#kc_necropolis

"Complacency is likely; they tend to think they can do no wrong." He sniffs.

"True. She bet against him in that match - there we conspirators, for they spoke through her earpiece."

"I believe she may have been a pawn."

"As for being Seelie... " He shrugs and pours more tea. "....Dougal tend to it. I'd be academically interested to know if perhaps that, and not a love-spell, was how they got to her."

A fond smile. "Conspiracies in the shadows?"

"It was... an oddity, sir. More seelie than seemed... proper?"

"And yes. They wished to do more rigging, but she wanted only to take the money and hole away with Caesar."

"She works on lights and that sort of thing, for the wresting matches. Or do you mean fixing the matches themselves?"

"Fixing. She took 8 to 1 on the one Caesar lost."

"Which... I thought they were rigged to begin with? I do not know enough about the sport."

"Oh dear me, well.... think of it as an entertainment, not so much as a sport, although obviously one must be physically fit."

"I'm assured there are scripts, and rehearsals, but the combat is real enough."

"Aye - I thought winners and losers were determined, however." She shrugs.

"But yet... the bet. And money."

"They communicated through her ear-pieces."

"And... they are powerful, for she nearly detected me."

"Oh, they are. Previously determined, that is, but a match can still be fixed, and thrown. Hm. Well, forewarned is forearmed, thank you."

"I suppose I should remain aware of where she is, for a time."

"I do worry her obsession may drive her to lash out - if she cannot have him, she may make a desperate gesture."

"As long as her desperate gesture involved only herself....." dryly.

"I do hope." She sighs. "I hope, mayhaps, she can find some kind of aid... sidhe or no, death is anathema. I would not wish her loss."

"Mmmm." A non committal noise and he offers more tea sandwiches.

"Well, I must say that however unintended things were, you did very well. My admiration, and my thanks. And of course, payment. I will begin my investigation immediately."

"Thank you. I know much can be lost in seventeen years..."

"Ah, but some of us have long memories."

"Truth."

"You know, had I the means... " A soft sigh and she shakes her head.

"Yes?" Polite curiosity.

"I do not have the means. But is it so bad to think it would be no great loss to wipe a House from the Earth in its entire?"

He pats her hand. "Not at all." Reassuringly.

"Twould be a better place without them."

"Agreed."

"So, mayhaps, I will focus on a few."

He nods, thinking. "Not a bad way to start."

The boggan stands and gets paper and a pen, jotting a short note, folding it and sealing it in an envelope. "Now, my dear girl, one last request? Will you find Ms. CC and tell her of your outstanding work? Then give her this note for me."

"Aye, I can. Is she at the club?"

He checks the time.

"She's likely at the house, just now."

She nods. "Alright then."

A genial smile. "Thank you so much. While you do, I will get to work."

"Thank you, sir."

He shows her out.

A bow, and she makes her way.

The boggan purses his lips, regarding the carpet for a few moments.... then he nods and steps into the bedroom for a few moments, returning with a small suitcase. He calls for a car from the hotel phone, and then leaves the room. ((The End))

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At CC's home, CC is on the phone, "Don't worry, I'll be at the club in two hours and handle it then. No no, she has a cold. Either I or someone else will fill in on that one. Tell her to keep her butt in bed. I do not want a summer cold spreading at my club. Ick." A pause "And maybe I'll bring her chicken soup. Poor dear"

A gentle tap on the door.

"Yes, someone's at the door, I'll see you inn two" she hangs up and peeks through the keyhole, then opens the door

"Miss CC." A slight bow.

"Zara" She smiles, "Ccome in, come in, please. How are you/' She opens the door "Can I get you anything?"