I nod. "I'm sure we can find studio space for a shoot, with equipment. Let me finish the pitch to my editor and get back to you in the next few days? Maybe plan on doing a real interview next week?"
I've actually gotten more than I expected. "That's it for now, I think? Just wanted to ask... do you mind if I pitch you to my editor as a story? Any problems with a real interview and some photos?"
He's likely to wind up disappointed before this is all over, at the very least. I look at the pill in my hand, tuck it into the breast pocket of my jacket. "Any side effects you've noticed, Nathan?"
I act appropriately impressed as I let him give me a "tour" of his gym. Seems non-miraculous, if this is all there is to it,but I ask questions to draw him out, trying to get a handle on Nathan.
(Rolled: 2d6+1. Rolls: 3, 6. Total: 10)
That's a really bad idea, even for me, but I need to know what's the what. I take out my phone. "Mind if I take a few reference pictures, for my editor?" And then I follow.
"I'd love to, but I'm on antibiotics right now for a... well, you probably don't want to know. Could I take one to try next week, after I'm done with 'em? What's it called, anyway?"
"No, thanks. I have to tell you, one of our interns used to work out at some gym with you... I don't remember which one, sorry... and she said the transformation is incredible! We're starting a new monthly about the ways in which people can change t…
Hmmm. "I work in the editorial department of a new fitness magazine. One of our people saw Nathan, and we're thinking he'd be a good cover story for our first issue. You know, the transformation? This is just a first meeting."
"I'm sorry to bother you again, but I was supposed to meet Nathan, next door? I know I've got the right day and time... did you happen to notice when he left?"
I peek through the window, but I'm not trying to break in or anything. Might be best if I ask around first, anyway. I go back to the neighbor and knock again.
I park down the street, at the end of the block (from the right in the picture). If the driveway next door is empty, I'll walk up and knock on the door, hoping for no answer. (If there is an answer, I'll apologize for getting the wrong house and "ch…
I have my personal-carry stuff, and everything else is in the lockbox in the truck. I'll grab an iced coffee along the way if I see the chance, but otherwise I'm pretty much heading directly to Nathan's place in Grosse Pointe.
I nod. So this is cleanup rather than compassion. That fits. "Thanks, Jeff. I may get back to you, and if you hear anything or think of anything, call." Then I'm out the door and off to work.
I offer him a hand to shake. "I'll do my best, Jeff." I turn to leave, then turn back. "Oh, by the way. Which competitor of Madame L'Infer's did you work for?"
I nod. "What sort of work does he do? Or has that changed, too?" Probably my last question... I'm asking as much to make sure Jeff feels involved, in case I need to come back for details later.
"I get that." Cut-throat corporate world shit with extra supernatural bits thrown in to make it worse. "Jeff, anything I should know about your cousin going in? His situation before, and anything that might give me a clue about what's up with him no…
"We are, and... I promise, if Lucine or Janelle comes after you... I'll help in any way I can." May not be the best idea I've ever had, that promise, but the truth is, I'd do it without the promise. Can't lie to myself on that.
I shrug. "I'm more a contractor. An occasional deniable asset." I tuck the money in an inside pocket of my jacket. "I've been getting the sense that it's dangerous around here. A lot of infighting?"
I wrap my arms around her. "Understand what you're asking me to promise, Siobhan. Even without a promise, you know I'll do my best to protect you, but if it comes down to going up against L'Infer directly..." I swallow. "It's a pretty certain thing …