Welcome to Gaia! ::

"It's perfect for The Artist Formerly Known as Prince, but unless your gown is dyed to match, it won't go with anything," he replied. He could tell how uncomfortable she was in the shop. She probably never even stole anything this nice, and Nixie was acting like they were at the local department store. "Try a neutral color--like the cool grey one to your left. It matches your fur," he added, remembering how soft that fur was when he held her. "And if you want to make this easy, pick out a 3-piece luggage set then throw in a simple black clutch with a 'K' monogram."

Nixie looked up from her phone for a moment. "As my employee, you have to look like you belong in the same social circles. Otherwise people are likely to think what our dear gentlemanly Austin thought when you first bumped into me. Besides can you think of a better cover while you plot your revenge?"

She looked down at her phone again.

"Austin, do you know if the police business at the chalet has been taken care of? I wanted to meet a realestate agent there this afternoon for a preliminary walk-through."

"Selling this one too?" He didn't sound surprised. "I believe the police will rule that everything was accidental. Given Sovenn's frequent appearance in the tabloids and gossip columns, it's a worse case scenario but no foul play is suspected."

"the death may make it harder to sell, which is why I want to get it on the market as soon as possible," Nixie replied. "One down, five to go."

"That you know about," he interjected.

"That I know about," she agreed grimly.

"Suitcase, over-nighter, purse and clutch," Austin reminded her.

"I don't want to rush you but I am hoping to get most of this done before lunch," Nixie added. "After a quick snack, we'll go back to the chalet to meet with the realtor and you can start your consulting in earnest."

"It's a tiny purse for the bare necessities. ID, a little cash for a cab, and lipstick," Austin advised. "Try the silver one with the black embroidery and wrist strap."

Nixie got up and swiped her credit card, barely even glancing at the total. "Austin, would you be good enough to put these in the boot and meet us in the next store?"

"Yes ma'am," he replied and gathered up the luggage.

"Next, you need some business casual clothes," Nixie said, hooking her arm in Kaori's. She led her to the next shop and two commission sales associates eagerly helped Nixie pick out pants, skirts, blouses, and comfortable undergarments for Kaori to try on. Austin came in just as Nixie was pushing Kaori into the fitting room.

"Lookin' slick, Sticky Fingers," Austin teased gently. In one outfit, she had gone from a ragged urchin to a successful young woman who was even more out of his league.

"That is fine," Nixie said. "And now that you mention it, I'll have to change into something for the meeting with the real-estate agent. Why don't you pick out some accessories with Austin while I find something suitable?"

"That means I'm going to be doing laundry wherever we settle tonight," Austin grumbled as he joined Kaori near the racks of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. "I always get stuck with the chores like that."

"I don't do it every night," Austin replied. "Only when I have to. And I stay with her because...well, she needs someone. Sovenn didn't take care of her, and now she's got this crazy quest that I don't understand, but if I wasn't with her, she'd walk into a wall while emailing on her phone."