#rivervale_lodge

A frown. "Mice on a ship are one thing. Mice in a kitchen? In my kitchen? No. I'm not overreacting."

"Okay" Siv says "So making jokes about this means I get the gristle of tthe next three meals huH? " A look about "Besides Mackerel, how can I help? "

A deep breath. "Keep my secret? About this, and...the other thing?"

"But.. " Confusion "Why? I mean, I will, if you insist, but... Why?"

"About the mice...I'll admit, it's a matter of pride. I don't know how this happened, and I don't want rumors to spread that I keep a filthy kitchen."

"Only a fool would think that" She says

"About the other...." A sigh. "It's complicated. I just don't want it to be general knowledge."

"Ah, spy sttuff. Thought it was just me" A smile

"Spy? Ah..." A pause. "What spy stuff?"

"I do work forr Baron K. Thought you knew"

"Well, I knew about you. But...that doesn't mean I do the same."

"Ah.. secrets from your own lodge? Holding that art hidden so enemies won't be prepared? Sounds.. kind of like"

"I suppose. In a way," she concedes. "At any rate...thank you again for letting Mackerel stay. Now...how about a snack?"

"Bribery too... sure you're not in the great game?" A wink, then "Seriously, I'd love it. Thank you"

A grin. "My pleasure." And thus Siv and Kerri share a few pastries, and Mackerel gets a downpayment of a couple of sardines.

Siv has questions, SO many, but will setttle for small talk

(End Scene)