"Thank you Scott. Were you able to obtain the information on Miss Renden?" Xavier's hover chair made a soft humming sound as he preceded Scott out the door towards the war room.

"We have all her public records. Our contact in Indiana was able to get some personal information on her."

They stopped speaking as they entered the war room. Charles maneuvered his chair toward the huge circular table dominating the room while Scott settled himself beside his wife Jean.

Charles waited until he had everyone's attention before starting the meeting. His powerful voice filled the room as he began to speak." As you are aware Kyler Renden was hired to compile a dossier on me. She claims that through her research she was able to link me to the X-men. The files I gave Scott and Henry to examine were ones that she gave me. She broke client confidentiality to warn me that others would be able establish the same conclusions. I can not detect any malice or deceit from her. However since the obscurity we now enjoy has been breached I felt we needed additional information. Scott, please tell everyone what you and Henry were able to ascertain about Kyler."

Scott handed out a stack of papers to the group. "This is just a list of basic information on her. Her birth date, place of employment, that sort of thing. It also lists all the appearances she has made in court most are on the behalf of her clientele. We found a few speeding tickets which she promptly paid and the registration of two 9mm automatic pistols in her name."

"Surface information." Bobby interrupted remembering what Kyler had said about public information being the surface stuff.

Scott glared at him and continued. "She works out of a small office in Indianapolis. Her clientele consists of single mothers for the most part. She also does some side lining work for the police department in her area. Mostly research and serving subpoenas."

"A little thing like her serving subpoenas?" Rogue gave Joseph an inquiring glance for that comment. He only shrugged vainly and continued. "She's only 5'4, if that, and you don't meet the nicest people doing that kind of work."

Bobby nodded in agreement. Kyler was on the dainty side even if she was packing a big gun.

"What else you find out bout the p'tite?" Gambit found his curiosity aroused.

For once Scott was grateful for the interruption as it got them back on track. "It appears that the police work is responsible for the majority of her income. Our contact was able to confirm that the other cases are basically charity work. She is well respected. Her reputation for getting the job done is solid." Scott looked directly at Logan when he finished that tid bit.

Logan growled low in his throat and returned Scott's censured gaze with one of his own. Logan knew she had guts, the way she stood up to him proved that, but it didn't mean he had to trust her. If she figured out where the X-men were living then she was very clever. Clever people could be dangerous.

Scott ignored him to continue. "She has no living relatives. Her mother and older sister were killed five years ago in a car accident. She lives alone and there is no evidence of a significant other in her life. That was all the information we could gather on short notice. She appears to be exactly what she said she is."

Jean turned to the professor to ask. "Why did she warn you? She obviously feels strong responsibility for her clients."

Charles smiled softly as he answered her. "Do you remember the Outreach project?"

"Yes, you went around to all the major universities lecturing on prejudges against mutants. What does that have to do with Kyler?"

"She was in the audience at Indiana University for my lecture. She claims it had a profound effect on her. When she realized the potential danger of the situation she came here to warn me."

"Did she know we are the X-men when she first arrived?" Ororo's soft voice asked.

"I imagine she knew or she would have never told you why she was here." Xavier steepled his fingers together.

He was waiting for someone to ask the one question that would put everyone on the defensive. He deliberately didn't tell them who had hired Kyler at the beginning of the meeting. He wanted his team to see the evidence that she was

essentially a good person before he brought Essex's name into the discussion.

Everyone at the table had a reason to be wary of Nathaniel Essex, AKA Sinister. His schemes for mutant supremacy had plagued the X-men many times. Sinister was always a volatile element in any situation. His very involvement gave Charles reason to believe Kyler exposed them all to grave danger. He was trying to find a way to introduce Sinister into the matrix when Rogue asked the fateful question he had been waiting for.

"Do y'all know who hired her?" She drawled out questioningly.

Charles took a deep breath and answered her. "Yes, she told me who hired her."

The team knew something was wrong. It wasn't like the professor to hesitate about pertinent details.

"Essex hired her." Tension began to permeate the room.

"She accepted Sinister as a client?" Scott was outraged.

"Scott, she could have handed all her information over to him. She chose to warn us instead. Please keep that in mind."

Scott knew what the professor said was reasonable but his hatred for Sinister ran deep. "With all due respect, sir, how can we be sure this isn't a trap?"

"I don't think it is, however to protect our interest we will be placing her under surveillance. I extended an invitation to dine with us this evening and she accepted. That gives us one hour to think of a strategy to ensure she stays as our guest until this is resolved."

"Why do we need a strategy? Doesn't she realize she needs our protect?"

"Bobby, she a very independent young woman. When I first broached the subject with her earlier today she adamantly maintained her capability of handling whatever trouble arose."

"She appears to be logical and methodical, is it possible appeal to her intellect?" Hank asked perplexed. How do you convince someone to be a guest if said person refused?

"We have the opportunity at dinner. I would like to have a few more options if our attempts prove to be futile. Any suggestions?"

"Kidnapin' out?" Gambit inquired with an innocent look.

"Yes." Charles' mouth twitched in humor over the outrageous comment.

"Could we place her under protective custody?"

"We don't have the authority to do that."

"Jean is right Henry. We don't have the authority to keep a person against their will. It would be best is she stayed willingly." Charles searched the room waiting other suggestions.

Jean cleared her throat. "She might stay for Remy." Everyone focused on her and then inquiring eyes turned to Gambit. He gave them a 'what did I do' look and stared pointedly at Jean.

"Could you please specify your reasoning, Jean?" The professor requested.

"Early today when she left abruptly, I attempted to stop her. She was running to fast for me to physically reach before she reached the door so I tried to touch her telepathically. Gambit stopped her just as I made contact. She admired his backside as they returned to the kitchen."

"She got taste." Gambit smiled.

"What are you suggesting Jean?" Hank had an idea of what she was implying but he wanted it verbalized. If she was thinking what he thought she was thinking it could lead to more trouble than it was worth.

"She is strongly attracted to him. If she hasn't had companionship in awhile..." Jean let her voice trail off so the others could grasp her point.

"That wouldn't be very ethical Jean." Ororo was slightly surprised she had even suggested it.

Jean was beginning to feel uncomfortable until she reminded herself that the professor asked for options and she gave him one. No one else was stating anything overly brilliant. She gave Scott an exasperated glare because he was staring at her like she had sprouted horns.

"I don't approve of manipulating people in such a way. I asked for several options and that qualifies. I would prefer to find another way if at all possible."

"Gambit don' min' romancin' the p'tite." Remy's face was still in a board grin. Rogue gave him a disgusted glance and muttered something about how full it he was. His smile lost some of its brilliance as her words registered in his head but he kept his head high and the smile plastered to his lips.

"I can't believe we are considering letting Gumbo seduce her." Bobby wailed.

"You jus' jealous she not like you, non?" Gambit shot at Bobby.

"No one is seducing anyone." Scott grated. "That kind of machination goes against everything we stand for."

"Scott, he doesn't have to seduce her. He does some harmless flirting. It is important she stay here. Her life could be in danger. I realize that such a deception goes against the grain but what choice do we have? Her safety as well as our own depends on it. She knows our whereabouts and who knows how many other secrets. In this case I think the means justify the ends especially until we can find out exactly what we are dealing with. We can trust Remy not to go too far."

"I have to agree with Jean in this instance. Another solution would be more acceptable, however using Kyler attraction to Remy would probably accomplish our goal. And Remy would not hurt her." Jean smiled at Ororo for giving her support.

"No one askin' Gambit if he wants big part in dis."

Charles nodded at Gambit. "You are right, Remy. Would you be willing to comply if we decide this is the best course of action?"

"Oui. Jus' wanted t' b' asked."

"We are short of time. As distasteful as we might find it, I can see no other acceptable solutions. Remy may try and influence Kyler into staying. I want it clear, Gambit, that you are walking a fine line."

"Yeah, Gumbo," Logan growled out. "Beware of crossing it."