Ep 3: Freebies, Fragrances, and Frenzies
The two tourists had just strolled into Sidewalk Tramp - a bit too eagerly one might observe. The woman, wearing oversized sunglasses and a neon crop top, leaned in toward the displays, while her partner, sporting a perfectly trimmed beard and pastel pink shirt, pulled out a sleek camera. They whispered excitedly to each other, pointing at products with all the subtlety of a toddler in a candy store.
Michael shot a sideways glance at Toby, who immediately began pulling faces that looked like he’d just eaten a lemon. He stretched his eyes wide, pointed to the tourists, then drew his finger across his throat—a clear signal: *Watch out, Michael, they’re trouble.*
Michael ignored him, turning on his charm instead. “Welcome to Sidewalk Tramp! What brings you in today?”
The woman flashed a grin, sliding her sunglasses down just enough to wink. “Oh, we’re always on the lookout for... fresh, trendy finds,” she purred, drawing out the word like it had multiple syllables. Her companion nodded vigorously, adding, “We love featuring new brands on our socials. We have a few thousand followers, mostly fashion-conscious guys who love a good deal.”
Michael raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious. “Is that so?” He could almost feel Toby’s exasperation boring into the back of his head.
Before the conversation could get any juicier, the door swung open, and in strutted Franny, her red curls bouncing as wildly as her personality. She clutched a handful of glossy pink invitations, waving them around like a flag. “Hello, darlings!” she called, cutting off the tourists without a second thought. “I’ve got news! I’m launching my very own perfume—it’s called ‘Seize & Seduce’. The event is next week, and it’s going to be absolutely divine. Bubbles, canapés, and a scent that’ll make your lovers cling like a rash!”
Michael couldn’t hold back a smirk, while Toby muttered under his breath, “That explains the lingering smell in the alley...” Franny didn’t hear him, too busy thrusting an invitation into Michael’s hands. “You must come, Michael. And bring your charming little assistant too.” She glanced at the tourists, raising an eyebrow. “Friends of yours?”
Before Michael could clarify, Franny twirled on her heel and made her dramatic exit, still handing out invitations to passersby. “Franny always knows how to make an entrance,” Michael remarked, shaking his head.
The tourists exchanged amused glances, the woman asking, “What was that about?” Toby jumped in before Michael could respond, his tone dripping with suspicion. “Probably another ploy to lure in more gullible shoppers, like... some people I could mention.”
Ignoring Toby’s pointed comment, Michael tried to steer the conversation back on track. “You mentioned your socials. What exactly are you looking for?”
The woman batted her eyelashes. “Well, if you had a few pieces we could, you know, take with us and showcase, it might do wonders for your store. A pair of these gorgeous sunglasses, perhaps?”
Michael hesitated, torn between business sense and caution. Before he could decide, the bell of the door tinkled yet again, and in sauntered Luca from Rainbow Junction, his face a mask of concern. “Michael, have you heard? There’s been an incident up at the art deco apartments. Some sort of emergency with the police and an ambulance.”
Toby perked up, immediately drawn to the drama. “Was it Bernie? I knew he was acting strange earlier. I bet he’s tangled up in something scandalous!” He shot a look at Michael, who suddenly found himself juggling three conversations at once: Luca’s cryptic hints, Toby’s wild theories, and the tourists’ increasingly bold requests for freebies.
Michael tried to keep his cool, but his patience was thinning. “Toby, keep an eye on these two while I hear what Luca has to say.”
Toby turned to the tourists with a grin that was a little too wide. “So, about those freebies... we could work something out, right? Maybe post a little story or two? Oh, and obviously tag our Instagram account?” He winked theatrically, much to the tourists’ delight.
Meanwhile, Luca leaned in closer to Michael, lowering his voice. “I don’t want to spread gossip, but... word is Bernie was seen sneaking out late last night with a suitcase. And there was some sort of commotion this morning. It might be serious.”
Michael’s head was spinning—Franny’s launch, the tourists’ pitch, and now Bernie potentially involved in a mystery. All while a few more shoppers had drifted into the store, browsing the latest sneaker display and blocking the view of the watch collection. He took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure. It’s just another day at Trotter’s Alley, he told himself, but even he wasn’t sure he believed it. Just what on earth could be next today?!