[b]Elora[/b]’s gentle approach only made Nino look guiltier. The stall hand swallowed, eyes darting from her face to the empty stall and back again. [color=ec008c]“I didn’t do nothin’,”[/color] he blurted, which of course sounded exactly like a man who had done something adjacent to something. [color=ec008c]“I just... I saw somebody hanging round the south side earlier that evening. Fancy shoes. Didn’t belong here. I figured they were with a sponsor or one of Dom’s people.”[/color]

Across the aisle, [b]Marcus[/b] drew Bassi off with the ledgers. The head groom rubbed both hands over his face before muttering, [color=fff200]“Missing page had the late access notes. Deliveries, visitors, special requests. Gone by morning.”[/color] He lowered his voice. [color=fff200]“And if Dom asks, I told you because I enjoy breathing.”[/color]

Then [b]Freyic[/b] came flying back inside like a herald from a much sillier battlefield. Footprints. Outside, U-shaped.

[b]Hwicce[/b] rewarded him with a rough ruffle to the hair, and for one brief moment the investigation almost looked functional.

[color=00a651]“South gate,”[/color] Piero said at once, his smile thinning. [color=00a651]“That note keeps getting uglier.”[/color]

Before anyone could move, the stable doors swung open.

In stepped a woman in suspenders, tie, fedora, and a grin sharp enough to count as a weapon. Heavy mechanical gauntlets wrapped both arms, their metal joints glowing amber as she flexed one hand with a low whir. A scar crossed one cheek. Smoke curled in after her like she had brought some of the back room with her.

[center]Gina 'Gears' Geraldi[/center]
[center][img]https://ik.imagekit.io/maxxo/Mobster%20Woman.png[/img][/center]

[color=a36209]“Boss says you’re all doing cute work,”[/color] she said. [color=a36209]“Name’s Gina Gearaldi. Most call me Gears. I’m joining the party.”[/color]

Piero closed his eyes like a man experiencing spiritual pain.

[color=00a651]“Oh, terrific,”[/color] he muttered. [color=00a651]“Now it’s a parade.”[/color]