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A Hunt (Attn. Alex)

On the surface this was deceptively simple, but when the Elder said she'd test him Ambrose was certain that meant more than a simple run and fetch. But, he wasn't going to jump to conclusions and go in guns blazing, nor was he going to go in unarmed either. A shoulder holster was neatly hidden under his sports coat. He wasn't terribly fond of them, but he could try being subtle.

Settling into his truck he studied the name and the address again. Not a lot to be learned there so he spent a few long silent moments studying his partner/supervisor. Far too flash, just the sort he wouldn't trust. On the other hand Mai had enough faith in him to send him on this mission, which counted for a great deal. That and it wouldn't due to have them suspicious of each other so let's do this, he decided and waited some what impatiently for him to get in so they could get rolling.


"When ever you're ready."Â?

'Pretty boy' he added silently to himself. See he kept his mouth shut, he could be civil. It was a little harder than usual, it had been a long time since Ambrose had a job like this and it brought back a lot of memories and it made him feel rather... intent. Once they were moving, had a plan, he'd feel better. He always had in the past.

Stranger 18 years ago
Jessica frowned and was tempted to say no to the man's request. They had not yet discussed the event in any detail and she normally did not go off with strange men...no matter how charming. Yet, he seemed sincere and indeed, quite charming. She found herself smiling in spite of the strange request.


"Uhm certainly. I would just need to finish this dinner but I should be free around 9pm."Â?


She looked from one to the other and then realized that meant they were not with Marke. Which would mean that her client would still be here any minute!


"Is there anything in particular you would like to serve and how many people do you expect to attend?"Â?


Look like the professional you are and everything will go much more smoothly. Jessica searched under the counter until she found a notepad with the catering company's logo neatly printed on the top. Now ready to take notes, she looked up to Mr West for specifics.
Alex West 18 years ago
Alexander stole a quick glance at his watch. So far, so good.

Jessica's apparent acquiescence to his request was encouraging. Alexander watched patiently as Jessica retrieved a notepad and pencil from behind the counter.


"Approximately 40 guests. New Zealand lamb, venison and Bluff Oysters. Specific dishes we can discuss later. I'll also need to see a selection of New Zealand Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc."

Alexander paused for a few seconds to allow Jessica to make note of his requests.

"One last thing, Miss Patterson. This is an exclusive function. The privacy and security of our guests is of paramount concern. So please, don't discuss the details of our arrangement with anyone. At least not until you check the catering facilities, and we review and discuss menu options tonight. Your discretion in this matter will be compensated handsomely"

"Do you have any other questions?"
Stranger 18 years ago
Jessica faithfully began writing everything down on the notepad. 40 guests... that was a small private party? She supposed there were some of her clients who considered that a small private party. Mr Lazarovici was known to call such a guest list a small casual affair.

Looking down at the paper, Jessica arched her eyebrows at the food and drink selected. Couldn't go for anything local? This would require talking to a friend she had in the food shipping industry. He would charge her an arm and a leg to get it here quickly but eventually it would all be coming out of Mr West's pocket which meant she would be paid hansomly for the event.


"Oh of course!"Â?


Jessica gasped and looked shocked that he might think her untrustworthy.


"We treat our client's events with the utmost discretion!"Â?


She tapped the pen thoughtfully against her lips before asking. [/i]


"Was there a particular theme you had in mind? Birthday, wedding or is just fine decoration necessary?"Â?

((OOC: tra la la more questions! She'll behave and probably not ask any more though I'm sure she probably should be asking all kinds of things ))
Ambrose 18 years ago
Shit, did this have to be so polite? It was much easier to just bully your way around with command and then they wouldn’t be having this frilly discussion and be getting down to business.

OK he understood –why- they were doing things this way, but it didn’t mean Ambrose liked it.

Doing his best to refrain from grumbling he finally interjected, politely.


“No particular theme, just something nice, black tie.”

He had a feeling that’s the way Alex would be leaning. That and he was done with this part of the plan, no need to drag it out if they didn’t have to.
Alex West 18 years ago
Alexander smiled slyly as if enjoying a private joke. "I wouldn't call it a theme as such. Ex-patriots and their friends getting together."

"There's no need to decorate for this. Nothing garish at all. Just tasteful. And definitely no paper flags." Alexander shuddered at the thought.

"For security reasons the door and waiting staff will be covered by us. So it will just be you and whomever you decide to help with the food preparations and cooking."

"But for now you will be the only person kept in the loop. Again, security reasons."

Alexander looked across to Ambrose briefly, then back to Jessica.


"If you have no further questions, Miss Patterson. Mr. Townsend and myself will take leave of you. Be back at nine."
Stranger 18 years ago
Jessica wrote down the information that Mr West had said and added the lines 'nothing gaudy' with a mental snort. Like she would do something garish? Well there was that one time... but the client had requested it. She kept telling Jessica that she was going to have pictures taken and have the whole event featured in some magazine. Jessica had been very unsure she wanted her business associated with the party. Luckily the editor cut the article in favor of something else.


"I understand completely."Â?


They were getting a little weird on the whole "don't speak about this to anyone"Â? deal. Then there was Silent Bob there standing next to West. Mr Townsend made her nervous; it seemed like he didn't really want to be there. So what was the deal? Surely there were better places to pick up chicks and if they were going to rob the place they could have done that already.


"Until later then."Â?


I must be crazy. Jessica went back to her dish just in time to add the finishing garnishes on it. It appeared to be just the right moist but flaky texture that was so difficult to get perfect on fish. Nodding approvingly at the sous chef; She added the side dishes just in time for the arrival of her guest.


Sir Marke had approved of her choices and though she felt he was eyeing her a bit strangely this particular trip, he seemed his usual self, something just short of charming...or creepy.


The rest of the night flew by and her small crew was packing up and getting ready to go home. Jessica was tempted to tell one of her employees that she was meeting someone after nine but it seemed wrong to do so. However when the sous chef asked if Jessica was ready to leave, she said that she had some more things to finish up. Sandra said that she would stay and leave when Jessica did. Jessica could see little reason to disagree. They would not like it but she had not told Sandra anything and if they were on the up and up then there should be no harm in Sandra seeing them.


((OOC: Heh, Talk amongst yourselves if you want pre coming back in and I'll roleplay Jessica and Sandra when the time comes. Note: She is following the commands that she has been given. It gives them the urge to do something but they are free to feel about however they like. So some part of her thinks she's being too trusting and another part says Alex seems very trustworthy and she's just being silly. ))
Ambrose 18 years ago
“Thank you ma’am.”

He nodded briefly and without further waste or pleasantries left the shop. It was a bit of a relief to have that part of the assignment over. If she were that receptive to command the rest should be nearly as simple. Should be, but probably wouldn’t. Ambrose was a bit anxious about his first time out and wanted things to go well and so intent on preparing for the worst.

He was so intent he barley noticed Alex following him out, but he did have the good sense to wait as his clan mate climbed back in the truck. Once he was in though Ambrose drove them out of the parking lot, it didn’t seem wise to be seen hanging around during the wait. Receptive or not it might tip Jessica or one of the other employees off something wasn’t quite right. He decided to circle the block and look for a good place to wait.


“Is that how catering contracts usually go?”

((OOC… permission to move Alex))
Alex West 18 years ago
Alexander nodded as he fastened the seatbelt. "More or less Ambrose."

"Although a caterer, or any sensible woman for that matter, wouldn't agree to follow two strange men to a place she knows nothing about."

Alexander paused as the safetybelt fastner shut with a soft click.
"Which is why Command is one of the more subtle and effective forms of persuassion."

"Miss Patterson did seem the consumate professional, but I have no way of telling whether or not she is human or one of us. If she was playing along for the mere sake of curiousity, we'll find out later on tonight."

Alexander checked the contents of his gym bag and smiled in satisfaction.
"Hopeful I won't have to use this."

He looked across to Ambrose and asked, "What was your impression of Miss Patterson?"
Ambrose 18 years ago
Ambrose raised an eyebrow at Alex’s brilliant statement of the obvious. The Limey was talking to a one legged vampire who often relied on command to eat, let alone accomplish anything else. Ordinarily he would have told Alex this in no uncertain, and certainly less than polite, terms but this was business and Ambrose could be professional… when he had to.

Ignoring that statement he pulled into a strip mall parking lot not too far away, they could keep a lose eye on the comings and goings for Ms. Patterson’s place of business.


“She seems to take her work seriously.”

Which meant that they’d also probably have to ‘persuade’ her to give them any information. He also had the odd feeling she didn’t much like him, or at least didn’t know what to make of him.

Ambrose was no more interested in how they were going to transport her. He’d think about that next time. Well for this run, she could either squeeze between them or sit in the extended cab. She’d be fine.
Alex West 18 years ago
"Very serious," Alexander reflected on Jessica's behaviour as Ambrose parked the Ford Ranger and turned off the engine. "and very dedicated to her craft."

Alexander glanced at his watch. He doubted Ambrose was much of a conversationalist, and staring out the window wasn't exactly a thrilling way to pass the time.

But there was still time to discuss the matter at hand. Keep it professional, keep it business-like. The sealed scroll inside Alexander's jacket coat felt like a lead weight.

"How do you want to proceed with Miss Patterson? Any changes, ideas, recommendations you have in mind?" Alexander asked Ambrose politely.

((OOC: Heh I love that first sentence of yours - Ambrose raised an eyebrow at Alex's brilliant statement of the obvious - that cracked me up))
Ambrose 18 years ago
“As normally and as low key as possible.”

It was only a few minutes to nine and Ambrose was relived he didn’t like waiting, nor did he have much to say in this situation. Driving them back, he pulled up in front of the store, not attempting to hide or otherwise seem less than honest.

He was still praying this all went down without incident and that he wasn’t out of practice. Would he be able to cope with the unexpected in this situation? It wasn’t like what he was used to, Ambrose hadn’t often worried about people knowing what he was doing, who he was looking for, this was a new game and they were in the thick of it.

Parking and shutting the engine off he assumed Alex would get out to let Jessica in.
Alex West 18 years ago
Alexander unfastened the safetybelt, opened the passenger door and slid out onto the sidewalk.

A cursory glance at his watch told him it was nearly nine. Alexander adjusted his sleeve collars, more out of habit than necessity and waited for Miss Patterson to exit the catering firm.

Alexander did not have to wait long. He soon spotted Jessica with an unknown lady, possibly an employee, as they exited the catering firm and stood beneath a nearby streetlight.

Strolling over to the pair, Alexander offered his outstretched right hand to Jessica. "A pleasure to see you again Miss Patterson. And might I enquire as to who your charming companion is?"
Stranger 18 years ago
Jessica was somewhat startled to see a truck pull up and into the parking lot. A truck? It hardly seem to fit the décor of Mr West but then there was Mr Townsend to consider. She was still unsure as to the nature of their relationship but tossed the idea of Mr Townsend being the driver out the window. It just didn't seem right that Mr West would choose for his driver to carry him about in anything less than a limo or sports car. Though if she had a sports car she would drive it herself; that's what they are for, right?

It was not long after her and Sandra stepped outside that Mr West approached them driving such rambling thoughts from her head. Very punctual! It was a good omen for dealing with the two new clients.


Looking over and Sandra, she replied.


“Yes, This is my Sous chef, Sandra Gilham.”


She hoped that nothing ill would come of Sandra waiting with her but the other woman's presence did make her feel better in this somewhat unorthodox arrangement. Jessica found herself looking around for Mr Townsend and wondered if he had decided not get out of the vehicle. Perhaps then there was simply a few things that they wanted to go over. She did remember them saying they wanted to show her the site but surely they did not mean this late at night. Nachton was open all hours for most everything and she had found that it made for some people with crazy schedules. Anything was possible.

((OOC: She's just not letting the couple thing go! O_O))
Ambrose 18 years ago
Hadn’t the command worked? Or maybe she’d found a way around it. Either way, Ambrose wasn’t happy to see the other woman and mentally grumbled. They had to send this Sandra on her way without being overt, and that meant getting out of the truck, well no one said it would be a perfect evening.

He climbed out of the vehicle, walked around the hood to where the little party had gathered he smiled slightly, and offered his hand to the Sous chef. All the while, he wondered what a sous chef was. Not that it mattered, he just didn’t know the term.


“Ma’am. I’m sure we’ll see you again if things Ms. Patterson and ourselves can reach an agreement.”

He turned nonchalantly to look at Alex, hopping to convey he should get their target moving and he’d take care of the other.
Alex West 18 years ago
Alexander had heard Ambrose’s approach long before he addressed Sandra, but he found his own prepared words died unspoken on his lips.

Alexander managed to nod politely at Sandra before turning his attention to Jessica.


“I apologize for the lack of more congenial transportation arrangements Miss Patterson. I am glad however that Mr. Townsend has offered his own services and transportation tonight."

Alexander offered Jessica his right arm and smiled warmly.

"Come with me Jessica, the night is still young and we have much things to discuss.”

(OOC: Ha - you cut me off as I was typing. )
Stranger 18 years ago
Jessica


Jessica looked from Mr West to the approaching Mr Townsend and then back to Mr West. When the second man began to escort Sandra away from them she began to panic. What exactly was going on here? Sure it all sounded polite but really what was all the need for secrecy for? Did they really not believe her own employee could not be trusted?


Were kidnappers polite? Hey little girl would you like some candy?


She looked up in the charming face of Mr West and was just about to scream... until he spoke. What was she thinking? He was a client and this was probably just some eccentric quirk. Hmm, funny you always hear of the old ones being wealthy but bat shit crazy. Then again look at some royal family members over the generations; they seemed to be born odd. Maybe Mr West here was genetically predisposed to odd paranoia and had the wealth to expect everyone to go along with it.


Looking back one last time at Sandra, Jessica followed her client to the...truck. She really didn't want to get her friend hurt and if these people were kidnappers then there was no reason for Sandra to die along with her. Not that she planned on dieing either. [/I]

"Uhm, of course...but I'll like to take the time to say this is all a bit strange."

((OOC: Nothing but love for you and your truck, Ambrose, really! ))
Stranger 18 years ago
Sandra




Sandra smiled coyly at the stranger that she fervently hoped Jessica was about to introduce. He was hot and the accent... she smiled blissfully. He could say anything he wanted to her sounding like that. She hoped that he was one of those clients who checked in often.

Being focused on the handsome Brit kept her from noticing the arrival of someone else until he was right there with them. He was offering his hand and rushing her off from the sounds of it.

Frowning, Sandra questioned further. They seemed nice enough and obviously her friend was getting to have all the fun but still she had stayed with her for a reason.

"Well I am sure she'll be just fine...Mister?"Â?

Reach an agreement? Why did they have to go somewhere to do that? Jessica had not said anything about the people who entered just before Marke arrived and Sandra just figured that the woman had been too busy. Now she thought this meeting seemed strange. Hopefully someone here could shed some light on what was going on.


((OOC: Sorry two women alone in a big city working late hours...they are paranoid by default))
Alex West 18 years ago
"Uhm, of course...but I'll like to take the time to say this is all a bit strange."

Jessica was obviously flustered despite her apparent complaince with his commands.

Alexander opened the passenger side door to the Ford Ranger and addressed her again.


"I agree Miss Patterson. To you this whole arrangement may seem rather strange, and dare I say it, discomforting."

Alexander nodded sympathetically.


"But a man in my position makes many adversaries and few friends. The financial arena is not for the faint of heart. Trust is a luxury, and one I administer sparingly. No harm will come to you or Sandra. Mr. Townsend also acts in the capacity of a highly trained private investigator, though it's something he will deny."

Alexander paused and glanced over to Ambrose engaged in conversation with Sandra.

His pale blue eyes fixated on Jessica as he looked at her once more.


"Trust me, Jessica Patterson. Put your fears aside and rest assured that you are in safe hands tonight."
Ambrose 18 years ago
Ha! That was a laugh and a half, well at least he'd had the good sense not to claim Ambrose was a bodyguard. He doubted even the strongest command could make a person believe that, a body guard with a cane and a very pronounced limp, god knew -he'd- feel safer.

"Townsend, Ms. Gilham."Â?

Alex seemed to be moving along with Jessica just fine so Ambrose took a second to remind himself to settle in and think about things. He was a bit rusty.

"Sorry about the rush but nothing to worry about we're just a little behind schedule. I think you're running a little late too."Â?

He wanted her to think hurrying off was her own idea. It wasn't Ambrose's typical style but this was as good a time as any to learn.
Stranger 18 years ago
Jessica

Jessica took one last glance at Sandra and then turned to Mr West. She was being silly, really. It was obvious that this man meant her no harm. After all, he could have hauled her off quite easily already if that had been his goal.


Nodding in sympathy for his further explanation, Jessica felt guilty for behaved so badly that it required her potential customer to further explain his reasoning. Obviously he did not want some rival to ruin the evening or perhaps it was the media that he feared would crash his party. Whatever the case, it was totally understandable that he would want the event to be kept secret. She should be honored that they even thought of her company. Perhaps it was one of her newer more important clientele that recommended her. She considered the possibility that coming in the Ranger had been part of the disguise. It all fit into the puzzle now. Maybe Mr Townsend had been doing more preliminary work for the event which explained why he was dressed differently, and in keeping with the vehicle.


"Thank you."Â?


She got into the truck and waited, hoping they would explain more about the details or perhaps give some insight into what they did during the ride over.