The senior Boston officer keeps the shooter in the sedan seated beside the sedan while another officer secures the weapon. Claire draws Alex a few steps aside, and Tommy follows within earshot. Gideon remains near Maya and the records office, speaking with investigators.
Claire
Tomorrow’s walkthrough is still happening. I will not let Hale turn one attack into another stolen piece of our lives.
Claire
We use Gideon’s legal liaison, keep every appointment documented, and build the move around your legitimate work. Safer does not mean hiding forever.
Tommy
I’m checking the fine print before anyone agrees, mate. No quiet favors, no private obligations, and no protection arrangement that owns a piece of either of you.
Gideon Pike
The liaison can meet you at nine, accompany the documented walkthrough, and coordinate the move assessment afterward. By evening, you will have a written schedule and named responsibilities.
the senior Boston officer
That schedule may be sensible, but expect delays. Your public association with this shooting will complicate every appointment, especially housing, banking, and any meeting requiring an identity check.
Claire keeps her hand around Alex’s wrist, waiting for his answer. Tommy watches the officers and the office entrance, while Gideon stands ready with the liaison’s contact details and the next decision remains Alex’s.
✓ Quest Accepted
Establish a lawful shared move plan with Claire
“"How can I say no," you smile evenly at Claire. "It is, after all, the first big step we are taking together to get your apartment back, after all. My housing can wait. And thank you, officer, for that bit of information. I'll be sure to keep it at the forefront of my future thoughts when I have to withdraw from an ATM." The cynicism is not lost in the words, though you smile politely. Hale has become a real headache, but aside from Project Cerberus, there is little you can do without toing the line of your newfound redemption.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Alex Mishyma
How can I say no? It is, after all, the first big step we are taking together to get your apartment back. My housing can wait. And thank you, officer, for the information. I’ll keep it in mind whenever I withdraw from an ATM.
Alex’s polite smile carries just enough cynicism to make the point. Claire’s grip on his wrist loosens, and the senior officer gives a restrained nod while the lawful handoff continues behind them.
Claire
Then it’s settled. My walkthrough comes first, and we handle your housing afterward. Together, documented, and without letting Hale choose our timetable.
the senior Boston officer
That is a reasonable order. Give the liaison advance notice, expect the identity checks, and keep the appointment record available. It will reduce avoidable delays.
Gideon supplies the liaison’s contact details, while Tommy adds the walkthrough, escort, and move assessment to the visible record. Claire confirms the appointment before anyone can recast it as a vague promise.
Gideon Pike
Nine o’clock tomorrow. The liaison will meet you both at the apartment, document the condition, and coordinate the next steps. Your priority is now recorded exactly that way.
Tommy
Good. One clear priority, mate. We get Claire’s place back properly, then deal with your housing without letting the paperwork run either of you.
✓ Quest Accepted
Leave the crime scene with Claire
Quest Complete
Establish a lawful shared move plan with Claire
Alex Mishyma leaves Ebonstone records office — entrance pavement behind and arrives at Dev Null Cafe.
“"If we are free to go? I think I have had enough gunfire for a week," you say with a wiry grin. "Tommy? I'll text ya later, mate," you smile with a wave, leading Claire to catch a cab back to Dev Null Cafe. "Well," you say as you settle into the cab beside Claire. "This has been a day."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled -3)
Dev Null Cafe receives them with warm air, low conversation, and the familiar glow of gaming monitors. Dev looks up from behind the counter as Alex and Claire enter.
Alex Mishyma
If we are free to go? I think I have had enough gunfire for a week. Tommy? I'll text ya later, mate.
Alex leads Claire inside, giving the café a quick glance before the door closes behind them. The ordinary room feels sharply different after the Ebonstone pavement.
Dev
You made it back. That is the important part. Claire, you want the quiet room, or do you both need food before anything else?
Alex Mishyma
Well, this has been a day.
Alex settles beside Claire, and Dev lowers the café speakers without being asked. On the counter, a fresh message waits from Tommy: the police handoff is documented, but Gideon’s liaison has already requested a nine o’clock confirmation.
Claire
One day at a time, handsome. Tonight, we get somewhere safe, eat something, and let tomorrow stay tomorrow.
Quest Complete
Leave the crime scene with Claire