Snoot Autism part 2

Hit the character limit on the other one, so here's the next part.
Just gonna keep the stream of consciousness going I guess.
anyway, on with the autism

part 1: https://rentry.org/cbqhkotg
Part 3: https://rentry.org/m5nw8dr7
Part 4: https://rentry.org/9i3qsnps
Part 5: https://rentry.org/zyc7rbxc

2nd pass, continued

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Part 3B Wynn gets a job and the lay of the land, Helps Claudia do some charity

Two days later. Sunday.
Claudia, Wynn and Malcolm all pile into Claudia's car and head to church. This will mark Wynn's first actual attendance of worship that he knows of. Claudia reassures him that it'll be good way for him to socialize, not to mention being good for his soul. Wynn is not particularly concerned with either of those, but he give a placating nod in agreement anyway.
When they arrive, they are greeted at the door by Minnie, who is quite enthusiastic about seeing Wynn walking under his own power. She's amazed at his progress, quoting the "Humans must be made of rubber!" phrase. She goes over a few pleasantries with Claudia and chats up Malcolm before returning her attention to Wynn, and asking him if he's thought about a job now that he's up and about.
He admits he hasn't done so in any serious measure yet, as he lacks a vehicle. Once he is able to find something that won't hinder Claudia he will likely search a bit more seriously. Minnie responds to this positively, exclaiming that she has the perfect thing! The Church needs a new driver for its van to pick up its more senior members, as well as run out deliveries for charities and what not.
As long as he performed all of the tasks the church needs from him, he'd be allowed to use the van for some select personal excursions. Plus, he'd receive a stipend that "should" cover the cost of gas, with a little extra to put away.
Wynn considers this, and comes to the conclusion that this sounds like the kind of job they must offer to homeless people trying to bounce back. It's not much, but might get someone back on the horse. Weighing his options, he agrees. He doesn't really need the money, but the van would be a nice, discreet vehicle to move around in. Plus, driving around picking people up would give him a good idea of what's going on.
He agrees. Minnie is over the moon, and gives him a nice big hug, getting a few popping sounds out of his bones. Claudia quickly gets her to release him saying he's still recovering, and after a quick apology Minnie tells Wynn to talk to her and Father Xander after service about his duties and to get the keys. After that she ushers the three of them to their seats.
Wynn is unused to being so surrounded by people and not just being another face in the crowd. As the parishioners pile in, he glances around and notices he's the only human in attendance. He does spot Tiffany and her parents. She however makes her way to the choir seating of the church with some of the other younger members.
Looking around some more, he sees older and less blind saurians have taken notice of his presence, and as he sees them, they lean over to whoever they are sitting next to and whisper amongst themselves. He doesn't like it. Just by being here, he's leaving a mark that can result in him being discovered.
For as long as he remembers he has lived by the one simple rule of leaving no trace of himself. That seems impossible now. Claudia apparently senses his irritation and puts her hand on his, telling him not to be nervous. Everyone here is very kind and generous.
He stares at her for a moment before realizing she has mistaken the source of his anxiety. She appears to think he's just nervous around people. He represses his agitation at people noticing him and just focuses his attention on Claudia's hand on his. It does actually help as he focuses on it.
It doesn't take long for the chapel to fill up, and once it does Father Xander takes his position and begins the service.
Wynn is guided by Claudia in when to stand, kneel, sit and while he doesn't take part in the singing, he is somewhat taken by the chorus around him. He is able to single out Tiffany's voice among the other choir members, and notes she seems to be particularly capable. Talented, even.
Given that the religion in Snoot Game seems to be based off of Roman Catholicism, we will include the communion scene. Wynn does not receive the bread and wine at this time. Narratively, it's because he doesn't consider it necessary. Thematically it's because he's still separate from others, and still very much alone.
The sermon itself is the story about the prodigal son, who strayed into a life of sin, but returned and was welcomed as a beloved child. Wynn suspects Father Xander may have specifically targeted him with this, but the old ankylosaur never makes an overt gesture, so Wynn is left to speculate.
At the end of the service, Claudia asks Wynn what he thought.

Empty Choice:
Says he liked it

This answer certainly pleases Claudia, and she tells Wynn that if he would like, she or Minnie would love to help him if he wants to be officially confirmed into the community.

Not really his thing

She understands, but hopes he still comes with her and Malcolm in the times ahead. She holds to it that it will still be good for him to get out of the house and socialize a little.

Felt like he didn't belong

This gets a sympathetic reaction from Claudia. She shares with him that for a long time she felt the same way, but the kindness she received was really life changing for her. She reassures Wynn that there's a place for him here.

As Claudia and Wynn have their conversation, Tiffany approaches the trio to say hello, and ask if Malcolm will be coming over to her place. Claudia is working later that day, and Wynn will be staying later to talk with Minnie and Father Xander, so yes, that is where Malcolm will be.
Once Wynn is finished at the church, he'll make his way over to Tiffany's, which causes the two children to cackle to themselves much to Claudia's confusion and Wynn's silent dread.
But speaking of Father Xander and Minnie, Wynn parts with the others and goes to seek them out. They aren't difficult to find, and after waving goodbye to a few last church goers, Father Xander and Minnie ask Wynn to follow them into a familiar church sitting room.
Once there Minnie heads to collect the keys to the church van, while Father Xander goes over some basic rules for the van itself, as well as giving Wynn the schedule for the month and pickup route he'll need to take on Sundays.
Afterwards, he asks Wynn how things are going with Claudia. Wynn responds that he is adjusting well enough. That is not what the priest meant. Wynn mentions that she has been more than accommodating. Father Xander presses on whether that is all.
Wynn presumes that Father Xander already knows about Malcolm's father, but given Claudia's own hesitancy to bring forth the subject, Wynn decides to change topics into what's going on outside the this little neighborhood.
If Father Xander was expecting a different answer, he doesn't show it. He informs Wynn that he'll be getting plenty of gossip when he's the bus driver, but Father Xander will reveal that he has, much to his surprise, heard nothing of any trouble coming from Wynn's theft.
Skin Row and Little Troodon have been oddly quiet as a matter of fact. Father Xander does caution that this doesn't mean there isn't any danger of course, but given whom Wynn stole from, he expected a rather unpleasant start to the year. He also cautions taking the van there outside of charity events.
Before the conversation can continue, Minnie returns with the keys and the paper work that Wynn will need to have with it. With this the three of them go to the parking lot, and Wynn is introduced to his new set a wheels.
It's a well maintained vehicle. A large van, that's just shy of being the length of a bus. It doesn't look like it can go too terribly fast, but going over its controls, he rather easily situates himself in the driver's seat. Turning it on, he does a bit of a test run by driving around the parking lot.
After the simple system's check he parks it back in its spot. There is one key that will stay at the church, and one that Wynn will be allowed to keep. The van will have to stay at the church when not in use, and he will have to leave a note with either Minnie or Father Xander about when an where he's taking it.
Making a final handshake in agreement, Wynn begins his walk back to Claudia's house. It's a pretty decent distance away. It only takes a few minutes to drive there, but walking puts it a solid 15 minutes away. Decent exercise if nothing else.
The walk itself is actually quite nice. Bayside is tucked away in a a corner of Volcadera Bluffs, and is one of the farther out neighborhoods from the city center. Compared to other water front properties in the city, Bayside suffers very little from the wind that comes off the water, and sports an impressive amount of forest and foliage.
Beyond the generally low temperature of the air, it's a pleasant walk with no wind to bite at his exposed skin. There is still a good deal of morning mist most days, but it's almost midday now, so it has all been burned off by the sun.
It also gives time for Wynn to inner monologue a bit. He reflects on Father Xander telling him that he hasn't heard of any unrest brought about by the theft, which strikes Wynn as unbelievable. He messed up big time with the robbery. He was seen. His exit was not subtle. And it was not an insignificant amount of money that he stole.
If what Father Xander said is true, and that a ruckus is not being raised, Wynn starts to think on why that may be.
First of all, he thinks back to what he overheard that night. Not everyone is aligned with Alphonse's apparently bloodthirsty way of doing things. His daughter, Dierdra, in particular seems to be the silent head of an opposition forming against him.
She mentioned that she needed something to use to gain support with the others. Something that could be used to prop her up as a candidate to replace Alphonse. Having a few million dollars stolen from under one's snout because they are completely unconcerned with security is a good way to discredit someone's leadership.
There were perhaps three saurians there when he made is exit that night, Dierdra included. That is a very small number of people Dierdra would have to force to keep quiet. One of them may already be a supporter of hers.
Then there was the escape itself. His landing was not a graceful, well executed and smooth departure. He hobbled out of there, and surprise would have only gotten him but so far of a head start. One of the other two saurians there should have been on him before he got into the cab. Hell they could have just shot him in the back.
A realization clicks in Wynn's mind. They let him go. Dierdra, let him go. The moment she saw him she knew she had found her opportunity. He had unintentionally become exactly what she needed. A patsy to make Alphonse look inept.
Nobody inside Alphonse's organization was stupid enough to ever attempt doing something like that. Hell even attempting to hire someone stupid enough might get sniffed out. Wynn is exactly what Dierdra needed. A random idiot to come in out of nowhere and shake things up.
All she had to do was let him get away.
This silence in the after math is probably Dierdra quietly working to rally support for her bid to become the new leader. If there is an internal conflict occurring, then she doesn't want Alphonse knowing about it.
Wynn notices that he has stopped walking. He is left questioning how much time he may have. Whether his trail will be cold by then. Whether Dierdra will even come for the money.
Wynn renews his pace, and resolves that he doesn't have enough info yet. He can't make sudden moves. His best bet is to just continue to lay low for now.

IF Attachment is >= 1

Wynn adds to his thoughts that Claudia and Malcolm don't deserve to be caught up in all of this. They have their own issues. He has to find some way to keep them clear off this mess. He doesn't want them hurt because of him.

Next scene

By the time Wynn arrives at Claudia's, it's already empty. A note has been left for him giving instructions on when Claudia will be back from work, and that Wynn will have to prepare dinner (And NOT cereal this time). She has left some pretty basic instructions for homemade fried rice and vegetables. Wynn reads it and thinks he can handle it.
He paces around the house once or twice confirming the location of the ingredients before deciding he can probably manage the task. With that settled, he figures he should join Malcolm at Tiffany's house. He remembers their promise of teaching him how to be "normal," which he takes somewhat seriously. He understands that he does, in fact, lack certain social skills.
With the plan for the night set, he makes his way to Tiffany's. He arrives, knocks on the door, and unlike previously, he doesn't have to wait long at all before Tiffany has the door open to greet him. She asks if he's here to pick up Malcolm, to which he replies not yet. He had actually thought he was supposed to come over. This confuses Tiffany a bit, but realization dawns on her face.
She admits she forgot about that whole teaching Wynn to be normal stuff, and shows him to a seat on the couch. She and Malcolm were apparently in the middle of some other game when he arrived.
Malcolm is pretty excited to see him and begins asking him about what he stayed behind for. Wynn explains he'll be driving the church bus around to pick people up, which the Tiffany says is a bit of a downgrade from test driver. Wynn merely shrugs.
Apparently being satisfied with Wynn's answer however, Malcolm asks for Tiffany to continue playing the game. She at asks Malcolm about whether he wants to do the whole, "teach Wynn to be normal" thing. Malcolm looks between Wynn and the video game... and chooses the video game. The girl shrugs and just tells Wynn to get comfortable and maybe he'll just pick up a few things.
She takes her seat and resumes playing. Wynn recognizes several famous cartoon characters in rather oddly designed outfits, whose most notable feature is far too many belts and zippers. But the main character seemed to be a young saurian child with spiky hair wielding a ridiculous looking weapon.
Malcolm takes the liberty of explaining to Wynn what's going on, explaining that the game is "Kingdom Souls," which Tiffany chimes in by saying it's really cool and has great music. As the five year old explained the plot, Wynn found the whole thing to be a circuitous, fractured, and labyrinthine mess.
There were things called Lock Swords that could seal away darkness. The villains were apparently "The Soulless," who wanted to do...something with the darkness, except in Kingdom Souls II where the actual villains were revealed to be "The Empty," which had a group that also wanted to do something with the darkness and Kingdom Souls.
The heroes went to and fro between various worlds based on animated film properties to seal away the darkness with their Lock Blades, but one of the hero's friends turned evil, and then good, and Tiffany says that Wynn definitely reminds her of him.
At the end of the description, as Malcolm became ever more distracted by the goings-on on the screen, Wynn came away with a few keywords: Souls, Darkness, Friendship, Lock Swords, Light, Destiny, and Kingdom.
He's utterly confounded, but it does seem the two of the kids are utterly devoted to the game. And Wynn does agree with Tiffany's assessment that the music is rather catchy, and notices that anytime a song with lyrics comes up, she sings along with it rather melodiously.
He did find it an enjoyable time however. The time to leave does eventually come of course, and they all break away from the entertainment.

ATTACHMENT CHOICE 3
Help Malcolm with his coat

This time, and unprompted, Wynn assist Malcolm with donning his coat for the cold outside. This catches the young boy somewhat by surprise. He was apparently not expecting such a swerve in the usual routine. Being confused by the boy's hesitation Wynn offers his hand to Malcolm in order to guide him to the door, as if the boy was lost.
Malcolm gingerly takes it and follows along. He waves his goodbye to Tiffany and both he and Wynn exit. Wynn, for his part expected that once they had exited into the outside Malcolm would release his hand, no longer being seemingly stuck in place by whatever had confused him. His grip only tightened.
In fact, as the boy talked during the walk home, he sounded a little brighter, or happier than he had previously. Wynn, for his part remembered Claudia's own hand clasping his earlier that day, and recalled that it was actually a pretty nice feeling. In fact, he liked it a lot.
The beginnings of an honest to God smile was about to etch itself on his face before he became aware of it and subdued the gesture. This simple bit of contact was affecting him more than he thought it would, and the idea of potentially replicating it with Claudia filled him with a strange sort of nervousness he was wholly unprepared for.
The walk home was a pleasant one. It was only when they arrived back home and ventured inside that they released the grip. The rest of the night had Malcolm by Wynn's side.
Claudia arrived home in the midst of dinner preparation, to find Malcolm "helping" Wynn cook the fried rice. It was a bit of a disaster zone in the kitchen, but the food was salvageable at least. Claudia took note of, not only Malcolm's apparent attachment to Wynn, but how Wynn was also seemingly more responsive to Malcolm. Slight gestures. A more relaxed posture. Little things that tell her that the two of them seem to have bonded over something.
Her smile is undeniably genuine, and Wynn catches her giving him a look he hadn't seen. One that was different from before. She always wore a kind expression when talking to him, but it was similar to that of a care taker, or teacher, or indeed a nurse. There was a level of affection that was missing.
Not this time though. This time, however momentary it may have been before she noticed Wynn noticing her, the expression on her face was something more akin to that of true affection, or perhaps a sort of yearning. Like she now saw something in Wynn that she didn't see before. A potential he could meet. Wynn, in his own sort of analysis of this look, wonders if it was a look of hope.
Their conversation over dinner, and the subsequent cleaning up afterwards, was a great deal happier than previously. Neither Wynn nor Claudia seemed to question this more cheerful attitude, nor did they see a reason to.
He liked seeing her smile and be at ease like this. It was just that simple.
The rest of the night passed quietly, and as they were all making their way to bed, Claudia lingered a bit longer than usual at her door after bidding him goodnight to look at Wynn. He could tell she was thinking of something, but she apparently discarded the thought before smiling and entering her bedroom.
Wynn had a rather pleasant sleep that night.

Wait by the door

The two of them walk back to Claudia and Malcolm's home, much as they did before. The conversation going to and fro between the game and what Wynn thought of it. He admits that he doesn't understand most of it, but he does agree it does seem interesting.
They return, and Malcolm sheds his coat before moving to put on some cartoons. Cartoons that Wynn recognizes some of the game characters from.
Dinner is made to specifications and is just finishing being prepared when Claudia returns. The dinner conversation is amicable, but is also the same old same old.
She is pleased that Wynn could add a new recipe to his repertoire, and although Wynn doesn't know if he'll ever make it again, he does appreciate it.
After dinner is all cleaned up, they all retreat to their rooms for the night, and go to sleep.

Next scene

One month later
The weeks have moved quickly since Wynn got his little job for St. Sattler's. He has been kept a bit busier than he expected to be. There seemed to be no end to the food drives, donations, and charity events Minnie and Father Xander agreed to have the church and its congregation participate in. More than once Wynn had become one in a number of other vans, buses, or trucks in a convoy to give food and clothing to some under privileged part of the city.
He has made most of these trips alone, which allowed him to use the drive back to take the scenic route on the way back. These little extra drives have revealed that the city is eerily quiet. He has so far avoided the area around Little Troodon. Partially because it is not really vehicle friendly, but also because he doesn't want to push his luck about being discovered.
It has also helped to familiarize himself with the city's various highways and byways. He is now fairly comfortable with navigating the city, and is also confident that he can find a detour or two if needed.

IF Attachment is >=2
The daily life with Claudia and Malcolm has been having a strange affect on Wynn. He has, as the days have gone by, been seeking out opportunities to be around them more. He hasn't really put much thought into the why, but being around them makes him happy.
The days now mostly entail the three of them sharing a breakfast, going about their daily tasks of work or school or house chores, Wynn walking Malcolm home from Tiffany's, and concluding with spending time together around dinner. He's started feeling like he has integrated into their little unit. Helped by the fact that much of the free time he has is usually spent playing with Malcolm or assisting Claudia around the house.
Wynn has even, on occasion when Claudia has been looking particularly exhausted from work, attempted to cook dinner himself. Even going so far as to pull a few dollars from the duffelbag to purchase the necessary ingredients. It has not always been successful, but the efforts have always been appreciated.
The thoughts of taking the money and leaving them one day remain, but those thoughts are now always tinged with a sinking feeling. There's an internal conflict there that wasn't before. Part of him now wants to stay, and Wynn worries that it is because he has infatuated with Claudia. Truly untested waters for him.

IF Honesty is = 2, Wynn reminds himself that he is not being honest with Claudia about who he is or what brought them together. That he may be putting them in danger by staying with them. That the he can't keep them in the dark if he truly wants to be accepted by them.

The only thing that has marred the time spent together with them is the occasional phone call. It seems every two weeks, right about the time Claudia is due home from work, she receives another poisonous message. She takes whatever precautions she can to ensure Malcolm doesn't know anything about these calls, or see the effect they has on her.
Try as she might to hide it, after each of these calls, Wynn notices that she is worn down and a little light leaves her eyes. Worse, she seems to be in denial about Malcolm's ability to notice something is wrong. Whenever the phone rings, she freezes up, and Malcolm takes note of her reaction with a worried one of his own. She is usually too busy ushering Wynn and Malcolm somewhere away from the answering machine to notice this however.

IF Honesty is = 2, then Wynn having revealed his knowledge of the calls to Claudia provides her with someone she can lean on after these instances of slander by wire. Literally in some instances. Wynn often asking if there really is nothing that can be done, which always results in her shaking her head and saying no. Wynn makes it known to her that Malcolm is taking notice of her suffering from this, which only seems to drive Claudia deeper into sorrow.
Wynn is left to wonder if there really is nothing to be done, or if she is simply unwilling to resist.

IF Attachment <=1
The daily life with Claudia and Malcolm has been consistently uneventful. As a guest in their home, Wynn has been sure to provide assistance to any chores and even conducting a bit of household maintenance when required.
The routine of waking, working, and eating has not distracted him from his ultimate goal of one day leaving this place with all that money. However, he has concluded that he can't leave a creature like Alphonse or Dierdra behind him. If what he surmises about Dierdra to be true, then the problem may take care of itself and they kill each other. Or, whoever wins their little contest will then come looking for the stolen money.
He has spent much of his free time on what to do when word finally reaches him of the victor of that particular power struggle, or if there ends up not being one. Thankfully, Claudia and Malcolm have both left him to his own devices, so making plans has virtually gone uninterrupted.
The only real nuisance has been the occasional call from Claudia's stalker. Anytime the phone rings she freezes whatever she is doing and rushes both Wynn and Malcolm out of earshot of the answering machine. Wynn estimates that these calls are happening about every two weeks, which means whoever is doing it has a schedule.
He would normally let it be, but after each one of these calls Claudia is reduced to an extremely stressed state of mind. Wynn perceives this as a disturbance to the norm, and one that has to be corrected before it causes his host to become unstable and start attracting undue attention.

So it has been for the last month. Today, Wynn, Claudia, and Minnie are going together to a neighboring church to participate in a charity even. This one is some kind of picnic open to the public mixed in with an auction for flowers that have been provided by local schools and businesses. Wynn is there to help set up and break down the event, while Minnie and Claudia will be helping to serve food and helping in a more general sense.
Rosa is an organizer of the event, because dammit I like Rosa and this seems like a good spot to put her.
This event begins early in the morning with Wynn, Claudia, and Minnie disgorging from the van. Claudia and Minnie go to speak with Rosa while Wynn stays behind and gets to work setting things up.
During his set up he attempts to keep to himself mostly. His tendency to want to leave a minimal mental foot print on people remains strong, and he finds himself maneuvering around crowds where the least amount of people can see him or his face. The best description for this behavior is like a cat trying to avoid people, but also keep an eye on things.
The event begins and is going swimmingly. During the active hours of the picnic and auction Wynn is mostly occupied with fetching and carrying things. During one of his jaunts from the supply pile Wynn and Claudia get a moment to breathe thanks to a pause in the work. They each give a small update to each other about how their part of the event is going. Wynn gives a typical one word answer of fine or good, while Claudia says that the auction is going splendidly.
The success is likely due to the proximity to Valentine's day, Wynn supposes. And the roses and flowers up for bid are, indeed, rather lovely.
During this exchange, Claudia also thanks Wynn for all his help with these events. The beginning of the year is always rather busy, and she says that he'll probably be getting more free time once Spring arrives. She goes on to ask how he feels about all the charity work he's been doing. Whether he's gotten any satisfaction out of helping others.

HONESTY CHOICE 3
No. It hasn't made him feel any different (+1)

Wynn considers the question for a long moment. He has seen the homeless and the hungry receive the outreach and charity. The looks and the words of thanks most of them wore. Others wore expressions of resignation and defeat. Minnie, Father Xander, Claudia, or some other event organizer would always say he did good, and congratulate him.
But he always just looked right through them. He didn't feel a connection to anyone he was helping. That this, to him, was simply a task. He did these acts of kindness and charity because he was told to. Because he needed to make use of the van.
He looks over the crowd and wonders if any of what he has done has been truly charitable, or if it has all been self serving. Then returns his gaze to Claudia as he tells the truth. He tells her that no, he doesn't feel that the acts of charity he has participated in have affected him in any meaningful way. It just feels like a job. Once it's over, he just moves on.
This brings out a disappointed look in the parasaur woman. She asks if that is really true. That he must have felt something doing all of this.
IF Attachment isn't high enough, he just continues to give her a somewhat robotic look. She will then say she hopes one day it'll click for him why this is so important, and then they will each go back to work.
IF Attachment is >=2 Wynn lets slip that the only time he has felt something positive is when he has been helping Claudia and Malcolm. When he helps them, he chooses to do it. He WANTS to do it. It gives him a sensation that he can only describe as being happy. He doesn't really understand it, but he hopes Claudia can see where he's coming from.
She absorbs his words and takes on a pensive look of her own. Eventually she smiles to herself and returns Wynn's gaze and puts her arms around him in a hug. This of course causes the man's heart to skip a beat, but he manages to return the hug with, an albeit awkward, one of his own.
Claudia breaks away from the embrace and tells Wynn that she understands, and she thanks him with being honest about his feelings with her. Whether he gets anything out of the charity doesn't change the fact that he is still helping people in need, and if he continues to help her and the church do these acts of mercy and kindness, one day, he may find himself helping others without even thinking twice about it. And that kind of charity is probably the most pure.
She also adds that her own charitable sponsoring of Wynn wasn't entirely done out of noble intentions. When she was pregnant with Malcolm, she was in a bad place. She had him out of marriage, and her parents were extremists when it came to their faith. When she went to them, they threw her out and cut her off.
She went to the local mission, not knowing where else to go. That's where she met Minnie and Father Xander. They were running a soup kitchen and handing out donated clothes. It was Minnie who found her, and who lent her an ear. They helped her find her way. Got her a job, and with their help, moved into her home. Since then, she had felt like she owed them, and the best way to return all the kindness they had shown her was to help someone else in need. Then Wynn appeared, and she thought she found her chance.
She concludes her story by saying that for what it is worth, she's glad Wynn has been staying with her and Malcolm. She blushes as she says, in a tone that is perhaps more amorous than she intended, that it has been good to have a decent man around the house. Before Wynn can read too much into the wistful expression that crosses her face, she seems to realize what she said and how she said it, and hastily adds onto the statement that it is good for Malcolm to have a good father figure in his life.
The second statement also seemed to be a slip of the tongue, which causes her to become even more flustered. She corrects herself by saying she meant male figure, but the recovery is not particularly smooth. She inevitably settles on laughing the statement off and saying they should get back to work, to which Wynn nods and agrees.
It is only as after they part ways that Wynn registers the bemused smile that is on his face.

Say that it has

Wynn looks at Claudia's expectant face and sees wagers that she is expecting him to say it has. She has been pushing him towards this sort of behavior, so it would make sense she's invested in the outcome. Wynn himself is unsure if he really has, but he will at least put Claudia at ease until he can figure it out.
He says it has. He recalls the expressions of thanks he gets from not just the organizers but also the people he helps. He is, even if he cannot really see it, making a difference in their lives, and that is having an effect.
Claudia seems initially happy with the response, but as Wynn speaks on about the tangible effects of the charity, she becomes less convinced by his reply. She interrupts him at a certain point, and refocuses him on her original question of whether he has felt pride or satisfaction in the work they've been doing. In helping people.
Wynn rolls the word around in his mouth before speaking again, but eventually says yes. Claudia doesn't look entirely convinced, but given Wynn's usual pattern of speaking and general personality, she lets it go as him just being his usual one syllable self. She pats him on the shoulder and says that all the work he has been doing is appreciated, and that she's glad he is seeing that.
After that, they part ways and get back to their assigned tasks.

Not long after that, the event is over. Rosa's bouquet of winter roses sold for the most, and clean up has begun. The breaking down of tables, packing away of boxes, and collection of trash somehow feels far more exhausting than when everything was put into place. It is near the end when Wynn, Minnie, and Claudia all reunite. They are all tired and ready for home, but they are given a final goodbye from Rosa who is as exuberant as when they all started this morning.
With the cameo and fond farewell taken care of, the trio return back to St. Sattler's and part ways. Claudia picks up Malcolm from Tiffany's before returning home. Malcolm expounds about his day to a very tired, but very patient Claudia and Wynn on the way, and well into dinner. Afterwards, the three of them get comfortable on the couch and watch a family friendly movie into the night, eventually all falling asleep. Claudia and Wynn from the exhaustion from the day's labors, and Malcolm because his mother is just really comfy.

IF Honesty = 3

Wynn dreams once more. He is back in the white space. The shadowy figures loom above him again. This time he can hear mumbled speech. He can't understand it. He understands only two words: "How much?"
A immediate shock of dread fills him and he wakes up as the thin streams of dawn's first light creep through the window. The others are both still asleep on the couch. He shakes off the grogginess and rises, somewhat stiff and still very tired, but he begins preparing things for breakfast.
The dreadful feeling doesn't leave him for the rest of the day.

Part 4B - Dierdra and Donovian introduction into the story proper. First Donovian as the problem, and then Dierdra as a potential solution.

Another Month passes, making it the middle of March. It's still cold, but now it is also rainy. Thick morning mist has become the normal sight when gazing out the window, and it sticks around for a good portion of the morning.
True to Claudia's word, the charity drives and tasks taken on behalf of the church have alleviated for the time being, so he has this particular day off. As he emerged from his room, he was greeted by Malcolm waiting for the school bus with his mother performing some last minute adjustments to her diner uniform.
Given that he essentially has no official tasks today, he asks if Claudia needs him to do anything with his free time. She can't think of anything. She and Malcolm will be home around the usual time, so he pretty much has the run of the place until then.
The school bus arrives, and Claudia guides Malcolm to it. As it drives away she bids Wynn goodbye until evening and drives off for work, leaving Wynn once more alone to his own devices. He grabs some instant coffee from the kitchen and goes into his room, and does what he has been doing every free day to himself he has had for the last month or so.
He extracts one of the boxes from that are stacked in the closet, and starts combing through it looking for clues that might tell him something about Malcolm's father, or Claudia's life. The abusive calls had been a constant problem. Wynn was left to wonder how long Claudia had been tormented by them, and how much longer she would last. She was unwilling to speak about it or take any action to put a stop to them, so Wynn had elected for a more proactive approach.
He had considered finally asking Father Xander or Minnie what they knew about the situation, but his own solitary and anti-social nature precluded him from taking that route. He was more comfortable secretly filing through the personal belongings that were taking up space in the closet she had so graciously provided him. Saved him a walk and potentially exposing her suffering to other parties because he assumed they were already in the know.
There were of course some moral conundrums with rooting through the personal belongings of his host, but he assuaged these concerns with the adamant belief that

IF Attachment is >=2 It was the only way he knew how to help her. He was a thief by trade after all. He wasn't big on asking for permission to go through other people's things. He was always surprised with how angry he became when he saw her suffer because of this. It had to stop, for her sake.
IF Attachment is <=1 The stress was starting to affect Claudia. It won't do to have his host have a mental breakdown. Add to that the caller was becoming an annoyance to listen to for Wynn as well, he had just about enough of the guy.

There were a dozen or so boxes crammed into the closet, and Wynn was taking the time to read through and analyze the contents of each one. Reading every paper, scrutinizing every photograph, and making a note of every object. It usually took him an entire day to clear one box.
The contents of the boxes were a mishmash of both Claudia's things as well as Malcolm's. Upon inspection, most of the items belonging to Malcolm seemed to be things from his infancy. Arguably he was still in it, but the young boy had only been on this Earth for five years, and yet had already accumulated so many little things.

IF Attachment is >=2 That fact struck a chord somewhere in Wynn. Hard to imagine the young boy not existing more than five years ago. Wynn takes a moment to appreciate that his own memory cuts off 10 years ago. It's almost as if they're in the same boat.

Claudia's things meanwhile seem to mostly be old clothes and the school work from her days at college. Textbooks, worksheets, journals, note books. All things giving a window into another life she used to lead.
Wynn's appraisal of her, judging from her work alone, was that she was a very talented and hardworking student. Her grades certainly reflected this, as well as her note keeping habits. Pages upon pages of efficiently summarized notes all organized with exceptionally neat handwriting. Wynn was confident that he may actually be able to use these as the basis for an education of his own if he so desired.
The box Wynn was going through now was at the bottom of a stack, and seemed to be her first year of Medical School. Apparently she was 19 at the time going by a student ID he found tucked into the corner of the box. The ID marked her as an "Intern Scholarship Program" member for "St. Hammond's General Hospital."
Further rummaging revealed that her note taking began to suddenly and sharply degrade in quality at some point. Wynn spent hours dating and tracking the course of degradation as he flipped through papers and notes, until at last he found its source.
Just about six years ago, Claudia was put under the tutelage of one Dr. Donovian, as an apprentice/intern. Her notes began as they had previously, but as the weeks went on, they became less clinical, and soon had emotional or even down right romantic inflections. The next part became tricky, as she stopped dating her work and notes at some point two months after meeting this Dr. Donovian.
He had to figure out the timeline of the remainder of them based on how disorganized they were becoming. Smaller notes in the margins started to appear. First it was hearts, and words of love and and affection. They soon took on a far more worrisome tone. Notes about feeling sick, and needing to get checked started to appear, and then they took on a far darker form as they started asking "What am I going to do? What do I tell him?"
The last page of Claudia's first year of medical school, as far as Wynn could tell, had but a single line, "I have to tell him. Today. He'll know what to do." The rest of the pages appear to have been ripped out.

This is what Wynn needed. Not just the story, but the name. Now he can really get started in doing something about these calls.
He begins to pack up the box and sort it all back into the closet, when he hears the front door open. Claudia calls out saying she was sent home early. Wynn is not good with thinking on his feet, as evidenced by him jumping off that balcony, and he has only a two or so seconds to decide on a course of action.

Empty Choice:
Slam the door shut

Sure, it might be rude, but it's better than her finding out he has been picking through the various data points of her life without her knowledge. And in that light, it's the lesser of two rude things.

Distract her in the hallway

Certainly Wynn has gained enough practice with his socializing skills with Tiffany and Malcolm that he can divert Claudia's attention well enough that she doesn't notice the boxes scattered all over his room.

Jump out the window

The only sane option.

Regardless of choice, when Wynn moves to take action, he trips on a box and falls face first into the hallway. Right at the feet of Claudia. Her initial shock of concern at Wynn's well being slowly ebbs away as she sees just what Wynn tripped over. Wynn rights himself as best he can before Claudia turns to face him.
He can see it in her eyes that her mind is already coming to the realization of what he was doing. The expression on her face has tightened into something Wynn can only describe as hurt, but there is a faint hope within it that perhaps things aren't as bad as it looks.
And so she asks him, "What is this?"

HONESTY CHOICE 4 (getting this out of the way early because this is going to have a bit of a impressive divergence)

Say they fell out while trying to clean

Wynn's personality and antisocial tendencies make him an excellent liar. He tells Claudia that he was doing some cleaning and tripped over a box when he heard her come in.
The conflict on Claudia's face is evident as she absorbs the lie. Her reaction tells Wynn that she knows he's feeding her a lie, but as her head falls, and a deep breath comes out of her, Wynn can also tell she's choosing to swallow it. She just looks at him with a pleasant face and says it's okay, and that she'll help him pack it all up. And afterward she and him can go out for some lunch.
Wynn is surprised by the acceptance of his deception considering she seems to have seen through it. Her expression takes on the look of one well worn. The same sort of look she had when they were first conversing back at the church, during their introduction to one another. The exhausted look of someone who has had to put on a strong face for years, and hasn't been allowed to drop it for even a moment.
They quietly begin to repack the boxes into the closet.

IF Attachment is >=2
Wynn wonders if his own face betrays such an emotion as he looks into her weary features. Regret rocks his stomach. Lying to her like that was easy in the moment, practically a reflex, but as the moments wore on Wynn starts to feel an intense sense of self loathing welling up within himself. But this was for the best, perhaps.
When they finish repacking the closet Wynn gives Claudia a quiet thank you. When she replies with a faint "you're welcome" of her own, the resignation in her voice causes an ache in his heart. Wynn attempts to soothe this pain by telling himself that this is for the best. If she is willing to believe this then they can just move past it. He'll make it up to her somehow.
She tells him that she's going to go clean up and get ready to head out. Wynn's reply is a simple nod, and when she is out of sight, he extracts some money from the duffel bag. He'll make it up to her by treating her to more than just a fine lunch. He'll make a day of this outing.
IF Attachment is <=1
They finish repacking the closet in silence. When the task is complete, Claudia quietly says that she's actually feeling like she'd prefer to stay in now that she thinks about it, to which Wynn gives an affirming nod. She leaves his room with little fanfare and prepares herself a simple meal from the kitchen before laying on the couch and watching a show. When Wynn emerges for his own food, he can tell she isn't even watching the program. It's just noise for her to lose her thoughts in.
He shrugs, grabs some food, and informs Claudia that he is going to go borrow the church van to run a personal errand. She gives him a bit of a vacant look, but nods and tells him to have a safe trip. With that, he departs.

Tell the truth (+1)

Wynn knows that lying at this point is, well, pointless. So he admits to looking for information on Claudia's harasser. The calls need to stop, and she isn't taking any action or willing to talk to anyone about it, so he had to figure things out on his own.

IF Attachment is >=2 Wynn adds onto the end of his confession that he did it for Claudia and Malcolm's sake. The calls aren't going to stop and he hates seeing her suffer like this, and it's only a matter of time until Malcolm hears one of these calls. He already knows something is distressing her. A statement that seems to only cause Claudia to wince in pain.

The pain in Claudia's face breaks out in full and transforms into one of irate anger. She explodes at Wynn. Some of the key shouting points are as follows:
"How dare you think this was okay," "How long have you been doing this?" "You violated my privacy," "I trusted you," "This isn't your problem to solve," "I've been handling it," "Who the hell do you think you are?" "I'm not stupid, I know you're not telling me everything about yourself so where the hell do you get off digging through the worst part of my life?" "If I wanted your help I'd have asked you for it."
Her tirade ends with her in tears. Wiping them away angrily she gives Wynn the simple command of "Get out." Knowing better than to argue at this point, or even speak, Wynn just nods and collects what few things he has: the money and a sack full of clothes. As he leaves, he passes by an emotional Claudia who is waiting for him to exit. Wynn states that he will be at St. Sattler's. Claudia's only response of for him to "Just go." As he exits her home, the door closes firmly behind him. One heavy breath later and he's taking the longest 15 minute walk to the church he's ever done.
The time during the walk is filled with questions of whether this was the right thing to do, if this course of action has just cost Wynn a place to stay, and whether going back to Father Xander will result in yet another angry dinosaur being, admittedly justified, in condemning him.

IF Attachment is >=2 He wonders too how Malcolm will react when he isn't at home. What Claudia will say to the young boy when she tells him about the whole event. Wynn catches an odd word choice during these regretful ruminations. He referred to Claudia's house as "Home." These realizations only further give him the feeling of his stomach filling with lead.

Next scene

Wynn's Errands (Attachment <=1 and lied to Claudia, aka E1 disassociation route)

Wynn makes several stops with the church van. Firstly, he goes to a sports hobby store, aka the Bass Pro Shop.
Using a some of his cash, he purchases a bowie knife. It size and durability are ideal for emergency melee situations against humans and saurians alike.
A Maglite. The hefty flashlight is reliable, and doubles as a bludgeon. He also buys a smaller flashlight about the size of his finger, for when something with more finesse is required.
An multi-tool. Slightly larger version than the standard one that fits in one's hand. Binoculars which are always needed. Hunting trail cameras, which may be less subtle than spy cameras in use, but nobody bats an eye during purchase. Plus, they come with nightvision.
With a small stop to a store to buy a rather simple phone that he can link the controls and video feed of the trail cameras to, he believes he may be ready to finally learn a bit more about the very foul mouthed Director Donovian.
Wynn drives to St. Hammond's General Hospital to begin his investigation of the man in question. It is perhaps the most largest and most prestigious hospital in Volcadera Bluffs. The Director of such an institution is no doubt extremely well off. Possibly well insulated as well.
Wynn circles the parking lot until he spots the "Staff Parking," which fortunately for him seems to be not only outside the hospital instead of a garage, but also without a fence or security gate.
There are without a doubt security cameras watching the parking lot, particularly the staff's section, so it won't be but so easy, but Wynn finds a good open spot in the public area that gives him a good view of the staff section.
Exiting the van and going to the hospital lobby, Wynn scans the area. He swipes several brochures and checks the publicly posted guide for floors and finds out which floor the Director's office is on.
The brochures are mostly useless, but fortunately one of them uses the Director in a piece of it marketing design. By name no less. Wynn analyzes the appearance of his target. Director Donovian is a parasaur like Claudia with blood red coloration that speckles along the color line.
A certainly photogenic saurian, naturally handsome and wears a well practiced smile. Scrutinizing the image closer, Wynn notes that while the parasaur's facial features paint the perfect picture of civility, kindness, and charm, his eyes betray subtle marks of sociopathy.
Wynn then seeks out the vending machines and stocks up on a great many snacks. Afterwards he returns to the van and begins his stakeout. Eventually the evening comes and nightfalls. Wynn watches the parking lot like a hawk, thankful that it well lit by both the lights of the buildings and the several street lights.
Eventually, around 6pm, Wynn's target appears from the staff entrance. He seems to be in a chipper mood as he makes his way to his car, gets in, and after a few short moments he begins to drive out of the lot. Wynn follows in the van.
Driving cautiously through the night, Wynn finds it easy to tail the Director. Nothing too complicated is required, as Donovian doesn't know that he has been targeted by a complete stranger. Wynn does take the precaution to make sure Donovian never sees the sides of the van, as they address St. Sattler's by name. If Donovian knows where Claudia lives, he likely will also recognize her church.
Wynn follows him into one of the nicer neighborhoods of Volcadera Bluffs. Large mansions, clean streets, well lit, and more than one patroling police vehicle. His target pulls into a gated community, "The Caldera Estates."
Wynn passes it by. He is satisfied with what he's learned today and returns to Bayside and St. Sattlers, which is fair distance away. By the time he returns to Claudia's house, Malcolm is already in bed, and his mother is not far behind. His entrance startles the parasaur woman.
She asks how his day went and if his errands are complete. Wynn replies with a short and succinct, "Yes, but I have more work to do. Shouldn't take more than a week."
Wynn attempts to return to his room, but Claudia attempts again to draw him into a conversation, asking if there is anything she could help him with in regards to these errands. Wynn thanks her, but assures her that it will not be necessary. She looks dejected slightly, but nods her understanding. She speaks once more and asks if Wynn is planning on leaving soon.
The man considers the question. He is adamant that remove any and all trace of himself or possible hindrances coming back to bite him in the ass. Alphonse being the top of that list of problems, and soon to be Donovian. The solution to the former remains a mystery, and he's only now figuring out the latter.
He replies that she will be stuck with him a for a good while yet, probably. He notes her kind and gentle features seem to genuinely brighten at the remark. With nothing further to add, Wynn proceeds to his bed to sleep.
The following week sees Wynn rent a uhaul or some other car to return to the Caldera Estates during working hours. Once he does a sweep of the streets and their layout, he selects key spots to put the hunting cameras.
The occasional member of the community does ask him what he's doing, but Wynn needed to only reply with "Raccoons," in order to assuage any suspicion. It turns out to not even be that much of a lie, as there is indeed a raccoon or two that gets up to mischief in the night. Presenting this footage to any saurian curious in his daily activities in the area effectively gave him carte blanche to go where he pleased.
The first day locates Donovian's home address. The second, third, and forth establish a routine. On the fifth and sixth Wynn cases the Director's home. And by the seventh, Wynn believes he is in a position to make a plan to permanently remove Donovian from the picture.
That, unfortunately would have to wait.

A Distraction for Lunch (Attachment >=2 and lied to Claudia, aka E2 in denial route)

Wynn was nervous about going with Claudia to lunch. Primarily because the fact that he so blatantly lied to her was weighing on his conscience. Her readiness to accept such a blatant lie didn't help matters either. Claudia for her part seems a bit dazed by the event. Perhaps she's still in the process of convincing herself to believe Wynn's obvious deception, although the reason why she is bothering to eludes Wynn.
To assuage his own doubt over his course of action, Wynn decides he attempts to engage Claudia a bit. Possibly to drive the awkward scene she caught him in further to the back of her mind. So he asks where she wants to go, and promises her that it'll be he'll take care of paying for it. This seems to snap her attention out of whatever fog she was in, and she responds by asking if he's sure.
He reaffirms the offer to her, which causes her to think a bit. Eventually she says that there was a famous Italian restaurant that some of the ladies at church swear by somewhere around Little Troodon. Hearing the location causes Wynn to freeze up a bit, worrying that it may be the place he robbed that got him into this whole mess. Fortunately Claudia specifies that its pizza is apparently really famous, and she was thinking of taking Malcolm there. She just wants to check it out first.
Wynn lets out a quiet breath of relief. Wynn actually believes he knows which pizza place she's talking about, as one or two of the charity events required him (and the van's cargo space) to pick up a sizable order of pizzas from there. Wynn has also never really had FRESH pizza. Only ever the kind one can buy in gas stations or microwave at home.
Piling into Claudia's car, Wynn offers to drive stating he knows the way. She hesitates to accept the offer. Wynn tells her that he would like to treat her today, to repay her for how good she has been to him. He doesn't want her to worry about anything. He'll take care of everything. She relents and enters the passenger seat. Together they drive off.
Wynn drives to the pizza place and parks in front of...
...not Dino-Moes. (I thought about it, but it seems like it would be better to add more places than to reuse stuff from Snoot Game ALL the time. Again, there's enough room for cameos and references in the bonus chapters)
They emerge into the parking lot of PIZZA-CAVE. A family friendly restaurant pizza chain that is a Pizza Hut expy.
Claudia does voice some confusion about the location, saying she was thinking of a different pizza place, but this one does look nice, and she seems pleased with the family friendly aspect to it.
Pizza-Cave is run by Mario parodies. Wynn thinks to himself that all the employees seem familiar, due to his and Malcolm's time on Nintendino, but he shakes the thought from his mind. So it's Mario and Luigi in the kitchen, Peach and Daisy as Waitresses, and Bowser is the manager. It's actually a pretty strange sight to see so many humans working at a single restaurant in this city. Bowser actually seems to be the only saurian on staff, but he's miserable. His snoot version is a hybrid between a prehistoric turtle (Protostega Gigas) and a spiked dinosaur (probably an Ankylosaur)
Pizza-Cave is like...golden age Pizza Hut. It has some arcade cabinets in the corner, a pizza buffet, the food is actually good, and its seating is really quite comfy. All in all, Claudia is rather impressed and says that maybe taking Malcolm her will be a fun time. She even says that perhaps Tiffany will want to come along too seeing as how the two of them are so close. Plus, the arcade games should entertain them.
Most importantly to Wynn, is that it seems that all of this is doing an excellent job of distracting Claudia. She's just completely refocused on how much Malcolm would enjoy this and that aspect of the restaurant. In fact, as Wynn listens to her speak, just about everything Claudia says is currently about Malcolm. Listening closer to her voice a bit more, he can tell there is a layer of desperation to it.
He suspects that focusing on her son is something more akin to a coping mechanism for her. Telling herself "It's what's best for Malcolm" may be the method she uses to convince herself to accept all kinds of unacceptable things.
Wynn's guilt returns, but if this is how Claudia builds herself back up, then he will help her. So Wynn asks when Malcolm's birthday is, and whether this may be a good place for it. Claudia is more than happy to go down this conversation topic. She immediately latches onto the idea of throwing the young boy a party here, and reveals that he was born in December, the same month she was. Only a week apart.
Claudia appears to be getting misty eyed as she says this, and Wynn can tell he may have opened a particularly emotional floodgate with his question. Before she could truly open up however, the waitress arrived with a nice pizza that Wynn and Claudia enjoyed in relative silence.
As their meal concludes Wynn notes that they have some time before Malcolm is due back from school, so why not do a little shopping while they are out. Claudia once again attempts to protest, but Wynn insists that she deserves to get herself something nice, and once more, Wynn says he shall cover the bill.
She is hesitant to accept, but accept she does. With Little Troodon so close by and it going through a bit of a gentrification recently, she is curious about some of the items that may be available. Wynn hides his concern well, but in his mind he is trying to think of some way he can avoid setting foot in what could very much be dangerous territory without letting Claudia know why.
He fails to do so by the time they have returned to her car, and so he rather nervously sets course for Little Troodon. It's a short enough drive and they get lucky with parking. They find a nice spot near the edge of the area that seems to be rather well maintained.
Little Troodon is not as lively during the day as it is at night, so crowds are sparse. However, that makes it easier for Wynn to keep an eye out for anyone he may recognize, or be recognized by. Fortunately, the street with the various shops and stalls he and Claudia occupy themselves with is not the same one as Alphonse's restaurant.
While reputation of Little Troodon has improved recently, it is still a center for thieves, scam artists, and other merchants of ill repute. They are just more subtle and polite these days. Claudia is completely unaware of this, seeing it only as a exotic market with novelty goods and nick-knacks. Wynn meanwhile takes an active role as a buffer against some of the less friendly elements that might spoil the parasaur woman's shopping trip. This mostly manifested as just guiding her to the legitimate stores and shops.
The shopping trip turns out to be just the distraction Claudia needed. She came away from the various shops and stalls with white dress of some Scandinavian design, a snow globe depicting a caroling family, and with Wynn's help selecting a dozen or so toy cars to add to Malcolm's collection.
Plus she selected a little something for Wynn. A key chain ornament of a miniature steering wheel. Because he was a car test driver after all. Wynn can only offer a placating smile as he receives the gift and the reasoning behind it.
After Wynn pays for all of the items, they walk back to the car together and return home. Claudia seems to be quite content. It seems to Wynn that she has pushed the event from earlier completely out of her mind, which he himself has come to terms with as he repeats to himself that it's for the best.
When they arrive back home it is about the usual time Claudia and Malcolm would usually be home. Whatever pleasant feelings the either of them had during their outing wither away as they enter to an all too familiar voice spewing all too familiar poison from the answering machine.
This week's particular form of abuse is of a sexual nature, asking if Claudia remembers the sounds she made during her and Donovian's private escapades, followed by a short list of very nasty occupations Claudia is qualified for.
Wynn and Claudia are frozen in place for a few moments as the message plays before both of them rush back outside and close the door to wait on the front step of the house for the vitriol to end.
Claudia's previous happy demeanor has been completely undone and is now fighting back tears. Her breathing now also borders on hyperventilating. Wynn attempts to place a comforting arm around her shoulder, but is caught unprepared as she instead buries herself into his chest. Wrapping her up in his arms they just stay there for a time. From the depths of the embrace, Wynn hears Claudia ask herself as much as him, "Why can't he just leave us alone?"
Wynn considers addressing the fact that Claudia isn't trying to stop Donovian at all, but he quashes the urge to say that. Instead he strengthens the embrace and just does his best to be a comforting presence for her.
Eventually they reenter the house and deposit their various packages. Claudia asks Wynn to go get Malcolm from Tiffany's while she gets things sorted here. Wynn knows this means she needs some time alone to reestablish the strong face she wears around her son so to not worry him.
The man nods and departs. Wynn barely feels the chill in the air as he makes the walk. Now that he is left alone, a singular emotion is flowing through him: Fury.
The following week looks very much like "Wynn's Errands" from above. The main difference is that Wynn is much more comforting towards Claudia and Malcolm and spends more time with them in the evenings. As opposed to the other instance of his stalking of Donovian, which is very analytical and emotionless, Wynn seethes in anger whenever he catches sight of the parasaur now.
Like above, before he can truly take action against Donovian, something interrupts him.

Back to Square One (Told Claudia the Truth, aka E3 and 4's being honest isn't always easy route)

Wynn walks into the church, and is greeted by a somewhat confused Father Xander. The elderly priest invites Wynn to sit in the sanctuary and asks what has happened. Wynn takes a moment to consider whether he should reveal the details or not, but eventually settles on going through with the explanation.
IF Attachment is >=2, Wynn tells Father Xander about the calls, about how they were affecting Claudia, how Malcolm was beginning to take notice, and how Wynn himself became ever more angry at how nothing was being done to stop them. He explains how Claudia seems so willing to let it happen, and how he can't stand it. Wynn confesses that his protectiveness towards Claudia is a new emotion for him he is having difficulty with.
As he struggles against his difficulty in speaking more than 5 words at a time in order to tell Father Xander about what he did and why he did it, the old priest sits quietly and listens patiently. Eventually Wynn's story concludes, and in the silence that follows he inevitably asks the Father if he did the right thing.
Father Xander puts a hand on Wynn's shoulder and gives him a very definitive, "Time will tell." Not exactly the wisdom Wynn was expecting, and he gives the priest a look that communicates his displeasure. Fortunately Father Xander continues.
He says that telling the truth very rarely makes people happy. He holds aloft the crucifix around his neck to show Wynn and speaks to it as evidence to his point. He explains that to those living a life full of lies, truth is often extremely painful to hear, let alone speak. It only gets harder when it is in regards to those considered loved ones, especially if telling them will cause them pain to hear it. But it must be done, if one truly wishes to say they love the other.
Father Xander gives Wynn a reassuring pat on the back and further explains that to him, Wynn has done the right thing, or has begun to. Being honest about other people's problems is easier than being honest about his own. As for what he meant by "time will tell," he mostly said it in reference to Claudia. She may eventually appreciate Wynn's attempt to help her and his willingness to come clean, or she may not. She isn't wrong to be upset.
Going by how Wynn described things, she was not entirely upset by Wynn going through her things. It was that Wynn has been trying to do so clandestinely, which to Father Xander, is a form of deception. Add to it, Wynn has lived with her for months now, and still not told her about his own past. Why shouldn't she be upset when he goes rooting through hers?
As such, although Wynn does seem to care for Claudia, a fact Father Xander is pleased about, Wynn still needs to come clean to her if he truly wants to make things right. He suggests giving her some time to cool off, and then, perhaps, try to apologize.
Wynn absorbs the advice and nods. Father Xander returns the gesture and creakily rises to his feet. He says that Wynn can stay here at the church for the time being, he should remember his way to his room. Father Xander also says he will shake the grapevine and sees whether some gossip about Donovian will shake loose for Wynn to use.
Once again Wynn nods, and is left alone in the sanctuary to think.
A week passes. Wynn has tried to occupy himself with tasks around the church to distract himself from the regret and worry he felt about what he will say to Claudia when they meet eachother again.
He recalls that old familiar couch being more comfortable when he was here before. But then again, when recovering from multiple cracked ribs and a concussion, maybe one doesn't really register the comfort level of a piece of furniture.
Whatever the case, he wasn't sleeping well. Plus, he had grown accustomed to three home cooked meals a day, so returning to his habits of scrounging his meals from convenience stores and gas stations has left him feeling hungry. Not just from lack of nutrition, but the lack of company too. He has come to realize just how lonely he is, and had been before meeting Claudia.

IF Honesty = 4

During the week where Wynn tosses and turns on the couch, he once more dreams. The white space and tall looming shapes return. This time he feels horribly cold. A third shadowy form appears, reaches out and touches Wynn. There's a sense of being moved. The other shadows shrink away into the white space, and suddenly Wynn is swallowed by darkness.
Afterwards he awakens once more. The familiar terror that comes with these dreams greets his waking mind, and he sits upright, shivering from the nightmare in the darkness of the lounge. Once more, a feeling of dread haunts him for the rest of the day.

Minnie occasionally visits. While she was initially cautious when interacting with him, Father Xander helped smooth things over with her. Minnie knew about Donovian and his history with Claudia, but she did not know about the phone calls. Upon learning Wynn's reasons, she was shocked to hear that Claudia was still being harassed. Learning just what kind of abuse Claudia was undergoing got Minnie as close to being angry as Wynn had ever seen her. Although she said she would have to have a talk to Claudia about the whole thing, Wynn asked her that perhaps Claudia should be encouraged to open up, instead of being confronted.
Minnie fumed at the thought of her best friend keeping such a terrible burden to herself, but after a deep calming breath, she just became morose. She thanked Wynn for telling her, and that she would pray for Claudia to gain the courage to open up to ask for help. She advises Wynn to do the same.

As far as Father Xander's promise to look into Director Donovian, he is able to tell Wynn a few interesting factoids he heard from an old friend of his in the police force. He says that Donovian has a squeaky clean public image and has a lawyer on speed dial to keep anyone who says otherwise quiet. According to this police contact, if Claudia came forward now with just a harassment as her case, it wouldn't amount to anything more than a bout of legal warfare she'd more than likely lose. The kind that would take Malcolm away from her.
That being said, the contact did mention that behind closed doors, Donovian is rumored to have dealings with a certain saurian supremacist group currently headed by one Alphonse. No evidence has ever been found, and no probable cause has ever been found to justify an investigation. More than once however, corpses that may have been involved with Alphonse's crimes that go through Donovian's hospital always seem to come out cleaner than when they went in.
Father Xander mentions that perhaps an, "independent investigator" could do some snooping to find some evidence that might interest the police, and blow open the door so that Claudia's case won't be so easily countered.
Wynn certainly gets the implication Father Xander is hinting at, but questions if that would be a morally correct way to go about doing things. The priest just smiles and says, "We all have our own ways in doing the Lord's work. It's just some might get you in trouble if you're caught."
Father Xander hands Wynn the Director's home address, and says that the man should perhaps make a shopping trip to pick up a few tools if he chooses to ply his trade in service to a good cause. Wynn pockets the address, and spends some time during the week doing just that.

IF Attachment is >=2

Eventually Sunday comes, and while Wynn has been keeping himself busy, the thought of this day has both excited and terrified him. He hadn't seen Claudia or Malcolm for almost seven days, left to wonder what their reaction to him would be. He considered avoiding them, but felt that if he was to make amends, it'd be better to try and get it over with. He did decide to wait until after service to attempt to talk to them however, and to stay out of sight until then by staying in the church lounge.
It was an agonizingly long service, though that may have been more from the anxious feeling that had settled in Wynn's stomach than the actual length of the sermon. As service ended, Wynn waited out in the parking lot next to the van, constantly fighting against the urge to run away and be somewhere else. Sure enough, he eventually caught sight of Claudia and Malcolm. The parasaur woman was in the process of handing her son over to Tiffany and her family to watch for the afternoon. When the hand off was complete, she stood still for a moment before scanning the crowds until her eyes inevitably fell upon Wynn.
Panic ran through the man as their eyes met, and it seemed to him that she was feeling a similar way.
IF Honesty >=2, Wynn approaches Claudia. She seems to be considering her own hasty departure, but stands her ground as he comes to stand beside her. Neither of them seem able to look eachother in the eye at this point, and after some nervous shuffling of feet, Wynn eventually says hello. It's a long few seconds before Claudia responds with a greeting of her own. Looking up at her, Wynn begins his apology.
He apologizes for going through her belongings, his secrecy in doing so, and how she was right, that it was none of his business, and that he hasn't been honest with her. Extending a hand he asks her for a chance to explain himself, and do something he should have some time ago, and show her the same kind of trust she has shown him.
She considers the offer, eventually taking his hand and letting him guide her back into the church's sanctuary, where he begins to fill her in on the events that brought him to her. The theft and life as a thief, the escape, the money, the second chance given to him by Father Xander, even not remembering things from over a decade ago, and the feelings of affection that have been steadily growing in him since living with her. Specifically the protective feelings towards her and Malcolm.
After telling her everything he feels like he's about to throw up from being so open about himself. Looking at Claudia to gauge her reaction doesn't help matters, as she appears to be taking a fair amount of time to process all of this. Eventually though, her eyes close as she lets out a heavy sigh asshe wraps an arm around one of his and pulls herself against him. She still hasn't spoken but her hand finds its way into his and entwines their fingers. An intimate act that causes Wynn to freak out a little. In a good way, of course.
They sit there for a time in silence. Eventually, she thanks him for being honest with her, and it means a lot to her that he is willing to share all that. After another long pause, she begins an apology of her own. She apologizes for keeping such a problem to herself, and getting angry at Wynn when he was just trying to help with something that was so obviously causing her distress. She says that after he left, another one of those calls came in, and it made her realize just how afraid of them she really is.
She says that after thinking it over for a long time, she had decided to tell Wynn about her year at Medical School. When she met the then Dr. Donovian. When her whole life was derailed.
She was young and naive. Her parents being so strict in their upbringing of her didn't prepare her at all for life outside their supervision. She had never had a boyfriend, or even interacted with boys while living with them. Then, during the internship, she was out from under their thumb and along came Donovian, all charm and smiles and "You're so beautiful" this and "I love you" that. She believed every word he said. As she brought forth the memories, tears began to form in her eyes as she continued her story.
Donovian eventually talked her into a sexual relationship. Proclaiming his love and that he'd take care of her the whole time of course. It wasn't long before she became pregnant, and after she was sure she went to him expecting him to take responsibility and marry her. At this point the tears started to flow freely from Claudia as her voice began to strain.
He did not. He told her to abort the child and that'd be the end of it. But that went against everything Claudia believed in. And so, for the first and only time since the illicit affair began, she told him no.
Then the real Donovian came out. Hateful. Abusive. Vindictive. Spitting words filled with such venom she couldn't believe it was the same man that charmed her those months ago. Even after he threatened to ruin her if she didn't comply, she held firm. And then he made good on his threat.
She lost the internship and was kicked out onto the curb for "violating ethical practices." His word against hers was enough to have her reputation be reduced to that of a jezebel who slept around for grades. He even wrote a poison letter to her parents expressing in explicit detail her debauchery while away from them, and when she appeared at their door pregnant with a bastard child, they cast her back out into the cold.
The rest, Wynn probably already knows. IF Wynn did not learn how Claudia met Minnie and Father Xander before, she'd tell him now.
Wynn notes that as she retells these events, Claudia has pressed her body further into his, while at the same time squeezing on his hand. She is very explicity using him as a comforting presence as she finally releases years of emotional trauma onto him. While she is squeezing his hand hard enough to hurt, he bears with it and allows her to continue.
Claudia breaks out into sobs as she describes that she did think about aborting Malcolm back then. She was at such a low point she thought if she just got rid of him she could go crawling back to Donovian and everything would be fine again.
But she didn't. She went through with the birth, and as she describes to Wynn what it was like to see and hold Malcolm for the first time, her sobbing speech loses some of its sorrow as she says that it was all worth it just to get him. She's terrified that Donovian will take him away from her somehow, so if she has to suffer through those calls, she will. She's scared that if she does anything to resist that it'll get worse, and then she may lose Malcolm.
That's part of why she was so mad at Wynn, and for that she apologizes.
With some heavy breaths to compose herself, she lets out a small laugh of relief. She comments on how good it feels to finally let all that out. Wynn thanks her, much the same way she did for him sharing his past.
They both end up sitting there together for a bit in silence before Claudia realizes just how hard she's gripping Wynn's hand and apologetically alleviates the pressure. When she asks if his hand is alright he says yeah, mostly. Still, they are remain sitting together, arms intertwined.
Eventually Wynn asks what Claudia told Malcolm about his absence. She sighs and says she just told him that Wynn was staying at the church a while to help Father Xander. She's fairly sure he didn't buy the excuse, but he didn't raise a fuss over it. She's fairly sure he picked up on how sad she was at the time, and spared her an argument. She reflects on what a good kid he is.
Every day Malcolm would ask, "Is Wynn coming back today?" The man probably owed much of Claudia's willingness to have this conversation to him, and resolved to buy the boy something nice once he came back.
Which brought the question out of Wynn of whether he was allowed to come back. Claudia, resting her head upon his shoulder made an affirmative hum.
Some more minutes were spent enjoying each other's company before Claudia rose from her seat and proclaimed that they had better go get Wynn resituated. Before Wynn could rise in to follow, the parasuar woman leans down and plants a small kiss (just a quick peck really) on Wynn's lips. She doesn't say anything, but she does give him a wide smile beaming with affection before she leaves him.
Wynn sits stunned. To say there are butterflies doing somersaults inside of him is an understatement. He shakes off the surprise quickly, and strides out after Claudia and returns home with her.
IF Attachment is >=2 and IF Honesty = 1 Claudia approaches Wynn, which surprises the man. When she comes to stand next to him there is a pause as she tries to find the words.
Eventually she begins by asking Wynn how he's been. He gives his typical one or two word affirmative response. Despite his voice being somewhat flat, Wynn's eyes communicate the deep feeling of regret he feels. Claudia appears to pick up on this and asks another question of him, whether he really meant what he said about doing what he did for her and Malcolm's sake.
Wynn confirms this, again, his eyes do most of heavy lifting to get the emotion across. Seeing and comprehending how Wynn feels, Claudia takes a moment to breath out her anxiety and frustration before she continues. She explains that after Wynn left, she spent a long time being angry at him and shouting at herself for ever letting him stay with her. But when she went to pick up Malcolm, she found that she was having trouble getting out of the car.
She hadn't even considered what she would tell Malcolm. She reveals that he holds Wynn in very high regard. He idolizes the man in fact. She then started wondering why that was, and she recalled all the moments Wynn showed how much he cared for her and Malcolm. She eventually realized that as time went on, as angry as she was at him, she too had come to regard Wynn rather highly. She says that she spent nearly half an hour just sitting in her car wondering how she'd explain Wynn's absence.
She eventually came to the conclusion that until she worked through her own feelings on the matter, she'd give Malcolm a half truth, and tell him that Wynn was just staying at the church to help Father Xander. She's pretty sure he believed it, but every day he would ask "Where's Wynn?"
About half way through the week, Claudia realized she wasn't angry at him anymore, and wanted him around again. She decided that as long Wynn didn't do something like that again, she'd forgive him. So she tells Wynn, that if he wants to come back, he can. He just has to be aware that he can't be doing something like that to her again.
Wynn apologizes and accepts her conditions, to which she responds by saying it's fine. He can tell by her tone she is still a little upset over it, but her words about wanting him to come back sounded honest enough. Which is good, because he also wants to come back rather desperately. He tells her he'll gather his things and return to her so they can go home. Before he does however, he inquires that if she had figured out she missed him halfway through the week, why'd she wait until today?
She snorts out a laugh and lets slip that even though she loves him, she figured that being grounded for the whole week would be a good lesson for him. She realizes she said "love" there and attempts to haphazardly rephrase what she said, but gives up as Wynn just stares happily at her. She ends up just nodding and saying she'll be waiting for him in the car. After he collects his things, they return home.

IF Attachment is <=1 and Honesty is = 1

Sunday comes, and Wynn sits patiently in the sanctuary. He figures that Claudia will be around shortly, but he is mostly considering whether he should attempt to communicate with her or just move on to somewhere else. The thought is a tempting one, but he still doesn't have his own means of conveyance. Add to it a growing compulsion to keep as low a profile as possible, and his best bet is to try and stay right where he is for the time being.
Which brings him to begin thinking of why he jeopardized his position with Claudia in the first place by telling the truth. That was stupid. Of all the times to rock the boat, being caught red handed wasn't it. The sudden bout of honesty from a week ago still puzzles him, and as he goes over the reasons again in his mind, he doesn't notice Claudia and Malcolm come to sit next to him. It's only when Malcolm tugs on his sleeve that he finally realizes that they're there.
Malcolm is rather interested in Wynn and how he's been doing. He upon hearing the usual "fine," the young boy begins to go on a tangent about what he's been up to while Wynn has been "taking a break from living with them." Claudia is silent during the exchange, but she does shoot the occasional glance at Wynn during the 5 year old's exposition. Wynn for his part can tell she seems conflicted about being there, like she could rise from her seat at a moment's notice.
Eventually the service began. The three of them went through the usual routine, although Wynn took note that Claudia seemed to be on edge during the whole thing. Once the mass had ended, she took Malcolm by the hand and for the first time since arriving spoke to Wynn. She stated that they needed to talk, and to meet her outside. She then guided Malcolm to where Tiffany and her family were sitting and walked with them out of the sanctuary. Wynn followed slowly, already formulating the various conversations they could have in his mind and how to navigate them for the best result.
When they met again outside the church, she has a very neutral expression. She tells Wynn that she thought a lot on whether or not she should forgive Wynn. A sad expression crosses her face as she states that she knows the harassment is a problem, but it isn't Wynn's to solve. She says she can handle it. She thanks him for his concern but he overstepped her personal boundaries. She is only giving him another chance because he at least had the decency to not try to lie to her face when he was caught.
She shifts uncomfortably when she says the other reason she is forgiving him this time is that she owes it to Father Xander and Minnie to not give up on someone just because they made a mistake. She goes on to say that what she wants from Wynn now is an apology and a promise to never do something like that again. If he doesn't agree to that, or goes back on his word, he's out for good.
Wynn registers the request and nods his agreement. He robotically apologizes for his misconduct, and promises to not overstep like that again. It will be an easy promise to keep, as he no longer needs to sift through her things for information now, thanks to what he learned from Father Xander.
However, this does leave Wynn with the knowledge that she will be watching him a bit closer now. He doubts her words of being able to handle the continued harassment, so his efforts to stabilize her situation will still be needed if he's to retain this hiding spot away from the eyes of Alphonse and his gang.
With no further words required, Wynn goes to collect his things. When he returns, Claudia has already left and he walks back to her home.

In all these outcomes, Wynn will return to Claudia's house, but be unable to take any meaningful action against Donovian, because his efforts are interrupted.

Next Scene
Now to try and have a face to face confrontation with Donovian. It cannot be on Wynn's terms, thus causing a setback, but it cannot be such a severe interaction that Donovian jumps to his nuclear option of messing with Claudia. Donovian has to keep his public image up, but he also gets off on making Claudia sweat so he has to torture her somehow.

Another 3 days pass.
IF Attachment is >=2 Wynn has been spending the lion's share of his free time with Claudia and Malcolm. This time is filled with Malcolm engaging with Wynn in rambling talks about what things he did that day and playing with toys. The young boy seems intent on involving Wynn in all of his various activities and interests, and is eager to impress the man. It is getting to the point that Malcolm doesn't want to go places or do activities without him. The peak of this is that Malcolm now asks his mother if Wynn can help put him to bed. It's a small thing to Wynn, but it means a great deal to Claudia and Malcolm.
Claudia meanwhile has begun spending her time getting closer to Wynn, both in a literal and IF Honesty is >=2 an emotional sense. She talks to Wynn more about the various day to day things, but also opens up about her more private thoughts. With greater Honesty, Claudia's conversation topics and emotions come across as more genuine. She stands closer to Wynn more often, takes his arm when walking together, even going so far as to hold hands in public. Scandalous, I know.
Opening up emotionally to Wynn usually takes the form of her dropping the "I'm Fine" mask she usually wears and allowing herself to be sad, angry, and even a little crude at times. These other emotions being allowed out allow her to be genuinely happy, and the "I'm Fine" mask soon stops being a mask.

IF Attachment is <=1 then the 3 days have been solitary ones. Malcolm occupies himself with his toys and video games, occasionally and absent mindedly conversing with Wynn, who listens politely, but doesn't engage much.
Claudia is kept at arm's length. He respects her wishes to not pry further, mostly because he has already learned what he needed to, and keeps thing amicable. Her relationship with him retains that distance one associates with doctor and patient. She does initially keep a watchful eye on his behavior, but between work, Malcolm, and keeping up her "I'm Fine" facade, she only becomes more exhausted and things slip back into their previous routine.

In the time Wynn has to himself he works on the plan to deal with Donovian.

pink IF Attachment >=2 and Honesty >=2, his plan resembles that of breaking into Donovian's home or office and searching the place for things that could be used to build a case against the director. It's difficult to do without being able to case either target before hand, so he concludes he needs more information before he makes a move.
pink IF Attachment >=2 and Honesty <=1, his plan, such as it is, is one of intimidation. Perhaps if he shows up and scares Donovian, he'll finally leave Claudia alone. Though the idea of beating the crap out of Donovian sounds appealing, Wynn would rather use a gun. Donovian is a dinosaur, and as such is physically capable against any human.
pink IF Attachment <=1 and Honesty <=1, Wynn has given the entire situation serious thought, and has concluded that if Donovian cannot be frightened away, then he has to be killed. Given what Wynn has learned about the personality of the director, he is leaning towards the latter. He just needs a method of disposal that will not incriminate him.

Whatever preparations he is currently working on are forced to be put on hold however
St. Sattler's is taking part in an event in the park, similar to the one E3 Lucy would be reuniting with E3 Anon in if they were in that were the timeline. However that was in M2023, and this is M2025, so don't worry about crossovers.
That being said, Wynn is assisting setting up various charity booths that are participating in the event, when he notices that one of the booths belongs to St. Hammond's General Hospital. The very same one that Donovian is director of. More than that, it seems he will be making a public speech at the event. Wynn considers this an excellent opportunity to conduct additional surveillance on the Director.

IF Attachment is <=1, Wynn considers possibly finding his way to the Director's car and engineering an accident that will result in the parasaur's death.

Whatever the case may be, Donovian is not set to speak until the afternoon, about midway into the event. Until then Wynn will simply go about his business and wait for the proper moment to move in.
Time moves on until the speech is about to take place. Wynn finds a convenient moment to slip away from his duties to find a good place to observe his target. However, as he is getting into position, he sees a bus load of kids being sheparded around by a rather overworked looking school teacher. Amongst them he sees the familiar face of Malcolm.

IF Attachment is >=2 Wynn gets a shot of panic. Donovian knows about Malcolm and he could target the boy here as a way to hurt Claudia. Wynn attempts to work his way through the crowds to get to the boy, but is waylaid by on coming crowds of fair goers. By the time he's able to make his way through them, it seems Malcolm has been seated with the rest of his class in front of the stage. Wynn paces over to one side and decides to wait things out. He needs to get Malcolm as far from Donovian as possible, as there's certainly nothing good in store for the boy if they should meet.
IF Attachment is <=1 Wynn grimaces with frustration. This is a complication he did not need. If Donovian spots Malcolm, he's sure to recognize him and cause some sort of issue which will undoubtedly have the purpose of unsettling Claudia. Wynn remains still and observes from afar to consider his options. With Malcolm joining his class in being seated for the presentation, there's little the man can do but wait. He doesn't want to risk revealing himself to Donovian, but he also doesn't want to risk Malcolm saying something about Wynn living with him and his mother.

The school children seem to be on a field trip and sitting in on the speech appears to be the main focus of the excursion
Wynn can't do anything but watch at this point, as there is no good reason or opportunity for him to pull Malcolm away from the crowd
Director Donovian takes the stage with a number of other doctors in white lab coats and puts on a very family friendly presentation about flu shots and seasonal allergies
Wynn can tell that Donovian is scanning the crowd. When the Director notices Malcolm, Wynn sees the parasaur's face flash with an expression of manic glee for a moment before returning to the placid, smiling, public mask he usually wears. It confirms it to Wynn that Donovian probably knew about this trip or had some hand in bringing it to fruition.
After the presentation there's a bit of a mingling where the kids can interact more closely with the doctors and make some good photo ops. Donovian heads directly for Malcolm. Wynn has to push his way through into the crowd in order to reach the boy.
Donovian is kneeling next to Malcolm and apparently introducing himself. What Wynn can overhear as he approaches is the Director telling the young boy that he used to be a friend of his mother, and he has a special message he hopes Malcolm can deliver.
Wynn has moments before Donovian leans in and whispers something into Malcolm's ear, so he is faced with a decision. To intercede and not only make himself known to Donovian, but connected to Malcolm. To attempt to try and interrupt without giving away his connection to Malcolm. Finally, he could stand by and do nothing, as he cannot jeopardizing his anonymity.

ATTACHMENT CHOICE 4
Interrupt and pull Malcolm away (+1)

Anonymity be damned, any interaction between Donovian and Malcolm is sure to be bad for him and his mother.
Wynn pushes his way to Malcolm's side and with a smooth motion scoops Malcolm away from Donovian, catching both of them by surprise. The director is utterly confused by the turn of events, and it takes Malcolm exclaiming his surprise and elation at seeing Wynn before he understands what's going on. Wynn and Donovian size each other up. Expressions of confusion, frustration, and contempt flash across Donovian's face as he analyzes Wynn. Wynn, for his part, does little to conceal the contempt in his glare as he stares down Donovian. An expression that is not overlooked by the parasaur.
After a few tense moments, Wynn can see the pieces clicking together in Donovian's mind as he comprehends what is going on. Malcolm's reaction to Wynn, the protective gesture the man performed in separating the boy from him, and the glare on his face tell the Director all he needs to know. Wynn is someone who has thrown in with Claudia, and knows enough about Donovian to hate him. As all of this cements itself in his mind, Donovian puts on his public face. All smiles and pleasantries. However, his eyes betray the annoyance he is feeling at being challenged.
Thus begins some not so friendly conversation.
Malcolm, being five and not yet being able to really pick up on subtle body language, starts talking to Wynn about the field trip and how stoked he is to see Wynn here and if he wants to hang out with his class and so on, apparently having completely forgotten about Donovian being there. The Director interrupts the little exchange by making a very loud "AHEM" and introducing himself to Wynn, and asking him who he is.
Donovian interaction here is like a parody of Iadakan. He's very expressive and loud, but where Iadakan was friendly and was having fun, Donovian's posturing has a touch of malevolence to it. Mostly the eyes give it away. He makes several questions asking Wynn rather directly for personal details and makes a few guesses as to his relationship with Malcolm and Claudia.
Wynn tries to tell Malcolm to go find his teacher and stay with his class, but Donovian now takes the advantage and says that now's the perfect time for a photo op as he waves over some of his crew. Being in public like this makes it difficult for Wynn to respond in his preferred method of just walking away, especially when the teacher, the class, and Donovian's personal camera crews all surround him. Donovian throws an arm around Wynn and pulls the man close. Being a saurian, he is strong enough to not be shrugged or shoved off.
He starts to whisper out grim warnings into Wynn's ear not to fuck with him and answer his questions or he'll accuse him of being a pedo and have security swarm him like flies on shit. No longer being able to escape, Wynn just grimaces as Donovian continues his rather vulgar questions.
A speed reading of the questions and answers are as follows:
He repeats his first question asking who Wynn is. The simple reply of "Nobody" does not go over well. He asks again, but loud enough for others to hear in his pleasant public voice of course. This provokes a response from the teacher who identifies Wynn as Private Wynn Doe, a nice man that drives the bus at church, and is currently living with Claudia and Malcolm.
Donovian smiles and returns to whispering, stating how interesting that is. He asks if Wynn has fallen for Claudia's woe is me, poor single mom routine and wanted to help save her from the mean bully. He mocks the idea, declaring that not only is Claudia a "used up slut that is desperate enough to open her legs up for a skinnie," but also insinuates that Wynn is only in it for entirely those perverse reasons.
Wynn takes this accusation on the chin and remains stoically silent. His body is rigid however. He understands What Donovian is doing, or trying to do at least. The Director is trying to find out what can get an emotional response out of Wynn, while at the same time give off an impression of power and control over the situation. What Donovian can only guess at for the time being is that Wynn has heard most of this same vile rhetoric already via the phone calls, so it will take more than that to get a rise out of him. He can feel the anger rising though.
Donovian notices this, and attempts to change gears. Now his comments target Malcolm, who is on the opposite side of Wynn and out of ear shot. He saw the boy's reaction to Wynn, and knows they are fond of each other, so uses that as his next attack. Much like he mocked the idea of Wynn and Claudia for any reason other than sex, he mocks the idea that maybe Wynn thinks he wants to be a father to the boy. He calls the whole notion pathetically sad. Other than some name calling directed at the boy, he doesn't have much to go on beyond considering Malcolm a parasite that should have been aborted.
While Wynn is well practiced in keeping his emotions to himself and remaining silent, he isn't perfect. His face does grow ever more contorted into a scowl as Donovian continues his insults and provocations. He does keep his cool and remain silent however.
This has evidently upset Donovian a great deal, not that he's going to show it in public, and definitely not with the pictures beginning to wrap up. He goes onto say that it doesn't really matter who Wynn is because if he's with Claudia then he's gonna regret it, suggesting Wynn should have his fun with her and ditch her if he has any brains at all. Because now he's really going to mess with her.
The picture taking ends and with a painful squeeze into Wynn's shoulder, Donovian finally releases his grip. He parts with a "I'll see you around buddy!"
Wynn stands there for a time and stares at Donovian as the parasaur storms over to his posse of personal photographers and fellow doctors. He's already pulled out his phone and is making a call. A pit forms in Wynn's stomach as the consequences of what he's done run amok through his mind.
He feels a tug at his arm and looks to see Malcolm staring back at him. The young boy's expression has grown into one of concern and asks if Wynn is OK, or if something bad happened. Wynn does his patented silent stare for a few moments as he thinks of an answer. He settles on telling the parasaur boy nothing is wrong, but he will be staying with him for the rest of his time at the fair. Malcolm is naturally excited about this and starts listing the various things he saw that he wants to do with Wynn.
Wynn is pretty sure Father Xander will understand him abandoning his work to make sure Malcolm remains safe for the remainder of the event.
Taking a look behind him as Malcolm leads him away by the hand, Wynn catches a final glimpse of Donovian on his phone. He similarly seems to be looking at Wynn, psychotic eyes fixed on the man. But he isn't smiling. In fact, if in the second and a half he sees of the director's face, he looks somewhat disappointed by whatever he's hearing on the other end of the line.
It raises a curious eyebrow from Wynn, but does nothing to soothe the feeling of worry that has settled in his stomach. Regardless of how upset Donovian appeared to look to Wynn he can't get over that thought that he just made life a lot harder for Claudia and Malcolm. He consoles himself with the thought that perhaps Donovian might not take Wynn as a serious threat, and just stick to the usual bullying.
A bit of a stretch as far as hopes go, but it's all Wynn has. As he follows Malcolm's group, he dreads the inevitable talk he and Claudia are going to have.

"Accidentally" step on Donovian's tail

This should not only be funny, but also interrupt the director and be played off as an accident, all while possibly concealing Wynn's identity.
Wynn approaches Donovian from behind. The Director is currently crouched down in order to better whisper into Malcolm's ear, which puts his tail on ground level. In the moments he has before Donovian delivers whatever message he intends to Malcolm, Wynn is able to expertly place the heel of his shoe on the tip of Donovian's tail.
A yelp of pain followed by a series of incoherently slurred expletives cascade out of the director's mouth. He shoves Malcolm away from him and whirls around to face Wynn face to face. A furious expression paints the parasaur's features and he looks ready to attack Wynn on the spot, going so far as to already have his hands grasp onto Wynn's jacket and pull him within inches of his face.
Although he's a herbivore, he's still a dinosaur, and therefore physically stronger than Wynn. Which makes him dangerous. Wynn keeps his cool however and returns the psychotically angry face of Donovian with his usual neutral expression, and gives a very flat, "Sorry. Didn't see your tail."
This does nothing to calm down the director, but it does force him to register his surroundings. Notably the crowd that is forming around the two. His eyes dart left and right and he reigns himself in to a more controlled expression of anger. He very much tells Wynn off for being clumsy and that to watch where he steps, and demands to know who the hell he is.
Wynn glances over to see that Malcolm is being pulled to his feet by his teacher, and the young boy seems a little stunned from being shoved. After a moment or two of processing what's happened his eyes start to glisten with wetness and the beginning stages of crying start.
Donovian seems oblivious to this and is entirely focused on Wynn. The man continues to look past the irate director at the now sniffling and crying child behind him. Whatever thoughts that were going through Wynn's head at the time start to grow fainter as Malcolm's cries become louder.
Eventually the sounds of the crying 5 year old snaps Donovian out of his focus to regard the source of the noise. Only Wynn notices the look of irritation that crosses the parasaur's face when notices. The director, though apparently not pleased with the situation is well practiced in crisis management. He is quick to put on a friendly face and motions for one of his aides to do something about Malcolm while making exclaiming that everything is fine and the whole this is just an unfortunate accident.
Malcolm is being consoled by his teacher and being offered candy by the aide, while Donovian begins playing nice with the crowd and making sure Wynn can't leave by grabbing onto his jacket sleeve. While not as secure as being held by the collar, it is still an effective way to keep Wynn where he is.
Seemingly unnoticed by anyone else but Wynn, Malcolm is inconsolable, and has extended his arms towards the man. Seeing this gets an emotional response out of Wynn he didn't expect. Before he can think he attempts to yank his sleeve out of Donovian's grip and approach the boy. The director initially prevents this, but when he looks to see what Wynn is trying to do, and follows the man's gaze while also seeing just who Malcolm is reaching for, he releases his grip.
Wynn doesn't notice what he has just done until he is kneeling next to Malcolm and the boy is grasping at him for a hug. He surprised himself with his sudden instinctual response, and panics slightly as he realizes he just gave away something. It's too late to take it back now however, as Malcolm has gotten his arms around the man's neck and the hug has commenced. Wynn rigidly puts an arm around the boy as a means to comfort him, hoping to play it off as just a friendly gesture from a stranger.
Unfortunately for Wynn, the teacher rather loudly addresses Wynn by name and expresses relief at his presence. She knows him from church and his relation to Malcolm, so she permits Wynn to take over the attempts to comfort the boy. She does say something along the lines of "Look,. As this information leaves the teacher's lips, Wynn can only sigh as he turns to see Donovian smiling like the devil back at him. Worse, he's got his phone out and has apparently just finished taking a picture.
Wynn can only curse at himself for how all this played out, but it's too late now and the damage is done. Abandoning the facade of just being a well intentioned stranger trying to comfort a child, Wynn picks Malcolm off and begins to walk away from the middle of the noisy crowd to some park benches before getting a camera flash to the face.
Donovian walks in from behind Wynn and says that will be a wonderful photo for the hospital's marketing team to work with. Something nice for the adoption program maybe? How about a few more?
He then gives a shorter and more subtle rendition of the threats from the above "Interrupt and Pull Malcolm Away" option. Specifically that he's really going to mess with Claudia and Malcolm now. The little stunt of stepping on his tail really did piss Donovian off, and if Wynn thinks he can embarrass him, he's got another thing coming. Donovian reveals that now he's gonna dig up whatever he can on Wynn and ruin him too.
It's a shorter round of threats, but it this time Wynn feels like he royally screwed up as he is finally able to break away from the crowd and make his way to someplace where he can calm Malcolm down. Unfortunately he catches the sight of the smug face of the director as he goes. While Wynn does regret causing this scene to play out the way it did because he did something short-sighted and childish, the image of Donovian's smug face replaces that feeling of regret with hateful contempt as Wynn shifts internally shifts the blame all onto Donovian.
The man does refocus on attending to Malcolm before he gets lost in his anger towards the director. The 5 year old boy isn't hurt by any means, but being shoved to the ground did shock him enough to warrant the distress call. Wynn unfortunately is not at all suited to emotionally support a child and fumbles as he attempts to communicate with Malcolm. It seems as though the boy is aware Wynn is there and is trying to talk to him, but just can't seem to calm himself down. So Wynn just holds the boy's hand until he gets all the crying out of his system.
Meanwhile, the rest of Malcolm's class and the teacher hover nearby, but let the situation play out. When Malcolm does eventually get it all out, the man asks if Malcolm is okay, to which the boy replies with a shaky yes. The boy apologizes for crying so much, to which Wynn says it's fine, and not Malcolm's fault. In his mind Wynn places the blame on Donovian for the whole situation, but other than seethe internally, he can do little about that. So With Malcolm having collected himself, Wynn returns him to the supervision of the teacher and considers remaining with the group the rest of the day.
Instead he stalks Donovian's entourage, and prepares himself to intervene more directly should the director make another attempt to get close to Malcolm. This proves to be unnecessary as when Wynn next sees Donovian, he is apparently arguing with someone on his phone while getting into a car and being driven away. Wynn doesn't know who he was arguing with, but assumes the worst.
Returning to the tasks waiting for him, he can only think about how much he is not looking forward to returning to Claudia tonight.

Donovian won't risk anything here. Don't jeopardize your cover

Wynn can't figure out a way to intercede without giving away his identity to Donovian. Currently, his greatest asset against the director is that the parasaur doesn't know he's even being targeted by Wynn. Also with the possible connections he has to Alphonse, it's just safer for Wynn to let whatever this is happen and mitigate whatever damage it could cause when he picks Malcolm up later.
Still, it's prudent to at least observe the interaction. They all might be in public, but Wynn has to be sure Donovian doesn't slip Malcolm anything. Wynn's stay at Claudia's is dependent on neither her nor her son going through any kind of significant crisis. So he waits and watches.
Donovian whispers something into Malcolm's ear, causing the young boy's face to contort in confusion. Wynn supposes that whatever he's telling the 5 year old, the boy doesn't really understand.
Before long the director pulls away and tells the boy to tell his mother exactly what he just said. Malcolm nods and Donovian passes him a piece of candy. After that, the director walks away with a malevolent smirk on his face. Wynn emerges from the crowd and finds his way to Malcolm.
The 5 year old is excited somewhat to see Wynn appear, and begins to tell Wynn about the event and the field trip. Wynn cuts the boy's recap short and asks him what the doctor just talked to him about. Malcolm shifts uncomfortably as he says that he just wanted him to tell his mom something, but not to tell anyone else.

IF Attachment is >=2, Malcolm is familiar enough with Wynn to not require a great deal of effort in revealing the message. Donovian apparently wanted Malcolm to call his mother an "cock-starved bitch," trusting that the 5 year old wouldn't understand what any of those words meant and repeat them to her. Donovian seems to have told Malcolm it was her old nick name, and she'd recognize who it was from.
Fortunately, Wynn is able to inform Malcolm that those are very nasty words and that the director was attempting to trick him into bullying his mother. Malcolm is of course confused and hurt by all this, saying he didn't mean to. Wynn tells him it's not his fault and that it's best if he ever sees that parasaur again to just stay away from him. He is not his mother's friend. The poor boy has just had his first real encounter with a liar and manipulator, and is having a hard time coping with it.
Wynn does stay to comfort him a little, but before long the teacher is rounding all the children up and escorting them to the next part of the fair. Wynn, meanwhile waves goodbye and turns to return to his duties.
IF Attachment is <=1, Malcolm is hesitant to say anything, as he doesn't really know Wynn well enough to open up to him. Wynn's presence is also not a comforting one, as he looms over the boy. Unfortunately for Wynn, the teacher soon gathers up the children and Malcolm bids Wynn goodbye, saying he'll see him later. Wynn is left out of luck in the middle of the fairground, and makes moves to return to his assigned duties.
Later on in the day, after the fair, Malcolm will repeat Donovian's message to his mother at dinner, shocking her terribly. She will, for the first time Wynn can ever recall, shout at Malcolm to tell her where he heard those words and to never say such things again, eventually sending him to his room, before going to her own to seclude herself and cry. Wynn meanwhile will be left alone o to clean up dinner. Hours later in the night, he will observe Claudia and Malcolm having long talk about how she wasn't mad at Malcolm, and that he needs to be careful about who he talks to.
Wynn does not really participate in this event. He merely takes stock of Claudia's mental state as being shaken somewhat, and to see if Malcolm mentions Wynn was there. The boy doesn't, so Wynn leaves them well enough alone.
He returns to his room to ruminate on his own problems.

Before all that though, as Wynn is leaving to go back to his tasks at the fair, he once again has some bad luck as he walks directly into a photo shoot of the director and some of his colleagues. The unintentional photo-bomb causes Donovian to at first begin to fume at the inconvenience, but then hastily reconsider as he says they need a human for some of the marketing material, and to pulls Wynn into the rest of the shots.
Before he even really knows what's happening, Wynn is bombarded by flashing lights. It doesn't take long for the firing line to get what they need, but it lasts long enough to leave the man stunned. During the brief period where his eyes are trying to readjust from the bright lights, he hears the voice of Donovian whisper in his ear that he saw Wynn with the kid Malcolm, and is wondering what relation he has with him.
Wynn denies knowing him, but the director is unconvinced. He whistles and a security guard appears behind Wynn. With a grunt of effort, the man is yanked up and frisked. His fake ID is produced for Donovian to take. The parasaur says that all people featured in St. Hammond's General Hospital Marketing are subject to a background check, he'll ask his team to look into one Private Wynn Doe before any of the pictures come out. Tossing the ID back at Wynn, he parts with a arrogant smirk by saying he also needed the mailing address to send the man his compensation for the pictures. Wouldn't want to cheat him out of what he's owed after all.
This parting leaves a bitter taste in Wynn's mouth, and he can't consider it anything other than a total defeat.

Later that evening, the consequences of the choices made play out.
In all cases, Wynn has been found out by Donovian, and as he drives back home to Claudia, he dreads telling her about how bad things went wrong today and just how much more trouble is on the horizon for all of them.
Upon entering her home, he finds Claudia busily setting the table for dinner. Malcolm is already seated, and both of them greet Wynn as he enters. He doesn't detect any tension in the air, so it's likely whatever bad news is going to happen, it'll have to be him that shares it.
Unless the special condition from Wynn not being able to stop Malcolm repeating the message from Donovian occurs, dinner goes swimmingly, with Malcolm telling Claudia all about his day and meeting Wynn at the fair and getting his picture taken and eating candy and so on.
She then asks Wynn how things went from his perspective, and if he also had a good time despite working the event. IF Honesty is <=1, he just shakes his head and says nothing much happened and begins to clean up dinner.

IF Honesty is >=2, Wynn will tell Malcolm he will handle cleaning up so the boy can go play video games or watch tv. Malcolm looks to his mother for permission. Claudia obliges her son on the condition he go wash up and prepare for bed first. Once Malcolm is out of the kitchen Wynn tells Claudia about what happened at the fair, and does not leave out any details about his involvement or lack thereof.
Naturally Claudia will be distraught to hear that Donovian was not only there, but seemed to specifically target Malcolm. She immediately gets up and begins pacing around the room in a state of near panic.
IF Attachment is >=2, she will go and embrace Wynn as a means to calm herself down. It is only marginally effective. Donovian being within arms reach of Malcolm is one of the nightmare scenarios she's feared since giving birth to her son. She will start to spiral into a full blown panic attack, but Wynn will prevent it by reassuringly wrapping her in his arms. They break the embrace after what seems like a long time when they hear Malcolm returning from his room. Exchanging an affectionate look, they go to spend some time with Malcolm for the rest of the evening, wondering what lays in store for them tomorrow.
IF Attachment is >=3 and IF Honesty >=3 Claudia will recenter herself and calm down. She will nod admit that this was bound to happen eventually, so she just needs to get herself ready for whatever comes next. Wynn says he'll be right there with her for it. That statement goes a long way to reassure the parasaur woman as she squeezes herself tightly against him in a deep hug. Both are surprised to hear Malcolm call to them from the doorway asking if they want to watch a movie with him. The two adults bashfully say of course follow the boy, who seems to have had a rare moment of awareness of the situation and smirks to himself.
IF Attachment is <=1, Claudia spirals into a panic, and Wynn, in an effort to calm her down grabs onto her shoulders to hold her steady. He tells her very flatly to not worry. She and Malcolm will have nothing to worry from Donovian, and that he will take care of things. All she needs to do is remain calm, for Malcolm's sake. She seems stunned by the sudden commanding tone Wynn is using, but after a moment she collects herself and nods. She doesn't seem to want to think about what Wynn just said about handling things, but latched onto the part on doing what's best for Malcolm.
She says she's going to go check on him and departs for their bedrooms to do just that. Wynn meanwhile finishes cleaning table and feels mild irritation on how he will need to now he may have to be a voice in Claudia's ear that keeps her focused. He does feel some empathy for her and Malcolm, but with everything being disrupted like this, he is seriously considering pulling up stakes and leaving. However the gnawing urge to leave no trace behind him eats away at the back of his mind. Donovian knows about him, and certainly needs to be removed. Permanently.
The errant thought that Claudia and Malcolm would need a similar permanent silencing flutters through his mind for a moment. He disregards it immediately as unnecessary. A haunting thought follows after he dismisses it however. "For now."

Next scene

The following morning, the house is awoken by a very loud knock at the door just before dawn break. All of the members of the household rise up with a jolt and wait a moment to listen if the rapping is repeated. When it is not, Claudia goes to Malcolm's room to settle the boy's confusion while Wynn goes to check the front door. There is no sign anyone is waiting on the other side of it. However, slipped beneath the door is an envelope. Approaching with caution, Wynn investigates the letter. Even in the early morning gloom he is able to see that it is addressed to him in spiraling cursive letters. He notes that it also smells like perfume.
Claudia and Malcolm appear in the hallway and ask Wynn what it is, and upon him revealing it is a letter addressed to him, the trio all wonder what it could mean. Although Wynn does his pondering in his own mind, the other two are quite curious. Claudia doesn't recognize the hand writing, or the scent of the perfume, discounting it being anyone she knows.
Wynn will take the letter into his room and open it, already suspecting it may be from Dierdra. His suspicions are only partially affirmed when the contents of the envelope contain only a time, and the words "St. Hammond Park. Today. Just want to talk. Can help you with you Director problem," all in the same elegant cursive script. Wynn is distrustful of course, but the mention of assistance with Donovian does pique his interest.

IF Attachment is >=3 and IF Honesty is >=3, weighing his options, he barely considers his own issues over those of perhaps solving things for Claudia and Malcolm. While the image of him being the main course of Alphonse's next macabre banquet flashes through his mind, Wynn also recalls that Dierdra specifically was the one who was sickened most from being forced to partake in the cannibalistic ritual. In fact Wynn would go so far as to say that of those present that day, she was the one who wanted to be there least. It was a gut feeling, but Dierdra may actually be Wynn's ticket out of this situation.
IF Attachment is >=2 and IF Honesty is <=2, Wynn's immediate reaction is to consider whether this is some kind of threat or a genuine invitation. His initial thought is to not attend whatever this is as it may be some trick. However, if there is a chance to protect Claudia and Malcolm, he's willing to take it. He has affected their lives enough that if he can solve this issue for them, he will. He just reminds himself he'll need to be cautious. He won't have a repeat of last time. He is sick of trying to run away and hide, as it isn't solving any of the problems he is currently facing. So he gets himself ready in case a he will have to fight.
IF Attachment is <=1 and IF Honesty is <=1, Wynn analyzes the letter robotically, going over what he knows about Dierdra in his head and how he might be able to navigate this. She's not as bloodthirsty as her father, and if his presumptions about her reasons for not coming for him sooner are true, then Wynn has been a rather immeasurably boon to her efforts to supplant Alphonse as head of her gang. Wynn decides it is worth investigating if nothing else. Donovian is a problem, and he is open to options on how to remove him. Additionally, if this meeting goes well, Wynn may be able to leave Volcadera Bluffs with his life if not also the money.

Having decided to go forward with the meeting, Wynn exits his room to speak to a concerned Claudia and confused Malcolm. The two of them are naturally concerned about what is going on, with Malcolm becoming scared that something is wrong, mostly based off of his mother's reaction to everything. Once more, Wynn reactions differ depending on the choices he has made.

IF Attachment is >=3 and IF Honesty is >=3, Wynn will openly approach Claudia and in a comforting gesture take her hand to tell her that the letter is an invitation to talk. Malcolm is the one to ask "to who?" Wynn looks down at the boy and then to Claudia. He can feel his long dormant conscience rear its head telling him that he can no longer keep his past from the boy, but also that Claudia's own troubled history must be revealed. Although she cannot fully comprehend this in the look he gives her, the implication does get across to her.
So Wynn solemnly states that when he returns, he, Malcolm, and Claudia are going to have a big talk about what's going on, and what they're going to do about it. This does nothing to assuage the boy's unsettled feelings, but he nods his compliance. Claudia meanwhile squeezes Wynn's hand and tells him to be careful, and that she hopes this talk turns out good. She then turns to Malcolm and says that she will give the school a call, saying that the two of them will spend the day together. Malcolm is now even more confused, but he once again says OK.
IF Attachment is >=2 and IF Honesty is <=2, Wynn will tell the two of them that everything is fine. He gives Claudia a reassuring rub on the shoulder and kneels down to do the same for Malcolm. Wynn states that the letter is just from an old friend of his, and that he'll be having a talk with them later today. Claudia is only partially relieved. Given everything that has occurred in the last few days she is nervous. She is, however, willing to accept the comforting lie. Malcolm merely complains about why the mail man had to knock so loud in the morning and says he's going back to bed.
This gets a weak laugh out of Claudia who says she agrees, and the two of them return to their bed rooms. Claudia makes sure to return Wynn's shoulder rub as she passes him and bids him good luck with his talk. Wynn watches them as they go, and prepares for his departure.
IF Attachment is <=1 and IF Honesty is <=1, Wynn exits his room and proceeds to the kitchen to prepare himself some cereal for breakfast, walking past the other two and their questioning looks. As he passes them, he states the letter was from an associate of his wishing to speak today, and that it may be about a job offer. Malcolm yawns as he hears the word "job" and asks to go back to bed. Claudia gives the boy a kiss on the forehead and her go ahead as she moves to speak further with Wynn. She begins by inquiring about it being a job. "Perhaps," responds Wynn. He keeps it vague, but insinuates that it is perhaps just what he needs.
Claudia of course is happy that he's gotten such an offer an asks the follow up question as to whether this means Wynn's stay at her house is coming to an end. The man considers the possibility, and responds again with another, "Perhaps," albeit with a positive inflection. Wynn does note the sigh she lets out is one of relief, but the emotion that forms in her eyes seems to be one of disappointment. Wynn can't really fathom why that would be, but disregards it. After getting her answers, Claudia bids Wynn a good morning and returns to her bed to get some more sleep. Wynn finishes his meal and departs in silence.

After conversing with Claudia and Malcolm, and having a small breakfast, Wynn heads to the church to pick up the van. As he arrives, he will see Father Xander inspecting it in the early morning light. This arouses curiosity in Wynn, as the elder priest is very rarely up so early. Saying good morning to the elderly ankylosaur, Wynn sees that the van has a new inscription emblazoned upon its side.
Inquiring about it, Father Xander explains that after the event yesterday, he had a stencil artist come by to put a bible quote on the van. One that the priest felt could help spread the good word. He will also state that the quote in question was inspired by Wynn, which takes the man by surprise somewhat.

Half way point Ending Check

IF Attachment is = 4 and IF Honesty is = 4 Wynn gets the E4 quote. Father Xander will say that he is quite pleased with it, and thinks that Wynn has been a real help to those around him. If he keeps it up, he has a long and happy life ahead of him.
IF Attachment is = 2 or 3 and IF Honesty is = 2 or 3 Wynn gets the E3 quote. Father Xander will explain that everyone makes mistakes and compromises on doing the right thing every now and then, but it isn't the end of the world. However, the more one compromises, the more they find themselves lost, and willing to make a deal to get out of whatever mess they find themselves it. It's not always so bleak, but just food for thought.
IF Attachment is >=2 and IF Honesty is <=2 Wynn will receive the E2 quote. Father Xander will say that Wynn's apparent acceptance of a new lifestyle was rather inspirational. He's known many people who, the moment they recovered from their wounds, would go and get themselves hurt all over again. Father Xander is pleased at how close he and Claudia have become, but warns the man that he would do well to stop denying his history if he wishes to stay with her. Being honest with oneself can lift many burdens.
IF Attachment is <=1 and IF Honesty is <=1 Wynn will read out the E1 quote. Father Xander will say that it's a prayer to resist temptation. He says that Wynn has been distant, and he worries for him. The whole situation could go a lot of ways for the man, and Father Xander tells him that it's not too late change things for the better. To become closer to others and be more honest. There's still time for a man so young.

Thanking Father Xander for whatever words of wisdom he was willing to share, Wynn tells the old priest he has a meeting he must get to. Father Xander wishes him good luck, and the man drives off, considering the quote that now emblazons the van and how it relates to him.
Arriving at the park a little ahead of schedule, it is still rather early in the morning. This side of the city has much more morning mist than Bayside does, so Wynn is even more on edge with visibility so low.
He parks the van and proceeds to walk the avenues and paths of the park. He is unsettled by how close he is to Little Troodon by coming here, but that is just an unfortunate reality he has to live with. He understands that in this situation, he has very little control.
Eventually, Wynn will hear someone calling out to him. A "Hey you! Guy with the purple coat!" Initially Wynn believes this may be the person he is meant to speak to, but rolling through his memories, he does not recall that voice belonging to Dierdra. Squinting his eyes to try and perceive through the mist, he at last catches sight of a saurian woman manning a hot dog stand.
Her jubilant personality seems to drive the mist around her away as she nods her head in response to Wynn noticing her and waves him over. She happily asks if the man wants to be her first customer of the day. The hot dogs are fresh, and the ice cream tubs are fully stocked, so he can have his pick of anything.
Wynn's initial thought is to disregard the offer, but he wagers that a hotdog may actually not be a bad idea if he's going to be waiting around awhile. Before he can speak however, another feminine voice answers for him from over his shoulder, saying that he'll be buying two of the vendor's best. The voice is one Wynn recognizes, and seems to carry the same scent as the perfumed letter.
Before he can even turn around, a slender arm firmly coils around one of his and the elegant allosaur woman, Dierdra, pulls him along to the hot dog stand. Dierdra is dressed in an expensive looking dress and heels, that show off and accentuate her ample female charms, although Wynn's first thought is that she's not exactly dressed for hot dogs in the park. Before he can really consider the juxtaposition at hand, he is being asked by the hot dog woman for payment.
Diedra also seems to be expecting him to proffer up the payment, and after a few awkward moments of Wynn analyzing what's going on, she asks if the man forgot the money at home. The comment's significance is not lost on Wynn as extracts some of the pocket money he keeps on hand for incidental purchases and pays the vendor. Dierdra is apparently amused by the mundane exchange and thanks Wynn, as she tells him she missed breakfast.
Her rather conversational tone catches Wynn off guard, as does the apparent state of ease she seems to be in. She guides him towards a central fountain where she says that they can have their little talk there, but before all that she says that she really must apologize for what must have been a rude wake up call this morning. She says that she's very busy and doesn't have time for every thing to be subtle.
Arriving at the fountain she sits on the ledge of the fountain's pool, and pats the spot next to her for Wynn to follow suit. Giving a quick visual scan of the area, he sees nothing but the thick morning mist obscuring everything around them. He sits next to the saurian woman as she very daintily eats her hotdog. After he is situated, Dierdra wastes very little time explaining to Wynn what is going on between bites.
To begin with, she is delighted to finally have a chance to talk with him. She had thought he might have died considering how he looked when he hobbled out of her father's restaurant. She suppresses a laugh as she says that it wasn't a particularly well thought out escape, but she guesses her party wasn't expected. For what it is worth, she is happy to see he lived, and isn't a cripple. She comments on how humans really must be made of rubber. Wynn provides no comment.
She proceeds to explain she only really found out he was still alive, and even still in the area thanks to one of her father's little toadies, the hospital director, Donovian, who she presumes Wynn has already had the displeasure of meeting. Her tone gains an edge to it as she describes Donovian being a worm that handles the disposal of the bodies her father leaves in his wake and cleaning them up so the police won't find any evidence that might suggest Alphonse was the one to murder them.
Donovian, in exchange gets paid for these services and insurance that he will keep that comfy little position of his at the hospital. However, he seems to think this also lets him make certain demands of her father's organization. Not of Alphonse directly, but of her. So, Dierdra explains how surprised she was when she was given a picture of one Private Wynn Doe by Donovian asking for some information on him.
Dierdra takes this time to mention how she has known about Donovian's little grudge against Claudia and her son for some time, and it is one of the reasons she dislikes the director. It's just unprofessional. But she was quite amused how Wynn turned up living with them, so when Donovian called her, demanding something he could use to further make the lives of this family hell, it was with delight that Dierdra told him to shut up and mind his own business. That her father's organization sees no profit in feeding his grudge against some woman he used to indulge himself with.

Finishing the hot dog Dierdra continues her exposition. She confirms Wynn's theory that she let him escape from her father's restaurant that night, and that she has indeed been using the theft as means to rally her father's supporters to her side. However, she says that it is taking longer than expected to win them over. They're all scared out of their minds of Alphonse.
Alphonse himself seems completely disinterested in the missing money. He has given a standing order to find the guy who stole it and bring his head to Alphonse, but he also put Dierdra in charge of that. Seeing as how she was the only one who got a clear look at Wynn, and that the man had been smart and not spending the cash like a madman, it made her job of looking for him taking so long not seems suspicious.
Her voice grows darker as she explains that Alphonse, her father, is a monster. Every year that goes by he becomes more and more brutal and deranged, like he's regressing into some primeval state. It terrifies all of them. That little display Wynn was privy to was just a peek at a madness that has been growing for God knows how long.
She looks at Wynn in the eyes and tells him that she wants to make a deal with him, and if he helps her, she can guarantee not just Wynn coming out on top of things, but she can help Claudia and Malcolm with their problems too.
Wynn has been patiently and silently listening to all this. After a few moments of consideration he asks Dierdra what her offer is.
She says that, for the time being, Wynn can hold onto the money. She will need it later, and if Wynn plays along, she can get him a spot in her new organization. He'd be a made man for helping her bring down her father and returning the stolen money. As for Donovian, she'd make sure that when Alphonse goes down, she'll air out some of the director's dirty laundry. He'll either fall in line, or end up ruined and behind bars. In either case, he won't bother Claudia again.
Wynn thinks for a moment on all this, and asks what if he goes to the police with all this information she's given him. Dierdra responds with a scoff, and asks what Wynn is going to do when the police ask who he is? Assuming of course Dierdra even lets that happen. She reminds Wynn that she could just take what she wants, but she'd rather settle things with a nice compromise where everyone can win.
Unexpectedly she runs a scaled hand through Wynn's hair as she says she also would rather not kill Wynn. She admits to thinking he's kinda cute. Wynn's reaction to being touched in such a manner coupled with the remark leaves him with a bit of an uncomfortable expression.
She laughs as he recoils, saying that she means it, but understands if he surprised by the notion. She rises to her feet and tells him that she'll let Wynn think over her offer, and that she will be in touch. There's still a bit of time before she needs a yes or no from him, but she will come for an answer before too long. She also warns him that one way or another she will get the money back. He might not like finding out what will happen if he doesn't give it up willingly. The elegant Allosaur woman flutters her hand in farewell to Wynn and disappears into the now thinning morning mist.
Wynn sits there for another 5 or so minutes, just going over the merits of the offer in his head. By the time the mist finally disintegrates in the morning sun, he has decided on at least one aspect of the path forward.

IF Attachment is = 4 and Honesty is = 4, Wynn concludes that while Dierdra's offer sounds good, it also sounds like he'd just end up deeper in a life he wants no part in. Not anymore anyway. His ruminations do reveal one thing clearly to him: the life he wants to lead is with Claudia and Malcolm. Dierdra mentioned that she knows about Donovian's dirty laundry, and she seems keen on getting rid of him. Perhaps Wynn could convince her to take out Donovian early. Or just give tell Wynn what she knows so he can do it. He also considers that even though she scoffed at the idea, the police may not be such a bad idea.
Father Xander has a contact within the police department after all. That might be the answer to Claudia needing some protection from whatever abuse of the law Donovian may throw at her.
The impression of Dierdra that Wynn is left with is that, despite the life she comes from and what he first witnessed of her those months ago, she is cut from a completely different cloth than her father and the rest of his gang. It's more of a hunch on Wynn's part, but her body language, mannerisms, and tone tell him she isn't lying or trying to deceive him. Also, although she attempted to play off the tussling of his hair and "cute" comment as a jest, Wynn doesn't think she was joking.
IF Attachment is = 2-3 and Honesty is = 2-3, Wynn thinks about Dierdra's offer hard, and believes that it may be too good to be true, but he can't see any other option. She is correct that the police are unlikely to be a boon to him, and no doubt far less understanding than Father Xander was about stealing money from an infamous gang lord. This way at least, it seems Claudia, Malcolm, and Wynn all come out ahead. Assuming Dierdra is telling the truth of course.
IF Attachment is >=2 and Honesty is <=1, Wynn doesn't trust her. He remembers all too well the macabre scene that he saw those months ago. Her offer to swoop in and solve all of Wynn and Claudia's problems is just too good to be true. Add to that he doesn't like putting off dealing Donovian later. The amount of damage the director can do to Claudia's life while he's waiting for Dierdra is too much for Wynn to accept. Worst of all he can't tell Claudia about any of this. It would only make her life harder knowing the full extent of Wynn's baggage, and he may lose her. He feels lost in all this, and out of that confusion, he just feels angry.
IF Attachment is <=1 and Honesty is <=1, Wynn sits there and starts doing some calculations in his mind. This is an opportunity he can definitely exploit. He would just need to have Claudia hold on for a few more months and then he can jump ship to Dierdra. He would like to make sure there aren't any loose ends though, so if given the chance, he'd still like to ensure Donovian won't be problem going forward. Dierdra seems ready to burn him anyway, and if Donovian has any loyalty to Alphonse, he could be a detriment to whatever she has planned. Things are still in motion, so Wynn does not commit to the decision yet.

After concluding his thoughts on the matter, Wynn rises and makes his way out of the park. IF on a route to E4 or E3, Wynn eats the cold hotdog as he goes. IF E2, he throws it away without taking a bite. IF E1, he just leaves it on the fountain ledge.
IF Attachment is >=3 and Honesty is >=3, upon returning home, Claudia and Malcolm are waiting for him. They are both eager to hear the news, so Wynn takes a seat and begins. IF Wynn has not told Claudia of his past yet, he would do so here. He reveals to Malcolm (and Claudia if she did not know already) his history as an amnesiatic thief, and how he came to live with them.
The boy is quiet for a few moments, but soon begins asking questions that attempt to conceptualize things that fit his 5 year old understanding. Like, if Wynn is a secret agent sort of thief or super hero theif that steals from bad guys. Wynn doesn't know quite how to respond to that sort of label, but says that he never cared who he stole from before. He only started caring about that sort of thing when he started living with Malcolm and his mother. The young boy then cements it in his head that Wynn is like a bad guy turned good, just like in Kingdom Souls. Although it's a bit more complicated than that, Wynn relents to being described as such.
Next, Wynn describes his meeting with Dierdra and her offer of assistance. Wynn hasn't decided on what to do yet, but he has some time. He does admit that given the choice is an appealing one, but he doesn't know what hidden costs there may be to it. As Wynn mentions the offer Dierdra made to assist Claudia and Malcolm, Wynn gives the parasaur woman an expectant look. With a heavy breath Claudia nods. She apparently has been preparing herself for this moment. She slowly and very tenderly sits Malcolm onto her lap and says that there is something she has to tell him, then explains to him about the phonecalls. Not all the gruesome details, but that they are coming from a bad man, and that with Wynn's help, they might go away.
This provokes several emotions out of Malcolm, but most notable are confusion as to why anyone would bully his mother, concern for her, anger at the one doing it, and a pleading look towards Wynn. He asks that Wynn is going to fix things, right? The man gives the boy a nod, which seems to settle things in the child's mind. Malcolm give his mother a big ol' hug and says that Wynn's gonna help so everything will be okay. Claudia, as you might expect is moved to tears by her son's overwhelming concern for her well being, and thanks him for his support and being such a good boy.
IF Attachment is = 4 and Honesty is = 4, Wynn will add onto the end of this talk that Father Xander has a contact within the Volcadera Police department, and Wynn thinks not only should he have a talk with him, but Claudia as well. He explains that Dierdra let slip a few things that might get the eyes of the police on the Director. Claudia agrees to this, and says that she and Wynn will go see Father Xander tomorrow to ask him for his help.
Satisfied and relieved that there is an idea of how to move forward, the trio decide that perhaps they should order a pizza, and unwind after a rather stressful few days.

IF Attachment is >=2 and Honesty is <=2, Wynn's return home has only caused the unbalanced feelings inside of him to seethe inside his stomach. On one hand, he doesn't want anyone or anything to hurt Claudia, but on the other, doing so requires he keep her in the dark about all of this. He doesn't know if he can keep such a deception from her forever, but it's the best way to keep her and Malcolm safe.
The house is empty when he arrives. The others have gone about their days, leaving Wynn alone. He spends the rest of the day contemplating what course of action would be best, and getting what lie he's going to tell Claudia about this little meeting of his he had today.

IF Attachment is <=1 and Honesty is <=1, Wynn returns to Claudia's house and finds it empty. She and Malcolm have gone to work and school, leaving him alone. He rather robotically sets about the daily routine of the various chores and cleaning he does around the house. Internally, he continues to roll around Dierdra's offer, and considers the eventuality that he may not want to put down stakes with Dierdra either, as at some point during this whole fiasco, the police WILL get involved.
The idea of taking the money and leaving Volcadera Bluffs, while also leaving no trace behind him, once more rises to the summit of his thoughts. However, to do so now would be rather complicated thanks to Dierdra. Dierdra, Donovian, Claudia and Malcolm, and their whole church. While some may forget him in time, there are those that will remember him enough to point him out to any one who comes looking for him. Whether that be a gangster or police officer. A grim thought emerges from the corners of his mind, but he does not shake it away as quickly as he did last time. But shake it away he does. It's is not necessary to come to that drastic of a measure.
Yet.

goodness this part took a while. And I don't even really like half of it.

Part 5B - In which Wynn and Claudia cement their relationship, and the divergence in the routes becomes more pronounced.
Also, for those keeping track, it has been 3 months, 1 week, and 5 days since in the story. Most of these stories tend to have a 6 months time period, so that means we are indeed half way done.
Funny how all that works.

Two Weeks later
The two weeks since the meeting with Dierdra have been eerily calm. There have been no harassing calls made, no letters delivered at the early hours of morning, and for a time it seems to Wynn that things have settled into a fine little routine.
IF Attachment is >=3 and Honesty is >=3, Wynn and Claudia have become quite close since opening up about their pasts to not only one another, but also Malcolm. There is a level of trust amongst all of them that Wynn has never really known before.
Malcom has taken to the revelations about Wynn and Claudia's histories well. Whether he really comprehends the depth of his mother's issues is up for debate, but his understanding of Wynn's history is very clearly a child's view of things. He is under the impression that Wynn is much cooler as an ex-thief turned good guy than as a test driver that got beat up. He has even begun to mimic some of Wynn's mannerisms, which has been equal parts amusing and concerning to his mother.
The young boy did tell Tiffany about the whole thing however, which did cause a bit of a stir. Fortunately she had enough wherewithal to talk to Claudia and Wynn about it in private, and swore to keep it a secret. She is also in the camp that thinks Wynn is now cooler than before, and has begun asking if he can teach her some cool super thief skills. Wynn has mostly held off on teaching her and Malcolm tricks of his old trade. But there are some things that are just too practical to not be taught, like how to open doors and windows if you should happen to forget your keys.
Speaking with Father Xander about possible police involvement over the course of these two weeks has resulted in very little in the way of results. As the priest explained it, his contact will look into the matter, but he has to run any possible actions through the chief first. However, he does mention that he may be able to set up a meeting, but it will take some time.
IF Attachment is >=2 and Honesty is <=2, Wynn and Claudia have still become quite close. Although there is a barrier of secrecy between the two, Wynn's protectiveness of Claudia and both of them insisting that everything will turn out fine has created a strange sort of idyllic life. However, there is a constant sense of of paranoia that persists over them. Wynn is always looking over his shoulder or expecting the phone to ring.
Malcolm is mostly unaware of this sense of unease that hangs over the two adults in his life, and continues as he normally does. He does enjoy the extra attention he gets from Wynn of course.
In addition, he monitors the cameras he set up to watch Donovian's movements often. Rarely does Wynn not know when Donovian is out of his house. Wynn believes that he will be ready to respond if and when Donovian tries something.
IF Attachment is <=1 and Honesty is <=1, Wynn has spent the last two weeks managing Claudia's increasingly erratic behavior. Her confidence in being able to keep her and Malcolm safe is completely shot after the incident at the fair and dinner. She has ceded more decision making to Wynn over the course of these two weeks as a result. His apparent calm and collected nature and his assurances to handle things is all it takes to convince her to abjugate her authority.
Wynn has noticed Malcolm display a growing concern for his mother. The young boy is not sure what is going on with her, but he often finds himself wrapped up in her arms in the evening. On occasion, it is all she can do to remain calm. Malcolm doesn't understand why this is, but he does understand that it is helpful to his mother, and is more than willing to provide the service for her. Wynn observes all this from a distance. The relationship between the man and the parasaur boy could be described at this point as strictly business.
Like above, Wynn has been keeping an eye on Donovian's movements. The man is well appraised of the director's comings and goings. However, he does plan on utilizing Dierdra's assistance with the matter to the fullest, so he is holding off on any drastic actions until he can get some assurances.

As the morning breaks over the house hold Claudia comes to Wynn in a particularly good mood, and says that the two of them should all go out to a restaurant for dinner. Wynn asks what about Malcolm, and Claudia assures him that Tiffany is up to the task of watching him for the evening. He of course agrees to the dinner, but he is still a little curious, and raises an eyebrow as he wonders what the occasion could be.

IF Attachment >=2, he can see the excitement in Claudia's face and guess that this outing may have been a long time coming. The two of them have become very close over these last months, and he has to admit that he has wanted to spend some time with her in a setting where they could be not only be alone, but also relax from all the drama unfolding around them.
Between Donovian, Dierdra, and IF Honesty >=3, the dramatic reveals they've shared with each other and Malcolm, the two having a nice quiet evening to unwind sounds like the perfect way to do just that.
The two of them are rather excited about the whole idea. Wynn doesn't say much beyond his initial approval, but his expression betrays the growing sense of anticipation for the evening. Claudia mentioned that this time they would go to that restaurant she was told of all those weeks ago.
With a bemused grimace, she states that while Pizza Cave was nice, she was thinking of something that is a little more...intimate.
With their plans agreed upon, and a time set, the two of them proceed about their daily routines. Claudia goes to work, and Wynn prepares himself for the evening. Grooming himself as best as he knows how, taking a shower, and selecting his cleanest t-shirt and pants. It never really crosses his mind that he may need any kind of finer apparel for the outing.
Meanwhile his thoughts are occupied by the possibilities of the conversations the two may have at this dinner of theirs. Always, his mind returns to a scene of romance, and just what he might say to the parasaur woman. In his mental image, he is able to speak to her plainly and confidently about his feelings. However, as he attempts to repeat these same words aloud to the empty room, he finds he stumbles to even get out two words.
Despite his attempts to organize his thoughts and feelings, which all seem so clear in his mind, trying to speak any of these thoughts aloud is an uphill battle for him. For most of the day he tries and fails to get the words out.
Now he begins to worry.
Not being able to actually confess the feelings that have been building inside of him since first meeting Claudia causes Wynn to do what he always does when he starts to worry: pace back and forth around the house and try to think his way out of the situation. That and wandering if this restaurant they're going to has anything he can jump off or through to make a hasty get away.
Eventually he comes to the conclusion that, seeing as how he has never been the conversationalist, Claudia will likely be doing most of the actual conversing. In fact she may even broach the subject of having affection for Wynn herself.
If it comes down to it however, and he must be the one to bring it up, he decides that he will for go any attempts of long flowery speeches and just say it. If she feels the same way about him as he feels about her, then she should understand.
With his preparations and mental readiness set, all that is left for him is to wait.
Time moves forward. When Claudia returns home, she takes note of Wynn's casual appearance and asks him if he has any nicer clothes. Displaying more concern than he expected, Wynn bashfully says no. Instead of a disappointed huff, Claudia just laughs and assures Wynn that what he's wearing will be fine for tonight, but one of these days she is going to take him shopping for some respectable formal wear.
As she passes him on her way to her room, she mentions he's going to need something more than a t-shirt if he plans on getting a good job.
Wynn considers the statement. He had been so focused on preparing for the inevitable confrontations with Donovian and Alphonse and whatever form those conflicts will take form as, he hadn't actually given any thought to what would occur if he should succeed in breaking Claudia and himself free of their two personal demons.
Wynn hangs out in the living room as he listens to Claudia bustling to and fro from her room to the bathroom as she prepares for a shower. Her mood is bright, and Wynn leans back and enjoys the sound of her humming some happy tune he doesn't recognize.
The man leans back and basks in the mundane comfort that permeates the household. Then the phone rings.
Wynn shoots up straight as an arrow and looks at the phone like it might be a serpent that's getting ready to bite him. He notes that the noise of the shower is silenced. Both he and Claudia brace themselves. As the phone rings, Wynn approaches the phone and hover a hand over the handset. This time, Wynn decides that Donovian's abuse will not go unanswered. He knows about Wynn and Claudia now, and he already promised to make things worse, so Wynn will at least attempt to intimidate him.
Eventually, the call goes to the answering machine. Tiffany's voice croaks through the speaker, catching the man completely off guard. Wynn fumbles as he attempts to pick up the handset and answer, finally saying hello to the girl.
Tiffany responds groggily, saying that she is very sorry, but she can't watch Malcolm tonight. She's come down with some kind of flu.
Wynn nods an affirmation, and then realizes that the girl can't see the gesture, which he corrects with a verbal confirmation of coming to pick up Malcolm. Hanging up the phone, he proceeds to the bathroom door. As he approaches, Claudia cracks it open and peeks out, asking what the call was about.
He informs her about the situation. She is at once relieved and disappointed. She's happy it wasn't Donovian, but their evening seems to have been derailed anyway. Wynn doesn't think so, and tells Claudia that he's happy to bring Malcolm along. She smiles at him through the door, saying how she figured he would, but she DID want to have some private talk with him.
Wynn answers with a shrug, suggesting they can just stay up late. She just smirks, and replies, "It's a date," before closing the door and returning to her shower. A flash of warmth tingles up Wynn's spine at the phrase, but he doesn't linger on it long before setting out to pick up Malcolm.
When the man arrives to collect the parasaur boy, Tiffany is incredibly apologetic for getting sick, and hopes she hasn't passed anything onto Malcolm. Wynn says it is fine, and that Malcolm will just have to come join Claudia and him for dinner. Malcolm is bummed about not getting to stay with Tiffany, but the promise of dinner changes his attitude rather quickly.
By the time the two return home, Claudia is dressed and ready to go. She does insist that Malcolm bathing before going into public after spending time with someone who was sick, but it is a short process.
Before long, the three of them drive off for a night of family fun.

IF Attachment is <=1, Wynn can see the desperation in Claudia's expression. He scans the woman's features and comes to the conclusion that in her current stressed state she is attempting some kind of state of normalcy. In his summation, she has started associating Wynn's mechanical stoicism with stability, and may be trying to replicate a normal relationship.
Wynn immediately sees the benefit of appearing to be in such a relationship, even though his own feelings on Claudia are currently mixed. Appearing to be in a relationship would help explain why he has remained with her so long. Not only that, he can exploit Claudia's ever more prominent mental decline and say he is remaining to assist her through some tough times. Which is not even really a lie. His presence could, conceivably, be of genuine benefit to her.
He accepts the invitation and a wave of relief washes over the parasaur woman. She says that reservations shouldn't be necessary, but if Wynn would like to make some, then she can provide the number for the restaurant. An offer he readily accepts. Satisfied and, daresay excited even, Claudia prepares herself for work, while Wynn goes to make reservations for two at a place called "Dino-Moe's."
It sounds like a pretty casual place to eat at, so he doesn't feel the need to go an get nicer clothes for the outing.
As for what conversation he's hoping for, Wynn will be satisfied if he can make it so the Claudia ends up feeling that he is indispensable to her going forward. Again, not really an exaggeration considering in her current state.
Wynn whittles away the time until Claudia's return and their departure going through his routine of chores, observing Donovian's movements, making some mental notes of what he could say during dinner, and debating with himself on the merits of Dierdra's offer. The last point in particular occupies a great deal of his thoughts, and gives rise him considering ideas on how to get away without ending up under her thumb.
Eventually Claudia returns looking exhausted. She doesn't really register Wynn until he greets her. When he does so, she makes an effort to replace her tired expression with her usual smiling face. It does little to hide how she really feels, and Wynn suggests that she looks like she could use a shower, and that he'll prepare her some tea before they head out.
She agrees that both of those sound great, and shuffles off to her room. Wynn meanwhile moves to the kitchen and begins boiling some water for tea. The brand of tea markets itself on being relaxing and stress relieving, and features a pink raptor with sunglasses on the box.
Claudia is only just making her way out of her room with a bundle of clothes when the phone rings. A tumbling sound is heard from the hallway
Wynn dashes out of the kitchen to see Claudia has collapsed against the wall, her face buried in her hands and trembling. The man can already hear her breathing begin to increase in pace and intensity. He can hear her mumble from behind her hands, "please...not now...not today."
In one swift movement Wynn moves to the phone and picks the handset up, bringing it to his ear. What he expected was Donovian's voice to start hissing out of the headset, what he got instead was a sneeze, followed by a very sick sounding girl's voice asking hello. Wynn quizzically says Tiffany's name out loud as he leans down the hallway to keep an eye on Claudia.
Upon hearing it is Tiffany, Claudia's face slides up out of her hands and she lets out a sigh of relief. Her eyes shine with moisture from tears that were on the verge of streaming out. She glances towards him before she wipes the still forming tears from her eyes and asks what Tiffany is calling about.
Tiffany's raspy voice apologizes from the other end of the line for calling, but she's come down with a cold and can't watch Malcolm tonight. Wynn is silent for a bit as he considers the alteration to the evening's plans. Wynn tells Claudia about the change, getting an understanding but undoubtably tired nod in reply.
Wynn informs Tiffany that he'll be by to pick up Malcolm soon and hangs up. After a quick call to Dino-Moe's to inform them there will by one more person to add to the reservation, he goes to collect the boy while Claudia enters the shower.
Tiffany is apologetic when Wynn arrives, hoping she didn't pass anything on to Malcolm. Wynn is somewhat terse with her, asking whether she was sick when she agreed to watch Malcolm this morning. After a rather impressive sneeze, the young girl explains she was fine all day, but the moment she got home, WHAMO, it hit her all at once. She thought she'd be able to manage, but she's barely functioning at the moment.
Wynn is disappointed by the explanation, but accepts it, motioning for Malcolm to come with him. Malcolm is bummed that he can't stay with Tiffany, but perks up when told he will be joining Wynn and Claudia for dinner.
When the two return to Claudia's house, the parasaur woman is still in her bedroom, and calls out to them that she'll be ready soon. After a few minutes she exits with her usual happy face and scoops Malcolm up in her arms for a big hug and asks if he is excited. Naturally the boy affirms that he is.
The trio exit to Claudia's car and drive off.

The three exit their car and enter the gentle lighting of Dino Moe's parking lot. The soft yellow lighting gives the entire place a very cozy atmosphere, and the smells that waft out from within the structure are enticing.
The place looks pretty fancy to Wynn. Not the same kind of fancy as Alphonse's restaurant. Alphonse's place was more reminiscent of a nightclub. This place is more like a somewhat posh and upscaled version of your typical family diner.
Entering the premises, they are greeted by a hostess who guides them to their seats. IF Attachment is >=2, they are guided to a free table in the family section. IF <=1, then to the private booth Wynn reserved.
Soon, after they are seated and handed menus, with a child activity sheet and crayon for Malcolm. Wynn takes the time to absorb the atmosphere. The cozy glow hinted at outside did not disappoint. The restaurant was indeed quite charming and had evidently been quite well maintained. However, there was one thing that stood out to Wynn.
There was an awful lot of shouting coming from the kitchen. The voices were muffled by the walls and the general din in the eating area masked it well, but if one were to listen closely, they would hear an argument occurring somewhere beyond the kitchen doors.
Suddenly the kitchen doors fly open and a young saurian woman that looks like a waitress storms out. She throws what appears to be her apron into the hostess' podium as she leaves. Judging by the angry expression on her face stomping march to took out of the restaurant, she has either been fired or quit.
Behind her, an old, greying tyrannosaurus man watches her go, clearly displeased. His more pronounced saurian qualities make it quite comical when he puts his tiny arms on his hips, shakes his head, and grumbles something about "the youth just not knowing how to work no more."
A moment later the aging saurian has taken notice of Wynn looking at him, and approaches. He now wears a wide toothy grin and apologizes that he's gonna have to be their waiter tonight due to some disagreements with the staff about what the definition of "end of shift" is. He introduces himself to the group as THE Dino Moe and with many amusing gesticulations ask them what they'd all like to drink. Claudia and Malcolm are delighted by the exuberant host as he very charmingly makes some small talk with them as he jots down their orders.
After taking their orders for drinks, the old saurian vanishes to another part of the restaurant to wait on more tables in what is now his section. Despite the markings of age that cover his features, he is still apparently up to the task. Meanwhile, the trio make conversation among themselves about what to order. Although it is mostly Malcolm and Claudia conversing. The young boy seems pleased as punch to be here, and Claudia is more than happy to have had him tag along despite it not being her initial intent.
Only a few minutes pass before Dino Moe returns with the drinks and asks for the main course. Counter to expectations, they do not all just get pizza, but some other very fine italian meals. Except Malcolm, he gets some Herbivore Approved dino-nuggets and french fries. Wynn indulges in getting something with some meat on it.
During the interlude between Moe bringing them their orders, the trio are once again able to converse, although Wynn and Claudia are running out of topics that they want to speak of in front of Malcolm. As discussion stalls Malcolm provides suitable distraction as he shows his mother his activity sheet and asks for help in completing some of tasks. Taking it, she places it where Wynn can also view it and asks what the man makes of it.
The short list of activities on the page are: A word search, a word scramble, a simple crossword, a maze, a draw a shape or object to answer a question, a fill in the blank question (the answer is pizza), and a cartoon dinosaur asking to have his colors filled in. The worksheet is mostly completed. Malcolm, despite being 5, appears to be a rather deft hand when it comes to scribbling crayon on paper. Most everything is drawn where it is meant to be, and with the lines. He does seem to have an issue with the words though.
The Word Scramble and search are both incomplete, and he somehow misspelled pizza for the fill in the blank. Claudia, for her part, is focusing on the positively reinforcing the things he has completed or done well on the sheet. She is particularly complimentary on her son's ability to draw carefully inside the lines of the maze and cartoon character.

ATTACHMENT CHOICE 5
Correct the mistakes and Complete the activities for Malcolm

Wynn takes the offered worksheet as an invitation and quickly sets about completing the rest of the activities on the paper. He makes sure Malcolm can see the method as he does so, as well as taking a moment to explain when he corrects any of the young parasaur's mistakes. Malcolm watches carefully, but frowns as Wynn systematically completes all the remaining tasks, letting out a pouty, "Hey," as Wynn takes over. Claudia shoots an annoyed look at the man, but is also amused by how focused Wynn becomes. Wynn doesn't notice this at first, and only catches on near the end of his corrections.
Moe returns to as Wynn slides the activity sheet back over to Malcolm with a small hint of embarrassment. Moe comments as he starts placing down the dishes that if Wynn wants an activity place mat of his own, he can go grab the man one. This gets the other two laughing.

Attempt to Guide Malcolm to the right answers (+1)

Wynn looks over the activity sheet and decides and places the the paper between himself and the boy. He then starts a series of simple back and forth questions with Malcolm that will inevitably solve the remaining activities or correct some of the boy's spelling mistakes. Malcolm is quite receptive to this, and with the simple guidance from Wynn and the encouragement of his mother, he is able to finish the worksheet. Once he's done, he thanks his mother and Wynn and looks it over himself, feeling pretty proud of himself.
Moe returns with their food, and beams a bright smile at the trio. He comments that he's always happy to see happy customers in his restaurant.

As the food is laid out before them, the elderly tyrannosaur lingers for a few moments near their table and casts his gaze around the restaurant. It's a slow night, and there are apparently not many things happening at the moment, leaving him little else to do but to appraise the trio in front of him.
Showcasing years of experience in talking with customers, Moe rather bluntly attempts to converse with Wynn and Claudia by saying how nice it is to see such a nice couple out with their kid. The comment is taken about as well as to be expected. Claudia immediately goes red from shock and embarrassment as she tries to not choke on the pasta she had just put into her mouth. Wynn freezes as he tries to not only process the comment, but how best to respond.
IF Attachment is >=2, Claudia attempts to explain to Moe that she and Wynn are just friends out for an evening, but has difficulty in communicating this with a mouth full of food. Malcolm, the sweet, naive boy that he is, is unaffected by the comment beyond mild confusion. And because kids say the darndest things, he asks the older saurian man, in a completely innocent tone, if dinosaurs and humans can have babies. Moe realizes he has miscalculated a bit, while Malcolm looks questioningly at him.

Claudia will look on in horror at the embarrassing conversation unfolding before her, and after swallowing her food, she bashfully explain that yes, humans and saurians can indeed have children together. The boy thinks about the new information for a moment, and asks if his dad was a human. He wastes no time in diving right into his next question to his his stammering and flustered mother and asks something that she is definitely not prepared for. He inquires if Wynn is his dad, with his gaze glancing between Claudia and Wynn for an answer.
Claudia's expression of surprised embarrassment transforms into one of heartache. She looks to Wynn for support as she is at a loss for words, and he can read it in her features that this is not a conversation she wants to have. So Wynn decides to take the bullet for her, so to speak. He answers Malcolm and in very even tones, explains that he is not Malcolm's father.
The boy is too young to know how to conceal his disappointment as he looks back down at his place mat with a curt, "Oh." Wynn feels a twinge of pain in his chest as he sees the boy in such a state.
With the night on the cusp of being ruined, Wynn thinks back to earlier that day when he wished to make his true feelings known to Claudia, and comes to the conclusion that he still wishes to do so. So in an attempt to save the evening from being ruined, Wynn makes his move
He tells Malcolm that he would be happy if he was his father. The mood of the other two shifts dramatically. Malcolm's reaction is surprisingly subdued, where he looks up, registers what Wynn has said, and then looks back down with a look of pure elation on his face as he scribbles a doodle on the paper in front of him. Claudia's reaction is less so. Her gaze was transfixed on Wynn's as he said those words, a gentle and thankful smile spreading across her face. After a brief moment she reaches out to grasp onto one of Wynn's hands and squeeze it tightly, and in plain view of anyone to see.
The warmth that flows through Wynn is nothing compared to what he feels when Claudia finally says in response to Moe's initial comment. "Well, perhaps we aren't just friends."
Moe, for his part, has been standing there rather awkwardly and apologetically for possibly bringing up a rather touchy subject that he definitely didn't want to deal with. BUT it seems it all worked out for the big guy. So with an exasperated sigh of relief, and from honestly being touched by the little exchange he just witnessed, he gives a very heartfelt, "AAAYYYY, IT'S ON DA HOUSE!"
The Tyrannosaur spends a good bit more chatting with Claudia and Wynn, though more like he's talking AT them, about how they remind him of a pair of kookie kids he knows from way back. A couple of good eggs, very musically inclined, sweet as can be, and gettin' married real soon.
Near the end of the evening, as the three of them are all getting ready to depart, Claudia is gathering up Malcolm and her things. Malcolm wants to keep his activity sheet, which the parasaur woman obliges and collects as well. She scans it, and sees something that causes her to suck in a quick breath before covering her mouth with a hand. She then passes it to Wynn, who looks at it and sees Malcolm had doodled the three of them sitting together happily at the table. He'd even given Wynn a smile. Malcolm had put himself between the two of them. A smile did appear on Wynn's face then, as he folded the paper up and placed it in his pocket.
The ride home is filled with mild conversation about how pleasant the evening was, while Malcolm yammers on about how he liked the nuggets but they should all get pizza next time. By the time they arrive, it's still an hour or so before the young boy's bedtime, so they all spend it watching a movie.
Unlike the previous scene where they all watched a movie, Claudia and Malcolm do not sit apart from Wynn. Instead, Claudia sits next to and leans into him, while Malcolm squeezes into a position between the two of them. This is an unexpected turn of events for Wynn, but a welcome one. Although he is usually in control of his emotions he cannot help but feel a swelling of joy within him. Casting a glance at Claudia leaning into his side, he nervously attempts an age old maneuver. With deliberate thought and motions, he puts an arm around Claudia and pulls her in just a little closer. Fortunately for him she doesn't seem to notice him being a nervous wreck about the action, but is instead quite receptive to it.
For the next hour and a half the three of them remain like this while they watch the film. Before it is over, Malcolm falls asleep and has sunken into the nook between Claudia and Wynn. The parasaur woman is not far behind, and carries him off to bed. With the other two gone and breaking up the comfortable little pile they were in, Wynn rises to his feet and sets about shutting things down and tidying up. He then hears Claudia quietly call to him from the hallway. Once he approaches, she tells him that she is extremely happy with how things went tonight, and that she's thankful Wynn is in her life.
She expounds on the fact that, even though they've only known each other for a short time, she's begun to feel a bit like her old self. Which is to say that having someone she knows she can rely on has given her back a sense of optimism and confidence she thought lost. She just wants Wynn to know how much it means to her that he's been there for her.
Before Wynn can even reply with anything, she grabs his jacket and pulls him into a deep kiss. It's not a short one either. She gets into it, and brute forces her way past the difficulties posed by their mouth's different anatomies. Wynn's brain is melting at the moment, so he is relying entirely on instinct to try and keep up with her. Eventually their lips part. Wynn has shut down mentally at this point and is lost in a pleasant haze. Claudia will cling to him for a few more moments before pulling away and guiding him back to the couch, where she will lay him down and spend a good amount of time cuddling and exchanging kisses.
Despite the passionate display of affection, the clothes stay on. After a nebulous amount of time cuddling, they end up falling asleep in each other's arms.

IF Attachment is <=1, Malcolm is too focused doodling on his activity sheet to hear the comment. Claudia hastily swallows her food and rapidly attempts to correct their host. In a fit of embarrassed stammering, she explains that Wynn is just a family friend that is staying with her until he can get back on his feet. Moe rather sheepishly apologizes for the presumption and asks if there's anything else he can get for them.

Wynn responds with a "No, thank you." The tyrannosaur departs to go about his business checking in on the rest of the dining area. Unfortunately it's pretty vacant at the moment, so the old saurian merely shrugs and returns to the kitchen, where some yelling about the staff can start cleaning up around the place.
The rest of the meal is passed in relative calm. Claudia occasionally checking in on Malcolm, and ensuring he's enjoying his meal. In fact she asks both Wynn and Malcolm that question a few times throughout the night. She is very obviously nervous that something may go not according to plan again, and wants to stay on top of things. Wynn sees an opportunity to calm her down and puts a hand on hers. She flinches and stares at him in surprise. His own stare, cold as it may be, and reassurance that "It's fine," seem to have the desired effect of unwinding the tension that was building up inside of her.
She breaths out whatever uncertainty she was feeling and is finally able to enjoy her meal in peace, commenting to herself that it's good. Eventually they all finish, the dishes are collected, and Wynn pays the bill.

Empty Choice:
Tip or No Tip: It's a small choice, but a character building one. And it's been a bit since the player got to make an empty choice

Regardless of the choice, Claudia collects Malcolm and begins to walk him away to the car, while Wynn scans the table before leaving. The activity sheet has been left there, and is covered with dozens of small drawings that range from space men and aliens, to video game characters he knows. Finally, Wynn spots a small doodle Malcolm did of himself and his mother together, with a sketch of Wynn set apart from them.
The man studies the image for a moment longer, but leaves the paper behind.
The ride back to Claudia's house is a rather quiet one. Malcolm and Claudia spend most of their time gazing out the window at the lights and buildings as the pass by. When they all return, there is a bit of time before Malcolm is due back in bed, so they occupy it with watching a film.
Like before, Claudia and Malcolm take their positions on one side of the couch, while Wynn takes his spot on the other. The pair of parasaurs nestle themselves close to one another, with Claudia holding Malcolm tightly to her, like one would a stuffed animal. The young boy finds cooperates with the gesture, doing his best to get comfortable while simultaneously comfort her. The film in question is about a British witch that takes some adoptive children on a marvelous adventure via a teleporting bed.
By the time the movie ends, Malcolm is fast asleep, and Claudia is not far behind. Wynn rises and begins to tidy up for bed before he is interrupted by Claudia calling to him from the couch. She speaks softly as to not wake up Malcolm. Wynn, in turn approaches and gives her a questioning "hm?"
Not truly looking at him, Claudia begins to speak in a mournful whispering voice. She wanted to thank Wynn for tonight, and she apologizes for everything that went wrong during it. She apologizes for the embarrassment at dinner. She apologizes for having to accommodate Malcolm. But most of all, she apologizes for her reaction to the phone call. She has been thinking about it since it happened, and how it affected her.
She has come to the conclusion that she really just can't handle it anymore. In this moment she turns to Wynn and asks him to stay because he's calm, collected, and stable. She asks him if he could stay and take care of her. She's not sure she can do it anymore.
Wynn considers what he wants to say carefully. His eyes mechanically scan the weariness that is drawn plainly in her face. Her offer is precisely what he wanted thinking back to earlier in the day. Although, it will make it more difficult to disappear if he has a woman that is entirely dependent on him holding onto him. His goal, ultimately is to disappear without a trace, like he had so often in the past. However, he is not ready to do that just yet.
Wynn kneels down next to her in response and states that he owes her and Malcolm much for the kindness and patience they have shown him. He will do what he can for them in return, and take care of them both until they are in a place where they no longer need his help.
A truly genuine smile draws itself across the parasaur woman's face, and a deep breath of relief is exhaled from within her chest. Her eyes close, and she whispers out a soft and fragile, "Thank you," before she falls into a peaceful slumber there on the couch. Wynn goes to fetch a blanket from her room and tucks the two sleeping parasaurs in on their makeshift bed. He then goes into his room, falling into his own deep and dreamless slumber.

next scene

next scene - couple status becomes official / dad status confirmed / paths start diverged?

The next morning
IF Wynn And Claudia spent the night together on the couch, they will wake up as the sun is just starting to filter in through the windows. They are slow to move. Wynn enjoys the feeling of her weight settled on top of him, and she very much enjoys the warmth of his body. In spite of their bodies desiring to remain together, Claudia will reluctantly pull herself up and off the man. She claims that she isn't sure Malcolm is ready to find the two of them like this, but adds that she will talk to him about her and Wynn's relationship. After saying this she pauses and an anticipatory expression covers her face as she asks for confirmation from Wynn that they ARE in a relationship now.
The man replies that he hopes so, as the passionate kissing from last night was the best thing he's ever felt, and he would like to do that again. Claudia laughs at this, asking if that's really the best he's ever felt. When he confirms this, she plants another kiss on his lips and promises that she thinks she can top it if he sticks around long enough that is. Wynn thinks for a moment as to what she may mean by that, but then it clicks in his mind. After another little burst of laughter Claudia moves away and into the kitchen to start preparing breakfast, while Wynn goes onto go through his morning routine with a spring in his step.
IF not, Wynn will emerge from his room early in the morning and find the two parasuars still fast asleep. His promise he made last night still replaying in his head as he considers the when and hows of fulfilling Claudia's request to take care of her and Malcolm. Specifically, the part concerning its end. There are many things that must be account for before he gets the end he wants, and just what he actually wants. There is still time to change course, he thinks, but that window is growing more narrow by the day. If he is to listen to that compulsion in his psyche that demands he remove all trace of himself from the world, to live like a ghost, then he must recommit himself to it.
That being said, as he looks down at the sleeping saurians, he feels some remorse at the idea of causing them any pain. So he shall take care of them. This he states to himself emphatically. Then, when the dust has settled on the graves of Donovian, Alphonse, and perhaps Dierdra if it comes to it, he can decide whether Claudia still needs him to care for her. And just what form that care will take the shape of. With mechanical swiftness, Wynn walks away to the kitchen and begins the making breakfast. The other two awaken to pleasant smells and the clatter of pots and pans, both eager to begin their day.

One week later
Wynn and Claudia have been attached at the hip during this time for one reason or another. Rather than confess to being in any kind of relationship, Wynn and Claudia try to act as they normally do in public, as they are do not want word to spread just yet that there may be something more going on.
IF Attachment is >=2, despite their efforts though, Minnie appears to be one of many of Claudia's social circle that suspects there has been a development between Wynn and Claudia. She does show enough tact to keep it to herself though. At home, Wynn and Claudia are in a phase where they are performing rather childish acts of romance one might expect of a teenager's first fling. Claudia especially seems keen on sneaking a kiss and a cuddle as often as she can. Wynn is helpless against her antics, partly due to his own desires for affection, and also due to her saurian strength simply being hard to resist. Malcolm knows only that his mother has never been happier, which makes him happy.
IF Attachment is <=1, then no one suspects anything is out of the ordinary. That is not to say there has not been changes to how the two act between one another. Things have seemingly reversed in the household. Where once Claudia was the ultimate authority, now Wynn coldly and calmly tells Claudia how things are to be done. He has not changed much of anything, but Malcolm has raised a curious eyebrow at his mother deferring to Wynn for solutions to tasks she once handled herself. The boy cannot quite comprehend what has changed with her, but he is becoming worried for her.
In either case, there has been one particular change that has affected things around the house in one or two subtle ways. Now when the phone rings, Wynn answers. Donovian has still not reared his head or sent another hate filled message yet. Wynn is cautiously on that last point. He is incredibly suspect that someone as much of a narcissist as Donovian would be silent this long. Wynn suspects the director is planning something. It was odd enough that before the only calls Claudia seemed to receive were from Donovian. Nowadays it was just a series of spam calls from various robocallers.
Paranoia aside, Wynn answering the phone has affected the general feeling of safety in the household. Before the phone was something to fear. With Wynn now answering it as the mundane act that it was, Claudia, and vicariously Malcolm, seemed to become bolder. The uptick of robocallers may be odd, and annoying, but it has allowed Wynn to take note of Claudia flinching less. She still pauses and holds her breath when she hears the phone ring but it is nothing like the jolts of terror that paralyzed her before.

X?X?X May move this section to a later part of the story. Not sure it fits here.

Around midday, Wynn receives a call from Malcolm's school asking for Claudia. She is at work however, so Wynn is left to ask what is the matter. The voice on the other line states that Malcolm will need to be picked up early, as there has been an incident. When asked what kind of incident, he is told that Malcolm isn't hurt, but certain accusations concerning his mother have caused him to become the target of bullying.
In an instant the phone is placed back onto the receiver and Wynn is out the door, stopping only so long as it takes to lock it, and makes his way to the church to get the van.
It takes longer than he likes to get to Malcolm's school. All during the drive Wynn was wondering about Malcolm's status and whether driving to the diner and informing Claudia would have been a smarter option. He didn't even think to call her before he left or with his burner phone. The thought also occurs to him as to why the school didn't call Claudia at the diner, like they usually do. By the time he thinks to ask that question, he has arrived.
He exits the van and hastily stalks through the front doors of the school, taking a moment to read the "Welcome to Volcano Elementary" sign that greets him. While he knew the way to the school, he has never actually been inside. Fortunately it seems that classes are still in session, so he does not have to worry about wading through crowds of children as he searches for the office. It takes him a few minutes longer than anticipated to navigate the halls, but eventually he does find it. Making a rather bold entrance, Wynn spots the aging woman at the office desk and says he has come to collect Malcolm.
She is confused by this, asking why. He says he received a call from the school claiming that Malcolm was being bullied, and to come take him back home. The lady at the desk says that no such call was made, and to verify this, she asks Wynn to follow her. Already feeling a like he's fallen into some kind of trap he urges the older saurian woman to quicken her pace. She obliges, but not without a complaint. Moments later they stand at a door to a classroom with a viewing window, wherein Wynn can see Malcolm sitting among other miniature saurians learning the finer points of addition and subtraction. The office lady offers a questioning look and asks if Wynn is satisfied.
He does not reply as he dashes down the halls, out the door, across the parking lot, and practically dives into the van. Moments later he is speeding back towards Claudia's home as fast as he can without arousing the ire of any passing police cars. He pulls in front of Claudia's house and gazes at it from the van. There seems to be no outward damage that was not there previously. Leaving the car and heading to the front door at a near sprint, he takes a deep breath as he tries the door.
It swings open. He knows he locked it before he left. From within the confines of his jacket, he pulls out the recently acquired bowie knife and takes a series of cautious steps inside. The interior appears undisturbed at first glance. Nothing is out of place or missing, but Wynn does not let his guard down as he moves through the house. But what is the most important thing to check on?

Empty Choice
Check Claudia's room first

If Donovian was behind this then it's a good bet that Claudia's room is his target. Wynn takes a little extra caution stepping into her room. Despite the months he's spend here, he has actually never entered into her room before. It's not very well lit, with heavy curtains very effectively blocking the light from the windows. In the gloom Wynn can perceive that the room is kept tidy and neat and that despite some scattered items on a dresser, there is practically no decoration or furniture to the room. There is a certain pleasant smell in the air though, which he recognizes as the scent of Claudia's usual shampoo and soap, but it's much more obvious here in here.
Shaking his head free of distractions, he scans the room for anything that an intruder may have left, even briefly glancing beneath the bed just in case. Seeing only the dark silhouettes of boxes down there he decides that there is nothing amiss in the room, at least for now. Before he can decide on searching further, the ring of the phone gets his attention.

Check the Money first

It's possible that it was one of Dierdra's agents out to get the money back, or worse, Donovian learned of the money and took it for himself. With very purposeful steps he goes into his room and opens up the closet. The duffel bag is still there, and when he pulls it down, it doesn't feel any lighter than it did before. Still, he opens it up to make sure and certainly enough the money is still there. He counts it all anyway and ensures that nothing is missing. It seems to have been untouched. Before he can search other places in the house, the phone rings.

Check Malcolm's room first

Donovian knows that Malcolm is the most important person in Claudia's life and might have left a nasty surprise in his room. He already targeted the boy once. Wynn moves into Malcolm's room and surveys it carefully. The boy has been quite good about keeping his room tidy so it is easy to note when any toys or clothes may be out of place. At first glance everything seems to be where it should be. Wynn does a search of the room, making sure to check the toy boxes to make sure there's nothing in them that shouldn't be. A quick accounting of the various toys and action figures reveals nothing amiss, and a glance beneath the bed and in the closets show nothing wrong either.
Feeling that the room has been spared from any kind of meddling, Wynn starts towards another room before he's interrupted by the ring of the phone.

Check the kitchen first

It's not the obvious choice, but an intruder may have done something to their food. All it would take is to shove a dead chicken or rat in the fridge to most of the food in there, and if found by Claudia or Malcolm it would go a long way to intimidating them. In only a few short steps Wynn enters the kitchen, only to see it as neat and tidy as when he left it. Opening the fridge fortunately reveals no surprises, nor does his rapid flinging open of the cupboards and pantries. Only one thing is missing: one of Malcolm sodas. So whoever broke in came in here, helped themselves to a soda, and then left. Before he can go to check the other rooms of the house, the phone rings.

Wynn moves to the phone and picks it up. The voice on the other end of the line is undeniably Donovian, and the first word he says amidst self satisfied chuckling is, "Gotcha!"
Wynn's fist clenches around the phone handle, but wastes no time as he asks who was it that called earlier. Donovian tsks at him over the phone and say that it is amazing what technology can do these days. Disposable phones, voice changers, A.I. image and sound generation. It's getting to that you can't trust your eyes or ears anymore. He's just calling to let Wynn know that he didn't do anything nasty inside the house, he just Wants to let them all know that he COULD do something, and that Claudia should be a bit more careful where she keeps her spare keys. He goes on to say he's also finally figured out what he's going to do about Wynn.
He admits that it took him awhile getting an idea about him, as he doesn't have access to a whole lot other than medical records, but that's enough to tell Donovian that "Pvt. Wynn Doe" doesn't have any, which is damn suspicious. That, and his friends weren't any help. They seemed preoccupied with something. But wiping out a little shit like Wynn shouldn't be too much of a bother for him especially now that he knows that Wynn is using a false identity. He's fairly sure that means that Wynn has about as much desire to get the police involved as Claudia did. He informs Wynn to brace himself, because now the real fun starts. The last line Donovian speaks is that even though it was a lie, that little idea of Malcolm being bullied at school wasn't such a bad one.
The line goes dead and Wynn can do little but seethe in silence. For a few moments he stands there in complete quiet. And then he starts thinking. He thinks about what has to be done immediately. He thinks just what Donovian can do to them. He thinks how he could end Donovian tonight, and how it would make things so much easier.
Taking a breath, Wynn extracts his own phone and checks the cameras he has in place around Donovian's home. They are still there and still transmitting. Stepping out the front door, Wynn scans the area. Donovian knew when to call Wynn. He knew when he was out of the house. He may as well have admitted to having some kind of voice changing software. So either he has the house under surveillance much like Wynn has his, or he was waiting and watching the house. Wynn deduces that the spam calls he had been receiving were actually Donovian, testing when to call and who would pick up. So it is likely there are no cameras watching the house, and that the director was simply here, made the call, and then moved in when Wynn left.
Seeing no sign of any car or vehicle that could conceal the director, the man feels confident in thinking that the parasaur tormentor is long gone. So Wynn considers his next move. Definitely change the locks. The question of whether he should tell Claudia enters his mind. She is in a good place right now, and the resurfacing of Donovian, especially in such a way that highlights just how vulnerable they all are, could shatter any sense of safety she feels. He commits to crossing that bridge later. Right now he needs to focus on what he CAN do.

progress is being made, one laborious sentence at a time.
But that will have to wait for the NEXT RENTRY apparently
Part 3: https://rentry.org/m5nw8dr7