Let’s start with the basics before you agree to anything, you begin, crossing your arms as Lutza’s eyes light up with relief and glee! Gleelief! What do they know about whoever’s following her? Who would have a motive?

“See, Joplin? I TOLD you he was one of the good ones!” Croons the crooner with a haughty giggle!

You haven’t agreed to anything yet, you reply, adjusting your hat to a far more NOIRY angle! You just want the facts!

“Miss Lutza has a fair share of detractors, it’s true…” Joplin sighs with a shake of his head. “Rival musicians, slavers, merchandise bootleggers… we pay The Triplets good bells for a reason.”

“Sometimes fans get a little… clingy...” Mutters Lutza with a crooked smile, “Most of them are harmless, but this one…”

“We have reason to believe they aren’t just another fan,” The manager concludes as his frown deepens. “First: they haven’t made an attempt to contact Miss Lutza.” He steals a concerned glance at the starlet. “Most of her more… passionate... fans have done so in the past.”

“Ain’t nuffin’ right about it, treatin’ Miss Lutza like that!”
“Spoils da’ fun fer’ everyone!”
“Too right! She jus’ wants ta’ make people smile!”

“Notes attached to rocks thrown on stage or through my window… messages carved into my door at the inn…” The Spinner sighs as she counts them off on her fingers, “Some of ‘em just run up and try to hug me! But whoever this is doesn’t want to make contact… and that’s what scares me the most.”

“There’s one thing I know for certain:” Joplin adds in a hushed tone, “Whoever they are, they know their way around magic.”

Pardon your skepticism, you retort, but how does he know that, exactly?

“This isn’t your ordinary train,” The Gnok shrugs, his forest-green eyes sweeping around the booth you’re currently occupying, “Even without these new ‘Teksoul’ contraptions, every car is bathed in multiple top-level enchantments maintained by the conductors… Anti-scrying, noise-dampening, odor-subduing…” His frown deepens. “Not to mention the regular Spice Guild attendance… they take care of their investments.”

He and his client share a knowing glance. Spice Guild. Right, that’s what they like to call themselves, don’t they? So, you huff as you mull over the details in your noggin, whoever’s stalking Lutza would have to be pretty skilled, huh?

“‘Pretty Skilled’ is an understatement.” Mutters the manager! “This train is functionally undetectable when in motion, and the conductors are constantly sweeping for intruders and stowaways. Any and all unusual activities are logged.”

So that’s why he was so cagey about contacting you, huh? The Gnok nods.

>CONTD.