The captain tapped one finger against his jaw and then shrugged his shoulders.  "<strong>Well, that's our job to figure it out.  I think you for your time and will write a note in our logs to make sure that your consulting fee has been paid along with a commendation for your excellent work." </strong>It was obvious that he was dismissing her.  It was polite and he did seem to be appreciative as far as Velma could tell, but it was still a dismissal.  He waited for her to say her peace then said a civil good bye and then turned to his defenders and began preparring for a clean up.  It was obvious to Velma that there may more going on here that might be some sort of political maneuvering between the defenders and the protectorate, but why it wasn't clear.  Was it possible that he was hiding something?  Or the paladins of the protectorate?   Probably both, but why?  He hadn't seemed to notice that she'd absconded with the scrap of cloth, and there were clothing makers that might be able to help identifying it.  Then again, maybe she should go over his head and find someone higher in the ranks to report too?  Or over to the high lord protector's office and see what they have to say?  Then again, she could just take the money that they were going to give and forget about the whole thing.  Really it was none of her business... then again...