#rivervale_lodge

"Fine by me. " Dame Kelby observes, "Just me, or does your mom seems stressed?"

"Yeahhh," Sylvi darts a glance to the kitchen. "I mean...this is not a good situation."

"It can be handled" Nadeen observes, "And rather simply too"

"If they kill leech," KElby says "Then the guys he's paid off go into overdrive on the attacks I thought?"

"Handled? Simply?" Sylvi says uncertainly.

"Power comes in many forms, in this case, Leech is using his influence. However, it is influence born of not just bargains, but wealth. " Nadeen shrugs "Target not his agents, but the supply of money, the debts they may feel. Then dismantle them. Robbing his bank accounts will do far more to harm his plans than killing him. His power is what he has done for others, which is harder to stop, but also in what he can offer even behind bars. Take his resources, use them if need be to buy off his agents... and viola, his plans are scattered, or at least weakened"

Kerri comes back in during that, complete with a tray of the drinks she knows each one likes. "Nadeen, that's...that's very clever. I don't know who among us knows how to do that, though,"

Nadeen raises fingers "Sally Mae to handle the money distribution and finanes with your help. Siv disguises herself as Leech if need be and feigns his return and empties his accounts. Zane to chicanery mortals to go along with it if that needs help. Don't just take his money, redistribute it among a thousand charities annoymously so reclaiming it will be nearly impossible. Folks can chase gold dust, they cannot chase gold dust thrown to the high winds" Her fingers have been rising as if counting points

Kerri blinks at her. For that matter, so does Sylvi. It may be the closest Nadeen has been to seeing these two absolutely agog.

Finally, Sylvi says, "Mom, she's making a LOT of sense."

Kerri nods. "I agree. I will need to speak with the Chieftain and Mountain about this, but...yes, this seems very wise."

"See, this is why you people need sidhe" She smiles though at the praise

Kelby looks at Nadeen "This is why your kith scares folks. PRetty ears aside"

Both Sylvi and Kerri give Nadeen simultaneous eyebrows. "Here, have a drink," Kerri offers. "Meanwhile, I'm going to contact the Chieftain and see about getting this in motion."

"Thank you" Nadeen takes the drink

"Excuse me...." And Kerri is back in the kitchen again, starting to tap into her cellphone on the way.

Sylvi watches her go, biting her lip. She takes a sip of her drink, but she can't stop tapping her foot restlessly.

"Relax City girll," Kelby pats her friend's shoulder "We're here, that means everything to your mom"

A weak grin. "I know, Hayseed. I just..." She sighs. "I just want to get to doing what needs doing, y'know?"

"I know" Dame Kelby says "We'll get 'git er done'.. don't worry"

"Yeah...you're right." Sylvi does her best to put worry aside for the moment. "Come on, let's get the cots out and set up our spots, at least."

And they do... a bit of idle chatter to lighten the tension

(End scene)