Guffery was picking food from his teeth as he picked up the line.
"Yes?"
"Guffery?"
"Speaking."
"Racer here. I've stumbled across some information I'm sure you'd be interested in."
Guffery spun a pen in his fingers and leant forward slightly.
"And you give this information freely?" he asked with doubt.
"What do you have to offer?"
"What information do you have to give?"
There was silence on the line for a time, before Lucious cleared his throat.
"The whereabouts of your... 'Little Raider'."
"I'm listening."
"And now I am as well. What have you got for me?"
Guffery hesitated, then leant over to grab a nearby file and bring it in front of him. He paused with his hand on it, but didn't open it.
"Are you aware, Lucious, that Christian Thomas seems to have a twin on the loose?"
"A twin?" Lucious frowned, also not dismissing the demeaning use of his name.
"Of sorts. The boy is strikingly similar, yet does not share Master Thomas' power. His power, in effect, is a lot more valuable."
"What is it?" Lucious asked, wondering if he'd actually get an answer or not.
"He has the power of Tongue," Guffery revealed, "and according to my sources is already showing signs of minute telepathic activity."
"But that means..."
"His first name is Taylor. I know not much more."
"Why are you telling me this?" Lucious frowned.
"I see that this boy's skills would benefit not only myself," Guffery reasoned, "you wanted payment. Now I've told you a little secret, how about sharing yours?"
"Two operatives working for Munza foolishly decided to try and detain Christian while he was in Tulsa recently," Lucious revealed, "I'm not sure how they found out where he was, or why they wanted him. But he managed to get away."
"Well there's a surprise," Guffery rolled his eyes.
"He rendered one of the men unconscious, and the other pursued him through the streets for some time as he'd been hit with a sedative and for Christian to eventually pass out was inevitable."
"And he lost him," Guffery attempted to end.
"Not per se," Lucious corrected, "Christian was helped. By someone we both know very well."
Guffery's eyes narrowed as he waited for Lucious to go on.
"Christian was helped by a Mr Leroy Brown. Very readily identified. The pursuer tried to indentify Christian as his brother and Leroy of course knew it wasn't possible."
"So Leroy has him," Guffery's voice had lowered.
"It looks like. He's possibly been detained, placed in rehabilitation, or he may have already evaded them."
"I wouldn't be surprised if he had," Guffery reasoned, "but it's certainly something to look into. YIRAAS haven't said anything have they?"
"Nothing. But would they?"
"I guess not. He is rather high profile for many reasons," Guffery shrugged.
"Indeed. So what are you planning to do about this twin of his?"
"I'm not sure yet. I met him briefly as he and his brother helped Christian escape last time. They are open members of the YIRAAS, therefore not hard to find as such."
"What are you planning to use him for?" Lucious asked, curiously, "and I guess you'll be wanting his brother as well."
The prospects of someone with the power that advanced were ginormous.
"I am debating currently. I'm certainly not interested in trade, but I dare not be selfish. Perhaps hire? And of course if anyone were to assist me in the detaining of the Dathrian a bargain would be set in place."
"If he is an open member of the YIRAAS that could cause complications," Lucious frowned.
"There are many factors to include in this case," Guffery insisted, "including the powers of his brother, a high level telekinetic, and the fact they have contact with Christian. They could have many people watching out for them."
"They can't be too invloved with the YIRAAS if they're so friendly with Christian."
"Perhaps it is not well known," Guffery pointed out, "after all, Christian's not one for the limelight."