[Mercy Merchant]

>>Thank you for being prompt with your answer.  I will expect you here at 1000 with the ledgers.  Please do not bring the poison with you as I do not really want it near here.  But Colonel Greaves would like you to have it with you when you meet him.<<

Both women in the hot tub with you smile and Elaine says, "That is good news all around.  Could not be sooner.  Now, since it looks like things are looking up, maybe we can get a bit more intimate?"  She leans over and kisses Robin deeply then slides across the pool to kiss you.  Robin, not to be left out, moves close to you as well and begins kissing the parts of you that are exposed above the water and touching parts of you that are below the water.

[Irn0rchid]

<<Okay. I"ll see you then.>>

Rose snickers and says, "I was wondering how long it would take you. You've been remarkably well behaved the past couple of days!" Her amusement doesn't last long, however, as it's quickly replaced by excitement at being the focus of the two women's ministrations.

[Mercy Merchant]

And focus on you they do.  The tangle of wet bodies merges and separates in different combinations and the moans of pleasure and delight echo across the room for some time.  Finally, all three of you are worn out and you tiredly make your way to the master bedroom, only to fall into a deep sleep that lasts until early in the morning.  A long, hot shower followed by breakfast and the three of you are ready to face the day.  You make a trip to the den to get the other two ledgers.  Once they are in your hands, Robin asks, "Will you be taking the poison vials, too, or coming back for those?  Timing might be a bit tight to come back."

[Irn0rchid]

"Ni Ni doesn't want the vials anywhere near her for some odd reason, so I've made arrangements" she motions towards the driveway outside. Snagging the sack of vials as well she leads the two others out to the front where a black Gopher is parked next to the Americar. Robin laughs, "I hope you're not expecting me to drive that. You know how much I hate the pickup." Rose shakes her head as she heads to the truck and tosses the vials behind the passenger seat. "No, I've got this. No one needs to be driving around with this stuff. I'll meet with Ni Ni and keep the vials mobile then when KE is ready to receive it, I'll hand it over. Less chance of anything bad happening that way. You've got the access codes to it as well. Should something happen to me, you can drive it into the ocean or something." She steps into the back of the Americar, "But I'll be fine, this should just be two basic handoffs. Can't hurt to be careful though!" She closes the door and heads towards Chinatown as the truck pulls out behind her and heads off towards the freeway, a small feed of its progress popping up in the corner of Rose's vision.

[Mercy Merchant]

Both women embrace you and kiss you.  Elaine looks at you and says, "I know I have only been a part of your lives for a very short time, but I would really like to stay part of your life, so please be careful and come home."  The sentiment is echoed by Robin.  "I feel just the same, lover.  Come home to us.  We are now a trio and we need all three parts to be complete."

The drive to Chinatown is uneventful and you arrive in front of the antique shop with plenty of time to spare for your meeting.  The outer display room is busier than you have seen it before and there is a small line at the counter.  Ni Ni is talking to an older couple when you walk in but her eyes flicker in recognition.  While waiting, the small man comes from the rear and bows to you, offering to escort you back.  "Miss Xiaolu is busy right now.  Please follow me to wait."

[Irn0rchid]

Rose enters the room and looks around, a little worried at the increased traffic, but it seems like everyone is there to shop, so she relaxes. Acknowledging Ni Ni with a nod, she resumes browsing the store until the now familiar man approaches her and she follows him into the back.

[Irn0rchid]

The man escorts you back to the usual table and you are provided with
tea.  You have to wait about five minutes for Ni Ni to show up.  "I
must apologize for the delay.  An important customer showed up and I
had to see him.  I hope that you can forgive the unintended slight."
She pours herself some tea and visibly relaxes as she sips from the
steaming cup.  "Ahhh, so much better.  Now, do you have the other
ledgers?  I have an appointment with the Oyabun this afternoon and do
not wish to disappoint him."

[Irn0rchid]

"Business is business. As long as I can make my meeting with KE, I'm happy to wait." Reaching into her bag Rose pulls out the other two ledgers and places them on the table. "As promised. I'm happy to get them out of my possession. Hopefully the Oyabun appreciates your efforts."

[Irn0rchid]

Ni Ni smiles as you put the ledgers on the table.  She picks them up
and does a quick scan through but does not take time to read anything.
 "These seem to be in the same hand and style.  Thank you for bringing
them in to me.  The Oyabun seemed particularly grateful based on the
sample I provided him.  I am sure that these will make him very
happy."  She pauses and taps her fingers on the table then says, "May
I ask a very personal question of you?"

[Irn0rchid]

Rose pauses for a moment the responds, "You're welcome to ask as long as you understand I might not answer." She smiles a bit wanly but can't help but be curious what Ni Ni wants to know.

[Irn0rchid]

"I suppose the answer depends on how ruthless you are.  I definitely got the impression that the Oyabun is very disappointed indeed with Howard.  This sort of disappointment usually comes with orders to remove the problem.  I expect that Howard will not be long for this world, especially since I can provide a pretty good address for where he is hiding out, thanks very much to your efforts.  The question I want to ask concerns Elaine.  It has come to my attention that you and your girlfriend appear to have become close to Elaine over the past few days.  I would like to know if this is part of the job and you are milking it for all you can get, or if it is something else.  Normally I would not care a bit, but I like you and do not want to see you saddened unnecessarily.  I believe that the Oyabun will give the order to have Elaine killed as well, just as a precaution and to send a message.  If you care about her, I will put in a word for her when I see the Oyabun.  If you do not care, I would advise you to leave the house as soon as possible today and do not go back.  I can parlay the ledgers and Howard's address for her life, if you like, or she can die.  Which would you prefer?"

[Irn0rchid]

Caught a bit offguard, Rose sits back and thinks for a minute while sipping her tea. "I hadn't considered him wanting to get rid of her as well. Howard made it pretty clear he was done with her and has been trying to regain control of their joint assets... Up to now our association with her has been beneficial, and I'd prefer to keep that up for now. Especially if Howard is removed from the picture, she might suddenly be worth a lot more than she is now." Rose grins, thinking, "Couching it as more of a business arrangement should hopefully make it easier for the Oyabun to understand. Plus I'm not sure I like Ni Ni being so involved in our personal business..."

[Mercy Merchant]

Ni Ni nods.  "I will say it just like that then.  Thank you for your input.  I have to say that I like your style.  More tea?"

[Irn0rchid]

"No thank you. I would hate to be late for my meeting with KE. I really want to get that stuff out of my possession. Will you let me know how the meeting with the Oyabun goes, especially as relates to Elaine?"

[Mercy Merchant]

Ni Ni nods and stands up from the table, indicating that the chat is finished.  The man is at your elbow as you stand, ready to escort you from the workshop back to the outer display room.  He smiles as he opens the door for you.  "Please to come again."