#earthrunes

Ivory checks the library

August is there, apparently consulting some less esoteric tomes than his usual.

"August? How busy are you?" Ivory inquires

He looks up, and stands. "Ah." he considers the question "I have some breathing room."

"I was hoping to get your legal advice, for a dreamer. I know I shouldn't take advantage of you but I don't know his options?"

August nods. "Would you like to speak privately in my study?"

"Up to you, of course. I don't think anyone here knows him even if the are listening in"

"That doesn't necessarily absolve us of the obligation for confidentiality." August explains "It is up to you."

"Oh, then we should go to your study" almost sheepishly "Sorry, August. Meet you there?"

"Shall we walk together?" he packs things up quickly enough; he didn't have much out.

He nods "Thank you yes" And they walk together to August's study. The knight opens the door for him as the Baron is carrying things, then follows him inside

Once they are alone, "My friends name is Ricardo Rivas, he's here LEGALLY from Venezula... but his landlord is threatening to sic ICE on him if he doesn't end his lease early."

August sighs, and rubs his temples as he gestures for Ivory to be seated. Then he seats himself.

"What is his status? How did he come to the country?"

"Green Card Holder, came in as a refugee with approved Aslyum. He's actually gotten a following online as a cartoonist, a political one... which can get messy I know. In this climate he's scared"

"Understandably, and with reason."

"I hesitate to ask, but...while it absolutely raises my ire.... does he have an option to do as his landlord is demanding?"

"Any place he moves to is going to cost him a lot more ,prior agreement is in place. I'm not sure he could afford anything much bigger than a ...well, basically a closet sized room. He's sent money to his mother for a while and saved up less than he should have I suppose. " A frown as he ponders "he's not wanting charity, he just wants the land lord to honor the deal they made."

"As well he should. What other family does he have, and where?"

"Mother in Venezuela still, he's trying to buy her transport out.. at first, America. Now he's thinking Canada if he can. He didn't mention other family. He had a sister but she died years ago."

"So no spouse, no children?"

"A girlfriend, he was thinking of proposing before this all hit"

"What are her living arrangements? Does the lease allow for two people to live at his apartment... is it an apartment?"

"Yes, appartment ... it had a fixed rent, obviously the landlord hates this. He can only raise it if he gets ride of Ricardo. And Ricardo's girlfriend lives with her parents. I don't know how willing they'd be to take him in"

"Though I suppose I could ask" He adds

"It's a last resort answer." August confirms. "And, find out about other family. What could ICE pick him up on? What's his background, criminal record? Has he ever had even the slightest hiccup with his immigration status?"

"I'll ask" he nods "He trusts me, I think he'll fess up if there IS something"

"I'm afraid it's a fair bet that even if he trust you, he'll 'forget' or hold something that was 'nothing' back. Just the way things works." August sighs.

"Does he have an immigration lawyer?"

"No, that's one reason I came to you for..well, ANY legal advice or referals you might have"

"In another time I might suggest that Mr. Rivas pre-emptively contact immigration and confirm his status, let the agency know about his landlord's threat, but do all of that through an immigration lawyer. But I do not think now is that time."

"How much longer does he have on his lease and what are his plans afterwards?"

"The lease is supposed to stay fixed for years, four more in fact, at the set price. that's why the land lord is desperate to set him up." A sigh "And agreed that contacting immigration may not be wise"

"Four years...." August muses. "I suspect the landlord is not without sin, sadly. If he's doing this now, he may have other skeletons in his closet. It might be a worthwhile investment to find out."

"That would, of course, be a private conversation between Mr. Rivas and his agent."

"Mmm give Mr. Rivas some leverage," He brightens "THAT I might be able to help with. Thank you, August"

"You're welcome."

"And I would recommend that he retain counsel, someone experienced in immigration although I would point out -no one- is experienced in the world of immigration today."

A nod

"Do not hold a private conversation with the landlord. Mr. Rivas' lawyer should send the landlord a letter formally requiring that all communication and correspondence go to the lawyer on Mr. Rivas' behalf." August muses "No phone calls, no texts, no emails, no postal mail; the lawyer should be able to give Mr. Rivas the wording to redirect attempts."

Ivory is writing this down on a pad

"Mind you, I would recommend he follow the lawyer's recommendations over mine."

He writes that down too "Got it. Thanks, August. ANything else you suggest?"

"Lawyer first, an investigator if the lawyer recommends, a backup plan for a place to live, and... it is possible that, as a Dreamer, Mr. Rivas' landlord might be needing a more nuanced correction."

A brow "You want me to sic Zara on the land lord if need be?"

"Depends on the landlord. Which could indicate another reason for an investigator. I... do know someone I might recommend, in fact."

"Oh? Who?"

"Magnus Truthbranch."

"Oh" Mmm "You know, sometimes I forget he's a detective, but good idea" he nods "Between you and me, I try to stay out of Siste'rs hair. Seems like a lot of folks rely on her and I do not want to put more on her work load"

August smiles gently "She is most accomplished, and giving of herself."