Poetic Justice

"My name is Lucius. And I have no interest in the cafe.
I have interest in the harlot that owns it.
She has the information I need. I would like you to secure her whereabouts.
Find out where she is staying, you would be well compensated for this bit of work. Well compensated.
It would behoove you to be agreeable."


The stoic statement lacking poetic flare. A pale imitation of the Poet I envisioned sitting across from me. I could however find no fault in his homework, despite the fact that the majority of information was apparently garnered thru observation. His methods of deceit stellar, placement of the bait expertly drawing me into his dark dimly lit web.
The initial outraged reaction understandable what would be abit perplexing was the mild sense of tempered disappointment, something I quickly rectified with the believable lie, unwilling to give credence to his smug words, concerning the nature of my relationship with the Poet.
I do after all have a reputation to consider and won't allow it to become tainted by false assumptions, like any rule there are exceptions, this however wasn't one of them.
It would be one of the few times that I silently celebrated the seldom worn expensive headdress of rich gossamer veils instead of the normal adored lightweight scarf.
Behind such well constructed womanly facade I listened, his urging to eat anything but subtle causing me to nibble upon one of the ordered appetizers despite my rapid deterring appetite. The poured wine remained unconsumed, perhaps his homework was lacking if he actually thought I would allow my guard be foolishly lowered within his company.
The stuffed mushroom found lacking, I thought it best not to offer the cook any pointers, the Inn apparently drawing in it patrons based on discretion rather than cuisine.
The main entree presented without the assistance of any slaves, relieved that he sliced thru the small talk getting straight to the still pumping heart of the matter. Such swiftness allowed me to remain casually compliant as he served up the ultimatum, disguised and marinated to appear to be an actual choice.
I suppose he did so to aid in bitter digestion.
To think there are some that say there are no real men left.
Considering all the hard work he put forth, I would not disappoint, swallowing it down, allowing him to masterfully maintain a sense superiority.
I was hardly in a position to do otherwise, yet that is not to say that I didn't take the opportunity to pull the two unseen ends back towards the middle. It was his idea after all to involve the unsuspecting Poet. It seemed a waste not to lead him down the fictitious road that had brought me to him causing him to believe that a similar deal had already been forged with the Playwright. The ploy not only driving up the price but also served to gauge the value of the sought information.
Ironic tables turned, it wasn't like he was in any position to seek out the actual relevance of my false words, that would only lead to the admission of his fraudulent methods. I pondered the punishment of impersonating an elected official as I studied him from across the table, watching the way his wine stained lips thoughtfully pinched together as he considered my words. The view well worth the price of admission into his dark lair.
The agreement that followed verbal, despite his bold attempt to secure our allegiance in a much more intimate fashion.

I am glad the deal would be struck without mention of the distasteful bait as I do not relish in open confrontation. I shall retain possession of the scripted forgery. Insurance.
I suppose I should be thankful that the only casualty of the evening lays in my pride, I have always considered myself anything but transparent.
Steps have already been taken to correct such a careless flaw.

My thoughts continue to center around the boarded up cafe, not so much the dwelling but more importantly the feminine proprietor. On a daily basis, her whereabouts seem to grow more significant.
I harbor no ill will towards Noemi , in fact truth be told I admire her strength of character. We are not strangers, the fact that we are business acquaintances bode well for me. I have decided that I shall do what I can to seek her out, using what resources available to me. The choice is one of the easier ones I have faced, I do so not under the terms of corrosion or even a sense of City loyalty.
My own agenda remains my first priority.
I have not yet decided how I shall proceed should I actually have the fortune of locating her, one thing I do know is that I shall purposely avoid both men until I can seek out the reason behind their eager interest.
The recent meeting confirming what I have always known to be true, information equals power.