Surprising myself, I finished the project in one non-stop push. I didn’t count a coffee refill or bathroom break as a stop…that was just stretching. Coffee was an essential tool of my job. Around four, Dennis Stewart, the IP lawyer, called.

  “Mr. Bannister,” he said. “Dennis Stewart here. I spoke with the other partners and I have good news. We’d be happy to represent you in formalizing your identity IP. We already have associates drafting the paperwork.”

  “That does sound like good news. Thank you. Now, what’s the bad news? Time and cost?”

  “We can have the paperwork ready by tomorrow. How long the government takes to register it…that I can’t say. Could be weeks, could be months. But once it’s filed, no one else can register the same trade or service marks unless they deny yours. Everything’s time and date stamped.”

  “I’ve seen patent-pending notices before. That’s what I expected. Any idea how long it usually takes?”

  “Only rough ones. I’ve seen it go through in less than a month, and I’ve seen it take a year or more if there’s potential infringement on something already registered.”

  “OK, that’s about what I figured. What else do you have for me?”

  “We also contacted some talent and representation agencies…the kind that handle actors, bands, singers. You aren’t talent in the usual sense, and you won’t be gaining income the same way most of their clients do. A representation company is the better choice. They can book you on talk shows or game shows, that kind of thing.”

  “That does sound easier. Still…you haven’t told me the bottom line. What’s this going to cost?”

  “Well…” He trailed off, like he didn’t want to say it. “It depends on how many people we represent, and who represents you for media and activities.”

  “Right. I know how it works. How much?”

  “We’re still finalizing that. But if you keep us on retainer for your other legal work, we’ll take that into account.”

  “Mr. Stewart, if you don’t give me a straight answer, I’ll call it off or find someone else.” Silence lingered a few beats.

  “A trademark or service mark filing is $250 per person…or per entity. Your guild would be a separate filing. That covers ten years before renewal. Same cost whether it’s a solo performer, a band, or in your case, a guild.”

  “Thank you. See, that wasn’t so hard. We’re not broke. At least, most of us aren’t. I could cover the filings for myself and the guild if I had to. Your fees are my next question. And yes, we need to find ways to earn dollars, not just Shields, Moons, or Crowns. Easier for some of us than others.”

  “Thank you,” he said. “Some partners were concerned when you mentioned money was tight.”

  “Oh, it is. But if it were $2,500 a person, that’d be a problem. At $250, we can manage. Now, about your fees.”

  “That depends on the services you need. Associates cost less. Partners step in only for major cases. We decided if you retain us for a year, we’ll waive hourly fees for the filings. It’s mostly just forms.”

  “That helps. Send me what you need. I’ll gather the information, and work from there.”

  “We also recommend individual and group liability insurance. We can suggest agencies. You know the world we live in…litigious. Some people chase money wherever they can. You may not be rich, but by our searches, you already count as famous and your name recognition is climbing.”

  “I’ve got the homeowners’ liability rider, but not all our people do. One of ours is a college renter, and they’ve got almost no income left after rent, books, and school things.”

  “We’ll recommend some options. Or if you face claims, we can defend you. One of our partners specializes in that.”

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  “Thank you. These are things we haven’t talked about. I’ll raise it tonight at our guild meeting.”

  “You mentioned that. If you give me the details, I’d like to present this to your guild.”

  “No problem. Eddington Convention Center, around 10 pm. I’ll confirm later. Not sure which room yet.”

  “Thank you. I’ll be there. One other thing. If you have time tonight, maybe after the meeting…”

  “What’s that?”

  “I ignored the game at first. But after talking to you and looking at your record, I want in. I don’t know where to start. I was hoping you’d advise me on starting and building my character, as I understand it’s called.”

  “I can do that. So can the others, depending on class. What’s yours?”

  “I thought I’d make it easy on you. Mana Mage. You’re the expert.” He chuckled.

  “I know a thing or three. Alright, I’ll make time. What’s your Game name?”

  “IPDennisS. Capital S, no space.”

  “Got it. Incoming.”

  [William of Brinsford:] [IPDennisS] [Welcome to the game, Dennis. This is player to player chat. Look it up in the rules.]

  “Huh? Did you just send me a message?”

  “Yes. Game Chat. Useful tool. No distance limit so far—I’ve talked to people in DC with it. One of the university folks even found a way to limit who can reach you. You can set up a guild in your office, maybe several if it’s big enough. And far as I know, Game Chat can’t be tapped or recorded. That’s going to make a lot of people unhappy. Get your people going on it.”

  “Thank you. I will.”

  “Goodbye, see you tonight.” I hung up and muttered to myself. “Now to see what all he can help us with. And damn it, I still didn’t get his hourly rate.” He’d sidetracked me very well.

  ***

  When I went to the kitchen, I tried to remember if it was my night to cook or Blaze’s. I rocked back and forth, scanning the refrigerator and freezer. If it was my turn, I had to figure out something.

  Frozen chicken breasts caught my eye. I thought about sides. I had a few bags of frozen vegetables or some canned baked beans. I hadn’t made beans in a while, so beans it was. Too bad for anyone at the meeting if they kicked in later.

  "It should be long enough after eating that it won’t matter."

  I’d just started when the front door opened. “Hi, I’m back,” Blaze called. “I thought it was my night to cook?”

  “I couldn’t remember. I was hungry, so I got it started.”

  “That sounds good. I’m tired.” Her arms wrapped around me from behind, her head resting against my neck. “Headache too. I don’t want to do anything for a while.”

  “One of those days, huh?”

  “Very much. I met with the city council this morning. Then the mayor. I see why you don’t like him. That man can talk your ears off and say nothing useful.”

  “Yep. That’s him. His ego blocks his work.”

  She laughed softly. “I heard that in action. And heard it and heard it.” She moved around me, peeking into the pot. “What’s in the beans?”

  “Secret family recipe. I’ve got it encrypted for my son after I die. Shouldn’t take him more than a few months to crack…unless he gives it to the military.”

  Her laughter warmed the kitchen. “I get the hint. I won’t ask. Almost smells good, though.”

  “Only almost?” I asked.

  “Until I taste it, yes. My mom taught me not to judge food until I try it. She’s got her own secret recipes. Claims we wouldn’t eat them if we knew what was in them. She’s probably right.”

  We both got a laugh over that.

  Her arms slid back around my chest. “Thank you, Will.”

  “For what?”

  “For making me laugh. For being you. A lot of guys wouldn’t do what you do…especially not for someone they don’t know well.”

  “Or not well, in our case,” I reminded her.

  “Or that too. How long till dinner?”

  “Hhhmmm…Thirty minutes or so. Most of its cooking some extra liquid off the beans. They should simmer for about that long.”

  “Good. I want a shower first. Reports can wait.”

  “I finished editing the book earlier. Nothing else till tonight. If we don’t get a room for the guild meeting, I’ll hold it here. Tight squeeze, but doable.”

  She squeezed me tighter. “Go take your shower. Wear your robes and sandals after.” I told her.

  She gave me a look, then started unbuttoning her shirt as she walked toward the bedroom.

  “Yes, sir. Going to keep surprising me like this?”

  “Only as long as you agree. When you expect it, I’ll change things up.”

  “That I believe. But I did say you could.” Blaze reminded me.

  “You can object anytime. Say stop, and I’ll stop.”

  “I know. That’s the point. You’ll keep adding, won’t you?”

  “As long as you agree…yes. Slowly, like you asked.”

  “OK. See you in twenty minutes or so.” She told me as she headed for her shower.

  Almost half an hour later, she came back into the kitchen, damp-haired and wearing her robe and sandals. “What do you want me to wear to the meeting?”

  “Your regular FBI gear. What people expect. You can change before we go.”

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