Runa paced in the hallway outside the courtroom, looking around at the ornate decoration. God, this place was huge. And fancy. It would almost be worth getting arrested to see it. For now, she let herself get distracted by the scenery.

Soon, Illiana Santoro would be finishing up in court for the day, and Runa was determined to make her acquaintance. Santoro seemed to be one of the more active crew members in the streets, and Jack had hinted that she and Runa might work well together, which made sense. After all, someone like Runa, who was good with people and infiltration, could become a lawyer's best friend. 

But for now, Runa contented herself to look at the portraits as she waited for Illiana to emerge. 

The crack of a wooden gavel striking the judges bench echoed sharply through the mostly empty court room. 

"Mr. Andrews, you've clearly failed to meet the court's requirement for burden of proof that Race Street Holdings defrauded your company. In fact, I'm tempted to charge your client with attempted extortion myself. Case dismissed." 

Illania smirked to herself, having the decorum not to be so smug toward the opposing counsel and his client. They were already huffing out of the courtroom indignantly. Illania's assistant, Henry, gathered all the papers quickly into a haphazard stack and stuck them in his waiting briefcase. 

"Well that was a waste of time. I could have crapped a better argument than the opposing counsel crafted. Anyway, you're done for the day. I'm talking a cab uptown. Don't need me, okay?" 

With a laugh, Illania took the briefcase. 

"Redheaded room service girl again?" 

"You got it." Henry called behind him as he made a beeline for the door. Illania followed several paces behind, and paused in the lobby to pull on her long, gray wool coat. A young woman stood near, and she appeared to be glancing toward Illania. Curiously, if not a bit cautiously, Illania took a step toward her.

"Can I help you?" 

Runa walked over, removing her hands from her pockets to show they were empty. 

"Runa Katte. I just got a new place near Race Street. A mutual friend who tends bar suggested I could learn a thing or two from you about the city. I think we might have skills that compliment each other, if you wanted to grab a cup of coffee. Or something stronger, if you wanted to celebrate your win in there?"

She gave a friendly smile.

The young woman had a nice smile. It was genuine; not like the strained or painted on polite smiles in Illania's profession. 

"Runa, that's right. He let me know you'd be catching up with me."

Quickly, she looped her scarf around her neck, then glanced at her watch. 

"How about lunch? If I had a strong one every time I won a case, I'd be a hopeless drunk. There's a nice little bistro down the street, they have a fantastic Monte Cristo."

Within a few minutes, the two women were seated at a small table covered with a linen cloth, and a nice view of the busy street. Once the waitress had left them with menus, Illania settled into her seat and relaxed, shedding the formality of the work day with a sigh. 

"So, Miss Runa, Jack didn't tell me much at all about you, just that you're a crackerjack bartender. I'm sure he's glad to have you available at the Cat and Phoenix. Are you from around here?" 

She didn't want to seem like she was grilling the woman, but this was an extremely important process to Illania. Protecting Jack and his folks meant knowing those folks very well. 

"Lunch sounds fine to me."

Runa had no idea what a Monte Cristo was, and she decided that she'd probably just order whatever Illiana did to avoid looking foolish. They made small talk on the walk over, not getting down to business until they were seated at their outdoor table. It was still disconcerting for her to be surrounded by so many people, but she did her best to hide her discomfort. Runa immediately grinned at Illiana when Jack was mentioned.

"I've had a lot of practice behind a bar. I grew up in one, actually. Nice to know Jack's impressed, though. And I'm from about as far away from here as you can get: a tiny village on in island in Northern Scotland. What about yourself? Were you born here in Philly?"

"Ah, I see, a recent arrival then. How exciting for you. I am, in fact, a Philadelphia native. I was practically born on Race Street, really. My parents worked for Jack's grandfather. I guess that's why it means so much to me. I lost my parents some time ago, so being here kind of helps me feel close to them."

The sentiment was honest, though the story was somewhat well used. Illania found it to be a good way to get people to meet their guard down around her. People always assume that lawyers are out to get them somehow, but Illania had her ways of lessening that reaction. 

The waitress returned with drinks, placing a light colored lager in a point glass in front of Illania. She then ordered the Monte Cristo with a side of fries. While Runa ordered, Illania dug through her purse and found a pen and her note pad, which she laid on the table in front of her. 

Again, the waitress left them alone. After a long pull from her beer, Illania cleared her throat gently. 

"If you don't mind, Runa, I'm going to ask you several questions. Some will be about your past, some about your intentions, and some about your skills. If it seems like I'm getting personal, it's because I am. You see, my job for Mr. Mezzo is basically asset protection. It's my job to keep him as untouchable to the legal system as possible, and to do that, I've got to manage his most unpredictable assets very carefully, and those are the people that work for him. I have to make sure that his people are don't their jobs in a way that are both profitable and safe for the organization. If someone screws up and I don't see it coming, I need to be damn sure that I can cover it up. Does that make sense?"

"You have an exciting home for yourself here, Illania. It must be nice to have grown up in a place where you can feel excited. Challenged. Anything but bored, really. Oh, I'll have whatever she's having. Thanks."

Runa smiled as the waitress retreated.

"I'll be happy to answer any questions you've got for me, Illania. Makes perfect sense."

The waittress dropped off Runa's beer, and Illania could see her green eyes shining over the rim.

"I'm ready when you are."

The two women talked over lunch. Illania did more listening than talking- mostly just asking questions then listening carefully to the answers. It wasn't just about the words Runa said- it was how she answered. Did she ever flinch, or look uneasy while answering? Did she ever look down? Left? Right? Illania had to look for tells. Anyone could say any combination of words, but the slightest facial change or body movement could belie their story. That's what Jack paid Illania the big bucks for.

To her credit, Runa seemed not only honest, but largely comfortable in her gentle interrogation. Illania took only a few notes, mostly pertaining to Runa's father in Scotland, and a few more on the matter of Runa's visa- or lack thereof. 

When Illania had finished with her questions and her lunch, she let her pen drop onto her legal pad and sat back in her seat. She offered Runa a kind smile and a little nod.

"See there? Not so bad. Now I know almost everything I need to know to keep you, Jack, and Race Street in a safe place- legally speaking. It shouldn't be any trouble at all getting you a work visa, and eventually full citizenship, if you like."

The waitress returned with the bill, for which Illania produced a perfectly crisp fifty from her purse, instructing the waitress to keep the change for herself. Looking back to Runa, she closed her folio.

"There are just a few more little things I'd like to discuss with you. How about a walk around downtown? I could show you some of the architecture and good places for coffee while we chat."

She hoped she was coming off as friendly. It was easy for Illania to be very professional, but she still felt quite lacking in the "easy going and approachable" department. Runa was easily likable, and outside of business, Illania was hoping to find a friend.

Runa nodded her agreement at the idea of work visa and citizenship. She didn't ever intend on going back to Scotland, although maybe someday her dad would follow her over here. 

She'd enjoyed her conversation with Illania. The woman obviously had a keen eye and a mind to match, and Runa was glad she had nothing to hide. But hey, at least she paid for lunch. Runa lurched to her feet to follow Illania.

"Uh, sure. A walk sounds great. I'm still trying to find my way around, so any help would be good. Honestly, I'm still getting used to being in the city like this. You could yell really loud in my village and more than half of the population would come running, ya know?"

Runa stuck her hands in her pockets as she followed Illania along the sidewalk.

"How'd you get into the lawyering business? Seems like it's kind've a boys club."

Runa's comment drew an earnest chuckle out of Illania as her heels tapped on the sidewalk. 

"It is exactly that, actually. You wouldn't believe what a pain it is just to get accepted to law school for a woman. I had the brains for it all day long, but I know how much of my father's influence went into actually getting me accepted."

Illania thought for a moment, smiling a bit at the memory. 

​​​​​​"I don't feel bitter about it, either. Sometimes you have to play the game their way so you can beat them at it in the end. And I did just that. Finished top of my class."

They crossed the street, moving away from the restaurant and toward a very grand looking cathedral a few blocks down. 

​​​​​​"So, what got you interested in our particular line of work? It's not exactly every little girl's dream to grow up and...do this."

Runa nodded. Illania's father must have power or money- likely both, since they tend to beget each other. For a moment, she felt outclassed by the woman who'd finished at the top of her class. Runa had been taught how to read on a bartop during slow afternoon shifts... but Illania didn't seem to lord anything over her- on the contrary, she was friendly.

"Well, glad to have a lawyer friend. Not that I'm planning on getting in trouble, of course."

She grinned.

"And I had a dream of growing up to do... well, anything really other than getting married and pumping out 3 kids by the time I was twenty five. I dunno. I'm a good liar. I'm good at sneaking around and finding things out. Guys like Jack seem a lot more willing to pay people like me- to take a chance, ya know?"

Illania gave Runa an amused, side-eyed glance without breaking pace. 

"Sneaky, you say? Yes, Mr. Mezzo has great use for that particular talent."

As it does, Illania's mind shifted into high gear as get approached the cathedral. She'd intended to show Runa the inside, but instead she half-heartedly tossed a hand that way while changing direction. 

​​​​​​"There's St. Thomas Aquinas, it's pretty. I want to show you something more relevant."

She led Runa down an alley beside the church, then they took a right and walked a half a block until they reached a car repair shop. The roll-up door was open, and three or four guys were buzzing around two vehicles. Illania paused and looked at Runa. 

"This guy, Vinny, has a delivery truck he's supposed to be working on for me. By the hour. Thing is, he's been putting me off for a few weeks and I think he's trying to bleed me for the rate. Do me a favor and see what you can find out really quick. Certainly I could waltz in and scare the piss out of him, but I'd rather have ammo if I'm going to take him with guns blazing. Think you can do that?"

Runa grinned as they ducked into the alley. She wasn't expecting a test, but she also wasn't too surprised. If she really needed to blend in for the long term, Runa would probably steal a car and pretend to be a young housewife desperate for help. But since Illiana had mentioned really quick...

With a wink, Runa crossed the street with her hands in her pockets. Three minutes later, Illiania saw Runa emerge from an alley. Without a sound, she hopped up on the dumpster and ascended to the roof. Staying flat on her stomach, she crawled forward near the open bay door. She lay there without moving for fifteen minutes or so, long enough for Illiana to worry that the young woman had taken a catnap in the sun. But eventually Runa slithered back off the roof and returned.

"Well, you were right."

She yawned and stretched.

"Sorry. Nice and warm up there. Uh, I could learn a lot more, I'm sure, if I had more time. But I did overhear something that seemed like it'd answer your question. One of the guys, I guess he was a new hire, asked about the truck parked out back. He was told that they're not working on it because someone they called The Greek was paying them more money not too. This someone you know?"

"The Greek...?"

Like lightening, Illania's mind flew through an internal rolodex of names, places, dates, and the like. She'd never really worked with a lot of Greeks before, but she had prosecuted a few. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she thought more thoroughly. 

"Possibly. This will require some research, and certainly isn't what I was expecting. Interesting."

Illania paused that train of thought and looked back to Runa, amused. 

"You've certainly got talent. If not in snooping, definitely in acrobatics."

She led them out of the alley and back up the block. She didn't speak for a bit, but then stopped at a crosswalk and turned to face Runa fully. 

"I'm leaving for Los Angeles in two days, but when I'm back, I want to talk with you about a job that I need done. For now, are you set up with a place to stay? A safe one?" 

Runa stuck out her tongue at Illaria.

"Not in snooping? I can be anyone from a sewer rat to a socialite if you give me time to prepare."

Runa got a half-dreamy look in her eyes when LA was mentioned. Based on the way Americans talked about it, it sounded more like heaven. 

"Uh, yea. I got an apartment right near the Cat and Phoenix, and I spend most of my time there anyways when I'm not on a job."

Illania chuckled. 

"I have no doubt in your snooping abilities. In fact, I'm going to be counting on them in the coming weeks."

Catching the starry-eyed look in Runa's eye, Illania hailed a cab. 

"We're going to put the tour on hold, as this Greek situation has me curious. There is something I'm going to need from you at my office, if you don't mind coming with me. You can meet my assistant, Henry."

Runa nodded, pleased that she'd passed the audition and would be called on in the future. 

"Sure, uh, yea, no problem."

Runa climbed into the cab, still getting used to cars. She'd driven her first one recently, and it'd been the most excited and terrified she'd ever been. Riding in the back seat? Definitely easier.

"So do I get to know what's at the office? Or is it a surprise?"

The cab driver wasn't the kind to take his time getting across town. They were at the door of Illania's office building within ten minutes. She'd tried to point out a few interesting spots and landmarks along the way, but her mind was now split between several issues. 

Illania led Runa into the lavishly decorated lobby of her office. The building had three floors, but only the first floor was currently in use. Plans were being made for the other two, but that was quite a bit down the line. 

"Henry, we have a guest. Straighten your tie, you lazy shit."

She chuckled and gave Runa a small wink. There was a shuffling sound from an office down the hall, and then a taller-than-average young man with auburn colored hair appeared from the door, tugging on his suit jacket. He seemed to ignore his boss completely, turning the charm into high gear toward Runa. 

​​​​​​"Well, welcome, Miss. I'm Henry Danforth, Miss Santoro's legal assistant." 

He gave a polite bow of the head, then looked like he was about to say something clever, but Illania stopped him. 

"Reign it in, Don Juan. You can flirt later when you drive Runa safely home. For now, I need a photo for her personnel file."

Henry nodded and motioned for Runa to follow him. Illania followed as well. They turned a corner and went into a sparsely decorated room. The walls were a grey/white color and icky painted over cinderblock. There was a painted on yardstick on one empty wall, and opposite that sat a chest high counter with a press camera perched on top. 

"I need to take a few shots of you, dear. I'll explain why I'm a few minutes, but I've got to go make a phone call. Henry will get the photos, and if he does anything untoward, you have my permission to smack him around as you see fit."

​​​​​​

There was a noticeable hitch in Runa's step when she walked into Illiana's office. The place looked more expensive than anywhere she'd been in her whole life, and then some. At least the appearance of Illiana's assistant was a good excuse for a distraction. Runa turned on the charm and flashed a grin- always good to make friends- but then she was off to take her photo for whatever file Ms. Santoro needed.

"Uh, sure, whatever you need. And I'm sure Mr. Danforth and I will get along just fine, with minimal smacking."

After Illiana had left the room, Runa turned to Henry with an innocent smile.

"So. Where do you want me?"

In her office, Illania grabbed the receiver of her phone and dialed a number as she sat down. It was a number she knew by heart, even though she hadn't used it in a few months. Longer than it should have been. Though it was technically a business call, Illania grinned just a little, waiting for Billy_Pilgrim to pick up. 

​​​​​​Upon rejoining Henry and Runa, she found Henry casually flipping through a green file folder, showing Runa the contents and explaining the profile information. Green folders were used for the decoys. 

"I see Henry is already getting you familiar with our little scheme."

She took a stool from against the wall and pulled it up to the counter, between Henry and Runa. He was such a shameless flirt. 

"Over the next week or so, I'll be compiling a list of possible decoys for you. This way, if you're ever accused of something by the cops, we can deploy your doppelganger to get the heat off you, ideally keeping you out of jail. With your stealth skill, I don't imagine we'll need one very often, if at all, but best to have one and not need it than the other way around."

​​​​​​