Eventful
Who: Maya, Eris and Brett and then OPEN TO ALL
Where: The Mayor's Party
When: Evening
Once she'd set foot into the Drake, she'd been better. And just as previously, when she'd needed to, the persona known as Eris slid and clicked right into place, like she'd never stopped behaving that way. Like nothing had ever happened. Even if she was still fully aware it had, and that things were going to be difficult, that there were a great many landmines she was going to have to walk past this evening, a good portion of her anxiety quieted once she was actually in the environment of the high class party, something she'd done frequently right up until the night she'd died.
Brett was nearby, as he'd promised her he would be, and while she was very aware of his presence and where he was at all times, she wasn't preoccupied with it. She certainly didn't look like she was keeping tabs, as she smiled with a mysterious, amused air at those who gasped and stared in her direction. Which, really, seemed to be happening a lot, when people noticed what they were looking at. A woman, back from the dead. She could hear the whispers, see the gossip spreading throughout the room in general, and she imagined everyone had heard her name murmured quietly inside of five minutes after arriving. What people were doing, however, was having just a tiny bit of trouble coming up to actually speak with her, not something she looked like she minded overly much. Someone would have the stones to do so. And after that, the floodgates would officially be open. Sipping her champagne, she glanced around, til her gaze found the window, where she could gaze and allow someone to come to her.
Maya was dressed modestly tonight, though her floorlength black evening gown draped her figure eleganty as always. She had, however, toned everything about herself down. After all, she'd heard the news about Lily's death earlier on. And people knew she knew the family, and the girl. They'd been seen together recently, and they had been meant to meet up today. There had been the light question of whether she should even attend tonight, how far a show of mourning would go, but Maya had come to the decision that it was better to show mourning where it could be usefully seen - and anyway, she wasn't going to miss an opportunity to see as well as be seen.
And how glad she was of that decision, now that she was here. Because there was that delightful gossip and intrigue of the reappearance of that Madam, that former whore who had clawed her way up to some level of the appearance of respectability. Eris Stockard. Maya had been watching everyone else's reaction since the woman arrived with the candy on her arm, but she'd bided her time until Eris was truly alone, and only then did she walk over, her own glass of champagne held delicately in one hand. "It looks like there's a storm breaking," she said, not addressing Eris so much as stopping next to her, also looking out of the window, into the night, seeing the clouds looming. And it was, of course, a comment that could be taken in more ways than one.
It was one thing that was usually lost on the lower class. The word games, the phrasings, how just about everything could be taken to mean more than what it appeared to. And, Eris found, she actually had missed that, a bit. "Seems as such." she answered, keeping her eyes on the clouds, before she eventually turned them on Maya. "Mrs. Walker." she greeted. That she remembered. That the woman, though widowed, always addressed herself and insisted others addressed her as Mrs. Details. Everything was in the details.
"Miss Stockard," Maya greeted, pleasantly, without missing a beat, as though they'd seen each other only yesterday, as though the woman hadn't been dead for several months, and as though they'd been something in the way of friends before that. They hadn't - they'd known each other, but they'd also both understood that people like them didn't really have friends. Just pieces that were moved around. Maya had never been under any illusions - Eris had got herself to a certain point in life without any family help. You didn't get that without being good, and once she'd worked out that the woman couldn't simply be dismissed as a trumped up trollop who should get back where she belonged, there came a grudging level of respect that quickly got glossed over and prettied up.
"Lovely party." Eris commented, quite fine with falling into a discussion such as the one this was likely to be. Superficial, while just enough to get an assessment. And, leave it to a Walker to come up and behave as if nothing had happened. But she'd known some would do that. Like there was no surprise, it was all normal, because those types of people were the type who were built to have nothing phase them. Much like she used to be, really, and had to pretend to be now. "But then I always did love a charity event. It always brings out people's better nature." Or, it led to the rich attempting to outdo one another with donations, which had always been somewhat entertaining.
"Yes, it's always been fascinating to see how people react in that way," Maya agreed, smiling slightly as she sipped her champagne. After all, not everyone had a better nature, or, possibly, they were no good at faking it the way others did. Either way, they were people to note. And the rest? Well, Maya could always twist people for a cause - and she did so love and adore a cause. A lot of the charity functions in the city were hosted by herself.
If Eris had to guess, she would say that most of the people in attendance didn't have a better nature, they just had a good grasp of what looked good, and losing the public's better opinion was never good for business. Idly, she wondered if Maya recognized Brett, that connection with the DiGiovanni family and the rescue years ago itching in the back of her mind. "There does seem to be quite a turn out." Eris said. "One would almost assume people are trying to make up for something." she said, in a light tone as she smiled.
Maya took a causal glance around the room before returning her gaze to the former corpse before her. "I hear that the church is losing some of it's flock these days. Possibly people are looking for another form of penance," she suggested, lightly, humour showing in her face. "Looking for their reward in this life, rather than the next?" she suggested.
Eris smiled at that. "I would imagine some of them would be hard pressed to be truly penetant in the eyes of the church, so they need to find other avenues." she said. That is, if they hadn't changed, and she couldn't imagine they had. They were, by and large, all greedy bastards who just wanted more more more. Which at least made them predictable. "But, I suppose the motives behind the generosity are secondary to the benefit to those in need." she said. Of course. She was ignoring what religious significance her own story might be played in there. What with her miraculous resurrection.
"The city always benefits," Maya agreed. Always, in one way or another. For all that her family's methods may not always have been strictly above board, Maya did generally have the interests of the city in her heart. She just didn't necessarily have a conscience about everything she did. "And there are always people in need. Life is so hard these days for so many. One never knows when one may have the rug pulled out from under," she said, lightly. She wanted to know what happened - she wanted to know the story there, but she wasn't the type to bluntly come out and ask. To do so was to lose. And whilst she doubted that she would get the story this way, or anything approaching it, she'd been piecing gossip together like a jigsaw for years and she knew that all you needed to get started was a few pieces of the puzzle. She could play at patience.
And there it was. The light hook in the talk to snag at her, for whatever reason. "Mm. It's quite true. One never knows." she answered, smile in place and everything. Like she didn't notice or didn't apply the statement to herself. "I suppose the city needs to rise above." she said. Or rise from the ashes, as it were, like she had. Somewhat literally, with the fact that she'd burned Babylon to the ground last night, and now here she was.
"Sometimes that can be so difficult," Maya said, lightly, with no real emphasis. She looked around again, noting Brett standing not far away and clocking him purposefully, then looking back. "But I would imagine you have that well in hand. I see that you have police protection these days," she commented, before twitching a smile. "Well - in a way." She knew something of the man's history, and she watched Eris carefully to see if there was any glimmer of reaction, any give-away there. Was the man bodyguard? Boyfriend? Something else - after all, hadn't there been a ruckus a few years ago about the formerly decorated officer jumping ship for the Syndicate? And with Eris' little 'hotel' being taken over by the O'Malleys around the time of her supposed death, there were a few potential angles that Maya could see could work there.
Prepared for when he was inevitably brought up, Eris merely smiled, though it was in the same fashion that she had been earlier. Nothing really slanted in one way or another, nothing very overt. "Of a sort." she said, letting her gaze travel over towards Brett, and there was where she laid down the impression she wanted Maya to take away from it. There were no secret smiles, or gestures of any description, she merely let her gaze linger there for a fraction too long, before she let her eyes fall back onto Maya, just the tiniest impression of a smirk present even if the expression wasn't actually there. "Though I'm sure you realize he hasn't been with the force in quite some time." Phrased like he'd voluntarily left, as opposed to the scandal that did surround him, of course. Like it was simply a life choice he'd made. "So it's hardly police protection." She finished, putting very slight emphasis on the word 'police', just so it implied that he was protection, just not the kind that came with a badge.
"I have to admit.... Officer... Trent? Correct?" she asked. She kept a close watch on the goings on in the city, but she only knew this one because of his connection so many years ago to her family. He'd rescued a child - that kind of thing was something which Maya didn't easily forget. She had been disappointed when Don DoGiovanni had informed her husband of Brett's lack of interest, and she'd kept a weather eye on him ever since. the fact that he'd supposedly killed his captain in his bow out from the force bothered her only because she didn't know why he'd chosen the other side, when her family had offered him so very much. "I did hear that he had decided that the force was not for him. But you don't take those kind of skills from a man," she added.
Eris gave the barest nod when Maya wanted confirmation on his name, though she doubted that she'd really needed it. Other people around would certainly require it, but Maya was a Walker, and a crafty one at that, so she, Eris trusted would know for certain. "There are a lot of things you can't excise from a person." Eris agreed, leaving that open ended, and it was much like Maya's comment about the storm had been--it could have been taken in a few different ways. "He most certainly has certain strengths he didn't lose." Again, open ended. She didn't mind if Maya wanted to talk about Brett, she wanted people talking about him. She wanted people to have noticed him. And really, she imagined they would, but she was certain there were at least a small handfull of people who were trying to overhear them and pass on what was said, so if they were talking about Brett, so would everyone else.
Maya filed that away, along with the looks and the phrasing. All little pieces of the puzzle. She knew there were other parts she could find out - bits that people would know, but hadn't been paying attention to. She would have an interesting time over the next few weeks, that was for sure, but she would get to the bottom of it. She sipped again at her champagne, taking her time, as though this was nothing more than a casual conversation, of no importance at all. In fact, she was balancing up which strings to pull, and when to stop pulling. One could, after all, pull too much, too soon, and that string would simply break. A real artist managed it all without looking like there was even a thread out of place in the weave. "That must be a comfort to you," she commented. "And I must extend my sympathies to you," she added, her tone growing sympathetic. "On the loss of your business - I heard in the papers that you had a fire last night. I do hope you were insured," she said, as though Eris hadn't disappeared months ago. As though the O'Malleys hadn't taken over. As though the place hadn't been shut down. She knew it was a rather more obvious move to make, and not one she would have taken under normal circumstances, but with the headlines, it was an opportunity that wouldn't come up again. And it could answer the question of whether this whole thing was a sham. Whether Eris had simply turned everything over voluntarily to the Syndicate, taken some time off and now was stepping out once again with an O'Malley add on on her arm.
Obvious track or not, it was an opportunity for Eris. One she imagined at some point someone would bring up, though she was particularly glad at the source--Maya Walker would defintiely be a good way of getting the information she wanted out there to be heard. "I appreciate the sentiment," she started, taking a sip of her champagne, eyes on Maya's. "However I got out of that bit of business a while back." she stated, like it had been a choice. "It's a shame, sometimes, when others come about and decide to start playing with toys that don't belong to them." she said with a tone that suggested regret, but wouldn't be taken as genuine. Not by Maya, anyways. "Occasionally, one has to step back, and teach a few lessons along the way." she added lightly, even if the gravity of the statement was a rather impressive one. "As it happens, I have a new business." she added.
Now that got Maya's attention, though she knew better than to focus on the part which was really of interest. On the idea that Eris had been teaching lessons. That was something to examine later on. For now, she kept an air of polite interest. "A new business?" she asked. She was fully aware what the old business was, of course. but she was a respectable member of society and, as such, she had to maintain the charade that Babylon had simply been a hotel. Women of Maya's standing weren't meant to be aware of whorehouses.
Nodding once, Eris smiled. "Yes. Actually, I have a few clients in attendance at the moment." she stated, but made absolutely no attempt to even look around, to mark who they might be. "I'm sure you know that some have a dreadful time attempting to find suitable company to attend functions such as these." she said. "If you'd like a business card..."
Maya raised an perfectly plucked eyebrow at that. Surely she wouldn't be so crude as to start marketing her whores directly to public company? It was one thing to keep them locked up in a place that could be glossed over or ignored, but if she was selling them to be taken out in public before the deed was done, that was quite another thing. And if she was managing to do that and have it be acceptable, then Maya had really missed a step here. "And you are providing company, are you?" she asked, a hint of disapproval barely touching her voice. As for when Eris asked her if she would like a business card, she looked positively disdainful at that. As though she would have any trouble finding company. Or that she would stoop so low as to pay for it if she did. As if she'd need to.
Eris absolutely ignored the look and Maya's tone, as if it didn't exist at all, as if she didn't see it. "I would be providing that company, yes." she stated. "However only for social events. Nothing more, nothing less." At least, as far as the business was concerned. Brett wouldn't have it any other way, after all. And then she took things a step further, with something she and Brett had only barely touched upon as an idea. "I do plan to contribute the proceeds to the education of some of the more unfortunate women in the city." she said. A cause, as it were, which was back in Maya's court.
Maya took the hint, and it smoothed some of her bristling. The rest was taken care of with the suggestion, and for a moment, Eris actually got to see more of Maya than usual. She didn't need to put on a front when talking about issues close to her heart. "Is that so? You anticipate being able to do that? I could let you have some suggestions of worthy causes. There are some, though not as many working in that area as would be nice," she admitted. Most people liked to give handouts, rather than teaching those more unfortunate to help themselves.
"I'm always open to suggestion." Eris said, even if in this case, what they were going to be making, they were sending their girls to school with. Though donating to charities and other functions would help social standing. So it was entirely possible that they could manage that eventually as well, once on their feet. "But yes, that's my plan. I imagined that helping some people for more than a single instance is a better use of funds. Not that there isn't a place for such things, because there most certainly is. I just imagine a situation where there's a longer term solution, an outcome that benefits a person in their life for the duration of it. And, quite possibly, the benefit of the rest of the city, should they go into a field that takes them towards public service."
"Which, of course, some allowances make mandatory," Maya agreed. Sponsorship for people to go into medicine, nursing, teaching and the like. To give back what they got out in some way. It also helped that those jobs were stable and ever needed. "I'll have a list drawn up for you and send it over to...." she let that hang, expecting an address of some sort to be provided. After all, Eris had mentioned business cards.
Eris smiled. "Would you like that card now?" she asked. "Honestly, I had suggested it just in case you had any wish to contact me." she added, looking over towards Brett. After all, she didn't have pockets but he did. So he had the cards. "I would never presume that a woman of your stature would ever be in need of services like mine." she tacked onto the end, signaling Brett with a smile that looked like she was repressing something wider, and a slight nod in their direction.
He'd been keeping half an eye on her since they arrived, and it didn't take anything at all to catch his eye. As she did, he stepped over to join her and the woman he recognised only from pictures. one of the Walkers if his memory served him correctly. He didn't say anything, simply waited for Eris to talk first, willing to take her lead as long as she appeared to be holding her own.
She smiled at him. "Mr. Trent, this is Mrs. Walker. Mrs. Walker, this is Mr. Trent." she introduced. "Mrs. Walker requires a business card." she told him. "We were just discussing some different methods of charity work." she supplied, and mostly she did it because it was slightly more information than one would tell someone who was only the hired help. But with the look she'd given him earlier, and this, she was just working to solidify that idea that there was more going on between them than purely a business arrangement, even if it still wasn't necessarily clear what that might be.
Maya watched as the man reached into the inside pocket of his immaculately tailored and clearly brand new tuxedo and pulled out a silver holder. Flipping it open, he extracted a card and handed it over. She wondered if he was going to join in the actual conversation, or just be the silent type. of course, it was always interesting watching a man's reaction to the subject of 'charity' - so often it was something that women did with more finesse, at least in her opinion it was. So many men brushed it off as something which was necessary, but not necessarily interesting. At least, not in the technicalities. She took the card from him with delicate fingers and scanned over the address, noting that it was, at least, in a decent part of town. "Thank you," she said, politely, still examining him discreetly. "Miss Stockard was telling me about her new business and how she has plans to give some of the profits for the benefit of the city," she explained.
It hardly came as a surprise to Brett that Eris left him to answer that one. This was, after all, a test of both of them. And this was defintiely that, though he wasn't sure if Maya was aware of the situation and was attempting to barb him, or whether Eris had specifically used the singular. The one thing that did surprise him though was learning about the charity angle. They'd talked about it, but only in passing really, and only once. It pleased him, if for no other reason than it was something that she'd retained, some piece of information that hadn't fallen into the big black hole that her memory could be at times. That was promising. "We all do what we can," he said, after hardly a pause, going for a neutral answer. He had no problems with people thinking the business was entirely Eris', he wanted them to be slightly confused as to exactly what his role was. At least at the start. "You family is very well known for their input, Mrs Walker," he added, not mentioning in any way the fact that he was well aware of their reputation for rather less charitable acts around the city.
"Of course." Eris said, smiling. "So it would be lovely to have some new avenues to consider." she said, leaving it at that, to get Maya's reaction to Brett's statement, since he'd said 'we', and she'd not said he was a partner. Though that was part of what they were trying to pull. If people didn't know everything, and possibly had conflicting impressions, it meant they'd talk more, they'd want to know, it would generate curiosity in and of itself. Shifting her weight, she seemed to step closer to him, even if she never moved her feet so much as she turned her body posture more towards him. Just a touch, nothing overt, but something most people would pick up unconsciously. Part of her recognized the fact that that sort of thing still apparently was second nature, nothing she had to truly think out before she did it. It was just there, in the back of her mind, ready to be used.
Maya considered the two of them, and what each had said. It did leave some questions hanging over what their relationship was. Eris referred to 'I', Brett to 'we' - though he could have been talking about the wider 'we' of the city. Either that, or there was an imbalance there that the man wasn't aware of. She didn't believe for a second that Eris would be unaware of such a thing - that woman wouldn't miss a pin drop at a hundred yards. She turned back to Eris, tucking the card into her offhand until she could find some lackey or other to give it to. "Well, whatever I can do to help, of course..."
"It would be much appreciated." Eris said in a warm tone, playing her role. "And it was fabulous seeing you, though I suppose I shouldn't really monopolize all of your time this evening." she added. "However, I look forward to hearing from you soon."
"You can rely on it," Maya said, mirroring the tone, still playing like they were best of friends. She cast a glance at Brett and offered him her hand. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Of... Mr Trent," she said with a smile.
Brett noticed the slip - which he was almost sure had been purposeful. So, she knew who he was - he couldn't imagine Eris telling people that bluntly, not unless there was something to be gained from it. He shook the hand he was offered in what he hoped was an acceptable way, though the way she'd offered it, he half thought that possibly he was expected to kiss it. But he didn't do that kind of thing, not for anyone. "Likewise, Mrs Walker," he said, formally. Maya stepped back as he let her hand go, then turned and headed off into the crowds, looking for her next target. Interesting, very interesting.
Alec & Maya
Alec tugged a little bit at the collar of his tuxedo before grabbing a flute of champagne from a passing waiter. He wasn't one for functions such as these. There was a time that he would've been all for them, but that had been a lifetime ago. Still, he could play along, and he did, chatting amiably with several of his father's friends. Yes, he was there representing the family company. Yes, he believed that Andrew might be the one in the DA's office who would be taking care of raid that happened the other night and yes, he had heard about the passing of poor Agatha's granddaughter, isn't it terrible?
He wanted to scream. However, he had promised his mother that he'd stay for at «i»least«/i» two hours and play nice. It was going to be his business empire someday and this is what came with carrying on the Ravenwood Legacy.
So he stood there in the crowd with his champagne, pulling out all the stops. He winked. He casually flirted and complimented and he smiled. He smiled so much his face hurt but did any of them realize it? No. Of course not. And so when he found Maya Walker to be the next person on the line he was walking through the crowd, he was dialed to eleven with the most charming smile he could possibly employ as he approached her.
Conversely, Maya lived for evenings like this, she was in her element, even though most of it was an act. But it was an act that she maintained expertly, moving amongst people, sometimes giving them little more than a wave, sometimes stopping for a longer conversation. All the time, keeping an eye on the pair in the room that nobody had expected to be here, the new little mystery.
When she caught sight of Alec, though, she headed his way, matching his smile of greeting with one of her own. "Why, Alec Ravenwood, what a pleasure to see you here," she exclaimed, taking a step towards him and giving air kisses to each side of his face.
Alec went with it of course, although he did drop an «i»actual«/i» kiss on her cheek before pulling away with a teasing grin. "And as always, it's a pleasure to see you." He noted the black dress she wore and remembered that she'd been acquaintances (or friends? Although he was fairly positive in his estimation that Maya Walker didn't actually have friends). "I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Miss Mayfair." Alec hadn't known her personally. He was older than Maya and while they were both brought up in the same circles, there were two very different age groups.
Maya looked down, not having to fake her sense of loss, though for very different reasons. Lily hadn't been one of her own, but she'd liked the girl. She had potential, and that was what Maya mourned - the loss of potential. "It was a tragedy. Hard to believe that such a thing could happen. Such a lovely young woman, cruelly taken from us..."
"It's better to save the prettier sentiments for others," Alec reminded her, and it was open, gentle, with a gentle smile. The nice guy. "It's okay to just say that you miss her." Because if Alec hated anything, it was when someone wasn't genuine. He could tell that the younger woman was sad with Lily's death, but Maya Walker was a planner, and everything she did was careful. He wondered, then, what kind of businesswoman she'd be. Certainly someone he could see enjoying dealing with.
Maya disliked his attitude. The way that he so casually dismissed her show of grief, and she wondered what he was trying to prove with it. Whether he really was that callous that he wished the world to know he didn't give a damn about the death of a girl, or whether he simply assumed everyone was acting. "Maybe that's enough for you," Maya commented, the smile wavering slightly. "You need have no worry I will burden you with my troubles."
Alec noted the wavering smile and felt like a jerk. "I've lost many people close to me," he said softly, inclining his head down to hers so that no one would have to hear what he was saying. "In terrible ways. I simply meant that you shouldn't feel like you have to give a prepared statement to someone like me." It was no secret in society that the youngest Ravenwood had served time in the war overseas, but the death and destruction overseas was an entirely different matter that people didn't like to talk about. "And I am quite sorry to have offended you. It wasn't my intention."
"No offence taken," Maya assured him, mollified by the apology. She did, however wonder what he had intended by it. She knew something of his history, but still, Maya was not someone who habitually took things at face value when there was a possible other way of seeing things.
"Growing too used to death sometimes makes dealing about it with those who are thankfully not used to it quite difficult." He really hadn't meant the conversation to go this way and he really didn't want it going this way. But now he was stuck in it and there wasn't much left to do except go with it until they were able to change it. "We will all miss Lily. She was a wonderful person."
"Of course," Maya said, smoothly, playing her part. "But I'm certain she would not like us getting all morose on a night such as tonight, where we can do so much good. I know also that the mayor is still looking for another cause to donate part of tonight's proceeds to. Under the circumstances, can I count on your support for proposing the hospital's burns unit?"
Alec nodded, taking a casual sip of his champagne. "There's a lot of projects I'd eventually like to start now that I'm back home. Perhaps a joint venture on some of these would be advantageous for all." The Ravenwoods were not mob. They were very far from being mob and Alec knew this and he knew Maya knew this. They both also knew that if Alec wanted to do anything in this city, he didn't need the support of the Walker name. But if Alec was anything, he was a strategist and a businessman and if he thought there was something Maya Walker could offer, then he'd take it. For now, he was merely testing the waters.
Maya never closed a door that was hanging open, though she thought that possibly they were discussing slightly different topics here. There was no problem with that though, in her eyes, she could handle more than one thing at a time - she had to be able to do that, or she wouldn't be where she was today. "Of course, I'm sure that you have some fascinating ideas. I would be happy to get together to discuss your plans one day - possibly over lunch?" she suggested. He seemed to be talking about much greater ambitions than a mere charitable gift off the back of a single night's fundraiser, and if he wanted to talk business, she'd prefer to do it somewhere where she could give it the time and attention it deserved.
"Yes, a more appropriate time." Alec gave her a bright, winning smile and took her hand, dropping a kiss on the back of it. "But if I'm seeing things correctly, I believe Mr and Mrs Sandavol are eager for your attention." The elderly couple were on their way over, looking very determined and if they were after him? He was passing them off. Childish? Maybe, but he was not like Maya and he wondered, again, why that thought made him so sad.
Maya beamed at the kiss and as she took her hand back, she glanced over at the elderly couple, then back at Alec. "Are you free tomorrow? I know this adorable little bistro and I'm sure they'll have a table for us if I ask. Around two? I can have my people telephone the address through to yours first thing in the morning, if you're free," she suggested, aware that duty called and she really needed to move off now.
How did she do that, wrangle out a lunch date when he didn't think he sounded like he had ideas now He did, but they weren't exactly ready for outward opinion. At least, not the opinion of Maya Walker. Not yet anyway. "I've actually got a very busy week ahead of me. How about I call you and make us some reservations someplace where I can show you off?" Maya Walker liked to show off and if she could get the opportunity to do so? The better the place, the better her mood, that much he was quite certain of.
Maya didn't like being put off, at all, but that didn't show on her face and she accepted his proposition gracefully - though she did allow herself to look just a little disappointed, in a girlish way. "Of course - you have a business to run. You can't have that much time for the little extras," she said. "But - I'll look forward to hearing from you."
Alec winked playfully at her, inclining his head to her. "I'll look forward to calling. Take care, Mrs Walker." He looked up, offering a nod to the Sandovals who had just come up and blended into the crowd, leaving Maya to deal with the couple, while he just bided his time until he could make an excuse to leave the charity.
kess and ian - the lobby
Ian hadn't stopped since he woke up this morning, but finally the event was underway and he was in his element. Head of the Drake, he was balancing between ensuring things were going smoothly and actually participating as a representative for the more illustrious side of the family. Since it was still early in the evening his duties kept him out of the ballroom, but he'd traded up his normal event suit for a formal tux to match the occasion. Eventually he'd be seated with the rest of them, but for now he was going over items in the hotel's register leaning against the front desk.
Being stuck on the front desk and watching the great and good filter past in all their finery really hit home to Kess that her life was pretty damn boring. At least, from that angle. She would take more boring still, if it meant that she could have her daughter back. The husband, he she could always do without. She would never ask for the 'normal family life' for that very reason. But, tonight, she was working. And nobody was checking in, which made for boring. Stretching, she eased a crick out of her back, attempting at discretion, since she knew the boss was watching.
Ian closed the register and looked up in time to see Kess stretch, watching lazily. He wasn't interested exactly but he hadn't done a bad job picking this one out. "Don't look too bored," he teased lightly. "Someone might notice." So far things were going smoothly and Ian could spare to be playful with his employees.
Kess hadn't really had the job long enough to get a gauge of her employer and so she smiled a little awkwardly. "Sorry - I assume that we're not expecting to be too busy out here? Most people are in there, right?" she asked, making some moves to correct that.
"Not for the moment no," Ian told her flashing a glance in the direction of the ballroom. People were still coming, moving about and every time the door opened the music and voices drifted out. "Though if the champagne and wine keep flowing the way they are, we might get busy out here with those interested in staying the night." The grin he settled her was a little mischievous, hinting that not everyone would go home with whom they arrived with. "Just don't ask too many questions, assume everyone's drunk, and book the best rooms first, no matter what they ask for."
Kess gave him a definitive nod. "Yes boss," she said with a smile. She knew how that one went - it wouldn't be the first time she'd taken advantage of someone's inebriated state, though she'd always made sure that they could afford it. And these people? Definitely looked like they could afford it. "is there anything else I need to do?" she asked him, wondering if he was staying out here all night, or whether he was attending the event as well. She couldn't think of a polite way to ask though.
Ian considered it for a moment, taping his fingers along the cover of the register. "Nothing in particular. I'm sorry you're the only one up here this evening. I've got almost everyone else spread around covering different positions." Ian enjoyed that Kess didn't ask questions or look appalled at his suggestion. He had to wonder why that was, but this wasn't really the place to ask the questions that would get him that answer. "I'll be in the ballroom, but if you need anything you can come get me." Ian wondered if she would, what level of crisis she'd have to be in before she asked.
"I don't mind being on my own, and I know what I'm doing now," she assured him, actually glad that she'd come so far so fast. She'd only been here days, but she'd worked hard at learning her job, and it felt like a reward to be trusted enough to be left on her own. Even if it wasn't busy. And even if the reality was that it was boring as hell.
"And doing a lovely job at it," Ian told her with a reassuring smile. He was more than pleased with her performance so far. She'd done her job, learned it well and above all didn't seem interested in asking too many questions. The less questions the better. "Are you like it here so far? Working with us?"
"I'm really enjoying it - thank you for giving me the opportunity," Kess told him, knowing that she'd been really lucky to land this job. As much as she'd enjoyed working at Babylon, she knew what that place had been, and Eugene had never failed to turn it against her whenever he could. He couldn't do that here - maybe she could make something of that. Maybe she could make some progress now. Maybe - her world was full of maybes.
"That's good to hear," Ian said, the smile breaking into something just a little extra. "I'd hate to lose someone with such a natural talent for seeing to it that others needs are met." The words were chosen purposefully to gauge her reaction. He knew nothing of her history working at Babylon, but he'd learned over the years that when the comment bears multiple meanings, it opens the door for a wider variety of reactions.
Kess didn't even blink, though she did smile to herself a little, knowing the limitations of that. She'd had to 'prove' those limitations more than once in the past, but Eris had always been very good with backing her on her calls. She'd almost broken a guy's wrist once for putting his hands where they didn't belong, and Eris' reaction had been to ban the guy on the spot when she heard. "You don't need to worry about that - I'm not going anywhere," she promised him.
"That's even better to hear," Ian said, pleased look still in place, even if his thoughts did drift a little left to consider dealing with Evelyn's idea that she was leaving the hotel. Trying to keep the two of them from finding new employment seemed like far too much work than he was capable of handling. Sighing as if giving in, Ian looked back over his shoulder at the ballroom doors. "I suppose I should be getting in there. Although I'm afraid it'll be just as boring out here only with worse company," he said with a playful smirk.
"I'll take that as a compliment. I hope that it's not too bad in there," Kess told him with a smile. "Good luck though. And if it is more than you can bear - I'll be out here," she added. She couldn't quite get a handle on her new boss, she wasn't entirely sure how to treat him. that knowledge would come with time though, she knew. She'd learn where the lines were - she just hoped she discovered them before she stepped over them. That was the reason for her being cautious. After all, she needed this job.
"That was how I meant it," Ian told her referring to the compliment. Standing up straight, he smoothed his hand across the front of his tux jacket, ensuring everything was in place. He wouldn't tell Kess, but he appreciated that little escape route she'd given him, much like he'd given her. It was confident and maybe a little on the gutsy side and Ian was the type of man who could appreciate that. "Good luck to you as well," he said. "And don't forget, best rooms first." He flashed her one more grin, then headed off towards the ballroom.
Benny, Cheyenne, and Maya
This definitely counted as a wander in Benny's mind, and he thought Zhen would be pleased if she could see him now, dressed to the nines in a freshly tailored suit and chuckling in wry amusement to himself. He'd brought a date, of course, a local streetwalker that had cleaned up nicely but wasn't looking too pleased now, despite her new dress and freshly-done hair. Probably because Benny had abandoned her a bare twenty minutes after he'd arrived, enamored with the prospect of a sea of strange women milling around in their finery.
But he wasn't worried for... what was her name again? Benny couldn't remember, and he couldn't find room for guilt either. She'd been paid, bought a dress, and taken out for the complimentary food and drink the Drake had for this event. If she was lucky, she might even find herself an easy mark to latch onto after tonight.
He looked away from his escort at last, slipping into the flow of people and neatly plucking a flute of champagne from a passing server's tray. Benny's grin was outright dangerous as he walked, raising his glass to a ravishing brunette and coaxing a smile from her as her husband or boyfriend or maybe even john prattled on to his friends. He knew he could find trouble here, for sure; Benny's looks had a slight broadness to them that left only a taste of the exotic, and he moved with a familiarity that said he did this sort of thing nightly.
But was he looking for trouble tonight? Or just for a few drinks and a warm body next to his? The problem with the mind of Benny Shen was that far too often those two things were linked.
Still, they weren't aways inseperable. Finding trouble would lead him back to old habits, after all, and Benny had plans that he knew would indulge those habits soon enough. So maybe tonight could be kept to the drinks and a stolen smile or four. He'd already coaxed one or two, but as Benny wove smoothly between people, he spotted a shock of white hair hanging down a back that was turned to him. The shoulders were too trim and shapely to be an old woman's, and the flow and length of that hair were definitely familiar. The one that got away, he thought to himself as he moved for what he assumed was Cheyenne. "If you keep following me around like this, people will start to whisper," Benny greeted to her as he approached, a light smile in place with the teasing greeting.
Cheyenne turned and at seeing Benny, she smiled at him. It turned more towards a smirk at his words, however, and she arched a brow. "I'm following you?" she asked. "Hmm...are you certain of that?" she asked. Then she stepped closer, voice lowering. "See, one of us has to be here. The other I'm sure just arrived to see the pretty girls in their dresses and to get free champagne." she told him, clearly teasing.
"And how is your free champagne, then?" Benny asked without missing a beat, ignoring the looks of whoever she'd been talking to before his arrival. He knew he was interrupting, but if he did it effortlessly enough and didn't acknowledge them? They'd be the rude ones for speaking up. "Mine is... bubbling," he mused as he took a sip, "But I could say the same for most of the ladies here. Bubbly but unremarkable, so much so that I was thinking of abandoning the fizz for something more real, but I had to see how you were before I did."
Cheyenne did excuse herself from the women she'd been speaking to, though managed to do so in a manner that wasn't rude. She'd grown up in a place that necessitated being able to pull that off, and she knew how to do it. Then she put her full attention on Benny. "What was it you were going to be getting that's more real for you?" she asked. "Going to start doing shots at a society party?" she arched that brow again.
He laughed warmly, cheeks bunching with an unfettered smile as Benny let himself sink into the role he enjoyed most. Here, in this suit and surrounded by these people? He pretended to be alive so hard that he actually felt it at times. "Do they have any?" he asked, glancing to each side quickly before looking back to Cheyenne, "And no. More real, to me, is a slice of pie down at Nighthawk's or a bag of popcorn and a walk through the empty park at night. Maybe sitting at the fountain with bare feet, wishing it was flowing."
Shoulders shrugged as Benny tilted his head to regard Cheyenne with a curious grin. "It's a fabulous party, no mistake. The music, the food, even the guests, though they're all strangers to me aside from you. But it's surface only, isn't it? Ten minutes of talk, and who can get to know someone in ten minutes? Maybe a dance, but only to show everyone how well you can dance. Me? I like dancing, whether there's an audience or not. But my views don't always mesh so well, so... more real was likely going to mean leaving. But not just yet, at any rate."
"Wow, you have a really terrible opinion about these things, don't you?" Cheyenne noted, though she didn't sound overly offended. "I think you can learn a lot about someone in ten minutes, if you pay enough attention. And I dance because I like to dance, not to show off. I know a lot of these people are quite..." she paused for the word 'superficial' and instead made a light gesture to fill in that blank. "...but that doesn't mean all of them are just here for show. Some people might even be here because they want to see people and have a decent time." she told him, like she was imparting some secret.
Benny chuckled again, nodding at her first question. "I do," he admitted, "But I've been to a lot of them back in China. Too often, they're held to exemplify whoever's holding them, to allow for social networking. My people place a great deal of value on appearance and fealty, and you don't see a greater divide than in a rich man's party and a poor one's." Still, he considered her point for a long moment, nursing his drink even his his thirst wanted to guzzle it down. "I don't see many charity events, that's certain. So being at one? Well, it's a trick to not just decide that it's like every other party." But even as he said that, Benny fixed a curious look on Cheyenne. "And which are you, then? Here because you have to be, or because you want to be? I mean no offense, of course, and you strike me as someone who'll make any bad situation into a good one. I just wonder."
"Technically I have to be." Cheyenne said. "But part of the reason I don't especially want to be here has little to do with the people, and more just because of some personal things going on. Normally they wouldn't be so bad. Sometimes I get a bit tired of them, but other times...it's just nice to go out for the night, and talk to people." Considering how isolated she felt lately, talking to people was high on her list of things to do.
He could understand that, even if their coping mechanisms were drastically different. Benny never limited himself to just talking; he dove in and lived vicariously for whatever span of time the fun could last, because afterwards there was always work, and he would be just another faceless Chinese man in the city. "Are these things too personal for me to pry?" he asked earnestly, wondering what might bog someone like her down. When they'd had dinner before, Cheyenne had seemed a light and unburdened sort. "And if they are, I'll just offer my company any time you want a night out."
She smiled at that. "Thank you." she said. And she shrugged one bare shoulder. When she spoke, it was after she stepped closer, and her voice was lowered so no one would overhear. "Someone's been following me. I don't know who. It...tends to take the fun out of being anywhere when you're being watched."
Call it practice, but the change in Benny's expression was so subtle that it went unnoticed aside from where his eyes met hers. They narrowed slightly, eventually darting from side to side as if he might find the supposed watcher. "Following you?" he echoed quietly, "What has your family done about it?" He didn't know much about the Walkers, really. They were powerful socialites, sure, but beyond that? They were just more rich white people to Benny. Still, money could find answers almost anywhere, he knew that personally. "Have you hired an investigator?"
"The police..." she hook her head. Nope. She wasn't going anywhere near them, not with what that freak Danny had done. "My family wants to hire a bodyguard for me." she said. "It's just hard to choose someone, and I'd want to trust them." she said, sighing. Which was hard to do because she didn't know any of them.
"Trust is important," he agreed, "And while the police might be capable? No one wants 'might' when their safety is the issue." A year and a few months earlier, and that had always been when Benny entered the equation. Some people wanted no room for doubt that they would be safe or their enemies would die, and he'd always been confident when he offered such services. "I would offer myself, but as we agree, trust is important. And I doubt one dinner and this moment have built it," benny explained with a faint, rueful smile. It could be fun for him, and definitely a chance to wander off his normal path, but just how much might he increase his chances of being uncovered? "Still, I do hope for your safety, Cheyenne," he added sincerely, "This city is not always a kind place, but I would like to think it could spare the few people whose names I know."
Cheyenne considered for a moment, looking at him. "Did you withdraw the offer because you wouldn't actually want to do it? Or because you don't think I'd take you up on it?" she asked. She didn't say more than that as she considered, watching him as she did so.
She actually surprised him just by asking that, and Benny had to wonder if he'd left some glimpse of himself unguarded. By rights, she shouldn't have even considered him, he was supposed to be the carefree playboy, not someone who might be a suitable bodyguard. "The second," he answered eventually, smiling a bit wider, "I am a relative stranger, after all. Maybe a bit less than other options, but still..." He trailed off, raising his glass as he watched Cheyenne thoughtfully and took his last swallow. "In any case, I'm not the sort of man who makes an offer only to withdraw it. Life is too short for petty games like that."
"I don't have a lot of options." Cheyenne told him honestly. "And I've seen a lot of people, but..." she shook her head a bit, sighing as she looked away again. "I don't really know them, and they all seem to be the type who don't do much in the way of talking. I'm not sure I'd want to spend a lot of time with someone who won't even hold up their end of a conversation." she admitted. Plus, they'd just been cold, huge muscle men. And that was it. Professional bodyguards, certainly, but they all had the personality of a stone.
"I know the sort," he agreed, sighing, "You make them sound like men who can only handle threats, which you need? But they also should have wits to rely on, to let you invest faith, yes? My family, back in China, retained some men for these ends. And the most useful were the ones who would only seem like a part of the family. A guard should blend with his ward, otherwise the threats will never show themselves." He was torn, that was for sure. If her family was as connected as he'd heard, they would have to have some useful information Benny could levy against the Lotus, right? And if he played things carefully, he could keep his own identity a secret. Even more, if he did this job well? It wouldn't take long to complete it, and then he'd have potential favors... "I do not know what sort of proof your family might want, but if you are serious? Speak to them, tell them I am willing."
"I think it would go over better if you actually spoke with my family. Maya, to be specific. I could speak to her with you, of course. Or warn her that I've found a potential bodyguard." she said. Cheyenne was willing to go for it, at the moment. She needed something to help keep her sane, because she definitely felt more and more like she was losing it, and she'd had a decent time with Benny before. Plus, he seemed to talk a good game. Like he knew the basics of what even made a good guard. "Though, just for my knowledge...what are your qualifications?" she asked.
He smiled again, looking down at his shoes as if he were embarassed to have gotten this far, or maybe to be put on the spot. Really, Benny just knew the posture and angle tended to make him more genuine; body language was a fun tool to play with. "I am not a policeman, of course," he disclaimed, "Or a soldier? But I am well-trained in some martial styles, I'll spare you their names, and if I needed to be armed? I know how to work a pistol fairly well." He was only ever this modest when he absolutely had to be, though. Benny was the best; he knew it, half of Asia knew it, maybe it was time for the gwei-lo to learn it. "And I think I am sharp in my wits, quick to spot when someone or something does not belong."
She nodded. "Good enough for me." she said. Really, Cheyenne just wanted something. Someone. So yes, she was happy to take the chance. She could show him the pictures she had of the man, just in case, even if there wasn't anything helpful caught in her negatives. "Do you want to introduce yourself to Maya without me, or shall I find her and we can talk to her together?" she asked. She really wasn't sure what Benny might want to be paid for this, what was a decent wadge, and how much Maya was planning on paying--though she imagined Maya would pay better than anyone else in the city.
"I would appreciate the introduction," Benny answered, looking beyond Cheyenne and into the crowd for someone who bore any kind of resemblance, "Otherwise I might come off as a conniver. If it was me and some strange man came over with a mouthful of my problems and a solution to them, I would be suspicious. Less so if my... whatever your relation is, introduced me." And that much wasn't an act, propriety was deeply ingrained in him on some odd, social level that Benny might have justified to himself, but it was a very real thing. "Please," he said as he stepped back and swept an arm out for Cheyenne to lead the way, "After you."
She smiled at that, then scanned the room for Maya. She knew she was wearing black--a friend of hers had died today, she thought she remembered her saying. Then she nodded, spotting her. "This way." she said, taking the lead to head towards the woman who was like a mother to her.
Was she leading him to the black woman? Yet another surprise for Benny, there was no way he'd expected that. Still, as he drew closer, he could see something in the poise and certainty of Maya, the effortlessness she had in belonging to this setting... Curious, he thought as he followed Cheyenne, eventually stopping behind her and waiting on an introduction.
"Maya, do you have a minute?" she asked when she got close enough--though she waited for there to be a momentary lull in a woman that was talking Maya's ear off to take a breath. She smiled politely at the woman, inclinging her head down a slight bit to indicate she was apologetic for the intrusion.
Maya turned to Cheyenne and glanced at the man she was with, then looked back at the other woman. "Tabitha, could you spare me a minute? I need to speak with my daughter - and anyway, I think Charles Singer is trying to attract your attention," she said, smoothly deflecting the other woman away across the room. That done, she returned to Cheyenne. "You have all the time you need, dear," she assured Cheyenne. "As long as you introduce me to your companion..."
Cheyenne smiled, and turned to Benny. "Benny...Huo, if I'm recalling correctly?" she asked, fairly sure that was the case, but she didn't want to mess that up. "Maya Walker." she continued, between the two of them. Then she took half a step back, so they could greet one another properly.
Stepping right up with a moment to adjust the cufflink at one sleeve, Benny reached out for Maya's hand with a slight bow in his posture as he did. "Benny Huo, yes, but Benny will do," he greeted, smiling up at Maya from the downturned gaze he aimed at her, "Honored to meet you, Mrs. Walker." How long had it been since one of these crucial first impressions? And why did Benny's gut tell him that this one's stakes were equal to any yakuza or triad lord's, albeit in different terms of influence?
That was always a good start with Maya, she set great stock in politeness and it's outward shows. one owed it to at least put in the effort of an impression. "Mr Huo - I'm pleased to meet you," she said, considering and rejecting a more polite form of address. Yes, the honour could all be his. She did wonder at his affiliation, but time would tell. The length of time, of course, would depend upon what this man was doing with Cheyenne.
"After speaking with Mr. Huo, it's come about that he may be interested in the position we currently have open." Cheyenne said to Maya, knowing she'd know what she was talking about without getting into specifics. After all, they were in the middle of a party it was hardly good conversation to talk about her stalker and such where just anyone could be listening. And considering everyone was always making a point to listen in on Maya, she kept it vague.
Nodding slightly, Benny stood upright with a small smile tugging at his lips. Doubtless there was some curious tale behind this 'mother and daughter', but it wasn't one that he could give much attention right now. No, now was when he needed to be tactful but still confident. "Your daughter has spoken with me about current... dilemmas," he explained, picking up on Cheyenne's own wariness and following, "And while I do not know if I might be of service? I could not resist offering if your family had need."
Maya considered the matter, knowing that this wasn't exactly the place to be talking about things. Not when they couldn't talk openly. "Do you have experience of this kind of work, Mr Huo?" she asked him, raising an eyebrow and sounding very much like she may be addressing a tailor, or a gardener, rather than someone who would be acting as a bodyguard to a beloved daughter. Still, it didn't do to sound too interested when people were listening.
He feigned consideration for a moment there, a moment Benny needed just to figure out how to phrase things. He couldn't exactly say that he'd stalked, lured, and killed already today, now could he? "I was given a very fine education," Benny explained, "And a difference between my home land and yours is what we are taught. I believe that any lack of experience I might have is made up for by my lessons. A keen mind is needed here, and a decisive spirit. I do not brag when I say I have both." Language was fun like that for Benny; even if he knew he wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer, he liked dancing around direct statements. "But if you have doubts, I understand and bear no ill will, Mrs. Walker. I simply felt it important to offer, for Cheyenne's sake."
"From what I understand, he's capable." Cheyenne put in, quite aware of the vagueness going on still. But they were doing a good job of having this conversation without having it.
"And are you able to provide references, Mr Huo?" Maya asked him, clearly showing interest in the proposition, though it was edged with a wariness. She wanted the best for Cheyenne, and this man was an unknown quantity. "Perhaps it would be best if you called on me, say tomorrow? At two. We could discuss the proposal in more detail." And she could probe more openly into exactly who he was.
"References?" Benny asked, balking somewhat at the request. He'd warned Cheyenne that he wasn't a cop or anything, and beyond that, Benny only had his own word to stand by unless he wated to pull off his shirt and expose his irezumi dragons. Somehow, he didn't think that'd go too well at a gala. "I'm afraid I have none," he answered, shaking his head ruefully, "My lessons do not come with diplomas, and this is not work I actively seek out. As I said, my offer was spurred by your daughter's story. If you still wish to meet with me, I would greatly welcome the opportunity."
Maya considered him, carefully. "Two o'clock, Mr Huo. Don't be late. Cheyenne can provide you with the address," she told him, her words softened with a smile before she turned away to greet another man in an impeccable suit. There were so many of them tonight.
Cheyenne looked to Benny and smiled. "Two o'clock then." she said, hoping he didn't skip out on that. Or that he wouldn't be insulted that he needed to do it. One never knew, really. People could take things in all sorts of wacky ways, and she was aware of that.
Far from insulted, Benny was actually relieved that some standard of evidence was needed. Only a fool would take a man's promise of skill at face value, and likewise only a fool would turn away help because it didn't have proof onhand when requested. Now he'd just need to figure out how he could prove it to Maya. That, and how to juggle this possible-task with his own vendetta. But that was the point in shedding his old existence, wasn't it? To see where it led, and hope for clarity? "Two it is," he agreed, grinning to Cheyenne, "I pray I don't disappoint her. And if I do? I won't until tomorrow. For now..." He winked at her, reaching out again to deftly twine his fingers around two flutes of champagne on a server's tray, bringing both down and offering one to Cheyenne. "You said you danced because you enjoyed it, yes?" he asked, nodding to the space in the Drake's event room where couples moved together.
She took her glass, and smiled. "I did say that, yes." she agreed. "Are you asking me to dance, then? If so, I'd love to." she told him genuinely. There was a part of her that felt a little relieved, just at the hope of things working out.
"As would I," Benny agreed, stepping back on his heel as he reached for Cheyenne's other hand and led her through the crowd. He was complicating things immeasurably, Benny knew it, but here and now? Complicated wasn't so bad. All he'd had before was life and death, a simple drive for justice. Maybe immersing himself in some chaos would help. Even if it didn't? He couldn't find many other distractions that promised to be so easy on the eyes.
.
The event was well underway by the time Ian made his entrance into the ballroom. While the last dinner he'd merely overseen the whole thing as the hotel manager, this little shindig he got to actually participate in. The family was of course "giving back" the to the community it already took so much more from, and they wanted one of their favorite sons there with a pleasant smile. Ian was more that happy to oblige.
Mina was there. She wasn't technically invited per se, though she was sure that it was just an oversight on someone's part, or perhaps the mail carrier had lost it. It happened sometimes. However, considering where it was being hosted, and who was hosting it, she assumed of course that she was invited, and for the first time in years, she actually attended. She'd dug up some of her old jewels and a dress that accentuated her frame, a dark if rich violet in color. It was possibly not the tip top of fashion, but she didn't so much notice or care. She liked the dress, and she was wearing it. And if anyone had anything to say on the matter, then they could say whatever they liked. She was just finding herself a glass of champagne, though they seemed elusive. She was sure there was one around somewhere, however.
She wasn't hard to spot. Maybe it was the dress that stood out some because it didn't quite blend in with the other dresses, due to it being an older style. Maybe it was just something about Mina herself. Ian wasn't entirely sure, but he thought he recognized the woman. Snagging two champagne glasses off a passing waiter he moved through the crowd easily enough, appearing at her side. Offering the one of the glasses over he gave her a broad, friendly smile. "Good evening."
Turning to face the person greeting her, she smiled and took the offered drink. "Hello!" she said, smile sweet, genuine. There was something soft about it, but then Mina often had that sort of feel. "You're familiar to me." she said. "However, I do apologize greatly, but I'm unsure I recall your name or where I may know you from. It's terribly rude of me, I hope you can forgive me." she said.
Maybe it was the smile that helped settle her in his mind a little better. "I believe we might have grown up together," Ian told her offering his glass in mock toast before taking a sip. "It's Ian, Ian Sullivan. I run the hotel." An obvious way of saying he was part of the family, without using those words exactly. He knew he recognized Mina from his youth but he was still having difficulty really truly placing her.
"Ian Sullivan." she repeated, turning the name over in her mind. She kept up her smile, polite, and she didn't doubt the fact that they might have grown up together. Mina's mind was a place where things could get lost sometimes. Still, she did know he was familiar! "Well it's pleasant to be speaking with you again then." she told him. "I'm sure you know my name?" she asked, but she didn't put him on the spot so he had to remember. "Mina Walker."
Part of him had guessed it was Mina Walker, remembering her now more vividly from his own memories. She was a little older than him, a few years, but she'd still been "one of the children" about the same time he'd been. "Pleasure is all mine," Ian said, bowing just his head in greeting. "It's been a while since you've been by the hotel Mina. I'm glad to see you again." More than a while. Her name registered something, now that he heard it. Not just because she was a Walker daughter. Given that she was still lovely for her age, yet he didn't see her out much, she was one of the ones they preferred to keep out of the spotlight. Polite smile in place, internally Ian waded through rumors, stories he'd heard over the years, trying to remember which one was hers.
"I'm glad to see you again as well." she said, genuine, even if she wasn't trying nearly so hard as he was to recall their previous interactions. She was good with just re-meeting him now. "And no, I suppose I've been busy at work and the like, I don't get out nearly so much as I used to." she admitted. Which in her head was true, even if it was wildly inaccurate. She'd been committed when she was younger, and one didn't attend many fancy functions when one was in a straight jacket.
"What line of work are you in that keeps you so busy?" Ian asked politely, though behind the mask he was rather curious. He wondered if by work, she meant the same things Maya did, tending to her role in the city, or if this woman actually had a job.
"I'm a nurse." Mina said, smiling, clearly pleased and proud of the title. "I work with the poor unfortunates at Bedlam. People really think that they can just throw away parts of society that they don't understand, but that doesn't make it right. So, I give back in my own ways. I work there full time, I'm one of the most treasured staff, by both the administration and the patients." she said. Her tone managed not to come off as bragging, however, which was odd. But with her smile, and her voice, she didn't sound like it.
She was that Walker. Oh this is just rich, Ian thought to himself devilish grin covered by taking a sip of his champagne. "I must say I'm impressed, the closest I get to helping out is this, offering up my ballroom for events like this." Not that he really cared to help the unfortunate. In fact he knew they needed to stay that way, without the the bottom you can't have a top.
"Well, without it, there wouldn't be such a pleasant place to have functions solely put on to help them in general, so I would say you've done your part." Mina said. "Besides, it takes a bit of a special type of personality to work with people such as the mad. It's very challenging sometimes." she admitted, a sad sort of cast to her smile this time.
"I appreciate it," he said with gratitude, nodding his head again. Ian was more than interested in Mina, wondering just who exactly had brought her out tonight and their intent. "I can only imagine that challenges. Do many recover? I know that sometimes by the time they wind up in Bedlam, there's little hope left. That's got to be a rather depressing line of work."
"That depends on what you mean by recover." Mina said. "Many, not anything nearing satisfactorily. Their malady is too pronounced. Some, however, eventually leave the hospital, when they are feeling better equipped to handle life. Some, however, don't wish to leave, even if we deem that they could likely return to society." Some people seemed like they needed it, after a while.
"I suppose in most of those situations one can only hope that her patients eventually find some sort of peace then." Ian took another sip of his drink, watching her closely over the glass.
"Right. And never giving up on people." Mina said, sipping her own drink more. "That's honestly the key to everything. Never give up on those around you, to who's most important to you. And choose that import wisely." she added, nodding a touch. "I care for those the city has swept under the rug. If I don't, who will?" she asked rhetorically.
Ian could agree with that. Though in his case the only important person in his life was himself, but it was a wise choice and he actually held himself in rather high esteem. "Who indeed," he echoed. Certainly not himself, and certainly not these other hypocrites in the room who thought just throwing money at a problem would solve it. At least Ian realized he didn't want it solved.
She smiled at that. "I suppose I should get back to mingling." she said. "I don't want people to come away from the party wondering why I snubbed them." she sighed at that. "People are so touchy at times. But I do hope to see you again soon, Mr. Sullivan." she said, tone nothing but genuine.
"I suppose the same is expected of me as well," Ian said, with a matched tone. "I hope to see you soon as well, Ms. Walker. Take care." Another broad smile, and Ian stepped aside, not quite leaving her, but giving her room to maneuver around him. He'd keep an eye on her the rest of the night, watching to see how others reacted to her.
alec and eris
Eris was standing with her drink, which was getting low, even if she didn't especially want another. Which was why she was kind of not getting herself a new one. Her alcohol intake really needed to be regulated, and therefore she didn't have any real desire to get a new drink because she didn't actually remember how many she'd had. That was Brett's job. Which she was sure he was keeping up with. Still, she stood there, glancing around, not looking especially bored or anything, just like she was taking a momentary breather from the many conversations she'd had that night already. One thing she had noticed was people had carefully avoided asking her at all about the scar around her neck. They looked, of course, but people had avoided actually asking. Which was amusing, really, or she thought so.
It was impossible to wander around the ballroom and not hear people whispering about Eris Stockard and Babylon and variations on said themes. Both meant nothing to Alec, and he assumed that anything that had gone down with this had mostly happened while he was gone from Eidolon. He had read about the terrible fire of the Hotel Babylon (which was an interesting name for a hotel and he was starting to get the idea that it wasn't actually on the up and up), but other than that? He was out of the loop. So when he spied the woman that everyone was talking about, his curiosity was peaked enough that he headed over. Eris Stockard was striking despite the scarring around her neck. He glanced around for the man he had seen with her earlier in the night but didn't find him.
"Miss Stockard, I take it?" he asked as he approached her, an easy smile on his face, hoping that she wasn't as difficult to deal with as Maya was.
Upon hearing the greeting, Eris turned to rest her gaze on someone she definitely didn't recognize. Which internally gave her a little thrill of nerves, because she didn't want to be dealing with people she didn't know or hadn't known before the whole brain damage thing kicked in. But none of that showed. Nothing did but a faint little smile, a minute arch of her brow meant to indicate faint interest. "You presume correctly." she told him. "And you are?" she asked. "I don't think I've seen you around before." Either at her old business or any old functions, either. But then again she'd been out of the loop for a while, and that tended to leave gaps for new people to wander into the social circles.
"I've been out of the city for a rather long time and I'm sorry to say that I haven't made your acquaintance before this. Alec Ravenwood." The arch of the eyebrow, the little smile, the calm sort of way she was holding herself. So he held out his hand for a shake, running with the idea that she'd appreciate a good handshake than a kiss on the hand and on the cheek.
She reached out to shake his hand, assessing him as she did so. He looked confident, if nothing else. He sounded like it. Not that that was unusual in this sort of situation. People didn't get here without having some sort of confidence. Still, she shook his hand, smiling at him, an amused little expression. "What brought you back, Mr. Ravenwood?" she asked. "Business, perhaps?" she just ventured a guess, based on his appearance. He didn't necessarily carry himself like someone who was 'in charge', like the city hall types did. But then most of them had an air of 'better than thou' that they couldn't quite get rid of, and most weren't given to wanting to either.
Alec chuckled, an easy sound despite the fact that he didn't do much chuckling anymore. "In a way, yes. Came home to take over the family business." He absently rubbed at the small scar on his forehead. "Guess they didn't have anyone better to stick in a suit behind a desk." He smiled at Eris, taking a sip of the champagne he was still nursing. There was a casualness about him, as he stood there. The kind that comes from knowing who you are and what you're capable of, with no driving need to have to prove yourself.
Her eyes ticked to the scar. "Where were you?" she asked. "Does your travels have anything to do with the scar?" she continued, since he'd gone and drawn attention to it. When people did that, it was generally an unconscious gesture, but telling, none the less. And since he looked intact and the like, she didn't imagine there were horrifying stories that went along with it. That and most people who did have stories like those had a bit of a haunted look about them and he didn't. And god she hoped she remembered the details later. Or that Brett was in earshot well enough.
"Oh, this?" It was one of those things that he knew he did, but just didn't think about when he actually did it. "No, this is from school." The Academy. The hellish first few months of basic training and running through the woods in the dark. "But I was overseas. Was discharged for injury. Didn't have anywhere else to go but home." He eyed her own scar. The fact that Eris hadn't covered it up meant either she wanted people to ask about it, or was trying to send out a message, and he'd seen some nasty messages himself while fighting. "I heard you rose from the dead. Congratulations. Welcome to the club." He gave her a wink, figuring that the scar had something to do with the mutterings about how Isn't she supposed to be dead?, and not trying to make a big deal of it. Any look under his clothes would tell it's own story, and Alec knew what it was like to be facing your own death. "We have membership cards and are still working on secret handshakes."
"You'll have to tell me when the meetings start, and when my dues are owed." Eris said, clearly amused now. "And from school? And discharged...I'd love to know how all of that fits together." she told him. She also affected a smile at the wink he gave her, something a little sensual, possibly the slightest bit mysterious and unreadable, but there. "As for my own rise from the grave, that's what they tell me. However I'm sure your own resurrection story would be far more interesting than my own." she added, just in case he wanted to tell her what that story might be.
Alec shrugged, noticing the kind of smile she gave him. The sensuality didn't do anything for him, but he could appreciate the mystery she was playing on. With a scar like that, she'd earned it, and it did nothing to detract from her beauty. He kept the pleasant expression on his face just the same. "Military school usually ends to service in the name of our good country." There was a somewhat bored tone in it, because he had to explain it over and over during the night. He didn't mind. He was proud of his service and accomplishments. "But I don't know. I could say the same about your story, but I'm going to take a wild stab at it and say that both our stories might still be a little too close for comfort." As in, maybe it wasn't World Share Day for two strangers.
"Agreed, but you implied that you were discharged from school. Unless you were wording it incorrectly? Were you off fighting the war, overseas?" she asked him. "You certainly look like you're still capable." she noted, the compliment light, not heavy handed to draw too much attention to it, just an acknowledgment of something perceived as true, which she was sure he thought it was. "And possibly. But then again, if we really didn't want to have to answer any questions, why show up to a function where they're bound to be asked?" she posed. It wasn't pushing him to tell her whatever had happened to him, just presenting a point of view.
Alec thought about what he said. No, he said he had been overseas and discharged from injury. But he made no mention of this to Eris, not wanting to embarrass her, because he also mentioned he was overseas. His eyes ticked to the glass she was holding, wondering if perhaps she had a little too much. "I was fighting overseas for a few years. Injuries happen. Such is war. And I'm only here because of the donation my family is making and one of us has to show up. I prefer to actually do things than to just throw a bunch of money around. Yourself? Why are you here?" He clarified, because he just wasn't sure how inebriated she might actually be.
"You don't have any underlings you can send in your place, or you don't trust them to represent your interests well enough?" she asked. He didn't seem to want to talk at all about his experiences with the war, though with the few soldiers she had known in her time, a lot of them didn't. So that wasn't unusual, really. Nothing to draw a flag, anyhow.
"I prefer to do things myself, yes," he said with a shrug and sip of his drink. "Some old habits never die, even when we are forced to subject ourselves to these sorts of things." Clearly, Alec wasn't a fan of the whole social gathering scene. At least, not this type. And he was appreciative that she had let the matter of his service drop and he in turn let his questioning of her own story drop as well. "But interests? Well, I prefer to do business face to face and I do have some networking relationships I want to strengthen for the future. What better time then when everyone is happy and inebriated? Keeps things simpler and less complicated." Not that Alec didn't like the hunt. He loved it. But social situations were best when things were kept as uncomplicated as possible.
"See, I never went in for things being too easy." Eris said, smirking very faintly. "I tend to prefer a challenge in my life, but to each their own, I suppose. What kind of business do you do?" she asked him. Since he hadn't quite said, just that he had one, and was contributing to things tonight and he was in charge. So, she was curious. Plus it was always good to know what people did, where their interests lie.
"I run the steel mills. My father has decided to step down recently and I needed something to do." Alec shrugged. "Work is challenging, I guess. I don't really think about it." He didn't. He knew that if he got bored, he didn't have enough to do, so he always tried to make sure he had enough to do. "What do you do?" He heard little whispers of things, but he preferred to hear answers from the person themselves than put stock in other people talking about said person. It was genuine, his question. They always sounded genuine, and most of the time were.
Eris didn't think that not thinking about something that one was supposedly that focused on really made much sense, but she gave no indication of that. "Well, it's rather new, honestly." she said, about her own business. Since it was. There wasn't any other businesses out there like it currently. "There are a lot of functions like this had around the city at various times, and many people would rather not attend unaccompanied. We provide an escort to these types of things so no one needs to attend alone. There are several here tonight who've already taken up such services."
Alec looked around after what she said, having noticed a few people he'd never expect to see with dates with some very fashionable looking women. "Well, when a city has needs, services must be provided eventually, regardless of what they are." He offered Eris a smile. Business person to business person. That he could understand.
"Exactly. I merely cater to one small section of it. But there's always supply and demand to be dealt with." Eris said with a smile. "Always nice to meet another inclined towards business practices. Occasionally at these parties there's a few too many 'I own the world' types." What with all the city government and all, and they were for the most part tedious to talk to.
"Which is exactly why I prefer to keep my dealings with said types to the opposite side of the boardroom table," he said, his smiling broadening with a hint of predatory mischief at her reply. "But we all have to do things we don't like to accomplish our goals, don't we?"
"I suppose there's some truth to that." Eris said, smirking back at him, expression mirroring his in tone. Technically, she was doing something she didn't like right now. She didn't especially want to be here, dealing with these people, doing these things. This was for Brett. She was doing this because that was the course he'd put them on, and it was too late to back out of it.
"S'pose so." He put his half-empty champagne glass on a passing waiter's tray and looked back at Eris. "I hope to meet you again sometime soon, Miss Stockard. I have some business ideas that may very well need the support of a woman like yourself. I've also extended something out to Maya Walker as well. I saw the two of you speaking earlier."
"I'm sure we'll see each other again." she said. "If you'd like a card, in case you'd like to get in touch, ask my associate there." she said, letting her eyes rest on Brett. "He'll be able to provide you with one. Until we meet again, then?" she asked, nodding to him. "It was a pleasure."
Alec followed her eyeline to a tall, dark haired man standing a little ways away, pulled into conversation with another man. He didn't recognize Eris' associate, but committed the face to memory before nodding back at Eris. "I'll keep that in mind. It was a pleasure as well, Miss Stockard. Take care." He smiled slightly and stepped away, melting back into the crowd of people.
Eris & Kess
Eris needed a slight bit of air. She'd been going strong for a while now, talked with a lot of people, done a lot of smiling, nodding, false, nothing conversations with people she hadn't liked when she'd been around in the first place, and didn't like any better after the absence. It hadn't, in fact, made her heart grow fonder. It just reminded her why she'd not liked anyone in the entire world, ever. So, she needed a minute, and exited the ballroom, heading out towards the lobby. It would server her purpose, people would note it, wonder what she was doing, all that, and it would give them yet more time to talk rumors about her, just without the chance she'd overhear.
Kess was doing her very best not to look bored. Ian had been right though, as the night had gone on, there'd been more than a handful of couples, or shifty-seeming individuals who she would bet a buck had someone hidden round the corner, who'd come looking to rent rooms and not being too picky about the bill. She'd sorted them all out with a smile and sent them on their way with a reminder that the hotel did room service. It had been a while, though, and it was getting boring here on her own, with nothing more to do than watch people in their frippery and finery. Which was what she was doing when her jaw nearly hit the floor. "Holy shit!" she exclaimed, loudly, forgetting herself for a moment and drawing stares from all around.
She caught Eris' attention as well, and she looked round, head tilting to the side just a slight bit as a quirked half smile lit her lips. Kess. She recognized her immediately. Kess, one of the few girls who'd worked at Babylon not in the 'normal' capacity. "You'll catch flies, dear." she said, walking over. "It's nice to see you." she said. And, in an odd little way, it was. Kess had been an interesting sort, that was for certain.
There were no more loud exclamations - Kess had caught herself after the first shout. Nice girls employed in posh hotels didn't get to swear in front of the rich and powerful guests and keep their jobs, after all. So, she winced and muttered an apology to the people in the lobby - and then went right back to staring. Because - Eris was dead. She knew this. She'd attended a damn memorial service that she and some of the girls had held, quiet-like, in the park, months back. After all, there'd been no body for a funeral - and now she knew why.
Eris got about as close as she could without going over the counter, and she kept her eyes on the girl. "Reports of certain misfortunes that befell me were exaggerated." she said. "How are you? Have you sorted that nasty business with your ex yet?" she asked, tone quite gentle. Since she knew about Kess' home life and the issues there. She'd offered to help before, but Kess had seemed unable to come to the solid conclusion that there was action she could take. If she had to guess she would bet that Kess still hadn't actually done anything about it.
"Clearly," Kess said, still looking Eris up and down, her eyes alighting for a moment on the mark around her neck. That must have been bad for it not to have faded already. She'd had bruises at her neck - not often, Eugene had usually liked to hit her where it wasn't to obvious, after all - but hers had always eventually disappeared. "And no, Arden still thinks he's god's gift, so there's little I can do," she added. "What happened?"
"This isn't quite the place to discuss it." Eris said. "Suffice to say the O'Malleys decided to take a shot, and they're now assessing the error of their ways." she said, tone low so it was between them. Or, that was the impression she wanted to give. She didn't really mind if she was overheard, after all. "Sorry to hear about Arden." she added. "I see you've found yourself gainful employment, however." she said, glancing around. "They paying you well enough?" she asked.
Kess' smile widened at that. "Good for you - glad you did it. Someone had to," she said. She would have added more, and rather more vociferously, but Eris was right - this wasn't the time or the place. Still, it felt like justice, and that wasn't found much around here. "Yeah, I needed a job after everything. And it's not exactly the best in the world. But it's legit and it pays the bills. Can't ask for much more, right?" And Eugene couldn't use it to make her out as some whore to her daughter. She didn't know if he did that, but she wouldn't put it past him either.
"I certainly hope they treat you well." Eris said. "You always were a hard worker." she said, smiling at her. Kess had been. And had worked at helping protect the girls as well. "If my new business gets off the ground, and we have need of someone who can answer phones and make appointments, should I look you up?" she asked, automatically assuming Kess would be uninterested in being an escort.
Kess paused and took a breath, wondering how best to answer that. Eris had been a good boss to have, and had always looked out for her, but she couldn't ignore the fact that this position had that legitimacy factor to it that working behind the bar at Babylon had lacked. "What kind of business?" she asked in the end, wondering if that would be another topic that they couldn't talk about here and now.
Eris considered a moment how she might frame it, and in the end went for something a little less polished than she was selling most others. "There are people in society who can't get someone to be on their arm for these sorts of engagements." she said, making a gesture towards the party doors. "We'd provide company for that. Just for that. I'm sure you get the idea." she said. "But it's a lot more paperwork and such to deal with. Books to keep, appointments..." she trailed off. All of those things she couldn't actually do anymore, really.
"Just that?" she checked. Kess didn't think for a moment that Eris would be looking to get her involved with anything that she wasn't comfortable with. After all, she'd landed the job at Babylon in a bar-keeping capacity because she'd been desperate enough for money to be willing to try out on her back, but Eris had spotted that she wasn't that kind of a girl and had deflected her. The question was really about the business itself. "I - I really appreciate the offer and all, please don't think I don't. But... if I'm gonna try and get my daughter back. I need a job that nobody can question," she said, tentatively, hoping Eris would understand.
Smiling, Eris nodded, understanding. "It's legitimate." she said. "Absolutely nothing illegal about it. If anything happens off the books with the girls then that's their business entirely and no business of ours. It's just providing company for social engagements." she confirmed for her. "I understand your concern. Think about it. I'd even be happy to have you on part time, if you wanted to keep this job as well, I don't know what your hours are like."
Kess was more interested in that. A second job could be good, and the work here was shift work anyhow, so if Eris was willing to be flexible, maybe she could juggle both. "I work shifts, I could probably work something out..." she said, slowly, attracted to the idea of earning more. Maybe she could save up, maybe get a nicer place, or even buy somewhere small. Somewhere in a nicer area, with a yard. Some little bit of outside where Arden could play... She reminded herself firmly that her little girl wasn't a little girl anymore, that she was growing up. That she was probably more interested in make up and boys than playing on a little scrap of grass. She'd missed so much.
"Well, I'll look forward to you calling. I'll be sure to have Mr. Trent give you a card before we leave." she said, thinking to herself she was going to have to find Brett immediately and tell him to do that. Otherwise it would slip her mind, she was sure. But she really wouldn't mind having Kess around again. They would need people doing the paperwork, and someone she trusted would be nice.
Kess raised an eyebrow at that. "Mr Trent?" she asked. "That your new bodyguard?" She didn't recognise the name - unlike the other girls, she hadn't been part and parcel fo the bet and she'd of course never experienced his particular habits first hand. Oh, she'd heard the talk of the guy that paid to be left alone, but she'd never paid much attention to his actual name. She wasn't surprised that Eris had found someone new - she'd heard all sorts of rumours about the last guy, Clayton, after Eris' supposed 'death'.
"He's my new associate." Eris said, which could have meant anything, really. "But he has pockets which I lack, so he's carrying the cards. I'll be sure you get one, though, so we can talk soon. We'd love to have you." she said with a warm smile. And, assuming their business did well--which so far it was--they'd be able to pay her decently. But Eris had never been one to stiff the help. It meant your help wasn't overly fond of you, and it would be far easier to steal, or pull other kinds of bullshit. No, she wanted people like Kess, who had looked quite interested in the idea of coming to work for her again.
"Okay, well - kinda tied to the desk all night, so just point him in my direction," Kess told her, wording over the word 'associate'. She wasn't entirely certain what that meant, or what to therefore expect from the guy. "And... I'm really glad to see you," she added, giving her former employer a smile.
Smiling at her, Eris looked genuine, and that's because there was a pinch of that in there. "I'm glad to see you as well." she said. "We'll speak soon. Don't let them work you too hard." she said, winking at her, before she turned to head back to the party, so she could find Brett and tell him to get Kess a card. She really didn't want to forget.
mina and jack
Jack was without company that evening by choice. He didn't intend to stay long -- he'd always figured himself too good for social situations such as these, but that alone was reason enough for him to go. What was a party without him anyway? He had a drink in his hand, one that he'd taken only a single sip from. He swirled it, watching the way the red wine swished around in his glass. He'd experimented once to see if blood moved around in the same way.
His findings were what he'd expected. Blood moved slower, which humored him more than it should have (after all, with how quickly it spurted from bodies...).
He was certainly dressed for the evening, a dark suit with a tailored white suit and a deep red tie. It was normal attire for him, but for once, he didn't stick out in the crowd. He wasn't sure how he felt about that. That was what was wrong with parties, with how busy people seemed to be, talking to each other about assorted things that ultimately didn't matter. He was already bored, but it was far too soon to leave. Unfortunate.
Mina was still sort of just wandering around the party, oblivious to the fact that there were in fact, some people talking about her. She was in a slightly older style dress than was the current fashion, though she still looked quite fetching. Her dress was off of her shoulders, and a dark, rich violet. She stood out, though mostly because it was odd to see her at something in the first place, and because she wasn't at the height of fashion, which most at the party were. She spotted Jack, and smiled, walking over towards him. "Hello." she greeted. "I didn't expect to see you again so soon." she said. She looked like seeing him was pleasing for her, though.
Jack flashed her a smile that most would have found charming. "I didn't expect to see you here," he said, almost in agreement with her own statement. "You don't seem like the type to enjoy... events like these." There was something odd about Mina; she wasn't like the rest of her family (or at least, the family that Jack knew). She was considerably less contrived. "May I get you a drink?"
She brightened at that. "Why that would be lovely of you, thank you, Jack." she said, quite grateful for it. She'd had one earlier, but she didn't seem all that adept at finding the drink servers. She didn't have one now, and she would like one. "And I'm not, a lot of the time. But now and then, it's nice to go out, see the town proper, see some family, and generally get out of the house." she told him, in a little conspiratorial fashion. "Just don't tell anyone that I'm out of place." she added, with a little almost impish smile.
Her attire would have clued anyone in to just how 'out-of-place' she was, but Jack gave her a nod and promised, "I'll keep your secret." He moved then to find her a drink, returning to her and handing it over. "Hopefully, it's to your taste." He tilted his head to the side and curiously asked, "Do you not see your family often?" Family -- that was something that Jack had trouble grasping even now. To him, the only family he'd ever truly cared for was Maddy, the girl who's every step he followed.
"Not as often as I'd like." Mina said. "They've all got their own busy lives to attend to and all, and I've got my work. It's a job that's a lot more hands on than much of what my family does, so we don't often travel in the same circles. I just wanted to get out tonight, it seemed the time to do it. And I would count that proper intuition, since it's caused me to see you again." she said with a smile, taking a drink of what he'd gotten her, and seeming just fine with it. Of course, he could have gotten her anything and she would have been fine with it. "What about yourself? Do you have any family?"
Jack chuckled at that. The Walker family, after all, relied on him (and others, he was sure) for the more hands on nature of their 'work', work that Mina didn't seem to be deeply involved in. She hadn't mentioned before where she worked, which piqued his curiosity. "Where is it that you work?"
She'd asked him a question, though, and it would have been rude not to answer. Unfortunately, it was a question that stabbed at the softer part of Jack. "I have a sister," he answered, sounding as neutral as possible. "No other family."
"Bedlam." Mina answered him, smiling. "I know, everyone's heard horror stories. However, I assure you, they're all a measure of complete fabrication." she said. A measure of. Which meant there were grains of truth. But then again, there were grains of truth mixed in with everything, in her experience. When he mentioned a sister, she smiled sweetly. "That's good, family is very important." she said. As a Walker, she knew this. "What's her name? Is she older or younger than yourself?" She was genuinely curious, and didn't actually pick up on any vibe that he might not want to talk about it. Family was just so high up on Mina's list of important things that it didn't occur to her that someone may not want to discuss it.
A place like Bedlam, no matter what the stories were, didn't scare Jack. Overconfident as he was, fear was one of the emotions he'd 'learned' not to have -- that, and were he scared, it wouldn't be of the insane or easily frazzled. Instead of showing any dislike for the place -- he had none, after all -- he smiled and said, "Your work is probably more interesting than most then." The conversation about family was one that he was content with ignoring, and despite how clearly Mina had spoken, he opted to pretend he hadn't heard her. It was better for her sake that he didn't elaborate; he preferred not to show his more off-kilter side (and those who saw it were often the unlucky ones).
"It's quite interesting." Mina agreed, nodding. Then she gave a hesitant sort of smile. "It's fine if you wish not to speak about your sister, Jack, however it's very rude to just ignore someone when they're trying to speak to you." she told him, in a manner that suggested she was imparting information to him that he might not know, instead of scolding. "There is no call for you to do such a thing to someone, especially if you're friendly with them."
Jack's previously friendly expression faltered for a moment, shifting into something darker. He quickly hid it under his masked smile and said, "I apologize. I simply haven't seen her in a while, that's all." Mina had some guts to her -- to pry where it was obvious she wasn't 'welcome'. Swirling his drink one last time, he took a sip of his wine and then questioned, "Are you enjoying your drink?"
In a lot of ways, people didn't see Mina as a sharp cookie. And truthfully, she tended to miss a lot. Like she'd missed a lot of the looks she was getting, she missed things of that nature, but when someone had her focus, she noticed a lot. Like that dark look. It was something she recognized, she'd seen it in enough people's eyes in her time, both in and out of the asylum. "It's just beneath the surface, isn't it, Jack." she said, it not being a question whatsoever, though she didn't say outright what she was speaking about. She let her eyes remain on his for a long moment, before she took another drink, and the moment was broken, with a smile. "I am, it's lovely, thank you." she said, like the previous moment hadn't happened at all.
With their eyes locked, Jack's gaze was almost dead, unmoving, unchanged, and unemotional. The moment Mina smiled, though, he flashed her a convincing smile back. It looked real, though with the exchange between them, it was possible that Mina could see through it. She could see through something, and Jack didn't like that. He wanted to stay together, stay on top of things, so he replied, "I'm glad you're enjoying it," and refused to acknowledge that there was a surface, much less anything under it.
She of course noticed that moment of deadness as well, since her focus was on him. And even if he did smile at her, she didn't quite buy it. Not when she could, in fact, by now see through him. "I am." she confirmed for him, smile still in place. "Would you like to go for a walk, Jack?" she asked. They wouldn't have to go far, in fact they could even remain in the Drake, just they could also take a stroll.
eris, ava, brett and andrei
Eris was doing alright, still. She'd spoken with Maya Walker, she'd made smalltalk with a ton of people, heard the whispers flurrying around, and generally speaking, things were alright, yet. Nothing had crashed and burned so far. Which didn't mean she didn't know it could at some point, but still. She had paused near one of the windows, gazing out at the weather outside, or that was what it looked like. What she was really doing was watching the reflection in the glass, the people at the party, many of whom she noted were staring at her. Which was just fine with her.
Ava had chosen her own natural hair tonight over a wig for this charity event, which in her mind had nothing to do with actual charity. She could care less about whatever charity was trying to swindle her out of her money. The only thing she did care about was being noticed. She wanted this party to serve as a platform for her, to show off how far she had come since marrying up in society. Largely, she wanted to show off that she was here with Andrei, even if at the moment they were separated from each other.
With one hand holding a glass of champagne and the other tracing the line of the emerald on the necklace Andrei had given her earlier, she walked languidly around the party, scoping out who (if anyone) she wanted to waste her time talking to until she could get back to her date. She let her eyes trail the women, having decided the moment she entered here that no one could hold a candle to her tonight, but her eyes settled on the woman near the window. Her eyes narrowed as she watched her, trying to push off the slight sense of familiarity she got from that woman. Her eyes trailed up to the woman's hair, the sight of it making Ava wish she'd worn a wig, possibly a brunette one, so as to try and steal the show back from whomever it was who had this lovely hair. Maybe it'd be beneficial to go talk to her, see what she did that made her hair so beautiful, and see if she could memorize the exact color of her hair to find in a wig at a later time.
So she made her way through the party-goers to the mystery woman at the window, the odd sense of familiarity increasing with each step she took. When she was close enough, Ava caught sight of the woman's reflection on the window and her mind went blank. Vaguely she heard herself curse in Russian, eyes big as saucers. Eris? After a few too long moments, she managed to collect herself enough to speak. "I am seeing a ghost, yes?"
Eris looked around, having heard the word 'ghost' several times tonight, though usually not directly to her. She saw Ava before her, and she smiled. She'd not seen her in quite a long time, but when Ava had been at Babylon, she'd been a good asset to the establishment. And, oddly, because she knew her, and it hadn't been a bad sort of relationship(sure her end had been feigned, but that wasn't the point) she was glad to see her. "Not quite." she answered Ava. "Though I keep hearing I'm dead, so I suppose in some manner, you might be. Just not the kind you're thinking of."
"You are dead. Did you not know that?" Ava was still too shocked to smile just yet. She continued to stare at Eris, trying to put the pieces of this puzzle together correctly in her mind. "Either you have risen from the dead or I am losing my mind..." She'd always felt like she had a strong hold over her own mind, but now she wasn't so sure.
"I believe people were exaggerating." Eris said, still smiling at the girl. She wondered when she'd notice that red scar around her neck. Eventually, she supposed. She also stepped closer to Ava. "It's fine, dear." she said. "I'm fine. I've been...taking a little time, after all that nasty dealings with the O'Malleys, but that's been taken care of." In a nicely permanent sort of fashion, even. "You're not losing your mind." she promised. "It's good to see you."
Ava barely knew what to think, so again she let her eyes trail down Eris' form, as if she needed more reassurance that she was actually standing in front of her. It was then, finally, that she saw the scar around Eris' neck. She heard Eris say something about the O'Malleys and it should have sparked more questions in her, but right now that scar was the most troubling. Apparently, whatever business Eris was talking about with the O'Malleys wasn't imperative because Eris was still here, right here inf ront of her. "It's good to see you too. It would be better if you didn't have that..." She pointed to Eris' neck, a feature she'd always coveted on the woman, to indicate the scar, "..around your neck."
"Oh, this?" she asked, lightly reaching up to touch it, just barely. "It'll have everyone thinking twice before they try messing with me again." she said. Which was the reason she hadn't tried to cover it. It was a badge that she'd beat death. Or, that was the theory, anyhow. And she certainly sounded convincing. "What doesn't kill us, and all that." she added, tone softer, as if she were letting Ava in on a secret there.
She didn't like the sound of that. It was bringing her back to Eris' mentioning of the O'Malleys earlier. With eyes narrowed slightly, Ava leaned in a little. "Do you know who did that to you?" She was looking for a specific person, a name. There weren't many people that Ava would have actually stopped and cared enough to ask these questions to, but Eris was one of them, and she certainly didn't like seeing the woman who put so much effort into keeping her and the girls at Babylon safe with that scar around her neck. Not that Ava had been one to pass on a more violent client, but still.
"I know who sent them." she said. Actually she didn't know who it was really who'd done the actual deed. All she did know was bits and pieces of what he'd done to her. The fact that there had been a few of the O'Malleys with, though she thought possibly the other guy was an outside contractor. He didn't look like the rest of them, hadn't sounded like them. And really, at the moment she didn't especially want to think about it. "It's fine, Ava. Things have been taken care of." The O'Malleys were toast, and that was that, wasn't it?
Ava had a sinking feeling that Eris' 'dealings' with the O'Malleys were more than just dealings. Especially now that she was saying it was dealt with and there was nothing to worry about. She kept her eyes on Eris', as serious as she'd been in quite some time. "If you need anything..." She let the offer trail off, hoping the implication was enough for Eris to understand her meaning.
"Thank you, Ava." Eris said, actually understanding that that was one hell of a lot for the girl to offer. She tended to like what she had, and wasn't overly taken with giving anything. So she understood that it was something for her to offer at all. "I really appreciate that." she said, a genuine note in her voice. "But I'll be alright. I even have a new business, up and running, if just starting. It's not quite the same as my old business, but if you're ever bored, and want something to occupy your attention for a while, you know you'd have a job if you wanted it." she told her. Just putting the offer there, and definitely framed as something to fill her time, since she knew Ava didn't need the money. But the distraction? That she might have use for.
Ava nodded to Eris, glad to know that she didn't have to actually verbally offer anything but the sentiment was still implied. Glad for the change of subject and fairly intrigued by Eris' new business, Ava finally smiled. "You have my attention." She said, even if she was looking away from Eris to find a pair of chairs for them to sit in. "Tell me more about your business?" Whether this was the place for a talk like that or not didn't register with Ava either. She tilted her head toward an empty set of chairs not too far away and then started walking toward them.
Eris preferred to stand during these sorts of parties, because one looked over someone sitting down, but if that was what Ava wanted for the moment, she could deliver. She'd just stand again later. Plus there was the small matter that her feet did ache. Her shoes were lovely but they hurt her feet. She sat down. "There are quite a lot of people who attend these sorts of things, or other functions and they don't have someone on their arm." she said. "We provide company for social engagements." she said. "So, fancy parties, nights out at the theater..." she trailed off, knowing Ava would be able to extrapolate that out and imagine the possibilities.
Ava found herself wondering if these new girls were simply company or if they were company. She wasn't sure it actually mattered, aside from that right now she had enough money and definitely would much rather spend quality time of that sort with someone more like Andrei and less like Irving. She'd paid her dues in the sleeping-with-old-men department. "And after the engagements?" She asked, feeling that the question was understandable, specifically with what Eris used to do.
"That's purely up to the parties involved, what happens is up to them, it's nothing to do with the business at all." Eris said, not insulted by the question at all. It was, in fact, pertinent. "It's all perfectly legal. And what people do in their private time afterwards is their business, not mine." If anyone was getting paid for 'services' after the fact, it was a private contract.
Well, that intrigued Ava. She didn't have to accompany a wrinkly old man back to his bed if she didn't want to. She'd certainly done enough of that to not ever want to do it again. This was getting more and more interesting. "I will think about. How can I reach you now?" She'd have to give her an answer sometime and apparently contacting her at Babyon was out of the question, what with it being completely burnt to the ground now.
She smiled. "I'll get you one of our cards." she said. "I'm sure you'll recognize my associate..." she continued, glancing around for Brett again, who, as per their arrangement, was nearby. She smiled at him, giving him just the barest hint of an indication that she wanted him to come over.
Cards? So this was very official, wasn't it? A real, legal business. Ava gave Eris an impressed look, one eyebrow raised, before she followed her gaze over to Brett. And she instantly broke into a grin, a laugh not too far behind. She should have known.
Brett was getting used to the environment, though he knew it helped that he had a 'job' to do, goals to keep in mind. The only time he'd been more than a few steps away from Eris was on the seldom occasion he went to fetch her another drink, making sure that they both paced their consumption. Other than that, he'd been right there, watching without seeming to watch her, who she talked to, taking in what he could of who was watching. People came and talked to him, and he was getting better at the banal kind of conversation that most people seemed to expect, but when he caught her eye, he made his apologies to the elderly woman he'd been talking with and took the few steps over, noting the look on Ava's face turn to amusement as she saw him. He inclined his head to her, but said nothing.
"Mr. Trent, I'm sure you remember Ava. She's in need of one of our cards." Eris said, smiling lightly at him, before she looked back to Ava. She noted the amusement as well, and vaguely wondered what it was from. She could think of a few reasons she might be.
Brett, like Eris, was someone Ava had not really thought she'd see again. He'd always been one of the more interesting men at Babylon and she'd most certainly taken part in the running bet among the girls of who was likely to break him first, though no one had. Letting her amused glance trail from Eris to Brett, she held her hand out for a card. "Mr. Trent, my, my...How nice it is to see you again."
"Ava," Brett greeted her, not really needing the introduction. He had a much better memory for names and faces than he ever let anyone realise. Mostly in the past he'd just let people believe that he could never remember their name, that they weren't important enough for him to bother to do that. The truth was far from that. She had always been an interesting one - he had never really been able to work out what she was doing when he saw her at Babylon. After all, she didn't really need to be there. He considered that most women had ended up there because they had nowhere else to go. She didn't fall into that category, but, of course, he'd never asked her. Now didn't really seem like the time either, if there ever was one and if he'd ever take it. Instead, he took a business card from the silver holder in his inside jacket pocket and held it out to her. "You're looking lovely tonight," he added, a stock phrase that he was getting good at saying.
Internally, Eris was a little amused. She wondered just how often Brett had said that tonight, and if he was tired of playing his part yet. It wasn't like the man was overly given to paying compliments, even if he did think something nice about someone. She kept her amusement to herself, however, and kept her attention focused on Ava, even if she stepped just the slightest bit closer to Brett. It was subtle, a gesture meant to be, but it was part of their little game on everyone else. "Isn't she just." she said, agreeing with Brett as she smiled at Ava.
Taking the business card, Ava gave it a quick glance but turned her attention back to Brett and Eris soon after. She could examine the card later. Right now she was more than happy to take in the sight of Brett and Eris together. She'd always assumed that Eris would have been the one to 'crack' Brett, and seeing them together simply affirmed her suspicions. "Why, thank you. You two make a beautiful couple." And speaking of couples...Ava glanced behind them to search for Andrei, a sudden irk in her that the sight of Brett and Eris together pulled up. Where was her date? Why didn't she have her arm-candy to flaunt like Eris did?
Brett stifled the momentary twitch that rose up at being referred to as a 'couple'. Wasn't that what they were hinting at. It was strange - he was fine with the hints, but to have someone just come out and say it like that. Well, he'd leave the reaction to that to Eris - she was better at that than he was, though he was learning. He had been watching her all night, noting how she handled things, her reactions, learning from watching her work, and trying to put some things into practice, if albeit slowly.
"Darling, I said 'associate'." Eris said, still with a smile on her lips, but internally she rolled her eyes. Ava of all people should get that just because someone was there with someone else, didn't mean they were anything resembling a 'couple'. Sure, they were trying to cultivate the idea that possibly they had something going on the side, but with how Ava had behaved upon seeing her, she had to have missed the rumor mill. There wasn't any real reason to make the assumption, unless she was just jumping to conclusions. Hell, when Ava had been around, and everything, she and Brett hadn't even spoken to one another at any point. Really, she and Brett hadn't spoken until she'd woken up in brain-damage land. And while her statement didn't necessarily deny they were a couple, it definitely was meant to convey that they had a social relationship here to maintain, and it wasn't the squishy kind with flowers and candy hearts. But then again, Ava had always had trouble reading things. Sometimes, she truly just had no clue about others motivations. Perhaps this was one of those times. She noticed Ava looking around, though, and wondered what she was searching for. "Looking for someone?" she asked, thinking maybe if she was assuming she and Brett were 'together' that she had her own date to show off. If anyone could find herself someone to be on her arm, it was Ava. She was beautiful, and good at drawing people in, for certain. It had always been one of her finer traits.
Ava took the hint, responding to Eris' smile with one of her own. She tended to jump to conclusions, especially when it concerned couples. She was all too keen now to let people here think that she and Andrei were together, even if they had only just met. She often times saw something and immediately made up her mind about what it was and what it meant. Ava was more frequently than not in her own mind, which for better or worse, probably wasn't going to change anytime soon. "Well, then, a beautiful pair of business associates." And really, it was smart of them. Eris was gorgeous, Brett was handsome; if she were in the market for an escort, she'd most certainly seek out one from people like the two of them. To Eris' next question, she nodded. "Yes, my date. His name is Andrei and he should be around here somewhere...Maybe you've seen him? He has blue eyes and his hair is short, very very short. Shaved, basically." She addressed her question to both Brett and Eris. Three sets of eyes were better than one, indeed.
With the description and the name, Brett thought that maybe he knew who she was talking about, though he hadn't seen the man here tonight if that was the case. he swept his eyes across the room, having the benefit of being taller than either of the two women in looking for the man.
Andrei had been watching, drifting in and out of the fringes, not enough to stand out but never immersed into the crowd -- a crowd always had him a bit on edge. But he had always been watching. As soon as he had heard the whispers, the rumors, as soon as he had caught the first flash of a presence that wasn't supposed to be there, he had been watching. There hadn't been anything else. Not the people who tried to make small talk. Not the music. Not the food. Not even the date he had been accompanying. There was only the hair -- brown, piled atop her head, which he tracked with a predatory fixation. Only his senses, heightened, focusing with narrowing eyes and a dark fury. Only the breath through a mouth that wasn't supposed to move, never mind painted and talking and smiling as if it had never stopped. Only the feeling of his fingers stroking his belt as he caught the flashes of her neck. Because one time that mouth had been far from its chatting and smiling before it stopped -- in what should have been for good. Only that ring of scarring his eyes fell on when they could, bringing his lips to curl in a darker pleasure.
And then there was his date, there. Talking, chatting. Then they were joined by a man. A man Andrei knew, who had cleaned up some of his jobs before, who was supposed to have disposed of this one. And when their eyes met, Andrei gave him an undisguised smirk before smoothly stalking his way over. "Ava, I've been looking for you," he greeted, in his usual pantomime of innocence, draping an arm at her waist before placing a brief show of a gentle kiss against her temple as his eyes remained fixed on Eris and Brett. Straightening up, he flashed them a smile that was a touch too proprietary. "Mr. Brett Trent," he appraised, drawling the full name out with an undercurrent of sick pleasure, "I always thought you cleaned up well." His mouth drew into a slow grin, ever the slightest emphasis on 'cleaned up', "And who, here, is your friend?" Innocent, almost. Save for the touch of fixation when he allowed his gaze to focus fully onto Eris, up close, reigning in a twitch of either pleasure or displeasure at seeing this woman very much alive.
For Eris, it was a little like all the air had been sucked out of the room. Or at the very least, her lungs. Her chest felt like lead. Freezing cold led, at that. Like she'd just been doused in ice water. Because she recognized him. Recognized him as he started walking over, and it felt like her heart stopped. Eris didn't remember the whole ordeal. She really didn't. She remembered bits and pieces, fragments, really, snatches of images, feelings, a jumbled mess in her head.
Only when she saw him, when he was actually there, walking towards her, a whole lot more filled itself in. And good fucking christ did she ever wish it hadn't. Flashbacks of one's vicious attack, assault and attempted murder really just weren't pleasant.
Outwardly, she did stop breathing--though only for a moment. Because Eris was nothing if not a woman who could deal with the unexpected. She just had to hope she wasn't shaking. And she had to bury absolutely everything in order not to react. Which she did--but it was a near thing. About the only thing she did do was she stepped back, though it looked mostly just like she was shifting her weight. She met Andrei's gaze, and she smiled. If there was ever a time when she needed to be Eris again, now was it. "Eris Stockard." she greeted, and was absolutely fucking amazed her voice came out sounding normal. Brett needed to be closer. But he hadn't been close enough for her to justify going over, and if she did, she couldn't have trusted herself not to do something stupid and telling. Like cling and tell him to get her the fuck out of there rightnownownow. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Any friend of Ava's..." she said, trailing off, saying it to put in there that there was a connection between Eris and Ava.
Brett didn't know - the O'Malleys had never told him who they'd sent to kill Eris. He'd been told that it was a group, that he needed to do a thorough job, but he wasn't given identities, or even told if they were members of the family. It happened like that at times, when he was sent on clean up jobs. And he was occasionally sent on clean up jobs for the Syndicate. His history as a cop and his knowledge of the crime scene made him the perfect guy for that. He did, however, know Andrei, and he knew what he was. he'd cleaned up after the guy numerous times in the past. And he really didn't appreciate the not-so-subtle reference to that right here and now. Especially not if the guy was standing there with his arm like that around a girl to whom Eris had just offered a job. "Andrei Volkov. You're the last person I expected to see here," Brett said, his voice bordering on cold, his eyes not leaving Andrei's for a moment. He knew how dangerous the man could be.
"Yes, well, I think it's important to broaden one's horizons," the smile widening. "And when I was asked by such a captivating woman to attend, well..." Eyes on Brett, then on Ava, attention ever on Eris -- the momentary halt in the breath, the stepping away, he had caught it. Smile getting even wider as he did, as he ever slightly emphasized the 'captive' in 'captivating' just for her, thinking on it, pulling Ava in a little closer. It was nothing inappropriate, a typical loving or possessive or protective motion for a typical man with his date. But Andrei wasn't typical, and his date was Ava. Ava who, apparently, knew Eris. Which was, well, more than fine with him. A blessing, even. "Well, how could I refuse?" Another slow grin, on Ava, then on Brett, then on Eris. A polite grin, save for the images racing through his head, save for his thumb lightly hooking at his belt, save for the ideas and images of future plans and plotting he could make that pretty scarred neck even prettier, all bringing a slight sharpening at the edges of his mouth.
Ava had been nothing but pleased to see Andrei make his way towards them. Good, now they could see that she was here with someone; a someone that was undeniably handsome. Worked out perfectly for her. Her own smile widened at Andrei's casual touches; hand around her waist, a kiss to her temple. It was exactly what she wanted. Until she caught what she thought was him looking at Eris. She wrapped her hand around his back, resting it on his side, because these little embraces were what dates did. Except it wasn't the only reason she did this. She needed to keep Andrei close because she didn't like that he was looking at Eris at all.
Things got even more confusing as Andrei and Brett spoke. She wondered absently about how they knew each other, but it didn't hold her attention like Andrei's shifting glances did. When he pulled her closer, she made a show of stepping with him, tightening her arm around his back just a bit. Enough to try and get his eyes off anyone else. There were public niceties she should probably be attending to right now, like paying attention, but she was far more concerned with keeping his eyes from roaming to Eris again. "I wanted to introduce you to my friends, but it seems you already know Mr. Trent. Ms. Stockard is a dear friend of mine." She couldn't quite tell how that came out, but hopefully it sounded normal and not laced with a 'stop looking at her' tone.
Eris watched Ava trying to wrest Andrei's attention back to herself, and had two reactions to it. First, there was some measure of relief, because she didn't really want that wolf's eyes directed at her. Not until she had a knife and could stab them the fuck out of his head, anyways. But second? She had a bright moment of get your hands off of her, directed at Andrei. Because she knew what he was capable of. What he'd done to her, and even if Ava had left her care years ago, she was still, apparently, labeled somewhere in Eris' head as one of her girls. Which made fucking with them not okay. She concentrated on that emotion, alien though it was, because it was better to focus there than the reaction she was having purely to Andrei...and that little draw of attention to the belt. Because hey, look, there it was. The instrument that had put the red mark around her neck. Fucking fabulous. She took that step back that she'd taken back before, and smiled, though there was possibly something a slight bit dark there, barely there, and only for when she turned her eyes on Andrei's. But present. "I've known Ava a long time." she said. "Have you?" she asked. "How long have you two little love birds been together?" Since they were putting on a show of it after all.
Brett stood back, his attention very much on Andrei, watching the guy's every move. He didn't even so much glance towards Eris as she spoke, but he eased slightly closer to her, the move coming off as natural and uncontrived as he shifted his weight almost as though he'd simply stood in one position for too long. he didn't know Andrei well, but he very much knew the guy's reputation and with that alone he wasn't willing to turn his back, not even for a moment. Especially not when there was the suggestion of threat hanging in the air.
"Oh it hasn't even been a week, yet." Another slight squeeze of his arm around Ava, grin not faltering -- bordering on leering -- as he caught the darkness in Eris' gaze. She remembered. "But you know how it is, there was just an... instant connection." He placed another kiss against the side of Ava's head, flashing a brief wink at Eris, at Brett, that his date wouldn't see. Amidst the fury at his living victim there was another surge of of pleasure at the memory, at the images dancing about, at the future possibilities before him to make up for a job that had not been done. He had a distaste for actual killing -- well, most of the time. He had no problem a couple days ago, with the previous owner of the necklace now hanging on Ava's neck. But, well, her husband had been there too. To watch. Everything. Culminating in the removal of the beautiful if bloody piece around the neck and slipping it in his pocket, getting it cleaned, thinking it made a perfect gift for the most recent lady in his life. For his own personal muse, as it were.
"But Ava and I just clicked," he continued, smiling down at his date. He supposed it was all perfect, really. Despite the job not being done -- and he had sure as hell worked to make sure there would be no doubt of it being done -- it was almost perfect. A woman whose death just wouldn't let Andrei's teeth disappear from that smile, standing with a man tasked to take care of the body he had left, standing here talking about what friends she was with his very own date. In some odd way, it was like this moment had been delivered to him, perfectly wrapped in a bow the same beautiful red her neck had been before it had scarred over. "In fact, I was even thinking of asking if she would accompany to my favorite restaurant, some night. It's right alongside the river -- beautiful view of it. It's not as fancy as the Drake here, but the seafood is absolutely to die for." He let his gaze linger down on Ava for a moment before turning his head and drawing it back to Eris, then Brett. "My old buddy Brett here might be familiar with it -- funny coincidence, all of us running into each other. Brett and me, you and Ava. I was thinking of heading there sometime, maybe you and Brett can join us. After all," he paused, smiling, amused, "any friend of Ava's..."
That was better. Much better. Here he was, declaring that they were together despite the short time that they'd known each other, and making new plans for further time spent together infront of someone. Two someones, actually. It was perfect, just what Ava wanted, and she could feel that familiar warmth come over her; the same feeling that came when she got something she wanted exactly as she wanted it.
She didn't see his wink to Eris, but thoroughly enjoyed the attention Andrei gave her infront of Brett and Eris. The squeeze of his arm, another little kiss, all the gazes he gave her. And she'd even liked the idea of going to his favorite restaurant with him. She did enjoy a good meal as much as the next person, but did she want to share Andrei's attention with Brett and Eris again, especially at a place like a riverside restaurant? Still, she hadn't seen Eris in far too long, so perhaps it would be a chance to spend time with Andrei and Eris.
Ava's smile widened. She'd liked Eris' use of the term earlier, but not with Andrei repeating it, it certainly made her feel important. It made her feel like the plans were made only because of her. That was enough to be the deciding factor for Ava. "You'll join us, won't you? It's been too long, a proper dinner would be perfect for catching up."
Eris, for her part, was calculating. She was paying attention to Andrei on several levels, even if she possibly didn't look like her attention was overly focused there. It just was. Like he talked a lot. He made obvious, overly showy displays of affection that at a social engagement like the one they were at would definitely be a little out of place. Right at home at a high school dance, perhaps, but in the higher class arena? That sort of thing was left much more to the back rooms--because of course it went on. Just not necessarily in the middle of a Drake party. But she imagined he wanted the attention. Craved it. He was making a point, and ham handedly at that. The man didn't really appear to do subtle very well. That was also good to know. So an unsubtle attention whore, who couldn't shut up. "Certainly, you'll have to call and let us know when." she said, tone sounding just as warm as could be, her smile an expertly feigned sincerity. And I can consider how to slip arsenic into his fucking soup. Quite abruptly, Eris wondered if Brett would stop her if he knew she was contemplating murder. He wasn't a murderer but that sure as hell didn't mean she couldn't be.
Eris wasn't the only one who was paying attention to that degree. After Andrei's opening statement, the way he'd twisted what he'd said, so was Brett, and he caught the reference to the river. So, the guy knew that Brett had meant to be cleaning up after Eris, that he'd been meant to dump her body and he was broadcasting that loud and clear. He was increasingly unhappy with this situation, that was for sure. "You have the number," he added, taking Eris' lead. He finally took his eyes off of Andrei to glance over at Eris for a second, "But, in the meantime, there are people we really should see," he told her, trying to tone it as though he was having to regretfully remind her that they were here mostly on business, rather than for catching up with old 'friends'. In truth, he just wanted out of here. He wanted to talk this through with her - it was an angle they hadn't anticipated, and he wanted to work out if it had any effect at all.