(2022-03-27) Looking for Compression Coil for the Steamer

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Author:	Athena
Summary:	Colson meets with Thaldor to organize the investigation into Gavin Harbrooke on behalf of Lucy.
Rating:	T for Teen

03/27/2022
In the Forlorn Cavern.

Colson knocks precisely on the door of Thaldor's business. It's a clear, loud knock that sounds Lawful somehow. The door squeaks open after a moment, despite no one directly answering. Magnets, maybe? Better ask Jo.

Thaldor leans up against a nearby table, fiddling with a box of matches, and glances up at the open door.

Colson enters in long, confident strides. He's not wearing his Golden Armor today. It's a nice set of nobleman's clothes, as though he's come from a business formal event. He still has his sword on him, however.

“Ah, m'Lord Colson. Good t' see ye again.”

Colson inclines his head politely to Thaldor. "Mr. Foxglove. Good evening. I trust you are well?"

Thaldor grins. "Fair enough, lad. Drink?" He nudges one of the nearby bottles.

“No, thank you.” He approaches where Thaldor is in calm, even strides, his voice polite and unaffected.

“Suit yerself then. Wha' can I be doin' fer ye?”

Colson stands at Military Ease, his hands behind his back clasped lightly. "I am here on behalf of another, in the hopes that we might begin to settle some of the…futures of the Harbrookes. Namely one Lucille Harbrooke."

Thaldor strokes his beard, eyes shifting to the side in thought. "Righ', tha's th' wife o' tha' lad wha' makes all the pawnshop trips fer Lady Harbrooke, aye? Wha's the lass needin'?"

Colson's face is Neutral, but there's that slight tightening around his eyes at the mention of Gavin. "Evidence, Mr. Foxglove. You recall that I did not need such, to make my own move in this situation? That has now changed. She will be pursuing a divorce from Lord Gavin. And thus, will require evidence and proof of violation of their marital contract that will hold up in a court of law.”

Thaldor nods. "No' an uncommon request. I can wrangle somethin' up fer ye on tha' score. Wha' sort o' evidence? Ye wantin' his paramours or somethin' else?"

Colson shifts his weight slightly, as he pulls out his Baffled Sheep notebook, to read from his notes. "Lady Lucille would direct you particularly to examine Lord Gavin's 'gentleman's club,' and to examine if he has done anything in regards to their house." Colson looks at Thaldor directly at that. "If he has used it as collateral, that may very well be the card we require. It is not his to do so, and the Lady Lucille may pursue that easily, without outing Gavin's more unsavory doings, for her own sake. But I do not know if he was so foolish.”

Thaldor flips a small vial through his fingers and vanishes it back up his sleeve. "Well, we'll look an' see wha' th' bastard is about, then."

Colson looks down again at his notes, exhaling in a way that isn't quite a sigh, but feels a little heavier. "And if not, we may need you to ascertain if Gavin has left a trail of…unclaimed children in his wake, and who may be willing to testify to his fathering of them. As for payment, and reporting of this evidence, I shall be your point of contact, Mr. Foxglove.” Colson closes the notebook, and puts it back in his Pumpkin Bag.

Thaldor gives Aspenwood a keen stare. "Righ' then. We can make tha' work. I'll need a per diem o' five gold, cap rate of a total hundred."

Colson inclines his head. This doesn't seem to be a lot to Colson. "As you will, Mr. Foxglove. There is far less rush on this, as we both know the Harbrookes have stabilized, for the time being. The proof must be assured, more than it needs to be done quickly, however, we do not know yet what Lord Harbrooke may do to worsen that situation.” Colson's eyes are ice cold, as he adjusts his gloves. “And, I have meddled with Gavin. He is aware I know of his alias. I wished him to know that I will not tolerate his…scheming in Mordecai's life, and that I know him for the scoundrel he is. He may be taking steps to cover his tracks, but I doubt he is doing it well.”

Thaldor flexes his fingers, the knuckles cracking less than might be expected. "Well, I can keep lookin' in. Takes someone smoother than a Harbrooke t' hide tha' sort o' thing from my webs."

Colson nods. "So I suspected. Still. I would not want to leave anything out, Mr. Foxglove. “I shall have your payment sent to you directly. There will be no need for you to see to it personally.” Colson regards Thaldor with a very level stare. There's no threat, but there's something rather implacable about the paladin.

“Well, can't say I mind Gavin Harbrooke bein' th' first stone t' fall on th' avalanche o' tha' house.”

“Yes, well.” There it is. The little muscle jump that Colson doesn't catch fast enough. “It is Justice.”

Thaldor nods with a half-grin. "Oh, I reckon yer good fer it, Aspenwood. I'll keep tha' Justice in mind fer later. Migh' be I can find a way fer yer favor t' get settled without it bein' all that conflictin' t' yer principles."

Colson inclines his head. "That would be appreciated, Mr. Foxglove. I am a man of my word, but I have taken vows that supersede all other promises. I would not wish to renege on our deal."

Thaldor's answering smile is backed by a pair of icy eyes affixed to Colson's. It's pretty clear how much stock he puts in conflicting commitments when it comes to calling in his markers.

Colson looks like the paldiniest paladin to ever paladin. "And I am certain you wish to continue your association with Cobalt Company. You are quite an asset to it."

“Well, tha's a nice review. Migh' put tha' on a few o' me business cards.”

Colson looks nonplussed. "I should leave you to your work, Mr. Foxglove. I wish you luck with it. Good evening.” Colson gives Thaldor a small nod, no bow, and takes a step back before he turns his back to Thaldor.

Thaldor gives a perfectly friendly nod. "Take care, lad."