Two Many Cooks In The Kitchen

Robert McCay

"Er… Sorry?"

Did this feller just… not take compliments well? Or maybe the watch brought up bad memories… Or maybe it was just broken. Whatever the cause, Robert stepped back apologetically.

"I don't mean t'interrupt fer too long, sir, just getting my bearings. M'name's Robert McCay. Last thing I remember was a summer night in LA… If y'don't mind me askin', where are you from?"

Andrew Edgeworth

He waves dismissively with the hand holding a spoon. "It's fine really, think nothing of it."

"Los Angeles? That'd be another American here, then." Robert McCay? That last name nagged at him somewhat, though he couldn't place how. He felt like he should know, but couldn't pull from where. Ironically, that would have to be put on the backburner to think about later.

"…Andrew Edgeworth; Chicago." Andrew was certainly the last person here who could criticize Robert for having an accent clash with where he lives, with his lightly syrupy transatlantic accent.

Robert McCay

"Ah! Don't think I've ever made it out t'Chicago, 'less I was a real young'un…"

Robert tried to think back, but his memories of his childhood are… spotty, let's say. Anyway.

"But if there was a pattern t'be found in where us prisoners are comin' from, well, y'threw it off pretty good. Met a couple folks from Texas, and a couple folks from Japan… But the Midwest, now? Hell if I know what's goin' on."

"Pleasure t'meetcha regardless, Mr. Edgeworth, though I don't care much fer the circumstances…"

Andrew Edgeworth

"Travelled much, have you?" Egg aom.

"That checks out; I've met people from Japan, America, and from the sound of it, Australia. A very…wide range of personalities and lifestyles. Among all of that, there's one possible pattern I've noticed…though there's technically an exception. It seems rather obvious, given the prison setting, but just about everyone has a reason they know of to be here - some kind of crime."

Andrew sighs, placing all the kitchenware and cutlery he used in the sink for a quick wash while speaking. "And I return the sentiment back to you."

Robert McCay

"…!"

This feller sure didn't beat around the bush, huh? Robert wouldn't answer that first question until a few moments after Andrew finished speaking, but the amicable demeanor he'd begun the conversation with evaporated quickly.

"…Travellin', not much lately. As fer why I'm here… Got a reasonable idea. But I don't plan on admittin' anything specific till we know who brought us here and why. Dunno who's listenin', after all."

"No plans of a repeat offense, if that makes y'feel any better, Mr. Edgeworth. In fact, if y'happened t'be a lawyer…?"

Andrew Edgeworth

"I assure you, I'm hardly one to judge or pry; whether anyone's 'listening' or not." His dryest comment in the conversation yet.

Don't worry, Robert's change in demeanor was certainly noted! "I suppose I do look like I would be one, but no; I'm an accountant." Andrew half-snorts. "Though most would probably say that's not much better."

Robert McCay

"Alright then..."

Robert watched Andrew carefully as he shifted from one leg to the other. This feller had quite the knack for a deadpan delivery… He was kinda jealous.

"…Yeah, that was gonna be my next guess. Honestly, I could use one of those too-- self-employment taxes suck. Not that I could afford yer rates, I'm sure."

Hey, if he was stuck here forever, he wouldn't have to worry about taxes again, would he? A sliver of hope in the darkness…

Andrew Edgeworth

He went quiet for a bit at the mention of "his rates" - a wistful kind of silence only accompanied by the clink of everything he cooked with being put away.

"Can't say I expected to meet a possible client in prison, but my rates are certainly the least of our priorities." Andrew raises an eyebrow slightly in curiosity. "Self-employment…what is your line of work?"

Robert McCay

"Er well, my day job is scannin' paperwork at the county courthouse, but I'm a musician, too! Not like, a real famous one, but I do well enough t'keep food on the table fer my folks…"

Folks, huh. He… he better not think about that too hard right now.

"…Unfortunately that means handlin' album sales, streamin' revenue, physical merch, trademarks 'n' copyright, venue fees-- y'get the gist. It's all worth it, o'course, but-- me an' Excel ain't the best o' friends, y'see."

"You, though, I bet you work for some big ol' Fortune 500, huh?"

Andrew Edgeworth

"That so? I've never been particularly creatively-minded, so I respect those who are. Even if it's just your 'side gig,' being able to support your family off of it is commendable…" He looks up for a moment. "It's not exactly fun for those of us who do understand the numbers, but I won't lie and say that it's not an advantage."

Andrew grit and relaxed his teeth, turning towards Robert at an angle while crossing his arms to converse more directly. Better to just rip the band-aid off now than later. Who knows, maybe nobody here is familiar with the company…? If only. "Correct. Bright Future and Co., the animation company."

Robert McCay

It took a few seconds for Robert to place the name, but…

"Oh-- wait-- That one? Y'all make those cartoons with the, uh-- lil' pink cat-girl? Sorry I dunno her name…"

"But my partner, he's a big theme park guy, an' he's been begging me to take him to "Kitty's Magical Adventure," ahaha. I told 'im we should wait 'til a school holiday and take my friend Katie's kids out fer the day, they'd have a great time…"

He trailed off, seeing the weary expression on the feller's face.

"…Ah, uh… But we can talk about somethin' else, if y'rather."

Andrew Edgeworth

"Yes, Kitty Kitsch is our flagship character." His neutral tone ends with a softer, slight upturn of his lips. "Please, don't let my dour attitude stop you from talking about your partner's positive experiences with the franchise. However, I must take my leave here; best I don't take up the kitchen for anyone else who needs to cook."

Andrew slightly unrolled his sleeves back up while walking out. "It was pleasant speaking to you, Robert. Take care."