#elsewhere

His day moves smoothly, and he gathers more intell, confirms what he wants to know.

And at the end of the day Abner ensures he understands when (or if?) he is to return, and meets Cecily.

HE is offered dross or money for his day's work

"Dross please." softly.

Two bits of dross are handed over, nothing amazing... and Abner rejoins Cecily in the RV

And they motor off before speaking at any length.

Indeed, he can see CC masks anger under Cecily's shy pleasant smile

He glances at her, a question in his eyes Safe to talk? Or elsewhere?

She takes soem of her new dross, breaks it, and wards and veils the rV area "We can talk"

He nods. "You seem perturbed."

"He's holding each of those childlings hostage. Oh call it a ward, but they've been taken from the parents who are suspect or potential threats to the Lord's rule. He's using CHILDREN as hostages and shields"

Oh she's upset

Her horns are this close to emitting smoke

He tells her about the oaths as implied by Cooky.

Her eyes narrow "I know the goal is to free May Maude... but this... this" oooo

".... is outside our mission, yes. Focus, Dearest."

She takes his hand and gives it a squeeze "Can we do nothing for them?"

"My Dearest, with sufficient will and resources we could do -everything- for them... but that is not why we are here. We are not prepared for that. Shall we withdraw and prepare and return?" an honest offer.

Tempted, she answers "No,family first. May Maude needs us. But we ...we should gather intel for now?"

"There is little harm in that much, yes."

A nod "Sorry, kith temper can be hard to surpress"

He chuckles. "Did I object?"

Sheepishly "No you always understand. Thank you for that"

"I find your temper delicious."

"As I do so many of your parts." he admits.

"They're all yours to play with for the asking" A promise "All right. I need to check in on the legal side of things I suppose. "

"Please. We have to time things correctly. The misdirection and chaos depends on it."

She makes a quick call from a second phone, and says "This is victoria..." And talks quietly, asking questions...

then she frowns

"Yes, that is unlike you. Good thing you're a couple"

Her William drives, listening.

THen she hangs up "I think someone tried to play with our lawyer's memory"

"This is really becoming intolerable. What was the result?"

"His wife reminded him"Amused "The power of love eh?"

"His or hers?" confused "Or does it matter?"

"Both I suppose. " She says "Anyway, he apologizes.. "

"And made his request in time"

"I confess I am lost as to how many and what sort of lawyers are involved but I leave that in your capable hands." he says "What is the bottom line? May Maude is to be released?"

"Well, it's a murder investigation and they're reluctant to give her bail. However our legal team has pointed out the prosecution's evidence is flimsy as hell"

"And that bail is available? In cash?"

"I'm funding it... little nest egg, if need be. I'd rather have all charges dropped, of course"

"We -have- the cash if needed, Dearest. I didn't get this far without having bail money at the ready...."

"I know, but I hate funding assholes" SHe says

"We'll get it back in another form. His holding and rule will be crippled."

"And those kids returned to their parents? I know it's the grandma in me, but... mmmph"

She is aware of her bias