#kc_necropolis

His eye focuses on some distant spot. 'We tell her we wish to introduce her to some of the children. Take her to Firnost. Find the treasure on the way, or while there?'

"Damn indeed. I also notice .. her college degree... it could be pure chance, but she graduated from the University of Iowa"

He stares at her, his eye wide. 'No....?'

'A spy, you think? A soft probe?'

"But for whom?"

'The DeBukes. And Allies.'

CC fights a laugh "Oh my goodness, they're slipping in a ringer"

'The farm -is- well warded.....'

"So what do you suggest? Tell her we'll contact her and then move onto someone else?"

He scowls. 'She will grow suspicious at the length of my delay. I should return. Yes. Send her on.'

"Now now, don't you see how delightful this is? Someone at the farm may actually be engaging in spying. or at least stacking the deck. How refreshing"

He gives her a look and turns to go back in.

Mrs. Qualmtinder perks to see EBG return "Hello again."

A smile. "Do forgive my rudeness. Mrs. Qualmtinder, I must say yours is the most impressive resume we've seen. To date. And I hope you will allow me to be in touch?"

"Of course, my contact information is there," She smiles "I understand you're a busy man and busy for a good reason. I look forward to freeing up time for you and the parents by providing some valuable assistance with their lovely children"

"Thank you so much. Do excuse me for not offering my hand, or walking you to the door? Times being what they are....."

"Of course, particularly if you're going to visit others yourself soon. It's just good sense" A smile and she heads to the door.

"Thank you for considering me, sir" and out she goes

Once the 'hidden' boggan goes... CC is there.. with a strong drink for Emerson

He takes it, scowling. "Can you follow her?" Staring at the door; of course, he knows she can.

"Yes," She says and takes a bit of dross from his pocket to hasten her cantrip "I'll get in contact with you in three hours. If I don't call by then, scry for me"

He catches her hand with his free one, pulls her close, and kisses her with scotch on his tongue.

She savors it, and then transforms into a non descript mortal woman anyone might overlook... "I'll be careful" She promises and goes after

He sips his drink and takes a breath. After a moment, he wanders the house, fixing things. Well. Touching things, adjusting placement, straightening, so on.

Yes. That painting, why does it always cock to the left?

HURUMPH

He eyes it, finishes his drink and removes the painting from the wall to consider re-setting the hook behind it.

It's something to do, but it's still the longest three hours he's had in years

Well, actually, two hours and a half. his phone rings

He checks the number, answers it.

"Hello?"

"Applacause delivery?" She gives the code

"Around the back." Countersign.

Cleared, she responds "She went to the farm. I had to slip back so the wards didn't or storm didn't alert me. But then I did some sneaky research. Turns out yes, May knows the woman. She's an old friend of the DeBukes. She owes them her life"

"You involved..... yes, of course. You did well." The voice on the other end of the phone is as familiar as her heartbeat by now, but she can also hear the man he was. Careful, conniving, hypervigilant.

"I brought her up casually with May Maude, I ididn't say that the lady was at our club or auditioning for nanny... " Assuring him "Just 'Oh I saw a boggan once at the farm... I didn't know DeBukes were boggans' and from there" she says

"Are you in a position to return to base?"

"Yes. Thought I'd change my clothes again before I do."

"Understood." There's a pause, and the call disconnects.

She returns to base..and looks "Where's the painting?"

"It was crooked. I will fix it." He draws her in for another kiss. "Shall we sit and you can tell me details?"

SHe kisses him back, "Well, yes"

He fixes -her- a drink and they settle in on the couch. "You were not followed on return." He confirms.

"I was not" She says

"Of course. Now....." He settles her in close to him. "Tell me."

"I followed her... it's amazing really, she's wearing something that masks glamour so she looks mortal.. as you saw, but it's all in your head. A powerful fuddle."

"Too powerful." He growls.

"Now her mortal side it doesn't cover so she looks like she looks. I will give her credit, she acted like a sweet lady and maybe she is... I didn't talk to her, but there you go"

He nods.

"Now, she took a winding path.. but eventually, switched the jewelry off, and entered Firnost."