#elsewhere

"Half di.. you saved the dog? Of course you did," he notices the shadows writhe up subly around the "Sentimentality is a powerful glamour it seems. Look lad, I won't tell you who hired me under whose orders, but I can tell you it's who your mother thinks. I can tell you some houses is more vengeful than others. I can tell you that he's got an advisor i don't much care for named of Journeyman Bidu"

He does look nervous glancing to the other changelings here.

“Let me offer you some kindly advice, from a kith cousin. Don’t let your work bring you back to Rivervale... or Bergen County. I’d recommend against visiting for pleasure either.” His tone is flat and not exactly kindly, but the advice might be sound.

"I see... sad , was a time kith was honored more than anythin, above lesser creatures... but i hear you. Symon the Denier they call you, and you now deny me- in your way, but don't expect any favors from me, lad. I gave you more than I should just now seeing as neither target died. You got attached, you did- shame. you could have amounted to something ... strings make you weak, you know?"

“My ties make me strong. A spider is nothing without her web to support her.” He stands, having had enough of this conversation. “Mister Podsnappery, I think our conversation is over.”

Others are starting to stand. It's clear that they don't like trouble.

But Mister Podsnappery motions them that it's.. okay "Yes, young mister Symon, I believe you are right. Fine. But you don't be coming back here yourself. This territory works two ways"

Hesitation, anger still snapping, but he gives a nod to the elder. Perhaps acknowledging what he said, or perhaps just in politeness. And turns to walk out.

and he finds the Piskie waiting. "you okay?"

“No.” He whispers, eyes dark and vestiges of shadows still licking around his form. “Let’s go.”

"Sure. Uhm.." they open the doors "I didn't intrude, and honestly, couldn't hear what was being said. But I searched his car... while you were talking to him. I hope that's okay?"

He mutters “Yeah, it’s fine- wait, what?” startled for a moment out of his dark funk. A slow, grim smile forms. “Yeah. Yeah, I’d say that’s ok.”

"Great. I took pictures. You can look through my cellphone photos of it while we drive home" A grin "You know, before you forget" the grin widens

(TBC)

Symon goes through the pictures as Jimmy drives... they have a few hours, so plenty of time to review, and he takes his time. Maybe more time than on the way up, as they might want to detour around a certain stretch of highway and gas station.

The pictures of the interior of the car were held with a steaady hand and had good illumination options. There's a map of Bergen, a list of addresses, and a list of names under the header 'professional courtesy'

There is also a pictture sizable check.. under the name of G. Ladmeer. Old paper signature type.

He focuses on the addresses first... is his on the list? The lodge? Where are the others - if he pulls them up on his mapping app, does he recognize locations?

His adress is on the list, so is the lodge, so is Vali's home, Dagmar's house...the park office where the Chieftain works, his mom's office and usual work places, his dad's hospital...

A DEEP scowl. He transfers the pictures to his phone. Mr. Podsnappery had said he would stay away... but if this lord would hire one hitman, he would hire another. A text sent to Dagmar:

TXT: we need guards on these locations... (Pic attached)

Now he checks the list of names...

The list of names appears to be other assassins, other hitmen.

These he notes carefully and saves on his phone. "Jimmy - I owe you one, beyond the ride. You got more out of snooping than I got face to face. Almost hurts my sluagh cred."

"I never would have gotten to scope out his car undetected without you. you're just not used to being the decoy is all" A grin "now you know how the trolls feel when they end up talking and you 'look around'. "

A huff of laughter. "I guess! Not going to make a habit of it. Slugs are supposed to be polite, but I'm just rough around the edges. And dealing with a shit like Podsnappery back there ain't going to polish me up any."

"that bad was he?" A worried look

It takes him a moment. "He tried to put in a hit on my dad. And reasoned it off as 'hey, it's just a mortal'. Same as he shrugged off Brown Dog."

"Dude has issues"

"Yeah. I'm pretty sure he won't come around any more." A sigh. "I may have gotten my welcome to Boston revoked too."

"A whole city?" A pause "That's like a record"

"Not like I'm eager to see that guy again. I don't think I'll miss it. If he gives me reason to come back, that's a different story."

"Sluagh interactions are complex, aren't they?"

"Yeah. Never thought I'd say this, but I think I prefer trolls." A small duck of his head. "At least they say what they mean, it's easier and I don't feel like I'm trying to navigate a maze without a map."

"Piskies are.. well, we just tend to make a few like attachments, then move onto the next group. We assimilate fast, but.. I'm not sure it's ever sincere " He says as they drive. The Piskie keeps his eyes on the road

"Well, you've done me a couple solids today when I never did anything for you, so you're cool in my book." A thin smile.

"Oh hey, I'd tell you'd you owe me, but you'd probably just end up doing favors for some very confused guy named Timmy or Jack"

"I'll remember. And if I don't you remind me. I owe you." He says, firmly.

"sure.." A pause "And thanks." As they clear out of the city.

And out of the state.

A long sigh. "Dirk would have killed the guy. At least chimerically. I don't know how I can explain to him that I sat across a table from him and did nothing."

"What ARE you going to tell him?"

He thinks about this for a minute. "That he protected dad, and I made sure that the guy who tried it won't ever be coming back to Bergen County. It's the truth... and it'll have to be enough."

Quietly. "If he had succeeded? I don't know that I wouldn't have gone for him myself. I don't know if I would have succeeded, but I would have tried. And the Escheat be damned if it won't protect our families."

"I saw this movie...it was a western with hot chicks, terrible... not exactly the best acting or plot or anything but it had this line, this one line, that was a real gem" Jimmy says "The line was something like 'if your laws don't protect me- they don't apply to me". I always thought that was a good line"

"Yeah. That's not a bad line."

"Other than that, I don't remember a thing except 'hot chicks with six guns' " A blush

And they are soon entering Jersey anew

Symon texts Dirk.
TXT: All quiet at home? Just getting back into town. You and Jonas still there with Dad?

TEXT: Yup. And another Assassin taken down

"Another?" He says incredulously, then realizes he spoke aloud. "Jimmy, can we go by my place? Dirk says there was another attempted hit. You can just drop me off if you need to get back, I don't want to tie you up too long..."