#fenixtj

Jess doesn't stagger... noticably. "Thanks. Keep it quiet."

"Why? There might be a reward for this sleeze"

"No! Wait. Ok, but... " She shifts. "Someone else can pick it up."

"Okay, you've lost me? why the jumpiness? "

"We don't need publicity do we?"

"Well, I guess not, don't worry- I'm not going to call TV 6 or anything. "She grins "And likely joey won't either. Folks won't think 'oh gosh this place is safe' if they hear that on the news, they'll just equate conventions with something they heard about a kidnapper and so on. Better the keeps it so only the ones here spread the good word of mouth"

"Ok." Jess settles a bit, tugs down at her costume and ... wig. "Ok."

So time passes, those two ladies seemed very impressed and glad they were doing business with her.

Jessica keeps her ears and eyes open.

And she gets a collectable from a vendor as a thank you.

She can't take that. But thank you.

"I insist, besides, I'm having trouble selling it. If you don't take it I'll just give it to your friend when you're not looking" The Vendor says.

Delfina winks and nods

Jessica takes it. Reluctantly, but with genuine gratitude.

And the rest of the time goes smoothly.. the event clears up, and it's no longer a need for security, but rather custodians to do clean up. Joey walks up with the money for both, and says "And an Extra 75 bucks for you. You didn't just save that lady, you saved the rep of my con."

She shrugs, but takes the money. "Thank you. Think about giving security .... security uniforms. I know, undercover but... you want that, pay for it. " Politely.

"Ouch" he says "I'll think about it, but as I advertise we have female security in costume it's not like you guys were undercover"

"It's okay, Joey. She's a fixer. She likes to fix things." Delfina says

"Fair points."

"But it's not bad advice," She comments "And you know me, I could always use more money" She counts her own.

"Well I'm not made out of it. Geez. I'll get you guys sashes"

But the two leave, and Delfina says "Not a bad pay day huh? I know it's not regular but some good things came out of it'

"Just.... ok, it's ok." As she leave the office.

"True. Thanks, Delfina." Friendly.

"I didn't get to break a face, but sometimes you take what you can get...and you're welcome, Jess. I wouldn't have invited you if I didn't think you had a good temperament for what they needed. Good deed on top of it all. So who were those two ladies who were talking to?"

She shrugs. "I might take some clothes.... costumes? Up north for them."

"Well... I plan to."

"That sounds.. remarkably dull."

Jessica shrugs. "It's work that needs doing. And pays."

"And Rent is a bitch we all gotta listen to when she howls" A nod "Fair.. glad you found it then.. " they return to TJ without much incident. Jessica is already thinking of what she and her employers might be able to swing for a transport truck. Dad might have suggestions and 'know a guy ' but... mm.

It's then when she gets a text

From Siv

She checks her phone.

TXT: Hey Sis! Dad and I are on the road and heading west!

TXT:Good! Here?

TXT: Do you want us to? Bet dad would love to swing down.

TXT: If you can, sure. Or Spring Break. When you can.

TXT: He's gonna be so excited even at the option. Let me ask him. And I'll see if we have time for Count Jude and you

TXT: _And if we don't, please don't take it personal, trust me, been wanting to see you again. All of us have. _

TXT:I want to see everyone too. And you. When we can.

TXT: How are you doing? All well?

TXT: Fine. All is well.

TXT: It's been crazy for us. So much to tell you. Much love. Dad's back from the pitstop bathroom. Apparently on loner trips there are times bottles are used and you don't want to know what for 🤢

TXT:I can guess.

TXT: See you guys soon.

TXT: Give me a ship any time. Worse you do is gross the fish out. Still, the 'rig' is fun. See you soon

hug and heart emojies flow and she's done

"Who was that, if it's okay to ask?" Delfina says

"My sister." Jessica comes back to where she is.

"That could be good or bad , or both" Delfina says with amusement