Barnaby was quite taken by the idea of people never hearing the end of it, because that sounded to him a great deal like the deed would grant him instant immortality. That was, immortal fame; he already had the existential kind.

But if the world was to know his name, ought it be for a petty crime such as this? Barnaby had still been quite set on it until Greengrass presented him with an alternative – and might not that be a path to fame in itself? And it would be on his own merits, too, and not by Living hands.

“Hmm,” Barnaby granted carefully, drawing out the sound to make it seem that they were lucky he was even condescending to consider this. He was considering it. In fact, it sounded an excellent idea, and the only flaw in it was that it would mean floating in through the door – or more likely the wall – of a place that he was perhaps, possibly, maybe, a little afraid of.

But he could not confess to that! He was no coward! And if they left he could contemplate this in his own time, perhaps work up the courage... Barnaby glanced at the Constable with a raised eyebrow, wondering whether he would protest to this alternative or be on his way about it. “I presume that would not qualify as disturbing the peace?” (It would be a great insult to his singing, if he thought so.)

---

The following 1 user Likes Barnaby Wye's post:1 user Likes Barnaby Wye's post
   Fortitude Greengrass

---

Oh, there was an idea. It meant that the new owner of the Broomsticks would hopefully be inconvenienced by the ghost — and not in a way that would require Benji coming back over here when he would rather be literally anywhere else. He grinned at the ghost, crooked and mostly genuine. "Not at all," he said, "So long as your singing isn't heinous." And even then, it wouldn't be a law enforcement problem. Ha!

Maybe the Ministry bloke wasn't entirely useless, after all.

---

The following 1 user Likes Benjamin Woodcroft's post:1 user Likes Benjamin Woodcroft's post
   Fortitude Greengrass

"No, his singing is actually quite good," Ford chimed in. He offered the Constable a hopeful glance, wondering if this qualified as resolving the issue enough that they could all go back home yet. Not that this was particularly strenuous work, but it was a Sunday and Ford would rather be at home than arguing with law enforcement outside of the Three Broomsticks.

"Have you gotten hold of any instruments yet?" he asked Wye, recalling that they'd spoken about something similar before.

---

  

---

Set by Lady!

Oh, so now the local constable was all cheer. (Barnaby saw how it was. A little arson was the end of the world, but Barnaby’s musical pursuit of immortality was just a light jape to grin about.)

Still, he was too excited by the new plan to spend much time being miffed at him. Perhaps if Barnaby did gain an audience at these godawful public houses, he would finish writing a whole song about Woodcroft. But, for now –

“Not yet,” Barnaby admitted at Greengrass’ question, “but perchance I have been concocting a plan to obtain one.” He smiled mysteriously. “Naught to do with setting any blazes, rest assured,” Barnaby added to Woodcroft, a little sardonic; but, as he drifted off, his spirits, in truth, had been much raised by the distraction. “Fare thee well, gentlemen!”

---

The following 1 user Likes Barnaby Wye's post:1 user Likes Barnaby Wye's post
   Benjamin Woodcroft

---