The Partisan Chronicles [Dystopia | Supernatural | Mystery]

Feargus

Days Until Rhian Arrives: 2

Obligatory Strauss Check-In:

Hour 1:
• Rhian, please hurry up and save this handsome man from slow torture and eventual death by nothing.

Obligatory Ivana Check-In:

• Lunch.
• A fair bit of explicit recap and gossip.
• "Cookies."
I miss you so much, V.

Obligatory Alexander/Faust Check-In:

• I said nothing about the noises coming from room number five.
• He said nothing about the noises coming from room number three.
• A pipe and a Piglet.
• Good times.

Before finishing up with Everleigh Gloom that earlier that morning, there was one last thing I had to ask of her. Luckily, I didn't even have to cash in my favour for it, and I carried the offer in my proverbial pocket on the way back to the Gander.

She said she would meet me there, and I hoped she floated somewhere behind me when I knocked on Tanis's office.

As usual, we sat in the corner chairs. Ever was—who knows. Before we got started, Tanis took a moment to compliment me on my job behind the bar. Good egg, Tanis.

"What else is new, mister Finnegan? Did you have a good time with the Tragers?"

"Aye, thanks for approving the night. We uh—they're actually the reason I'm here."

"Oh?"

"So, I know that you know that they're, you know. But here's the thing: they're also the reason the Ambiance is circulating."

"They give us a lot of business, but we can't have that here."

"I know, so I've worked something out with them and another business owner. They're going to be setting up a shop of their own at the Jaskar."

"The Jaskar? Funny, I'm not even sure who owns the Jaskar—"

"Well."

An Everleigh Gloom appeared on the corner of Tanis's desk, her violin case in her lap.

Tanis adjusted her glasses. "Amalia's Asshole—who are you?"

"I'm Ever," she said.

"Ever…"

The exhausted immortal of all of fifty whole years sighed exhaustedly. She set aside her violin case, hopped down from the desk and delivered a deep bow. "Everleigh Gloom."

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"Okay, Everleigh Gloom, and why are you here?" Tanis asked.

Everleigh looked to me.

I answered, "The Tragers understand that opening a similarly themed establishment might work in competition with the Gander, not to mention, you'd be losing their business."

Tanis frowned.

"But what if you could offer something even more scandalous than orgies and Ambiance? What if the Gander offered something not only illegal, but forbidden? Something people could only get here, and, the best part, what if it won't kill anyone?"

"I mean, yeah, that sounds good. But what kind of product or service would—?"

Everleigh unlatched her violin case, and removed the instrument.

Meanwhile, I waved a hand through the air, painting the picture.

"Music," I said, enthusiastically.

"Aye, music," Ever echoed, lamely.

Tanis leaned forward in the chair. "But music—we—? That's?"

"Who's going to tell?" I asked, and more importantly, "Who would they tell if they did? Knowing what I know, and what you now know I know, you know it's a great idea."

Remember, the Gander was under Faust's protection, so, worst case—a cover-up and a slap on the wrist if she were to find out. I'd take the fall if there was one, but I doubted it.

It took a moment, but Tanis's face broke out in a wide, rosy-cheeked smile. "Yeah, okay. Great. Shit. This is really great, Jack. I don't know how to thank you."

"Donate a little off the top to the city—it'll help your relations with Kavelin. You're good people, he's good people. Once he sees that, I think you two can do good together."

"Yeah, sure—wow, okay."

"Right," I said. "I have somewhere I need to be before my shift tonight, so I'll let you two get to know each other."

When I stood, Everleigh took my chair immediately out from under me. And by the time I left, she was still boring a hole through Tanis with that thousand league stare of hers.

I was sure it'd be fine.

And we know it actually was, because that's how I got Everleigh Gloom a job at the brothel where she would meet Adeline when I'd later get her a job at the brothel.

Six degrees of Feargus Finlay, mates.

After leaving the Gander, I met with Captain Kavelin. I had to wing that encounter a wee bit, since I didn't have anything sensible to tell him other than, "The Ambiance wasn't coming out of the brothel, but it won't be a problem anymore."

"Sounds good," he said. And while it wasn't the answer I was expecting, after the past few weeks I'd had, I wasn't about to argue with a blessing from the goddess Rhian Lucky Sinclair. Kavelin didn't ask a single question. Maybe because he felt indebted to me for murdering someone for him, or because he thought it was safer for himself if he didn't know what exactly was handled and how. Whatever the case, mission accomplished.

A Day in the Life With Zack - Entry Log #8

"I'm sorry I couldn't make it last night."
"You owe me nothing. How was your debauchery party?"
"So good, actually. I think I like this man."
"Our drug suspect?"
"Aye."
"Creation—that's a turn of events."
"I really like V, too."
"Well, Ivana Novak is a remarkable woman."
"Aye, we had a great time, mate."
"That's wonderful to hear."
"And I think I've sorted out all my business in the city."
"Have you?"
"Tired now, though."
"Yes, you do look tired. Would you like to have a nap?"
"I'm not napping in your coffin."
"Whyever not? It's incredibly comfortable."
"Won't I asphyxiate?"
"Come. I'll be your guardian—make sure you don't perish, and I will curate you a dream. What would you like?"
"Can I dream about my sister? Us when we were kids?"
"But of course."
"All right. Thanks, mate."
"You are welcome, Feargus Finlay."