Alex returns to the Lamplight Pub with Mercer’s files secured and the registered agent’s address recorded. Claire stays close beside him, while Tommy clears a private table away from the pub’s usual traffic.
Tommy
There you are, mate. I kept this table private and told everyone I’m not taking interruptions. Claire can stay, of course, but I’ll keep the pub out of whatever comes next.
Tommy places the files beneath the candle but does not open them. Claire takes the seat beside Alex, close enough to support him without crossing into Tommy’s business.
Tommy
Mercer’s message came again while you were gone. Same demand, sharper wording: answer before tomorrow afternoon, or they start asking questions about people who still owe me favors.
Claire
Then we separate facts from pressure. Alex found the registered agent’s address, and Tommy has a deadline. Nobody turns that deadline into permission to endanger the pub.
Tommy slides the latest message across the table. The handwriting matches the earlier note, but a new line names the office suite and warns that silence will be treated as an answer.
Tommy
So, mate, I need your read. Do we verify the registered agent through lawful records, prepare a response, or walk away and let Mercer’s people decide what silence means?
✓ Quest Accepted
Determine what Roland Mercer left behind
“You tap the file you recovered from Mercer's office. "This agent is exactly what Mercer didn't want you to find out, Tommy. You absolutely should contact them. Hell, Claire and I can come as 'legal counsel and security," you smirk.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Alex Mishyma
This agent is exactly what Mercer didn’t want you to find, Tommy. You absolutely should contact them. Claire and I can come as legal counsel and security.
Tommy studies the address, then the warning, weighing the risk to his pub against the advantage of reaching Mercer’s registered agent directly. Claire remains beside Alex, composed and ready.
Tommy
You’re right, mate. I’ll make the call, and I’ll say exactly enough to put the question on record without dragging the pub into it.
Claire
And we accompany him without pretending to be something we are not. Counsel and security is fine if we keep it lawful, documented, and calm.
Tommy uses the contact listed in the tenant directory and places the call on speaker. After two rings, a measured woman answers from a quiet office.
Dana Whitaker
Dana Whitaker speaking. I represent the shell company connected to Suite 4B. If this concerns Roland Mercer, I’m willing to meet and clarify the authority behind that lease.
Tommy
It does. We’ll meet tomorrow morning, with Alex and Claire present as counsel and security. No surprises, no pressure, and no contact with my pub’s people outside the meeting.
✓ Quest Accepted
Establish legal credibility with Dana
“"Miss Whitaker? A. Mishyma here on the line. With the on-file access to some legally obtained documents? Surely, this could be something we can settle over the phone? I mean, the litigation and the paper trail of evidence alone will take months. Not to mention, it's already a slam dunk in the corner of my client, Mr. O'Reilly. What do you think?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Alex Mishyma
Miss Whitaker? A. Mishyma here. With on-file access to legally obtained documents, surely we can settle this over the phone. Litigation and the evidence trail could take months, and it is already a slam dunk for my client, Mr. O'Reilly. What do you think?
Dana is silent for a measured moment. Tommy watches the speakerphone, while Claire keeps one hand over Alex’s wrist, steady and attentive.
Dana Whitaker
Mr. Mishyma, your proposal is practical, and your documentation gives me no reason to prolong this. I will settle it by phone.
Dana Whitaker
I confirm that Roland Mercer leased Suite 4B through the shell company I represent. I will provide the authority record, withdraw the demand directed at Tommy’s contacts, and send a written clarification today.
Dana dictates the resolution into her office record, including the lease authority, the shell company’s instructions, and her withdrawal of the pressure campaign. Tommy’s shoulders ease as the terms become clear.
Tommy
That settles the immediate threat, mate. I appreciate you keeping this lawful and keeping my pub’s people out of it.
Claire
A phone call, a clean record, and no one turning a friend’s pub into collateral. That is exactly the kind of future I want us building, handsome.
Quest Complete
Establish legal credibility with Dana
“As the call ends, you raise your glass of whiskey to Tommy. "And YOU always laughed that I took Drama Club... cunt," you chuckle, downing the rest slowly. "We can call the night even, so long as the meal is gratis? I'd ssay that's fair."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Alex Mishyma
And you always laughed that I took Drama Club, cunt. We can call the night even, so long as the meal is gratis. I'd say that's fair.
Alex raises the whiskey glass toward Tommy, then drinks the remaining pour slowly. The toast lands warmly, though its rough joke makes Claire glance between them with amused caution.
Tommy
Gratis it is, mate. You kept my pub out of a legal mess, so dinner is the least I can do. But that little Drama Club speech just bought you the favor I warned you about.
Tommy signals the waiter and tells him to strike the meal from the bill, leaving only the reserved whiskey marked as settled. He taps the folded records with one finger, claiming the favor without softening the gift.
Claire
That is a fair exchange, handsome. Free dinner for a useful favor, with no vague promises and no pressure on the pub. I’ll allow it, though I’m keeping score.
Tommy
Good. Then eat the rest of your garlic bread, enjoy the win, and remember that when I call this favor in, I’ll ask for something lawful and specific.
The waiter removes the bill and returns with a marked receipt showing the meal comped. Tommy keeps the Mercer files within reach, while Claire lifts her glass toward Alex and the next conversation waiting at the table.
+ New Item Acquired
Comped meal receipt
“You grin and reach out to shake Tommy's hand firmly. "You know I've got your back, Tommy. Yer still a cunt though," you tease, settling back to Claire and finishing your meals. When you push away your dishes, the waiter fetches your bottle first to place among the reserved. You and Claire rise, waving to Tommy as you lead her out of the pub and back through Carnegie Square.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Alex Mishyma
You know I've got your back, Tommy. Yer still a cunt though.
Alex grins and shakes Tommy’s hand firmly. The teasing lands cleanly, and Tommy’s answering laugh carries across the booth as Alex settles back beside Claire.
Tommy
Back’s mutual, mate. And I’ll take the insult as proof you’re feeling comfortable again.
Alex and Claire finish their meals without rushing. When he pushes away his empty dishes, the waiter arrives with the whiskey bottle and places it carefully among the reserved bottles.
Claire
A free meal, a protected pub, and a reserved bottle. That is a respectable victory, handsome.
Alex rises and leads Claire from the booth. They wave to Tommy, then step out of the Lamplight Pub and walk together back through Carnegie Square beneath the evening lights.
Tommy
Take care, you two. I’ll keep the records secure and call if anything changes.
“You raise a hand to wave back in acknowledgement, smiling as you and Claire make your way to the main street. You flag down a cab, settling Claire in first. "Dev Null Cafe, please."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled -1)