EXCOLO

Went home after my little epiphany and curled up with Kit. We slept for a few hours and when she woke up, stretching and mrowing for her breakfast I was awake. Refreshed and bright-eyed and all that shit.

Sitting at my desk writing lists when I hear a tapping at the front door. Too early for Liam, not that he would ever knock, and I wasn't expecting anyone. Get up from the desk and leave my pen to Kit since she'll certainly steal it and hide it away with the countless others she swipes from the desk when I'm not looking, and move through the front room to the door.

Swing it open and there's Glass, holding two cups that smell delightfully of Tulz's brew. What a friend.
"Glass! Come in, come in! How're you doing? Back to full strength?"

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"Glass! Come in, come in! How're you doing? Back to full strength?" and spit and staunchweed, I swear it feels like far too long since I've been out and seen someone actually happy. Smile a little as I step in.

"Am, at that, thanks." Hold one of the cups out to her. "Speaking of, Tulz had a little of this; 's fine. How've you been?" Front desk has little enough on it, and I lean back against it, cradling the cup in my hands.

"Wish I had good news. The thing inside Lucien..." I shake my head once and run one hand 'round the back of my neck, trying to set out where to start. "I've seen it speak through him twice, knew it could do more than that. But found out yesterday it can move and speak in him without showing its face, and it pleases it to--well. It's a cruelty all its own," and I can feel my mouth trying to skin back from my teeth.

"Thought... well. There's apparent no way to get it out of him, but hoped you might have some thought on keeping it locked back inside him as it used to be--'ve a thought or two myself on that--and how to keep it from having chance to harm folk in the meantime?"

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I'm glad to see her looking well, and smiling. Haven't seen Glass just smile in a bit. But that's probably more that I haven't seen her as often as I like than that she's been morose.

I gladly take the cup and take a sip, "Been well enough. Have a few balls in the air right now. We'll see where they land in the next few days."

"Wish I had good news. The thing inside Lucien...I've seen it speak through him twice, knew it could do more than that. But found out yesterday it can move and speak in him without showing its face, and it pleases it to--well. It's a cruelty all its own."

Put my cup down on the front desk and cock my head at her as that all runs though. Thing inside? My mind flies back to the first time I met Lucien, him and Verdi and Glass and I standing in the Apothecary. Seems like years ago, but it was only months. I remember the duality I felt within him. The feeling of the Other power. Think of the time I saw him heal Valmont. Of his special knowledge that day when we sat down with Fiona. Of any number of little parlor tricks I've seen him perform light lighting cigarettes without flame. Of the change of his eyes sometimes.

"Thought... well. There's apparent no way to get it out of him, but hoped you might have some thought on keeping it locked back inside him as it used to be--'ve a thought or two myself on that--and how to keep it from having chance to harm folk in the meantime?"
He's possessed. Possessed and the thing can come out now?

I shake my head and try to not just stare at her, "Uh. The thing...I don't. I mean I've never...is it a spirit? Or something worse?" *Think Devarn think. You can hash it out on your own later*, "Have to know exactly what it is before you try to lock it up. Might just do more harm otherwise, plus you give it warning that you're trying. And if its apparent that it can control Lucien at any time no one can talk about it in front of him. Have to assume that anything he hears, or sees, or learns the thing can know."
Pick up my coffee again and take a swing. Grimace as the still extremely hot liquid burns its way down my throat, "You spoken to anyone else yet? I'm not the best source for help on this sort of task. At least not for information."

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"Uh. The thing...I don't. I mean I've never...is it a spirit?" Fear I've thrown her a touch, but she's gathering herself up. "Or something worse? Have to know exactly what it is before you try to lock it up."

"I think it might be not setting it out entire aright to call it a spirit," I say carefully. "It's kin to a god--a kind one, for a wonder--though it gave a name and when I looked to that I found it called a demon. And its brother I'm speaking of calls himself an angel."

"Might just do more harm otherwise, plus you give it warning that you're trying," and I nod. "And if its apparent that it can control Lucien at any time no one can talk about it in front of him. Have to assume that anything he hears, or sees, or learns the thing can know."

"Think that's the way of it," I say quietly. "He said it's been slipping words to him inside his head on what he's seen, and it claims to take particular delight in his misery, and know what he's feeling as well as all else." Hate having to bring bad news so early in the morning.

Mab asks who else I've brought it to, and I hesitate a moment, ask after the name of her uncle and shake my head once she gives it. "'ve told a couple to avoid him, but..." I run my hand over the back of my neck. "I've a mind for a few to ask for help. But I thought--" Hesitate and go on.

"Most of the cruelties in town, they're after keeping their misery at least a little quiet, and that's a rein on them if nothing else is. But this thing--if it heals any marks it leaves, if it visits the sick alone and if people trust it and if they walk up to it or invite it into their homes--" My mouth curls and I can feel my teeth set on edge and I do not think I've felt such quiet hate for a thing that's done me personally no wrong since I heard tell of the wretch who took Kate in after her folk died. Set down my coffee cup and spread my hands in a shrug.

"Was wondering as well if you could help find excuse for Lucien to leave off his work for a little while. Given how Wanda was near to shrieking at the idea, 'm not sure he would, but it'd at least mean it's less chance to hurt folk for a little while. Maybe a chance for time to find a way to put it back down, and if not, hell, it's still time that it won't be having folk staked out for it."

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"It's kin to a god--a kind one, for a wonder--though it gave a name and when I looked to that I found it called a demon. And its brother I'm speaking of calls himself an angel."
"A Fallen Angel. Huh," I want to take the time to fully ponder that, but Glass is pressing on.

"But this thing--if it heals any marks it leaves, if it visits the sick alone and if people trust it and if they walk up to it or invite it into their homes--"
The thought that she brings up sends a chill up my spine. Lucien is likable, and with his position he''s respectable. He's done enough good for folk that they like him. Trust him. But its not just him in there.

"Was wondering as well if you could help find excuse for Lucien to leave off his work for a little while."
"This town was so desperate for a doctor. I really think that unless he was actually incapacitated they'd refuse to lay off of him. Could someone go on calls with him maybe?" I wave that thought away almost as soon as I say it, "That'd be too strange though. Assuming that he'd even go along with it. And most people won't believe you if you tell them the real reason he's laying off of his work."

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"This town was so desperate for a doctor. I really think that unless he was actually incapacitated they'd refuse to lay off of him. Could someone go on calls with him maybe?" but she's waving the idea aside. "That'd be too strange though. Assuming that he'd even go along with it."

"True," I say thoughtful. "He might claim t'be training aide or apprentice, or something of the like... But even then you'd need someone willing to chance it."

"And most people won't believe you if you tell them the real reason he's laying off of his work," and I nod agreement.

"Part of the reason I was hoping for an excuse t'give them," I sigh. "Telling them he sold his soul'd be worse than useless." Take another swallow of coffee. "Alright. Suppose it's a matter of other ways t'keep it from harming folk... Poor luck convincing him to see people in the Tavern, I imagine." Bit of a thin laugh at that, and I look up at her.

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"True, he might claim t'be training aide or apprentice, or something of the like... But even then you'd need someone willing to chance it."
"Hrm. Yeah, but even then it'd have to be someone who knew about his..." I try to think of a polite name for it. Parasite? "Passenger. And had some idea of how to detect it," slug back another drought of coffee.

"Part of the reason I was hoping for an excuse t'give them. Telling them he sold his soul'd be worse than useless. Alright. Suppose it's a matter of other ways t'keep it from harming folk... Poor luck convincing him to see people in the Tavern, I imagine."

I snort at that, but then consider, "What if his office wasn't usable. Like caught fire or flooded or something?" Let the thought linger for a moment then shake my head, "No, no that wouldn't work. He'd just do house-calls," bring my free hand up to rub the back of my neck as I think, "Only solution I can think of right now is breaking his leg or something, but in public so he couldn't just heal it up."

About ten seconds after the words leave my mouth I realize how they sound, "No. That's a bad idea too. Shouldn't go around breaking my people's limbs. Even if it is for their own good."

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"Hrm. Yeah, but even then it'd have to be someone who knew about his... Passenger. And had some idea of how to detect it," and I swallow more coffee and glower at the half-empty cup. Think she's the right of it for everything else she's setting up and setting aside; even if Verdi could lay out runes and warding on a place that wasn't her own, there'd be the housecalls as well.

Hold up one hand, and turn back to what she said first. Can feel blood drawing back from the surface of my skin, cuddling close about my heart. "I... think I can do that," I say quietly. "Can't tell if it's leaving damnation behind in trade for pain, but I can see if it's the one wearing his skin." Look at my hands a moment, measuring out what I know.

"And I could make claim to wanting to learn, I think. May be I could even be of use. And... well. It is after keeping its miseries quiet." Shrug. "Being there might be enough to help keep it in check."

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"I... think I can do that. Can't tell if it's leaving damnation behind in trade for pain, but I can see if it's the one wearing his skin."
Stop and look at her for a moment. Really look. Glass always had an air of being a strong woman. Of being competent and open to things. But did I always feel that openness or do I just feel it now as she grows more into the power that her parentage might have gifted her?
I can't tell.

"And I could make claim to wanting to learn, I think. May be I could even be of use. And... well. It is after keeping its miseries quiet. Being there might be enough to help keep it in check."
I nod as I consider her suggestion, "Has been times when he's needed a second set of hands. A nurse or assistant of sort. And with your knowledge of herbs and their uses, and how you've recently left the Apothecary......"
Let it hang while I sip the coffee again, and the nod more sure, "I think it works. Just need to be sure it comes across as you wanting to learn, and not you keeping an eye on him. And perhaps him teaching would keep him from using some of the more...unorthodox methods available."

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Feel like I'm being measured out when I confess to seeing the strangeness in Lucien, and there's a light tension rising along my spine. Not something I'd count as a secret, and don't mind her weighing such things, but I do wonder what she's thinking.

"Has been times when he's needed a second set of hands. A nurse or assistant of sort. And with your knowledge of herbs and their uses, and how you've recently left the Apothecary......" Spit and staunchweed, if I'd been thinking I'd've laid this out myself. "I think it works. Just need to be sure it comes across as you wanting to learn, and not you keeping an eye on him. And perhaps him teaching would keep him from using some of the more...unorthodox methods available."

"Don't think I'm a fine enough actress to not have him think I'm after keeping an eye on him," I admit, and push aside the thought that maybe Wanda could've. "Between Marbas crowing about him being after maybe killing himself, and him not able or else not allowed to mend my poisoning with his oddity, he'll have some sense of it. Though I suppose those're reasons as well to have some of his learning to hand." Sigh and finish the coffee, and push away from teh edge of the desk.

"Well, then. Suppose can at least present it as worrying after him, as well as wanting to learn, and that's true enough." Shrug into Iago's jacket, the steady smell of leather and smoke and cool dawn air, and wonder how well he's going to be after taking this.

Well. 've at least got a week to go until Wednesday, and smile a little dryly as I glance at the door. "'d you care t'come with me, or d'you think I'd make better argument on my own?" I'd like Mab there, though if Lucien's anything like as on edge as Wanda, think it might throw him to see the Sheriff walking up. Her call.

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"Well, then. Suppose can at least present it as worrying after him, as well as wanting to learn, and that's true enough."
"It never hurts to have that kind of knowledge. Never know when it'll come in handy. 'specially since people seem to have a knack for getting hurt around here."

"'d you care t'come with me, or d'you think I'd make better argument on my own?"
I grin at her then toss back the rest of my coffee, "Lemme get my coat and we can head over, "you mmight argue better on your own, but I don't think it'll hurt to have a second voice to help convince him."

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I was entering the Miskatonic, thinking about picking up breakfast for two and heading down the street to The Dormouse. A grey day, Wanda would most likely be loitering in bed, fighting wakefulness, and the thought of drowsy eyes and tousseled hair is a very pretty image...

when movement from that end of the street catches my eye. Stop to watch a dark haired, rugged looking man round the corner from the side street behind the Dormouse, heading back my way and up towards Silk, looking rather pleased with himself. I don't think much of it, and start to open the door---
Wait.
Why would you come from that direction on the side street only to head back the way you came on Silk?

Just as the realization hits me, the man raises his eyes to mine for just a moment, and I swear he smirks at me as he turns the corner.

*************

I just sit in my office, sipping my coffee, trying to wake up and figure out my own head. So that's him? The one I've heard the rumors about, the labourer Wanda's left me for.
At least I have a face now. Wonder if I can get Tez to go with me to the Whitechapel to scope him out? Something to think on...

Well, that's a way to start my morning. Wonder what the rest of the day will bring?

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Still quiet out as the two of us head up Silk and down Main, and I knock and then open the door as we head in. No sign of his new partner, and for a mercy it's Lucien sitting there, not the thing inside him. Not that that has him looking well.

"Morning," I say. He's at least looking like he's slept, which is something to the good. "How's work treating you?"

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Glass and I walk up the road to Lucien's office. Not many people out today, which is just as well. Its that time of year when the harvest is coming in, and every last hand is out there instead of loitering around town. Children are still in school, and even the shopping ladies seem to be low-key today.

Once we get to Lucien's and walk through I hang back behind Glass and try to look friendly and not menacing. Looking at him, something's wrong. Can't tell if it's just that thing taking its toll or something external's happened. Just gotta hang back and hope he either tells us or that he at least will be amicable to Glass's idea.

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I hear the door open, and footsteps cross the front rooms. Set down the coffee, relaizing I either have work to do, or someone knows just where to look for me.

Manage half a smile for Glass when she enters the office, then it fades as I see Mab. Not unhappy to see Mab, of course... but this is not a social call is it?

"Morning, how's work treating you?" Shrug a bit and fold my hands on the desk. "Depends.... are you concussed, battered or dying today?" I ask, trying for a joking mood and failing miserably. "What can I do for you ladies this grey morning?"

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"Depends.... are you concussed, battered or dying today?"

"Never before breakfast, Lucien," I say, smiling a bit. Drop into one of the chairs and look at him thoughtful. Not quite sure how to lay this out--

"What can I do for you ladies this grey morning?"

--ah, that helps. Lace my fingers together and shrug. "Think I've been pushing my luck a bit of late," I say, and that's true enough. Worked out well enough, all told, but I'd not sit and wait for Iago or Kate to be the one badly hurt. "'d an assistant be of use? I'd care to learn something from you, hardly think you've the time to spare to teach me as well as work."

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"Never before breakfast, Lucien," I smile a bit at her attempt at humor. Sits down as Mab hangs back and studies me...

This isn't going to be good, is it?

"Think I've been pushing my luck a bit of late..... 'd an assistant be of use? I'd care to learn something from you, hardly think you've the time to spare to teach me as well as work."

"An assistant? Truly, I didn't take you for the medicinal minded and I don't know if I am busy enough--"

That's clever. She can see me when I am in control. Marbas says in my mind, rather wryly.
Oh. Look to Glass, then Mab. I see. I should be mad, or outraged. I should let Marbas have control, and just be done with this pretense of trying to be a fine, upstanding town doctor...
but mostly I am just tired.

"So, besides learning valuable skills... you're also doing a public service for Excolo, right?" I say wearily, rubbing the bridge of my nose. "You do realize that if he decides to take full control, take it from me completely... there won't be a damn thing you cab do."
Sigh heavily. "I helped bring you back from certain death twice, Glass." I say softly, staring at a point on my desk. "I'd hate to be the reason for you to get to that point again."

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"An assistant? Truly, I didn't take you for the medicinal minded and I don't know if I am busy enough--" a pause, then, and he's looking ragged, and I think it's coming to him. "So, besides learning valuable skills... you're also doing a public service for Excolo, right?"

"I'd honestly not thought of it that way," I say mildly, and it's true. Suppose it could set itself out that way, but it's a hatred for the thing in him that's driving me, not concern for all else... Though I do hate messes.

"You do realize that if he decides to take full control, take it from me completely... there won't be a damn thing you cab do."

"I know," I say thoughtfully, though I'm not entire sure I agree with that. There's two gods've shown willing to help me, and one of them at least's no love for Marbas. "Still, it's not a stupid thing, is it? Suits it for you to have free run. And killing me while I'm helping you mind folk and everyone knows it'd do it no good on that score." And for the rest of it... well. I have been through worse, though I see no reason to lay that out. Little point in challenging the thing to do worse than another has.

"I helped bring you back from certain death twice, Glass. I'd hate to be the reason for you to get to that point again."

"I'm past counting you responsible for what it does when it's crushed you aside," I say dryly. "'sides, it was after leaving me dying with wolfsbane running through my veins. It sulks over healing that way, there's some good to learning what'd be of use in case it pushes you aside again, isn't there?"

Edited Date: 2009-06-19 11:07 pm (UTC)

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"I know, Still, it's not a stupid thing, is it? Suits it for you to have free run. And killing me while I'm helping you mind folk and everyone knows it'd do it no good on that score."

I can already see there's no talking her out of this plan of action. That's why Mab is here. I see it as having two options: agree to having Glass be about during office hours... or get shut down.

"'sides, it was after leaving me dying with wolfsbane running through my veins. It sulks over healing that way, there's some good to learning what'd be of use in case it pushes you aside again, isn't there?"

Grin a bit at that. "Well, there's never a harm in having more than one person with medical skills, and I can always use a refresher on herbology." Sigh and shake my head, grinning. "And I suppose it will give us a chance to discuss all those salon topics."

Grow serious again, and look to the two women. "If Glass' employ with me is to keep an eye on my.... boarder, then I suppose I will have to curtail house calls after hours, unless it's a life or death situation." Sigh again, for really, it's that type of day. "If you really believe I would harm someone... I guess this is the only recourse. Does this arrangement only pertain to working hours, or am I to report to the town jail after hours for the safety of the population?"
I ask, a little bitterly, looking away and out the window.

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I stay back and let them hash it out. We can't make Lucien accept the offer, but it would help him. Instead I try to sense the Passenger. Thought strikes me that I should ask Chester about what he thinks it might be.

"If Glass' employ with me is to keep an eye on my.... boarder, then I suppose I will have to curtail house calls after hours, unless it's a life or death situation. If you really believe I would harm someone... I guess this is the only recourse. Does this arrangement only pertain to working hours, or am I to report to the town jail after hours for the safety of the population?"
I sigh myself, and step away from the wall, "Lucien, if I locked up every potential threat to this town, my holding cells would all be full," try and lighten it with a smile, but I'm not sure how much of one I manage, "I don't believe you'd harm someone- unless you believe they'd deserve it. Aside from that I'm sure you can guess my feelings."

Move closer to the desk and drop myself into the other chair, "That aside, Glasses request is a valid, good one. You need help sometimes. She needs something to keep her out of trouble. Her extra senses are just an added bonus."

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"Well, there's never a harm in having more than one person with medical skills, and I can always use a refresher on herbology. And I suppose it will give us a chance to discuss all those salon topics."

"See?" I say, smiling a little. "All to the good." Moment's not after lasting, though, and he looks grim again.

"If Glass' employ with me is to keep an eye on my.... boarder, then I suppose I will have to curtail house calls after hours, unless it's a life or death situation." Shrug and wave a hand at that.

"Oh, because it's not as if I've never been one to be up and about nights," I say dryly. "Folk schedule something, let me know. Winter's a slow time for me in any case. And anyone who comes running to you for help you can send to me afterwards if the Tavern's not on your way."

"If you really believe I would harm someone... I guess this is the only recourse. Does this arrangement only pertain to working hours, or am I to report to the town jail after hours for the safety of the population?"

"I really believe it'd hurt someone," I say dryly, "and trust you're not after arguing with me on that." Pause a moment, looking past him thoughtful. "D'you think you could, without it taking after Mab or Linford?"

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"Oh, because it's not as if I've never been one to be up and about nights, folk schedule something, let me know. Winter's a slow time for me in any case. And anyone who comes running to you for help you can send to me afterwards if the Tavern's not on your way."

Shrug my shoulders. "We can figure out a schedule, I suppose. New office hours, maybe only open four days instead of five... re-establish what an actual emergency is." I say wryly. "Seriously, no one has ever had a cold before?"

"I don't believe you'd harm someone- unless you believe they'd deserve it. Aside from that I'm sure you can guess my feelings." I would almost be grateful for Mab's assessment of me, if Glass didn't contradict it almost in the next breath. "I really believe it'd hurt someone, and trust you're not after arguing with me on that."
"Splitting hairs... I ma not inflict the damage... but I will pay the price." I say rather glumly. Just ask Wanda. Sent her running to god know who. Wave my hand and sigh. "Yes, I know, my own damn fault. I won't argue the point. You're both right, of course, and I am more than willing to take on an assistant and alter my hours if it will give you both piece of mind. I don't really want him to hurt anyone either, so it's a good idea." I admit, finally, reaching for my coffee. I think I will be needing more.

"D'you think you could, without it taking after Mab or Linford?" Okay, now... gone a bit too far.
"I appreciate what you're willing to do, really Glass." And I am sincere, because I do count glass Beddau as a true friend. "But, I am NOT staying at the town jail. My reputation is sullied quite enough, what with the running about with the brothel madame behind my fiancee's back, who I may or may not be abusing, so she's dumped me for another man. Going in and out of the jail certainly cannot do me any favours."

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"Yes, I know, my own damn fault. I won't argue the point. You're both right, of course, and I am more than willing to take on an assistant and alter my hours if it will give you both piece of mind. I don't really want him to hurt anyone either, so it's a good idea."
"Well really it was supposed to be for your peace of mind as well. Plus, it was a better suggestion than my other ones."

"D'you think you could, without it taking after Mab or Linford?"

"I appreciate what you're willing to do, really Glass. But, I am NOT staying at the town jail. My reputation is sullied quite enough, what with the running about with the brothel madame behind my fiancee's back, who I may or may not be abusing, so she's dumped me for another man. Going in and out of the jail certainly cannot do me any favours."

My recent revelation aside, I'm not ready to pit Liam against whatever it is residing in Lucien. And I'm not quite sure if I'm willing to just take it on myself. The rest of his statement worries em more though, "Honestly, I've got other people to lock up before you. Regardless of public opinion."

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"We can figure out a schedule, I suppose. New office hours, maybe only open four days instead of five..."

"Suspect I might be hearing argument to take Wednesdays off," I say thoughtfully. Four days a week, and mostly only in the day? Five alone on steady schedule'd be a grace, but four? Fine indeed.

"Splitting hairs... I ma not inflict the damage... but I will pay the price."

Raise an eyebrow. "You call not actually having chosen to do what it's done splitting hairs? Sin's not only in the consequence another visits on you, you know." My smile sharpens a touch at that. "Trust me."

"Yes, I know, my own damn fault. I won't argue the point." Sigh and don't bother saying that if he'd catch the distinction folk make between him and Marbas, there might be less arguments in his life of late. Look to Mab and shrug, but at least he's after accepting the idea, if not his own suggestion.

"Well really it was supposed to be for your peace of mind as well. Plus, it was a better suggestion than my other ones."

"Ah, Mab, he's not holding his peace of mind worthy of our consideration of late," I say, but there's no edge to my voice. "And it was a kinder thought," I add, glancing back to him.

"I appreciate what you're willing to do, really Glass. But, I am NOT staying at the town jail. My reputation is sullied quite enough, what with the running about with the brothel madame behind my fiancee's back, who I may or may not be abusing, so she's dumped me for another man. Going in and out of the jail certainly cannot do me any favours."

"You brought it up, dyn gwag," I say, smiling a little. "Makes it hard to pick out the sarcasm when you're blaming yourself for what another's done. May care t'mind that." Get to my feet and stretch. "Well, you're here already, and I suspect I ought tell Iago I've apparently talked myself into a new job. Leave me handle that and I'll come back, and then you can start outlining the day?"

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