Playing House (Porter) - Alterations While U Wait

"No, I fear not. Rotten to the core, this one. Recidivism is guaranteed."

She sighed happily.

"Good. Now, shall we get these installed?"

"One ladder, reporting for duty."

She giggles again and heads for the box containing the camera supports.

"Take me to the corners!"

Porter got down on all fours so Raz0r could easily hop on his shoulders.

First, must stifle laughter. Then, shove camera mounts into bag. Third, mount mobile ladder. Try not to giggle too much.

"Hold on, Michelangelo."

Porter stood up in one smooth motion - from an infant-crawl to a three-quarters hunch; the ceiling in the back room would allow no more. Once they moved to the display floor of the shop, he would be able to stand properly.

She guided him exactly to where she wanted to mount the cameras, putting the mounts up with smooth movements.

"This goes much faster when I don't have to keep getting on and off my ladder."

"Were the ceiling and my spine willing, you could stay there forever."

She chuckled and continued about her way.

It would take about four hours to get everything up. Cameras, alarms, bars to drop down over the windows. She wasn't kidding when she called it a fortress. And half the cameras couldn't even be seen once she was done installing them. But she'd done this before, so she was quick about it.

"There. All done."

"I shall regretfully inform my various mistresses that this locale is no longer 'safe'."

That caused a laugh. Not a derisive one. But the chuckle he was probably going for.

"Nah, they'll just be on tape for blackmail later."

"As always, you have everything figured out."

She tapped her temple with a finger.

"It's amazing what this thing comes up with."

He smiled. "Speaking of 'coming up with' things... As Primogen, I should be familiar with all our family in the area. Which means I need to meet with the King in Yellow, and this Stalvan, if he's still about."

She nods.

"No clue where Stalvan is, but we can check out KiY's club and see if he's in."

"Yes, that should go on the agenda."

She nods.

"Alright. It will happen. And I'll find out if Stalvan's still around."

"Perhaps we can dangle an officer somewhere and see if he pops out with a stake."

That brought a burst of laughter.

"I don't think I want to risk their anger."

"It is Stalvan who should fear the court's ire. Did Bella punish him?"

She smiles.

"The Prince did. He owes Bella. I got her unstaked instantly."

"It comes as no surprise that Stalvan is in hiding, after his foolish display of anger."

She nodded.

"No, not really. And it's harder to find him because we don't have Warrens. I could find him easily down there."

"We have no way of knowing if he's even still in the domain. He's smarter if he's not."