textualhealing | IC CONTACT

So we put all the blame on me. I guess that's a running theme here. [Jeff's so used to palming off the blame to others that this is a hard thing to come to terms with, but he's managing thanks to the pointy persuasion techniques of Joel and Jesse's more pyro method.

He moves now, finally a little more comfortable that he's not about to be shot at any given moment, making his way towards the chair at the other side of the desk. Not his chair, not yet, but he sits nevertheless, slumping back into it as he rolls the almost empty glass in his hand.]

You guys got someplace new to stay?

[Jesse doesn't comment on Jeff's self-pity. This is mostly Walt's fault, of course, but Jeff's responsible for his own piece of it. The blame isn't undue.

He sips at his whiskey, apparently not bothered by Jeff electing to sit now, and shakes his head at the question.]

I gotta stay at the school. And Joel skipped town, but he's not settled anywhere yet. Probably just... I dunno. He'll keep moving. It's what he does.

[A scoff.] That's bullshit. You two find somewhere to live and settle. You can commute to the school. If Mr. White is really the kinda guy you say he is, then if he wants to kill Joel he'll get it done whether he's on the run or not. Hide in plain sight, don't fucking scutter away like roaches.

[Because clearly Jeff is an expert on this. Or not.]

[Jesse wrinkles his nose at the language Jeff's using. Find somewhere to live and settle, as if he and Joel are a thing or something. He shakes his head again, dismissive this time.]

It's done. The best way to keep Joel alive is for him to stay as far the hell away from me as he can. Make it so Mr. White can get all my goddamn attention whenever he feels like.

[They're totally a thing, Jeff has decided that all by himself.]

That's dumb logic and you know it is. You can't have him just running for the rest of his time here. You'd be just as effective getting a safe house or some crap. We live in a world where magic is practically normal, this isn't rocket science. Get a safe house, keep it's location a secret, slap some 'wards' on it and there, you got your very own castle in the middle of wherever.

[Jeff's right, of course. Jesse's instinct is to argue, because he's faced with the prospect and the fear of losing Joel forever if he makes the wrong move in all this. But Joel's not ready to give up, either. Which means that even if Jesse's not on board with this plan, it's what Joel would want.

Jesse sets his glass down on the desk.]

If I ask you to find us a place, set it up so nobody can trace the paperwork back to me... Can I trust you never to give us up to Mr. White? It won't be just me and Joel living there. We got a little girl.

[The one thing that makes Jeff happy in all of this is realizing he's right. It may not be said, but the sheer fact Jesse's even considering getting a place is enough to get him reaching smugly for a refill, slouching even further into his seat as he gets himself comfortable again in his own office.]

I realize my track record with you right now isn't exactly great, but I look after my own. You're my client now so you've got my full protection- although actually if we could get something in writing about that, that'd be great... [A brief scan over his soaked desk and then a shrug. Whatever, he can deal with that later.]

You've also come to the best guy for this kinda thing. I know how to hide a paper trail. You just tell me what you want and where and I'll do the rest. [Is it somewhat ironic that it's thanks to Mr. White that he's even developed this skill in the first place?]

Edited (omfg grammaaaaar ) 2015-10-13 14:12 (UTC)

[Jeff is far from "the best guy for this kinda thing". That distinction is held by Saul Goodman. And Jesse's thinking about Saul as he pulls out his wallet, counting out $100 bills. Jeff's assurances don't mean much to Jesse when they barely know each other, but money... Money talks. It seals the deal between lawyer and client. It buys whatever loyalty Jesse will need in this endeavor.]

I need a place with a lotta escape routes. I got a boat, so anything on the water's good. Close to an airport's also good. And the Porter.

And it's gotta be big. Not huge, but just... You know. Spacious. In case my situation ever goes all Escobar.

[That is... If he's ever imprisoned in his own home or it's too dangerous to step foot outside. He's thinking ahead with this investment.

Jesse offers a handful of two thousand dollars to Jeff.]

We'll call this the start of your retainer. I'll bring more with me next time.

[Jeff is definitely far from the best guy for this kinda thing, but he's succeeded in it several times now and in his eyes that's good enough to make bold claims. Confidence is key in his line of business. A lawyer who 'might' and 'thinks' and 'possibly's is a lawyer who won't succeed, especially not when faced with a courtroom full of people looking for the most persuasive, the most believable.

The money talks plenty for the both of them and the second Jesse starts counting it out, Jeff's perking up, straightening in his seat and leaning forward just enough to show his interest.]

Water, airport, Porter, spacious. Got it. I'll see what I can dig up. If you need I can ask around about some kinda protection plan with magic too, y'know, get something set up to keep uninvited guests out or some crap?

[There's absolutely no hesitation in taking that money. This deal had already been sealed long before the notes made an appearance, so he's just going for it before Jesse changes his mind. Money almost makes having a heart attack several times over worth it. Money makes most things worth it.]

[Jesse shakes his head as he tucks his wallet away.]

Nah, don't make a lotta noise. I got people for that.

[Or rather, one person in particular.]

Just focus on the house and... whatever you guys do to make sure my name's not on it.

[The money's getting rolled up and his hips lift just enough to stuff the wad into his pants pocket. That'll be going straight in his safe once Jesse's gone, but the safe is only accessed when he's alone, away from prying eyes.]

I can get it done within the week, housing market dependent. I'll be in contact about the details and then we can get the ball rolling on this family house of yours. It's gonna be a good one, trust me.

[So excite to play happy families.]

[Jesse makes sort of a pained expression at the term "family house". Honestly, it's more like a guy, his adopted daughter, and the drug-dealing shit heel who's ruining both their lives. But he'll forgo any corrections.]

Good. The sooner, the better.

[That concludes their business for now, so Jesse's heading for the door.]

[Totally a family. If Jeff can make a random group of students and teachers a family back home, then these three are a family.

He moves to rise as Jesse heads for the door, on his feet with his drink placed aside for the moment.]

Hey, and next time, just try asking nice. You'll be amazed how far a 'please' will get you.

[Which may or may not be sarcasm, either way, it's his parting comment and he's sticking to it.]

[Jesse glances back to Jeff, a smirk tugging at his lips. If an apology's expected, it won't be delivered.]

What can I say? I got a temper.

[Which Jeff would do good to remember. Hand resting casually on the butt of his gun, Jesse slips out the door.]

[Understatement of the year.

The moment Jesse's out of that door, Jeff's huffing out a soft noise of annoyance and sullenly getting to work on clearing up the mess made. He'd almost consider all this not worth his effort were it not for the notes sitting heavily in his suit pocket.]

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