A firm knock interrupts the quiet celebration. Through the camera, Elaine Porter stands beyond the locked gate in her charcoal coat, holding a sealed statement and keeping clear of the untouched parcel.
Elaine Porter
Alex, I need to correct the record. The parcel was not sent by the trust office. Someone used information from its dormant review to redirect it here.
Alex's father moves from the window to the interior camera panel, leaving the locks untouched. Claire stays close against Alex, her warmth sharpening into a guarded, openly protective focus.
Claire
You knew that before you came back to this gate. So explain why you withheld it, Elaine. Was the parcel meant to reach Alex, or was someone using the firm to reach us?
Elaine Porter
I did not know when I made the original delivery. The firm discovered the redirection only after your refusal triggered a dormant-review audit. This statement records that correction.
Elaine raises the sealed document toward the camera without approaching. The parcel remains visible beyond the gate, while a fresh timestamp appears on the interior security display.
Claire
Then nobody touches anything until Nina verifies every word. Alex, we are listening, not trusting, and certainly not opening a mystery package because a courier brought better paperwork.
✓ Quest Accepted
Verify Elaine Porter’s correction
✓ Quest Accepted
Determine who redirected the parcel
“"Glad we are all in agreement, then," you say quietly, tapping a cigarette from your pack. "We're coming out to talk face to face. And you have some explaining to do about this before Nina gets here. Yer on live audio and video capture... just as good as live testimony." As you and Claire step outside, you light your smoke, taking a long drag. "Show me what you have."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +3)
Alex Mishyma
Glad we are all in agreement, then. We’re coming out to talk face to face, and you have some explaining to do before Nina gets here. You’re on live audio and video capture, just as good as live testimony. Show me what you have.
Alex unlocks the gate and steps outside with Claire, lighting a cigarette as he approaches Elaine. Claire stays at his shoulder, visibly affectionate but watchful, while the camera continues recording from the house.
Alex Mishyma
Show me what you have.
Elaine Porter
Of course. The statement confirms the parcel was redirected after leaving the trust office. The original delivery record named your family address, but the revised routing instruction came through a dormant-review access channel.
Elaine hands over the sealed statement. Alex opens it in full view of the cameras, finding the firm’s correction, timestamps, authorization trail, and a signed declaration that the trust office did not approve the parcel’s redirection.
Elaine Porter
The useful part is here: the redirect was submitted through an account marked for external audit, not by any active trust attorney. The firm has frozen that account and preserved its access logs for Nina.
Claire
That is much better than a mystery package and a polite apology. Alex, you have the statement, the audit trail is preserved, and Nina gets the firm’s logs. I am still watching Elaine, but I am officially less tempted to throw the parcel into the sun.
Quest Complete
Verify Elaine Porter’s correction
+ New Item Acquired
Correction statement
“Soon, Nina's security detail coms to secure the package. You hand off the statement Elaine provided as well. "This is a little extra info about the package," you smile. "Appreciate you guys." You turn back to Elaine with a nod. "If that concludes matters, I'd like to get back to trying to be normal for a day." Claire smirks at your words, lowering her face with a gentle blush.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
A security vehicle pulls up outside the gate. A protective personnel and a protective personnel approach in marked jackets, verify the scene, and carefully secure the untouched parcel without disturbing its position.
Protective Personnel 1
Package secured and documented. We’ll transport it for controlled examination and preserve the camera record with the chain of custody.
Alex hands over Elaine’s sealed correction statement as well. The protective personnel photograph its condition, log the transfer, and place it with the package evidence for Nina’s review.
Alex Mishyma
This is a little extra info about the package. Appreciate you guys.
Alex Mishyma
If that concludes matters, I’d like to get back to trying to be normal for a day.
Elaine Porter
It does. I’ll file the corrected delivery record and remain available through the verified firm contact. Thank you for handling this carefully, Alex.
Claire smirks and lowers her face with a gentle blush. Elaine gives a professional nod, then steps away from the gate as the security team departs with the documented evidence.
“"That's that. Back to our tea, my lady. I am sure Dad will have a lot to say about all this when we get back in," you smirk, knowing he will hear your words over the camera's audio feed. Claire giggles.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +4)
Alex Mishyma
That’s that. Back to our tea, my lady. I’m sure Dad will have a lot to say about all this when we get back in.
Claire giggles, and Alex guides her back through the gate toward the house. Alex's father holds the door open, his amused expression confirming that the camera captured every word.
Claire
Oh, he absolutely heard you, handsome. Now you have to survive the full fatherly review before I let you hide behind your tea.
Alex's father
I heard enough to know you handled the situation responsibly. The rest can wait until the kettle is poured.
Inside, the kettle is still warm, and three mugs wait on the kitchen table. Alex's father checks the locked door once, then joins them without glancing toward the camera again.
Claire
See? A peaceful tea, a safe handoff, and your father already approving the responsible version of you. I’m calling that a win.
Alex's father
It is a win. And I have already received Nina’s confirmation that the evidence transfer is logged cleanly, so you can enjoy the afternoon without wondering whether the paperwork held.
“"I'm not worried anymore about paperwork once it's in Nina's hands. Which reminds me, I need to get that money from Dev's safe into the bank and pay Nina's retainer fee. It's the least I owe her after everything she's been doing for us. And, I have a possible chance at landing a job with Gideon Pike at his firm as cyber security, once I turn 21. Not too shabby for a reformed cyber-criminal," you smirk.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Alex Mishyma
I’m not worried about the paperwork anymore. Once Nina has it, I can move the money from Dev’s safe into the bank, pay Nina’s retainer, and pursue Gideon Pike’s cybersecurity job when I turn twenty-one. Not too shabby for a reformed cyber-criminal.
Claire’s smile turns soft and proud, while Alex's father settles into his chair with the calm attention of a father hearing his son describe a future built on lawful choices.
Claire
That is more than not too shabby, handsome. It is a real plan: clean money, a paid legal retainer, and work that uses your talent without asking you to become the person you used to be.
Alex's father
I’m proud of the order you chose, son. Secure the funds properly, pay the person protecting your future, and let Gideon’s offer stand on lawful terms.
Claire threads her fingers through Alex’s and leans against his shoulder. The three of them remain around the tea table, with the afternoon light settling over the signed records and Nina’s receipt.
Claire
And when the apartment is ready, we celebrate with furniture shopping and something unnecessarily expensive for dessert. You can build your career, handsome. I’ll make sure you remember to live in the future you’re earning.
Alex's father
Then let’s call it settled. You have my support, Claire has hers, and Nina has earned every dollar of that retainer. Your next chapter is already underway.
“"After all the crap me, Claire, Dev and Tommy have had to handle? It's about time things started to go our way." You give a little laugh. "And finish your tea. "Well, we better go get this settled sooner than later," you say to your dad as you and Claire rise to head out. "Jarvis, call an Uber, please," you say to your smart glasses.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +1)
Alex Mishyma
After all the crap Claire, Dev, Tommy, and I have handled, it’s about time things started going our way. Finish your tea, Dad. We better get this settled sooner than later.
Alex gives a small laugh and finishes his tea. Claire rises with him, while Alex's father sets his mug down and watches them with quiet, approving pride.
Claire
That sounds like an excellent plan, handsome. We’ll get the next steps settled, then celebrate without turning it into another emergency.
Alex's father
Go on, son. You have my support. Call me when the arrangements are confirmed, and we’ll handle anything that still needs my attention.
Alex and Claire collect their things and head for the door. Alex's father walks them to the entryway, where the afternoon light falls across the now-organized legal papers.
Alex Mishyma
Jarvis, call an Uber, please.
Jarvis
Uber requested. A driver has accepted, with arrival expected in four minutes.
“Tapping a menthol from your pack, you and Claire stand on the sidewalk, awaiting your Uber as you light the cigarette. "Jarvis, text Tommy. 'Set Claire and I a reservation for tonight. We got some catching up to do, mate.' Send." You smile to your lady. "How better to celebrate?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Tapping a menthol from his pack, Alex stands with Claire on the sidewalk as the accepted Uber approaches. He lights the cigarette, its smoke drifting into the afternoon air.
Alex Mishyma
Jarvis, text Tommy: “Set Claire and I a reservation for tonight. We got some catching up to do, mate.” Send.
Jarvis
Message sent. Tommy confirms a reservation for tonight, but he says you owe him a favor for securing the table on short notice.
Claire
A favor is acceptable, handsome. We have survived worse prices for a quiet evening, and I am very interested in hearing what Tommy considers a reservation emergency.
Alex smiles toward Claire as the Uber pulls to the curb. The driver unlocks the doors, while Jarvis displays Tommy’s confirmation and the favor attached to it.
Alex Mishyma
How better to celebrate?
Claire
Exactly. Tonight we catch up with Tommy, and tomorrow we can negotiate your mysterious favor. For now, get in, handsome. Our ordinary future has dinner plans.
Alex Mishyma leaves Sidewalk outside Alex's father's home behind and arrives at Dev Null Cafe.
“"First, back to the cafe, secure the funds in the bank, and get Nina paid. Then, our night," you smile and open the door for her. "Dev Null Cafe, 22nd and Main, please," you tell the driver with a polit smile, tossing your smoke to the gutter before you enter the vehicle.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +0)
Dev Null Cafe glows with afternoon screens, roasted coffee, and familiar counter noise. Claire steps in beside Alex as Dev looks up from the register, already expecting them.
Dev
Welcome back, mate. The secure banking terminal is ready, and Nina’s retainer account is verified. Tommy says your table is still waiting tonight.
Alex Mishyma
First, we secure the fifty thousand in the bank and pay Nina. Then, our night.
Alex moves to the isolated terminal and completes the documented transfer from Dev’s safe into the verified bank account. The receipt posts immediately, with the funds secured and the transaction logged.
Dev
Clean transfer. No drama, no mystery, no one touching the money except the bank. You are getting worryingly good at ordinary success.
Alex sends Nina’s retainer through the verified channel. A confirmation arrives at once, followed by her brief acknowledgment that the payment is received and the legal representation remains active.
Claire
There. Funds secured, Nina paid, and our evening still belongs to us. Come on, handsome. Let’s enjoy dinner before somebody invents another emergency.
“Checking the remaining balance, you smile softly at the number: 79,970 dollars. "Now that is a damn good start to a future, I'd say," Claire shakes her head. "I didn't fall for you because of money, Alex. You know that. It was because of the person you showed m you could be. And, you have amazing abs for a hacker," she teases with a smile. Dev laughs out loud heartily, and a few of the elites in earshot chuckle at you.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Computers, rolled -1)
Alex checks the remaining balance on Dev’s secure terminal. The verified account shows $79,970, and the clean figure settles brightly against the café’s ordinary afternoon noise.
Alex Mishyma
Now that is a damn good start to a future, I’d say.
Claire
I didn’t fall for you because of money, Alex. You know that. It was because of the person you showed me you could be. And you have amazing abs for a hacker.
Claire shakes her head with a teasing smile. Dev laughs heartily from behind the counter, and several nearby elite patrons chuckle along, turning the financial milestone into a shared café moment.
Dev
There you have it, mate. Ninety-seven grand would be impressive, but apparently your abdominal definition remains the stronger investment.
Claire
Exactly. The money helps build our future, handsome, but it is not why I’m standing beside you. Do not get those priorities backward.
The balance remains unchanged on the terminal, fully secured and available for the plans Alex and Claire are making together. Around them, the café returns to its familiar rhythm without losing the warmth of the moment.
“You close the terminal and head to the counter, ordering two coffees for you and Claire. "Hey, you got your epic duster from the whole exchange, Dev. That wasn't cheap, but I gotta admit, you look badass in it," you smirk as he sets a mug of French vanilla latte before you, and an Irish cream latte for Claire. "Single best gift I've ever got, mate. Glad to see the money hasn't gone to yer head."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Alex Mishyma
Two coffees, please. And hey, Dev, you got your epic duster from the whole exchange. It wasn’t cheap, but you look badass in it.
Alex closes the terminal and heads to the counter. Dev sets a French vanilla latte before him and an Irish cream latte before Claire, the oil-black duster fitting him perfectly.
Dev
Single best gift I’ve ever got, mate. Glad to see the money hasn’t gone to yer head.
Claire
He says, while wearing the most dramatic coat in Boston and accepting compliments like they are another payment confirmation.
Dev spreads the duster’s shoulders with theatrical pride, then nudges Claire’s latte toward her. The café’s familiar noise settles around the three friends as steam curls from both cups.
Dev
A coat this good deserves a little theater. Besides, you earned the right to enjoy seeing your money buy something that makes a friend happy.
Claire
And now we drink our coffee, admire the coat, and enjoy one completely successful afternoon. That sounds like a future worth celebrating, handsome.
“"Agreed, love." You clink your mug to hers and take a deep sip. Behind you, the door opens, and Deven enters. His smile is indignant as usual, being the spoiled little rich boy, he is. "Well well, I see this is where the peasants still hang out. Dev freezes a moment at the declaration, but Claire and the elites in earshot turn towards the pompous remark. You sigh, slowly rising and standing a few steps from Deven. "Look man, I don't know what your hardon about coming here to make a scene is about, but it ends now. Either apologize and leave, or I am dragging you out by your neck and tossing you out like the trash you are. And before you get on your high horse about the law and stuff, just remember... you entered OUR house, assclown. Make yer choice." Your hands hang at your side gently, but your eyes meet his with dangerous intent.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +0)
Alex Mishyma
Agreed, love.
Alex clinks his mug against Claire’s and takes a deep sip. Behind him, the door opens, revealing Deven, a young adult man with a lean build and warm brown skin, in an immaculate designer coat, sleek dark hair, and an indignant smile.
Deven
Well, well. I see this is where the peasants still hang out.
Dev freezes behind the counter. Claire and the nearby elite café patrons turn toward the insult as Alex sets down his mug and rises, stopping a few steps from Deven with his hands loose at his sides.
Alex Mishyma
I don’t know what your obsession with making a scene here is about, but it ends now. Apologize and leave, or I’ll drag you out and throw you out. You entered our house, so make your choice.
Deven
Fine. I apologize for insulting everyone, and I’ll leave. I should have known better than to provoke you in your own café.
Deven gives the room a stiff bow, then turns and exits without another remark. The door closes behind him, leaving the café’s attention fixed on Alex and the suddenly quiet counter.
“You sigh, shaking your head as you light a smoke. "Shows over folks," you smirk, waving them back to their chosen escapes. You settle back to the counter and take your mug of coffee. "Sorry about that, Claire, boss. But that guy had to be shut down once and for all."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Alex Mishyma
Shows over, folks. Sorry about that, Claire, Dev. That guy had to be shut down once and for all.
Alex sighs, lights a cigarette, and waves the café patrons back toward their chosen escapes. Conversation resumes in cautious fragments as the room releases its tension.
Claire
Apology accepted, handsome. He was provoking everyone, and you ended it without turning the café into a battlefield.
Dev
You shut him down cleanly, mate. Next time, though, let me finish pouring the coffee before you become the café’s bouncer.
Alex settles back at the counter and takes up his mug. The elite café patrons return to their screens, glancing over only when curiosity briefly defeats their discretion.
Elite Café Patrons
That was handled well. We’re good, Dev.
Dev resumes polishing the counter, Claire remains close beside Alex, and the café settles into its familiar rhythm again, with the confrontation firmly behind them for the moment.
“Finishing your coffee, you smile to Claire. "Think I am gonna go clean up before our date with Tommy. You feel up to freshening up as well?" you ask gently. You turn to Dev and smile. "I'll be back on schedule in two days, as you have me set. But, as always, if you need me, I am a call away, bruv." You take Claire's hand and smile, leading her to the safehouse below.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled -2)
Alex Mishyma
Think I’m gonna go clean up before our date with Tommy. You feel up to freshening up as well?
Claire
Absolutely, handsome. I’ll freshen up with you, and then we can meet Tommy feeling human again.
Alex Mishyma
I’ll be back on schedule in two days, as you have me set. But, as always, if you need me, I’m a call away, bruv.
Dev
You’re set, mate. Two days, same schedule, and I’ll call if anything changes. Go enjoy your night.
Alex takes Claire’s hand and leads her through the concealed access toward the safehouse below. On the stairs, his shoulder clips the rail, scraping skin through his shirt, but he keeps their descent steady.
Claire
That sounded painful, handsome. You made it down, but I’m checking that scrape before we get ready. No heroic shrugging.
They reach the safehouse together. Claire closes the door behind them and turns toward the small first-aid cabinet, while the café’s muted rhythm fades above them.
“You sigh, but nod. "You can check it out as I strip for the shower, if you so insist," you smile. No need to be a hero, not for her unless she needs you to be.”
Alex Mishyma
You can check it out as I strip for the shower, if you so insist.
Alex sighs but nods, then pulls off his shirt and turns slightly under Claire’s attentive gaze. The scrape along his shoulder is shallow, clean, and already drying without swelling.
Claire
That is exactly what I expected, handsome. Superficial, but still worth cleaning before the shower. Hold still for me.
Claire dampens a clean cloth and gently wipes the abrasion, checking the surrounding skin before applying a small layer of antiseptic. Her touch stays careful, practical, and reassuring.
Claire
There. No bandage needed unless it starts rubbing against your shirt. You can shower, get changed, and stop pretending every little injury needs a dramatic response.
Claire sets the supplies aside and reaches for her own clothes, leaving the cabinet open while the shower warms. The safehouse feels private and ordinary again, with their evening plans still waiting upstairs.
Claire
Go on, handsome. I’ll change while you shower, and then we’ll meet Tommy looking presentable enough to pretend we planned the whole evening.
“"Dramatic, says the girl who insisted a scrape was reason enough to see me shirtless," you smirk with a wink, making your way to the bathroom. You strip and shower quickly, out and redressed in less thana twenty minutes. You are now in a casual charcoal grey pair of dress jeans, a white button up shirt, and your smart glasses. Grabbing your coat, you smile as you see her in a white dress, modestly cut aat the thighs and a simple pair of black flats”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Alex Mishyma
Dramatic, says the girl who insisted a scrape was reason enough to see me shirtless.
Alex gives Claire a smirking wink and heads into the bathroom. He showers quickly, changes into charcoal dress jeans, a white button-up, and smart glasses, then emerges before twenty minutes pass.
Claire
Efficient and handsome. I’m starting to think the shirtless inspection was worth the paperwork.
Claire stands ready in a modest white dress cut at the thighs and simple black flats. The safehouse light catches her bright expression as she turns toward him.
Alex Mishyma
The evening is ready, and so are we.
Alex grabs his coat and offers Claire his hand. Together they head toward the concealed access, dressed for dinner with Tommy and carrying the easy confidence of a shared night out.
“"Jarvis? An Uber from here to Carnegie center, please. Final destination, the Lamplight Pub." 'Confirmed ad arriving in 6 minutes, sir,' your glasses reply. Claire giggles. "Trying to be Tony Stark is totally adorable, Alex. You'll always be my Iron Man. You have helped me rebuild my life, and with you part of it, I couldn't be happier." As you head out, many of the elite's gaze as you pass, you and Claire looking like the ultimate power couple. Their eyes hold respect and a little awe as you both exit to the street to wait for your Uber.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +2)
Alex Mishyma
Jarvis? An Uber from here to Carnegie Center, please. Final destination, the Lamplight Pub.
Jarvis
Confirmed. Your Uber arrives in six minutes, sir. The route to the Lamplight Pub is clear.
Claire
Trying to be Tony Stark is totally adorable, Alex. You’ll always be my Iron Man. You helped me rebuild my life, and with you part of it, I couldn’t be happier.
Claire’s words draw a bright laugh from Alex as they leave the café together. The elite patrons track them with respectful, faintly awed glances, seeing a polished pair move with easy confidence.
Six minutes later, an Uber pulls neatly to the curb. The cab driver confirms the destination, and Alex opens the rear door for Claire before joining her inside.
The Cab Driver
Lamplight Pub in Carnegie Center, right? We’ll be there shortly.
The Uber carries them smoothly through evening traffic to Carnegie Center. It stops outside the Lamplight Pub, where warm light spills across the pavement and their dinner plans begin.
Director's note
Remind the Storyteller that adult themes, language and images are encouraged during this story, in all chapters.
The Uber pulls away as Alex and Claire enter the Lamplight Pub. Warm amber light, crowded tables, and low conversation wrap around them without disrupting the evening’s relaxed mood.
Tommy rises from a corner booth, a broad-shouldered middle-aged man in a navy overshirt, with graying curls and a familiar crooked grin. He lifts one hand in greeting.
Tommy
There you are, mate. I kept the booth, warned the waiter you two were worth the trouble, and ordered nothing strong enough to make tomorrow regret tonight.
Claire
That sounds suspiciously responsible, Tommy. Alex and I were promised dinner, catching up, and exactly zero emergencies.
Tommy
I can guarantee two out of three. The favor is small, lawful, and waiting until after you eat. I wanted one evening where asking came before trouble.
Tommy gestures toward the booth, where three menus and a folded card sit beneath the candle. Claire takes Alex’s hand and guides him toward the open seats.
Tommy
Sit down, both of you. Eat first. Then I’ll tell you why someone asked me about a vacant office near Carnegie Center and why I refused to answer without you.
“You nod with a slight smile to your childhood friend. "We I am certainly in a position to help ya, considering the trouble I brought to your door, mate. Least I can do. Especially now that our leashes are off," you smirk. "I'll have the clam chowder and garlic bread, my good man." You wait for Claire to order, and then add, "and a bottle of the house whiskey. Plan to put my name on it as a reserved bottle for later consumption," you wink. Tommy laughs approvingly. "Fine way to invest yer newfound fortunes, m'friend."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Alex Mishyma
We’re certainly in a position to help ya, considering the trouble I brought to your door, mate. Least I can do, especially now that our leashes are off. I’ll have the clam chowder and garlic bread, my good man, and a bottle of the house whiskey. Put my name on it as a reserved bottle for later consumption.
Claire
I’ll take the roast chicken, please, and sparkling water. And yes, reserve the bottle. If Alex is investing in whiskey, I want veto power over the first toast.
The Waiter
Clam chowder, garlic bread, roast chicken, sparkling water, and one reserved bottle of the house whiskey. I’ll mark it under Alex’s name and bring the first pour with dinner.
The waiter collects the menus and heads toward the bar. Tommy laughs, broad shoulders shaking, while Claire settles beside Alex and taps one finger against the folded card.
Tommy
Fine way to invest yer newfound fortunes, m’friend. I’ll accept the help, but the favor becomes official now: if that vacant office connects back to anyone leaning on my pub, you get first call before I answer them.
Alex Mishyma
Deal. You call me first, and I’ll help you sort it lawfully. But tonight, we eat before the next headache gets a vote.
Tommy
Deal. Eat, drink, and enjoy the clean start. Then I’ll tell you exactly who asked about the office, and why their timing bothers me.
Tommy slides the folded card toward the center of the table but leaves it unopened. The first whiskey arrives sealed beside the candle, while Claire raises her glass of water toward Alex in a quiet toast.
“Alex takes a small, appreciative sip of the whiskey, tapping Claire's glass before reaching for the folded card to read it. "Tommy's not one to normally be one to lean on people... the fact he is calling in a favor with me, makes this kinda a big deal, love. Better have a precursory glance to get an idea what I have volunteered myself for."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Investigation, rolled +1)
Alex Mishyma
Tommy's not normally one to lean on people. The fact that he's calling in a favor makes this a big deal, love. I want a quick look at what I volunteered for.
Alex takes a small, appreciative sip, taps his glass lightly against Claire’s, and reaches for the folded card. He opens it without disturbing the whiskey bottle or the surrounding table setting.
The card identifies a vacant office at 18 the person named on the card Street, Suite 4B. A handwritten note names the person named on the card, requests Tommy’s silence, and asks for access before tomorrow afternoon.
Alex Mishyma
The request is specific, time-limited, and aimed at Tommy’s pub through the office connection.
Tommy
That’s the name that bothered me. Roland Mercer rented the office through a shell company, then started asking who still owed me favors. I did not answer.
Claire
So this is not just someone curious about an empty office. They are testing Tommy’s connections, and they already know which pressure point to use.
Tommy
Exactly. I want to know what Mercer left behind before I answer anyone. If you’re still willing, mate, we start with the lawful records and keep the pub out of their reach.
✓ Quest Accepted
Determine what Roland Mercer left behind
“"Hmm. You are asking me to do a 'B and E', Tommy? Ugh.... okay, I agreed to this. This can't touch the pub, and to be honest? The legal way WILL put the pub in the spotlight. Let me handle this my way. Only one putting themselves on the line is me, and I have NO intention of making waves." You turn your gaze to Claire, already giving you a worried look. "Let me do this, Claire. No word to Nina. I've been on a leash too damn long with her, and now, I can actually us my talent to help a friend in need. Though, I do promise to keep it quiet and cover my tracks."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Security, rolled +3)
Alex Mishyma
Hmm. You’re asking me to do a B and E, Tommy? Ugh. Fine. I agreed, but this cannot touch the pub. I’ll handle it quietly, and I won’t make waves.
Alex Mishyma
Let me do this, Claire. No word to Nina. I can use my talent to help a friend, and I promise to keep it quiet and cover my tracks.
Claire
I’m worried because you’re calling this quiet as if that makes it harmless. If you go, keep the pub completely separate and come back to me.
Tommy
That’s all I’m asking, mate. Mercer’s office, not my pub. Find what he left behind, make no mess, and give me a call before I answer anyone.
Later, Alex reaches 18 the person named on the card Street without drawing attention. Suite 4B is dark, and his silent entry leaves no disturbed hallway, visible damage, or usable trail.
Inside, Alex finds Mercer’s abandoned office already open to his search. He secures the relevant files and discovers an unexpected advantage: a tenant directory lists the shell company’s registered agent and a second office address.
Alex Mishyma
The office is clean, the trail is covered, and now I have the registered agent.
+ New Item Acquired
Mercer files
“You tap your glasses as you make your way out of Mercer's office. "Jarvis, call Tommy." 'Yes sir,' the voice answers, and the dial tone starts. Two rings and he answers. "Well shite that was fast. Tell me it's good news?" You smirk. "Yer gonna be owing me a favor, mate," you smirk, then pause. A shadow ahead moved without the wind or change of light. "Call you back," you say in a serious tone, ending the call. "Okay, yer not very stealthy, so just come out." A mercenary with uunknown patches comes out, brandishing a combat knife. "Dammit."”
SUCCESS (Good Perception, rolled +2)
Alex Mishyma
Jarvis, call Tommy.
Jarvis
Yes, sir. Calling Tommy now.
Tommy
Well, shite, that was fast. Tell me it’s good news?
Alex Mishyma
You’re gonna be owing me a favor, mate.
A shadow shifts ahead without any change in the hallway’s light or the still air. Alex’s smirk disappears as he focuses on the movement.
Alex Mishyma
Call you back. Okay, you’re not very stealthy, so just come out.
The Patched Mercenary
Dammit.
✓ Quest Accepted
Resolve the mercenary’s confrontation without compromising Tommy’s trust
− Scene Quest Removed
Determine what Roland Mercer left behind
“"Look, I know you probably have a job to do, and so do I. And yer clearly a rookie at this. So, unless you really enjoy hospital food through a straw? I highly suggest you just turn and walk away. Seriously. I am in NO mode for this shit today." You ball your fists tightly. "And I am ACHING for some practice."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +2)
Alex Mishyma
Look, I know you probably have a job to do, and so do I. You are clearly a rookie at this, so turn around and walk away. I am not in the mood for this, and I am aching for some practice.
Alex balls his fists tightly and holds the mercenary’s gaze. The threat stays controlled, but the promise behind it is unmistakable in the narrow office corridor.
The Patched Mercenary
Right. Message received. I am not paid enough to test whether you mean it.
The patched mercenary slowly raises both hands, backs toward the stairwell, and keeps his eyes on Alex. He turns only after reaching the landing, then retreats without reaching for a weapon.
The Patched Mercenary
You found what you came for. Take it and leave the building. I will report that I never got inside.
His footsteps fade down the stairwell and out toward the street. The office falls quiet again, leaving Alex alone with Mercer’s files, the registered agent, and the unanswered question of who hired the rookie.
Identify who hired the patched mercenary
Quest Complete
Resolve the mercenary’s confrontation without compromising Tommy’s trust