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Post by Storyteller on Jan 17, 2006 20:36:23 GMT
He pulls the car onto the road, and off into the night, the high performance engine whining as it powers up.
You've been going about 5 minutes before he speaks again.
"So, what's this you wanna talk to me about?"
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Post by Treyvon Johnson on Jan 18, 2006 2:07:07 GMT
This is a nice ride. Very nice. Of course, where I grew up, you couldn't even stop with this kind of car. Well, at least if you wanted to keep it, your wallet and possibly your life.
"I want Kendrick. He's got balls and I like that. With the right direct and tutelage, he could be useful."
I recline my seat back as I get a bit more comfortable in the Mustang. If this is any indication of Mike's connections, I've picked the right man to hook up with.
"It's like when I was younger. Sometimes, after we'd stomp a little ni-" I catch myself. "After we stomped some asshole, if he had the right spirit, me and my boys would take him under our wing and train him."
I let my speech drawl as I slip out of my professional, BS mode. Grandma always told me to know my audience. Well, Mike is cool as far as I'm concerned and it's time he knows the real me. At least, as much of me as I think he should. I'm not ashamed of coming from the 9th ward projects. I brought myself up and out, made my way to college and had a nice job. I plan on doing the same as a vampire.
"4 out of 5 times, the boy turned out to be one of the best of us. And on that occasional fifth, well, let's just say he didn't have time to regret it."
I pull my dreads out of their ponytail and put the black rubberband around my wrist. This Mustang is nice. I could get to like this.
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Post by Storyteller on Jan 22, 2006 22:16:07 GMT
He looks at you once, when you've finished talking, and then turns back to the road. He stays quiet for a while, as if chewing over your idea. Finally, after about 5 minutes more silence, he answers.
"Well, i'm not really in a position to say for sure, but i'll see what i can do for you. I'm pretty sure the Inquisition will want to, er, 'interview' him first, and it all depends on what state they hand him back in, but, as i say, i'll see what i can do."
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Post by Treyvon Johnson on Jan 23, 2006 7:39:22 GMT
I smile at him, though my head is turned towards the passenger side view mirror. I allow us to ride in silence for a few moments as I figure out some form of conversation.
"So what you got planned for tonight? Now that business is over with, I need to find something to get into."
There's no better way to break the ice than to invite someone to tell you about their plans. Plus, this gives me a better chance to evaluate the upper echelon of Sanctified unlives. I mean, as much as I believe in the tenants, I've still got to do me.
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Post by Storyteller on Jan 24, 2006 21:15:16 GMT
"Tonight? Well, i was going to hit anywhere with a big kindred gathering, see what i can find out, given whats happened tonight, which you probably haven't heard about yet, am i right?"
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Post by Treyvon Johnson on Jan 25, 2006 1:56:53 GMT
I look at Michael with a quizzical look.
"No, what happened?"
Of course, they had to ruin my night. And it started so well.
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Post by Storyteller on Jan 26, 2006 22:00:35 GMT
He takes his eyes off the road for a second to glance at you, and then shifts them back center, turning a corner smoothly.
"Someone's made an attempt on the Prince's life. Don't ask me more than that, at this stage, noone really knows anything beyond surmise and heresay, but there's a meeting tomorrow night. Midnight, the old theatre. Of course, this has shaken things up quite a bit, but i think Vidal's rational enough to not let this escalate beyond what it's worth. I don't know what they know, but i think the Inquisition must be getting ready for a field day."
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Post by Treyvon Johnson on Jan 27, 2006 17:19:11 GMT
"Wow."
That wasn't expected at all. I don't particularly care for Vidal, but I don't think he's as rational as Michael seems to think. Of course, the blood that will turn the streets red should he...overreact most likely won't be Sanctified.
"So the Carnival Club? Everybody's probably going to be there, thinking that'll be the best place for gossip."
They wouldn't be half wrong. That was probably the safest place for reliable gossip.
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Post by Storyteller on Jan 29, 2006 12:09:52 GMT
"Now there's a plan. Let's jet over there, see if we can dredge anything up. I'm pretty keen to know just whats going on too."
The two of you drive over to the Club downtown. There's no street parking very close, so you have to make do with a multi-storey, a few blocks away, and walk the rest of it. After being cramped up in that building, and then the car, it's good to feel the night air on your face for a little while.
You nod to the bouncer as you head down the steps into the basement room that forms the bar. As you push the doors open, you and Michael scan the room. It's pretty busy; only a few people are seated at the bar, 2 of which are talking to Sundown, the barman and owner, one of the city's Harpies. The majority of the clientelle are seated round tables.
Michael turns to you, and speaks, loudly enough for you to hear, but quiet enough to be drowned out by the background noise to anyone more than a few meters away.
"So, what now?"
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Post by Treyvon Johnson on Jan 29, 2006 21:26:19 GMT
I smile at Michael and match his volume.
"We mingle."
I look around trying to get a better look at who seems worth talking to. The table of Haunts is definately not one of them. Sundown is enough. Speaking of which.
"I'll go chat with Sundown and get us some drinks. What do you want?"
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Post by Storyteller on Jan 31, 2006 22:02:09 GMT
"I don't know, Bloody Mary?"
He laughs raucously at his own joke before seeing your face in response, and quickly stopping.
"Erm, Vodka shot."
You make your way over to the bar, and sit down. After a few minutes, Sundown hurries over to you.
"Evening friend, what's your pleasure?"
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Post by Treyvon Johnson on Jan 31, 2006 22:18:31 GMT
"Hey, can I get a shot of Vodka and an Incredible Hulk?"
Sundown. If anyone knows anything, it'd be him.
"So how's business going? Any new faces?"
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Post by Storyteller on Jan 31, 2006 23:11:05 GMT
You've spoken to Sundown a couple of times before, but wouldn't exactly call him a close friend. You think he has warmed to you, however, but he knows who you're with, and you've always wondered if thats put him off giving too much away.
He mixes the drinks with the requisite parts of blood, and lays them on the counter for you.
"A couple. And some old ones, who i haven't seen in a while."
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Post by Treyvon Johnson on Jan 31, 2006 23:44:17 GMT
I take a sip of my drink. I don't want too much, I'm not here to get drunk.
"Excellent as always."
I've always found it hard to talk to Nosferatu. As personable as he is, Sundown still gives me the creeps. Still, I'm much more used to it than before.
"Well, I'm in the market for more friends. Have you seen anyone you think I can get along with?"
Sundown didn't become one of the most powerful Harpies in the Big Easy for nothing. He's a good judge of character and I'm sure he gets the ideas.
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Post by Storyteller on Feb 1, 2006 19:01:52 GMT
He tilts his head to one side for a moment, and looks, appraising you.
"Well, there is someone you might like to meet. His name's Victor, or Wic. Met him a few times before. He's sitting there."
He points to a table with 4 people round it, one that half drew your attention as you came in. One of the guy's faces doesn't look...right from here. You hope you're not going to have to talk to another haunt.
"Go over and introduce yourself."
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