[pshrynk]

The gate guards were typically friendly as Vera sauntered through. She nodded at them, with her blinding smile, her curls bobbing with the effort.

As she passed the main pumping station, she thought she heard voices coming from the back. She knew that many adventures started out with some dimwitted dame poking her nose in where it doesn't belong, but she felt strangel compelled. She walked around the station and was surprised to see that nice Mr Miyatake from the flower shop on Avenida 5 talking with another Asian whom she did not know. They were holding a large satchel between them, as if it was very heavy.

"Mr. Miyatake! What are you doing back here at this time of night?" The words escaped her mouth before her brain had the chance to sit back and think about them.

"Ah. Miss Vera. It is so unfortunate that you should see this. I am afraid I must now have my associate here deal with the situation."

Vera turned to run away and opend her mouth to scream. The small man with Mr. Miyatake was fast, however. Faster than a damsel in distress' scream, apparently.

As consciousness fled her, she thought, "Oh, Harv! I wish I hadn't told you to go drown yourself!"