Allies

Meg certainly seemed chipper. And there was something almost innocent about her childlike smile. Not at all like someone who was secretly harboring werewolf colleagues. Then again, that could be exactly why it worked. “The pleasure’s all mine,” Becca assured her. She had wanted to meet Jon’s sister anyway. She just wished it could’ve been under less serious circumstances. “Jon talks about you all the time. All good things.” Well, aside from the usual lighthearted mockery that older siblings tended to engage in.

Apparently it just wasn’t a meeting with an Ashland without a drink. Becca shrugged in answer. “Bartender’s choice. What do you recommend?” She wasn’t too picky when it came to drinks, especially if there was pleasant company. Which certainly seemed to be the case tonight. Besides, she could use the chance to build up a little good will before she destroyed it all by revealing why she was really here.

With that in mind, Becca leaned forward slightly with a grin on her face as Meg set about fetching the drink. “This may seem a little crazy, but I have to ask. You wouldn’t by any chance be able to tell me how your brother broke his nose, would you? See, we have this drinking game going where we make up stories about how he did it, and if I actually got one right, his face would be priceless.” It was really a bit of a tossup as to whether she would get a solid answer. Becca knew all too well how happily siblings could dish out stories on one another. But Meg also might be the sort to let loyalty win out. Still, it was worth a try. And Becca refused to consider this cheating. She was simply making use of all the resources at her disposal.

Meg’s eyes seemed to light up when Becca handed the decision to her. “I’ve got four siblings,” Becca said drily in answer to the question. “And I’m friends with Jon.” As much as she liked the oldest Ashland, she couldn’t resist the subtle jab. Worst case scenario this would make a good story to tell at the weekly O’Brien family dinner. Somehow she doubted it would come to that though. Bartending seemed to run in the Ashland blood. And caramel apple actually sounded good. “It sounds interesting. Lay it on me.”

No dice with the nose breaks. Rats. Becca sighed. “It was worth a shot. Although if he hasn’t even told you, it must be pretty embarrassing.” Her eyes were twinkling now. Jon was one of the best friends she had (becoming sole guardian of her siblings had pretty much killed her social life up until pretty recently), but what good were friends if you couldn’t poke a little fun at them? Especially when their siblings were involved. Becca lowered her voice into a more conspiratorial tone. “He always makes up these elaborate stories that make him look all heroic, but personally, I think he probably stepped on a rake or something.” Although a fight was also a solid possibility. Jon had definitely helped Becca defend her own honor more than once during their school days. It was half of why they were friends. As far as she knew though, he hadn’t broken his nose in any of those heroics. “I haven’t had the pleasure yet. Jon talks about him a lot though.” Half of the point of their little gettogethers was so they could blow off steam about their siblings. And one-up each other with how stupid their brothers could be. Becca knew all sorts of stories about Theo.

Unfortunately, this visit wasn’t all about fun. Becca’s smile faded and she took a casual glance around the pub to be sure it was clear of enforcers as she finally got down to business. “As much as I would love to talk about your brothers all day, I have a little bit of business I need to get out of the way. And it’s probably better if you let me finish before you say anything.” She highly doubted Meg would want to confirm having werewolf colleagues, so it was important that Becca get through her whole sales pitch before she got shut down. “My sister-in-law works as a beast liaison in the Ministry. Her father was a werewolf, so certain recent events are fairly personal for our family. And I have reason to believe they might be for you too. That some of your friends might need some help.” She reached into her pocket and tugged out a business card that she placed on the counter. “I know you don’t know me, and I won’t blame you if you don’t trust me. I probably wouldn’t either in your position. I’m not asking you for names. In fact, it’s probably better the less I know. But I don't agree with certain moves the Ministry is making. So if you or your friends need a set of eyes in the Daily Prophet or the Ministry, or if there’s any other way I can help, all you have to do is ask. Or if you don’t know what I’m talking about,” here she paused for a long look at Meg to show that this was indeed a chance for a clean exit regardless of whether or not it was true, “then we’ll move on and this conversation never happened.” It was completely up to Meg.