Blackmail

'Nalini. Nice to see you again. Can we come in?'

'I'd prefer if you didn't, but it's not like you're one to respect other peoples' boundaries.'

'Then I won't take up too much of your time.'

'This is Marigold and Peach.'

'Hello!'

'Well hello there. I suggest you keep a close eye on them, I haven't baby proofed my house.'

'So these are yours?'

'That's right.'

'You really are quite the specimen, aren't you?'

'Oh, come on. I'm sure you wouldn't want any arguing in front of the twins. They're only three.'

'Oh good, I presume that means you'll keep your responses civil too.'

'Of course.'

'You have sharp teeth!'

'I do! It's because I'm a vampire. Just like Uncle Edward.'

'Uncle Edward?'

'Yes, that's me. You two are lovely, aren't you?'

'Do you bite?'

'Absolutely not.'

'I do!'

'...Yes, you do.'

'Awww. Well at least you're human, hmm? Because it probably would be a little awkward if you clung onto Daddy like a leech!'

'So, about that PND...?'

'Like I said, materials are scarce at the moment.'

'I just thought you'd find it more... urgent now that the twins are living with me.'

'What?'

'Oh yes of course, you using two innocent toddlers as fu- as meat shields is going to magically make materials spawn out of thin air. Silly me, I forgot that's how the world worked.'

'Meat shields? That's not a nice thing to say about them.'

'If you have a problem with that, then perhaps reconsider using them for exactly that purpose.'

'I just wanted my daughters to live with me. I don't see a problem with that.'

'Other than the fact that they could be targeted by a lunatic. You make me sick.'

'So basically, you're here because you want to manipulate and guilt trip me into providing you with protection because if I don't, then there will be two babies at risk.'

'If you want to see it that way.'

'Oh, at least have the courage to own up to it.'

'Lady?'

'Can you say Nalini? Nal?'

'Nalini!'

'That's right. What about you, Marigold?'

'Nal.'

'Aww, aren't you both clever?'

'Your eyes are pretty.'

'Well thank you sweetie! You and your sister are big cuties too. You must have a pretty mummy.'

'Absolutely.'

'Ah yes, your sister-in-law.'

'So what do you girls like doing? There isn't much interesting at my house I'm afraid.'

'Playing with dollies!'

'Balls.'

'Ooh dear. I don't know where we're going to find any of those here.'

'In that case, we should probably be going. Once you've agreed to construct another PND, of course.'

'I guess I'll see if I can make magic happen then.'

'Hello? It's Nalini Faux. I need to arrange the construction and pick up of another PND. Yes, I know. Mmm, I did explain that but unfortunately the "client" in question seems to have felt the need to bring along some emotional blackmail. Right, thank you.'

'Wonderful. Now that's in order, we can go. Come on, girls. Say goodbye to Uncle Edward and Nalini.'

'Bye bye!'

'Aww. Goodbye, girls.'

'Awwwwwwwwwww. Nothing quite like cuddles from Uncle Edward, huh?'

'Bye bye.'

'...God, that was infuriating.'

'Tell me about it. I was tempted to say something like "nobody important, just the mayor" while I was faking being on the phone, but I suppose the antagonism should be kept to a minimum.'

'Good idea. He doesn't deserve those little girls.'

'No, they seem like such lovely kids. Adorable, too.'