Adam sat in silence as the others entered and made their selections.  He didn't even notice Ren place another croissant on his plate, this one stuffed with some sort of melted cheese and bacon mixture.  It was really quite good, he would have to remember to compliment the cook on it.  

“Adam” will do just fine he said with a nod at Lucie's query.  “I do not feel anymore a female than you might feel a feline.”  He paused and looked Lucie up and down and considered her background and her skill set.  “Well maybe that wasn't the best comparison.  I do hope I haven't kept you from something important” he said with a grand gesture at Lucie's clothing “it appears you were on your way out.  I would endeavor to be brief but I'm not sure what I wish to discuss actually qualifies as brief.”  

He looked over at Ren who was still standing and obviously uncomfortable.  It would take time for him to get used to his new role but Adam didn't want him to start out by feeling out of place.  He wanted to make it clear to Ren, as well as the others, that Ren was a valid and welcome part of this.   

“Please take some food and join us Ren” he said genially “this involves you as well.  And since we have all gathered I might as well just start at the beginning.”  He paused for a moment trying to figure out where exactly the beginning was but also to give everyone time to eat a few bites and get comfortable. 

“Ever since my parents disappeared I have taken on the task of running the society.  My father excelled at this.  He also had my mother to help him.  I, on the other hand, find the unending minute that never seems to really matter to be somewhat restricting.  While I may not want to always be in the trenches, so to speak, I like having the complex puzzles to work with, it's where my skills lie after all.   To this end Ren will be taking up much of the day to day tasks of keeping up the society; he was already doing much of it anyway and he has an excellent rapport with our staff who are far more important to the running of the society than most think.  It also means he is the first to hear any gossip, problems, issues, or concerns that may arise.  He has an natural gift for knowing what is important and what isn't.”

Adam wasn't looking at Ren as he spoke but the larger manservant was blushing and doing his best to melt into the chair in which he was sitting.  Adam continued without pausing.  

“While I was recovering with our encounter with the Lady Isabeau several issues piled up that needed more in-depth attention.   Two were very simple matters that I could send other members out to handle.  But two others remain that are not simple, or normal.  It is these, plus our recent experience with Lady Isabeau, that lead me to believe maybe we need a few members dedicated to handling...well...I'm not sure what to call them...paranormal mysteries.  The police certainly can't address these issues.  For those of you gathered here, Ren included, it is clear you can face down such oddities, investigate without being distracted by what is impossible, and in short solve what others are ill equipped to deal with.  I'm hoping all of you will be willing to join me in the formation of a select group of members who act as, well, detectives, for lack of a better word.  Handling cases and issues that step outside of the realm of the norm.  In time other qualified individuals may join us and we may request assistance from other society members for certain things but I'd like to establish a core group of  trusted and reliable members.”

“Before I go any further or elaborate on the two cases that caught my attention I would await your thoughts.  It would not require anyone to accept this job withing the society.  I suspect danger will be prevalent and often encountered.  I will also financially compensate you for your work.  Risking your life and sanity is not something to be taken lightly and while I hope you will agree I would also hope you take a moment to consider what it will mean.”