Officers manage the aftermath inside Lamplight, photographing the shattered window and securing the surrendered masked shooter. Tommy stays with Patrick, while Claire remains close beside Alex and patrons give statements.
A young adult woman approaches the entrance with a compact recorder and a thick folder. Her dark curls are tied back, and a mustard coat frames her alert, tired face.
Maya Ortiz
I’m Maya Ortiz. I’m producing an episode about coordinated intimidation in Boston, and I think your shooting connects to several incidents people overlooked.
Maya raisesMaya, slim with olive skin, raises the folder but does not cross the threshold. Printed forum posts show matching language, vehicle descriptions, and references to Tommy’s family, each marked with handwritten times.
Maya Ortiz
One detail keeps appearing: someone asks about Patrick’s workplace before the family is approached. My scheduled episode goes live tonight, and that may expose the lead before you can verify it.
Claire
Then nobody uploads anything until Nina or the officers review it. We need to know whether this is evidence, bait, or both.
North 2
She can provide the folder and recorder voluntarily. Until we verify the claims, the episode stays her decision, but preserve every original file.
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep Tommy’s family safe from Maya’s episode
Alex Mishyma's turn“"I'm sorry, Miss Ortiz was it? I can't let you include Tommy's family incident in your podcast, as it is still a pending investigation. And it puts an unnecessary strain victims of a crime, just for you to get viewers? No. I don't think so."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Alex Mishyma
I'm sorry, Miss Ortiz, was it? I can't let you include Tommy's family incident in your podcast while it's a pending investigation. It puts unnecessary strain on victims just to get viewers. No. I don't think so.
Alex keeps his voice level and his request precise. Diplomacy frames the refusal around victim protection rather than control, while Street Smart catches the leverage in Maya's deadline and leaves her a lawful way to preserve the broader story.
Maya Ortiz
All right. I’ll exclude Tommy’s family incident, the workplace detail, and the voicemail from tonight’s episode. I won’t publish anything that could identify or pressure Patrick while the investigation is active.
Maya lowers the folder and removes the marked pages from her episode outline. North watches her surrender the lead without argument, while Claire’s hand settles briefly against Alex’s arm.
Maya Ortiz
But I’m recording that you asked me to hold it, Alex. If my editor asks why, your name goes in the internal notes. That is the cost of keeping this clean.
The family incident is off the podcast, but Maya’s internal note creates a lasting accountability trail around Alex’s intervention. She offers the remaining forum research and recorder to North for verification.
North 2
That is acceptable. We’ll take the material voluntarily, preserve the originals, and review the broader pattern without exposing Tommy’s family.
Quest Complete
Alex MishymaKeep Tommy’s family safe from Maya’s episode
✓ Quest Accepted
Wrap up the night respectfully with Tommy and Patrick
Alex Mishyma's turn““Alex, you handled that well. Tommy and Patrick are safe, and Maya’s episode won’t compromise anyone. Let’s make sure the rest of the night stays calm and quiet.” You smile gently, and hold your bandaged hand up. "I think Claire and I are gonna call it a night. I don't wanna bring more damage to the place," you smirk. Tommy lets out a relieved sigh. “Thanks, Alex. I honestly didn’t know what to expect tonight.” Patrick nods, gripping your shoulder briefly. “Yeah, we owe you one. Really glad this didn’t get worse.” You look around at the damage, but smirk. "If you say so, sir." Taking Claire's hand, you wave to the pair and to the patrons as though you hadn't just singlehandedly thwarted a dangerous shooter. You and Claire step carefully over the scattered glass and debris, the warmth of the night air greeting you as you push open the tavern door. The street is quiet, lit by the soft glow of lamplights, and you walk side by side, your hands still intertwined.”
SUCCESS (Superb Athletics, rolled +3)
Alex Mishyma
I think Claire and I are calling it a night. I don't want to leave more damage behind than we already have.
Tommy
Thanks, Alex. I honestly didn’t know what to expect tonight. I’m glad everyone’s still standing.
Tommy's father
Yeah, we owe you one. I’m really glad this didn’t get worse.
Alex gives Patrick a wry smile, then takes Claire’s hand. They wave to Tommy, Patrick, and the patrons before crossing carefully over the scattered glass and debris.
Claire
You handled that well, handsome. Tommy and Patrick are safe, Maya is holding the episode, and now we get a quiet walk home.
The tavern door closes behind them. Warm night air meets their faces as they walk side by side beneath the streetlamps, hands intertwined, while the quiet block gives them room to breathe.
Behind them, North’s officers keep Lamplight secured and Maya’s materials in voluntary custody. Ahead, their apartment lights are already on, and the route home remains calm and clear.
Quest Complete
Alex MishymaWrap up the night respectfully with Tommy and Patrick