Poison Crumbs

This past hand, I have rolled up my sleeves as a rare show of community spirit, helping fellow business owners in the 'Garden District', my motives however were anything but stellar. Such involvement came at a price, for it cost me yet another small piece of my integrity. I am uncertain as of yet if the means will completely justify the cause as most only voiced veiled speculations to what they had seen that fateful night. I did however find out that several would not risk rebuilding, opting to sell their lots instead of taking a chance on a repeat performance. Honestly I can't entirely blame them. Some spoke of leaving the City, while others like me will remain steadfastly optimistic. The opportunity has not escaped me that if I am able to secure a loan from the local money lender that I can easily purchase the damaged lots. The cost would be minimum considering the extent of the damage, affording the right buyer to by cheap. Since this time I have resisted the urge to dip into the coin fund set aside for my oldest son's education, yet it is good to know that is an option. In light of the ongoing arson investigations, it would not be prudent for me as an interested party to openly be involved, thus I put the wheels in motion to speak to the reputable Builder, seeking his assistance in this matter, presenting it as a business deal that shall no doubt benefit us both. If my estimations are correct, based on the known revenue I have collected, along with the location the investment shall bear profitable fruit for all involved. I am confident that in time the City will rebuild the area, if for no other reason than a sign of strength and solidarity to its citizens.

Marina is working out good at the Inn, I find the woman to be capable and confident, carrying out the tasks of maintaining my new business. The initial reservations I had concerning her character recently put to rest. It wasn't that I didn't think her capable, it was simply her lack of experience that fed the doubts yet she proven herself, her eye for detail is in keeping with my own. I find it refreshing that I don't have constantly explain things to her, I simply have no time to deal with such trivial matters.
I have taken it upon myself to assume control of a local slave, one that I rented in the past to serve at various events. It was actually her former owner that sought me out concerning the slave, after his own house recently sustained damage during the recent arson attacks along the 'Street of Brands'. According to his words, the damage was relatively minimum, yet he has opted like many to temporarily leave the City while the repairs are made. To be honest I was reluctant when he approached me with the 'arrangement', there are after all many alternatives afforded him. His logic mildly surprised me, stating that he knew I would not let the slave grow lazy in his absence. He is correct of course. I would not argue with him, especially after he bestowed upon me enough coin to see to her upkeep during the duration he is away. She has been outfitted with a small dangling piece of Turian stamped steel, indicating her name as well as my instructions.
'crumb'
'Property of the Golden Sphere Inn, Ar'
'Do not feed - punish as you see fit'


This morning I was pleased to witness the fruits of my labors have been rewarded. It came in the form of the suddenly slender Zarah. The look of shock and concern that I was able to summon up when told of her recent loss brings a still brings a smile to my lips. The woman nothing but a smug pawn, easily read intentions masked behind a facade of good intentions. The pretty wrapped prop was a nice touch. I was not left wondering her reaction to Taimh handing me the delivered gift intended no doubt for safekeeping, not even the heavy expensive veils could hide her reaction, it a delicious thing to behold.
I made no move to ask her how she enjoyed the ordered cake, her trim waistline confirmed she no doubt hungrily devoured it.
Alone in my chambers, away from prying eyes, I unwrap the delivered gift, finding tucked beneath the pretty thin parchment a silver rattle. Upon closer examination, the name of the shop where the gift had been purchased would be scripted at the bottom of the box. Carefully the paper would be set right, card attached before I stepped across the hallway to place it next to the small crib that housed Taimh and Zennenia's precious bundle.
The purchasing of such a gift, no doubt heart wrenchingly painful for the Turian bitch. I am left to wonder how she will react when a replica mysterious finds it way to her door.
The trail will consist of nothing but... 'crumbs'