Emmett Syebuck

****E******mmett Ryan Syebuck** is a customs agent, though not one of Deacon and Morvengarde's thugs. He enjoys art and stained-glass windows, and is a Skellansen enthusiast.

## Biography

### *Ghosts of Greenglass House*

Emmett came to stay at Greenglass House over winter break. He studied the windows and the chandelier by Skellansen, sketching and painting them. Emmett, to Milo's annoyance, kept extending his stay to finish drawing the windows, thrilled with the old house. Emmett insisted that he be called Emmett and not Mr. Syebuck, and assured Mrs. Pine that simple meals were fine, joking about eating his colored pencils. Emmett then thanked Milo for letting him stay, promising that he would leave before Christmas Eve. Milo and Mrs. Pine speculated about whether Emmett was who he said he was, because of the events of the previous year, though both thought that he was. Dr. Gowervine's presentation of the Skellansen cartoon and lecture on the famous artist at City University had brought Emmett to the house. Milo commented on Emmett's excitement every day for a week.

When the bell for the Sanctuary Cliff station rang, Emmett asked if it meant someone wanted to come up. The Pines introduced Brandon, Clem, Georgie, and Lizzie to Emmett. Clem and Georgie went to settle into rooms on the fifth floor, but Emmett then appeared with his camera and asked to sketch the enameled window before they did so. The two told him that they were actually staying on the fourth floor, just looking at the window, and left Emmett behind, confused.

**Emmett**: Lucky. Also, I wish you would call me Emmett. Everybody, I mean.

— *Ghosts of Greenglass House*, pg. 31 |  | ”

At dinner, Emmett was told more about Clem and Georgie. Emmett then asked about Dr. Gowervine, but the Pines told him that they, wanting to respect their privacy, could not talk about their guests. Emmett was embarrassed, but when Georgie asked him why he was there, he forgot about that and launched into a delighted expanse of information about the windows and why they were amazing, things such as his theory on some of them having been made by Ellamae Wellshowe. He went on and on about the windows, including one that Georgie thought was in her room. Emmett asked Georgie to call him Emmett, then added hastily that he meant everyone. Emmett declined champagne and went to check out the enameled window in the moonlight. While he was away, Georgie and Clem told the Pines about their heist until Brandon, who had been standing watch, gave the sign that Emmett was returning. They explained why they were concerned about Emmett, because he was the only unknown quantity, and could be Cantlebone. Mrs. Pine told them that Emmett had been in and out for library trips and research, by boat.

Emmett came in and asked why everyone seemed so glum. He offered to get Georgie a piece of cake, and when she agreed, he left, grinning idiotically, and Georgie commented that there was something odd about him. Emmett watched as Clem taught Milo how to pick locks, saying that Clem had learned at her father's hardware store. Emmett commented that everyone would do it if it was easy, and Clem reminded Milo of this. Emmett spoke with Brandon and then inquired about Georgie's coin project, saying that he'd done that sort of thing with his father when he was younger. Emmett thought Georgie needed a Dremel tool and not sandpaper, and two coins and not one, if she planned to make a hollow coin. This annoyed Georgie. Emmett then went to paint on the screened porch.

Emmett was not awake by nine in the morning. Milo went out into the screened porch where Emmett, seemingly not bothered by the cold, was fast asleep in a chair, a cup of coffee dangling precariously from his left hand. Milo took the coffee out of his hand and Emmett woke, and became excited about the breakfast. Before Milo left, he asked Milo what the 'deal' was with Clem and Georgie, and Milo was afraid he would ask about them being thieves, but instead, to Milo's disgust, he asked if Georgie was single. Emmett turned red and told Milo not to tell Georgie that he'd asked, but then amended that if she asked about him Milo could stay that he'd asked about her. Milo cut him off and went to get more bacon.

Emmett tried to talk to Georgie, but Georgie was suspicious and at least once escaped. Milo could not explain to Emmett why Georgie was being weird, so instead watched and found it funny. Georgie later admitted that Emmett had been right about the hollow coin. Emmett told Georgie about his theory that one of the windows might be made of recycled grave markers, and Georgie showed interest for a bit before telling him to go away. However, Emmett stayed and asked what she was going to do with the shears, and Milo, commenting on Emmett's cluelessness, left before Georgie exploded.

Emmett asked about the Waits, thinking it was early for them to come, and expressing surprise at the hobby horse being good luck. When told they had probably come form the Liberty of Gammerbund, Emmett realized what they meant, somewhere he knew as the 'madhouse'. Mrs. Pine told Emmett what the Liberty really was, although upon seeing the costumes he was not convinced, though Georgie assured him that it was just the tradition.

When the Waits entered, Emmett looked around and decided to sketch Sylvester and Rob, asking first if it was okay if he did so. Sylvester was fine with it, but Rob wanted a piece of pie first, and Emmett nearly tripped in his hurry to get it. Emmett, who had been in the bathroom, returned and found the dining room full of haze from Rob's cleaning of the fireplace, and asked if everything was okay. Emmett later volunteered to tell a story, but could not think of one. Georgie encouraged him, and he grinned and his cheeks went pink. Emmett had not thought of a story later, but was tired and so went to bed, to Milo's disappointment. Georgie and Clem, searching for their missing things, had searched Emmett's room, and when he'd almost caught them, they'd had to go out his window and return on the fire escape. Clem commented that he was old-school, and Georgie that his drawings were decent. In the night, Emmett found Milo scolding Georgie for searching others' rooms and asked what was going on. Milo came up with a story that Georgie's toilet had overflowed, and Emmett returned to his room, leaving Georgie suspicious that Emmett had been listening on purpose. Georgie did not like Milo's cover story, but insisted she was not worried about being embarrassed in front of Emmett.

In the morning, Emmett emerged looking fresh and incredibly cheerful. He went out onto the screened porch to paint some more until he was bought in for breakfast. Emmett, sitting on the hearth, thought stories a good idea, and insisted that Georgie tell a story. Georgie glared at him and Emmett somehow did not wilt, and Milo felt very much that he needed to learn how to do that too. Emmett asked about Georgie's project, to Georgie's annoyance. Milo needed Emmett out of the way so he could discuss clues with Meddy. Georgie reluctantly asked about Emmett's painting, to his surprise, and he excitedly went to show her.

Dr. Gowervine called Clem, and though the phone call cut out before he could tell Clem who Emmett was, it was clear it was not good. Milo went out to the screened porch to confront Emmett, pretending he knew who Emmett was. It appeared that Emmett had been considering acting surprised, but he didn't. Emmett, however, called Milo's bluff. Milo thought about the change in Emmett's bearing and realized that Emmett had not been planing to sick to his cover story, but confront what Georgie knew. Milo repeated again that Emmett was not who he said he was, but also not who Georgie thought he was. Milo laid his cards on the table, admitting that Dr. Gowervine had not told him who Emmett was, and saying that there had been a theft.

Emmett decided he wanted Milo on his side, and made a deal with Milo, that if Milo told Emmett what Milo knew, Emmett would in turn tell Milo what he knew. Emmett told Milo that he knew there had been a theft in the house, that Georgie and Clem had been sneaking around the inn, and that he suspected that Georgie and Clem were quite capable thieves. Emmett wanted to know if these particular things would be returned to their rightful owners, and Milo deemed that Georgie and Clem were the rightful owners of the things in question. Emmett questioned whether Georgie and Clem were telling the truth, and Milo insisted that they were. Emmett asked what was stolen, and Milo did not want to mention Violet Cross or the derrotero, and simply told his specifically what each thing was, agreeing with Emmett about it being a seemingly random assortment of junk, saying it hadn't been what Georgie and Clem had expected to find. Milo inquired about Emmett's question about Georgie being single, asking whether that was to explain why he was watching them. Emmett said that had been part of his clumsy character, saying that he'd been watching them because Clem could pick locks, and admitting that he did have a crush on Georgie. He had gotten interested when Clem and Georgie had started lurking around.

Milo then insisted that Emmett tell who he was. Emmett took out from its hiding place between his painting and his easel, a paper declaring Emmett Ryan Syebuck to be a customs agent. Milo wondered what Emmett was doing at Greenglass House, and asked whether Emmett knew Gilawfer, to which Emmett responded that he had not heard the name. Emmett explained that he'd come to investigate the house after someone who seemed a little nutty and perhaps biased, had stories about the place (Milo knew he meant Mr. Vinge), but Emmett had not found an issue. Emmett explained why he'd extended his stay: he was actually an art student and had liked Greenglass House. Emmett told Milo he was not interested in Greenglass House from a legal standpoint, and would tell the customs department that the house is not an issue. Emmett then went to tell Mr. and Mrs. Pine, and planned to help Clem and Georgie recover their things. Milo realized that Emmett had come to Greenglass House at a time when he knew there probably wouldn't even be any guests, and had thus already decided what he was going to report about the house.

Milo sent his parents out to talk to Emmett, telling Mr. Pine it wasn't as bad as it sounded, apologizing for how not-comforting it was when someone said that. Milo wondered if Emmett had stopped Dr. Gowervine's call himself. Milo told Clem and Georgie they were to talk to Emmett next. Georgie insisted that Milo spill, and he told her Emmett was with customs. Milo insisted that Emmett was not there because of Gilawfer, and (not telling Georgie about the other reason Emmett had been watching) wanted to help with the thefts. Georgie agreed to listen to what Emmett had to say. When the Pines emerged, Emmett found Georgie and asked for a word. Georgie smiled charmingly at him and walked past him onto the screened porch, and Emmett looked terrified. At some point, Georgie threw the two small mirrors she was using for her stereoscope onto the floor, infuriated, and shouted at Emmett. Georgie eventually emerged, and Milo commented that Georgie must have believed at least some of the things Emmett had said, as she was not packing. Emmett emerged, face red and looking defiant, and asked if there was more coffee. Georgie and Clem hurried onto the screened porch fora break and Emmett sighed.

Lucky and Emmett had a conversation. Georgie later sat next to Emmett on the sofa. She instructed him not to read anything into it, telling him they would talk later, but complimented his painting. Milo and Meddy wondered if they could get Emmett to question the culprits, but decided it was a bad idea. Clem had similar thoughts, suggesting they ask Emmett to be ready in case of emergency. While Milo told a story about Violet Cross, he said that Deacon and Morvengarde were not able to figure out where the contraband maps were coming from. Emmett commented that this was normal, then grinned and asked them to excuse him.

Sylvester, Emmett, and Owen later had a conversation at the dining room table. When Sylvester found the locks on his coat, Emmett came over and mused about the locks. Sylvester assured Emmett that he had not put the locks there. Georgie and Emmett searched together for the missing things. Emmett later showed his customs badge, encouraging the guests to return the things and he would not make arrests if that was done. Mrs. Kirkegrim went to leave. Meddy said that Mrs. Kirkegrim was one of the culprits, but Emmett could not hear Meddy and agreed to let Mrs. Kirkegrim leave after being searched, although he did not appear satisfied. Emmett organized Georgie and Mrs. Pine into searching Mrs. Kirkegrim and getting her things. Emmett asked the other Waits and they agreed to stay. Emmett later watched Rob and Mr. Larven, and Milo wondered if he had been filled in.

While outside with Mr. Vinge and Gilawfer, Mrs. Kirkegrim and Milo pretended that Mr. Vinge had double-crossed Gilawfer through Emmett. From his expression, Milo could tell that Mr. Vinge knew Emmett's name. When Milo came back into the house, Georgie spoke to Emmett, and Emmett then told the other guests that the last stolen things had been recovered. He instructed them to leave. However, Rob then attempted to get the missing things back, and Mr. Larven suggested that Emmett make an arrest. Emmett agreed, and allowed Mrs. Kirkegrim to explain, and he would not make more arrests.

Emmett handcuffed the unconscious Rob. When Georgie and Clem exploded over Mrs. Kirkegrim's being Cantlebone, Emmett sat down on Rob as if Rob were a bench, and commented on Georgie and Clem's reactions. When told about what Mr. Vinge had done, Emmett said some things which were presumably insults. Milo later asked Emmett about statues of limitations and, looking curiously at Milo, Emmett informed him that the statue of limitations for smuggling cases was ten years in Nagspeake. Milo then revealed his suspicions about Mrs. Kirkegrim: that she was Violet Cross.

When Mr. Hakelbarend revealed that he had been a customs agent, Emmett realized where he'd recognized Mr. Hakelbarend from, explaining that he'd read Mr. Hakelbarend's file. Emmett and Owen then moved Rob out onto the screened porch so that Rob could not hear what they were saying, and reported that Rob was still unconscious. When told about how Mrs. Kirkegrim and Mr. Hakelbarend had found a way to be together, Emmett commented that this was 'encouraging', and Georgie rolled her eyes at him. When Meddy showed herself to Emmett, Emmett looked back and forth between Meddy, Milo, and Georgie.

Georgie and Clem's haul was shown around, and upon seeing the smuggler cards Emmett laughed and commented that he'd heard about them. Emmett called a friend to bring a car to pick him up, and Rob, who he would take care of. Emmett assured Georgie that he could handle Rob, saying that he only pretended to be a hapless artist. Georgie retorted that when she'd searched his room, she hadn't been sure if Emmett himself had known he was pretending. Clem added that Georgie had complimented Emmett's art, and Emmett smiled even wider. Georgie said loftily that it had simply been an observation. Emmett then left Georgie with a card bearing his phone number, taking Georgie's hand and putting the card in it. He said that she could use it as a bookmark if she wanted. Emmett went upstairs to pack, Georgie gave him a look and put the card in her pocket, and Clem teased Georgie about calling Emmett.

Emmett came back with his luggage, and Georgie commented on how well Rob was tied up. Milo told Emmett his suspicions about the derrotero, and Emmett expressed disbelief. Emmett's friend arrived, and Emmett untied the handcuffed Rob and told Rob to say goodbye and thank you. Rob refused, and Emmett threatened to sing loudly the whole way. Rob grumbled about torture, and Emmett shoved him out the door.

### *The Thief Knot*

Emmett Syebuck arrived to Hedgelock Court seeking the Hakelbarends' help. Marzana was afraid that something was wrong, since Emmett was a customs agent, but he assured her that he was not there for official business. Emmett ate dinner and mentioned having seen Georgie, Clem, Owen, and the Pines recently. Emmett explained how his friend Thad was working on a case and thought that the suspect had gone to the Liberty of Gammerbund, and Emmett's only contacts in the Liberty were the Hakelbarends. Emmett requested that they, who he knew had many connections, investigate a few suspects. Mrs. Hakelbarend refused, but Emmett said that the case was an eleven-year-old girl who had been kidnapped, and that this had to be done even though it did not happen often.

Emmett told about Peony Hyde, the kidnapped girl, and how the kidnapping had happened. He explained the theories about it being related to Peony's father Winston Hyde, who was running for mayor against Deacon and Morvengarde. The suspects, Emmett said, were Hickson Blount, Rose Mirassat, and Rob Gandreider, who had somehow escaped jail. Emmett told more about when and where the kidnaping had taken place, then answered Marzana's questions. Emmett asked to be introduced to the Snakebird, and resisted Mrs. Hakelbarend's attempt to convince him that the Snakebird did not exist. He left the Hakelbarends with his notes, then left. Emmett had come by the Belowground, on Georgie's connections, and returned that way. Mr. and Mrs. Hakelbarend did look into the kidnapping, finding Rob Gandreider and looking into the other suspects.

Marzana and her group, the Thief Knot, succeeded in solving the kidnapping, and most of the Knot went to Mergenthaler Street Station to stop them, and try to find out where Peony Hyde was. The rest of the Knot stayed behind to track down Marzana's parents, who were giving a report to Emmett on what they had found, down in the city proper. Marzana's parents, Emmett Syebuck, and Emmett's cop friend Thad showed up, and Emmett apprehended Moth and Kit Fletchwood. Emmett reported that Peony Hyde had been found, and Tasha Cormorant had escaped. He and Thad marched the Fletchwoods out of the station and handled the arriving police as well.

## Physical appearance

Emmett has blond hair and glasses, and looks very ordinary, which Marzana thinks is on purpose.

## Personality and traits

Emmett is very easygoing, but can also be very serious. He likes to joke around and does not hate smugglers, unlike other customs agents.

## Gallery

**Take a look at our **gallery for Emmett Syebuck****.