Don’t do anything brash, he’d said. Be careful with Silph, her brother had told her.

As her murderous inner demons cackled at the ready, grabbing feverishly for the reins, she pulled back, just short of letting go.

“If you liked me, you wouldn’t attempt to ruin my evening at a festival with what you’d now seem to have me believe are empty threats.” Her jaw turned. “Perhaps you just like to waste your time, and mine.” 

She smiled at him, almost sweetly.

“I don’t have much else to lose, though, Fernando.”

He wouldn’t know the half of it, literally. She had a lot to lose, but she’d play it off like she didn’t, and it was easy because she felt that in her heart.

She sighed, and there was something wholly honest about it. “I’d rather die than live in a noose.” She’d done enough of that; just waiting for the damn shoe to drop. Pressed under someone else's thumb. No more.

She stood out of her chair, and a hand casually slid from the bar to his frame. She got close to him, boldly brushing part of her body against his back so he could feel the steel of her gun within her thick coat. Then, she leaned in towards his shoulder, breathing into his ear.

“I hope you lose just as much sleep as you cost me.” Her tongue slithered out of her mouth and ran lightly along the helix.

Without saying bye except to the bartender, her warm breath would leave him and head for the door. He said he'd pay, leaving her with a quick and seamless escape. “Thanks, Hartigan! Good seeing you!” The tone was entirely different, the switch of it trained and professional.

They would likely not see her in Kaleidoscope again without great reason. Whatever it was Silph had wanted, he had missed his opportunity for now, unless he intended to chase her out door, and that was doubtful.