#fenixtj

"I told you I honor Ricardo. He was a better friend to me than I deserved. If I can help his sister, who is talented and worthy in her own right, then I will do so."

"I'm in no shape to be proud and refuse charity, but I think you're throwing away your money if you support me. I'm an ex junki who never made anything anyone really wanted, but.... okay" A bit of hope, but forlorn

"Well... you're wrong. Maybe you just didn't meet the right people yet." Jess chews "I'll see what my contacts can do. Do you have an available portfolio?"

"I sold everytthing except.." She looks at the painting of her brother

Jessica nods. "When the time comes, I have an idea about that painting. But for now, it needs to be here, I think."

"yes. I... thanks Jessica" She finally has stopped eating "First time I felt full in ages"

"You're keeping the rest. If you need a cooler or something, we'll get you something."

"I have a cooler . " she nods

"Ok, then. What else do you need?" seriously.

"I... if I can make money painting, maybe I can move into a better place, a cleaner place"

"But that's on me"

"It is." Jess agrees. "You need supplies and a place to work, though, right?"

"I sold my brushes" She admits

with a wince "And I could use a canvas"

"So I'm going to bring you supplies. You can stay here?"

"Oh, I'll stay at my palce yeah" A nod

"Will you stay clean there?" she asks seriously, directly.

"Got no choice, that crazy pimp will lock me up aain. I thought I was going to be selling i bcause of im. Not sure what he wants"

"I don't think anyone is." Jess confirms "But I will make sure you get fed on the regular, and have supplies. And you'll keep that painting of Ricardo."

"Thank you again, Jessica. I ..hope I can repay you"

"I owe Ricardo no less." Jess rises "I'll walk you back to your room. Bring the food."

And they go, food in hand

"Thank you for your time, Destiny. I'll get you those supplies as soon as possible." she pauses "The... painting that brought me here. Of the cowgirl. Would it serve you to have it here?"

"No, you keep it. It suits you" A smile "I can see why he loved it. You're like a cowgirl hero from a novel cover"

Jessica chuffs "No. I'm really not. But thank you. May I visit again?"

"yes.. I.. I would like that" She seems surprised

Jess nods; Destiny's in her room, Jess at the door. "I will, then, and soon. Is there anything else you need?"

"No I.. thank you. I think I'm going to sleep with a full belly"

"Good." a small smile "I'll see you later, then."

And (making sure the door is secure; she doesn't need Destiny high, or Necropsis pissed at her) Jess heads back to Fenix.

Necropsis nods to Jessica as she goes by "Hope you enjoyed our services"

"Thank you, Necropsis. Make sure she eats, and takes care of herself, please? I'll send art supplies, and visit again."

"What, bitch don't even work for me and you got me babysittin?" but he nods

Jess would almost say something but then... doesn't. Maybe less is more, here. "Thanks again." and she heads back to Fenix.

Off she goes.

She breaks in, to see Nancy "Hey, I was thinking of going afer you"

"Nancy, thank you." sincerely "For taking me to the pawn shop and everything. Even for getting that cowgirl painting. Thank you."

"you're..." She brightens "you're welcome. you found her then?"

"I did. And fed her. And will take care of her."

"How.. how bad off is she?"

"She seems like she's got a handle on her illness; more a matter of staying clean, now. She knows Necropsis is going to be watching her. Me too, now. And if we can get her back into art, as a release? All to the better for her."

"Necopsis? he's .. he's not whoring her out is he? Some of his practices seem pretty seedy" yes, a satyr says this

"I don't disagree but... no. My impression is that he is not."

"good. Look, I know you don't like asking for money, but let me know if you want me to chip in"

"I have to talk to Diego, see what we can do but... thank you."

"Happy to help" She smiles "Maybe she'll make more for the art gallery"

"I was going to contact some Fae art dealers I know of up north, see if they could help her get on her feet.... unless you know someone local?"

"Oh.. mm no, I mean, not a strong point for me. Earl? Was that that name of that scrawny troll?"

She nods. "He was going to be my starting point."

"go for it. I mean, kithain AND an arrtist sounnds better than most optios"