So, after a great deal of discussion, Iona and I have a plan.
Iona, more of a writer-type, will reach out to Mr. Tims with an appealing invitation to a casual dinner, posing as an up-and-coming client. During that dinner, we will share a bit of red wine from Central Layda, which we found he mentioned was his favorite. And during that moment, Iona suspects that he would be rather intoxicated so as not to stop himself from blurting out important information.
I was doubtful at first, laughing at the idea and saying,"I don't think he'll fall for that."
"What do you mean?" Iona said. "Are you under the impression that I think he will, simply because he is a powerful individual? That I presume all powerful individuals won't say no to a little drink?"
"No. I did not mean that. Did I leave an impression that I thought you were under that impression?"
"No. I had to venture, simply because of the way I worded my own idea. It does seem overly simple and scandalous; and I presumed that I would leave that impression. When you laughed, I took that as a sign confirming my speculation...that about how I worded my own idea. In which case, I would have responded that it was not that, but the fact that he appeared to be more of a social individual, and therefore more susceptible to falling for social traps like occasional drunkenness. It comes with the package, you know?"
"I see what you mean now. But in fact, I did not mean that there was concern you were overgeneralizing all individuals in leadership positions. What I meant was that as manipulative as he was in the Pageturner Guild, he seems to have intellect enough that he would pick up our intent too far in advance."
"As intelligent and cunning as he could be, he's still a very social animal. Mingling instincts will always overtake logic early on, even if for a very short amount of time. If we play ourselves right, fawning genuine interests while not letting any hint reach him whatsoever about our association with Library of Circlaria until he is well past the inebriated threshold, then we have a chance."
"I understand your logic now, Iona. But there's no guarantee."
"Nothing's a guarantee, Karyanna. Do you have an idea that you think might be better?"
"No."
"Then we have no choice..."