Emad had been a busy man the past couple of days. When he left the Wimsel estate, he went straight to the Walsh manor. He'd heard about single-and-available Bebhinn Walsh from David McDonagh, Bo Walsh's friend.
But the elder Walsh wasn't at all welcoming when Emad asked to see his daughter. In fact, Larry Walsh was quite a Mean Spirited old bugger.
Walsh: Who are you? I don't know you! What do you want with my daughter anyway? I think you better take yourself off!
Emad: Mr Walsh, I'm Emad Faraz, Marvin Bunter's brother. I think you're acquainted with him?
Walsh: Hmm. Well, come back in the morning. My daughter is retired for the night.
Emad hung around the lot till dawn since he really didn't have any other place to go. He took time to make plans.
Walsh: Bebhinn! Someone is here to see you.
Bebhinn: Mr Faraz, I think I saw you at Lord Wimsel's wedding. What can I do for you? Something the Town Council can help with? I'm on my way to a Council meeting this very morning.
Emad: Actually, I did want to know a little more about the town. I'm new to the area. Maybe some information about work opportunities, community activities?
Bebhinn: How wonderful! I'd be happy to discuss ways you could serve Rinn Fada. Please, come in.
Walsh: Make it short, Faraz. My daughter is an important woman. She doesn't have time for useless chatter. You better not have anything improper in mind either. Bebhinn doesn't need any more of that sort of thing!
Emad: I assure you, I have no intention of distracting Ms Walsh from her duties. I support her position in Rinn Fada and respect the power she wields here.
As if the father wasn't enough family to deal with, Bo Walsh showed up as well. The boy was glaring at him, playing the tough. What a laugh! A fireman challenging a genie!
The next level of defense appeared to be a cat. What kind of man keeps domesticated house cats as security?
Emad finally was able to make himself at home. He toyed with the flames in the fireplace while he waited for an opportunity to speak with the Walsh female.
After a brief discussion about joining committees to Save the Unicorn and Restore the Oaks, Emad managed to ask a more intimate question.
Emad: Ms Walsh--Bebhinn--you seem to do so much for the town. How do you manage on your own? You are, are you not, without a partner? Single?
Bebhinn: Well, yes. I'm unmarried. I have little time for a personal life, Mr Faraz.
Emad: Please, call me Emad.
The lady hadn't mentioned any romantic interest in Tony Donherty. Not that she would, of course. A secret affair isn't something one just admitted to a new acquaintance.
Bebhinn left and Emad wandered outside to find Bo grooming the horse. Time to test the boy's mettle. Emad preferred to win the son over to his side. He'd also need to crack the old man's resolve. But one Walsh at a time.
Surprisingly, Bo Walsh showed some moxie. He and Emad were closely matched. Emad had even leveled his own Sim Fu skill during the sparring. Yes, Bo's martial arts ability and new Disciplined trait could prove useful.
It was almost time for Bebhinn to return from work. Emad had remained all day at the Walsh home. He was not about to lose the ground he'd established in the Walsh household.
And neither was Larry Walsh going to give up his chaperone role.
Walsh: You still here, Faraz?
Emad: Still here, Walsh.
Walsh: Maybe you and I should have another little chat.
Emad: Oh, I agree.
Walsh: Meet me inside.
Emad didn't bother to hurry. His priority was Bebhinn. She must have been thinking about him during her time at the office because she was very receptive to his presence. The sing-a-gram he'd sent her had been worth the cost.
Whispering naughty nothings in her ear, Emad told Bebhinn he'd see her once he finished speaking to her father.
Emad didn't wait for Walsh to start interrogating him. He took charge.
Emad: Listen to me, Walsh! Your daughter is an adult. She doesn't need a bloodhound for a father! Time you and I came to an understanding. I am no inexperienced, powerless nobody. I am not here to weaken your family. On the contrary, I have strengths that will enhance the Walsh influence in Rinn Fada. Do NOT underestimate me!
Walsh (sputtering): Why you, you upstart!
Emad: Quiet! I suggest you think about what I just said. Haven't you always wanted both your children to follow in your footsteps? Rise to their potential? I'm telling you, I can make that happen. Consider what I'm offering. Because with or without your approval, Walsh, I'm here to stay!
Emad: Bebhinn, I have waited all day for you. It was a lifetime!
She was a woman after his own Evil heart.
Emad: I can't tell you how much I admire your dedication. I have my own plans for politics, you know. I've been in positions of authority before, but this time, I think work behind the scenes might be just what is called for. Supporting a candidate of your caliber would be an honor.
Emad: But your leadership ability is not the only thing I admire about you. You are a beautiful woman, Bebhinn. I find you irresistibly alluring.
That's when Emad made his move, and Bebhinn gave no objection. Whatsoever.
