Conversation · Evrart Claire

"And I'm sure you two had a hell of a time." He throws a couple of playful punches in your direction. "But I couldn't care less about the bitch. Let's talk about the real stuff, Harry. The stuff that matters."

"Great! You wanna bounce something off your old friend, Mr. Claire, right?" He seems genuinely pleased. "Well, let's hear it, Harry!"

"Joyce said the previous Union leader vanished under suspicious circumstances."

"Vanished?! Harry, the woman left her casserole in the oven and couldn't make it here in time for the voting."

"'Oh, did I leave my casserole on? Better go home and check. The election can wait!'" The man frowns, disapprovingly. "When she got back the whole thing was over."

Wait... there was no mention of a casserole from Joyce.

"Funny, Joyce didn't mention any casserole."

"Harry, Harry, Harry!" He flicks his fingers. "Do not fixate on this little matter. Maybe it was a rabbit stew... or a hair dryer, or an iron. The point is, her heart wasn't in it. Mine was."

That much is true. His heart truly is in it. Though you wouldn't think so by looking at him.

This particular brand of humour he has... it makes for a fine distraction.

If it's spilled blood you're looking for then there certainly isn't any in his expression, or demeanour now.

"Another question then?"

"Yes, please, Harry!" The big man nods slowly. "Feel free to speak your mind or ask me anything."

"What happened to the previous negotiator, Mr. Gaumont?"

"What do you mean, Harry?" The big man sounds annoyed. "Nothing. I let him go."

"Okay, another question?"

"Empty all your barrels on me, Harry."

"He made concessions for the company in previous negotiations. Why would you let an ally like that go?"

"He's an old man, Harry. I wanted him to spend more time with his family." He looks down and sighs. "God knows how long he's got left."

"You called him a midget."

"Harry!" he exclaims, indignant. "I have little people in my organization. I would never call someone a midget. What is this?"

"Honestly, I'm beginning to think you're a midget, Harry." Abruptly, he smiles and changes his tone. "I'm only kidding, Harry. You're not a midget. No one is. We're pals."

It's hard to say if he really lost his temper or if this is another one of his tricks. This man... almost never angers visibly.

"Evrart, Joyce seems to think the Union is low-balling her."

"Yes, yes -- low-balling. Of course..." He's suddenly very serious. "This isn't a casino, Harry. Real people, real livelihoods are at stake here. But everything's a casino for those rich types..."

His expression makes it clear: this is childish and irresponsible behaviour.

"Okay, let's talk about something else." (Conclude.)

"Absolutely, Harry! What's on your mind?"

"Of course, Harry. Let me just assure you one more time -- it's perfectly okay to share anything we discuss here with this... Joyce. This is a completely transparent organization."

"I have no interest in what she is doing, but I myself have nothing to hide. Your business is your business and I respect your privacy. Just remember, none of this..." He makes an all-encompassing gesture. "... is secret."

"Tell her about all of it. My brother's picture, my singing swordfish clock." He looks around. "Tell her how overweight I am and how I've helped you with your lost gun. Tell her everything -- Evrart doesn't mind."

It is rather interesting to tell people things about each other isn't it? It was nice telling him about her right now...

This is weird. Not nice weird, but okay.

"Tell her about all of it. My brother's picture, my singing swordfish clock." He looks around. "Tell her how overweight I am and how I'm helping you find your lost gun. Tell her about everything -- Evrart doesn't mind."

"Are you sure? I find it a little odd."

"I'm just a nice guy, Harry. I wouldn't be where I am now if I wasn't nice." He slams his fist into his hand. "Politics is all about emotions, and I want you to have positive emotions when you think of me."

Okay then. Positive emotions it is! You like positive emotions.

"I told Joyce that I met you."

"It's perfectly okay. Even if you've told her everything we've talked about, it's absolutely fine."

He seems happy about the prospect of you telling Joyce about your conversations.

"Okay, that's cool."

"Very cool, Harry." He nods enthusiastically. "It's very cool."

"Hmh..." The lieutenant seems incredulous.

Sure, he thinks. It's about transparency.

"It sounds like you want me to tell her about our conversations."

"No, no, Harry. I'm perfectly neutral and one hundred percent for transparency. I know people say a lot of bad things about the Débardeurs Union, but we are actually," -- he squeaks his chair -- "squeaky clean."

Yes, he really doesn't seem to mind.

Yes, he really doesn't seem to mind.

You cannot but notice the prospect of you telling Joyce about your conversations is actually pleasing Evrart.

"Why haven't you let her in to see you?"

"If she actually wants to see me, she will find a way. Any good negotiator would. And I just don't have anything to discuss with a bad negotiator."

It's a fortress. He knows she can't get in here.

He doesn't want to see her. It's simple as that.

"Oh, that's very nice. I haven't gotten around to her yet -- I'm very, very busy, you see." He adjusts a button on his sleeve. "I hope you're getting along."

"One thing I wanna make very clear, Harry, is that this is not some kind of Union versus Corporation situation. Everyone is just pals here."

"Just pals?"

"We're all trying to do what's best for Martinaise." His smile widens. "Don't feel like you can't cooperate with her, because you and I are such good friends and I helped you get the body down... and to find your lost gun. I'm not a jealous guy."

Whoa... that's so nice of him. Suspiciously nice.

"We're all trying to do what's best for Martinaise." His smile widens. "Don't feel like you can't cooperate with her, because you and I are such good friends and I helped you get the body down... and I'm helping you find your gun. I'm not a jealous guy."

"We're all trying to do what's best for Martinaise." His smile widens. "Don't feel like you can't cooperate with her, because you and I are such good friends and I helped you get that nasty body down from the tree. I'm not a jealous guy."