“And if he gets concerned? If he thinks someone’s watching him?”
Because someone would have to be watching him. They couldn’t leave appropriate gifts without already knowing the sorts of things he’d like or needed.
“We’re very careful,” Urien said. “We observe from a distance…”
“More surveillance.”
“Discreet observation,” Urien corrected. “That is different.”
“The police don’t recognize the difference.”
“Then we don’t get caught by the police.”
Rux stopped pacing. “This could work. Start with something universal. Coffee beans - everyone who works in a coffee shop appreciates good beans. Then once we learn more about him, we can offer more specific gifts.”
“How do we learn more without talking to him?” Mabon asked.
“We talk to other people. The customers at the coffee shop. His neighbors. Find out his interests indirectly.”
“That’s gossip.”
“I’m calling it research.”
“It’s still creepy.”
“Less creepy than hiding in a car.”
Urien held up his hand. “Rux has a point. If we’re subtle about it, asking general questions, it’s no differentthan taking an interest in the community. ‘Oh, Sam at the coffee shop mentioned he has a cat, what kind of supplies would be good?’ That sort of thing.”
Mabon looked torn between agreement and concern. “And we’re certain this won’t terrify him?”
“More certain than if we arrived with rubies,” Urien said.
“Or property deeds.”
“Or gold coins that look like money laundering.”
“The bar is very low,” Mabon muttered into his whiskey.
The fire crackled. Wind rattled the windows. Somewhere in town, their Treasure was probably settling in for the evening with his cat, completely unaware that three dragon shifters were planning a carefully orchestrated gift-leaving campaign.
“Coffee beans tomorrow,” Rux said decisively. “I’ll go to that specialty shop in Cheltenham. Get something excellent. Single origin, fresh roasted…”
“Nothing too expensive,” Mabon warned. “We’re being subtle.”
“I know subtle.”
“From the man who wanted to give him chicken-egg-sized rubies.”
“That was before I understood the limitations of human comprehension.”
Urien smiled despite himself. “Coffee beans, with a simple note.”
“What does the note say?”
They all looked at each other.
“‘Enjoy’?” Urien offered.
