The Cloak and Dagger

[The Stranger]

A tavern not far from The Hightower. A sign above the entrance says "The Red Rooster," which has been crossed out with black paint and the words "Cloak and Dagger" written over it. Black paint drips onto the ground, so the name was changed exceedingly recently.

[Marie]

Isabel Hightower arrives at the tavern several hours after receiving the message. She is cloaked and hooded since it's not really the right establishment for a highborn lady to visit.

[The Stranger]

Actually, there's nothing wrong with the establishment. It seems a quality tavern, with good food and company. There are four men in the livery of the Light Stampede out front, and they give her a polite nod as she enters.

Inside, there are no other customers, just Light Stampede men, and Finn Stone seated in a high chair near the back.

"Lady Isabel, greetings!"

[Marie]

"Ser," she greeted him, friendly but reserved since she was somewhat surprised to have received his communication. "I'm happy to see you, though I wish you'd come sooner. I fear you reach us at a terrible time."

[The Stranger]

"I'd say its just the right time for Finn Stone, but I do apologize. I got tied up... for awhile." He grinned, "I understand there has been a murder. Who is the victim?"

[Marie]

"Your timing is lucky for us, though perhaps not for you," Izzy remarked. She threw back her hood. Her eyes were red from weeping. "The victim was Mace Tyrell, my brother by marriage. He and I were good friends lately. The realm shall feel his loss."

[The Stranger]

"Good friends," Finn said, with a raised eyebrow. "Was he looking for a new wife?" He asked.

[Marie]

"I don't know," Izzy replied. "I hadn't spoken much to him since leaving Kings Landing, and he wasn't looking for a new wife before we left. The death of his first wife death caused him much pain, I know. So I doubt he had considered the matter so far. I did not think it proper to ask when his wife died so recently. I am worried though, and not only because he was killed on my brother's lands. My own husband was a Tyrell, and my son is a Tyrell. Will he be next?" She pulled her cloak more tightly about herself.

[The Stranger]

"I would tend to doubt it, Mace Tyrell has no shortage of enemies of his own, that I doubt there's a threat to target Tyrell's root and stem." Finn replied, "But I suppose we will see. Who else knows?"

[Marie]

"My brothers, of course. I fear half the city castle knows by now. Gwayne said people were gathering when he went to see the body. We've had to postpone the remainder of the tourney for now. It's most unfortunate." Yet he'd said something that confused her. "You said Mace had enemies. I don't suppose you'd care to share your thoughts on who those might be? I can't think of any."

[The Stranger]

Finn ignored the request, "How was the killing done, if you don't mind me asking? Some times method gives insight into motivation."

[Marie]

"A dagger, I believe. I didn't see it myself, of course, but apparently there was a lot of blood." She frowned in disgust. "Quite horrid. Gwayne said he couldn't find any other traces of the attacker yet."

[The Stranger]

Finn frowned, "I see. Are Mace Tyrell's guards being cooperative in interviews?"

[Marie]

"You'd need to ask my brother about that," she said. "I am not party to his investigations. It is not a lady's place to get involved in such matters."

[The Stranger]

"But perhaps the lady would be willing I get me involved in such matters," Finn replied, "I may be of some assistance."