(Paper Trail) A Proposition

[Robert Cross]

The Shadow is getting ahead of himself. "One step at a time," he says to Peter. "We get the book before they do. Maybe they simply accept that they missed out on the sale, maybe not. We go from there." Getting this manuscript could possibly prove a feat in itself. No need worrying about what the Hunters might think about it until the deed's been done.

"Well, Mr. Byrne," the Burned Man replies with a hard stare, "it's kind of difficult to say what kind of man this hunchback is. He has strange tastes. Occult tastes. Flattery is probably not an option. I don't think money will work either." Truth be told, Cross had left shortly after his first encounter with the man and his partner. But, he'd seen enough to know that this was no ordinary Breather. Besides, it's a lead. And better than anything the others have brought to the table.*

With that, he looks back to Stax, adding onto Byrne's negotiation, "A Minor Boon sounds about right to me as well." If their host is smart, he'll take the deal. Because if things get hairy with this business, Cross may come back with a more exacting toll.

*OOC

Trying to avoid Timey Wimey business with the ongoing Alien Call Scene. Once that is wrapped up, Cross will technically "know" more.

[Yumyumcrow]

"I don't much care what you do with the book, Mister Culmet zapero12 . As long as it doesn't cause a Masquerade breach, I will be quite happy."

Stax responded honestly, to that question at least.

He tilted his head to one side as Peter Byrne and then Robert Cross pushed for a Boon. A thin smile toyed with his lips. He nodded.

"An good thing to note. I am glad we are thinking along the same lines. That is why I was think that you would owe me a Minor Boon. I'm giving all of this over to you. I want no further part in it, and I certainly don't want recognition for it. That honour is for you three, surely. This would be your work - and you should all be rightly recognised for it."

His eyes rove, predatory and curious, over each of them.

"This would be your discovery. Your mission. You are all as fresh as me and this would be something that should surely grant status - recognition from the Court. Especially if the leads turn up something interesting and juicy as I believe they might. I don't have had a hand in it. In fact... I am certain once we are done here, none of this conversation will have happened."

[Robert Cross]

Hm, indeed.

Cross looks pained for a moment when Stax makes his counter-offer. Is this Pale being naive, self-important, or just stupid? It's a hard call.

The Burned Man stays silent as Byrne haggles. Agreeing, in principle, with the Shadow's words. When Peter finishes, Cross speaks up:

"Mr. Byrne has it straight. In the end, what we have here is an unsanctioned mission, instigated by a new arrival to the city, who is coincidentally familiar with the principal targets. Someone who has just said he won't be taking any responsibility for whatever might shake loose. Good or bad." He shrugs and the gesture says it all: not very promising.

Cross pauses, weighing Stax with a look: "Take the terms set by Mr. Byrne. Give us a reason to work on this. Something other than 'it might be good for you.'" Because it might not. And we all know it.

[Yumyumcrow]

Stax pursed his lips. They remain so as Jax Culmet leaves.

The Daeva's eyes lingered on the empty space. His hands steepled together, then rolled into a ball as he looked away from the Haunt and the Shadow.

Finally he met their enquiring gaze. "So be it," he uttered. His face was flat now. An emotionless mask. "Two trivial Boons it is."

[Robert Cross]

See? A little skin in the game never hurts, Mr. Stax. Fair is fair.

Cross nods, signaling his acceptance of the deal. Culmet's departure is noted, but unremarked upon. Best if the uncommitted get out before the work begins.

Taking his cue from Byrne, Cross flips through his own copy of the files one more time.

"I have some idea of how we can get in touch with Corbin..." It's clear the Burned Man doesn't feel the need to share the channels he might use to do so. At least not at present. He and Peter can take care of that later.

"As for Sanchez and Tombs, do you have any idea of their timeline? Or if they've made contact with Corbin directly as of yet? How long have they been at this?" Stax may not have the answers, but it's worth a try. Knowing the hunter's own progress will let Cross gauge how they should approach the hunchback, and how quickly.

[Yumyumcrow]

"No. I only know they are in the city. The Ridge Motel turns up a lot in the gossip, but if they are still there...?" Stax spread his hands.

"It seems the Ridge Motel is the place if you want to lay low. Doesn't mean they have changed accommodation. Apparently that was a thing they did. Confuses pursuit."