>A). Get Closer
To verify, you try to slowly and stealthily move closer to the suspect. You're aware that your line of sight could make you just as easy to see back, so you try to position yourself under one of the balconies to further obscure you. Make your movements less obvious. Not the most ideal as you sniff once again.
Menthol, sulfur, and... tea(?) hits your nostrils. Enough to confirm the owner of the jacket, but leaves you puzzled. Is this person really the Boss's target? ... They don't seem like much.
>Two dangerous folks in league with each other like this? What could they be possibly up to?
The first thought that comes to mind is retaliation. Of course, if the Boss wanted this guy dead, that's enough for a counter motive. Question is, why would Eiko work with them? Is she being threatened by this guy to help them? Does she... want the Boss dead too?
You try to observe them a little longer. A part of you hopes that Eiko comes out to make things easier.
Instead, for a few minutes, you watch the suspect chainsmoke 4 cigs down to the filter. Each time they do, they put the filter out on the corner of the porch, the spark of the cig ash falling downward just a few feet out of your range. Then.. Strangely.. They toss each filter into their mouth... Eating them whole.
Just as you're about to lose your nerve, a call comes onto their phone. They pause to check the number before flipping it open. You strain your ears to try and listen.
"Hey bastard, what do you need?.... Yeah, I'm busy at the moment..... Keep it quiet... Really?...... Party at what time?...... Alright, I'll see if I can make it before midnight.... If your crowd doesn't have anything valuable to give back, I'm kicking your ass.."
Another party? Or the same? Does everyone know everyone around here? You hastily push that thought aside, it looks like there may be a moment where those two will be separated.
Additionally, you get a gauge of their friendliness level. They're at about 65%. More than half. If you were to talk to them, they'll hear you out and be more likely to be persuaded.
Is it enough confirmation to report back? You aren't 100% sure, you never saw the target visually before. Eiko could have lied about the real owner of the jacket and this could be a different accomplice.
Just as you decide to turn tail and report back, your fur fluffs up in alarm. A predator's gaze hits you. Shit. Did they catch you? Did someone else? Or is it anxiety? You keep your head down so you don't make any eye contact. As calmly as you can, you press into the wall and into the closest doorway, which ends up being the entrance to the building.
No one seems to be around. Your heart is beating fast from nerves. If these two are as much of a threat as everyone says, you're in more danger than you signed up for. You're not exactly a loyal dog of the Wolf Bites. Unlike how many others are, you just do your job because they pay better than everyone else. If you could use your skills for a different gig, you wouldn't have an issue with it. Cause' it'll be a hot day underground before you ever find yourself dying for a guy like Julien.
Okay, let's assess. Inhale. Exhale. You to take in the surroundings of the apartment building. To the left and right are what looks like hallways that lead to other apartments and a door that leads to the laundry room. In front of you, is the elevator and stairway. Above that is what looks like an abstract painting. The floor of this lobby area has various old carpets with dirt and footprints tracked onto them as time has passed. Many scents linger here, including what smells like chinese food. Must be a delivery person down the right hallway.
There are many ways this could go.
Do you:
>Try to knock on Eiko's door and use your cover story.
>Risk it and walk out.
>Wait the suspect out until they're gone from the balcony and leave.
>Call and report your findings to the Boss.
>_____