cross_and_bow | we are invariably pleased to welcome tourism

we are invariably pleased to welcome tourism

Sherlock is usually very puncutal. He's only one minute late, but that's still not quite as punctual as usual. Bella peers out the window, not yet allowing herself outright concern.

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"Yes," Sherlock agrees. "And now I should get off the phone."

He hangs up.

"I should probably start stockpiling squares," says Shell Bell, and she bends one of her fingers backwards and holds it, expression set.

Juliet pops grapes into her mouth one at a time, thoughtfully.

"What was the lady you killed called, Golden?"

"Chelsea. I wouldn't instantly kill another of her if I ran into one. But it would be very hard to wait for confirmation that she was similar enough to justify it," says Golden darkly.

"What did she do?"

"Chelsea had a witchcraft power. She could build up - or destroy - relationships. Except for mine, because of my own power, and except for mate bonds in vampires and imprints in werewolves." She closes her eyes. "My daughter was not so defended. Nor my husband's own affection for our child."

"I'm sorry," says Jarvis.

"It was years ago. We've rebuilt insofar as that's possible. But thank you."

"Tony will be back shortly," he adds.

"How's he doing?" asks Shell Bell.

"Poorly."

"Will it help if I hug him too?"

"It might. You can ask," says Jarvis.

Shell Bell nods.

Meanwhile, Juliet turns to Golden. "Do you mind if I try socking you in the face to see what happens to my hand? If my hand survives the experience and I don't need one of Shell Bell's squares to fix it I might want to try sparring with you, later, when we're not all thinking about variously recent death."

"Go for it," shrugs Golden.

Juliet throws a punch. Golden doesn't dodge, so she catches her square in the face; Golden doesn't budge.

"Square please," Juliet says to Shell Bell, cradling her hand. It heals; she shakes it. "Well. Now we know."

"Hi, guys," says Tony, walking into the room. He's carrying a duffel bag. His eyes are red, the lashes clumped. "The backup's all set. We're good to go."