The Sinner & The Stiletto
Jan 12, 2021 20:39:02 GMT -6
Conrad Dukes, Punished Von Brandt, and 2 more like this
Post by AU Julian Mercury on Jan 12, 2021 20:39:02 GMT -6
He sat alone, as he would often do on a weekend night with no work to attend to. His preference when going out for a meal was an eatery. Smaller, local, and generally less likely to have one of his targets in attendance - this occurred often when he went to more well-established restaurants in the hearts of the cities he travelled to and from.
The noodles were thick and gluggy, the broth was lukewarm, and the vegetables had certainly been picked out of some freezer and dumped into the rest of the cheap product that filled his bowl, but it mattered little. By the time morning came, the few people scattered around the benches of this place, as well as the staff, would forget he had ever been there in the first place.
A bell chimed as the door opened, allowing a cool breeze into the eatery. Shortly after, Julian felt a hand on his shoulder, as Eve dropped by next to him, sitting. Her sleek black hair straightened, long enough to reach midway down her back, matched by the black eyeliner and the mascara accentuating her lashes.
‘Going somewhere?’ Julian said, twirling noodles around a plastic fork.
‘Haven’t decided yet. I just wanted to look nice.’ she said, head rested on her palm. With her unoccupied hand, she reached underneath the cream jacket she wore, pulling out a business card and holding it toward Julian.
‘We got a new client.’ she said. Julian glanced around, a natural reflex he had when discussing work. Upon ensuring there wasn’t anyone in earshot, he responded.
‘You could’ve picked a better time and place.’
‘Time? Nope. You’ll find out why soon. Place? You’re never home.’ she said with a grin. Julian grunted, eyes now examining the card she held.
‘Kingston Enterprises. The self-proclaimed pioneers of Artificial Intelligence. Well, that makes sense.’
‘What does?’ she said, head tilted.
‘I’ve worked for Zayne in the past. Looks like he’s in need of a repeat performance.’
‘Ooo, exciting. A reunion, then?’
‘You could call it that. So why did you need to tell me right away?’
‘Because we fly to Vegas in a week.’ she said. Julian’s face remained deadpan, cold eyes masking whatever thoughts he may have had.
‘I don’t remember agreeing to the job.’
‘Oh, we can go discuss terms. It's can't-miss, though.’
He sighed.
‘Tomorrow, then?’
‘Wouldn’t miss it for the world.’ she said, winking. She was then gone as quick as she had arrived, leaving Julain alone once more.
The ridiculously sized oval table extended meters upon meters, filling up the boardroom at the Headquarters of Kingston Enterprises. At the head of it sat the namesake of the company, Zayne Kingston, the face of the technology industry. By age 25 he had become a high-ranking individual at Empyrean, and by 30 he had taken over the company and turned it into his own.
Eve eyed him up and down as she and Julian were led by two of his employees to where he sat. His brown beard was well-maintained and trimmed, of which the same could be said for his hair, the caesar-style cut resting lightly against his forehead. He gestured for them to sit, which they did, at either side of the table. He noticed the smile that played at the edge of Eve’s lips.
‘Lovely to have the two of you here. Was there something amusing during your tour of the headquarters, Eve?’ he said, evenly.
‘I just didn’t expect to see you in a T-Shirt and shorts. Not after we dressed so nicely for you.’
He assessed himself for a moment, chuckling.
‘Ah, this? Just keeps me cool and grounded. Poor Jule here looks like he can hardly breathe in that fancy suit. Would you like Austen to take that jacket for you?’
‘No. In fact, I’d prefer if he and his friend left us to attend to our business.’ Julian said, matter-of-factly but not unkindly. Zayne gave a brief shake of the head.
‘If you don’t mind, I’d like to keep Austen and Luka here. They are my trusted associates and may even be of assistance to you during your work.’
Julian eyed them, one tanned and with a blonde crew-cut. A dime a dozen kid who looked like he came from Los Angeles. The other appeared spaced out. Eyes wondering. A small strip of hair atop his lip that contrasted the perfectly kept beard of Zayne. Julian sensed this one, although less professional in appearance, was more of a threat than the blonde one. He sighed.
‘Sure.’
‘Much appreciated, Jule. I think you’ll like them.’
‘I’d prefer if you didn’t call me that.’
‘Aw, but I like it!’ Eve said, laughing over on her side of the table.
Julian remained silent. Zayne smiled.
‘I suppose it would only be polite of me to get down to it.’
He pressed a button, the table beneath them opening up several compartments that pulled up a projection of The City of Las Vegas, with several spots of it filled in red.
‘Soon, The President will announce the effective lockdown of Las Vegas. The current situation has left it ravaged by crime and many businesses are out of work. Being part of its eventual rebuild will do wonders for the reach and influence of Kingston Enterprises, doubly so considering we have not been able to breach into its markets in the past.’
‘Lockdown? Is this just a rumor?’ Julian said.
‘Thanks to our sources, we’ve been able to find out a few weeks early. Travel into the city will soon be highly regulated. There are already other organizations making plays to enter and take control. I’m suggesting we throw our name into the hat. Come out as potential winners of the war that I’m sure will soon push this city into chaos.’
‘Sounds like a risk.’
‘I have resources.’
‘Then why myself and Eve? Why not use what you already have at your disposal?’
‘Your previous work for me has not gone forgotten, Julian. You’re the reason I stand in the position I’m in today. I believe partnering up together again will lead to prosperity for the both of us.’
‘For some reason, I doubt this will be an even split.’
‘How so?’
‘I’ll be doing all the dirty work. You’ll just be supplying the information.’
‘Perhaps. But you’ll be well compensated. You and Eve both. Even more than you were when you last assisted me.’
Julian looked over to Eve.
‘Any input?’
‘Nah, not really. Sounds fun, though.’
Julian sighed, eyes darting back toward Zayne.
‘How well compensated?’
‘A lump sum. The backing of Kingston Enterprises whenever you need… and perhaps even a stake in the organization, should things pan out the way I expect them to.’
Julian’s eyes narrowed.
‘So I’m assuming we’ll be doing more than just intel work and making idle threats?’
‘You’ll be using everything in your arsenal. Believe me.’
‘And there’s no other catch?’
‘Only one: Work as a competitor for Black Pyramid Wrestling. I suspect those in control of the company have a lot to do with what’s going on in the city, and one or the both of you will be my eyes and ears for matters occurring within those walls.
‘It’s also your way into the city, and keeps the element of surprise on our side. If I bring you into the city as my employees, the link between us will be obvious and if anyone knows of either of your reputations, could lead to this operation falling to pieces. Have you contracted under BPW though, and with just a little bit of caution on our parts, it’ll be a lot harder to connect us.’
Julian glanced at Eve, who looked back at him with a mischievous smile. He frowned, something he often did when assessing a situation. He stood and exhaled hard.
‘I’ll think about it.’
Zayne smiled, arms spread.
‘Of course. You have a few days. We fly out in a week.’
As he left, Eve followed suit, scooting by to his side.
‘We gotta do it. Think of what a good time we’ll have.’
Julian grunted.
‘You’re right.’ he said, peering at Zayne once more before leaving through the door.
‘But I know him. He’s up to something. So let’s play our cards… carefully.’
She groaned.
‘Fine.’
The old factory in the heart of North Las Vegas would have been a breeding ground for criminals and con men had it not been acquired by "The Foundation" only days before the official lockdown of the city. Some believed it only to be an opportunistic coincidence that a suspiciously well-funded upstart in the technology industry had decided to acquire a string of abandoned businesses that had fallen under due to the pandemic.
Others saw it as a grim sign for things to come - and they were right.
The noodles were thick and gluggy, the broth was lukewarm, and the vegetables had certainly been picked out of some freezer and dumped into the rest of the cheap product that filled his bowl, but it mattered little. By the time morning came, the few people scattered around the benches of this place, as well as the staff, would forget he had ever been there in the first place.
A bell chimed as the door opened, allowing a cool breeze into the eatery. Shortly after, Julian felt a hand on his shoulder, as Eve dropped by next to him, sitting. Her sleek black hair straightened, long enough to reach midway down her back, matched by the black eyeliner and the mascara accentuating her lashes.
‘Going somewhere?’ Julian said, twirling noodles around a plastic fork.
‘Haven’t decided yet. I just wanted to look nice.’ she said, head rested on her palm. With her unoccupied hand, she reached underneath the cream jacket she wore, pulling out a business card and holding it toward Julian.
‘We got a new client.’ she said. Julian glanced around, a natural reflex he had when discussing work. Upon ensuring there wasn’t anyone in earshot, he responded.
‘You could’ve picked a better time and place.’
‘Time? Nope. You’ll find out why soon. Place? You’re never home.’ she said with a grin. Julian grunted, eyes now examining the card she held.
‘Kingston Enterprises. The self-proclaimed pioneers of Artificial Intelligence. Well, that makes sense.’
‘What does?’ she said, head tilted.
‘I’ve worked for Zayne in the past. Looks like he’s in need of a repeat performance.’
‘Ooo, exciting. A reunion, then?’
‘You could call it that. So why did you need to tell me right away?’
‘Because we fly to Vegas in a week.’ she said. Julian’s face remained deadpan, cold eyes masking whatever thoughts he may have had.
‘I don’t remember agreeing to the job.’
‘Oh, we can go discuss terms. It's can't-miss, though.’
He sighed.
‘Tomorrow, then?’
‘Wouldn’t miss it for the world.’ she said, winking. She was then gone as quick as she had arrived, leaving Julain alone once more.
The ridiculously sized oval table extended meters upon meters, filling up the boardroom at the Headquarters of Kingston Enterprises. At the head of it sat the namesake of the company, Zayne Kingston, the face of the technology industry. By age 25 he had become a high-ranking individual at Empyrean, and by 30 he had taken over the company and turned it into his own.
Eve eyed him up and down as she and Julian were led by two of his employees to where he sat. His brown beard was well-maintained and trimmed, of which the same could be said for his hair, the caesar-style cut resting lightly against his forehead. He gestured for them to sit, which they did, at either side of the table. He noticed the smile that played at the edge of Eve’s lips.
‘Lovely to have the two of you here. Was there something amusing during your tour of the headquarters, Eve?’ he said, evenly.
‘I just didn’t expect to see you in a T-Shirt and shorts. Not after we dressed so nicely for you.’
He assessed himself for a moment, chuckling.
‘Ah, this? Just keeps me cool and grounded. Poor Jule here looks like he can hardly breathe in that fancy suit. Would you like Austen to take that jacket for you?’
‘No. In fact, I’d prefer if he and his friend left us to attend to our business.’ Julian said, matter-of-factly but not unkindly. Zayne gave a brief shake of the head.
‘If you don’t mind, I’d like to keep Austen and Luka here. They are my trusted associates and may even be of assistance to you during your work.’
Julian eyed them, one tanned and with a blonde crew-cut. A dime a dozen kid who looked like he came from Los Angeles. The other appeared spaced out. Eyes wondering. A small strip of hair atop his lip that contrasted the perfectly kept beard of Zayne. Julian sensed this one, although less professional in appearance, was more of a threat than the blonde one. He sighed.
‘Sure.’
‘Much appreciated, Jule. I think you’ll like them.’
‘I’d prefer if you didn’t call me that.’
‘Aw, but I like it!’ Eve said, laughing over on her side of the table.
Julian remained silent. Zayne smiled.
‘I suppose it would only be polite of me to get down to it.’
He pressed a button, the table beneath them opening up several compartments that pulled up a projection of The City of Las Vegas, with several spots of it filled in red.
‘Soon, The President will announce the effective lockdown of Las Vegas. The current situation has left it ravaged by crime and many businesses are out of work. Being part of its eventual rebuild will do wonders for the reach and influence of Kingston Enterprises, doubly so considering we have not been able to breach into its markets in the past.’
‘Lockdown? Is this just a rumor?’ Julian said.
‘Thanks to our sources, we’ve been able to find out a few weeks early. Travel into the city will soon be highly regulated. There are already other organizations making plays to enter and take control. I’m suggesting we throw our name into the hat. Come out as potential winners of the war that I’m sure will soon push this city into chaos.’
‘Sounds like a risk.’
‘I have resources.’
‘Then why myself and Eve? Why not use what you already have at your disposal?’
‘Your previous work for me has not gone forgotten, Julian. You’re the reason I stand in the position I’m in today. I believe partnering up together again will lead to prosperity for the both of us.’
‘For some reason, I doubt this will be an even split.’
‘How so?’
‘I’ll be doing all the dirty work. You’ll just be supplying the information.’
‘Perhaps. But you’ll be well compensated. You and Eve both. Even more than you were when you last assisted me.’
Julian looked over to Eve.
‘Any input?’
‘Nah, not really. Sounds fun, though.’
Julian sighed, eyes darting back toward Zayne.
‘How well compensated?’
‘A lump sum. The backing of Kingston Enterprises whenever you need… and perhaps even a stake in the organization, should things pan out the way I expect them to.’
Julian’s eyes narrowed.
‘So I’m assuming we’ll be doing more than just intel work and making idle threats?’
‘You’ll be using everything in your arsenal. Believe me.’
‘And there’s no other catch?’
‘Only one: Work as a competitor for Black Pyramid Wrestling. I suspect those in control of the company have a lot to do with what’s going on in the city, and one or the both of you will be my eyes and ears for matters occurring within those walls.
‘It’s also your way into the city, and keeps the element of surprise on our side. If I bring you into the city as my employees, the link between us will be obvious and if anyone knows of either of your reputations, could lead to this operation falling to pieces. Have you contracted under BPW though, and with just a little bit of caution on our parts, it’ll be a lot harder to connect us.’
Julian glanced at Eve, who looked back at him with a mischievous smile. He frowned, something he often did when assessing a situation. He stood and exhaled hard.
‘I’ll think about it.’
Zayne smiled, arms spread.
‘Of course. You have a few days. We fly out in a week.’
As he left, Eve followed suit, scooting by to his side.
‘We gotta do it. Think of what a good time we’ll have.’
Julian grunted.
‘You’re right.’ he said, peering at Zayne once more before leaving through the door.
‘But I know him. He’s up to something. So let’s play our cards… carefully.’
She groaned.
‘Fine.’
The old factory in the heart of North Las Vegas would have been a breeding ground for criminals and con men had it not been acquired by "The Foundation" only days before the official lockdown of the city. Some believed it only to be an opportunistic coincidence that a suspiciously well-funded upstart in the technology industry had decided to acquire a string of abandoned businesses that had fallen under due to the pandemic.
Others saw it as a grim sign for things to come - and they were right.