#fenixtj

The boggan takes her hand "Are you all right?"

"I will be. And they are -not- getting his shop. If I could tell him that, I would. "

"I'll pass it on should he come to me again. I am told you have evidence to show the Countess. Guard it carefully. I am..reluctant to use children as witnesses, but should it become needed, a few are wise beyond their years."

"Of course." She presses her lips together. "So...only the childlings are here."

"Only childlings were at the camp. Wilders weren't considered... salvageable."

It looks like that hurts her. "Damn."

"No, I meant... there's no one else here to see, it seems."

"Yes. I wished a wilder had been there to report. "

A sigh, some disappointment. "Thank you, Father, nevertheless."

"I have something else, Duff asked me to give it to you."

He hands over a box.

To say she looks conflicted is an understatement. She takes it. "Um. Excuse me just a minute." She takes a few steps and turns away from privacy.

And she has it.

When she opens it, she finds, well, the key to his shop and notes on how to close it down in his absence discretely . A photo of her laying out a picnic blanket at the high cliffs over the ocean with the moonrise. There's also a sealed envelope that says 'Should I die'

Her eyes close. "Damn it, Duff....." She whispers.

The sound of children talking among themselves

She puts it all back and closes the box. "Thank you for this, Father. I'd better get back. I'll send you help, if you like?"

"An extra pair of eyes and hands is always welcome"

She nods. "And after they've had a chance to settle, I'll return and meet the childlings. Will you excuse me?"

"Of course," he says "God be with you. shall I light a candle for Duff?"

"Please." She says sincerely. And she heads back to Fenix.

And checks on Mitra.

Fenix awaits. Mitra does too. "The countess will be here wihin the next day or three depending on when battles ease."

"Are you ok?" She asks with concern. The Sidhe looked gorgeously wiped out when they last saw each other.

"Better than I was. How about you?" She glances at the box

She shifts it under her arm. "The childlings are safe, but... the wilders couldn't be brought out."

"I don't think there were wilders Jessica. They got banished long before." She says.

"Oh. I thought Father said...." She shakes her head. "Nevermind. Maybe -I- need some rest."

"You probably do. The Countess sent an informal message that we are not to engage the situation further at this time until she has time to access. Which means... it's a good thing Duff did what he did when he did it," She says.

"Yeah." Quietly. "Ok. Mitra, I'm going to go lie down. Can you put a guard on Duff's shop till I get a change to get down there? Let me just get a couple hours and I'll go."

"Of course" She nods, "I'll get Thane DeBuke on it. And.. I'll let you know if the Countess shows up, but I suspect the Baron will send an emmisary first. You DO have time enough to sleep- and good idea" she nods

"If either of them send anyone, wake me up right away." Jessica insists.

"I will" She assures.

Jessica nods and goes to her room. She puts the box away and lays down, full clothed. Just a little shut-eye....

And slam..she's out like a light.

(End Scene)