . .
He lit up and took a long drag.
"The H--" Rathore paused.
" . . . Actually, *no*. I'll try your 'cheap stuff'. A bar's only as good as its bottom shelves, wouldn't you agree?"
He took out his cigarette case and lighter. They were a matching pair, ornate silver capsules (perhaps the real deal), decorated with flourishes and
" . . . Actually, *no*. I'll try your 'cheap stuff'. A bar's only as good as its bottom shelves, wouldn't you agree?"
He took out his cigarette case and lighter. They were a matching pair, ornate silver capsules (perhaps the real deal), decorated with flourishes and
December 30, 2025 at 12:22 PM
"The H--" Rathore paused.
" . . . Actually, *no*. I'll try your 'cheap stuff'. A bar's only as good as its bottom shelves, wouldn't you agree?"
He took out his cigarette case and lighter. They were a matching pair, ornate silver capsules (perhaps the real deal), decorated with flourishes and
" . . . Actually, *no*. I'll try your 'cheap stuff'. A bar's only as good as its bottom shelves, wouldn't you agree?"
He took out his cigarette case and lighter. They were a matching pair, ornate silver capsules (perhaps the real deal), decorated with flourishes and
The sign above the steps read 'The Carousel'. The lettering had been repainted since the war, but in a rush job and without conviction. One of the bulbs on the sign was going out, flickering on and off, on and off, trapped in unintelligible code.
December 29, 2025 at 1:19 PM
When the bartender's attention turned his way, Rathore met it sharply and clearly. "Good evening," he said. More an observation than a greeting - business seemed well enough. "I'll take brandy, if you have it."
December 29, 2025 at 1:17 PM
When the bartender's attention turned his way, Rathore met it sharply and clearly. "Good evening," he said. More an observation than a greeting - business seemed well enough. "I'll take brandy, if you have it."
He took his hat off, placing it on the bar, then rested a hand on the wood, finding the surface worn smooth with waiting. He said nothing, for silence had a way of clarifying the roles in conversation of everyone involved, making clear who should speak first, and in what tone.
December 29, 2025 at 1:17 PM
He took his hat off, placing it on the bar, then rested a hand on the wood, finding the surface worn smooth with waiting. He said nothing, for silence had a way of clarifying the roles in conversation of everyone involved, making clear who should speak first, and in what tone.
men who knew the game and art of attention-seeking or attention-evading and were practicing it now. Rathore was surrounded by routine on all sides tonight.
He crossed the room and took a place at the far end of the bar, nearer the stage, where the light was weaker and the view wider.
He crossed the room and took a place at the far end of the bar, nearer the stage, where the light was weaker and the view wider.
December 29, 2025 at 1:17 PM
men who knew the game and art of attention-seeking or attention-evading and were practicing it now. Rathore was surrounded by routine on all sides tonight.
He crossed the room and took a place at the far end of the bar, nearer the stage, where the light was weaker and the view wider.
He crossed the room and took a place at the far end of the bar, nearer the stage, where the light was weaker and the view wider.
as though a form of maintenance, like the fan or the sign outside, that had to be kept up, regardless of circumstance. Perhaps Rathore was overanalysing. He watched without staring.
Among the patrons, a few details sat uncomfortably against the room: Shoes too well-made, accents softened,
Among the patrons, a few details sat uncomfortably against the room: Shoes too well-made, accents softened,
December 29, 2025 at 1:17 PM
as though a form of maintenance, like the fan or the sign outside, that had to be kept up, regardless of circumstance. Perhaps Rathore was overanalysing. He watched without staring.
Among the patrons, a few details sat uncomfortably against the room: Shoes too well-made, accents softened,
Among the patrons, a few details sat uncomfortably against the room: Shoes too well-made, accents softened,
let it pass. Bars collected absences like tabs.
And behind the bar the bartender was working steadily; rolled sleeves, broad frame - huge frame! - movements apparently hurried and economical. He handled the glassware in an interesting way; with a certain routine which lacked connection;
And behind the bar the bartender was working steadily; rolled sleeves, broad frame - huge frame! - movements apparently hurried and economical. He handled the glassware in an interesting way; with a certain routine which lacked connection;
December 29, 2025 at 1:17 PM
let it pass. Bars collected absences like tabs.
And behind the bar the bartender was working steadily; rolled sleeves, broad frame - huge frame! - movements apparently hurried and economical. He handled the glassware in an interesting way; with a certain routine which lacked connection;
And behind the bar the bartender was working steadily; rolled sleeves, broad frame - huge frame! - movements apparently hurried and economical. He handled the glassware in an interesting way; with a certain routine which lacked connection;
Conversation stayed low. Laughter was measured, affection brief and heady. The room was accustomed to watching itself. Some Carousel this was.
One stool around the middle of the bar showed more wear than others, the wood smoothed by frequent use. Tonight it sat empty. Rathore noticed and
One stool around the middle of the bar showed more wear than others, the wood smoothed by frequent use. Tonight it sat empty. Rathore noticed and
December 29, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Conversation stayed low. Laughter was measured, affection brief and heady. The room was accustomed to watching itself. Some Carousel this was.
One stool around the middle of the bar showed more wear than others, the wood smoothed by frequent use. Tonight it sat empty. Rathore noticed and
One stool around the middle of the bar showed more wear than others, the wood smoothed by frequent use. Tonight it sat empty. Rathore noticed and
keep order here.
A folded-up copy of the Evening Standard sat at one end of the bar, yesterday's date visible at the top. Rathore registered it without touching.
There were patterns, if one looked around for long enough. Men arrived alone and left in pairs.
A folded-up copy of the Evening Standard sat at one end of the bar, yesterday's date visible at the top. Rathore registered it without touching.
There were patterns, if one looked around for long enough. Men arrived alone and left in pairs.
December 29, 2025 at 1:17 PM
keep order here.
A folded-up copy of the Evening Standard sat at one end of the bar, yesterday's date visible at the top. Rathore registered it without touching.
There were patterns, if one looked around for long enough. Men arrived alone and left in pairs.
A folded-up copy of the Evening Standard sat at one end of the bar, yesterday's date visible at the top. Rathore registered it without touching.
There were patterns, if one looked around for long enough. Men arrived alone and left in pairs.
The bar ran the length of the east wall, its surfaces polished with a dull sheen. Glasses were stacked neatly enough, labels were mostly aligned to look outward at bartender and customer alike, albeit with some slanted or facing half-in. It sufficed. Someone was going to the trouble of trying to
December 29, 2025 at 1:17 PM
The bar ran the length of the east wall, its surfaces polished with a dull sheen. Glasses were stacked neatly enough, labels were mostly aligned to look outward at bartender and customer alike, albeit with some slanted or facing half-in. It sufficed. Someone was going to the trouble of trying to
Nobody but Rathore seemed to be listening to it anyway. He paused just inside the door. A few men glanced up, those closest to the door, and assessed him, looking away almost at once. Rathore didn't take it personally - it wasn't fear or disgust (or so he hoped), but rather caution shaped by habit.
December 29, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Nobody but Rathore seemed to be listening to it anyway. He paused just inside the door. A few men glanced up, those closest to the door, and assessed him, looking away almost at once. Rathore didn't take it personally - it wasn't fear or disgust (or so he hoped), but rather caution shaped by habit.
one which suggested further futile effort without consideration. A wireless in the corner turned down low murmured daily headlines, while up at the back of the bar, on a small stage, a pianist played the next, long notes in a piano act interested mostly in endurance, its notes slow and resigned.
December 29, 2025 at 1:17 PM
one which suggested further futile effort without consideration. A wireless in the corner turned down low murmured daily headlines, while up at the back of the bar, on a small stage, a pianist played the next, long notes in a piano act interested mostly in endurance, its notes slow and resigned.