[Emmon]

Emmon Filgers couldn't help but whistle as he entered the Dragon's Inn
(though his "music" came out rather tunelessly); this was the way he liked
to start a case - have enough of a lead early on that his employers would
consider him a go-getter. And so far he had one of their marks eyeballed -
if not identified, which wasn't bad for little under twelve hours work.

As he worked his way through the usually miscellaneous clientele of the Inn
he kept an eye out for Mayce's secretary, William.

[William]

William was trying unsuccessfully to flirt with a young female traveler
when he saw the detective enter the inn.  He instantly became nervous, but
relaxed when he remembered the wards on the inn.  Not that he should have
had reason to worry anyway... but one never could be too sure about
adventurer-types.  They could be unpredictable.

William stood and signaled for Emmon with one hand, and for another
drink with the other.

Being on Perrin's tab did have its advantages.

[Emmon]

Filgers made his way to the table, gave the nearby lass a quick smile, and
settled himself comfortably into a chair across from William.

"Need to be a little more forward with lasses like that," he offered; then
he chuckled, "But not enough to get introduced to a morning star or wrist
dagger."


[William]

"Really?"  said William.  He couldn't tell if Emmon was offering earnest
advice or was trying to get him killed.

"Well, have you found anything on Perrin's case?"

[Emmon]

"Indeed I have," Emmon said, settling back into his chair, "But you don't
expect me to give you the details with a dry mouth do you?" He gave
William a friendly grin and added, "Not even I can pass up the chance to
taste one of the Inn's brews - it is sheer heaven compared to what Montban
serves."

[William]

"Ahh, yes."   William had forgotten how things were 'done' in these
small towns.... which probably explained his and Perrin's lack of
progress earlier, as well as he lack of luck with a certain young
woman.    It seemed that the road to every destination was paved
with strong drink.

He ordered two tankards of ale, both for Emmon.   When they
arrived, he raised his own tankards.

"A toast to....uhhhh... progress?"

[Emmon]

Filgers eyed the two tankards, and murmured something about "doggy bags,"
but then he raised one of the mugs and clinked it against William's. "To
progress," he answered.

He took a small sip of the ale, and took a moment to savor the smooth
flavor; then he set the tankard down and said, "Its been a profitable
first day." From his pocket he pulled out a pack of neatly written notes
and handed them over to William.

[William]

William read the notes, which were very complete and well-written for
someone in Emmon's line of work.

"Hmmm..."

It appeared Emmon was on the verge of locating the colorful mage...
and in such a short time period!   He was either an employee or frequent
patron of the upper-class commercial district here in Montfort... which
would mean that he may still be in town.

"Perrin will be pleased,"  said William.

[Emmon]

"I figured he might be," Emmon said, with a quick grin, "Though for
someone that colorful our pigeon is an elusive man."

---

...meanwhile...

[December]

December stood in the center of the store's back room, surrounded by
shipping crates and a large work table.    The light was dim, but the
jeweler's pale skin and white hair were quite visible as he folded his
arms.   He was not alone in the room.    Before him stood  Lovvorn, the
store's mage, and one other man... thin and stern, with a long, sharp,
unsmiling face.

"Mr. Hood,"   said December.  "I trust Lovvorn has informed you of recent
developments."

"Yeah,"   said Eric.  "This trial's getting to be a problem.    But at
least we got somebody on the jury."

"I do not care about the outcome, Mr. Hood.   What concerns me is the
information that may come up in the process.   Both you and Lovvorn were
intimately involved.   I would rather that involvement not become public
knowledge.    Lovvorn can be connected to me, and through this trial, YOU
can be connected to Lovvorn.    That is certain to raise dangerous
questions among the Tower Guard."

"How did the girl get mixed up in this?"  said Eric.

"Theesa's involvement is unintentional... and unexpected.    MOST
unexpected.   I do not like surprises, Mr. Hood.   An unexpected visit by
the Tower Guard is disturbing enough, but this..."

"The Tower Guard is tight.   We don't have a man in there, so there's no
way to find out what their up to before they start knocking on your door.
That's one of the risks of doin' business in Montfort."

"The question is what are we gonna do?"  said Lovvorn.   The normally
jovial mage was unusually sober and subdued.

"You, Lovvorn, are to keep yourself hidden until this is resolved."

"But... okay."

"Mr. Hood.   J'Hasp is following the trail of our curious detective.   We
must find out who he spoke with, and what he knows."

"Should I kill him?"

"Killing him at THIS point would be suspicious.    Someone else...
possibly the Tower Guard... may continue his work."

"So what, then?"

"We must lead him away from us with a series of false clues and incorrect
information.   Once he is far enough down the wrong path... when he thinks
he is close... THEN you will remove him.    Any suspicion that follows
will be directed away from me."

"Anybody in particular you want implicated?"

"Hmmmm...   Perhaps there is, Mr. Hood.   Perhaps there is..."