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[Morrow]

There was a bustle of activity aboard the Blue Nixie. The sun had risen a short while ago and the best tide would be an hour from now. Garnham came on board and asked to see Lady Vanderboren. It was early, but he suspected that she would be awake by now. Half a dozen sailors cussing and throwing their weight around doesn't lend itself to lingering in bed.

In a short while he was lead in to see her.

As he had suspected she was already awake and dressed. She sat in what had been the dining room studying charts and drinking pungent tea.

"Good morning Garnham." She looked up from the charts. "This is unexpected. I hope nothing's wrong."

"No." He seemed distracted for a moment and repeated, "no."

"It's just that it will be some time before we're in port again and I'm not certain when I'll have the opportunity to see you again. I have something that I'd like to get off my chest."

"Go ahead."

Garnham steeled himself.

"What I'm about to say isn't easy. At least not for me. I hit the streets, I find hidden doors, I bypass traps, I deliver quality violence when the need arises. I'm not much of a people person."

She waited patiently for him to go on.

"I'm interested in you. Romantically."

"Ga..

Before she could respond he said, "of course this means that I can no longer accept pay from you. I'm still committed to the cause, but I wouldn't feel right taking your money. I can make do with my share of the spoils the Beetles rake in."

"I.."

"If you've already allocated the funds than you could just give my share to the others. I doubt they'd mind."

"Can.."

"I came across a journal that Avner keeps detailing his conquests both real and imagined. I could get it to you if you're in need of leverage."

"How does that have to do with anything?" She finally managed to get out more than a syllable.

"Nothing. I panicked."

He took the leather bound package off his back and placed it on the desk in front of Lavinia.

"I am Kai Garnham. Son of Misa Garnham and Emil Black. The only thing I have left of my mother is her name; the only thing of my father, this sword." He pulled away the leather to reveal a rapier in it's scabbard. It's hilt was a masterfully wrought iron rose. "If I have even the smallest chance of winning the heart of a lady of your caliber than I would be deeply honored if you would wear this." He removed the sword from it's sheath. It's polished surface caught the early morning light. "It's a good blade and will strike true."

He returned the sword to it's home. "And if you choose not to wear it then I will know that I have no chance and you won't hear another word on the subject." He placed the scabbard back on the table.

"I should leave now," he said and bolted out the door.