|
Post by skybright on Aug 14, 2006 2:16:33 GMT -5
Daws regarded the shapeshifter calmly for a long moment -- and then sighed. "I can't say that I've got any argument for that." She shrugged. "I even kind of wish I could be idealistic enough to agree with ya -- but I know better. I'm not quite that much of an idealist. I've seen too much of the world for it."
Her expression hardened. "The fact is, there are things in this world that're worth fighting against. And in the end," She shrugged. "Either you bloody your hands fighting, or there's blood on them because you did nothing. You end up with your hands bloodied either way."
|
|
|
Post by Jordanna on Aug 14, 2006 2:28:36 GMT -5
"I'm afraid I can't see it that way," Proteus replied. "I can appreciate what you're trying to do--but that isn't for me."
"What about the Spooks?" Vance asked. "We're interested in having their help, if we can get it--even if we have to pay for it like Tiernan does."
"That's no business of mine." Proteus glanced back and forth between them, raising an eyebrow. "But if it means a chance for my friends to earn a little cash, I will do this much for you. I'll put in a word for you, just like I said I would."
He spread his hands. "Come to Spooktown, tomorrow morning. I'll be watching for you, even though you won't know me. I'm sure by then I can convince the King of the Spooks to see you."
Vance's lips twitched. "The what?"
"Yeah, I know, it's a ridiculous title. He can't help what they call him." Proteus shrugged. "He gives the Spooks guidance. They listen to him. If you want to be dealt with fairly, he's the one you need to talk to."
Proteus stood up. "Now, if there's nothing else..."
|
|
|
Post by skybright on Aug 14, 2006 2:36:21 GMT -5
Daws stood as well, regarding the shapeshifter with an unreadable expression. "Thanks for the good word. And if you ever change your mind . . ." she broke off and shook her head with a wry smile. "But somehow, I get the feeling you won't."
She shrugged and held out her hand. "Either way -- you know where to find us."
|
|
|
Post by Jordanna on Aug 14, 2006 2:39:04 GMT -5
Proteus shook Daws' hand, and inclined his head to Vance. Then, without another word, he turned and departed.
Vance watched the door close behind the shapeshifter, and shook his head. "I meet the most interesting people around you," he said wryly to Daws. "I guess we've got a date for tomorrow."
|
|
|
Post by skybright on Aug 14, 2006 2:44:56 GMT -5
"Guess so." Daws nodded, still gazing meditatively after the vanished shapeshifter.
After a moment she shook herself out of her reverie and grinned at Vance. "I'm glad you showed up when you did. Keeping the . . . not-you occupied was sort of creepifying. Like I'd somehow wound up in Attack of the Body Snatchers or somethin'."
|
|
|
Post by Jordanna on Aug 16, 2006 20:51:18 GMT -5
"Just imagine how I felt," Vance murmured, and tilted his head. "By the way, who were you calling when I walked in?"
|
|
|
Post by skybright on Aug 16, 2006 21:22:29 GMT -5
Daws grinned. "You, actually. Figured it was the quickest way to find out if I was losing my mind or not." She shrugged. "Wasn't just that he didn't smell right -- he didn't feel like you, either. The fact that he didn't pick up a cell phone -- and couldn't tell I was lyin' about who I called -- just clinched it."
|
|
|
Post by Jordanna on Aug 17, 2006 0:19:28 GMT -5
"I'm glad I left the phone with Handy. Would've been sort of embarrassing if it'd made noise while I was trying to sneak up on Proteus."
Vance sat down on the sofa. "I've been keeping an eye out around here since we met... well, him, I guess, at the bar the other night. I didn't care for that hint about you being threatened. Mostly I've had a couple of local boys on watch--ones you know around this neighborhood, so as not to startle you. But tonight I figured I'd come around myself." He chuckled and shook his head. "Imagine my surprise to come up and see myself talking to you on your doorstep."
|
|
|
Post by skybright on Aug 17, 2006 22:32:42 GMT -5
"I can imagine. It's definitely not somethin' you see everyday."
Daws perched on the arm of the nearest chair and raised an eyebrow at Vance. "'Keepin' an eye on things', huh? Well, I guess it's a good thing ya did -- my visitor tonight might not've ended up been a friendly, after all." She grinned lopsidedly. "Thanks, Vance."
|
|
|
Post by Jordanna on Aug 17, 2006 22:44:40 GMT -5
Vance spread his hands. "Just doing what needs doing."
With that dismissal, he stood up. "I'll come around to pick you up tomorrow morning, say nine o'clock. It's up to you whether you want to go into Spooktown heeled. They might not like us wandering in with guns--and besides, I don't need one."
|
|
|
Post by skybright on Aug 18, 2006 18:46:40 GMT -5
Daws frowned thoughtfully. "I don't much like going in unarmed -- considering the fight I got in the last time I was there. But on the other hand," she shrugged. "I don't much wanna make a whole neighborhood of Spooks mad at me, either -- and maybe wreck our shot at negotiating in the bargain."
She shrugged again and grinned slyly at Vance. "Guess I'll leave the gun here and just count on you to provide the firepower if we get into any scrapes."
|
|
|
Post by Jordanna on Aug 18, 2006 20:03:13 GMT -5
Vance smirked, and moved toward the door. "Don't worry, detective. I'll protect you."
|
|
|
Post by skybright on Aug 18, 2006 23:33:44 GMT -5
Daws laughed brightly and shook her head. "My hero."
She slid off the arm of the chair and tossed off a mock salute as she reached for her fedora. "Watch yourself out there, hero. I'll see ya tomorrow morning."
|
|