Aboard the VS Rosanne 7 Mr. Oliver Tanner was quite out of place in his unkempt attire, and he gawked at everything as if he were a child in a toy store. “I’ve seen some nice things,” he exclaimed, “but these are some really nice things.” He turned to Professor Goodwin, a little bemused. “Who are you people?”
Professor Goodwin then reluctantly went through the rather long process of explaining what their mission was and informing him of their need to get inside Backhaus’ vault, at Elsie’s insistence. Mr. Tanner then listened diligently through the explaining of Mr Vandenberg and his relationship to Backhaus, as well as the disappearance of all those vessels – although he avoided mentioning anything about the colossal cyborg squid monster that was currently ravaging the seas of Pearl Isle. In the professor’s mind, he had already entrusted too much information to a stranger, and a well-known criminal at that. But when all of this was done and they had shared their fourth cup of tea, Mr. Oliver Tanner smiled again in that way that he did and then declared, “I can help you get into your vault; however there is a task at hand that I must attend to first. It is a very delicate and personal matter, but it should not take long.” He paused for a moment and stared into his drink. “If I may be so bold as to request Miss Elsie’s assistance, I believe my little dilemma may be solved all the faster.”
Professor Goodwin did not like this. “Mr. Tanner we are in the greatest of hurries. I am afraid I must infer. We can pay you any amount you like, but your help is most needed at once.”
Oliver suddenly stood up. “Then I am sorry, but my matter cannot wait; and I have little desire for your money, sir. Miss Elsie, will you help me?”
She paused, a little alarmed and very intrigued. She glanced at Goodwin, who shook his head, and then at Mr. Tanner, who used that charming smile again, and then she said, “If it will let us depart the sooner, then yes, I will help.”
“Excellent!” said Tanner. “I have things to prepare and there is much to be done. If you would kindly meet me at my home in a few hours, that would be much appreciated; I live in West-Sullivan Street, but simply ask the locals for Mr. Abberton’s Pie Shop and they will point you the way.” He made for the exit, and then tipped his hat to them. “Mr. Goodwin, Miss Elsie, I bid you good day, and look forward to working with you in the future.”
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