“So … what’s it going to take for you to let us out of here?”
I do enjoy the implications of MacDonald's having reached the bargaining stage so quickly. Perhaps the firm's psych evaluations of him are not 100% accurate, after all. He does have some sense of self preservation, however futile.
Or perhaps...not so much.
Truth be told, it would be a shame to dispose of him and his girlfriend so hastily. Even if the Senior Partners had given me authorization to do so. If MacDonald dies, I may never learn what Angel wanted from him so badly he chanced letting him out of his cell this morning. Besides the obvious. And there is the minor issue of how Eve managed to free MacDonald from one of the most secure minimum security holding facilities in several dimensions...
Better to keep the pair alive. And see what secrets they might reveal. In good time.
I smile. Now working those secrets out of them could be just the pleasant turn I'd been hoping my day would take.
"More than you can manage, I'm certain." In any case, nothing is going to be accomplished in this parking garage. Whatever I- the Senior Partners decide should become of MacDonald and Eve… Can come to pass back in MacDonald’s home sweet holding cell. Not here.
And not now. I am Angel’s liaison, after all. I am obligated to do some, as Angel calls it, “liaisoning” from time to time. For the sake of appearances, if nothing else.
“But if you’d really like to know,” I continue, “We can discuss the issue further. Back in your cells. You won’t mind joining Mr. MacDonald down in the basement now, will you, Eve?
Of course you won’t,” I say before she can answer.
Well damn. Hope there's a security camera down here because I sure as hell plan on giving Angel the finger before I meet my untimely death. Feels just like it did in Holland's wine cellar, the same numb apathy of an inescapable situation, the same cold acceptance that there could be worse ways to go.
We're ... not going to die? Oh. Well, that's even better.
"It's me you want," I tell him, letting go of Eve and stepping forward with all the bravado I can muster. A move which, coincidentally, might've worked better if the guy didn't have a solid half-foot of height on me. "Go on and let her leave, alright? I'll come with you ... no trouble. Hell, you won't even need the manacles."
Lame joke and an even weaker smile. I'd gesture Eve to start running about now, except there's this thing I remember about wolves. They always move in for the kill when the prey starts running.
"I'm the guy you want," I repeat quietly, my eyes locked on his like I've got Jedi mind-meld powers. Let Eve go. My voice is even lower when I get the nerve to add, "And you might be surprised what I can manage, Hamilton."
He walked in front of me, talking to Hamilton like a subservient employee of the firm; pleading for my freedom and offering himself up instead. Didn't Lindsey realize that I didn't have freedom anymore? There was never going to be a time that I'd be free.
I could have run, I should have for nearly five times as many more reasons then I should stay but...I ran away once from everything, I tried to run away and hide from the firm, from Hamilton and look where that got me.
Call it stupidity, call it love...then again most people would say that's the same thing.
I take Lindsey's hand and hold onto his forearm with my other, looking up at Hamilton and even though I know we're both defeated I wasn't going to show it or lay down and take it. "I'm not leaving him." Ignoring Lindsey's blatantly obvious begging I straighten up and look from Lindsey to Hamilton. "I take it you're going to personally escort us back, Hamilton?"
There really wasn't any use in fighting any longer, I couldn't be without Lindsey now. As stupid and mortal that sounds, I couldn't deal with the solitude alone anymore. Whatever was happening to me I needed him to ground me.
And you might be surprised what I can manage, Hamilton."
Well, well, well... That is interesting. Even I will give Angel more credit than to think he let MacDonald out of his cell simply to get what the man's determined stare and quiet voice might promise. But I will not deny that I see the allure.
"I am not easily surprised, Mr. MacDonald," I caution him with a smile. It is entirely possible, though not highly probable, that he didn't intend his offer to sacrifice himself for Eve's sake to sound like solicitation. But, intentional or not, I think it's best I warn MacDonald now to be careful what he wishes for. I give him an obvious once over to clarify my meaning.
And then Eve steps back into my immediate line of sight.
She takes MacDonald's hand and insists on staying with him. As if I'd even considered letting her leave. Her refusal to try and save herself is somewhat impressive, regardless. And more than somewhat repulsive.
"I take it you're going to personally escort us back, Hamilton?"
"Of course." I enjoy responding to their expressions of despair and disgust with perfect civility. I appreciate the contrast.
I even debate offering my arm, but that would be over the top. In any case, it's a toss up as to what would anger the both of them more... Making such a gallant gesture towards my predecessor. Or towards her little boyfriend/Angel's newly declared "toy".
I sweep my arm towards the elevators instead and motion for the two of them to walk ahead of me.
I do enjoy the implications of MacDonald's having reached the bargaining stage so quickly. Perhaps the firm's psych evaluations of him are not 100% accurate, after all. He does have some sense of self preservation, however futile.
Or perhaps...not so much.
Truth be told, it would be a shame to dispose of him and his girlfriend so hastily. Even if the Senior Partners had given me authorization to do so. If MacDonald dies, I may never learn what Angel wanted from him so badly he chanced letting him out of his cell this morning. Besides the obvious. And there is the minor issue of how Eve managed to free MacDonald from one of the most secure minimum security holding facilities in several dimensions...
Better to keep the pair alive. And see what secrets they might reveal. In good time.
I smile. Now working those secrets out of them could be just the pleasant turn I'd been hoping my day would take.
"More than you can manage, I'm certain." In any case, nothing is going to be accomplished in this parking garage. Whatever I- the Senior Partners decide should become of MacDonald and Eve… Can come to pass back in MacDonald’s home sweet holding cell. Not here.
And not now. I am Angel’s liaison, after all. I am obligated to do some, as Angel calls it, “liaisoning” from time to time. For the sake of appearances, if nothing else.
“But if you’d really like to know,” I continue, “We can discuss the issue further. Back in your cells. You won’t mind joining Mr. MacDonald down in the basement now, will you, Eve?
Of course you won’t,” I say before she can answer.
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Well damn. Hope there's a security camera down here because I sure as hell plan on giving Angel the finger before I meet my untimely death. Feels just like it did in Holland's wine cellar, the same numb apathy of an inescapable situation, the same cold acceptance that there could be worse ways to go.
We're ... not going to die? Oh. Well, that's even better.
"It's me you want," I tell him, letting go of Eve and stepping forward with all the bravado I can muster. A move which, coincidentally, might've worked better if the guy didn't have a solid half-foot of height on me. "Go on and let her leave, alright? I'll come with you ... no trouble. Hell, you won't even need the manacles."
Lame joke and an even weaker smile. I'd gesture Eve to start running about now, except there's this thing I remember about wolves. They always move in for the kill when the prey starts running.
"I'm the guy you want," I repeat quietly, my eyes locked on his like I've got Jedi mind-meld powers. Let Eve go. My voice is even lower when I get the nerve to add, "And you might be surprised what I can manage, Hamilton."
Reply
I could have run, I should have for nearly five times as many more reasons then I should stay but...I ran away once from everything, I tried to run away and hide from the firm, from Hamilton and look where that got me.
Call it stupidity, call it love...then again most people would say that's the same thing.
I take Lindsey's hand and hold onto his forearm with my other, looking up at Hamilton and even though I know we're both defeated I wasn't going to show it or lay down and take it. "I'm not leaving him." Ignoring Lindsey's blatantly obvious begging I straighten up and look from Lindsey to Hamilton. "I take it you're going to personally escort us back, Hamilton?"
There really wasn't any use in fighting any longer, I couldn't be without Lindsey now. As stupid and mortal that sounds, I couldn't deal with the solitude alone anymore. Whatever was happening to me I needed him to ground me.
Reply
And you might be surprised what I can manage, Hamilton."
Well, well, well... That is interesting. Even I will give Angel more credit than to think he let MacDonald out of his cell simply to get what the man's determined stare and quiet voice might promise. But I will not deny that I see the allure.
"I am not easily surprised, Mr. MacDonald," I caution him with a smile. It is entirely possible, though not highly probable, that he didn't intend his offer to sacrifice himself for Eve's sake to sound like solicitation. But, intentional or not, I think it's best I warn MacDonald now to be careful what he wishes for. I give him an obvious once over to clarify my meaning.
And then Eve steps back into my immediate line of sight.
She takes MacDonald's hand and insists on staying with him. As if I'd even considered letting her leave. Her refusal to try and save herself is somewhat impressive, regardless. And more than somewhat repulsive.
"I take it you're going to personally escort us back, Hamilton?"
"Of course." I enjoy responding to their expressions of despair and disgust with perfect civility. I appreciate the contrast.
I even debate offering my arm, but that would be over the top. In any case, it's a toss up as to what would anger the both of them more... Making such a gallant gesture towards my predecessor. Or towards her little boyfriend/Angel's newly declared "toy".
I sweep my arm towards the elevators instead and motion for the two of them to walk ahead of me.
"Shall we?"
Reply
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