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iluvroadrunner6) wrote2025-03-08 09:42 am
iluvroadrunner6) wrote2025-03-08 09:42 amget your words out { 2025 } yahtzee tracking
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iluvroadrunner6) wrote2025-03-08 09:42 am
it's the terror of knowing what this world is about | murder train | 600
When Mason sees the way Gertie answers the door, he’s glad he didn’t bring Virgil with him. No one deserves to be seen like this, and Mason is almost ashamed that he’s here to witness it.
Her blond hair is astray, makeup smudged, and her blue eyes are unfocused, like she’s been drinking. And, in the most shocking turn of events, she seems to be dressed in something dare he say comfortable. Well-worn silken pajamas that are not intended for company surround her slim frame, and she adjusts her shawl to hide the worn parts.
“You’re not supposed to be here.”
“You didn’t answer my calls. Or my letters.”
“They say that a non-answer is in fact an answer.”
“Are you going to suffer my good intentions or are you going to leave me standing out here like an unwanted caller?”
“The latter is certainly tempting. But fine. Come in.”
The interior of her apartment isn’t any better. Various papers are strewn about. Trays with half-drunk tea or various other debris lie scattered.
“Where’s Brinkworth?”
“On vacation. I gave him the week off.” He gathers one tray, and she shoots him a look. “Don’t. That’s precisely where I want it.” She then immediately shifts topic. “Where’s your errand boy?”
“Working. Where I should be instead of trying to make sure you haven’t thrown yourself off the deep end.” He continues gathering trays, and she doesn’t stop him. “You look awful, Gert.”
“Flatterer.” Her face sours, and she gathers some papers. “Gunther won’t let me see him.”
“What? But you two—”
“I went down to the prison and was told that I was not an allowed visitor. And then I received a letter saying that he didn’t want me to keep waiting for him, or devote all my time to his defense.” Papers scatter from her hands and she slams her fists down in frustration, unable to avoid the crack in her voice. “After everything I did to—”
Mason’s trays join the papers on the coffee table and he sits next to her, wrapping one arm around her shoulders. It’s not the person she wants to be holding her, but he can stand in as a suitable substitute. “I’m sorry, Gert. But I also can’t say he’s wrong. No one knows better than us how hard you worked to get Gunther out from under Archeron’s thumb. But in the end, you couldn’t save him from himself.”
Gertie huffs. “I don’t know what to do now. If I’m not trying to get him out of prison then …”
Mason pauses, before picking up a calling card off the table. “What’s this?”
“O’Rourke gave them my name. Says they’re looking to form an organization to crack down on magical corruption. An excellent use for my particular set of skills.”
Mason nods slowly. “Maybe you should pay them a visit. See if it is something you’d be interested in.” Gertie frowns up at him and he explains. “You need to do something for you for a change.”
Gertie pauses, considering. “If I do, will you try to convince Gunther to at least let me see him.”
“I will drop by and see if I can ferret out something reasonable. But you need to actually make progress. Deal?”
She sighs before nodding. “You drive a hard bargain.”
He smiles before tucking her in closer. “If you go get cleaned up, I’ll take you to lunch at that spot you love? How does that sound.”
She glances up with the barest of smiles and nods. It’s not perfect, but for now it will do.