Meetings (Part 2)

JP with Redsword, Omni, mdman and Cindy

Standing behind Cronk Sung gave a nod to Elizabeth of approval knowing it was still her decision in the end.

"I am truly sorry for your loss." The Orc seemed very upset over the death of his boss and she could only assume the two had been close. When Cronk offered to work for her, Elizabeth glanced towards Sung and saw the nod. "Mr. Cronk are you good at keeping secrets?"

It was becoming quite clear she would have to address the terms of employment at a level for Cronk.

“Secret?” Cronk i quoted as he balanced himself on both big feet. The only secret he had known was that Quinn was not an importer/exporter. That was just a front for his true nature. He loaned people money at exorbitant interest. He smuggled items in and sold them at lower than market value, simply because he received them in a lucrative manner. Quinn blackmailed people and was a chief extortionist, with Cronk as his enforcer.

“Cronk keep secret,” he truthfully announced, proud of himself.

Elizabeth figured Cronk was telling the truth. "I will not get into specifics but yes I feel you would be an asset to the organization. You can certainly work for me."

She pulled out a ring from a locked draw. "I and my team are members of an Order under the rule of Queen Victoria and with the blessings of all of the Crowns of Europe. We help all of Europe. Once you accept this ring you are sworn to secrecy and you are a member of the organization I and all those on my team represent." Hopefully Cronk understood all of that. Elizabeth just had not prepared for an Orc joining her team. "Do you accept the ring?"

Cronk held a massive forefinger to his chin. He was trying to figure out what an [i]ass it[/] was. But when Madame Elizabeth said that Cronk could work for her, he gave her a broad grin.

“What Cronk do? Break legs?”

"Let us hold off on the breaking of legs for the moment. You will be good for security." Elizabeth said. Granted she might have other jobs for him, at times, those could wait.

Elizabeth looked at Cronk's hand and then held the ring in her own. She said a few words in Latin. The ring began to glow. It expanded and expanded some more before stopping and the glow faded. Elizabeth handed the ring to Cronk. "That should fit. If it does not please let me know." She waited a moment before saying. "You are now a member of The Order of The Moon."

Elizabeth then focused her attention to Sung and Dumont. "Was there anything else to report?"

Dumont wasn't sure whether he had heard Lady Ellington correctly until she reiterated her offer to Cronk and produced a ring for him. What a strange couple of days it had been. When Dumont suggested Cronk stay with them, he was hoping to let the orc rest and question him again later. Dumont didn't imagine that the orc would be staying long, nor become a member of the Order. He hoped the young woman knew what she was doing, but knew better than to argue about these decisions with a person of such status.

"Although Monsieur Cronk led us to the spot where he last saw the docteur, I am sorry to say, it appears Lemaire knows the locations of hidden tunnels and we lost his trail. Somewhere near Rue de 'Abbe de l'Eppe and le Boulevard de Saint Michel."

Cronk looked at the ring upon his large finger, surprised it had fit. He had never found any jewelry to fit his massive fingers.

The fact that he witnessed the ring growing in size, caused Cronk to marvel. As he held it in his hand, it appeared as a normal ring. No gadgets. No gears. Nothing to cause it to make adjustments like it had.

On his finger, it could clearly be seen that this large ring could be deemed a weapon. It seriously would do much damage, and most likely would leave an imprint of the insignia upon someone’s crushed jaw.

Cronk smiled. He had never belonged to an organization, much less a secret one. Unless you counted the farmers’ co-op that his parents belonged to in Norway, but that was them, not Cronk.

“Cronk thank you!” he spoke, proud to have a boss again. “Cronk do Secur’ty!”

Elizabeth smiled at Cronk. She had been told Orcs could be incredibly loyal. The woman knew that the Baron would likely question her choice of add-ons but it was her decision.

As for Dumont’s report. "I am not particularly surprised. It does explain how he is getting around Paris without being found. Was any evidence found?"

Sung stepped forward now. "Thanks to Cronk we found a syringe. Also, the tunnels probably have secret passageways all over the place that's how Doctor Lemaire is getting around, Lady Elizabeth," said Sung walking past Cronk. I believe Mr. Dumont has it I think maybe Doctor Jackal might be able to analyze it." reported Sung.

"That is interesting news." Elizabeth seemed to think for a moment. "We will need something to put the syringe in. Give me just a moment."

Elizabeth left the room and then returned shortly with a wooden box, plain nothing much to look at. When she opened it was empty except it was lined with metal. "Mr. Dumont if you could place the syringe in here. I will make sure Dr. Jackal gets it when he returns."

“Oui, I have it right here.” Dumont reached inside his overcoat and carefully pulled out the syringe then removed it from its wrapping, the protective cloth that was Cronk’s torn sleeve. Dumont placed the thing delicately into the wooden box.

The Lady seemed to be more prepared than Dumont could have guessed. Maybe rejoining the investigation wasn’t going to be a mistake after all.

"Thank you," Elizabeth spoke, as she gently closed the lid and about that time when a knock could be heard on the door.

It was Harvey, who announced Cronk's room was ready. It was not much longer when Clement came back carrying in a large package wrapped in brown paper with a rope.

"Mr. Cronk that package is for you. It should have clothing and toiletries, soap, shaving things if you like, for you to use." As long as everything was in the package that should be Cronk would find two full suits, some shoes, socks, undergarments and the toiletries.

"I had to guess the size but they should work until we can get a taylor here. I will send a servant to fetch you for tea but you can decline the invitation. You are welcomed to explore the house, after you get cleaned up. Anything locked is off limits and I suggest you stay on the bottom floor, but other than that the house is open to you. Except the kitchen, please stay out of there when the staff is working." She turned to Harvey. "Harvey, if you would, please escort Kronk to his room."

"Yes, Lady Elizabeth. Mr. Cronk just follow me." Harvey left taking Cronk with him.

Before leaving, Cronk attempted to bow gracefully once more, almost planting his face into the floor. As he returned upward, Cronk gratefully said, “Cronk Thank Madame Elizabeth,” then followed Harvey.

“Try to get yourself cleaned up, Monsieur Cronk. We will be seeing you again soon.” said Dumont, smiling.

Before Cronk could leave "Cronk, I ask you to address Lady Elizabeth as Lady Elizabeth or Miss Ellington now that you work for her." said Sung with a smile but a firm tone.

Once Cronk left with Harvey. Elizabeth dismissed Clement. Then she was left with Sung and Dumont.

"Mr. Dumont, I would appreciate it if you help question Mr. Cronk later. It seems as if he is fairly comfortable around Mr. Sung and yourself." She paused. "Please join us for tea at 4:30 if you choose. Until then you are dismissed, unless you had anything else to add."

"Thank you for the invitation. If that is your wish, I will be there, Lady Elisabeth." Dumont replied formally. He silently agreed that it would be good for him to be there as he was one responsible for bringing the orc to her residence in the first place.

"Thank you, Mr. Dumont." Elizabeth waited until Dumont left before addressing Sung.

"I found out a few interesting things at the guild." Elizabeth said to Sung.

However, that conversation was going to have to wait as one of the servants announced that Mr. Vor’Aster and Lord Andrews had returned. Elizabeth told the servant to have Harvey show them in.

"Yes, Lady Elizabeth, I will go and change and clean up. I will return shortly," informed Sung.

"Very well then" Elizabeth politely said to Sung.

Sung left as Elizabeth waited on. the two men.