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"Alright," Hank said, "just squeeze together a little bit more."
Nick shuffled a step closer to the Blutbad. It wasn't a hardship. The Blutbad was pretty handsome in a dorky kind of way. "This good?"
"Perfect." Hank gave them a thumbs up from behind the camera. "Okay. Rolling."
Nick offered a quick smile to their guest. "I'm here with noted clock expert, Mr. Monroe. Monroe, what can you tell me about this clock?"
Monroe awkwardly glanced between Nick and the camera before turning to the clock. He moved jerkily, like someone unused to and uncomfortable in front of a camera. "Um, well, this beauty is a Bornholm grandfather clock. These Danish longcases were manufactured between 1745 and the 1900s on the island of Bornholm, which is where the name came from. They were actually invented by Danish turners who were trying to fix a set of English longcases. They eventually made their own clocks based off of the clocks they fixed, which is how the Bornholm was born."
Monroe's mini lecture was going to need edited when they cut together the final video. It was kind of endearing how enthusiastic Monroe was about clocks. As much as Nick would love to listen to more, he needed specific soundbites for their video.
"This clock," Nick interjected before Monroe could go on, "was owned by Edna and Edward Bloomer. They were the original owners of the mansion that later became the Bloomer Hotel here in Port Townsend, Washington. Looking at this clock, can you tell us more about who might have made it?"
"Well, that's easy." Monroe stepped closer to the clock. "See the makers of the Bornholm were rightfully proud of their work, so each clock is signed right here," Monroe taps on the glass right above the clock's face. "They leave a mark with a five-pointed crown, the maker's name, and the year it was made." He leans closer to the case. "Yep, right here. Frederick Christensen, 1823."
"Is there anything about this clock that stands out as odd to you?"
"Yeah, actually." Monroe crouches to examine the clock's body. Nick hastily drops to a knee so he can keep them both in the shot. He tries to keep his eyes on the clock but he can't help but notice Monroe has a great ass. "So you see the paintings decorating the case here. Usually, Bornholm clocks have either biblical stories painted on the cases or an imitation of Chinese lacquer work." He tapped the roots of a painted tree. "But you see, right here, there's a reversed pentacle worked into the roots of this tree. If you look closely you can find more pentacles and similar symbols that were associated with the occult back in the 1800s."
"Can you tell us more about the symbols?"
Monroe shook his head. "Sorry. I'm just the clock guy." Monroe stood and Nick followed. Monroe gave the clock a long look. "Is this thing really haunted?" He thumbed toward the clock.
"That's what they tell me."
"Okay, cut," Hank interrupted. He stepped forward and offered Monroe his hand. "That should be all we need. Thanks, Monroe."
Monroe quickly shook Hank's hand. "Yeah, no problem, any time."
Hank grabbed the camera and headed up the grand staircase, likely heading to his room and all the computer equipment they had set up there.
Nick smiled at Monroe. "We really appreciate your help."
"Yeah, no problem. Happy to help." Monroe rocked on his feet. "I'm a fan of the show, actually. So when you guys called…" Monroe mimed his head exploding.
Nick's grin widened. "Really? Thanks. We don't often run into people who know about the show, let alone watch it."
"Are you kidding? Your show's great. And besides, you're Nick Burkhardt, Seattle's famous Grimm. All the Wesen know about your show."
Nick rubbed the back of his head. "I'm not that famous. And I'm not the only Grimm in Seattle."
"Maybe not, but you're one of the best." Nick started to protest but Monroe shook his head. "No, really, I mean that. You're a Grimm and a cop, but word gets around. You really care. You actually help people. That means a lot to the community."
Nick fought back a blush. The web show was his and Hank's stress relief from their day-to-day job on the force. Their department specialized in Wesen-related crimes, so it was nice to do something goofy and fun with their supernatural knowledge.
"Hey," Monroe said, "I know this is a long-shot, but, um, can I buy you a drink?"
Nick blinked. "Really?"
Monroe deflated. "Right, sorry, stupid idea. I-"
"No!" Nick blurted. "No, I mean, I'd love to, if you want. I just, people don't usually… but I'd love to."
"Yeah?" Monroe grinned. "Yeah, that'd be great." He pulled a card out of his wallet and a pen from his other pocket. "Here. Here's my number and you can just let me know when you're free. I'm usually free. I mean, I set my own schedule so I can make time, unless I'm out of town but that doesn't happen too often."
"Cool." Nick smiled back. "Great." He took the card and carefully tucked it away in his own wallet. "I'll give you a call. Maybe you can tell me more about your work with clocks."
"Yeah, sure. If you want. Most people don't really… but I guess you just listened to me ramble on about a clock, so if that hasn't scared you off…" Monroe shoved his hands in his pockets. "I'm just going to," he nodded toward the hotel entrance, "go before I embarrass myself further."
"I'll call you. Promise."
"Great." Monroe opened his mouth, then closed it. He turned and headed for the entrance.
Nick couldn't wait to call Monroe later. Until then, he had a ghost to catch.