by thedoctor, Grimm and Blackwulf
The ashes from his cigar landed in the ashtray sitting next to him. Dirk Bell had pretty much given up on the beer. Jake came walking by and said, "Is there anything I, or my friends here, can help you with?" The two girls on either side of him giggled.
"Nope," Dirk said as he inhaled. "I'm fine."
Jake started to walk away, but was stopped short by the sight of Quantos and the others. "Didn't you come in with those gentlemen?"
"Don't remind me," Dirk replied while giving a side glance that collected more information than would be expected at the girl nearest him.
"I'm afraid that Ysaparoth is taking advantage of them," Jake said, losing his usually cheery demeanor. "They're no longer under the effect of the hallucinogen, but the side effects are kicking in." The gunslinger merely puffed away on his cigar. "You see, people are really susceptible to having ideas planted in their heads. It only takes a mention of something, and everyone sees, or thinks they see the same thing. With the after-effect of paranoia added to the mix, there's no telling what story Ysaparoth is weaving and implanting."
"Sure. Whatever," Dirk said, still not really paying attention to Jake's words.
"Are you not experiencing anything... unusual?" the fish-stud asked as the lone gunman shook his head. "You must be one of the lucky one's who are immune. Very few and far between. You should be proud that it doesn't get to you."
"With all the things I've done in my life, that is the last thing I should be proud of." As Jake and his female companions walked away, Dirk gained a bit of a thirst. He grabbed his jewel-encrusted, golden goblet and drank. The ale inside tasted a lot better than the beer he had been handed earlier. He kicked his boots up on the silver table and watched all the cowboys, knights, and warriors walk back and forth.
As Jake walked back to his office, the girls in tow, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the key. "Ol' Jake's got somethin' special for all you lovely ladies tonight, yes sir." He was stopped short after opening the door to his office. There was a dark figure sitting in his chair. A look of recognition crossed over Jake's face, as he gulped.
"Got a moment, old friend?" the dark figure asked.
"Uh, you ladies leave ol' Jake and his buddy alone for a few minutes. Seems we have some business to discuss."
"Awwww..." they said in unison as Jake uncharacteristically hurried them out the door and closed it behind them.
"Did you do as I asked?"
"Yes. Mona spread the hallucinogen. No one should notice you. Have I done enough for you yet? Will you leave me be now?"
"It's only enough when I say it's enough."
"Please let me have my bar..."
The dark figure just laughed.
A warehouse downtown:
"Shraek, is everything ready ?" Claus asked.
"Yes, master, it is ready. If the Harbringer is here, then he will be drawn to you, but are you sure you're ready for this, master? He could really harm you," the thrall Shraek said.
Claus said nothing at first but gave a stern look as if a warning to his thrall. "Just make sure that things go as planned tonight! And you may gain that favor you have so long wanted," Claus scolded.
"Yes, master, I will," was the only retort.