After the Rescue

[skybright]

Upon her arrival at Tiernan Enterprises, Daws didn't even both exchaning her usual 'pleasantries' with the receptionist; the harried tone of the message that had been on her machine suggested that even that delay would only serve to aggravate Tiernan further. Instead, she headed for the elevator, slumping against the wall and steeling herself for the encounter to come.

Reaching the floor of Tiernan's office, she stepped briskly down the corridor and knocked once before letting herself in. She gave what she hoped was a convincingly irritated frown and pushed back her fedora.

"You called, Mister Tiernan?"

[Jordanna]

The atmosphere in the room was perceptibly dark, matching Tiernan's eyes. He turned from staring out the tinted windows.

"Vance was taken, Miss Dawson--taken from this very building." He proceeded to pace like an infuriated tiger. "It happened while I was speaking to you earlier."

[skybright]

Daws feigned surprised and removed her fedora, venturing further into the dim office. "How'd they ever manage that?"

[Jordanna]

"I was impersonated. It appears this rabble has among their allies a metamorph." Tiernan retreated to his chair, and slowly sank into it. He stared at his steepled fingertips for a long moment, breathing slowly and deeply--and in that interval, the room lightened somewhat.

At last, he raised his eyes to Daws again.

"With all of my sources, there is only one metamorph I've ever heard rumor of in this city. A sort of patron saint to the Spooks, as legend has it. I begin to suspect this mutant has extended his charities."

He abruptly stood up. "I have a task for you, detective. You're to take a message to the Spooks. Tell them that I demand they turn the metamorph over to me... or there will be consequences."

[skybright]

Oh, jeeze, as if things weren't bad enough. Daws nodded slowly.

"I've only crossed paths with the Spooks a few times -- there isn't much love lost there. But I'll pass on the message." She tipped her head. "You think they'll go for it? Spooks tend not to care much for other people's orders, from what I've seen."

[Jordanna]

"They will care about mine. They know that the word 'consequences' does not come lightly from me." Tiernan scowled disdainfully. "Their lack of loyalty among themselves is notorious. They will give up the metamorph."

He pushed a folder across his desk toward Daws. "Following that message, I want you to concern yourself with finding Major Vance. This is his file." His expression darkened. "It's possible that he may not survive for long... but if he does, I want him back. He is even more important than Van Linden."

[skybright]

Daws took the file and flipped it open, making a pretense of skimming the information within. "Understood." She tipped her head and studied the photograph of Vance which was paperclipped to the top of the sheaf of papers.

"Should be pretty easy to spot with that scar." She flipped the file closed and settled her fedora on her head. "I'll do what I can. Anything else?"

[Jordanna]

"Not at present." Tiernan's eyes narrowed slightly, and the room darkened just a little bit more. "But be forewarned that the next time I'm questioning a valuable subject, you're on your own. I won't interrupt that work again for anyone."

[skybright]

"Fine." If I have anything to say about it, you'll never get the chance again, anyway.

She turned on her heel, tucking the folder under her arm. "You'll hear from me."

Daws made tracks out of the Tiernan Enterprises building and then, after only a moment's hesitation, turned for the nearest subway station.

Sleep (enticing as it was) could wait. She had to talk to Proteus about this new complication -- before she took Tiernan's message to the Spooks.