The Hunt

All the arrangements had been made, and it was time to go. Fiona was not accustomed to feeling nervous, but this next phase of her life could prove to be more than she could handle. Dismissing that thought as unworthy, she picked up her handbag from the hall table and left her apartment. She would determine what furniture and such she would need after choosing appropriate accommodations in Nachton.

The limo she had ordered was waiting outside the building. The doorman opened the door at just the right moment and Fiona slipped inside, absently settling her leather trenchcoat around her. She was oblivious to the help that had been given and did not see the look the doorman gave her. All things considered, he was glad to see her go, and hoped she'd stay. Rumor had it she was moving out of the city, though the staff hadn't figured out where to. And had no real desire to find out.

Fiona settled into the posh interior, stretching long legs. She hoped to arrive in Nachton early enough to settle into the Piazza, where her clothing and personal effects had been delivered earlier today. She despised having to deal with luggage. Or anything else that even remotely seemed like a menial task.

The window to the driver's areas rolled down slowly to reveal an attractive man in his mid-30's. "Â?What the fuck..."Â? she thought, eyes narrowing dangerously. She had specifically informed the limousine service she had no wish to deal with the driver directly. She never did. When he spoke, she became truly irritated.

"Nice night, ma'am."Â?

Of all the... this was just too much. And the way he was eyeing her in the rear view mirror was revolting. If she hadn't needed him to drive this hunk of junk, he'd learn a lesson he'd never forget. As it was, he was so far from her type that she simply hit the button that raised the window again. She smiled seductively as his eyes widened then disappeared. Grimacing, she pulled her cell phone out of her bag and called the limo company, spending the next five minutes working out her irritation on the poor girl unlucky enough to answer. By the time she was done, it was made very clear that the driver was to drive and that was all. She snapped the phone shut and glared at the dark glass. This was not how she wanted to spend her evening.

Pouring herself a large glass of brandy, she tried to relax, gazing out the window at the changing landscape. The City gave way to industrial areas which gave way to smaller towns then a few woody type areas. Lulled by the motion of the car and the warmth of the brandy, Fiona drifted for a bit, waking as they approached Nachton. Curious, she sat up a bit straighter and studied the city through the darkened glass. She hadn't decided if she was staying ~ thus the suite at the Grande Piazza. If Maeve was right, she should be able to learn something of Philipe here, if she could find Evenhet. But how to do that...

"The Grande Piazza, ma'am"Â?.

Fiona looked forward at the tinny voice, pleased the driver had not opened the window again. It appeared some people could be taught. Running her tongue along her sharp teeth, she waited patiently for him to open her door. Stepping out gracefully, she moved directly to the doors, his presence completely forgotten. A brief conversation with the concierge resulted in her arrival in their finest suite, all the details arranged in advance.

Her trenchcoat was tossed over the back of a chair and another drink poured before she felt ready to look over her new "home"Â?. It would do, though the furniture was more modern than she liked. Shrugging, she went to the window. Saluting her reflection for luck, she surveyed the City.

"Let the hunt begin."Â?