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Nixie thought for a moment.

"In that case, I'd like to offer you a position as a consultant," she declared. "You seem to be street savvy and I need those sorts of instincts."

"What about me?" Austin demanded indignantly.

"You have your own set of skills and you're highly trained," Nixie reassured him. "But Kaori has other strengths." She turned back to the foxgirl. "So? What do you say? No benefits or severance package, but a regular enough income, paid expenses and exclusive pester-rights to Austin."

"HEY!"

"You'd rather take charity than legitimate employment?" Nixie asked, surprised. "It's not as if consulting work is difficult or risky. But it's up to you. Austin, we need the car."

"Yes, ma'am," he replied. He rushed out of the plane and found the rented wheels waiting for them. It was a grey Saab with dark windows and a few other custom options that he had requested. He checked the car for explosives and tracking equipment, even though he knew the rental company would never burn a client like Miss Prince-Hughs like that. But it never hurt to be careful.

When everything checked out, he gave the all-clear with a toot of the horn.

"You're right, I remember now," Nixie replied dryly. "We kidnapped you and Austin had to carry you kicking and screaming onto the plane. This isn't a job offer that would come your way on the street. This is a way for you to earn your keep so you don't have to mooch of me or accept charity. We can even fill our the right tax forms if it would make you feel better."

Nixie just smiled, satisfied that she had won the argument. She led the way down the air plane steps and into the car. Austin was dutifully holding open the door for the ladies.

"Austin, I'm going to need a new phone. Would you mind dropping us of at the chalet and going to pick one up?" She asked once she was in the car.

"Yes, Miss Prince-Hughs," he replied.

"And keep an eye out for a restaurant that will satisfy your carnivorous cravings,"she added.

Austin navigated the busy streets of Zurich with uncanny ease. He crossed two rivers and came to Churrasco. He pulled up to the curb, gave the keys to the valet, and opened the car door for Nixie and Kaori.

"Dinner, Ladies," he invited with a gentlemanly wave of his hand.

"Hmm..." Nixie looked at Kaori with a calculating eye. "Austin, go inside and reserve a table. Feel free to order a drink and an appetizer. We'll be across the street." Without waiting for an answer, Nixie grabbed Kaori's hand and hauled her across traffic to a small and exclusive boutique. Inside, the commissioned sales person perked up at the sight of Nixie and simultaneously scowled at the sight of Kaori. "Consider this an advance," Nixie instructed the girl. Turning to the clerk, she declared, "We're here for two cocktail dresses with shoes and accessories, if you please."

"Oui, Ma'am," the sales clerk replied. He sized them both with a look and reached into the rack of tailor made dresses. He pulled out a silky mermaid dress for Nixie in dark teal. She smiled at the sight of it; it reminded her of home. The clerk also selected a pair of grey pumps and a strand of black pearls. Nixie nodded, approvingly. Then she looked at Kaori, curious to see what the french designer would dress the street cat in.

"There is a dress code for your new job," Nixie reminded Kaori softly. "Besides, actually looking like a girl has its advantages." She turned to the clerk. "Something classic and simple, please."

The clerk went to the end of the real and found a little black dress with a velvet shrug that was formal enough for a business meeting, sexy enough for any club, and comfortable enough to run in. He picked out a pair of kitten heels and a stylish glass pendant to go with it. Nixie smiled at the combo and looked expectantly at Kaori.

Nixie accepted the dress, shoes, and accessories for Kaori and hustled the girl into a changing booth.

"Your legs go here, and your shoulders go here," Nixie said, pointing to the hem and the shoulder straps respectively. "When you've managed to wriggle into it, I'll zip you up."

Then she went into the other changing room and slipped into her new cocktail dress with ease. Sovenn "requested" her to dress in far slinkier attire, but she enjoyed a well made dress that flattered her features. She slipped her narrow feet into the shoes and then stepped outside the changing room to twirl in front of a mirror.