Skeletons out of the closet

[mancalledspade]

Though he hadn't had much luck with random manhunts through the mansion before, Spade was determined that, this time, he would find the man he was looking for. Prince Paul Maraloffski couldn't have gotten far, and if what Vera had said to him was true, he should be able to clear a few things up. And if not...well, that would be part of an answer

Comments

[fingersofleaf]

Percy is a person who's strong--taller than most people from his time period, gangly, with farmer's muscles in his back and arms. He smiles at Sam in passing, waves; he's always friendly.

[mancalledspade]

Spade considers a moment. Percy's fitting his physical description, but he would hesitate, normally, to wipe the smile off his boyish face. Still, beggars can't be choosers, and Spade says, "Hey there. Can I steal a moment?"

[fingersofleaf]

"Sure!" He lopes over.

[mancalledspade]

Spade offers a hand. "Thanks. Samuel Spade."

[fingersofleaf]

"I'm Percy." The requisite beam--he likes you before he knows you. "You need a hand with something?"

[mancalledspade]

"Actually, yeah. You know anything about basic carpentry?"

[fingersofleaf]

"I built houses a coupla times."

[mancalledspade]

He nods. "That'll probably do. I have a... rather large favor to ask you."

[fingersofleaf]

"Don't 'spect it's that big. Sure."

[mancalledspade]

Spade glances about to see if anyone else was in earshot, then lowers his voice. "I need someone to build a coffin."

[fingersofleaf]

Ah. Percy's had to do that before. It's sad, but not disturbing. He nods, properly quiet. "Okay. 'Bout how big should I make it?"

[mancalledspade]

"I can estimate, or I can show you the body. Though I warn you, he's a mess."

[fingersofleaf]

Having seen enough of both battle and tournament wounds, he's prepared for the idea of broken body (he doesn't know much to anything about guns, but swords can do worse). "Sure, that's okay. Best to get a good idea."

[mancalledspade]

He nods, reassured by Percy's calmness. "Right. Follow me."

He leads Percy through the Mansion, to the deserted room where he and Sweeney had stored Alexis' body. It was still much in the condition it had been in when it was first found, the room cool enough to keep it from decaying that rapidly.

[fingersofleaf]

Percy grimaces at it sympathetically. He goes to stand by the body, measuring it in his head and with his hands, and then nods at Spade. "Okay. I can do that."

[mancalledspade]

Spade smiles a bit, relieved. "Thanks. Really." He exhales, pulling out a cigarette, automatically offering Percy one as well. "I don't know what anyone wants done as far as a funeral or anything, but I know we can't leave the poor stiff here."