All Good Things

"I'm sorry," I said, "but you will need to speak directly with Lady Theresa Mockingthrush about such matters."

"Listen, boy! We are the lawful tax collectors for the city." he spread his hands as though it made him more impressive. "THIS city, in point of fact. You will PAY or we will SHUT YOU DOWN, is that clear?"

"I find it more likely that you are confolk, looking to trick the newly minted shopkeep."

"How dare you!" the woman belted out. "This is..."

"I don't care." I said. "I don't care who you say you are. My papers," I held them up, "identify me as Theodore Omnifex. They further indicate that I only manage this shop, and that the owner, whom you should be approaching for any legal taxes, is the Lady Theresa Mockingthrush."

His face had turned an unhealthy shade of red. "I have never..."