Saving the Don's Daughter

[Vixandra]

Cara McFain:
1PM, 5 June, 200X
I sat in a smoky room, still in an uncomfortable metal chair, across from a man who's face I couldn't see due to strategic lighting. I could see his shadow though, helped judge his meanings.
"Miss McFain," he whispered, voice dripping with a mobbster's menace. "My employer wants the safe return of his beloved daughter Miss Alexandria Alvarez at any cost. We were refered to you by the Intenerelli's in Boston."
"I saved thier son from a rigged bus, an assasination attempt, not a kidnapping," I said with a shrug. "But go on."
"Be that as it may," the man went on. "We belive that Miss Alvarez has been kidnapped by Don Francisco Mirazolli, father of Paolo Mirazolli. Stupid kid couldn't stop trying to mess with Miss Alvarez and was killed by accident. We, the Alvarez family, wouldn't turn over the one he fought with. In response, they kidnapped Miss Alvarez two nights ago and we can find hide nor hair of her."
"The press hasn't got this yet," I said with an thoughtful tilt of my head. "I assume you're keeping this internal?"
"Very," the man said harshly. "We want no leeks, no outsiders other then your team. Don Alvarez is very concerned about his daughter."
The man offered the sum for the safe return of the girl- a sum to make any girl's head swim. I doubled it, we dickered over it and came out at about 145% of the origional offer plus expenses for my team. Not too bad.
"I shall start immediatly," I told the man, rising from my chair. I bowed deeply and the man nodded, his shadow duplicating the act.
"Please, be quick," was all he said before leaving me.
I left the room, picked up my truck from the valet out front of the Italian resturant that was the main front of the Alvarez family and headed for my building on the outskirts of Fear's Bay.
Four stories tall, steel grey, ugly as hell but its home, I mused with a smile as I parked my black F150 inside. A variety of vehicals nestled in the garage. Ty's was there- good she was home.
I went up to my private office and sent out a collection of emails, offering the job, getting possitive replies from most of them. A rounded team was forming. I asked them to meet up at my building around 8 PM, four hours hence, for dinner and a debriefing.
A special phone call went out to a psychic I knew. Would need her to find the girl- Letisha DeLorean was brilliant at such things. I had a bag of clothing and other personal effects belonging to the girl for her to use to search with.
I found Ty in her roof top garden. I waited for her attention to shift to me before explaining the situation.
"You in?"
"Hait!" Yes, in Japanese from her. She was slowly teaching me the language as I tried to teach her firearm use. She knew how to aim now with a shotgun, though that didn't take much. Oh well, threats speak louder then actions sometimes.
745PM
I had dinner, sphagetti with a variety of sauses, some with meat some without, set out on a buffet with fresh french bread and a veggie melody for those who ate such things.
The table was set for formal company, beside each setting a notebook containing city maps, names and bios on both the Alvarez and Mirazolli families people, and other such nessesary information for my team of opperatives.

 

[chewbacca71]

Felix

The phone ringing ruined his concentration on the newest prosthetic that he was working on. Angrily throwing it to the ground, he looked at the caller id before picking it up. Not recognizing the number, Felix used his cover voice. " 'ello , this is Toodles the Butler for Lord Shank. How may I be of service? "

He listened for a second to dead silence as the person on the phone was dumbfounded. Felix hears a deep voice over the phone. "I think I may have the wrong number, I was looking for the business called Wonder Weasel. " Felix , fighting to hold in the laughter, spoke quickly into the phone. "Ay, governor that is one of the business owned by his lordship. Let me gets him for you. " Felix clears his throat and speaks into the phone.

"Give me the password for this call. " Felix waits for the answer, realizing that from the answer it was the Alvarez family on the line. He wondered what they were calling for since he had received full pay for his last job. He spoke back into the receiver. "This is Felix, go ahead. " Felix listened to the problem facing the family.

Wow, that was a bad situation. Two very powerful families having a feud go to this length was never good for business. Though it would probably mean steady work for thieves with no morals. He was a loyal man, so hearing that the Alvarez family was in trouble bothered him. After pausing for a moment, Felix spoke again." Ok Eduardo, I will take the job. But this is a personal favor for the Don. I ask no money for this job, other than expenses. I will leave in an hour for the mansion. Save me a seat nearest the door as always, ok. Thanks Eduardo. I will see you soon. "

Felix was disturbed as he hung up the phone. He had a lot of work to do to get to the mansion. Taking stock of all his equipment, Felix packed up as much of his stuff as he could into the van. Locking up his studio apartment, Felix jumped into the van; turning his vehicle towards the direction of the mansion.

 

[Jeremy Davis]

Ty Lei

::She was in the middle of planting another nightime bloomer, when she heared the door of the elevator open. Soon after she caught the smell of Cara's perfume and smiled before turning to look at her::

So what did they want us for?

::Her english was broken, and of course she had the mispronunciation of certain letters, but she knew Cara would understand her. Cara explained that they were trying to find a kidnappped girl.::

You in?

Hait

::Cara then retired to her office and Ty quickly finished toiling in her garden, then went to get cleaned up.

She showered, then dried off and wrapped herself in a kamisa robe and grabbed a towel. Entering the elevator from their appartment, she went to the Dining hall and opened the door.

A smile tugged the corner of her lips as she spied Cara at work on a plate of spaghetti and working with some maps and files. Cara was always looking at some map or file, always on the lookout for some bounty or some money making venture. Ty used the towel to dry her hair as she walked barefoot over to where Cara sat.::

Always looking at your maps and files...

::She loved teasing Cara, and she planted a small kiss on her cheek before passing her by and looking at the buffet style dinner::

Hmmm...what to have what to have?....

::Ty grabbed a bit of spaghetti, some of the veggie melody and a piece of bread before taking the chair accross from Cara, here eyes looking over the maps on the table as she took small bites of this and that.::

 

[Vixandra]

Cara

I smiled at Ty. "Of course, dear Ty. I hate to be caught unaware of any aspect of an opperation. Leads to people dying and that, chibi ninja-san, is not acceptable. At least not the ones on our side- the other side, well that's up for debate."
I escorted everyone in and to thier seats as they arrived, playing the gracious hostess, though I was dressed more in assasin chick- black jeans, deep blue t-shirt, shoulder holster with my beloved Browning on one side, a switch blade on the other. A long sleeve shirt over this sofened the shoulder holster as well as hid a pair of stillettos on my forearms. The touch of steel on my skin- always a comfort when under my own conditions.

 

[chewbacca71]

Felix

Felix pulled his custom van off to the side of the road a few hundred yards from the gates of the mansion. He turned off the van and went into the back, closing the curtain behind him. After a few minutes of making some changes, Felix sat back down in the drivers seat.

Felix pulled up to the gate, rolling down the window when the guard approached. He looked over the guard, taking in the semi-automatic pistol that was still partially visible through the mans open jacket. "I am making a delivery from the Wonder Weasal company. " The guard looked at the van for a minute, studying Felix. "All right sir, let me just open the gate. I was told you would be arriving. "

Felix drove the van through the gate, parking on the right side of the large garish fountain that dominated the forecourt of the mansion. He stepped down on the siderail, limping out of the doorway. He turned and set his alarm with his keys before slowly making his way to the mansion doors.

His knock was quickly answered by the butler. The butler was startled to see that Felix was now wearing an eye patch, a new addition since he had seen Felix last. "Mr Manor, please come in. ; the Don is waiting for you. " I walked through the entrance as always marveling at the solid marble columns to both sides.

I walked into the formal den and noticed the Don behind his desk on the phone. He waved me forward to sit down on the chair in front of the desk. I sat down waiting for him to finish. He said goodbye on the phone and turned to me.

"Felix, I am glad that you are able to help us in our time of need. I know that you have a lot of skill, but I have already gathered some others that are going to form this team. I have the address for you , as well as the time you are supposed to be there for dinner. She said dress is formal, but I am sure you have clothes to spare. Thank you again my friend. "

Felix waved the thanks away graciously as he took the paper from the Don's hand. Inside the paper was 10,000 in 1000 dollar bills. "Those are for your expenses. Do not worry about any receipts. " I could tell that the Don was very worried about his daughter just from the way he was acting. I reached up and took his hand, kissing his ring before I left the room.

I went back to the van and started the engine. I went out through the gate, waving to the guard as I left. A few hundred yards down the road, I stopped and changed into my best tuxedo. I always had one on hand, you never knew when you would need one in my line of work. I drove to the location and arrived right on time. I parked the van around the corner, out of the sight of the building. Locking it securely, I walked to the door.

 

[Third Magus]

I recall I was listening to Stravinsky on a mini-disc player as I drove up to the McFain manse. The Rite of Spring. On the surface, pastoral, mellow, but gradually flaws begin to appear, discords emerge, the ballet becomes blaring and strident, everything moving towards its end. I was dressed in a dark suit and wore no weapons, concealed or otherwise. Weapons lack subtlety.

I shut the player off as I parked and knocked softly on the door. Inside, the stormcrows were gathering. I nodded to the ones I knew, greeted our hostess.

"Cara, my dear. Dressed to kill, as always"

I moved towards my place.

"Thank you for your kind invitation. I have no doubt that this will be an instructive and rewarding evening"

 

[Vixandra]

Cara

"Is there any other way to dress," I asked with a smile. I introduced the him to Ty and vice versa before encouraging him to eat. Work would start after dinner.

 

[poohlive]

Terra gave a polite nod walking in, to anyone who addressed him as such. He said nothing though, and retired with a plate of food to a lounge chair, his lap amess with the maps and notebook of information.
Some of this stuff he knew, both families had hired him, and he'd killed his share of Alvarez' and Mirazoli'. He'd imagine under different circumstances, he'd be as good as dead coming in here, but with things as they are now, he was a wolf. As long as the wolf was on your side, fighting your fights, and loyally licking your hand, you kept him around.
It wasn't until that same wolf chomped down and ripped your still beating heart out that problems arose. Until a better offer was on the table, he'd stay loyal and all smiles.
Some of the information in the notebook was quite new though. The details on the higher up's. Hmmm, yes. He took down his own notes, saving key photograph's and drawing on the maps for his own encouragement.
Yes, this might work just fine.

 

[chewbacca71]

Felix

Felix was not suprised when the door was opened even before he could knock. In a situation like this, he was sure that there was surveilence on the street. He graciously bowed at the host, realizing that this must be the Cara that the papers had mentioned. "Good evening Cara, I am honored to be invited to your home. Hmm that smells good, as does the food. "With a smile up at his host, Felix walked to the table.

He sat down after grabbing a large plate of pasta with meat sauce. His small stature belied his ability to put away food. He always had a lot of nervous energy to burn off, so he was always hungry. He opened the notebook and was absorbed in looking at the information. The information on the opponents was very valuable, but the information on the Alvarez family he already knew by heart. He looked up from his book to take a look at the other occupants of the room. One man, sitting off by himself, looked vaguely familiar. But the others he was not so sure about.

 

[Vixandra]

Cara

"Welcome, we've but a few more guests to arrive then we can begain our briefing after dinner before dessert. By breaking bread with me this eve you promise not to cause harm in my household during this visit. Now you can leave, come back and try to start shit but, untill then you behave. Fair enough? No killing one another, thanks for coming Terra." I paused for a breath.
"Felix," I went on. "Thanks for coming. Your reputation preceeds you in good way."

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

Letisha

The phone rang at a most inopportune time, at least by Letisha's reckoning. She had just sat down in a tub filled to the brim with steaming water and bubbles.

"SHIT."

Letisha jumped up and grabbed a towel, before racing from the bathroom to her bedroom, dripping water and bubbles with every step. As luck would have it, the phone stopped ringing and her answering machine picked up.

"This is Cara McFain. I want you at this address asap. I am quite sure you have been contacted all ready concerning the Alvarez kidnapping. Could really use your special skills."

Letisha took a moment to focus her thoughts. Cara had information concerning a case she had planned on taking. It made sense to pool their resources if it would help her locate this girl.

Letisha finished her bath and got dressed for the meeting in one of her favorite outfits: black velvet cat suit, knee high soft soled boots and a black tuxedo jacket. It took but a moment to run a brush through her shoulder length hair and then she left, grabbing a small black knapsack on the way out.

She arrived at the address about 20 minutes later. Closing her eyes, she spent a moment erecting shields against others' thoughts before walking to the door and ringing the door bell.

The door swung open a few moments later and she stepped inside. Gods' too many people here with too many differing agendas. Letisha took a moment to strengthen her shielding before striding forward.

"Hello all. I am Letisha Delorean."

 

[ScarredSoul82]

Amara's black stretch pulled up in front of the McFain place, she sat for a moment silently....sizing up the few others she caught a glimpse of walking into the house.
She had been suprised to have recieved such an invitation. True she had had dealings with the Don's family in the past, but nothing of this nature...
Truth be told she felt entirely out of place.

Finally she stepped out of the car, her long unbound white blonde hair a shocking contrast against the darkness of the vehicle.

She moved swiftly up the walk and to the door, her white cashmere overcoat billowing slightly behind her.

The door opened and she stepped softly inside, gazing around the room. She knew most of the people there by reputation alone....

 

[Jeremy Davis]

Ty Lei

::She tried to remain out of sight and out of mind of the others until she was entrioduced, and after making initial pleasantried, she would again remain out of the way until the next time she was entroduced to another guest. Soon everyone would arive and Cara would begin her briefing...

She had finished her plate before the first guest arrived an she was now simply meandering around the table looking at the different maps and stopping to read the files. A picture of the girl they were seeking was paperclipped to one of the files and she etched that picture to her memory her finger tracing over the girl's face.

She again took a seat, this time beside Cara's chair, drapping her legs over one of the arms as she looked about the room at the poeple Cara had called for this mission.::

 

[Vixandra]

Cara

I welcomed the psychic, Letisha at the door with a bow, not offering any contact. "We thank you for joining us this evening," I said polietly. "Please come in an join us."
She nodded and made her way to the table. I was about to turn away when another's presence beyond the door made me stop. Yes- the one Unseele I had invited- one of my grandmother's people. Joy. Hope this went well.
I opened the door at the polite knock and bowed grandly. "Salutation and welcome, Lady Amara."
She walked inside- from the Limo I assumed to be hers, she wasn't hurting for money. A poor doctor or a poor thief normally means they're imcompiteant.
I made more introductions and checked my list to see if we had anyone else coming.
Myself, Ty, Terra, Stefan Gray, Felix Manor, Latisha, and Amara. We may later be joined by an old contact of mine but trans-global flight takes a while, no matter who or what you are.
We were all here- wonderful.
"Please, everyone eat up, the we can clear the table off and began our briefings. I don't work well on an empty stomach, don't exect anyone else to. As you know, I'm Cara McFain, a combination of bounty hunter, mercenary, good sameritan and resource finder. Because you'll need to know, I am also part Unseele, part demi fey, part human. So most normal human rounds aren't going to mess with me much unless its pure lead. Doubtful. I'm also a fire witch of sorts so don't bring explosives around much. Don't worry- I'm a good witch." I said the last wit a chuckle and went on.
"This is my parter, Tygressa "Ty" Lei, a skilled ninja, entry and escape expert and our proverbial guard bate since she kills silently and without effort."
"To her right is Terra, bounty hunter extrordinare. No one can kill him and he can't kill you while we're on this mission. Afterwards, have fun, don't get me involved."
"Next to him, our team's monkey, Felix. Costuming, bluffs and such go through him first for approval. There's a reason he's here- he's brilliant. The first condisending short joke'll get you hurt."
"To my left, Stefan Gray, our linguistics and diplomatics guy. He'll play liason between us and the civies if there is any. Good with a gun, let him try to talk first though."
"Next, the estiemed Miss Latisha Delorian, psychic. She'll be,hopefully, helping us find out where the girl is. With a 99% success rating, I don't think it will be a problem. Please, don't touch her unless she starts it. Strong emotions are hard to block when there's physical contact.
"Last, but not least, Amara of the Unseele, with a Hand of Healing and a Hand of Harming, don't get the two mixed up cause she won't. Amara, you'll probably have the most contact with Alexandria once we get her- don't want her turning into a raving idiot with Stolckholmes."
I took a drink of water before going on after the dishes were cleared. "Before each of you is a packet, mostly identical, with some variations for your jobs. Go ahead and look through then fire away any questions."

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

Letisha

I picked up a pen and jotted notes on each of her crew members. The better I understood their places within this venture the easier it would be for me to understand my place in it. Luckily, my only job was locating the girl. The rest of it, well the rest of it was up to them.

I then turned my eyes to the packet. Inside were schematics of the Mirazolli compound, some detailed pictures of important family members and important *front* businesses. The Alvarez portion was just as detailed with back ground on anyone of importance.


The picture of the girl caught my eye and pulled me in. The photo was one of her laughing, her eyes sparkling with laughter. I could hear her, a small whisper of sound in the back ground of my mind. With one hand, I reached into my knap sack and pulled out a small balck notebook.

I moved the packet to the side and proceded to jot down my impressions: her laughter, the sound of her voice. I still had no idea where she was, but now I had a link.

I waited until everyone else had stopped reading before glancing at Cara.

"Question, Cara. Do you have anything of personal value to the girl??"

 

[ScarredSoul82]

Amara moved to her chair silently and listened to Cara's introductions. She didn't feel entirely comfortable, being the only pure fae here...and she shifted in her seat.

She fingered the edges of the folder in front of her lightly for a few moments before flipping it open.
Inside was a photo of the girl, a pretty young thing...the mischevious twinkle in her eyes reminded her of the fae, and she sighed.
Her primary objective was to keep the girl safe and calm, she reasoned.
Healing would be the next most important thing, taking care of any physical wounds or mental outbursts. She could handle that.
No problem.

She leaned back after studying her packet and further examined her teammates.
She could see precisely why each one had been handpicked for this assignment.
Then she cast a sidelong glance at Cara.
Her family had been kin to Cara's grandmother ages ago...but then again many of the Unseelie were tied together by blood at somepoint in history.

Amara maintained a glamour during her time in the mortal world. She found that it put people more at ease if her features were less preternatural...she couldn't help but wonder if Cara...demi fae or not used glamours as well....but she decided not to pry. It wasn't polite.

 

[Vixandra]

Cara

"Yes, Latisha, be right back," I said, leaving the dining room to return with the bag of assorted personal items belonging to the girl. I left them inside thier brown paper bag and handed the whole to the psychic.
"If you like there's a meditation room upstairs you're welcome to use," I said. "Ty can show you to it if you like."
Amara didn't seem comfortable, though she probably had a right not to be comfy in this. I was the only other "faere" and not even a full blood at that. Oh well, if she had questions or issues we'd raise them and talk.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

Re: Cara

"Yes, Latisha, be right back," I said, leaving the dining room to return with the bag of assorted personal items belonging to the girl. I left them inside thier brown paper bag and handed the whole to the psychic.
"If you like there's a meditation room upstairs you're welcome to use," I said. "Ty can show you to it if you like."

I took the bag from Cara and looked inside it. The smell of lavender reached up and caressed my senses. I closed the bag and stood up.

"If Ty wouldn't mind, I would really like to use that room, Cara."

My words were a bit fast as I could feel my tenuous grip on this reality start to slip away. I hoisted my knap sack and slung it over my left shoulder. Then I glanced over at Cara and waited for someone to lead me away.

 

[Jeremy Davis]

Ty Lei

::Ty smiled brightly and then giggles at Cara's description of her abilities, though she half pouted that Cara forgot to mention her work as a giesha, but it was no matter. After introductions were finished, Ty swung her feet from the armrest and opened the file before her.

A map was the first thing in the file and Ty pulled it out and studied it. Cara always thinking of Ty, had posted a few post it notes as to where the guard would be posted and a few suggestions on their routes thay walk during the night. Also was a brief plan of action as to where they would start and where they were to go once on the property.

As Ty looked at the map and etched it into her mind, she started deciding on what weapons to bring with her. After putting some thought into it, she giggled again as she realised that it would depend on if Cara wanted the guard dead or merely unconcious.

Cara saying her name roused her from her thoughts and she smiled warmly at Latisha::

It's no problem at all sweetie, I dont mind showing you the way...

::Ty pushed her chair back, Stood up and adjusted her kamisa before returning her chair. After Cara returned and passed off the girl's personal effects to Latisha, she beckoned Latisha to follow leading the way from the dining room to the elevator.

Within the elevator, she pushed the third floor button and then waited as thedoors closed and the elevator started to move. Ty politely kept some space between her and Latisha as not to accidentally have any physical contact with her, and simply watched the floor numbers light as they went on their trip.

The doors soon opened and Ty leaded the way to a door. opening a panel, the computer asked for a retna scan and voice confermation before it would open. Security was a must as some of theweapons within the dojo/ meditation room were part of Ty's and Cara's personal collection and were worth quite a bit of money.::

There you are sweetie, hope your meditation is fruitful for you.

::With a warm smile Ty watched Latisha enter the room and close the door behind her, then decided that she had better get dressed before anyone realised that the kamisa was the only thing she had on. Of course Cara knew but she wouldn't let anyone else know it. So Ty returned to the elevator and went up to the pairs suites to change.::

 

[chewbacca71]

Felix

Felix looked over the dossiers of the members of the Mirazoli family. He picked out a few people that he thought would be important enough to have the kind of information as to where the girl was located. He had never worked with a psychic before so was not familiar if she would have to be closer to the girl to find her or not. But Felix had come up with an idea on at least how to start.

"Excuse me Cara, I do have a question. I am looking at these files and I have an idea. There are two gentlemen from the Mirazoli family that would probably have a good idea as to where the girl is being held, but would assuredly not be missed too badly. I propose that we run some surveillance on these two men, Salvatore Mirazoli and Michael Carbone. These men are two of the liutenents so should have the proper information.

If we have a way of isolating them, we should be able to interrogate them. I will also be able to study them, making my ability to become them easier. That way I could bluff my way into the place where she is being held. Does that plan agree with you? "

 

[poohlive]

Seated comfortable in his lounge chair, apart from the table, Terra made a quiet laugh at his own introduction. Don't kill or be killed. Had that been a threat on Cara's part? Perhaps, something small and insignificant. He had promised nothing, except the girl's safe return. As far as killing, well, things happened, and bullets strayed.
He doubted he was the only one with a bounty on his head, or that he was the only one greedy enough to collect on it. Yes, he'd just have to keep and eye out, see what opportunities arise.
Once the introductions had been made, Terra went back to his own file, looking carefully at the higher ups and what information they had.
This wasn't going to be easy, that was one thing that stood out at him right away.
Lots of plans, lots of covert operations. He wasn't good at thinking much in planning. He was more of the bulk man, someone else say which door needs to be opened... Terra will actually go down there and blow the fucker. He thought better on his feet, in action, this was useless to him.
But everyone else seemed comforted by it, so he just sat there, his papers out, his plate of food, watching and studying.

 

[Vixandra]

Cara

I nodded at Felix's suggestion. "That's a good idea. I think we can find those men. I'd rather not kill them if possible, though putting them in a temporary coma while you do your stuff works fine. Don't want anyone angry at us for killing thier underlings, bad for buisness. Felix, do you want to take them alone or do you want help and if so who? I wouldn't mind coming along."

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

Letisha and the Meditation Room

After Ty dropped me off in the meditation room, I smiled at her and thanked her for being such a helpful guide. My eyes followed her form until she moved from my sight before closing the door and pulling out my crystal.

I spent a few moments lowering my shields before seating myself on the floor. Then I placed my piece of quartz crystal on the floor beside me, before reaching into the brown bag which held the girl's personal effects.

I move quickly, pulling out a silver brush and comb set, an itty bitty little nightgown, a dress, some letters. Each thing brought an immediate reaction.

The brush gave me a picture of her brushing out long, thick hair while staring into a humungous vanity mirror. The nightgown sent me reeling into a heated conversation with a man: tall and olive complexioned, dark hair falling over intense grey eyes.

The dress smelled of lavender and gave me such an immediate reaction that I had to drop it. How the hell had the dress she had been kidnapped in ended up in this bag? I pushed the dress to the side and picked up the letters.

One of them was to her..from the same man I had seen earlier. I read through it, my gut reaction telling me there was more here than we, as a group, had been told.

After a few more moments, I stood up and stretched before grabbing my notebook and writing down my newest impressions and questions.

Finally, I pick up the crystal and focus into it's clear depths. Twirling it gently between my fingertips, I watch it's colors and allowed myself to fall into it's depths.

She is surrounded by green. There is a door located to her left and a balcony behind her. She is crying and pleading but no one is listening.

I come back to NOW with a thump. I have made first contact and I know she is ok and in one piece. I will need to be closer before I can pinpoint her location. It takes but a few moments to gather everything back up and then I make my way out and back down to the rest of the crew. Time to ask questions and get some answers.

 

[Third Magus]

Stefan

I flicked through the documents we'd all been given, noting names, faces, locations. It was something you had to learn to do, in my trade - not to skim, and not to pick over every detail. Just let the facts flow naturally into your mind, and settle there, where conclusions and plans would crystallise.

I searched the faces of my fellows, wondering if any were double-agents. Cara had no doubt run rigorous security checks over each of them, but such things could be dealt with. Each of them would have their own agendas, their own interests to look after. The usual queasy, exciting pre-game adrenaline began to pump into me, sharpening my mind even as it added just a tinge of self-loathing to the sweetness.

A girl's life was at stake, and I was getting off on it.

My eye briefly caught that of the big brawler, sitting quietly by himself. After the present hunt, that one would have to move fast. I wasn't interested myself. I considered bounty-hunting beneath me.

I listened to Felix Manor's proposal, then Cara's reply. I myself stood as the psychic Cara had contract slipped quietly back into the room.

"If Mr Manor does require any assistance, I volunteer to help with the subversion of these two liuetenants. Aside from anything else, I believe I might be able to avoid the tough moral issues and hard-to-remove stains that traditional interrogations require"

I paused.

"Bribery and corruption, of course. Everybody has their price, as I hardly need to inform anyone here. It might be that Mr Mirazoli and Mr Carbone's are beyond our means, but it might be worth an attempt"

 

[Vixandra]

Cara

"Very well, Stephan." I said with a nod. "If that suits Felix then you, he and I shall go fishing."
I watched Letisha come back in- the look on her face was promising. "Any initial reports?"