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[pawntakesking]

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, REGULUS BLACK. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 079.07.1663.55 *** REGULUS BLACK has joined 079.07.1663.55 <ToujoursPur> This is the current address of Regulus Arcturus Black, formerly of London. <ToujoursPur> Please leave any messages here, and I will respond as soon as I can. Alternatively, ask at the Kit-TEA-Kat Café if you wish to see me in person. <ToujoursPur> Yours, R.A.B.

Comments

[inseine]

I can be a reasonable negotiator. Or less reasonable, if the creature is choosy with his terms.

[A beat. Clink. Clink. Clink.]

Shall I call upon you when the time comes to speak on it?

[pawntakesking]

I think that decision is yours. But I certainly wouldn't object.

[He thinks for a moment, before deciding to trust the vampire, at least a little.]

I do have an item that might be used in extremis. If he really refuses to cooperate. I can attest from experience that it is... persuasive.

[inseine]

[Javert delves deep into Regulus's eyes and, with a few seconds of scrutiny, seems to divine the implication like he scooped it out with a single hooked claw. A muscle at the corner of his mouth twitches.]

Only if it should come to that, [he says sharply.] In the meanwhile, this is what you will do to contribute. Find a list of lawyers and former magistrates with expertise in the criminal code. It does not matter if they are fond of making deals with devils or not, I require only a list and their qualifications for now.

[pawntakesking]

Of course. Consider me at your disposal.

I'll try to have something with you in a week or so.

[inseine]

I am not in a hurry. Take care you are thorough, and you will hear from me again when my part is sorted, [Javert murmurs meaningfully. At last he brings the cup to his lips and accepts a long, slow sip. It has been awhile since he has taken his coffee without blood, a bitter reminder of life before monstrosity.

Speaking of his role in this ghostly plan, of which he has revealed little in full...]

Have you dealt with the being called Mana before?

[pawntakesking]

Where do you suppose I got the item I mentioned?

Yes. Only on that one occasion, but yes.

[inseine]

[Javert glance sharpens at that, and he sips again.]

And you are pleased with what you received? The one time I dealt with her, she took... [Javert grimaces] liberties with my bargain.

[Now that he has a fresh idea in mind for what to purchase, he wants to get this one correct. His contingency plans depend on it.]

[pawntakesking]

Yes. She has a tendency to be somewhat... unpredictable.

You have to be very specific. Very detailed. It's rather like asking a child for something. She will give you what you want, but she also often... misunderstands. Or misses the obvious. Ensure what you ask for is entirely described and impossible to misinterpret, and you should be fine.

[He says this as if he's actually confident about his own purchase. Which he isn't. He's never used it. For all he knows, it's just a stick.]

[inseine]

[Javert makes a vague gesture with a clawed hand.]

Thank you. I shall write up a contract. Whatever must be done to prevent unwanted surprises.

[He muses over another sip of coffee, and bends back to appraise the stars.]

It shall be a few more weeks' time before we are ready. Take care until then, and speak not a breath of this to anyone else.

[pawntakesking]

Of course. You can rely on that.

[He nods, and falls silent, watching the vampire thoughtfully.]

If there's anything else I can do...

[inseine]

You'll be called upon, [Javert finishes decisively. He will... but the Inspector is not quite ready to make that request of him just yet. And he adds curtly, not quite out of courtesy,] How much do I owe you for the drink?

and end?

[pawntakesking]

[Regulus considers, then nods towards the sign on the door.]

We're closed. It hardly seems proper.

If you insist, you can leave something in the tip jar. [This feels like an end to the conversation. He gets to his feet, giving a small, shallow bow.] Feel free to stay as long as you like. Bonsoir.