#kc_necropolis

"Definitely a boggan by the way. And she took the path in the gardens to the Farmhold. That's where I had to back up"

He nods. "I think it's a fairly obvious conclusion. And you spoke to May?"

"I did." She says "Made it sound casual.. like I'd seen her at the farm while visiting the kids... May Maude isn't dumb, but I don't think she had reason to doubt me"

He nods. "You are very smooth." He strokes her arm where it is handy with his arm around her shoulder. "Your thoughts on who sent her?"

"If she's responding out of repaying the DeBukes? Then it's got to be on one of the three, or the Chieftain. They are putting in a ringer to make sure the kids get raised the DeBuke way. Now, the flaw would be ... the mothers will recognize her, but if they think YOU hired her they may just let it slide."

A smirk.

"Hm. What if she is not repaying the DeBukes? You say she is not one of them?"

"She's not, and I've sent out some feelers on hwo to learn more." She says "I know, she may have more masters."

An eyebrow. "I doubt Emmitt would use her if she were compromised."

"True, and he's potent enough to sense most things. But still, my grand children are in this and I feel..well, cautious"

"I suppose that is fair. What steps would you like to take?"

"Mm I'm not sure..learn more about her. Her background, what holds she visits... and so on"

He nods. "We can start with her resume. In such fictions are kernels of truth.

"Yes, that's a good start. If her college degree IS legit, then she h ad friends, room mates.. mortal and otherwise"

He nods. "It could hardly be otherwise."

"Good. I'll play things around..."

He nods, still absently stroking her arm.

A deep breath. "Well. I hardly like it, here in your home. But, I suppose I can understand." He pauses. "I wonder if the other applicants.......?"

"Engage your paranoia, if you feel you should. I trust you"

"Perhaps a deeper background dive, then, and sooner."

A nod "Looks like nothing's simple"

A discontented grunt of agreement.

"Now, you want another scotch?"

"Will you join me?"

"And risk being taken advantage of?" A gasp.

A chuckle. "I promise to behave myself."

"Pity" She says and goes to join him for that scotch

He takes his glass back when she returns.

She puts a bit of music on, and sways a bit with him as they share a scotch

He dances one-handed.

A sigh. "Other than the play, Mrs Lincoln, are you happy?"

A laugh... "Very, when I'm with you."

"Mmm." He strokes her cheek. "And with the children."

"Well, yes, but I can't share Scotch with them. You know what hard liquor can do to a diaper?"

"Filter it?"

She laughs and moves back to dancing.

He nestles the side of his head between her breasts and sways contentedly.

And she nuzzles against him. It's a good batch of Scotch.

(End Scene)