Money makes the world go round...

[loves_ghost]

It had been almost a week since ‘the incident’ and Kost had been carefully attentive, taking care of Ivy more often even when Leona insistead and generally trying to keep stress to a minimum

Comments

[your_host]

*By a stroke of luck, the Emcee is downstairs looking to satisfy his late afternoon dose of gin, when he's derailed by the sound of purposeful knocking. With an annoyed huff, he sets a half-empty bottle of liquor and a glass on the countertop before pulling his worn leather coat tighter around him and heading toward the door. Turning some locks, he opens the door a small crack at first to keep the cold out.*

Yes, what do you-

*Upon seeing Leona, he quirks an eyebrow, opening the door wider.*

...Herman's out grocery shopping, if you came to see him.

*He steps back from the doorway to let her in.*

[loves_ghost]

*Taking the unspoken invitation to come in, Leona steps inside, tugging her scarf from her nose and attempting to be confident*

Actually, I'm here to see you.

[your_host]

*He shuts the door after she comes in, briskly passing her on his way back to the bar.*

Now why would you want to do that? You're probably ruining a perfectly good day.

*Even the Emcee has his moments of wry self-deprecation, and he pours himself a shot of gin, turning around to lean against the bar.*

[loves_ghost]

Maybe so.. *She states, following him. She rubs her hands together as they tingle from the sudden change from cold to slight warmth* But I need a job.

[your_host]

*The gin almost goes down the wrong way.*

Excuse me? You want to work here? My dear, unless you can play an instrument, I'm afraid I can't take on anyone else at the moment, finances being what they are.

[loves_ghost]

*At that, she actually smiles* Oh hon, I wasn't talking about a stage or bar job.

*Fussing with her scarf a little cockily now* In fact, I rather thought I could help you there. *Catching his eyes dead on* With the finances, I mean.

[your_host]

*He gives her a scrutinizing head-tilt, one eye squinting a bit.*

What do you mean? I already have an accountant.

*Knocking back a shot of gin, he reflects upon the fact that the accountant he's hired is an alcoholic and a hack and probably skimming money off of him to buy more alcohol.*

[loves_ghost]

I mean, I need a job. And I've always had a head for figures. I also believe I can do pretty well with people.

*Winging it now, Leona looks for something to do with herself and casually takes a seat on a nearby barstool*

And since my lover and her friends both count for and bring in a lot of your trade this place seemed like the best option when looking for a job I would fit into.

Plus, all of this business in the news lately must be affecting your takings.

*Glancing over at the array of drinks and glasses behind the bar* And I'm hearing murmurs that your alcohol suppliers are stiffing you.

[your_host]

*...She's right.*

Nonsense. It's all rumors.

*Muttering, he turns away and retreats behind the bar, unlocking the liquor cabinet and busies himself with shifting the unopened bottles into straight lines. He hated counting them and taking inventory because he hated knowing that he would have to do something if something was amiss and creating more problems than he's willing to deal with.*

[loves_ghost]

*Watching him as casually as possible, Leona glances around the empty Klub and towords the backstage area which houses the stiars. Damnit, where was Herman when you needed him? She should have asked him for advice before coming down here.

When her eyes return the the strange man, Leona's lip quirk's to find him seemingly tidying the bottles. Stalling.*

Perfectionist, are we?

[your_host]

*The Emcee stops what he's doing and stands still for a moment, before he pivots slowly on his heel, turning to look over his shoulder at Leona with a cool gaze.*

Yes.

*He leans with the heels of his hands on the edge of the bar, leaning forward slightly.*

I am. I am also a creature of habit, possibly more than I care to admit at times. I prefer my habits to not be disrupted. If I employ you, I need some guarantee that you will leave me out of the upheaval that will no doubt result when everyone I do business with learns that you are now handling the finances. That is to say, I would very much appreciate a smooth transition.

[loves_ghost]

*Just a minute... Was this?... Was this working?*

*Attempting to cover any shock she may have, after all, it isn't over yet, Leona licks her parched lips and leans in just a little, to mirror his stance. She was going to need to push one, certain issue*

I will, of course, need to work relitively to my own hours.

And I will try to keep things as smooth as possible, so long as you discuss with me my exact duties.-Just so that we are clear. I wouldn't want to step on anybody's toes. *She smiles, more sweetly than a woman of her age should*

[your_host]

*When she leans forward, he leans back, turning to the liquor cabinet again and shutting it. He sounds more annoyed than before.*

Yes, yes, yes, details, details, details.

*Kneeling down on one knee, he opens a cabinet, revealing a small safe, which he unlocks. He pulls out a brown folder labeled "1933," stuffed with paperwork -- liquor inventory, grocery bills, rent, electricity, wages, bank notices, etc. -- all in a disorderly lump, and he lays this on the bar before her.*

Your first duty would be to sort this out. You may work here during the day or you may take it home with you. Keep your own hours as you wish. It doesn't matter to me. And if you have any questions -- feel free to ask Herman.

[loves_ghost]

*Blinking at the disorganised folder of papers, Leona quickly recovers. Funny, but she suddenly found the challenge of that fun.*

Thank you. *She says in a tone just as short as the Emcee's had always been with her. Gott, she almost enjoyed that about their interactions.*

I trust you'll inform Herman and everyone else of what I'm doing so that they know not to turn me away? *She as she pulls the folder across the bar toward her*

[your_host]

Of course I will.

*Rather, he'll just tell Herman to tell everyone else for him. He produces a cigarette from a case, lights it, and pours himself another glass of gin.*

Herman should be returning shortly if you want to wait.

[loves_ghost]

No, that's alright.

*She slips off of the barstool, begining to rearrange her scarf about her* I need to be going.