We Sons Of Daley [Manhattan Blues]

Don't tell him you're from Chicago. Do tell him that you've seen folks with more personal bodyguards. Do acknowledge that New Yawk is on a smaller scale, population-wise, than places that you've seen the aforementioned folks and that you certainly would not like to go up against forty men.

"Well, I'll say I don't like my chances against forty, especially with limited ammo and while you're in a fortified position. I just heard a lot of big numbers when it comes to, well, The Big Apple."

"That was twenty yeeas ago." The councilman looks tired when you say that. "And twenty yeeas is a long damn time. Long enough to see a child grow up in a world you nevah imagined existed. What a yous, eighteen? Both o yas? Yas don't remembah." He mumbles something under his breath about beauty.

Also maybe telepathy Alice for some advice if you think you can get away with it. She's been quiet and pretty reverent so far. She's probably mentally begging you to please shut up.

:Little help?:

:Oh, no. You dug your own damn hole.:

Make some remark about how with forty guys it seems odd to ask for strangers to help, especially for someone as important as the councilman's daughter.

Alice make your friend shut up, ask about details and compensation and whatever you'd need to make this job go smoothly.

"But you wanted to know why I can't do it myself, that's simple. The otha three BOSSES. If I send my boys out on a search, they'll capitalize. I'm not about ta let that happen." His expression changes for a moment, but solidifies.

"All well and good, councilman," Alice finally speaks up, cool as ice. "But I don't work for free..."

"Nobody does, anymore." The councilman looks at the two of you, carefully. "But, what. Yas both magic, I'll bet. Which means Boston wants a word with yas. Now, I can pay yas, if that's yer issue- Ammo? Repairs? whatcha need for the job, for now. Gold? Silver? Sure, I'll hand some over. Take it. More, when yous bring her back. But there's somethin' more valuable than that I bet yas want."

"Immunity from the Inquisition," Alice finishes for him. "Are you sure you can supply that, Councilman? You have some politesse, but..."

"Lemme handle dat."

"Now, you said you already knew where it was?" Alice asks.

"Yeah. It's this town near the Appalachians, in the foothills. Got a couple legacy maps for it. More important, yous can get there, quick." He hands over an old ROAD MAP which is defunct but shows the distances involved, and a more recent map drawn on CLOTH of the town in question. It's very... Exact-looking, and includes the surrounding hinterlands. Seems like there's a few homesteads spaced around the town.

Alice looks at it. "... Interesting. I can see why you might have a problem with the Inquisition in your business."

"Yeah, yeah." The councilman waves it off.

"Any idea in which house she's held?" Alice asks.

"Said he had holdings, so I'm thinking it's one of these..." He gestures to the ones in the hinterlands. "Yous takin' the job or not?"

>_