Camilla stood transfixed, her dagger still extended towards the woman. The blade seemed to weigh a hundred pounds and its point began to waver as the woman continued to speak.

"I want to talk Herr Becker," she said, as though that were the most normal thing in the world and he was somewhat churlish for him to rush her to her point.

"As I said the three of you have proven resourceful and brave," her eyes lingered on Cydric and Camilla fought to contain a gasp as she lowered her dagger. Relief flowed through her and she tucked the weapon back into the small leather sheath in her belt.

"This is a bit of an awkward time for discussions..." Camilla said finding some of her equilibrium returning. Her eyes followed the woman irresistibly as did the men. Ricardo reached out for a moment as though to touch her but didn't do so.

"You may call me Elspeth," the vision of beauty replied , "and yes, I don't imagine our hosts would react well if they discovered we had broken into their mansion." There was a touch of contempt in the woman's voice now.

"We?" Camilla asked, "You broke in as well?" Elspeth nodded graciously.

"Of course," she replied, obviously enjoying her effect on the trio. Her lips were very red and curved into a cupids bow smile.

"I'd like to know how you managed that," Camilla said her body tingling with some strange sensation as she spoke. The woman smiled that predatory smile again, somehow full of knowing and illicit promises.

"Perhaps I will be able to show you very soon," the woman purred. Camilla had to the strange feeling she was being sized up for something. Not sex, or at least not only sex, everything the woman seemed to do was sensual, but she couldn't imagine what it was.

"Why don't we leave this dreary place and I will take you to my estate were we can talk." Her fingers traced over Ricardo's shoulder as she spoke, tugging him as if by and invisible leash towards the floor. Ricardo who could have hit a bullseye with a throwing knife in the dark while drunk, knocked over the small lantern as he turned and oil spilled out onto the table, igniting the papers on the desk in moments.

"Oops," the woman said with an ironic smile.

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