Count Ibly stands suddenly.  "Let it not be said I am a sore loser, my dear, nor an ungracious host.  Would you like to 'examine' your new property upstairs?  Or do you want her gift wrapped now for your departure?  Shall I summon your coachman?"<br/><br/>He looks expectantly at the doorway, as if looking for Ithi'ka's hired coachman... as nearly all nobles from the city hire a coach to come here.<br/><br/>Ithi'ka's nerves, already on edge, tense further as she realizes her vulnerability.  She grasps at his first suggestion... perhaps she can question June upstairs, away from prying eyes and ears, then escape out the window with Kasumi, before their deception is discovered.<br/><br/>((Hi, Ixy.  I doubt you keep this link active, but if you do, feel free to jump back in.  I've decided to finish this for my own self satisfaction.  It was one of my better storylines, and I had a lot more planned.))