#fenixtj

"So does staying here for the rest of your life. Or going to spend it with Duke Tieron."

'House Balor" She answers "But if they ask I'll tell them you had someone dictum it out of me"

"That is fair. Who within House Balor?"

"You know, I'm not going to get paid for spying on you as I failed. But.. perhaps, you could pay me to tell what I know? Specific details are prized in my line of work"

"You realize you're not really in a bargaining position?"

"Yesk, but if you pay me I'm much more likely to tell you the truth"

Delfina says "You know, If she lets you go right now, I can bounce you down the streets of Tijuana and you'll wish you were back in here answering truthfully for free"

"Heard you were a bitch, guess I heard right" Hektira eyes the amazonian built satyr

"One of the things we love about her." Jessica says mildly.

"You haven't heard half" Delfina grins then smiles, less ferally, at Jessica "Thanks, boss. " Then a look back "See, me waiting to beat the living shit out of you ins't 'illegal' either... long as I do it outisde the hold."

"Fine...Hektira says "Dame Bronca ap Balor, but I'm pretty sure she's a go between to a higher up"

Jessica notes the name.

"ID her.. describe. YOu're a smart one, Hekira..title and name are just part of it. WHat's her damage? Mental, Physical? Every Balor's got a thing" Delfina says

"That's another thing we love about her."

"Branca's mortal frame is Latina, dark hair, brown eyes,. but she's got a lump in her throat.. litterally.. makes her look like she's got a hell of a gland disorder or maybe a cancer tumor that SHOULD keep her from breathing. Maybe it hinters her eating because she's a lean thing"

"Excellent, see? Good. What did she want you to find out, and why?"

"The location of the your heir's bed chamber.. and who her friends were"

Hektira says it casuaully almost at ease

"And were you able to pass that information along?"

"Nope" She says "Got caught"

Delfina says "Wow. You know, I've done some horrible stuff... and I liked it, but I've never been hired to bird dog a kid to set them up for a future kidnapping. I maybe a bitch, but you're one cold blooded little dross whore, aren't you, Hektira?"

"We all have to make a living, Deflina. If I didn't do it..." Hektira shrugs leaving hte 'someone else would' unspoken.,

"Maybe. But it would them in here and not you, Hektira."

"What more do you want, Countess. I've told you the Balor who hired me, her name, her looks... I told you what the mission was. Can't squeeze blood from a stone" The spy says

"Oh let me test that" Delfina offers "I'm really good at squeeze and she looks liquid in parts"

"She'll be here a little while yet, Delfina. We'll see."

"A while yet? Come on!" Hektira says

Jessica stands.

So does Delfina

"Wait...." she pauses "When are you due to provide the information, and what happens if you don't?"

"Tomorrow night."

"...and?"

"They'll probably assume I've been caught. and that you got the information you got."

"What will they do then?"

"NO doubt Branca will leave town before you can send for her. She's at the Baron Tidemarch's place, you rule him so you could order him to remove her haven or just have her seized"

An eyebrow. "Good point. I'll have food and drink sent." A nod to Delfina and she steps outside.

Delfina makes sure the ward is closed , sealed, then joins her "Want me to spit in her food?"

"No. Just stay here with her. Excuse me....." She goes to find Phobos.

Phobos is not hard to find. Hang over or not, he shows up for work.

"Yeah boss?" He says

She pulls him aside. "Who's the best guard, the best at combat, we have in the 'hold right now? Except yourself."

"Sir Buce is a damn good swordsman, not the brightesst bulb but fearless... Demos is my match, in different areas"

"I need the best we have, barring you, to go guard Eleanor. Dame Ash, too. Both. I'll explain to them in a minute."

"Buce.. you want Buce then... he'd die to protect that little Burro girl"

"I need you to get two of your best messengers out to Skyhook and the Pit. I need martial representatives from both to meet up with you and go to Tidemarch. You're going to bring the Baron here. I'll get you an... invitation for him by the time you have the fighters here."

"Formal County voile, Phobos."

"Wait.... wait...." Jess stops. "Damn. Ok, look.... do all that, but hold here before you go to Tidemarch. I have to cross a few "t's". It'll take a minute anyway, yes?"

"SUre. I'll send messangers for some of the others but.. Constance caN dot some i s like no one's biz"

"I know. But I have to do this one. Go, get a guard on Ellie. Tell the knights I have early information that she may be in danger, but don't scare her. Thanks. I'll call for you when I have the invite."

"You got it, Countess"