Play@YSDC

It is always a good thing to have an idea of the lay of the land before you need to ride over it adds François "I'd be happy to finish this rather unhappy evening with a walk in the night air"

"I could not agree more friend François, also given the lateness of the hour I dare say Monsieur Helmut may well be abed so perhaps a visitation later on today might be more apropos." Andre looks down thoughtfully before adding, "Though it may be as well to ... how you say "scout" the area around his lair out, after all "praemonitus, praemunitus", or forewarned is forearmed as they say."

"This whole ordeal has certainly raised my blood pressure. I doubt I will sleep well tonight anyway! You seem to have more experience in the matter and I leave the decision-making to you gentlemen."

"A brisk walk would suit me just fine as well," says Jacques. "Nobody should be around to spot us at this hour. If we do see anyone there, that should tell us something too."

"Not too brisk I hope friend Jacques" Andre says patting his lame leg. "Well as there seems little to do here I suggest we make our way ... assuming the police are done with us that is?"

Midnight in Paris, a perfect time for a slow promenade through the streets, we are certainly in no hurry adds François with a smile.

OOC:   Do we know where is the tea house located? Clearly some parts of town will be quieter than others, others less salubrious. In which case a drive by in a taxi cab might be more appropriate.

The tea room is not far from Dupont's apartment, just a fifteen minutes walk in the cool air of a late summer's night. This area of the city is deadly quiet, and while the curfew was formally lifted after the first dramatic weeks of war - when the city was almost under siege - being found out at such a late hour in the streets by the police would certainly results in some unfriendly question being asked, and people these days already have plenty of problems.
Despite the pleasant weather, and the light of the stars, shining unhindered by artificial lights, there's something depressing in seeing your beloved city so devoid of life and lights. There's still an aura of desperation wrapped around the city like a mantle, and it's not getting any better. The occasional ruined building, destroyed by the bombings suffered by Paris in its darkest hour, surely doesn't help.
Finally you reach your destination, Avenue de Saint James. It's a small street, with nothing particular to catch your eye. The Sunflower Tea Room, too, is an unassuming little shop with a glass well decorated by paintings of a grass field with sunflowers. From the glass wall you can see, in the half-darkness inside, a few simplex wooden tables and chairs. At this hour, the shop seems closed.

"Let's just take a quick walk around," suggests Jacques. "We should identify all the exits from the tea room and which buildings surround it, so that we can be prepared during the day. For all we know, it could be a nest of spies."

"Anyone proficient enough in lock-picking to give it a try" says Jean-Luc with a smile on his face.

"I know my way around a lock," admits Jacques. "I wouldn't normally do this, but the fate of France is at stake." He examines the lock.

"It would be easy if I had the appropriate tools," says Jacques. "Better not to force it, or they'll notice for certain in the morning. We should probably come by during the day and investigate then, 'casing the joint' in the process. Then, if necessary, we can return tomorrow night."

Whilst Jacques is concentrating on the lock, Andre is having a good look around, in a surreptitious manner so as not to draw attention to himself or the rest of the group. He is also keeping an alert eye out for passers-by.

François leaves the others walking around the block and getting the lay of the land just as he would if he was setting up for a shoot at the same time he keeps and eye out for more of the ridiculous pony tracks.

Jacques also makes a circuit of the area to get a feel for it.

Jean-Luc realizes he's the only one that is left standing near the street-lamp so he moves into the shadow and tries to look at the stars in the meantime.