A note concerning reputations

“So what’s the guy’s name?”
“Halcyon.”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah, that’s what the dossier says.”
“Weird name for an assassin. He work alone?”
“No. Two accomplices, Rose and Levity.”
“Holy crow, this guy is expensive.”
“One of the best, so they say.”
“Damn well better be.”
“Get this, even Arkham is afraid of the guy.”
“Arkham? Really?”
“Yeah.”
“Right then. Put in the call. Damn, I can’t even imagine what kinda sick fuck this guy must be to put a whack job like Arkham on edge.”

Elsewhere a young girl with crimson hair smiles as she pours tea for her guests. Sunlight streams in from a multitude of large, airy windows and causes her pigtails to flash. A large, vulpine creature basks lazily in a bay window. Sitting across from the young girl in a chair entirely too small for his frame is a youthful man with gleaming silver eyes. His knees are up near his chin and a saucer and cup balance precariously upon them. Something chimes in an adjoining room. “Excuse me, Miss Rose, may I get that?”

Rose clicks her tongue against her teeth, “Now Mister Halcyon, you know it’s rude to leave in the middle of a tea party.”

Halcyon smiles easily, “But Miss Rose, it could be important.”

She delicately sets the teapot down on the table and cocks her head to the side. “More important than being polite, Mister Halcyon? Look at Mister Darius here.” she gestures to a threadbare stuffed bear in an ill fitting top hat and vest, “He’s a minister of finance with many important obligations and meetings, and he understands the proper protocol for a tea party.”

“But Rose…”

“Or what about Mister Alfonz?” Here she indicates the stuffed crab sitting across the table from Darius the bear. It is bright yellow, possesses a comedic handlebar mustache and is missing an eye. “A diplomat of his caliber has many pressing engagements and he would never dream of interrupting a tea party.”

“Rose I…”

She narrows her eyes and strides around the table, her paisley sundress swishing briskly about her slender calves, “I do not appreciate your informal tone, Mister Halcyon.” Halcyon stares impassively ahead as Rose grabs his arm leans in close to his ear. She whispers fiercely, “Knock it off, Halcyon! You're embarrassing me in front of my guests! I know you know better.” Her breath smells like ginger snaps.

Halcyon rolls his eyes and sighs, “Sorry Miss Rose.”

“Smile.” Halcyon rolls the corners of his mouth up so far that he’s squinting. “Good.” In a flash Rose is back around the table, her tiny features once again open in the beatific expression of a happy child. The chiming stops coming from the other room. Halcyon sighs through his teeth.

Levity had opened an eye and nonchalantly watched the whole affair. Now that the drama appears to be over he rolls onto his back letting all four of his paws dangle in the air. The warm light feels good on his belly. He smirks as only an animal can and contentedly closes his eyes. Halcyon glares at him then looks at his cup. “May I please have some more tea and another cucumber sandwich, Miss Rose?” His is the resigned tone of a man trapped.

“Of course Mister Halcyon. It would be my pleasure.” Rose curtsies and retrieves the teapot.