Tumultuous past experiences with the Spice Cartel aside, Inngo probably wasn’t lying about making you co-owner… and if your old job has taught you anything, it’s that dead bodies are BAD for business! Which means poison is out!

In what you assume is another vain attempt at avoiding a scrap, you use your SLEIGHT OF HAND powers to push the ILLUSION of putting the drinks together yourself! The Prestige?

Your drinks, fellers.

Passing the platter off to the fine-scented fiends, you breathe an inward sigh of relief as they take their beverages without object-

“Peepers?”

All eyes fall upon the eyes of the group as the tension once more rises to biblical proportions!

Adjusting his spiffy shades, the Gnok answers with a singular nod. “... Peepers… Approves!”

A cheer erupts among the mobsters as they clink their mugs together, but a shrill whistle leaves Lido’s lips freezing them all mid-swig!

“Aren’t you forgetting something, co-owner?”

Oh, uh… t-to your health?

“Thanks…” Smirks the Spice Capo, “I mean your drink. To celebrate.”

“Right ‘ere.”

Ever the professional, Inngo raps a chitin-clad claw against the mug in front of you! “Made it ‘imself.”

The group’s leader gives you both one last long stare as you raise your own drink to your lips! Whatever the hell it is, it’s good… as expected of Inngo! The mobsters don’t seem to have any complaints about your collaborative work either–sipping the drinks like connoisseurs, they wait for Lido to make the call…

“Not bad!” He announces, rising to his feet with drink in tow, “Might have to come back here some time.”

“Yeeea!” Sputters the Mzz’goe’virr with an enthusiastic nod, “Like when we track down dat’ Anton guy! You really think he skipped town, boss?”

Lido answers with a stern glance. “... we’ll talk about it later, Muuzi. And in a quieter spot…”

“HEH! I HOPE he’s in town!” Needo sneers as he guzzles his drink! “Cuz’ if I find dat’ sneaky scumhead-”

“LATER!” With his goons officially silenced, Lido scoops something jingly out of his pocket and tosses it over to you. “Spice N’ Sundries Incorporated wishes ya’ all the best in your future endeavors.” A metal card slaps the counter in front of you. “Reach out by post if ya’ hear anything… or wanna talk business!”

With that the Spicys depart towards a quieter end of the tavern… leaving you and Inngo alone with the few patrons that work up the courage to order again!

“Well-handled.” Grunts the barkeep as you try your best to help him, “Nothin’ but trouble, those lot.”

Yea, you mutter, you uh… you’re well-acquainted…

>CONTD.