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| Scene Title | The Accord |
|---|---|
| Synopsis | Alister and Keira have a talk and come to an agreement to be allies — for now. |
| Date | June 8, 2018 |
Staten Island Trade Commission - Penthouse
Today, Keira Ryans have deigned to use her own face for her visit with Alister Black. She’s even used the front door, choosing to take the proper method of entry, coming in through the front door. She made it clear that Alister would really want to talk to her, mentioning the meat processing plant that was destroyed just two days ago.
A black woman, roughly the same age as Keira, comes along with, staying a pace behind the tattooed woman; Tanith Caldwell very clearly serves the purpose of a bodyguard, though she’s also along to observe whatever deals are made today, in order to properly oversee anything that might need her attention.
Keira, dressed up in a knee-length summer dress and large sunglasses, doesn’t look so much like a gangster today. If anything, she looks like a (one-eyed and heavily tattooed) tourist, carrying a large bag that, if searched, only contains a variety of men’s clothing and a large blanket.
The locked elevator doors open to Alister's penthouse, where he sits on the couch, one arm visibly bandaged, with a few cuts and bruises here and there. He's wearing a short-sleeved white shirt that's probably a touch too expensive, and black jeans with matching steel-toed black boots.
He's not dressed in his usual attire, a bit of a change. "Hello Keira," he says in an unusually calm demeanor, as opposed to his recent very high strung attitude he's had for the last few weeks. "What brings you here?"
Keira can’t help but roll her eyes a little at the lavish surroundings of the penthouse — she always found it to be a bit on the pretentious side, a scared little man hiding behind the trappings of wealth. She and Tanith slip out of the elevator, both of them allowing their eyes wander about — Tanith more than Keira, who has already seen it all before.
The tiny thug leaves the taller woman by the door, making her way over to Alister. She doesn’t wait for an invitation, seating herself next to Alister and setting her bag down. “Just a bit of business,” she lifts her sunglasses, letting them rest atop her head as she crosses her legs, pointing the sandaled foot on her top leg toward Alister.
“I believe that you and I have some mutual interests, and while I’m sure that we both have our reservations about each other,” she leans back on the couch, crossing her arms as she peers quietly at the bandaged man, “I also believe that it would be of mutual benefit for us to combine our powers to defeat certain people who have made existence for both of us rather difficult.”
She smiles pleasantly. “I’m sorry for what transpired at the meat packaging plant. To be betrayed by a child…that must sting. But I must say, the resulting explosion was rather spectacular. Sent me flying and left me with a few scuffs and scrapes myself.” Wait, was she there?
"I didn't see you, though I can imagine why." Alister doesn't bother asking, he instead closes his eyes for a brief moment, then stares over at her. "I suppose I invite betrayal." is all he says to that, spreading his arms out across the back of the couch.
"My body is wounded in such a way that I'm concerned with my actual full recovery. I had my men ask about a girl named Abigail Beauchamp, but apparently, she's not in the business of healing anymore." he considers, also taking note of her eye. "I'm not entirely sure if I want them dead or not. They might be better served working for me. We wouldn't have been in conflict if not for Sibyl. But I'm listening."
“Of course you didn’t see me,” is the response. Not many people can replicate Keira’s ability to disappear into a crowd. “Which is part of the reason why I’m here.” The woman offers a bright smile. “I have a few faces that belong to those lovely human traffickers now, and I am working on one that I can use to more fully integrate into their little group,” she murmurs. This must be that study time that she mentioned when detailing how her services work.
“I’m willing to share anything and everything that I might find on these people with you, in exchange for a tentative alliance between my people and yours.” The woman raises her eyebrows, watching Alister thoughtfully. “I personally don’t want them here. I believe our island would be a much better place if we didn’t have folks with pretty clear anti-evolved sentiments stealing people around the area.”
She raises her brows. “And I’m sure you’d much rather have an alliance with me, Alister, than what would come if you end up joining forces with a bunch of douchebags who are mad that they aren’t special snowflakes.” She dips her head toward the man, peering quietly at him — it’s pretty clear that any attempts to work with the traffickers will not be good for his relationship with the leader of the up-and-coming 41st Precinct gang in the Bronx.
Her remaining blue eye trails over Alister’s bandages, her head tilting to one side. “In addition, should we form an alliance, I might also be able to assist with your healing — I know a guy. I can possibly arrange for him to help you out — he does good work.” Not good enough to bring back her eye, apparently, but she also doesn’t look like she has anything majorly wrong with her — which could very well be an indicator of the fellow’s work.
"I have no intention to work with human traffickers. What I was thinking was the possibility of putting their skills to better use and avoiding more bloodshed. But if you have a better idea, feel free. I'll align, I'd rather have allies than enemies, and you're more likely to align with my particular limitations than they are." Alister holds up a single finger, though. "Keep in mind, however, that while she doesn't work for me, Tibby is off limits. I mean that in an 'if she's hurt, people will die' sort of tone. Aside from that, do what you like."
"I don't work with human traffickers and I generally avoid drugs, but this is an alliance, not a matter of morals, so I have no intention of getting in the way of your business." He nods his head to her then, fairly casually leaving it at that as he waits for how she responds.
The tiny gangster raises an eyebrow as Alister chooses to bring Tibby into the negotiations. She saw the little feline telepath at the warehouse, but this…this is a new development. Alister and…Tibby? She can’t help but wrinkle her nose slightly, though most of her real reaction is kept below the surface.
After a moment, she nods. “I don’t have any ill will toward Tibby Naidu,” she uses the woman’s full name as if to indicate that she knows who the woman is, “so you don’t have to worry about that.” She tilts her head, going quiet for a long moment. “I have just as much interest in keeping her alive. Just make sure she doesn’t shoot at me.”
She pauses. “And if you hurt her, I will make your life a miserable living hell. She hates me right now, but that bitch is my friend.” She leans a little closer, staring at Alister with a very serious and dangerous expression. “Treat her good.”
Then, she leans back, smoothing her dress down. “We have an accord in terms of the traffickers, then.” She closes her eye briefly, then opens it again. “There is also a group of people that I believe you already know about. The Horsemen. I have interest in removing them, as well.”
"I need to actually figure out who they are, but all of them, but when you know more, let me know. Richard Ray seems invested in getting me invested." Alister holds up his finger again, though, apparently letting the subject of Tibby go. "You have connections. I need an Evolved healer. I've asked a few people now, but it seems to be beyond them. I'll be a not insignificant amount of money both to the healer and the person who finds them."
“I’m pretty sure I know the names of at least two of their members,” Keira replies, apparently content to leave that friend-threat hanging in the air between the two. Despite everything, Keira still cares about Tibby and wants her friend to be happy — even if that means without her. “One of them, I am certain, is Emile Danko, who you already know exists.”
She pauses, glancing first toward Tanith, who lounges by the elevator listening in, before leaning toward Alister with raised brows. “You had another one of them over here, actually,” she continues. “On the night of June 1st, she snuck up your fire escape into this penthouse and spent a few minutes here, chatting you up. Tiny little brunette, little over five feet tall?”
She tilts her head and suddenly lifts the eye patch, revealing the hollow socket beneath. “She took my eye and broke my back when I briefly caught Emile Danko.” Obviously, Keira’s healer does a good job — she doesn’t even have a limp.
“As to the healer…” She raises a brow. “I’ll drop him a line, see if he’s up for some extra cash.”
"Eileen is one of these Horsemen? She didn't say anything when I was talking about it… Treacherous as always." Alister grabs his cane, pushing himself up dramatically. Then he reaches into his pocket, making a call a few times until he finally gets through. "I'd like guards to more regularly patrol my fire escape. If you see anyone resembling Eileen Ruskin, shoot her until she can't walk, and then bring her to me."
"I'm sick of her," he says after ending his call. "I'll have to ask you to leave. I need to break something, and I'd rather not break things or shoot anything while I have guests over."
Well that is a favorable reaction. A small smile on her face, Keira stands, pulling at the hem of her dress to ensure that it is properly in place. She’s spent several years wearing concealing clothing to keep her skin covered, so the loose flowing clothes that flaunt her tattoos feels a bit alien at times.
“I don’t expect that she, or any of them for that matter, would confess membership to that particular club.” A pause for dramatic effect. “They aren’t exactly the most popular group out there.” She pauses. “In any case, the Horsemen are part of the deal. I’ll keep you in on the loop, so long as you are willing to help me get rid of them if the opportunity presents itself. I don’t know what they want,” she digs in her oversized purse as she speaks, “But the world would be a much better place without them in it.”
She flips a business card with a phone number onto the table. Then, she’s slowly meandering toward the door. She pauses at the elevator, turning to peer over her shoulder with her good eye. “I look forward to working with you, Alister.” She clicks the button, the door sliding open, and she and Tanith step in. “I hope we have a lucrative friendship going forward.”
At least until she decides she wants him gone.
Once Keira and her underling are in the elevator, they'll both hear a simultaneous gunshot and a vase smashing.
Alister Black isn't particularly happy right now.