There was something oddly satisfying about her suspicions being confirmed. A black market fence she was fully expecting, though the comment about the Enforcement profit threw her off. There was an all-too familiar feeling of animosity flaring in her at the thought that he might have benefited the Enforcers, especially when the run-in at Gavin's was their doing. She had to remind herself that this 'Xen Lao' had not yet shown any intent as her enemy- but he still wanted something, and for now, she could do nothing but give him the benefit of her doubt.<br/><br/>As he worked on the stripping android, she couldn't shake the thought that he must have refurbished Gil from a lovebot. It wouldn't surprise her one bit what with its appearance, first off, and with the way it moved as if it were built to flaunt its stuff. Gil wasn't built for the sort of antics Xen had put it up to. The weaponised beams were fully unexpected. Definitely a modification. Perhaps he'd chosen Gil for his under-the-radar appearance. Clever, if that was indeed the case.<br/><br/>“Jo.. Joey, that is,” she answered him for her name, eying the floor. Her real name was Joana, of course, but only her mum could call her that. Best not even bother formally including her surname. She still was uncertain whether or not Xen was on her side, but she wasn't taking any chances. She lifted her gaze from the tile and faced him again. Back to business. “Now what are you on about… this 'proposition'? Bet you reckon I'd be up for some dirty work?"  She didn't mean to sound so accusing, but in all honesty she was used to being profiled.  It was<span style="font-style: italic">sort of</span>her fault, admittedly, since modesty never was her strong suit, and she couldn't see herself starting when she was already past the point of redemption.  She supposed this meant she was a criminal in her own name now, and wondered what her street name would be.  'Bandana Jo'? 'Pickpocket Pinky'?  Besides, what else would a black market fence like him want with a thief like her?  A job reference?<br/><br/>"Look, er... Xen, I don't mean to sound ungrateful for what you've done.  I'd be bullet pudding now if you didn't send Gil after me," she added, a little softer now than her usual tone, "But<span style="font-style: italic">why</span>?  You aren't fooling anyone here.  I know you know what I've done, and then some... bad.. shit happened." She had to be careful about mentioning Gavin's.  "Any minute now the enforcers might come barreling through that door, and then you and I both are locked up deep."  She paused in after-thought. "So, this had better be important."<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">For his sake,</span>she added to herself.<br/><br/>-x-x-x-<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Slow down, for the love of blueberries slow down.</span>He didn't think he could endure her determined march for much longer.  He thanked his lucky stars when she stopped to inspect her trail.  He didn't have fancy augments like she did; well, he'd had his lungs replaced when he was young, but they really were just a pair of lungs, and blatantly didn't do him a lick of good when it came to functioning.  He observed her with unreserved curiosity, presently undaunted by her easily readable irritation with him.  It really didn't do much to shake him.<br/><br/>"Flynn," he corrected her, laughing a little nervously.  She probably didn't care, he reckoned.  Oh well.  Nobody ever remembered his name anyway.  It was just a formality now to introduce himself.  "Or Det. Baines, if you prefer."  She started walking again.  He sighed inwardly, preparing himself to keep up with her again.<br/><br/>"Look, I'll be frank with you," he started, falling into pace with her once more, "Your bounty here is entirely yours.  I'm actually investigating a different case, one which may be connected to this one.  The way I see it, if you solve this case, it'll bring me closer to solving mine.  So, I thought I might assist in your investigation."  He stammered as he proposed his help.  He knew Celi Mar preferred to work alone, and he was fully prepared for her fist in his nose.