|
Post by Jordanna on Feb 18, 2007 23:37:49 GMT -5
Proteus' frustrated expression softened slightly. "Well, I may not appreciate your part in how all this came about... but I do appreciate your trying to make it right. If I come across any of my people, I'll encourage them to take your help--but I won't be looking for them deliberately. Not safe for them to be near me anymore."
|
|
|
Post by skybright on Feb 18, 2007 23:47:43 GMT -5
Daws frowned. "You're not going back to the Spooks, then?"
|
|
|
Post by Jordanna on Feb 18, 2007 23:58:37 GMT -5
Proteus shook his head, with a heavy depth of sadness in his silver-eyed face. "I can't let them lose anything more because of me."
|
|
|
Post by skybright on Feb 19, 2007 0:06:55 GMT -5
Daws nodded in sad understanding. "I'm sorry." She frowned quizically. "Then . . . where are you going to go? If you need a place . . ."
|
|
|
Post by Jordanna on Feb 19, 2007 0:16:42 GMT -5
Proteus smiled faintly, without warmth. "You know I can make--or take--any place for myself that I want. I'll manage." The smile turned slightly harsh. "Maybe a lot closer to Tiernan than he'd ever expect."
He frowned again. "You know I don't want a repeat of the art gallery mess, and all that's come after it. But there's a chance I might have information for you sometime. Anyway, you'll hear from me."
|
|
|
Post by skybright on Feb 19, 2007 0:19:39 GMT -5
Daws looked as if she were about to say more -- but then she merely nodded and held out her hand. "You know where to find us if you need to. And . . . for what it's worth -- thank you."
|
|
|
Post by Jordanna on Feb 19, 2007 0:33:22 GMT -5
With only a small hesitation, Proteus clasped Daws' hand lightly for a moment, with a small nod.
"I'll go out your back door, if you don't mind."
|
|
|
Post by skybright on Feb 19, 2007 0:35:08 GMT -5
Daws nodded and led the way into the inner office, unlocking the back door and holding it open for the shapeshifter.
"I hardly need to say it to you," She said with a faint smile, "But be careful out there, all the same."
|
|
|
Post by Jordanna on Feb 19, 2007 0:50:50 GMT -5
"You too," Proteus said solemnly. "And take care of my people for me--but I know you'll do that as best you can, too."
With that, he went out.
|
|
|
Post by skybright on Feb 19, 2007 1:16:02 GMT -5
Daws sighed and shook her head as she watched Proteus depart, then relocked the back door.
I guess that went better than it could've. She thought with a shrug. She briefly pondered whether to take news of her latest encounters with Tiernan and the shapeshifter to Henry's -- but before she could reach a decision, the office phone rang.
Daws dropped into her desk chair and snatched the receiver. "Grimalkin Investigations."
"Miss Dawson." The voice on the other end of the line belonged to James Marcus Cole. "I thought it might be better to reach you this way. I'm going to find it rather hard evading the press for the next few days."
"Yeah, I can imagine." Daws leaned back in her chair. "I assume you've been down to Spooktown to see the damage yourself." And to catch a photo op.
"Yes." Cole's disbelieving shake of the head was nearly audible. "I can only assume, since you contacted me, that Tiernan was somehow responsible -- but I've been wracking my brain trying to understand why he'd do such a thing. The last I heard from you, you were planning on foiling that jewel heist of his -- and now this."
Daws gave a humorless chuckle. "Hey, you're not the only one of us who's been busy lately." She gave Cole the brief version of the events of the past few days, including the failed jewel heist, Vance's injury, and Proteus' involvement.
Cole let out a surprised breath when she finished. "Well . . . you all have been busy." He fell silent for a moment. "What can I do?"
Daws smiled flatly. "Well, for starters -- you're gonna have quite the juggling act on your hands, tryin' to patch up all the different sides who're up in arms over this thing. Something tells me if you can manage to do that, anything that might happen to you after you get elected would be a piece of cake -- and good luck at trying it."
She leaned back in her chair. "More to the point, we're trying to find shelter and supplies for the refugees. It's not easy -- and," her tone grew pointed, "It's not gonna be exactly cheap."
Cole chuckled. "No, I can see that." There was only a slight hesitation before he said "You can count on me for financial help -- and I'll see what I can do about touching some of the wealthy people I know for help, too. We'll set up a relief fund."
Daws grinned -- her estimation of Cole had just risen sharply. "Thanks, Cole. We'll be in touch."
"Of course." The politician replied. "Give Major Vance my best wishes."
Daws laughed. "I'll do that." Though I'll be interested to see what kind of look he'll get on his face at that.
She hung up the phone and rose from her chair. She had a lot of new developments to share with Vance.
|
|