[[Okay, that's it, I'm coming over there. Just give me a minute...]]

To: Dragon Fist and Mirage via Telepathy

Lucas. Helena. Museum, now. Lucas, when this is over, we're going to discuss, in detail, exactly why I hate time travel.

Heading to the museum. And why does that statement sound cryptic, Katy? You know I don't like cryptic phrases.

Ozzy dialed The Rocket's number.

"Masks Incorporated Mr Dillons office."

"Hi, this is Ozzy Gysbourne. I'm an employee. I've got some news I think Mr. Dillon would like to hear. I understand if he's busy, though, and I can call back."

"Please Hold."

Ozzy hears a few minutes of elevator muzak before.

"Hello Painter I hear you have some news?"

"Yeah, I'm not sure how happy you in particular would be to hear this, but... I trust you remember that LeCarde person, an old foe of Mr. Sharpe's? Well, he came back, and I put him down, hard, with some help from a friend. Pretty sure it stuck, too, 'cause I watched his demonic benefactor collect the bastard's soul. I was hoping you'd pass that on to Ethan, since I don't have his number myself. I know Ethan had it out for LeCarde, and figured he might like to know."

"Hold on one moment" Sound of typing. "So you killed Lecarde huh? Impressive good go getting, would you like the bounty by check or direct deposit?"

"There was a bounty?! Well, makes sense, he was pretty bad. Um, I'll take direct deposit, thanks."

"Very good, the money will be in your account shortly."

"Awesome. And to think, I just took him out 'cause I was tired of him messing with people I cared about to get at me. Anyway, have a good one."

"Before you go, how would you like to be on the security team for the Derring wedding?"

"Sounds awesome. I'll definitely do it."

"Excellent. Someone will contact you with more information."

"Lookin' forward to it. Anything else?"

"That'll be all, you have a nice day."

"You too."

Ozzy then hung up.

Direct Mind-speak to Ozzy:

A Painter isn't hard to find. Seriously, don't you have a spell for that? Ozzy, this is Lady Psyche. You interested in making a couple hundred bucks a month?

[[Guh? Uhmmm... depends, what do you need me to do? I'm... kind of in the middle of something right now. My girlfriend got attacked by one of my nemeses today, so I'm putting a nice protection spell on her to... you know, keep it from happening again.]] Ozzy thought back distractedly.

There was an almost audible chuckle. "Didn't know I could catch stray thoughts from this far away. I understand. I just need you to look after someone for a while. She's...new to Weston. I'd consider it a personal favor if you did."

At this point, the only thing Psyche was getting from Ozzy's end was the psychic equivalent of 'We're sorry, the number you've dialed has been disconnected. Please hang up and try again,'

Within a moment, however, she finally got a reply, [[Uuh... sure. Fine. New to Weston. I can show her the ropes. No probs.]]

There was no hiding the amusement in Psyche's mind-voice. "Thanks, Ozzy. Catch me tomorrow, and we'll talk more. Oh, and keep that up, your girlfriend's not the only one who'll need protection."

As Psyche's conciousness receded, Ozzy and anyone near him not psychically shielded could hear a woman's laugh fading away.

  {{Daaaaaaddddyyyy . . . .I have a request to relay to you . . . could you please??}}

What is it sweety?