A/N: A special thanks to Krogan for his help; to everyone else, this chapter might seem short, but the next one will be longer, I promise.

"We're heading out," I said as I came up the stairs.

"Where to?" Molly asked. "I thought I was getting a lesson."

"Well, you're staying here." I went into the kitchenette and pulled out a broom. "I want that auto-sweeping spell working by the time I come back."

"That stupid broom spell?"

"It was the first spell I ever mastered, so you'd better get it. Otherwise, I'll be embarrassed."

"Fine. But this place is spotless."

That's because I have a standing cleaning service of faeries, a permanent thank-you from Lily. Of course, if I tell anyone that, they'll find out and refuse to come back ever again. Wish I knew why.

"I just want the broom to move, today. It doesn't have to actually clean anything. Murph, can Mouse come along?"

"Are you kidding? I'm more worried about you making a mess."

Mouse's jaw dropped open into a big grin, tongue dangling out.

"Oh, shut up," I told him. He huffed. "She does not like you more," I muttered, and walked to the door.

I opened it, and turned to let Murphy out first. She grabbed my staff and handed it to me, her eyes lingering on the makeshift stand.

"Nothing on those, huh?"

"The Swords? No. I'll be honest, Karrin; except for the Knights themselves, I think you're the only person who's ever noticed them there, or even asked about them."

"But you'll know when you're supposed to pass them on?"

"That's what I'm told."

"Huh." Murph ran a finger over each hilt. Mouse and I exchanged a look. Even Molly was watching. For a moment, it looked like Murph might pick one of them up; her hand hovered over Fidelacchius, the Sword of Faith. Then she blinked and shook her head. "Let's go." She walked out, Mouse at her heel.

"See you in a bit, Molly."

"Sure. Hey, Harry? To get a spell like this to work, do I think clean thoughts or dirty thoughts?"

Her eyes popped open and her hand slammed over her mouth as she realised what she'd said.

I licked my lips, then bit my tongue to keep from laughing, and closed the door on her still-blushing face.

I drove to the Carpenter house, with Bob on the dashboard. "Alright, Bob. Tell us everything you know about Edimon."

"First, may I just say it's a pleasure to see you again, Officer Murphy."

I winced, but Murph took it in stride. "It's Ms. Murphy, Bob," she said. "I was fired this morning." Her voice kind of caught on the last word.

"Oh," the skull said. "Awkward. Um… do you need a hug? I hear hugs make people feel better."

"You don't have a body to hug me with."

"True, but I was thinking more that you could just nuzzle my skull into - "

"Bob!"

"Right! Sorry, Boss. Edimon. As I said, he was a legend. The Summer Court Fool."

"He was the jester?" Murphy asked, uncertain.

"Not exactly. Did make Titania laugh, something no one else has ever managed to do. But the title of Fool, in the old way of speaking, means more than that."

I took up the line of reasoning. "It's a lesson that Shakespeare knew. In his plays, if there's a fool around, listen to him. He's usually the only character that understands the truth of a situation."

"Remarkably accurate, Boss. Edimon had a natural gift for helping the rest of the Sidhe understand things. When he fled in, oh, it can't be any later than about AD 1410, things changed."

"Isn't that about when the Renaissance started?" Murphy asked.

"Well, technically it started before then, but that's when it really got going, yeah," Bob said. "It was the time when the Sidhe started to really withdraw from humanity, and science began to get a real foothold, at least in Europe."

"Wait," I said. "You're saying Edimon was responsible for holding back the Renaissance? He stretched out the Dark Ages?"

"In a way. Like the Fool he was, he had an understanding of humans that the rest of the Court lacked; he knew that if humanity ever came into its own, it would be a force to be reckoned with. The longer they were kept in ignorance, the longer the Fae would remain dominant over Earth."

"So with him removed - "

"Science reared its ugly head, and magic began to wane. The Fae got weaker, human magic got weaker. Really, no one benefited."

"Of course, you witnessed this all firsthand."

"By the time his absence had an effect on Sidhe politics, I was comfortably contained in this cranium."

"So, to sum up, Edimon had influence, which for the Fae, means he had power. And he had an understanding of humanity that no other Fae seem to have." I paused, mulling it over. I didn't like my conclusion. "He knows how to blend in."

"Especially with 600 years experience. You could probably bump into him on the street, and not even get a tingle off him."

"Great."

"Hey, Harry," Murph asked, "why am I holding this envelope?"

"Oh. I had Graver look into the names of Jade Court vampires, see what he could track down."

Bob said, "Ooh, more hot vampires?"

I rolled my eyes and ignored him. "McCoy's been doing the same through arcane channels. Open it up."

She did, pulling out half a dozen sheets of paper. She looked them over with a practised eye. "Not a lot here."

"That's what she said!" Bob shouted.

I set my jaw and ignored him again. "Every little bit helps."

I held up a finger to Bob before he could repeat himself.

"Yamohito Hai. Deceased. Birthdate unknown. Age at death unknown. Minority owner of two companies, both Japanese. No known relatives.

"Akira Wei, exactly the same story, but different companies.

"Sumi Kitoro, all the same, except her living status is unknown. Their businesses are all quiet, modest, consistent and profitable. Taxes filed on time every year. Perfect business people, trying not to draw attention, almost all textile makers."

"And the last name?" I asked.

Murph flipped a page. "Kai Taira? Another Jade?"

"McCoy found the name in Pietrovitch's old journals. He wasn't in the Rockies, and he wasn't travelling with Kitoro. The only thing we know for sure is that Pietrovitch met him once. We figure he was able to keep his memories because the meeting took place in San Francisco."

"San Francisco?"

"Yeah. The morning of April 18th, 1906."

"Ah. Interrupted by the movin' and shakin'."

Bob laughed. I took a corner more sharply than necessary. "Hey - whoa!" The skull rolled off the dash down to Murph's feet. "Uh, little help?"

We left him there.

"Whoever Graver's source is, he should up the pay," Murphy said. "Taira is a mover and shaker himself. Sits on a dozen boards, owns a few smaller companies outright, holds land in about 20 different countries."

"Not the usual MO for the Jade Court."

"No." She mused, and I let her. I was glad Murphy was able to focus on something. Myself, too; if I stopped and thought about her getting fired… I'd probably end up punching a wall for a week. "You know, every questionable organization needs a public face. The Mafia, the Triads, the Klan…"

"The banks," I added.

She snorted. "They need someone out in the world, putting a good spin on them, and bringing in assets."

"That's Taira's role?"

"As long as no one knows he's a vampire, it's perfect."

"The whole immortality thing puts the brakes on that."

"Maybe they take turns," she said. "You know, turns becoming prominent, while the others remain anonymous. After a few decades, they cycle."

"Almost makes sense."

"Yeah. I should be a detective or something."

I looked at her in surprise. She gave a me a tiny smirk on one side of her face, but I knew the joke was for my benefit.

Not long after, I pulled up in front of Michael's house. I put Bob back in my pocket, and Murphy, Mouse and I walked up to the front door. I knocked.

After a moment, Alicia Carpenter opened it. D'oh.

"Hello, Alicia," I said.

'Lit up like a Christmas tree' doesn't quite describe her face. "Mr. Dresden! Hi! How are you? Please, come in!"

Murph lifted an eyebrow at me, and I ignored it. "Thank you."

"Hello, Mouse, Ms. Murphy."

"Hi," Murph said. Mouse extended his neck for a scratch behind the ears.

I stepped inside, and Charity appeared from the kitchen, her hands still covered in the detritus from lunch. "Harry? What's going on? Where's Molly?"

"She's fine. At my place, right now, practicing. She's coming along nicely."

"Oh, good." She turned to Muphy and wiped her hands on her jeans.

"Hello, Mrs. Carpenter," Murph said before she could say anything. I suspect Murph said it so she wouldn't say 'Officer'.

"Don't be silly," Charity said, stepping forward and extending floury her hand. "Anyone who risks their life to protect my children can call me Charity."

Murphy shook her hand. "Then you'll have to call me Karrin."

"It's a deal. Well, lunch is over, but can I offer you anything?"

"We had quesadillas," Alicia said.

Mouse perked up. He loves Mexican food. It just doesn't love him.

"Oh, no you don't." He looked at me, all puppy-dog eyes. Literally. "Seriously?" He broke into a grin. "You know you're not sitting at the table. And we're cracking a window on the way home." He huffed at me and rolled his entire head. "Fine. Just had to be sure. Charity, I don't suppose you could put a few scraps in a bowl? I promise he won't make a mess."

She smiled. "Of course. Mouse, please come with me."

She headed for the kitchen, and Mouse very eagerly, yet politely, wiped his feet, then followed her.

"Stupid dog, always making me look bad," I mumbled. When I looked away from the furry SUV, Alicia was looking a me. Still. She wasn't smiling anymore; she looked like a student waiting on her favourite teacher. I looked back.

"So, what brings you by, Mr. Dresden?"

"Actually, I need to talk to your dad for a minute. Do you know where he is?"

"Sure, I'll take you," she said quickly, and reached down for her shoes.

"Murph - "

"I'll be in the kitchen, Harry," she said. She was already moving, and was obviously hiding a smile. A few steps later, she looked over her shoulder at me, and tried not to laugh.

What are friends for?

"He's out back," Alicia was saying. She led me to the back door and out. There was no one else out there, and she closed the door.

"Where?" I asked.

She was quiet for a moment, hesitant. Then, quickly, "He's in the workshed, but, Mr. Dresden, can I ask you a question?"

Oh, stars and stones, here it comes. I kept my voice friendly, but not too inviting. It's a tough balance. "Sure, Alicia. Fire away."

Again, she hesitated. "I… kind of have a crush on someone."

"Really?" Again, I tried to keep neutral.

"And I can't really talk to Mom or Dad about it. But you're kind of like a big brother, only, you know, a grown-up. And Mom said you used to live in sin, so you understand these things."

Wait, what? "It's sweet that you think of me like… a sinful brother. But you… you do have a couple of older siblings."

"I know, but Daniel's away at school, and Molly's always at your house. Besides, you've already talked to the person, and Molly says you're really understanding."

Uh… huh. "Alicia, who is it? Who are we talking about?"

She looked up at me very slowly. "You remember Kelly?"

Wow. Did not see that coming. "The second baseperson on your softball team?" I'd given Kelly a few words of encouragement, and had it on high authority that she was going good places with her life.

Alicia nodded. "She's said you really helped her that time you guys talked. She's my best friend. But… the last little while, I've just had these… feelings. You know? I like her. A lot." She was hugging herself, now. "And it's not like I can go to the bible for answers about this."

I was a little dumbfounded, so I just muttered, "No, I guess you couldn't."

"I'm just confused."

Poor kid. I kneeled down. "Alicia," my tone friendly now, "does Kelly feel… uh, the same way you do?"

"I don't know. I mean, I pay attention, and I've never heard her talk about boys."

"I see. So, you want to be more than friends, but you're afraid of ruining the friendship, in case she doesn't feel the same way."

She nodded.

"Kid, I'm going to tell you something I wish I'd been told years ago, and took me just about forever to figure out myself. Something I think everyone should be told: the human heart, the soul, are very powerful. They know things that the mind doesn't. It's called instinct. On some level, people just know when something is wrong, or when it's right. Kids are actually better at paying attention to those instincts than grown-ups are.

"If your first feeling, your first instinct, tells you that your feelings are right, and natural, then I'd bet they are. If your first feeling says that Kelly doesn't feel like you do, then that's probably right."

"Instincts, huh?"

"You know what I do for a living? It's not that far removed from what your dad used to do. I trust my instincts. Trust them with my life. They haven't let me down yet. Trust yours, kid. They won't steer you wrong. Listen to your heart."

She gave me a small smile. "Thanks, Mr. Dresden."

I shook my head. "You're growing up, Alicia. I think you can call me Harry."

"I have a brother named Harry. It would get confusing."

"Fair enough." I stood and we turned toward the workshed. We froze.

Michael was leaning in the doorway, watching us, his expression almost pained. Without a word, he ambled over to his daughter and scooped her up in a bear hug. "I'm sorry, Alicia. I'm sorry you didn't think you could come to me."

For her part, Alicia hugged back, eyes shut tightly. "It's… it's okay, Dad. I'm sorry, too." Then she was smiling.

After a long moment, during which my shoes became incredibly interesting, I heard, "It's chilly out, Alicia. You should go inside, or grab a jacket."

"Right. Bye, Mr. Dresden."

"Later, Alicia."

"Alicia!"

She turned back. "Yeah, Dad?"

"Mr. Dresden is right. You should always trust your instincts. And always listen to your heart." Then he gave her a wink.

She smiled at both of us, then ran inside.

"That was good of you, Harry. Thank you."

I shrugged. "It was the right thing to do."

He nodded slowly. "It was. Well. Are you here to see me?"

"I just need to ask a question."

"Please." He gestured into the shed. Inside, I saw wood everywhere. There was an unfinished bookshelf laying on one worktable, held rigid by clamps.

"Shelves, huh?"

He limped over to a stool next to the table. "Daniel and Molly are both making noises about finding their own places. And no one ever has enough shelves."

Thinking of my own place, packed to bursting with books and random magical arcana, I was forced to agree. I sat on another stool, probably handmade in that very shop. It was sturdy and comfortable. My kind of furniture.

"So, what did you come to ask me?"

"It's about someone I'm looking for. Have you ever heard the name Edimon before?"

"Edimon, Edimon… it rings a bell." He put his bearded chin in one big hand and started thinking. "Must have been years ago. I'm sorry, I'm not sure where I heard it."

"He was a Sidhe. Banished about 600 years ago."

After a moment, he shook his head again. "I'm sorry Harry."

"Would Forthill have mentioned him?"

"Why?"

"I have reason to believe Edimon sought refuge with the Church."

"Really? Well, if that is so, Father Forthill would be the man to ask."

"Thought you might say that. Figured I'd try here first."

"Are you afraid to speak to him?"

"What? No, why?"

Michael tapped his temple.

I snorted, and looked at my left palm. I showed it to him. "Lasciel's sigil hasn't come back. Lash is in my mind, but she's not pushing me. I know it's your instinct not to trust her, but she's in my head. And, believe it or not, she's not the Fallen she used to be."

Michael was very still, eyes on me. "My instinct?"

I grimaced. See above for my thoughts on instinct. "Alright, fair enough. But think about the ultimate goal of the Knights of the Cross, Michael."

"To redeem the Fallen?" he said.

"Yeah," I said, standing. "The bearers of the coins. And, maybe, the inhabitants, too."

His eyes fell away from me as I headed for the door.

*****

Lash was standing in the middle of the yard as I came outside. She had a small smile. "Thank you, again."

I smiled back. "You're welcome." She vanished.

I was halfway across the yard before Michael emerged from the shed. "Harry!"

I turned back. "Yeah?"

He looked a little uncertain as he limped over to me. He struggled to find his words, then said, "The first step to redemption is admitting you have done wrong. The second step, I suppose, is getting someone to listen. I don't necessarily trust the shadow, but I do trust you. You just counselled my child to trust her heart, exactly as I would have." He shook his head. "If you say the shadow is not a threat… I believe you."

I nodded. "Thank you, Michael."