(Untitled)

[neitherside]

Sighing, I push back from the desk, eyes scanning for the nth time the papers spread across its gleaming mahogany top. Papers that, for once, touted not the acclaimed actions of the vampire-with-a-soul but of another person entirely. Someone involved in a mugging, and other events of the more supernatural sort, the kind your everyday reporter

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[constantly_dark]

"'Nother one, John?"

The bartender stops in front of me, motioning towards the empty glass I was still clutching in my grip. I blink, breaking whatever I had been thinking on, and nod to the husky fellow, allowing him to refill the scotch. A take a sip, and I'm back where I just left.. Alone. I haven't heard from Illyria since.. that happened, nor have I seen Chas or Raul. This is typical of them, however, and I pay no mind.. other than the fact I still have to sit in a place like this alone.

It's the only way to find business these days.

The ones looking for handouts go see Angello with his Champion business, and the ones in the know with money to burn head off for the mysterious Greengrass Investigations for assistance. Everyone in between, however, would be looking in dumps like these for those that would help, typically a more seedy crowd with a preference for under the table type deals. This had started to become my specialty, for better or for worse. Exorcise a small child on Tuesday, speak with the soul of a bank robber who never told where the money was buried on Wednesday, cast a scrying spell for a deck of cards for poker on Thursday..

Won three grand that night.

"..John."

The tender mutters under his breath towards me, just moments before the young, beautiful blonde steps up to the bar, taking a seat directly beside of me. They exchange a look, before the tender moves off again, and I notice her glancing towards me.

"Hello, Mr. Constantine."

I turn my head towards her, eyebrow raised curiously. She definitely doesn't look the type for a place like this, but she does know my name.. which means she's more than meets the eye. I plan to be careful.

My plans typically don't end so well.

She looks slightly familiar, as if I've seen her, if but only once. After a moment I give up, and merely ask.

"Hello, Miss...."

[neitherside]

I smile.

"Daphne. Daphne Greengrass."

I'd lean on the bar to be more comfortable, but who knows when was the last time they wiped down the place. Besides, I'm not fidgety. It's a sign of weakness.

Now, unless I've seriously overestimated this man, my words should ring a bell. I could start with some small talk, chatter on about inconsequential things, but I'm sure we both know that I'm not here to make a friend. And neither is he. So, smile carefully in place, I wait.

[constantly_dark]

I let the meaning of this 'chance' meeting sink in the moment she speaks her name.

"Miss Greengrass.. A pleasure to finally meet you. How's business?"

I grin as I ask the question, bypassing the possible small talk and getting down to the point. Partially because I'm pretty she that's what she would be doing anyway, partially because I'm wondering which direction this will take.

[neitherside]

"Booming, thank you."

I keep the smile on my face, letting it reach my eyes, partly because I rather like this man and partly because I know he'll be able to tell. I care about making a good impression because I want this connection - and I'm sure he knows that, too - and because in an odd sort of way, I respect this man. I may be young, and look it, but I'm not stupid.

Far from it.

If I do say so myself.

"You made quite a bang arriving into town." I'm sure the double entendre doesn't escape him, and it lets him know I've been keeping tabs on him since he's been spotted. Daddy used to keep track of him, on and off, back when Greengrass Investigations was still headquartered in London. "One would think your entrance was hard to be missed."

[constantly_dark]

I can't help but smile as her face seems to light up, a sparkle in her eye. I can't tell if it's part of an act, or something.. else. My curiosity is definitely peaked, especially when she mentions my arrival.

"I tend to do that when arriving into a new town. Gets my name out onto the street easily, and opens up a wide range of possibilities.."

I grin again before glancing away from her. My usual cynical self has taken a backseat for the moment, waiting to see how this plays out. I'm not surprised that people have been monitoring me, I tend to get used to that sort of thing. I am surprised, however, that she's the one running the show..

"Greengrass.. I've heard the name before. When I was in London a few years back.. a Wizard's name, if I recall. In quite a few important circles, I believe." I look towards her once more. "Your Father, perhaps?"

[neitherside]

"Yes, I can believe that. Your arrival was not to be missed by most."

Of course, I tend to appreciate the more subtle ways of getting one's name on everyone's lips, but to each his own. Doesn't mean I don't appreciate what this Constantine has done for himself. And for others, as well.

He mentions my father, and I nod, keeping the smile carefully in place, but I know he didn't miss the flicker of sadness in my eyes. A man like that never misses a detail - someday, his life could depend on it. I don't regret showing him that. Having him believe me a real person with real feelings could help convince him to play on my side.

"It was his firm. He taught me everything he knew, since I was a child, and with his passing it was inevitable that I took over. My mother never had the interest in these things. Me," I laugh softly, "I find them fascinating."

[constantly_dark]

There's something about her..

I catch the look in her eyes at the mention of her father, and can predict what she says next. I hadn't personally heard of her father's death, but then again, I seem to miss the good stuff coming from jolly old England. A lot of people died on both sides of that whole.. Dark Wizard mess, and I know it'll take more than a couple of years to sort everything back out.

Sympathy is not an emotion I tend to deal with often.. and it almost appears now. Almost. She's still the daughter of a powerful Wizard.. pureblood, if I'm not mistaken.. and pureblood children of Wizards in England always learn magic themselves. A fully trained witch.. I can't trust her completely. Not that I trust anyone anyway.

I do tend to believe her emotion now, though, and lower my gaze momentarily out of respect of a fellow fallen Mage.

"And it's in good hands, I'm sure." I look back up towards her, smiling. "Investigating the supernatural. Helping those that can repay in more than just food stamps and good wishes. You fight the right fight for the right reasons and do what needs to be done. I respect that.."

I flash her a grin.

"It's my kind of business."

[neitherside]

"I was hoping you'd say that, Mr. Constantine."

I smile in return.

"As much as I have been curious to meet you, because your arrival would not go unnoticed, and I don't think it's a coincidence that we have ended up in the same city, this is not simply a social call. You will of course forgive my seeking you out - you would have done the same thing, I know."

My father is dead and gone and I am carrying out his legacy now, doing the best I can. Which is, if I do say so myself, rather damn well. He doesn't trust me. Perhaps he never will. But I don't need him to.

"I understand that we have fairly similar ideals. We certainly gravitate in similar circles. And I'm sure that working the way I do would make life a lot more comfortable, with no less the excitement."

I'm sure he understands exactly what I'm saying.

[constantly_dark]

I can't help but grin as she suggests I would be the one coming to look for here, because that's mostly true. I hadn't had a good case in a few days, and had been considering looking into either her business, or that Angello guy.. Seem's my decision has been made for me. Not that this is new. I'm used to being tugged around by the Powers, whether for better or for worse.

Makes things interesting.

..like I know she will.

"Comfort's not exactly a requirement, and money has never been a problem.. just keep me busy and... excited." I smirk again, finishing off my drink, and setting the glass to the side. "Now, do you have an office we need to go iron some details out at? Or do you have a case lined up for me already?"

[neitherside]

I grin.

"Glad to see you're on board, Mr. Constantine - John. Can I call you John?" I raise my eyebrows and wave two fingers at the bartender. He nods and a moment later, sets two drinks in front of us. I wouldn't make a habit of it, but I daresay this merits a celebration. I love it when we see eye to eye.

"I assure you, you'll not want for anything." I pick up the glass and swirl it, watching the amber liquid coat the ice cubes. "Money or... excitement. It's been my experience that the people with money tend to have the most... high profile cases. Occasionally, you'll even encounter a challenge."

I sip the drink. Low quality, as I expected, but then again, I could be considered somewhat spoiled. I prefer the term 'used to the best'. I can't be blamed - it's how I was raised. Hopefully my next meeting will be in a place with a little more class.

What can I say? I'll make sacrifices for my work.

"Eventually, there will be details that need to be discussed, on the nature of our... partnership. My office is in Foxhall, I can give you the address. But right now I think we should celebrate. Why bother with petty details? There will be plenty of time for that in the future." I grin again.

This evening has turned out rather well.

[constantly_dark]

"Call me John, Ms. Greengrass.." I smirk, and leaving her name hanging a moment, an invitation to correct it if she wants. Some women enjoy the formality when in the overpowering position, however..

I raise an eyebrow just slightly as she orders the two drinks, watching her for a moment as she speaks, taking a sip from the drink. Her reaction is barely visible, but easily apparent to me. This is far below her typical drinking standards. I smile towards her attempt.. whether it's to make me feel more comfortable, or to truly celebrate, it doesn't really matter.

She finishes mentioning our... partnership and petty details, I finish the bottom of my glass, nodding to her.

"I tend to agree.. a celebration would be better than a contract negotiation." I stand, offering my arm towards her, a grin on my face. "But not in a dump like this.." I momentarily cast a glance towards the bartender to my side, who grumps at my statement. "I think we can do a lot better. Shall we?"

[neitherside]

"Please. Daphne."

I swirl my drink once again and down it, grimacing slightly as the liquid burns its way down my throat. Aged bourbon it is not, but it'll do for now.

I slide off of the bar stool, following his example, and slide my arm through his. "I was hoping you'd say that." Casually, I toss a note on the bar for the drinks, winking at the barman. He doesn't seem too pleased. But that's not my problem.

"I've got a place in mind, if you'd like."

[constantly_dark]

"I thought you might." I smirk towards her, and step towards the exit with the beautiful blonde on my arm, much to the envy and aggravation of the other bar patrons. I don't pay them any attention.. I'm sure she's used to such a reaction.

I push the exit open, letting her pass through first, and following after.

"Where to?" I ask, as we step out onto the sidewalk. "Or should I say, do we walk, or should I hail a cab?"

[neitherside]

The cold air hits me as we leave the rather sweltering confines of the seedy bar, and I slip my hand into my pocket as a passing breeze ruffles my hair. I'm sure some of the bar's patrons weren't too happy to see me go, but personally, I was glad to be out of there. The grime was making my skin crawl.

Besides, I've got what I wanted.

"Let's call a cab," I say, peering down the street. A business expense, if you will. Fusion isn't exactly in this area, and I'd rather not walk across town in this weather - especially not in these Manolos.

[constantly_dark]

I nod towards her, taking a step down the sidewalk, approaching the curb and preparing to call a cab. My hand almost goes into the air before the well-known Taxi pulls over infront of us, the rear-passenger side door opening almost immediately. I turn to glance towards Daphne, grinning slightly.

"My driver, Raul. He has impeccable timing."

I step to the side and hold the door open for her, allowing her into the cab first like I should. I follow her into the vehicle as soon as she enters, closing the door behind us.

"Daphne, this is Raul.. my driver. Raul, this is our new boss." I introduce them with a slight grin.. Raul takes some getting used to, definitely. He appears human, but one knowledgeable at all would be able to tell he's something else entirely..and likely not living. He looks up into the rear-view mirror at her, remaining completely silent.. as he always does.

"Give him a destination.. he'll take care of the rest."

[neitherside]

I slide into the backseat of the cab, legs crossed at the ankles, the pureblood witch's proper ubringing showing through.

"Well, well. I have a feeling you won't stop surprising me for a while."

I smile at Constantine, sitting back against the worn leather of the seat. This is as much of a business call as a social one, and to an untrained eye, I may appear relaxed and unawares. I'm not. We both know it.

And his cab driver. That's something else.

"Fusion," I say to Raul with a quick smile - always be kind to the help, and besides, he's no ordinary hired driver - turn back to Constantine. "Have you ever been?"