#scarsdale

Zara pats the other sluagh's hand, understanding.

The boggan shakes his head "My own kith's formalities do not always match with that of your and miss Zara's own, in this, I quite agree. And nor is it a pooka failing. I've met some find upstanding jokesters that still showed respect . Mmm.." He makes a note

"We seek not vengeance - but, surely, Miss Marzanna is due equity, nu?"

"Having reviewed the will...I do dare say And I think I can get her to settle out of court if you like. " He says "If you want this smoothly. You see, your sister may not want to go to jail."

"jail?" It would be louder if it were any other kith

"...Jail?"

"Oh yes.This has by now been accessed by the IRS among other things, and it not being a full year, many laws have yet to go past their time. Forgery, Fraud, and not jusst of you, but the government. Oh she might have paid the taxes, but that doesn't change the fact that her lies are now in writing."

Marzanna looks a bit stunned.

"Oh... oh, even a sluagh fears the IRS."

"And I don't blame them, I don't wish to bring the forces of banality into play, obviously, but I bet your sister might sign things quickly. IF your demands are reasonable. What do you...wish?"

"The house, and control of it. My sister is setting loose an abomination on Scarsdale. She.must.be.stopped."then a pause "And a stipend for it's up keep and myself?"

"Perhaps an even split of the assets, rather than a stipend?"

"I think Miss Zara has the right of it, but I will push on the house. Mm obviously, given her car accident you mention, she has a car. She can keep that I assume?"

"She can burn that, if she wants" A nose wrinkle

"...it is very... pink..."

"She can have the car" He makes a note.

"... very pink. "

The boggan says "Sadly, poor taste isn't illegal"

"imperfect world" marzanna sighs

"You'll excuse me, I need to arrange things, but within three days I think I'll have your home. Now, forgive my being crass, but a legal fee from your settlement might be wiithdrawn. Would you prefer to pay all in currency, or in less currency but a favor in the future?"

"I will vouch as I may for Mr Layton - I have seen his work, and have deemed him principled."

The lawyer inclines his head. "thank you, miss zara. I survive by such good word of mouth"

"Well, somethings I shan't do," she says "But if you respect that?"

"My petty side says the fees should come from her half."

"Of course. and I'll see what I can do about getting her to pay legal fees. Cheaper than lawyers hired to fend off the IRS" matters are discussed, and hand shaken. Zara is very tempted to spy on the 'negotiations' that occur later between the unplesant Carmesi and Mr. Layton. Naturally, she's able to resist... yes..maybe..

...maybe...

"And sir - know this, a favor to my cousin is a favor to me. I may be in your debt, if only for fighting against the flamingos."

"zara, though barely know me" Marzanna says surprised

"I shall bear that kindness, and your sensibilities and own ethics, in mind" the boggan says "Keen eyes and ears out for those without a legal champion are my usual favors, if it means anything"

"Justice, justice you shall pursue, so that you may thrive ." Zara quotes. "It would be a blessing to help in those circumstances. We may be dreams of punishment, but we do not seek it undue."

Mr. Layton chuckles "Ah, Miss Zara, you make me think the future is in good hands." He rises wishes both ladies well, having even gently treated the tea cups respectfully. He moves with energy and no small amount of fierceness.

Marzanna looks at Zara "I see what you mean. I do not always enjoy boggans, but he is not drab in the slightest"

"Aye. They can be... mm... aye. They can be boggans. But they can be quite competent."

"A comfort when one is on your side" She agrees. She seems still reeling, but much better than she was.

........Time Passes.........

The day after that meeting, construction had stopped. But the day after the day after that? It was resuming!

And Zara has a guest.

Hannah calls up "Zara, sweeting, that nice girl, Marcy..pardon, Marzanna is here to see you. "

"Thank you, Mama... I'm coming! Could you please start the kettle?"

She swiftly pads downstairs.

"Already, have honey, you two have a nice chat"

Zara gives her mother a peck on the cheek in passing, and retrieves the "special" purple tupperware of tea cakes.

Waiting at the door warmly dressed is Marzanna. She looks like a cat herself, one purring

"Come in, Miss Marzanna. Join me for tea?"

"I would be delighted"

The two go in, and pour tea. Marzanna is ready to burst,but, not until it is time, it would be gauche to rush such

"All has been well, I hope? A bit quieter here, at least for a few days..." Tea cakes, stale and crumbly, with a dark band where the icing has seeped oil into the sponge. Tea - darjeeling - with a vintage cream...

"Yes, well, it would appear I am getting my share of inheritance, half in fact, and the house is to be mine. I am considering getting more than one cat and beginning my spinsterhood in all it's glory" A sip, "As for volume, I have asked , nay instructed, the crew to make changes to when they work. I still would like your input. Sister has left the state, furious"

"Well - keep an eye on her. She may feel ill used, despite it being a mere return of da'an - aye, a gentler hand than she dealt."

"As for cats, well, I think that is a most excellent notion."