Editing Adventures of Dash Karp and Cat Flynn
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Indeed it was Applewhite who discovered that I had my own sampling of blue blood in me. I was rather shocked that my father never told me that my paternal grandmother had been born into the royal family of the former kingdom of Lutha. Today, Lutha was part of Yugoslavia, a patchwork of slavic countries knitted together by the League of Nations after the Great War. Most fascinating was the very idea that I was, if all proper peerage was followed, four hundred-and-twenty-second in line for the throne of King Alxeander I. Mind you I doubt anyone there even knew I existed, but what a conversation starter at the speak easy! | Indeed it was Applewhite who discovered that I had my own sampling of blue blood in me. I was rather shocked that my father never told me that my paternal grandmother had been born into the royal family of the former kingdom of Lutha. Today, Lutha was part of Yugoslavia, a patchwork of slavic countries knitted together by the League of Nations after the Great War. Most fascinating was the very idea that I was, if all proper peerage was followed, four hundred-and-twenty-second in line for the throne of King Alxeander I. Mind you I doubt anyone there even knew I existed, but what a conversation starter at the speak easy! | ||
− | Applewhite's interest were purely intellectual and not financial. If something was missing, he wanted it found. If something was unexplained, he wanted it explained. Through the Explorers Club, he financed, or obtained the funding for, many research expeditions to all corners of the | + | Applewhite's interest were purely intellectual and not financial. If something was missing, he wanted it found. If something was unexplained, he wanted it explained. Through the Explorers Club, he financed, or obtained the funding for, many research expeditions to all corners of the. If some priceless, historic artifact was found, he saw to it that it found its way to the institution he felt best deserved it. Occasionally, that institution was his personal collection. But more often than not it was donated to a national museum from the country of origin. |
Because I was not among the 'learned fellows' in the archeological community, I was only a part of the smaller expeditions that were of less scientific value, but far more interesting to the press for the sensational or even salacious aspects of the story. Such as the White Queen of the Congo, the Devil Women of Madagascar, the Giant Rats of Sumatra, the Book of the Necronomicon, and many others. Few of them ever turned out to be exactly what was initially reported, though sometimes there was enough for a fantastic photo to be sent to the newspapers and magazines. In between these adventures, I sometimes tested new aircraft designs for the amateur inventors that populated the Explorers Club. | Because I was not among the 'learned fellows' in the archeological community, I was only a part of the smaller expeditions that were of less scientific value, but far more interesting to the press for the sensational or even salacious aspects of the story. Such as the White Queen of the Congo, the Devil Women of Madagascar, the Giant Rats of Sumatra, the Book of the Necronomicon, and many others. Few of them ever turned out to be exactly what was initially reported, though sometimes there was enough for a fantastic photo to be sent to the newspapers and magazines. In between these adventures, I sometimes tested new aircraft designs for the amateur inventors that populated the Explorers Club. | ||
− | In 1929 came the Crash. Although Applewhite had managed to secure | + | In 1929 came the Crash. Although Applewhite had managed to secure adecent savings for himself, his funding for expeditions nearly dried. Now he was only interested in items of real value that could pay for the expedition, and hopefully return a small profit for himself. Applewhite became obsessed with certain legendary or missing treasures and was still capable of hiring agents around the world to do research. Usually, I was called in after the research to do the 'acquisition.' In the years after the Crash, the acquisitions were often less legal and more dangerous. So long as my own personal ethics weren't violated, I was happy to do the work. |
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− | == | + | == Chapeter 2 '''Cat'''== |
'''Cat''' | '''Cat''' | ||
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− | == Chapter 8 | + | == Chapter 8== |
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+ | '''Red Hall and Red Cloaks | ||
+ | ''' | ||
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She was brought to a room similar to the one Dash was, though instead of bright light there was a twilight light courtesy of recessed sconces along the high walls. The scent of sandlewood and myrrh were noted first as well as the two women awaiting in the room. They were exceptionally courteous about asking her to remove her clothing and she almost outright refused. In this case, however, it was less shyness and more the hidden jewel and cash she was loathe to let be seen. Only the memory of Dash telling her to cooperate fully kept her from making a fuss. Well, that and that she was fairly sure Robert would be all too happy to rip her clothes off if she refused. She turned her back on the women, sliding her dress down with a deft catch and fold of hidden goods. The best she could manage was hoping no one shook out or folded or touched her garments. Once nude she turned back, chin high. Her cheeks were hot but she refused to act as if she were horrifed. "Now what?" | She was brought to a room similar to the one Dash was, though instead of bright light there was a twilight light courtesy of recessed sconces along the high walls. The scent of sandlewood and myrrh were noted first as well as the two women awaiting in the room. They were exceptionally courteous about asking her to remove her clothing and she almost outright refused. In this case, however, it was less shyness and more the hidden jewel and cash she was loathe to let be seen. Only the memory of Dash telling her to cooperate fully kept her from making a fuss. Well, that and that she was fairly sure Robert would be all too happy to rip her clothes off if she refused. She turned her back on the women, sliding her dress down with a deft catch and fold of hidden goods. The best she could manage was hoping no one shook out or folded or touched her garments. Once nude she turned back, chin high. Her cheeks were hot but she refused to act as if she were horrifed. "Now what?" | ||
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The woman closest took her hand gently and led her to a low table where the censers burned the resins. She took a cloth and dipped it into cool water, Cat's eyes catching the beads atop the water and knowing as it touched her skin that it was rue and rosemary oil in the water. Her breath caught slightly, uncomfortable with being washed down but the woman was professional, clinical, and soon done. She felt the other slide the red satin cloak around her shoulders and tie it closed at her throat before waving a hand to Cat, indicating she should proceed through a door on the opposite side of the wall from where she entered. | The woman closest took her hand gently and led her to a low table where the censers burned the resins. She took a cloth and dipped it into cool water, Cat's eyes catching the beads atop the water and knowing as it touched her skin that it was rue and rosemary oil in the water. Her breath caught slightly, uncomfortable with being washed down but the woman was professional, clinical, and soon done. She felt the other slide the red satin cloak around her shoulders and tie it closed at her throat before waving a hand to Cat, indicating she should proceed through a door on the opposite side of the wall from where she entered. | ||
− | + | The corridor led us directly into a long room appropriately called the Red Hall. The two lonmg walls were covered in a rich cherry wood, but the far wall was a romanesque base relief of a Bacchanal orgy. It filled the entire wall with a scene of indiscriminate and graphic debauchery the likes of which even I had never seen before. On the cherry walls were various paintings depicting further scenes of fornication, often showing women with angels or demons of some sort. the room was lit only by candles that burned in red glasses and cast an eery atmoshpere if the base relief and the paintings weren't enough. At intervals, on either wall, steel rings were set in the brick and I wondered if these were for restraints; considering what I had seen so far. | |
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− | The corridor led us directly into a long room appropriately called the Red Hall. The two | ||
− | In the center of the room was one large round table of cherrywood like the walls surrounded by sixh chairs and in its center were carved, in a very shallow pattern a circle of more fornication. I decided then that Lorenzo was definitely off his rocker. I might be a bit worldly about such things, but this was far beyond | + | In the center of the room was one large round table of cherrywood like the walls surrounded by sixh chairs and in its center were carved, in a very shallow pattern a circle of more fornication. I decided then that Lorenzo was definitely off his rocker. I might be a bit worldly about such things, but this was far beyond that pale, in my opinion. |
− | Despite being round, there was | + | Despite being round, there was obvious two ends to the table. One of the chairs had an incredibly high back that was topped with three spires of a gothic nature. The back was carved with inhuman looking faces contorted in pain and anguish and it actually made me wince. As though there was true pain trapped in that chair. In that chair was Lorenzo, wearing a bright red satin cloak, but instead of a hood, he had a high collar that reached past the top of his head. |
− | Opposite him was another high backed chair, but with different carvings. It was all disembodied hands and fingers that were reaching up, but for what, I wasn't sure. Somehow, I didn't get the sense they were reaching for succor, but reaching to | + | Opposite him was another high backed chair, but with different carvings. It was all disembodied hands and fingers that were reaching up, but for what, I wasn't sure. Somehow, I didn't get the sense they were reaching for succor, but reaching to graps something to pull back. And thats where Cat sat, also wearing a bright red satin cloak with no hood, but a collar that did not come up as high Lorenzo's. I studied her to see if she how she was. The poor kid, I was certain she was scared witless with all the theatrics here and I would have gone to sit next to her, but both chairs were occupied. Lorenzo wordlessly bade me sit in the one remaining seat which was to his right. I supposed he wanted a close eye on me. |
− | + | Fo5r lack of a better word, I obeyed and as I sat, I took a look at the other occupants of the table. To Lorenzo's left was a man I did not recognize but bore a smarmy, unsavory look who was wearing a hooded cloak similar to mine.. I did not like how he was looking at Cat, but I could hardly blame him either. She did look god over there and I admonished myself for my thoughts. I was sure she was in the same state of undress as I was (and the rest of us I was to learn) and any little movement she made was going to reveal a glimpse of something. I caught myself, in one brief instance, straining my gaze at the parting of her cloak. hers was the only cloak tied at her neck, but there was otherwise no other fastenings. | |
− | To the unsavory | + | To the unsavory fellows left was woman in a brith white cloak and hood who had been chatting with the fellow until she took notice of me. |
− | "Dash! Darling! What a surprise! I never figured you for such..." and she dipped her chin in some false modesty, "clandestine things." She giggled then and I caught a glimpse of the blonde hair beneath her cloak. Gladys Rutherford of all people! I wasn't quite sure how to repsond to her so I went for | + | "Dash! Darling! What a surprise! I never figured you for such..." and she dipped her chin in some false modesty, "clandestine things." She giggled then and I caught a glimpse of the blonde hair beneath her cloak. Gladys Rutherford of all people! I wasn't quite sure how to repsond to her so I went for teh socially lighthearted. "Don't forget we have a date tonight, Gladys!" Actually, I was hoping my acquiantance with one of his guests might further dissuade Lorenzo from any actions he might have to answer questions about. Now someone had seen me in Lorenzo's place! |
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To Glady's left was Cat, whom my eyes kept returning to, and to Cat's left was another woman in a white hooded cloak who's only feature I could discern was her mouth. A perfect mouth. beuatifully and alluringhly painted red and her skin seemed smoother than the satin she wore. I was...entranced. Quite unlike me, and it took some effort to pull my gaze away and check on Cat once more. | To Glady's left was Cat, whom my eyes kept returning to, and to Cat's left was another woman in a white hooded cloak who's only feature I could discern was her mouth. A perfect mouth. beuatifully and alluringhly painted red and her skin seemed smoother than the satin she wore. I was...entranced. Quite unlike me, and it took some effort to pull my gaze away and check on Cat once more. | ||
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− | She nodded, walking up the stone hallway slowly, hands keeping the cloak closed. She jumped slightly as she came to what seemed a dead end, only to watch the wall slide away | + | She nodded, walking up the stone hallway slowly, hands keeping the cloak closed. She jumped slightly as she came to what seemed a dead end, only to watch the wall slide away alowing her to step through into the Red Room. She saw the table ahead and the chairs and did not think to look behind herself until she saw the predatory gaze of Lorenzo shift and heard the wall shift again. Turning her head, she saw the orgiastic relief and saw the wooden wall close over the image of a woman carved in the wall, her nude body caught in the claws of two demons, arched between them and clearly engaged in some sexual act that, frankly, Cat would have lay good odds was not physically possible. Her jaw tightened a bit as she turned back to the table, Lorenzo gesturing with a wave of hand where she was to sit. Blue gaze fell on the chair as she approached it, an almost palpable sense of earthy energy coming from it. She swallowed as she sat down, only then did her hands let go of the cloak, half expecting the chair to close around her. The scent of loam and peat was strong and she looked at the others, Dash not yet having joined them. A cold tendril of energy breathed along the hollow of her throat and she set blue gaze on the man in the black cloak beside Lorenzo. There was a sense of raw age about him and his dusky features reminded her |
of someone out of the Mediterranean or Egypt. She shuddered, his amber eyes too light in his skin and altogether too familiar upon her. The colors made immediate sense to her, a wry look to Lorenzo. | of someone out of the Mediterranean or Egypt. She shuddered, his amber eyes too light in his skin and altogether too familiar upon her. The colors made immediate sense to her, a wry look to Lorenzo. | ||
− | "Surely you do not expect me to act as priestess to your priest." Half question, half statement. The Great Rite definitely off the table, or walls. There came a soft chuckle from the woman in white with the red bow of mouth, her energy hot where the dusky man's was cold. An almost suffocating press of roses surrounded her and her own energy flared, flicking back the metaphysical touch easily and sharply, sharp enough that the woman's head turned to regard her then to look at Lorenzo, chuckling again. | + | "Surely you do not expect me to act as priestess to your priest." |
+ | Half question, half statement. The Great Rite definitely off the table, or walls. There came a soft chuckle from the woman in white with the red bow of mouth, her energy hot where the dusky man's was cold. An almost suffocating press of roses surrounded her and her own energy flared, flicking back the metaphysical touch easily and sharply, sharp enough that the woman's head turned to regard her then to look at Lorenzo, chuckling again. | ||
"Ooooooh this one you have found...interesting." | "Ooooooh this one you have found...interesting." | ||
Lorenzo gave the woman a seductive smile. | Lorenzo gave the woman a seductive smile. | ||
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The sound of a door opening drawing the attention of those at the table, Dash framed in the doorway before it closed behoind him. Blue eyes tracked him as he approached and sat, hearing the words exchanged but her gaze drawn to the center of the table, vision distant as she listened for more than words. | The sound of a door opening drawing the attention of those at the table, Dash framed in the doorway before it closed behoind him. Blue eyes tracked him as he approached and sat, hearing the words exchanged but her gaze drawn to the center of the table, vision distant as she listened for more than words. | ||
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On one hand, I found Lorenzo's appearance almost laughable. He reminded me of something out of a stage play of Mephistolese or some such. On the other hand, in the context of the room, there something quite ominous about it all. | On one hand, I found Lorenzo's appearance almost laughable. He reminded me of something out of a stage play of Mephistolese or some such. On the other hand, in the context of the room, there something quite ominous about it all. | ||
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So Lorenzo had really done his homework for this and I was certain he had agents scour the Persian Gulf for any former possessions of the Al'Khazzan. But now he was resorting to a seance to get information? Lorenzo made a hand motion and one of the twins emerged from the shadows carrying a small velour pillow with something on it that was covered by a black satin scarf. The girl placed it in front of Cat and removed the scarf as she stepped away, revealing a human skull. There were bits of mummified skin here and there and a few tufts of hair clung to the scalp. It was set on the table in such a way that it stared at Cat almost daringly. I thought I caught a whiff of death when the skull was revealed, but certainly it was too old to have such an odor. Still, the room seemed to darken some, and close in. My own imagination, surely, but I kept my eyes on Cat as Lorenzo spoke further. | So Lorenzo had really done his homework for this and I was certain he had agents scour the Persian Gulf for any former possessions of the Al'Khazzan. But now he was resorting to a seance to get information? Lorenzo made a hand motion and one of the twins emerged from the shadows carrying a small velour pillow with something on it that was covered by a black satin scarf. The girl placed it in front of Cat and removed the scarf as she stepped away, revealing a human skull. There were bits of mummified skin here and there and a few tufts of hair clung to the scalp. It was set on the table in such a way that it stared at Cat almost daringly. I thought I caught a whiff of death when the skull was revealed, but certainly it was too old to have such an odor. Still, the room seemed to darken some, and close in. My own imagination, surely, but I kept my eyes on Cat as Lorenzo spoke further. | ||
"Before you, Miss Flynn, is the skull of Al'Khazzan. It is my hope it will aid in focusing his spirit to our table. Please proceed." | "Before you, Miss Flynn, is the skull of Al'Khazzan. It is my hope it will aid in focusing his spirit to our table. Please proceed." | ||
− | All eyes went to Cat then in the same way the skull stared at her. For my part, I was just hoping she could make it convincing and Lorenzo | + | All eyes went to Cat then in the same way the skull stared at her. For my part, I was just hoping she could make it convincing and Lorenzo wuld believe whatever she told him and we could continue the wild goose chase outside these walls. A wild goose chase for an old stone dildo of all things! |
The theatricality of it all might look ridiculous to her as well, were it not for the energy in the room, she saw it as easily as some could readily identify a c sharp from a b flat with perfect pitch. The air itself told her there was more at play here than smoke and mirrors. The words Lorenzo spoke were over the top and yet she nodded solemnly, she had agreed to help and was too far in now to try and backpedal. She flicked a glance at Dash, worried that he might not really be alright with what could go down, but just as fiercely hoping he would not abandon her here no matter what. The approach of the woman and the revelation of the skull brought a small quirk of lips in a secretive smile, she had known death or its talisman was near and now here it was. The dusky skinned man whispered a soft litany of words in Farsi, making a hand gesture at the skull as if he would ward it away and she chuckle. | The theatricality of it all might look ridiculous to her as well, were it not for the energy in the room, she saw it as easily as some could readily identify a c sharp from a b flat with perfect pitch. The air itself told her there was more at play here than smoke and mirrors. The words Lorenzo spoke were over the top and yet she nodded solemnly, she had agreed to help and was too far in now to try and backpedal. She flicked a glance at Dash, worried that he might not really be alright with what could go down, but just as fiercely hoping he would not abandon her here no matter what. The approach of the woman and the revelation of the skull brought a small quirk of lips in a secretive smile, she had known death or its talisman was near and now here it was. The dusky skinned man whispered a soft litany of words in Farsi, making a hand gesture at the skull as if he would ward it away and she chuckle. | ||
"Not so easy when face to face, is it Mister Al Tariq?" | "Not so easy when face to face, is it Mister Al Tariq?" | ||
− | Yeah, she knew his name, not sure how but that happened. His | + | Yeah, she knew his name, not sure how but that happened. His cast a viscious look her way, his hands tightening on the arms of his chair, half rising. |
"Simmer down Arnav, let her work." | "Simmer down Arnav, let her work." | ||
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Lorenzo's voice a mixture of displeasure at the man and the sort of rapt fascination one might have heard in the voice of a cobra stalking a mongoose had they been audible. Cat reached for the skull, sliding the the edge of her own chaor as she did so, cloak parting just enough to offer a glimpse of pale flesh down the center of her body. Her hands hovered over the skull a moment, a soft catch of breath as she felt a new and different energy wrap around her ankles and slithering upwards, blue eyes rolling back. | Lorenzo's voice a mixture of displeasure at the man and the sort of rapt fascination one might have heard in the voice of a cobra stalking a mongoose had they been audible. Cat reached for the skull, sliding the the edge of her own chaor as she did so, cloak parting just enough to offer a glimpse of pale flesh down the center of her body. Her hands hovered over the skull a moment, a soft catch of breath as she felt a new and different energy wrap around her ankles and slithering upwards, blue eyes rolling back. | ||
− | + | I didn't like this to nstart and I was liking it even less when Cat's eyes rolled back. Or how she knew the smarmy fellow. The woman next to him, whom Lorenzo called Magdelena, reached for my hand on top of the table and grabbed hold. Her flesh was warm. No, more like hot, but dry, not clammy. I remember I wanted to pull my hand away just because I didn't want the distraction, but somehow I didn't. I glanced to her and could now see her full face, which was beautiful in the extreme. | |
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− | I didn't like this to | ||
"Are you okay, Cat?" | "Are you okay, Cat?" | ||
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I was about to rise when Lorenzo grabbed hold of my other hand and I stilled...reluctantly. I turned to Lorenzo who seemed utterly entranced by Cat and that's when I noticed her cloak had parted further and I could easily see the full cleavage and roundness of her breasts. I had to shake my head and blink my eyes! It was absurd that I should be leering at Cat's flesh in such a moment as this! | I was about to rise when Lorenzo grabbed hold of my other hand and I stilled...reluctantly. I turned to Lorenzo who seemed utterly entranced by Cat and that's when I noticed her cloak had parted further and I could easily see the full cleavage and roundness of her breasts. I had to shake my head and blink my eyes! It was absurd that I should be leering at Cat's flesh in such a moment as this! | ||
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She could feel that Arnav and Gladys wanted to touch her, they being to either side of her, and yet they did not, dissuaded perhaps by the pulse of dark energy that was working its way up her body. Instead, they linked hands behind the gypsy, in essence sealing her inside the circle. It was as Lorenzo took hold of the hands to either side of him that Catarina jerked as if struck, her voice rising in a hollow tone as if echoing down a long hall. | She could feel that Arnav and Gladys wanted to touch her, they being to either side of her, and yet they did not, dissuaded perhaps by the pulse of dark energy that was working its way up her body. Instead, they linked hands behind the gypsy, in essence sealing her inside the circle. It was as Lorenzo took hold of the hands to either side of him that Catarina jerked as if struck, her voice rising in a hollow tone as if echoing down a long hall. | ||
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"By birth and bloodright I call to you Hazzan Al'Khazzan, I call you to join me in this circle and speak!" | "By birth and bloodright I call to you Hazzan Al'Khazzan, I call you to join me in this circle and speak!" | ||
The candles fluttered and almost went out as a cold wind washed across the room, carrying the scent of earth and what could only be termed sex. | The candles fluttered and almost went out as a cold wind washed across the room, carrying the scent of earth and what could only be termed sex. | ||
− | "I seek the | + | "I seek the Missel of Eros, lost over the ages. Speak now, join us and tell me where it can be found and restored to its glory!" |
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− | I have to admit, she was good. The words and the way she handled | + | I have to admit, she was good. The words and the way she handled taht skull had me well impressed with her ability to command a room. Of course, these people seemed quite receptive to begin with, but Cat nearly had me believing she was going to connect with the dear departed Emir of Hormuz. Now the question was, where was she going to say the damn missile was? Hopefully some place like Philadelphia, or Atalantic City or some other suitable place where I had contacts or hiding places or other resources that could get us out from under Lorenzo's thumb. I let out a breath and glanced over to Gladys. Her cloak had opened a great deal, revealing her right breast entirely. It heaved as her breathing deepened. There was a lusty look in her eye and when she caught me looking her way, the lustiness seemed to intensify. Back to Cat I stared and I nearly coughed when she came close to kissing the skull. I wanted to tell her she had gone far enough, but I mremained silent. |
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There was no denying that the sexual energy in the room was rising like the tide, Magdalena eyeing Arnav as she slid open her cloak boldly, revealing the line of her flesh, breasts very full and tipped with dark nipples, not breaking the circle but rising, leaning across where he met her mouth with his, the sound of their moans and the wet kiss surrounding them all. Gladys turned her eyes on Dash, her eyes alight with lust as she rolled her shoulders, causing the cloak to slide from her body, fabric draping over connected hands as she too half rose, her mouth seeking his. As to Catarina herself, her breath was swift but she was on top of this energy, the dark rolling intensity of it threatening to choke her. "You WILL tell me Hazzan Al'Khazzan. Truth only over the bond of blood and bone, air and fire." Right then only she seemed to be immune to the sexual tension, though the very fact that her cloak slid fully open and her hands did not close it was telling. Her chin rose, eyes intent on something none of them could see. "First...you will tell me. Then you can have them." Her head snapped to the side as she half rose, a bloom of color at her throat, for all the world looking as if a hand grasped her throat and marked pale flesh. She growled, a low sound in her throat that was not the sort of sound one might expect from her. Her voice dropped a full octave, rasping like rusty metal drawn against gravel. "The central pylon, Shadows of Olympus, the Sands of Time." She was utterly unfamiliar with nightclubs, let alone naughty shows in Atlantic City, but if any of the rest of them were familiar with the scene in Atlantic City, they might recognize the name of the Egyptian themed club and showcase. | There was no denying that the sexual energy in the room was rising like the tide, Magdalena eyeing Arnav as she slid open her cloak boldly, revealing the line of her flesh, breasts very full and tipped with dark nipples, not breaking the circle but rising, leaning across where he met her mouth with his, the sound of their moans and the wet kiss surrounding them all. Gladys turned her eyes on Dash, her eyes alight with lust as she rolled her shoulders, causing the cloak to slide from her body, fabric draping over connected hands as she too half rose, her mouth seeking his. As to Catarina herself, her breath was swift but she was on top of this energy, the dark rolling intensity of it threatening to choke her. "You WILL tell me Hazzan Al'Khazzan. Truth only over the bond of blood and bone, air and fire." Right then only she seemed to be immune to the sexual tension, though the very fact that her cloak slid fully open and her hands did not close it was telling. Her chin rose, eyes intent on something none of them could see. "First...you will tell me. Then you can have them." Her head snapped to the side as she half rose, a bloom of color at her throat, for all the world looking as if a hand grasped her throat and marked pale flesh. She growled, a low sound in her throat that was not the sort of sound one might expect from her. Her voice dropped a full octave, rasping like rusty metal drawn against gravel. "The central pylon, Shadows of Olympus, the Sands of Time." She was utterly unfamiliar with nightclubs, let alone naughty shows in Atlantic City, but if any of the rest of them were familiar with the scene in Atlantic City, they might recognize the name of the Egyptian themed club and showcase. | ||
− | + | Lorenzo sat there with both hands palms down on the table and grinned from ear to ear. "She does have the gift! She is truly reaching through the veil!" I was about to tell Lorenzo to shut up when I was distracted by Magdelena and Arnav were slithering across the table to each other. And then, over top Magdelena, Gladys was reaching for me. In another context, I might have indulged, but I wasn't here for sex games...unfortunately. "Not now Gladys," and I shoved her face away. "Cat!" and just as I was about to go to her, Lorenzo grabbed my wrist in an unearthly grip. "She's choking!" as I tried to shake free of Lorenzo. There was no way he was that strong, so what was wrong with me? "She will come to no harm," he said in a low voice. "Cat, just tell him already," and she was rattling off things that made no sense. "Have who? What?" I sat back down and tried not to notice all the naked breasts around me. I felt the lust tugging at me and even in her current state, the sight of Cat made the lust tug harder. It was with tremendous effort that I didn't go after some form of female flesh just then. | |
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− | Lorenzo sat there with both hands palms down on the table and grinned from ear to ear. "She does have the gift! She is truly reaching through the veil!" I was about to tell Lorenzo to shut up when I was distracted by Magdelena and Arnav slithering across the table to each other. And then, over top Magdelena, Gladys was reaching for me. In another context, I might have indulged, but I wasn't here for sex games...unfortunately. "Not now Gladys," and I shoved her face away. "Cat!" and just as I was about to go to her, Lorenzo grabbed my wrist in an unearthly grip. "She's choking!" as I tried to shake free of Lorenzo. There was no way he was that strong, so what was wrong with me? "She will come to no harm," he said in a low voice. "Cat, just tell him already," and she was rattling off things that made no sense. "Have who? What?" I sat back down and tried not to notice all the naked breasts around me. I felt the lust tugging at me and even in her current state, the sight of Cat made the lust tug harder. It was with tremendous effort that I didn't go after some form of female flesh just then. | ||
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As she shared the response she could feel the tight energy loosen at her throat, almost dropping the skull as she felt the lust spearing her suddenly, twisting in her seat as she fought to tamp it down. Blue eyes went wide as she watched Lorenzo's face shift, raw hunger in the way he looked at her. She set the skull down in the center of the table, trying to distance herself from all of it, a losing battle right then. "I hope you know just how badly things will go for you if this is anything but the truth Miss Flynn," Lorenzo's voice almost sounded like he hoped he would get a chance to put his hands on her and she sent a scared glance to Dash before licking her lips. | As she shared the response she could feel the tight energy loosen at her throat, almost dropping the skull as she felt the lust spearing her suddenly, twisting in her seat as she fought to tamp it down. Blue eyes went wide as she watched Lorenzo's face shift, raw hunger in the way he looked at her. She set the skull down in the center of the table, trying to distance herself from all of it, a losing battle right then. "I hope you know just how badly things will go for you if this is anything but the truth Miss Flynn," Lorenzo's voice almost sounded like he hoped he would get a chance to put his hands on her and she sent a scared glance to Dash before licking her lips. | ||
"I said you could have them after you told me." Who was she speaking to? Apparently someone no one else could see. "Them. Not me. Not him." The air in the room seemed to shrink inward suddenly then a sensation akin to a popping of ears would distract them all. Her body fell back in the chair, hands shaking a bit as she tugged closed her cloak tightly. | "I said you could have them after you told me." Who was she speaking to? Apparently someone no one else could see. "Them. Not me. Not him." The air in the room seemed to shrink inward suddenly then a sensation akin to a popping of ears would distract them all. Her body fell back in the chair, hands shaking a bit as she tugged closed her cloak tightly. | ||
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I wanted to punch Lorenzo for what he said to Grace. I still didn't know where the damn relic was, but Lorenzo chuckled then. "Imagine that...so close all this time." Lorenzo rose from his seat and grabbed Arnav by the hair, yanking him away from Magdelena so he could draw Magdelena to himself. She went willingly and seemed to entwine herself around Lorenzo, writhing against him. Gladys looked to me, but Arnav took hold of her and she really didn't seem to mind and I was rather grateful for his interference. Despite all the grinding of Magdelena, Lorenzo tuned to me. "I am a man of my word, Mr. Karp. I will pay Miss Flynn five thousand dollars for her service tonight, and I will pay you the same to go retrieve the Missile of Eros. It seems its in Atlantic City." While he spoke, I took advantage of his release to finally go to Cat. I pulled her cloak tighter about her and simply hovered there protectively. "We can talk about that later, Lorenzo. I'll have to contact Applewhite...he'll be looking for me by now. For the moment, I want to get Cat somewhere she can rest." | I wanted to punch Lorenzo for what he said to Grace. I still didn't know where the damn relic was, but Lorenzo chuckled then. "Imagine that...so close all this time." Lorenzo rose from his seat and grabbed Arnav by the hair, yanking him away from Magdelena so he could draw Magdelena to himself. She went willingly and seemed to entwine herself around Lorenzo, writhing against him. Gladys looked to me, but Arnav took hold of her and she really didn't seem to mind and I was rather grateful for his interference. Despite all the grinding of Magdelena, Lorenzo tuned to me. "I am a man of my word, Mr. Karp. I will pay Miss Flynn five thousand dollars for her service tonight, and I will pay you the same to go retrieve the Missile of Eros. It seems its in Atlantic City." While he spoke, I took advantage of his release to finally go to Cat. I pulled her cloak tighter about her and simply hovered there protectively. "We can talk about that later, Lorenzo. I'll have to contact Applewhite...he'll be looking for me by now. For the moment, I want to get Cat somewhere she can rest." | ||
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She blinked, always a bit dazed by energy work, let alone something like this. She knew Dash had come to stand beside her chair and she was grateful when he helped her tug the cloak closer around her flesh. Seeing Lorenzo coming her way she stood, a bit too fast, half falling against Dash as her body reacted to the lingering hum of energy, blue eyes wide. "Do not touch me!" a hand warding off Lorenzo, not worried that he would hurt her right then, but more concerned that someone like him not come too close, not when she was this open, a raw nerve metaphysically and she leaned against Dash. "Just....yeah....I need a room, and we need privacy." A bold statement but the simple fact was she needed to get out of this room, something about it triggered her senses even just standing there and she did not want to wind up playing lightening rod for any extraneous energy that sought her out. Plus, she was desperate to talk to Dash and be sure he was alright. | She blinked, always a bit dazed by energy work, let alone something like this. She knew Dash had come to stand beside her chair and she was grateful when he helped her tug the cloak closer around her flesh. Seeing Lorenzo coming her way she stood, a bit too fast, half falling against Dash as her body reacted to the lingering hum of energy, blue eyes wide. "Do not touch me!" a hand warding off Lorenzo, not worried that he would hurt her right then, but more concerned that someone like him not come too close, not when she was this open, a raw nerve metaphysically and she leaned against Dash. "Just....yeah....I need a room, and we need privacy." A bold statement but the simple fact was she needed to get out of this room, something about it triggered her senses even just standing there and she did not want to wind up playing lightening rod for any extraneous energy that sought her out. Plus, she was desperate to talk to Dash and be sure he was alright. | ||
− | ''' | + | "Certainly, my friend," Lorenzo answered all too pleased with himself. I wondered how pleased he was going to be when I didn't find any stone dildo. And where did Atalantic City come from? I was working that over in my head when Lorenzo waved a hand and Alice appeared from the shadows. She was naked and flushed and obviously aroused. Her voice was husky. "Please follow me, Mr. Karp and you as well Ca...err...Miss Flynn." Cat was still leaning against me and I was quite fine with that, but Alice seemed to need to slide up against me as well. She was a pretty little thing, yes, but right now? "Just lead on, Alice," and I turned to Lorenzo. "We'll speak soon?" I was completely turned upside down right now. I didn't know what exactly Cat had told him that he believed, but for now the fact he believed it was good enough for me. "I will have Alice come and get you for dinner, Mr. Karp. Rest well." He smiled to Cat then. "Well done, Miss Flynn." We followed Alice then down several hallways until she granted us entrance to a small suite. I appreciated that Alice had given us our own rooms. "Your belongings," and she looked pointedly to Cat then, "have all been brought here. You will also find night clothes and dinner clothes laid out for you as well." I helped Cat to the couch in the main room, then tried to usher Alice from the room. She seemed a bit resistant at first. "But I was told to remain in your service to cater to either of your desires," she explained with her hand on my chest and looking up at me almost pleadingly. I gentley, but urgently, pushed her out the door. "That will be all, Alice. Go find Albert." I closed the door and stood there, staring at Cat. "Goodness that was some show!" |
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− | == Chapter 9 | + | == Chapter 9 == |
− | ''' | + | '''Suite Sleep''' |
She did not miss that pointed look, a flicker of fear wondering if *all* of her belongings were here. She gave Dash a grateful smile when he got rid of Alice, not wanting anyone from Lorenzo's people near her right then. She sat on the couch, the cloak wrapped tight around herself. "Come sit?" The word not an afterthought, but spoken softly. "Please?" She frowned a slight bit at the way he put that. "Show?" She shook her head softly. "yeah, I am not half bad for a gypsy dancer, hm?" she chuckled, patting the couch beside herself. "Does that door lock? Or can we block it with something?" She did not want to consider whether the rampant energy had spent itself or if they might get unexpected and unwelcome visitors. | She did not miss that pointed look, a flicker of fear wondering if *all* of her belongings were here. She gave Dash a grateful smile when he got rid of Alice, not wanting anyone from Lorenzo's people near her right then. She sat on the couch, the cloak wrapped tight around herself. "Come sit?" The word not an afterthought, but spoken softly. "Please?" She frowned a slight bit at the way he put that. "Show?" She shook her head softly. "yeah, I am not half bad for a gypsy dancer, hm?" she chuckled, patting the couch beside herself. "Does that door lock? Or can we block it with something?" She did not want to consider whether the rampant energy had spent itself or if they might get unexpected and unwelcome visitors. | ||
− | + | There was a bolt, and I slid it closed against any unauthorized entry. I held my own cloak close about me the moment I remembered I was naked underneath. I accepted her invitation and sat next to her on the couch but left a bit of non-threatening space between us. "These folks are the lustiest bunch I ever seen. I knew Gladys could be a loose woman, but....sheesh!" I pushed my fingers through my hair, shaking my head. "But are you all right, Cat? It looked like you were choking at one point there." I was still trying to decide how Lorenzo came up with Atlantic City and I regretted not asking where in Atlantic City he wanted me to go. But it struck me suddenly! The night club called Cleopatra's Barge. I had been there once before, but I couldn't recall any openly displayed phallic symbols. | |
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− | There was a bolt, and I slid it closed against any unauthorized entry. I held my own cloak close about me the moment I remembered I was naked underneath. I accepted her invitation and sat next to her on the couch but left a bit of non-threatening space between us. "These folks are the lustiest bunch I ever seen. I knew Gladys could be a loose woman, but....sheesh!" I pushed my fingers through my hair, shaking my head. "But are you all right, Cat? It looked like you were choking at one point there." I was still trying to decide how Lorenzo came up with Atlantic City and I regretted not asking where in Atlantic City he wanted me to go. But it struck me suddenly! The night club called Cleopatra's Barge | ||
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Under other circumstances she would have been more circumspect, but her barriers were low given the expenditure of energy, not unphased herself by the events of the evening. She dragged a hand through the silken spill of raven hair as she smiled. "I was being choked, he was unhappy being told what to do," a small shrug was visible that shifted satin against flesh. "But if I do not retain control of the energy, it can go all...wonky." She ate up that nonthreatening distance in a smooth movement, legs on the couch, her head on his chest, a hand against a bare patch of flesh on his chest. "The trick is not to let them see you tremble really," her words lower, slower, her body nestled up close to his, the red satin cloak still worn over nude flesh as blue eyes drifted closed, dark lashes against pale cheeks. His energy was so solid, and warm and strong that it was like setting herself adrift into safety for the first time since they had begun running. Sleep took her down swiftly, a fading thought to mention to him about the possible night terrors, but she was sound asleep before the words could form, holding fast to him as serenity replaced the seer, even a gypsy could be alluringly innocent to look at while sleeping. | Under other circumstances she would have been more circumspect, but her barriers were low given the expenditure of energy, not unphased herself by the events of the evening. She dragged a hand through the silken spill of raven hair as she smiled. "I was being choked, he was unhappy being told what to do," a small shrug was visible that shifted satin against flesh. "But if I do not retain control of the energy, it can go all...wonky." She ate up that nonthreatening distance in a smooth movement, legs on the couch, her head on his chest, a hand against a bare patch of flesh on his chest. "The trick is not to let them see you tremble really," her words lower, slower, her body nestled up close to his, the red satin cloak still worn over nude flesh as blue eyes drifted closed, dark lashes against pale cheeks. His energy was so solid, and warm and strong that it was like setting herself adrift into safety for the first time since they had begun running. Sleep took her down swiftly, a fading thought to mention to him about the possible night terrors, but she was sound asleep before the words could form, holding fast to him as serenity replaced the seer, even a gypsy could be alluringly innocent to look at while sleeping. | ||
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Who was so unhappy at being told what to do that he was choking her? Was she actually communicating with Al'Khazzan? Or at least believed she was? And what exactly did she mean about the energy getting 'wonky'? I thought it was pretty damn 'wonky' in there as it was! What was the significance of the colors of the robes and how they were arranged at the table? Where does she know Arnav from? I explained away the carnality as simply human lust enhanced by the atmosphere of the moment; the atmosphere being dim red light and half naked bodies. That will do it everytime! | Who was so unhappy at being told what to do that he was choking her? Was she actually communicating with Al'Khazzan? Or at least believed she was? And what exactly did she mean about the energy getting 'wonky'? I thought it was pretty damn 'wonky' in there as it was! What was the significance of the colors of the robes and how they were arranged at the table? Where does she know Arnav from? I explained away the carnality as simply human lust enhanced by the atmosphere of the moment; the atmosphere being dim red light and half naked bodies. That will do it everytime! | ||
− | My own odd feelings during the seance, I was sure, were due to the strangeness of the situation coupled with just a tinge of anxiety concerning Cat's ability to be convincing. Well | + | My own odd feelings during the seance, I was sure, were due to the strangeness of the situation coupled with just a tinge of anxiety concerning Cat's ability to be convincing. Well seh proved to be quite convincing! Nonetheless, the rest of the scene still had me scratching my head and wondering about sanity of all those involved. Except my own, of course. At least I didn't get caught up in all the sexual stimulation. I like a naked, willing, writhing female as much as the next guy, but everything had its time and place. |
− | I had plenty of questions, but whatever answers she had would have to wait. She fell asleep so sweetly againt me on the couch I simply didn't have the heart to give her a shake just so i could interrogate her. Still, as pleasant as it was, I could not just sit there while Gypsy Exotica (or was it Erotica?) caught a nap against my chest. I eased myself away, disturbing the colak as I did and it seemed her entire left side was momentarily exposed. I looked. I looked for longer than was appropriate before reluctantly covering her back up once I got myself free. So call me a cad! A masher! Any red blooded American male would have done the same thing. Her pale skin seemed flawless in its absence of blemish or blotch. Under closer scrutiny, I would say her skin was even finer than Magdelena's. In fact, I was struck by how the very thought of Magdelena seemed far | + | I had plenty of questions, but whatever answers she had would have to wait. She fell asleep so sweetly againt me on the couch I simply didn't have the heart to give her a shake just so i could interrogate her. Still, as pleasant as it was, I could not just sit there while Gypsy Exotica (or was it Erotica?) caught a nap against my chest. I eased myself away, disturbing the colak as I did and it seemed her entire left side was momentarily exposed. I looked. I looked for longer than was appropriate before reluctantly covering her back up once I got myself free. So call me a cad! A masher! Any red blooded American male would have done the same thing. Her pale skin seemed flawless in its absence of blemish or blotch. Under closer scrutiny, I would say her skin was even finer than Magdelena's. In fact, I was struck by how the very thought of Magdelena seemed far alluring now than it did in the Red Hall. |
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She had fallen into a deep sleep, the sort where exhaustion grabs you by the throat and drags you down without asking permission or giving you time to prepare. So deeply asleep was she that she did not feel him ease off the couch much less notice the slip of cloak. For close to an hour she was very still, cheek cradled against pale arm, breathing softly. The first hint of anything being amiss might have been the scrunch of bare toes, a tension creeping through her sleeping form. On the dream plane, she was seated on a long slab of marble that was carved with the imagery akin to that on the walls of the red room. Her dream body moved, hands sliding over the carvings as she rolled to her belly then her back, sightless eyes opening as a grey and blue cloud slithered up over the stone to lick along her bare arms and legs. Breath was hard to get and what breath she could gain was used in soft small moans as disembodied hands clutched at her, pulled her hair, and suddenly in the dream she was in the carved chair again only this time the hands carved on it were alive, hot and dry as spiderwebs. On the couch she writhed, the cloak fell open as she threw herself to her back, muscles constricting as she threw her head back. Blue eyes opened though she was not awake and she shrieked helplessly, night terrors holding her in their grasp. | She had fallen into a deep sleep, the sort where exhaustion grabs you by the throat and drags you down without asking permission or giving you time to prepare. So deeply asleep was she that she did not feel him ease off the couch much less notice the slip of cloak. For close to an hour she was very still, cheek cradled against pale arm, breathing softly. The first hint of anything being amiss might have been the scrunch of bare toes, a tension creeping through her sleeping form. On the dream plane, she was seated on a long slab of marble that was carved with the imagery akin to that on the walls of the red room. Her dream body moved, hands sliding over the carvings as she rolled to her belly then her back, sightless eyes opening as a grey and blue cloud slithered up over the stone to lick along her bare arms and legs. Breath was hard to get and what breath she could gain was used in soft small moans as disembodied hands clutched at her, pulled her hair, and suddenly in the dream she was in the carved chair again only this time the hands carved on it were alive, hot and dry as spiderwebs. On the couch she writhed, the cloak fell open as she threw herself to her back, muscles constricting as she threw her head back. Blue eyes opened though she was not awake and she shrieked helplessly, night terrors holding her in their grasp. | ||
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While Cat slept, I decided to inspect my surroundings. It was clean, pleasantly decorated, but not in the ostentatious fashion I might have expected from Lorenzo. At least there were no pornographic scenes on the walls. I think it might have made Cat uncomfortable. I went into the bedroom designated for me and found the dinner clothes laid out on the bed. I was thinking it might be a good time to take a shower and get ready for dinner, when I heard some stirring in the sitting room. I looked trough the door to the couch and saw Cat writhing restlessly and once again her cloak fell open, but now she was fully exposed and I caught myself staring again. I started to move to the couch with every intention of carrying her to her bed, covering her, and tucking her in before getting my shower. But then she screamed. It was a horrific scream that I would not have guessed she could produce. But it had me covering the distance from the bedroom door to the couch in just four strides. This time, I didn't even bother to cover her up and grabbed her shoulders, sitting her upright. "Cat! Its okay! You're safe!" | While Cat slept, I decided to inspect my surroundings. It was clean, pleasantly decorated, but not in the ostentatious fashion I might have expected from Lorenzo. At least there were no pornographic scenes on the walls. I think it might have made Cat uncomfortable. I went into the bedroom designated for me and found the dinner clothes laid out on the bed. I was thinking it might be a good time to take a shower and get ready for dinner, when I heard some stirring in the sitting room. I looked trough the door to the couch and saw Cat writhing restlessly and once again her cloak fell open, but now she was fully exposed and I caught myself staring again. I started to move to the couch with every intention of carrying her to her bed, covering her, and tucking her in before getting my shower. But then she screamed. It was a horrific scream that I would not have guessed she could produce. But it had me covering the distance from the bedroom door to the couch in just four strides. This time, I didn't even bother to cover her up and grabbed her shoulders, sitting her upright. "Cat! Its okay! You're safe!" | ||
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'''''Cat''''' | '''''Cat''''' | ||
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: ::trapped in the grip of the night terror she was not seeing him or feeling his hands on her shoulders. Instead she was fighting the feeling of hands seizing her hair, drawing her head back until her throat was taut, capturing her | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: wrists and ankles in a painful grip. The disembodied hands yanked her thighs apart, more crowding over her breasts and belly, even between her thighs as muscles quivered, fighting with all her strength to no avail. Voices crawled | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: through her brain murmuring 'ours, owed, ours, forever', triggering more screams as her physical body matched the dreamscape motions. Gods if she only were aware of what her limbs were doing, she might have been mortified. As it | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: was, she was caught in the spectral grip, the temperature around her body and his dropping precipitously::/d | |
− | "Cat!" I shook her, but she seemed locked in a nightmare. "Cat!" She seemed to be siezed by something I could not see, and it was suddenly cold. The way she opened her legs stunned me and I shook her harder to no avail. "Cat! Wake up!" This was all so strange to me and I | + | Dash Karp: "Cat!" I shook her, but she seemed locked in a nightmare. "Cat!" She seemed to be siezed by something I could not see, and it was suddenly cold. The way she opened her legs stunned me and I shook her harder to no avail. "Cat! Wake |
− | + | Dash Karp: up!" This was all so strange to me and I wonder just what Cat was afflicted with. I am a well read man, but psychology was something I never really looked in to. I was ignorant of methods or practices that might aid her now so I | |
− | + | Dash Karp: resoted to good old slap across her face. It was enough to leave a red mark on her left cheek, and then I pulled her close, fully within my embrace depsite her nakedness. She could call me names later if she wished, but lust was not | |
− | + | Dash Karp: my motivation. I just wanted teh screaming to stop. () | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: ::she would have to give it to him, the slap was a genius move for someone unaccustomed to dealing with such things. The slap rocked her head, cheek going bright hot pink and it might hurt later but right then in her awareness a | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: warm wind blew off the hands, wrapping around her body tightly and lifting her from the hateful chair. That he was holding her close against his body was fantastic, as she often came out of these still unsure of which world her | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: awareness was in. She stiffened, struggling a moment:: no no!!! don't let them...not theirs...no!! please! ::breathing hard, her arms were like slim steel bands around him as she closed her eyes tightly:: nonono ::murmuring like a | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: liturgical prayer::/d | |
− | I wanted to soothe her and comfort her but I was completely out of my element and, quite frankly, I was wondering if I wanted to be in this particular element at all. "Shhhh...its okay now, Kitten. I got you." But I really had no idea what it was I had. Not entirely true. I did know I had a scared, perhaps unstable naked gypsy girl in my arms. And I was not even trying to take advantage of that fact! "I won't let them do anything you don't want," though I didn't know who 'they' were. Indeed it was becoming increasingly clear I didn't know much in this case. I was usually on top of things. I usually had three or more advanced plans running at | + | Dash Karp: I wanted to soothe her and comfort her but I was completely out of my element and, quite frankly, I was wondering if I wanted to be in this particular element at all. "Shhhh...its okay now, Kitten. I got you." But I really had no |
− | + | Dash Karp: idea what it was I had. Not entirely true. I did know I had a scared, perhaps unstable naked gypsy girl in my arms. And I was not even trying to take advantage of that fact! "I won't let them do anything you don't want," though I | |
− | + | Dash Karp: didn't know who 'they' were. Indeed it was becoming increasingly clear I didn't know much in this case. I was usually on top of things. I usually had three or more advanced plans running at teh same time, with as many escape routes | |
− | + | Dash Karp: all mapped out. But in this case, I was flying blind without a parachute. I didn't even know where this place was. Were we still in Manhattan? Or some other property of Lorenzo's? Was Applewhite looking for me? Was I really going to | |
− | + | Dash Karp: Atlantic City? Was he going to hold Cat for security? I mentally shook my head while I still held Cat close and wondered if I would even get a moment to consider it all. Or maybe I didn't want to consider it. The outlook might not | |
− | + | Dash Karp: be good. () | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: ::his voice, a deep baritone against her ear as her arms snaked around his neck, pressing close as she slowly eased into the here and now. She was aware that her cheek was hot, less conscious of the press of bare skin to his bare | |
+ | CatarinaFlynn: skin, no shower taken yet so his cloak was presumably on still. She was shaking softly, voice low:: I'm sorry, it...sometimes the energy....it leads to night terrors ::she was suddenly caught on a word, easing her grasp back and | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: meeting his gaze with a lift of brows:: I thought you were only calling me that for show, you know....out there ::somewhat happily surprised that none of Lorenzo's people had burst through the bolted | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: door to see why she was screaming.:: ohhhh ::realization hitting like a tap on the shoulder, sudden;y terribly well aware of the skin to skin part going on:: I am real sorry if I scared you Dash ::her chin dipping some::/d | ||
+ | Dash Karp: Dammit! I called her 'Kitten' and didn't even realize it, and she caught it. I would certainly have to be more aware. "I apologize, Catarina. It just sort of came out in the moment." She also realized she was naked and against me, | ||
+ | Dash Karp: so I did the chivalrous thing and eased her back and pulled her cloak closed. "I don't scare easy, Catarina. If that whole circus with lorenzo didn't scare me, I think I can handle you having a bad dream." Night terrors she called | ||
+ | Dash Karp: it? It sure seemed terrifying. I removed myself from the couch and made sure my own cloak was held closed and started for my bed room. "Why don't you get a shower, and then I will. I don't know when they will be calling on us for | ||
+ | Dash Karp: dinner." () | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: ::she knew she was blushing but she cast a look his way, eyes of bluest blue wreathed in raven lashes:: I didn't say I wanted an apology Dash ::and the smile that curled was a rare glimpse at the gypsy without pretense of oddity. | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: She rose from the couch, keeping the cloak wrapped tight:: I hope they put my clothes here ::walking barefoot into her room, she saw clothing, though not her own, laid out. It was a dinner dress in sapphire blue and from the look | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: of it, they were determined to capitalize on the gypsy idea, the skirt very full and the top a bandeau with a sheer panel to the low waistband. She gathered it up and headed for the shower:: do we have to eat with them? ::frowning, | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: pretty sure she was happier not to, though realistic options were few and far between. Dropping the cloak, she stepped beneath the hot water, steam filling the room::/d | ||
+ | Dash Karp: "We cannot be rude to our garcious host, Catarina," I gave a flippanty answer from my room. It was obvious I was not going to get to the opera, but if Gladys was at diiner, that should count for something, right? She had been trying | ||
+ | Dash Karp: to hire me for some time now to go find a relative in Africa. I didn't want to flat out say no, but I was also in no hurry to go chaing down rumors of of a white man raised by apes. I looked over the clothes laid out for me. Not | ||
+ | Dash Karp: quite my style, though certainly of contemporary fashion. A brown suit though? Not my best color. The suit I originally put on this morning was hanging in the closet all nice and pressed. Now I was wondering if tehre was some | ||
+ | Dash Karp: significance to the brown suit for dinner. Just another reminder I was quite lost here, but had to keep my head for my own sake as well as Cat's. Catarina. I had to remember to call her Catarina. () | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: ::she finished her shower and dressed, taking a moment to note that her dress was in the closet, a small handkerchief tied within the neckline inside. She checked, all of the cash and the brooch still intact, a bit surprised to be | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: truthful:: well, if they try to feed me anything weird I am sticking it in your napkin ::teased as she emerged, heels adding three inches of height, though that still left her well below his height:: well, on the bright side, at | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: least we are out of those cloaks ::almost adding that they could have rid themselves of the cloaks earlier, a bit scandalized by the thought but she just grinned::/d | ||
+ | Dash Karp: "I rather thought gypsies ate weir stuff all the time," I teased back. Well at least her mood seemed more relaxed and on the surface I could my mood relaxed as well. I was good at that. But undrneath I was a cauldron of boiling | ||
+ | Dash Karp: thoughts and plans and contingencies. I rushed into the shower, sudsing up, rinsing off, jumping out, brushing teeth and a quick shave. I didn't bother to check for my gun in my suit because I simply didn't expect it to be there. I | ||
+ | Dash Karp: did dress in the dull brown suit with the dull brown socks and the dull brown shoes and a glimpse in the mirror had me wondering if this was some psychological ploy by Lorenzo. Or maybe he hoped I would appear less appealing to | ||
+ | Dash Karp: the women. I did have a way with women and I was rather proud of that. Perhaps Lorenzo was aware of my relationship with Gladys, or noticed how Magdelena looked at me. Perhaps he wanted to get his hands on Cat. Now that thought | ||
+ | Dash Karp: bothered me a bit, but certainly I had no right to be possessive. I was never possessive with women. If, by some chance, Cat had interest in Lorenzo, well who was I to stand in teh way? The suit came equipped with a gray bowtie, of | ||
+ | Dash Karp: all things, and I emerged from my room still tying it. When i saw what Cat was wearing, my fingers fumbled on the tie and I had to start over. "Its obvious they like you better than me." () | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: ::she was not self conscious as a rule, though his comment about them liking her brought a soft chuckle:: hm, pretty certain I do not want them to see me as anything other | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: than a plain Jane Dash. With these people....::she shook her head:: so you know that one woman then, yeah? ::she smiled, bothered by the fact that the fact bothered her. She eyed his suit:: though I do have to say, that is | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: not your color. ::she used the small wall mirror to apply the deep wine colored lipstick:: and we eat well, not like you lot here thank you kindly ::her accent making the statement jovial over irritable, though the wink his way | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: helped::/d | ||
+ | Dash Karp: I finished the knot on the tie and smirked at myself in the mirror. "Well, this is better than that cloak," then I looked to her, "though I am sure Lorenzo and the dusky fella will still be staring at you." There was a cigarette | ||
+ | Dash Karp: case and lighter on the end table by the couch and I helped myself, inhaling deeply and enjoying it immensely. "Yes, I have known Gladys for a couple years. She comes from old English money, though her branch of the family tree | ||
+ | Dash Karp: settled here some thirty years ago. She's become a contributor to the Explorers Club, so I have been 'encourage' to not upset her." Actually saying it sounded rather sleezy and I almost felt like a gigolo for a brief minute. I | ||
+ | Dash Karp: wanted to switch the topic to her and ask my questions, but just then I wasn't sure what I really wanted answers to. "So, how did you come up with that whole 'Sands of Time' thing? Getting us sent to Atlantic City works out as well | ||
+ | Dash Karp: as anything. I was afraid we'd be sent globetrotting for the stone d...." I caught myself! "Err, the Missile of Eros." () | ||
− | + | OnlineHost: *** You are in "The IrishCrownAffair". *** | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: ::she, too, helped herself to a cigarette, casting a mild lifted brow his way when he almost spoke of the item in cruder terms, amusement in blue eyes though she did not comment aloud on that:: come up with it? Well, it is a bit | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: like eavesdropping on a nearby conversation I suppose. I just deliver the message ::a small shrug was seen, absolutely at ease about her skills:: do you really think he will send us both to fetch it? ::a nervous draw of teeth along | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: lower lip revealed her concern, tied to his comment about Lorenzo and the dusky man:: do you know what the darker skinned man, Arnav, is doing here? Do you know Magdalena? ::glances now and again at the door, then seeking a clock, | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: Nervous was one word for it:/d | |
− | + | Dash Karp: I blew a couple of smoke rings, then began a different sort of search of the room. There were no windows, but there was a bar and I set my cigarette in an ashtray. "I'm hoping I can get Lorenzo to let you be sent back to Applewhite | |
− | + | Dash Karp: while I go to Atlantic City and come up with some story to explain why it wasn't there," because I truly did not believe it would be found. "Want a drink, Catarina?" I was already pouring myself a stiff scotch without ice since no | |
− | + | Dash Karp: ice was present. "I never seen Maggy or Arnj before, but my gut tells me their shadey." My gut was also a bit less certain of Gladys now as well, but that was another issue. After a snort of the scotch, I took up the cigarette | |
− | + | Dash Karp: once again. "So what conversation were you eavesdropping on?" () | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: ::she frowned, a hand going to a curve of hip, well displayed in the style of dress:: and if I do not want to go to Applewhite, the man I have never met? ::she nodded, the same hand shifting to slide through black hair:: yes | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: please :;and she was pacing some, smoke exhaled smoothly as she did so:: shady does not quite seem to sum it up, hm? ::his last question drew a glance of blue gaze:: Khazzan was speaking to me, I relayed his message to the group. | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: ::she chuckled:: it used to startle me when others could not see or hear some things, but I have grown used to it I suppose. /d | |
− | + | Dash Karp: I poured just a finger's worth of scotch into a tumbler for her and carried it over to her. "I apologize, Catarina. That was rather presumptuous of me. Once I get you out of here, you are, of course, free to go where you like." I | |
− | " | + | Dash Karp: then took a step, doing my damndest not to leer or stare. That little number Lorenzo chose for her was rather fetching and more than just pulled it off. "However, please remember there is still an offer on the table for the Irish |
− | + | Dash Karp: Crown Jewels that Applewhite would like to discuss with you. But if Lorenzo comes through with the five large he promised," I shrugged, "that's sure enough to set a lady like you up in tarot cards for a good while." I took another | |
− | ' | + | Dash Karp: hit off the cigarette then snuffed it out in the ashtray. "So Khazzan actually spoke to you?" Uh huh. "What exactly did he say to you? How does it work? How did he come all the way here?" Even if I was giving her the benefit of the |
− | + | Dash Karp: doubt - which I wasn't quite there yet - these were legitimate questions. () | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: ::she took the drink, meeting his gaze as she lifted it to her lips and swallowed some:: a lady like me, hm? ::again, it was amusement that danced in blue depths:: has it truly never occurred to you that | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: it is you I wish to stay with? ::she almost managed not to blush, but failed as she turned to pace:: I have not forgotten, and hope you recall that I have not agreed to sell or give anything to your friend. ::she took another small | |
− | ' | + | CatarinaFlynn: sip:: so this Explorer's Club is sort of a money club, hm? ::his questions about Khazzan were not ignored, she simply needed to figure how to explain something that even among her own people was hard to fathom:: he did, as far as I |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: could tell from the energy. The fact that I held and fed his skull helped hone in on him, so to speak/d | |
− | "I | + | Dash Karp: Fed his skull? I wasn't even going there. "I think it would have been even more presumptuous if such a thing had indeed occurred to me," I chuckled and swallowed back the rest of my scotch and set the empty tumbler on the bar. "I |
− | + | Dash Karp: just wanted to remind you that there was an offer there. An offer you need do nothing about, Catarina." Now why would she want to with me? Well, not that it was unusual, but I had certainly not meant to lead her on. "The energy, you | |
− | + | Dash Karp: say?" Applewhite would be fascinated with the gypsy girl, and while I did hope she would agree to meet with him, if she chose otherwise, I would absolutely see to her wishes. "Catarina, I really don't undrstand that sort of thing. I | |
− | + | Dash Karp: prefer to deal with what I can see and touch. Feankly, this whole set up here and Lorenzo and the other..." I shook my head, "I'm not too comfortable with at all." I would rather be running from a tribe of angry pygmies. "So please | |
− | + | Dash Karp: forgive my skepticism." I poured a bit more scotch into my tumbler and added some soda water to cut it a bit. "In any case, I usually work alone. It would be safer if you didn't go to Atlantic City with me." () | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: ::she was quiet for a long moment as she went to sit on the couch again, ankles crossing demurely though that only added to the way the dress hugged her body:: it would only be presumptuous if it were untrue. In this case, it would | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: have been prescient ::and she quirked a smile, despite her job on stage she was anything but adroit at flirting, not when it was for real. A secxuctive smile under the spotlight was easy, required nothing. She nodded softly, | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: throwing back the rest of her drink and extending the glass his way:: another please? ::she watched him, he was certainly easy to watch and she shifted some, her voice soft and smooth:: anything but skepticism is generally either | |
− | I | + | CatarinaFlynn: someone who is desparate, whether for information or to impress me is irrelevant :;and she laughed some, leaning back:: and I usually do not spend my days being kidnapped...twice...meeting lunatics and being threatened with death, |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: or worse. ::she grinned some:: safer does not seem to be a choice here, other than what I have seen, which is that I am safer with you than without you. /d | |
− | + | Dash Karp: She quirked a smile and I quirked a brow. But I did manage to pour a bit more scotch into her tumbler. "Take it easy with that stuff. You might need your wits about you at dinner." I set the bottle down and gave her a look and | |
− | + | Dash Karp: considered the pros and cons of taking her with me to Atlantic City. Another wild goose chase, I was sure.. "There's a lot of bad men in that shore town, Catarina. If I can get you to Applewhite's chateau, you'll be safer there than | |
− | + | Dash Karp: you would anywhere, believe me. Plus I jus' ain't useta takin' dames wit' me on cases, ya see?" I was practicing already for conversations with Jumpin' Joe Harrigan, who owned and operated Cleopatra's Barge. Harrigan seemed like a | |
− | + | Dash Karp: likable fellow. Rather disarming in a way that could make you forget he was | |
− | + | Dash Karp: a criminal. While Cleopatra's Barge was an above board and legit night club, Harrigan also owned several other speak easies as well where the booze flowed and the women showed! () | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: ::she took the drink and leaned back, accentuating the line of her body in the stunning blue:: I got the impression that the dames in your life are more of a dame in every town, no? ::not upset by that, just acknowledging what it | |
− | ''''' | + | CatarinaFlynn: seemed was the case:: and if you do not think bad men lurk around most corners, well, actually, I don;t suppose you have to worry about that much. ::she pursed her lips some, considering her next words:: if my going with would |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: impede your ability to work the dames, then I suppose that is how it must be. I do think, however, that I would be helpful. ::as she spoke there came a pounding on the bolted door and a rattle of the door handle::/d | |
− | + | Dash Karp: It was generally more than one dame in every town, but I felt no need to brag. "It has nothing to do with the dames and everything to do woth the work," and I could hear my words coming out a bit clipped. I decided to slip the | |
− | + | Dash Karp: cigarette case in my pocket, not knowing if any smokes would be available at dinner. "How do you think you would be helpful, Catarina? You going to get the ghosts to give you passwords? Or do you plan to dance for Harrigan and | |
− | + | Dash Karp: distract him while I purloin the statuette and make good my escape?" I smiled, hoping the smile would less the sarcasm that was perhaps sharper than it deserved to be. Just then, there was a knock at the door, but before I could | |
− | + | Dash Karp: even ask who it was, the door swung inward to reveal the twins, Alice and Carol, standing in the | |
− | + | Dash Karp: hallway. "Oh my, you both look..." Alice started, but Carold finished, "....deliciously wondrful." The twins smiled to each other and I nodded. "Very well, ladies...lead on." I offered my arm to Cat so that I might escort her | |
− | + | Dash Karp: properly. () | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: ::His words were unexpectedly harsh and she could feel her cheeks heat as color spread. She felt her body tense, sitting up as the unexpectedness of his reply hit home. She was embarassed and that was something she was not used to | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: feeling really. The smile did not ease the sharp ache of realizing she had been wrong, apparently. Too often the target of glances and whispers and snide laughter, his tone brought that back home and she could feel the stage smile | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: replace the genuine one:: think nothing of it ::the opening of the door brought her to her feet smoothly, gaze shifting to the twins. If she was discomfitted by their admiring tone it did not show:: dinner sounds like a wonderful | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: plan ::she would rather have walked on her own, but she took his arm in a featherlight touch, it would take someone who knew her well or looked carefully to know how she really felt about all of this::/d | |
− | + | Dash Karp: The twins turned about and we followed them to a flight of steps that went up to another level. Somehow, I felt we were still in a subterranean area since I had yet to see a single window. Shortly, we entered a dining hall that was | |
− | ' | + | Dash Karp: was richly appointed with oaken furniture of a very old design, but this room had nothing of the more salacious flavor of the Red Hall. Magdelena, Arnav, and Gladys were all there but Lorenzo was yet missing. There were waiters or |
− | + | Dash Karp: some such milling about the long dining table, filling water glasses and wine goblets and adjusting every piece of silverware to perfection. The moment we entered, Gladys hurried over and literally stole me from catarina. "You | |
− | + | Dash Karp: simply must let me have him for dinner, dear," she smiled far too sweetly and hurried me toward the table as though she wanted distance between us and the others. I never considered Gladys a bimbo; just a bored, rich socialite who | |
− | + | Dash Karp: resolved herself to enjoying life with daddy's money. "I need to get you alone. I know what Lorenzo | |
− | + | Dash Karp: is up to." But taht exchange, if it was sincere, ended abruptly when Lorenzo entered. "I am quite cross that we are missing the opera, Dash. I am still holding you to it!" I was tuning her out just then as I noticed how everyone | |
− | + | Dash Karp: else was dressed. Lorenzo in formal dinner wear with top hat and tails and Arnav in some sort of formal Arabic attire. Magdelena and Gladys were wearing similar long gowns that hugged their figures not only perfectly, but | |
− | + | Dash Karp: provocatively as well. Magdelena's was backless right down to her tail bone, while Gladys's seemed dip far below her sternum, giving a great view of her cleavage. And then there was Cat and myself looking, in comparison, like we | |
− | + | Dash Karp: were on our way to the county fair. Lorenzo immediately took charge of Cat, 'insisting' that he be her escort for the rest of the evening. "Please! Everyone be seated," Lorenzo called to his guests, but then all attention went to | |
− | + | Dash Karp: Cat. "I am fascinated by what you accomplished, Miss Flynn. Later, I do hope you will tell me more of your | |
− | + | Dash Karp: abilities. () | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: ::when Gladys ran over to tug Dash away she loosed her light touch, hands clasping in front of her body, her chin rising. She did not miss the dress of the others, gaze lingering curiously on Arnav for a moment before the arrival | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: of Lorenzo captured her attention. His hands were strangely soft and hot as he wrapped one around her hand and one at her bare shoulder, steering her toward the table and | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: holding a seat for her. She could not help but notice the attention turning to her and her chin rose, her smile as bright and false as a stage light:: oh think nothing of it, my people have a way with the mysterious is all | |
+ | CatarinaFlynn: ::downplaying the entire affair:: it was my hope that later I could have a tour of the facilities here, Dash as well. ::She was still hurt but she was also a survivor and he was her best bet right now it seemed::/d | ||
− | + | OnlineHost: *** You are in "The IrishCrownAffair". *** | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: ::she was in no way enamored of Lorenzo or his underground freak show. The notion of a tour was intended to accomplish two things. One, get a sense for where they were and how many were present here and two, to stall any intention | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: he had toward her that might be less than pure. The table was set with wine glasses and she reached for one, keeping the professional mask in place as she sipped her wine and tried to ignore the decidedly annoying bimbo voice | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: coming from Gladys. She was aware that she had zero reason to be irritated by it, and yet she was. She looked to Lorenzo as he regarded her, his hand coming to rest on her thigh as he leaned in:: A tour might be arranged Miss | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: Flynn....if, that is, you promise to behave for me ::The man was clearly used to being able to seduce women or something, but while her stomach lurched at hios words she gave him a dimpled smile and a thicker brogue:: sure and I | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: would never be any trouble to anyone Mr. Lorenzo, most especially you and your small staff here /d | |
− | + | Dash Karp: "Not now, Gladys," I said to her out of the side of mouth. I was deeply interested in forestalling any tours in favor of just getting out of this building. "there really is very little time for that, Lorenzo. Miss Flynn and I | |
− | + | Dash Karp: should be on our way to Atlantic City as soon as possible," and you need to forget about the pretty gypsy girl, I almost added out loud. Again Lorenzo's brow shut up at my temerity. "Mr. Karp, why, prey tell do youneed Miss Flynn | |
− | + | Dash Karp: to accompany you into that den of gangsters. She would be much safer here...with me," and the last two words had a slimey sound to them. Magdelena was was sitting across from me and studying me intently the entire.time Lorenzo was | |
− | + | Dash Karp: speaking. This seemed tom induce Gladys into greater affection, which I had no time for her. I pushed ehr aside, but I knew Gladys would not be angry. "She has a connection to the item which may yet prove invaluable. Suppose its | |
− | + | Dash Karp: appearance has been altered somehow." () | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: ::As Dash spoke, Lorenzo curled an arm around the back of her chair, smoothly drawing it closer to his chair. She flinched but softly, a gesture so small that a man of Lorenzo's ego may not have noticed but which Dash hopefully | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: would not miss. Her hand slid to Lorenzo's thigh as if it were natural, mask fully in place:: Mr. Karp is correct Mr. Lorenzo....think how disappointed you would be if you lost the object of your desire simply because I was here | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: and not ion the field with him, hm? ::she could only hope her words had the effect she desired, though the heavy dark gaze of Arnav was felt across the way. Her blue eyes swung his way, the best defense being a good offense:: do | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: you not agree Arnav? Such tragedy if he kiissed this rare and singular chance, no?/d | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: *chance goodbye | |
− | + | Dash Karp: Now she was catching on! I could feel momentum shifting to me. "You are fortunate, Lorenzo, that the owner of Cleopatra's Barge is acquaintance of min. I assure you it is far better that I deal with him in my own way, and that way | |
− | + | Dash Karp: includes having Catarina with me." He wanted Cat for more than her alleged abilities, that was easy enough to see. The man's reputation might only have been whispered about, but there were a lot of whispers. "As security," I | |
− | + | Dash Karp: continued, "you need not pay either Miss Flynn or myself until we return with the item you | |
− | + | Dash Karp: seek." This whole time, Magdelena never took her eyes from me, while Arnav never took his eyes from Cat. The lust was evident and growing palpable and that's when I felt something rubbing softly against my shin under the table...and | |
− | + | Dash Karp: Magdelena was grinning. I was too polite to tell her openly to knock it off, but I did blast her with a very brief, but very potent glare the likes of which I am sure she never received from a man in her adult life. Lorenzo was | |
− | + | Dash Karp: shaking his head at the idea, but Gladys chimed in. "He's right, Renzi," that was the first time I knew of anyone calling him something different. "Afterall, Dash is one of the best in the field. I do have an entire dossier on him." | |
− | + | Dash Karp: Now it was time for both Lorenzo and me to raise a brow. () | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: ::Gladys did not back off, her foot nudging his shin, her hand roaming his thigh as she spoke of dossiers:: come now Dash-y..., you didn't think I would leave anything about you to | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: chance did you? ::Gladys' sing song voice making Catarina thirst to feel her throat under her hands. Two things happened then, Lorenzo's one arm left the chair to encirlce her shoukders while Arnav shifted from across the table | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: to the other side of her, his arm also going around her, and the energy was high, tense, a thrumming sound she was having trouble suddenly in focusing past:: and can you guarantee us that Our Miss Flynn will return, unharmed and | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: un ::he paused, allowing jis dark eyes to roam her stiff form:: unmolested from this den of inequity Mr. Karp? ::Cat herself shiftyed, sliding his hand off of her smoothly:: kindly do not sp3eak to him of my welfare Arnav unless, of | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: course, you do not believe I can handle myself? ::really no way out of that gracefuly for the dark eyed man::/d | |
− | + | Dash Karp: From my previous glare, Magdelena had backed off from rubbing my shin, only to have Gladys pick up where she left off. "I assure you, nothing will happen to Miss Flynn that she does not wish to have happen. I do consider her under | |
− | + | Dash Karp: my protection. Don't forget, I too have business with her yet. On hold though it may be." I reached beneath the table as though to scratch my leg, but grabbed Gladys's naked foot and squeezed it in a powerful grip causing a small, | |
− | + | Dash Karp: ladylike "yelp!" to come out of the High Socialite. She had dossiers on me? That was incredible and un wlecomed, bnut at teh same time quite smart of her. She bore keeping a closer eye on. Cat was speaking with some authority, but | |
− | + | Dash Karp: hinestly, I did not know how well she could handle herself. Seeing her flanked by one known lecher, and another who more looked the part of the lech. "I don't trust him, Mr. Lorenzo. You promised me the gypsy would do a seance for | |
− | + | Dash Karp: me once I delievered that skull to you," Arnav complained, but Lorenzo seemed almost thunderstruck when Cat removed his arm. There was an undercurrent of something else. Something that seemed to be licking at the others, but not | |
− | ' | + | Dash Karp: me.At least i didn't feel anything. Magdelena was still staring at me, Gladys was draped all over me. Lorenzo and Arnav were practically drooling over Cat, and felt I was in total control of myself. Cat, on the otgher hand, was |
− | + | Dash Karp: still a mystery to me, so I had no idea how affected she was, or not. () | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: ::she was the proverbial eye of the storm:: I am more than capable of handling myself ::and as she spoke, Lorenzo seemed to struggle with something. Arnav was c ast back more easily, pressed back in his seat:: I am afraid my | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: accompanying Mr Karp is non negotiable. He might well know a missel from THE missle of Eros, and not retieving it would be a tragedy that you can ill afford Mr. Lorenzo ::she was trying to escape the touch and influence of the | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: lecherous pair, partially successful. Lorenzo seemed to fight through the swarm of energy, his grip shifting from her shoulders to sinking deep into raven hair, yanking her head back and stretching her throaty taut:: Enough Miss | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: Flynn!!!/d | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: test | |
− | + | Dash Karp: pass | |
− | ' | + | CatarinaFlynn: phew back |
− | + | Dash Karp: I shot up from my seat when Lorenzo started to get rough. "You have a funny way of trying to win allies, Lorenzo. Now get your hands off Catarina or not only will you get no help from us, but so help me I'll introduce you to pain | |
− | + | Dash Karp: like you've never known," I gave Arnav a glare of hatred then. "You I'll just kill." Magdelena gasped at my movement and words. But it was more like a gasp of arousal than fear. Gladys smiled seductively. "Oh Dash! If you keep this | |
− | + | Dash Karp: up I will be throwing myself at you right here and now!" I wasn't sure just how serious Gladys was but her comment wasn't even worth a retort. Lorenzo laughed, but I am sure I detected nervousness in it, and he did remove his hands | |
− | + | Dash Karp: from Cat. Maybe sex was in the air again (or maybe it was a constant condition in this place) but I ignored it all and embraced the anger inside me. I embraced and controlled it all once and directed it in my steady gaze upon | |
− | + | Dash Karp: Lorenzo and no one else until he replied. "Very well, Mr. Karp," Lorenzo tried to appear at ease with his hands in his lap, "we will do it your way for now. My interest in the ancient relic does exceed my growing interest in Miss | |
− | + | Dash Karp: Flynn. I insist Albert accompany you both to look after my interests." Arnav had produced a hankerchief and wiped his face as though he were sweating. I felt I finally had an edge here. A tenuous edge, with little foundation, but an | |
− | + | Dash Karp: edge at the moment just the same. "No!" It was not simply a denial, but a demand as well. "It will be Catarina and myself. Period. Don't forget, Lorenzo, Applewhite has plenty of resources as well and is probably using them now to | |
− | + | Dash Karp: find Catarina and me. Certainly you would not wish toi have your activities exposed." Lorenzo's jaw tightened and he slowly nodded but I knew I had not truly won yet. () | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: ::as Lorenzo's hands loosed their hold on her hair she drew a breath, a shivering deep breath drawn. As Dash spoke she rose to her feet:: there ought not BE a decision between me and some object you seek! ::she almost toppled | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: over Lorenzo, his hand all quiet and submissive:: I am no fighter ::in the physical sense, but mind the energy that surrounds her::/d | |
− | + | Dash Karp: Gladys was fanning herself while looking up at me, and Magdelena was nodding with a smile to Gladys. My performance sure had an effect on those two and a small part of me wished I could take full advantage of it. With Cat getting to | |
− | + | Dash Karp: her feet and away from Lorenzo and Arnav, I stepped away from my chair and went to her. Some prehistoric instinct, but I think it was less about protecting the weak and more about preserving territory. Well that might be lousy on my | |
− | + | Dash Karp: part, but I would analyze that and admonish myself later. "If you will excuse us, we will retire for the evening. In the morning, I want a car all gassed up and ready to go. With luck, we will be gone just one night." () | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: ::when Dash came her way she felt Lorenzo loose his grasp of hair and his gaze shift to Dash as if it were a physical sensation:: we will be sharing a room, and a car, so do not skimp on either | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: ::her voice not nearly as sure as she wished, the realiuty of local real world grab for coin scams running scared her worse that she might have | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: imagined::/d | |
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− | + | OnlineHost: *** You are in "The IrishCrownAffair". *** | |
+ | CatarinaFlynn: ::she did not relax until she heard the bolt being slid into place, and even then, her version of relaxing was to head for the bar:: yes please ::softly, trying to shake off the lingering sense of energy and their touch, most | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: especially Lorenzo's. That his grip had hurt was unwelcome in the extreme but had lso given her a window into the fact he was not unwilling to use force to at least some degree to get what he wanted:: if you ask me those four | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: deserve each other. Whiskey? ::glancing to him, her eyes a stunning blue::/d | ||
+ | Dash Karp: "Yes," to the whiskey and I lit her cigarette for her and exchanged it for the whiskey. I personally didn't think Gladys quite fit with Lorenzo and the others. I regretted not having a chance to speak with her privately, but I had | ||
+ | Dash Karp: this I needed to get Cat out of there before things got out of hand. I lit my own cigarette after a quick sip of the drink and moved about the sitting room in thought. "There is more to this game, and I have yet to fathom it. What | ||
+ | Dash Karp: was the idea with these clothes he gave us?" and I tugged at my jacket. "Arnav and Magdelena have a part to play in this as well, and Gladys is the biggest mystery of all. She doesn't fit." I puffed and I drank and I ran all the | ||
+ | Dash Karp: pieces through my head, but certain things refused to come together. I stopped moving about and looked directly to Cat. "So it turns out you're going with me afterall, but don't get any ideas about about being too involved. This is | ||
+ | Dash Karp: just a chance to get you out of here and away from that man!" I jabbed my sternum with my thumb. "I'm the boss here, ya see? If the chance comes to drop you off someplace safe, I'm doing it and you ain't gonna argue the point!" () | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: ::she handed him the drink and took the cigarette, moving to perch on the arm of the couch and taking a drag off the smoke. She watched him as he paced and thought, studying not only his body, admittedly a nice view, but his energy | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: signature as well. She lifted a dark brow and tipped her head as he got all chest jabbing and dominating. Lips pursed but she took a sip of her whiskey before speaking:: I agree that there is more to this than we yet know. I also | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: know that Lorenzo knew exactly what I was doing, though how he knew is a mystery. ::she frowned:: as to my going along...::she sighed, not one to really get uppity with men but she felt she had to say a little something:: I am fine | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: with you being the boss, Dash. I cannot guarantee that I will not balk at being dropped off with some stranger like a sack of laundry. /d | ||
+ | Dash Karp: "You understand you won't get your money unless you return here," I wanted her to be aware of that. She did look nice in the outfit Lorenzo had provided for her, even if his intentions were....well I still wasn't sure about his | ||
+ | Dash Karp: intentions. I inhaled some smoke then raised an eyebrow at her. "What do you mean he knew what you were doing? What *were* you doing that he knew and I didn't?" She was likely referring to that mystical stuff that she believed in | ||
+ | Dash Karp: and I didn't. Applewhite always warned me I would come face to face with something like this one day. Despite his scientific mind, I always believed Applewhite had a secret desire to meet some vampires or ghosts. "And why do they | ||
+ | Dash Karp: seem to become sexually aroused whenever you are around?" I also wondered how it was that I seemed largely resistant to whatever influenced the others. () | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: what I was doing was simple energy work. Harnessing the energy is easier when I am....when the situation is...::she paused, flustered by his last question:: adrenaline helps me use the energy. Did you not see Arnav move away? See | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: Lorenzo drop his arm? He knew I was shielding and his hair grab distracted me and the energy fell. ::she knew he did not believe in that stuff but that did not make it any less real:: as to their...arousal....it surely is not of my | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: doing! You have been with me, and why on God's green earth they would be salivating over anyone but those two floozies is a mystery. ::an arm curled around her stomach as she spoke, uncurling it to | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: lift her drink:: tell me, do I have no effect on you at all? ::part related to the topic he broached but also a small part that was perhaps curious, more than curious, which explained the blush::/d | ||
+ | Dash Karp: I studied her intently as though I expected to see some outward evidence of her claim. "Are you telling me you made them back away and leave off?" It was fair unbelievable to me, but I would try real hard to keep an open mind. "How | ||
+ | Dash Karp: exactly do you accomplish that?" I could at least ask, even if I might not buy the explanation offered. Afterall, if it was true, maybe I couldn't quite trust my own actions in all of this. "You think Lorenzo recognized what you | ||
+ | Dash Karp: were doing? Would he have some sort of defense against it?" For now, at least, I could give her the benefit of the doubt and learn what she believed. I snuffed my cigarette out in the ashtray and thought a moment. "But you had | ||
+ | Dash Karp: nothing to do with their sudden amorous desires? What sort of effect do you think you should have on me?" She did have an effect on me, but I wasn't sure, especially now, if it would serve to acknowledge such a thing. To me, | ||
+ | Dash Karp: it seemed the sort of effect any pretty girl might have on a fella in a more casual sense, anyway. But if her claims were true, what then? () | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: my abilities have nothing to do with....scandalous things Dash. I would have thought Lorenzo would have had a better defense than yanking my hair, but then I was testing him so I suppose I know now, hm? ::she swirled the whiskey in | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: her glass, watching the deep golden liquid move:: making them back off was a matter of...well it is hard to describe. Imagine you were holding a leather strap loose in one hand and a stray dog jumped at you. You would shift the | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: loose grip and swing the strap, yes? It is a bit like that. The connection is always there, to some degreem but it can be utilized sometimes. ::his question about ehat effect she thought she should have on him made her cheeks go a | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: prettier shade of warm pink:: I was being inappropriately forward, forgive me. Quite out of character for me and I will be careful. I'm sorry Mr. Karp/d | ||
+ | Dash Karp: Inappropriately forward? I scratched my head and went for another cigarette. I didn't normally smoke so much, but it seemed to help right now. "Are you talking about my change of mind about you going to Atlantic City with me? Did | ||
+ | Dash Karp: you do that?" I looked at her suspiciously. I still didn't really believe it all, but I was sure she believed it. "Can you influence Lorenzo to pay you before we leave?" That would certainly be helpful, then I wouldn't feel guilty | ||
+ | Dash Karp: at all about getting her out of here and away from all this. With Five thousand smackers, she could get far, far away from Lorenzo and Applewhite as well. Of course, that meant far away from me also, which I will admit did not seem | ||
+ | Dash Karp: very appelaing, but...was that *me* who found it unappealing? Really me? I blew smoke rings while I convinced myself that there was no way anyone would be able to get into my mind and make me do things I might not ordinarily do. () | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: ::she gave a frustrated flap of hand before stubbing out her own cigarette:: oh for the love of.....::she fixed those bright blue eyes on him, a frown on her face:: I cannot control anyone's thoughts or actions Mr. Karp. I can see | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: and hear spirits and energy and, on occasion, usually negative or high emotion occasions, I can manipulate the energy. ::she threw back the rest of the whiskey and rose to her feet, snaring his glass,. acutely aware of his gaze and | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: stature as she did so:: we need more to drink ::announced as she headed for the bar, the full gypsy skirts moving around her legs as she did so:: all I meant was a wonder if you perhaps found me not utterly awful is all ::she had no | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: real idea why she was even still talking:: again, it was forward and I apologize. I was being foolish. ::A shame, really, as he was certainly strong and handsome, if a bit bossy::/d | ||
+ | Dash Karp: So we had gone back to being completely formal and of course I would accede to her preferences in that regard. Still, I remained a bit confused about the energy and how she manipulated it. "Of course I don't find ypou awful!" For | ||
+ | Dash Karp: thr first time since having met Miss Exotica all of twenty-four hours ago, it seemed she might be....flirting? "But I barely know you, Miss Flynn," I would rather be calling her Kitten, "and the circumstances ain't exactly given me | ||
+ | Dash Karp: much time to contemplate much more than business." And I wasn't going to start leering at her now. Not at Miss Flynn. Not that I didn't want to. I could still recall seeing her naked flesh just the night before and the idea of | ||
+ | Dash Karp: seeing it again was more than appealing. I set my glass on the bar and tried to kleep my mind off her naked flesh. "Now trell me more about this spirit business. What really happens there?" () | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: ::she poured them both a healthy bit of whiskey and trued to stop blushing, not pleased that her ill ease caused him to go back to her formal name. She almost told him to at least call her Catarina or Cat or maybe...Kitten. But no | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: she was pretty sure she had been awkward enough for the both of them. :: I am changing out of this dress ::and she headed for the bedroom. She half closed the door so she could still talk to him:: perhaps Atlantic City will give us | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: more time then, hm? ::she chuckled, only partially teasing as she tossed the dress aside, picking up the nightgown provided for her and groaning as she slid it over her head. It was a fruitless search yielding no robe:: dammit | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: ::she reappeared in the bedroom doorway, trying to act casual while wearing a deep red nightgown that was sheer on the arms and had a v shaped panel of sheer that went from below her breasts to her navel. The deep neckline was | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: fetching but it was altogether more sensual than she would have tossed on:: what do you mean what happens there? They are no less real and relatable than any others who happen to be in a room with us/d | ||
+ | Dash Karp: It she who had gone formal. While she went to change, I drank my whiskey and made sure not to look through the parted door. "More time to ...get to know each other? Miss Flynn, I don't know much about how read these engeries and all | ||
+ | Dash Karp: that, but those energies should be telling you I ain't the sorta fella a girl like you should be mixing up with." I swallowed more whiskey and when she returned wearing that nightgown, I caught myself leering and was not proud of | ||
+ | Dash Karp: it. "He gave you that to wear? I bet he'll be knockiong on the door any minute now." I tossed back more whiskey and averted my eyes. "Look, what I was getting at, do they talk to you in your head or something? How do ...contact | ||
+ | Dash Karp: them? I'm just trying to undestand, is all." () | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: a girl like me? ::an amuised tone to her voice, walking over the take her drink as if she were dressed for church:: if Mr. Lorenzo were to show up I assure you, a girl like me would not give him the time of day. ::she took a sip:: | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: and yes, time to get to know one another. At the very least, we should have a deeper idea of what the other is capable of, no? ::she tipped a curious glance his way:: the energy does not warn me away, so tell me what makes you a | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: fella the energy should dislike? ::she curled in the corner of the couch, bare feet tucked up:: come, sit. ::she patted the leather:: as to the energy, it is a combination of things. Generally I am aware of energy the way you might | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: be aware of a scent as you enter a room or to how the light looks. In the case of simple energy there are no voices, that is only a spirit generally and then I hear them most often as a thought or idea, though if they are strong | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: enough or I am agitated, they can be heard orally or even seen on rare occasions/d | ||
+ | Dash Karp: "Seen and heard?" I shook my head at that. "No, no. Ghosts should be kept in their crypts and coffins if you ask me. I was about to accept her invitation to sit when I paused and checked myself to make sure I truly did want to | ||
+ | Dash Karp: sit. I suppose I would be a bit leery for a time. "I am a cad, Cat...err...Miss Flynn. A rogue. A philanderer of the worst kind. Some say I am amoral in my approach to relationships," and in many ways that was true. At least in the | ||
+ | Dash Karp: traditional sense. I did finally sit then, though not right up against her. "As far as my capabilities, I suppose you could ssay I am a Jack-of-all-Trades. Aviation is my first profession, but working with Applewhite has broadened | ||
+ | Dash Karp: the scope of my abilities and skills." It was so very hard not to eye her cleavage, or hope for a peek of leg, or something. But I managed quite well and sparingly sipped my whiskey. () | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: ::she gave him an amused smile:: some of them would prefer that as well, though many are simply lost or stuck here. They can be wildly helpful ::she shifted as he sat down, not moving toward him though | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: the urge was there. She drank some whiskey, listening:: ah, I see. Well, I will admit, I am not the sort to act like your lady friend Gladys. If she is the sort of woman you prefer, I do wish you well in that endeavor ::oh she | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: was no innocent angel but she was not trying to catch a man here or to settle one down.::/d | ||
+ | Dash Karp: "Gladys is putting on an act, but for who's benefit I'm not sure. She earned both a medical degree and a law degree and got bored of both. Her current interest is Africa and some story about an ape man she is convinced is true and | ||
+ | Dash Karp: wants me to help her find him." I set down my whickey and leaned back casually. "Look, she and I have...well lets just say we've been off and on, but she's not settle down and get serious type of gal. Thats why I don't mind her so | ||
+ | Dash Karp: much. She makes no demands other than the occasional night at the opera and her obsessioon with Africa." Now that I thought about it, I wondered if Gladys believed Lorenzo could somehow aid her in ape man search. That would actually | ||
+ | Dash Karp: be quite acceptable to me. TYhe other odd point about Gladys, which I was not going to mention, was how she encouraged my philandering. "So other than helping you locate ancient relics - which I still say we won't find in Atlantic | ||
+ | Dash Karp: City - how helpful can these spirits be?" I was trying to keep an open mind, if for no other reason than to keep Cat's spirits up. () | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: ::she nodded as he spoke about Gladys:: I do hope she is not out of her depth here with these people. ::If only because he seemed connected to the woman, she wished no ill to fall upon the socialite:: The energy and spirits do help | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: in finding objects but they are also inclined to protect me sometimes. They also will give me information I need from time to time, which can be very helpful. I cannot command them like | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: dogs thought, Respect is cruial/d | ||
+ | Dash Karp: "I see," and it seemed all rather nebulous to me. Even if we did locate this Missile of Eros where we were directed yto, I might still remain unconvinced. "How do they protect you? With warning? Or do they actively intercede?" I | ||
+ | Dash Karp: wanted to know what she believed. My believing was a long way off...if ever. "So, Miss Flynn, if I can get you out of this situation and guarnatee there will be no more contact with Lorenzo, will you return to your job as a dancer | ||
+ | Dash Karp: and fortune teller?" () | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: ::she was unsure how to answer the first part but then secpond half made her face fall, she looked crestfallen for a moment:: I...hm. I do not believe that Johnny had no hand in this, but I do not have anywhere | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: else to go either. My familiy, as it were, is scattered to the four winds. The work family well, it seems my trust there was misplaced. Arnav mentioned Lorenzo promising him I would do a seance for him, and no one outside of the | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: clients Johnnt throws my way would even know I could do them ::a hand raked through her raven hair:: I am going to have to figure that out I guess ::that fact made her both angry and sad, with a healthy dose of scared::/d | ||
− | + | OnlineHost: *** You are in "The IrishCrownAffair". *** | |
− | + | Dash Karp: I stood to remove my jacket because it was annoying me and looked down at her. "Miss Flynn, I am sure the fact that you do seances is no more a secret than the locations of the most exclusive speak easies in Manhattan. Such things | |
− | + | Dash Karp: do get around you know. And someone like Lorenzo would have a ready list of mediums and fortuine tellers and the like always at hand." I threw the jacket over the back of the couch and sat back down. "But if you don't want to go | |
− | + | Dash Karp: back to that, then we will need to come up with a plan." What was this we stuff? It really wasn't my responsibility, and yet I felt at least partially responsible for her circumstance at the moment. I was sure between Applewhite and | |
− | + | Dash Karp: myself, we could manage something for her. It would cost money, however, and there was no guarantee she was going to get her cash from Lorenzo. I suppose that would be because of me as well. () | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: ::she curled her legs in to sit Indian style on the couch, watching his shoulders and back as he stripped off his jacket and catching herself staring. She ducked her chin and blushed softly but glanced up at him through dark lashes | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: when he spoke of plans:: it is a part of me that I cherish, but not so much doing so for cash or for people like these. I am far too Romnichal to enjoy dancing to other people's tunes ::and it was true, the free spirit had dimmed | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: some over time in the big city, but it was there yet, yearning for a forested glen or a seaside beach but a steady flame inside of her. The flicker of that wild spirit was in blue eyes at the thought, one she dared not entertain in | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: far too long now, of escaping the concrete corridors and fouled air of the city with some grand plan:: why would you help me Dash? ::a soft question, not beligerant, not rude, more touched with an air of genuine open wonder::/d | |
− | + | Dash Karp: She was back to calling me 'Dash'? Well taht was nice, but I wasn't sure if I was gpoing to push it. My shoulders lifted in a shrug. "I guess I feel like I got you into this. Though Lorenzo was coming after you anyway whether I was | |
− | + | Dash Karp: there or not." I shrugged again and crossed my ankles. "Its just what we do...Applewhite and me." It was true, we often helped people out of jams that sort of got swept up in our business somehow. I suppose thats why I stuck it out | |
− | + | Dash Karp: with Applewhite. We came from vastly different worlds, but somehow our values were quite similar. "Well, you think bout it...Catarina. You are under no obligation, of course. In fact, I am not even going to try to coerce you into | |
− | + | Dash Karp: meeting Applewhite at all, or to sell you jewels," which I still had not seen yet. "Wjatever you decide, I am sure I can at least get you started in the direction you want to go." () | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: ::his response brought a steady thoughtful look from the gypsy, she had been told she could be unnerving like that sometimes, but she was rather certain that he was not an easy man to unnerve so she was not overly inclined to be coy | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: about the fact that she was considering it, or him:: wait here one moment ::and she slid from the couch gracefully, a decision reached. Bare feet carried her back into her room, the sound of rustling followed by her return. If she | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: was at all self conscious about the clingy nightdress it sure did not show in the graceful sway of lithe body or the lift of chin. She re-settled on the couch, close to him this time, legs crossing again as she looked around, | |
− | ''' | + | CatarinaFlynn: lowering her voice:: if you tell me this Applewhite will get this back to its rightful owners, I am incloined to believe you. If nothing else :she hesitated, owing debts was not something Romnichal enjoyed:: I want you to have it |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: as payment for your...work ::she blushed some, not at all easy to give this away, but she was getting the sense that she was just business to him and she did not want the karmic implications of him risking himself for her without | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: being compensated:: this is the brooch Miss Lorraine gave me. I have cash too, if you want that as well ::she tugged at her lower lip with teeth, not sure what she would do when they got out of this, but she had nothing else to | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: offer him that he might value. She pressed the palm sized brooch into his palm, hands soft and warm as she closed his hand around it, not easy given its size::/d | |
− | + | Dash Karp: "The Order of St. Patrick," I breathed. The truth was, I was pretty damn proud of myself that my hunch had paid off where Cat was concerned. It was some darn good detective work, if you asked me, and my ego felt two sizes too big | |
− | + | Dash Karp: in that moment. But then I shot her a near angry look. "Who said anything about paying me? I told you before, Applewhite would compensate you well. And yes," I nodded emphatically, "he will return to teh Castle of Dublin from where | |
− | + | Dash Karp: it disappeared." I was experienced enough about such things that just cursory inspection of the item had me believing it was genuine. Of course, Applewhite would have its authenticity officially verified by others. My grey eyes | |
− | + | Dash Karp: lifted to her again questioningly. "Were you aware there was a badge that was part of this collection, Catarina?" () | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: ::her stomach tightened, a moment of deep sentimentality filling her as she withdrew her hands. She ducked her head, letting dark hair fall forward as she wiped at her eyes:: you deserve to have something for the danger you are in | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: here Dash. ::she lifted her chin some, a trembling smile offered:: I;d offer a kiss but rumor has it you are an awful cad and a philandering rogue ::only partially teasing, as evidenced by the way her gaze dropped to his mouth for a | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: moment:: a badge? ::brows furrowed:: like a copper's badge? do you think Miss Lorraine had that too? I never saw one, but then again I never saw the brooch until she gave it to me either. ::with the General dead, she had no way of | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: knowing the state of his affairs much less where the rest of her own family might be::/d | |
− | + | Dash Karp: The whereabouts of teh diamond badge would currently remain a mystery, though I was sure Applewhite would keep me on the case for as long as it took. I closed my hand on thye diamond star as though I expected prying eyes to be | |
− | + | Dash Karp: about. "Yes, I am a cad and a philandering rogue, but I don't take advantage of women either. *You* will be paid for the jewelry as I firsty said. Or, if you choose, you may keep it. Either way, I am noty looking for payment from | |
− | + | Dash Karp: you, Catarina." I took her hand then and pressed the diamond star back into her own palm. "You hold on to this until we get to Applewhite. That's an order." I went made it an order? I certainly didn't expect that to go over well with | |
− | + | Dash Karp: the gypsy. () | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: ::her eyes widened some at his words, the brooch pressed back into her hands. An order? That was....unexpected. An impish glint rose in blue eyes then and she closed her fingers around the jewel even as she leaned forward, smooth | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: as water spilling over a riverstone, she brushed a not so quick kiss to his lips. Chaste in the lack of tongue but not so much in the warm linger:: yes sir ::a wink before she slid back and eyed him, uterly unsure of his response | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: to her bold move::/d | |
− | + | Dash Karp: That kiss, to my mind, held more than gratitude in its warmth. Of course, I have quite the ego so could have been investing more than there was. At least the order didn't seem to bother her too much. I smiled as she leaned back and | |
− | + | Dash Karp: my smile might have been less than innocent in my own right. I start to lean forward, but to what end I was unsure. The decision was forestalled by a knock at the door that change my expression to one of confusion. "You better put | |
− | + | Dash Karp: that thing away," I whispered and rose quickly to go answer the door. I paused with my hand on the knob, giving her a chance to get the diamond star put away. () | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: ::when he started to lean forward something low and warm tightened in her belly, an excited little flip flop that created a low growl when the door was suddenly being knocked on. She exhaled dramatically as he rose instead, a | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: clearing of throat as her tongue flicked over her lower lip. Wait, put it away? She was not exactly wearing anything with pockets so she rose swiftly, scooting into her room and jamming the brooch under her dress on the bed before | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: runing back to the couch, nodding to him. She ran hands through her dark hair, then realized that doing so accentuated the line of breasts in the nightgown. Shit. | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: No time to change so she just acted as if she owned the moment, an imperious tousel of hair and a smile in place as he opened the door::/d | |
− | + | Dash Karp: I opened the door and a tempest in the form of Gladys Rutherford burst in. "Dash!" she stopped short when she saw Cat. "Oh! I'm sorry! I didn't realize you had company, darling." She lookd tyo Cat and smiled ina friendly enough | |
− | + | Dash Karp: manner. "Its okay, dear. I don't mind if you stay," then Gladys had eyes only for me. "Dash, I just had to speak to you or I would simply bust!" She shook her head. "Oh its simply too queer and strange to explain, but, do you have | |
− | + | Dash Karp: any idea what Lorenzo wants the Missile of Eros for?" I was blinking and trying to catch up. Gladys could be a whirlwind at times and before I could say anything, she went on. "He believes it will grant him some power over women. He | |
− | + | Dash Karp: wants to use to obtain an immortality elixir from a white priestess in Africa." () | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: :: her gaze swung to the woman who burst into to room, a tightening of her jaw when the woman gave her 'permission' to stay in her own suite:: how...sweet of you. ::Cool tone and she rose to go and get more whiskey, and yes there | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: was an extra degree of sensuality in her stride. If Gladys wanted to burst in and distract him, well she was woman enough to be competitive about it:: what sort of power does he believe this item will give him that his money and | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: this weird lair do not? ::a sweet smile rose:: after all, that seems enough power to get you here and engaged in his business, hm? ::arms crossed::/d | |
− | + | Dash Karp: Part of me was amused, and part of me felt that Cat still had Gladys all wrong. Then again, Gladys didn't do herself any favors. She returned the smile to Cat in an attempt to be disarming, I was sure. "Gee kid, I know I come off | |
− | + | Dash Karp: strong sometimes, but I'm no threat to you. I promise. I just want to warn Dash here about what I learned." I was still silent, just letting it all play out. I gave a peek down the hallway before closing the door, then leaned | |
− | + | Dash Karp: against it while Gladys went on. "Well, Dash, since you've been no help at all in getting me to my ape man," she turned to Cat with an aside, "the ape man is a distant cousin, you see," and I rolled my eyes at that. "Anyway, you | |
− | + | Dash Karp: know I've been trying to hitch my wagon to someone who could help me find him so I met up with Lorenzo. He didn't seem too interested at first, but then of a sudden he comes at me like gangbusters all fired up about helping me out, | |
− | + | Dash Karp: but not before saying how he wanted to get this Missile of Eros. That's where you come in and...oh Dash I am so sorry I got you mixed up in this! I told him you and Applewhite were the best procurers in the business. I don't know how | |
− | + | Dash Karp: she got drug intio this," Gladys looked to Cat again. "I'm sorry, my dear, I truly am. You don't belong mixed up in this business." I was starting to have that 'swept up in events' feeling again. Seems Lorenzo wanted me included all | |
− | + | Dash Karp: along. Now I wondered if he had manipulated things soemhow. "Dash, you can't let Lorenzo have that relic. You just can't! Suppose the legend is true? Suppose a man like Lorenzo finds the elixir?" Now wasn't this just more | |
− | " | + | Dash Karp: interesting than ever? () |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: ::she blushed a bit when Gladys said that she was no threat but kept her chin up in that stubborn jut still. She listened to the blond and slid a glan ce to Dash as he closed the door and leaned against it:: so either way, Dash was | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: on the agenda for the man, yes? I never saw or heard of you before, but Lorenzo seemed to know more about me than I generally share. ::she took up her whiskey and crossed to the couch where she knelt, a hip leaning against the arm | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: closest to the pair, taking a swallow:: so tell me, what was with the room before? the cloaks, the engravings? Just how deep are you into this man for Gladys? ::she had some theories of her own but if the woman could shed light on | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: the place they were and what was going on well then Cat was going to push::/d | |
− | + | Dash Karp: Gladys went to the bar to help herself to a drink. "Since neither of you would offer..." as she poured herself a stiff one. "Dash can tell you, I am a bit eccentric in my lifestyle. The typical bored socialite who enjoys pushing the | |
− | + | Dash Karp: moral boundaries," she said with a flourish in her voice. "Mr. Lorenzo fancies himself an emperor in his own little hedonistic empire. He believes," and most women might blush at this point, but not Gladys, "sex is the key to power, | |
− | + | Dash Karp: because the energy of sex breaks down the veil between us and the spirit world." She looked directly to Cat then, "and *you* seem to be quite adept at breaking down that veil, Miss Flynn." Gladys made a show of fanning | |
− | + | Dash Karp: herself. "Lorenzo has had seances before with other mediums, but none ever set the air on fire like you did." I pursed my lips at all tis talk and was not surprised to hear Gladys speak in a way that lent credence to Cat's | |
− | + | Dash Karp: claims. "The rest of it, I don't really understand. I heard him say something about the red cloaks being worn by the catalysts, but that's all." () | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: ::she not only blushed, she went a dizzing shade of pink at the implication that she somehow knowingly raised that sort of energy:: I can promise you Gladys, it is not on purpose. I rather thought that the sort of energy you speak | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: was simpy more present here and that is why. ::blue eyes looked to Dash:: catalysts, if he is using the term properly are people who help to channel and shape a specific type of energy during a ritual. I think I get why Arnav and | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: Magdalena and Gladys would work, but...his inclusion of you....with all due respect Dash, is odd. ::she took a sip of her own drink and looked intently thoughtful:: a man feeling that sex is power is as old as time itself, question | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: becomes what lengths Lorenzo is willing to go to in order to get his hands on what he wants. ::she licked her lips, a worried look sent Dash's way:: if he has had in other mediums and tonight was significantly more powerful.... | |
− | + | CatarinaFlynn: that does not bode well for his letting me waltz back to my old life /d | |
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− | + | OnlineHost: *** You are in "The IrishCrownAffair". *** | |
+ | Dash Karp: "you and Lorenzo were wearing the red cloaks, Catarina, so it seems he fancies himself having some capabilities as well." Which had me wondering if such a thing could be used against him somehow. I leaned against the bar and noticed | ||
+ | Dash Karp: Gladys's eyes darting back and forth between Cat and I. Obviously, she was trying to assess what the relationship was. Perhaps it was strategic, or perhaps just simple female curiosity. With Gladys, it could be either...or both. "So | ||
+ | Dash Karp: Why would my inclusion be odd, Catarina?" () | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: ::she swirled her drink some, a nervous tell for sure, glancing down at it:: well, and sure as I mean no ill to you Gladys, but where yourself and the others seem to be very openly...physical. Dash...you seem far more controlled, | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: more reserved if you will. If Lorenzo chose participants based on who he thought would raise the most energy, that was an odd choice. ::something occurred to her then and her cheeks went a bit pink:: unless he assumes to more | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: between us and thought your presence would therefore add to the...rise ::and she took a deep drink from her glass. Hardly a shy flower, it was the presence of the socialite that spooked her a bit, she did not move in the same | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: circles as the blond certainly::/d | ||
+ | Dash Karp: I could only shrug at Cat's assessment and chose modesty for the moment. The poor kid had no idea about me! Lorenzo wasn't the only hedonist. But Gladys was a bit more open. "Oh, hunny," she grinned to Cat, "you have no idea! I can | ||
+ | Dash Karp: be very, very open physically," then Gladys turned to me her bedroom eyes. "Isn't that true, Dash? Darling? Loverboy?" She laughed then and I knew she was enjoying herself by laying my cards on the table for me. "You are not wrong, | ||
+ | Dash Karp: however, Catarina - may I call you Catarina? We're all friends here, right? But as I was saying about our adorbale knight in shining armor here, Dash can be very controlled. As well as controlling. I find it rather endearing, don't | ||
+ | Dash Karp: you?" I coughed and frowned and maybe smirked a bit. "Thats enough, Gladys. Now do you think Lorenzo is really going to let me take Cat to Atlantic unsupervised?" She didn't even take time to consider and just flopped a dismissive | ||
+ | Dash Karp: hand. "Oh I am sure of it, darling! He wants that stone cock..." she shut her mouth and covered a moment. "I'm so sorry! That was so crude of me!" She shook her head and frowned at herself. Well he wants it quite badly and believes | ||
+ | Dash Karp: you will get it for him. But maybe you should never find that thing Dash. The very idea of such a thing! Suppose its true, like his seance came true?" () | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: ::she looked over at the woman, though when she spoke up about Dash her blue gaze shifted to him with a small smirk:: intriguing, and so noted to be certain ::her smile flashed but as Gladys continued she furrowed her | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: brows some, drinking a long slow sip of whiskey:: no need to apologize ::for the cock reference. Catarina was a country girl, sure, but she was from a people and region where the pleasures of the flesh were in no way taboo:: she | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: has a good point Dash, if we do find it....I do not relish handing something like that over to a man like him ::she nibbled her lower lip softly::/d | ||
+ | Dash Karp: I sort of rolled my eyes at the women and their concern of an old phallic symbol from Greek mythology. "I'll worry about the great Missile." I went for the cigarette case at that point and lit one up. "What about you, Gladys? Can | ||
+ | Dash Karp: you get yourself away from here if you want?" She reached for my face and squeezed my cheeks while looking at Cat. "I told you! He's adorable!" Then she went on her tiptoes to kiss me quickly and affectionately on the lips while | ||
+ | Dash Karp: patting my chest. "Now, now, darling, you needn't worry about me. I come from such excellent stock, you know. Besides, I am hardly done with this game. Now if you will both excuse me, I am supposed to play...ummm...play cards with | ||
+ | Dash Karp: Magdelena and Arny," and there were those bedroom eyes again. "If you weren't busy being protective, Dash, I would invite you too," but she didn't even look back with those last words and just left the room. () | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: ::she frowned harder as Gladys kissed him, but averted her eyes and threw back the rest of her whiskey. The question of whather the woman could leave if she wanted was answered in such a way as to assure Cat that GLadys was a | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: willing participant here, not some victim. Safe to say she was sure no one had tied up or gagged Gladys, much less held them at gunpoint. She gave a soft huff that was less that social as the woman left, watching the door close | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: after her and pursing her lips:: she could help us get out of here if she wanted to. Sounds like she rather enjoys the place. ::Blue eyes met his directly, chin rising:: I do not trust her, not one wee bit/d | ||
+ | Dash Karp: I scratched an itch behind my ear. It was an itch I always got when trouble was brewing, and this time I believed the trouble was going to come from Cat concerning Gladys. "If I asked her, she would help...if she could." I shook my | ||
+ | Dash Karp: head and puffed my smoke. "You have Gladys all wrong, Catarina. You can bet your Tarot cards," though I wasn't sure she actually used Tarot cards, "she's staying here because there's a mystery she wants to solve. A regular sleuth | ||
+ | Dash Karp: she can be at times." And it was true...the woman socialite who could be a doctor or lawyer was also an amateur gumshoe. "But, there is no denying the woman enjoys sex and I get the feeling this place is full of it!" There may have | ||
+ | Dash Karp: been the hint of disdain in my voice, but it was less disdain for sex than it was the use of it for power. Rather, whatever nefarious power Lorenzo sought. () | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: perhaps I do have her wrong Dash, perhaps ::a trace of doubt in her voice as she eased from her knees, the extension of legs drawing her nightgown up her legs some. She looked thoughtful as her head rested back against the | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: couch:: I am more and more convinced that sex drives whatever is going on here, even if I have my doubts that some mystical penis will hand over some extra power to Lorenzo. ::she clinked the ice in her glass, a slow languid play of | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: blue eyes over his standing form:: Lorenzo does have some power, it sort of rolls off of him. Detecting it, I can deflect it, but if he was not trying....well. He could be a force to reckon with ::she frowned some, a silent wonder | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: if the man had the ability to awaken desires that had been fairly well dormant...until she met Dash. ::/d | ||
+ | Dash Karp: Well it was good to know even Cat had doubts about the Missile of Eros. "Sex drives the world, Catarina!" I was rather flippant with that statement and regretted it immediately. "I might have to come back for Gladys," I thought | ||
+ | Dash Karp: aloud and crushed my cigarette in the ashtray. "But first thing's first," I smiled. "We get to Atlantic City, go through the motions, and get you someplace safe before I return to Lorenzo with the bad news." I needed a drink and | ||
+ | Dash Karp: took up the glass Gladys left behind. I realized she had barely touched it and if I thought on it, I never once saw the woman enebriated. I was still more than skeptical about what Cat could actually do, but I knew I had to keep her | ||
+ | Dash Karp: feeling confident. The truth was, whether she had some power or not, I did believe she could be helpful...somehow. () | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: ::she smirked:: I must be waiting on the wrong side of the street then ::in reference to his comment about sex driving the world. She was, in fact, a highly tactile woman but she was also living in a city where she had to be so | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: very careful all the time that aside from Johnny and the occasional night's dalliance, she'd had no serious relationship yet. When he spoke of coming back to get Gladys her face fell slightly but she nodded:: of course, she is | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: important to you, clearly, it would be best to see her to safety ::Of course her real feeling was closer to letting the blond reap what she was sowing, but she was aware that her thoughts and feelings might be muddled on the matter. | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: She resolved to try to push aside whatever burgeoning deelings were growing, she did not want to hurt him nor be hurt, though the annoyance at whether he would have kissed her had Gladys not bumbled in might take longer to settle::/ | ||
+ | Dash Karp: Important might be a strong word. "She's a friend," though sometimes more. "She's never hurt anyone," to the best of my knowledge. I took a moment to study Cat hard over the rim of my glass. "I do detect that you do not approve of | ||
+ | Dash Karp: Miss Rutherford, Catarina. Are you sensing something about her? I've known her for years but...." I sipped my drink then set it down on the bar. My eyes never left Cat even as I lit another cigarette. In fact I gave her the sort of | ||
+ | Dash Karp: inspection I might give a relic I was recovering to discern its authenticity. "Do you know someything? Did the energy say something to you?" I was not trying to flippant that time. Simply curious. () | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: ::his steady intense gaze made her supremely aware of her own body, though whether he knew that or not was a mystery to her. She was not an easy woman to discomfit, and yet she squirmed softly, tucking her legs back up to extend | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: beside her lithe form, the gown clinging to her breasts and hips. She tossed her long hair back and tried for casual:: Part of me would love to tell you that I sense something nefarious from her Dash, but I do not get a clear read | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: of anything of that sort. I do get the sense she is an opportunist, but that in itself is not a bad thing. ::she slid a glance to him, his gaze capturing her own and holding it, words trailing off as she stared::/d | ||
+ | Dash Karp: Of course I stared back unflinchingly. Not that it was a contest, but I did enjoy staring her. Even though I was focused on her eyes and that brilliance behind them, in the periphery I took in her form; her lines. I could have | ||
+ | Dash Karp: confirmed for her that Gladys was indeed an opportunist, as was I. Instead, I remained silent a bit longer and finally let my gaze drift from her eyes and down her chest and then followed the line of her leg. Those were dancers legs | ||
+ | Dash Karp: of teh sort that few burlesque dancers had. Most of them were just tits and ass perched atop a pair of decent stems. They moved a bit this way and that, shaking this and gyrating that and so long as the men in the audience had some | ||
+ | Dash Karp: flesh to view, they were happy. I could see, however, taht Cat's body was a truly unified body. "So why do you think I am hardly affected by all this sexual energy here?" Or did I just hide it better? () | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: ::she heard his question, and was very aware of the play of his gaze over her body. Indeed, she had none of the va va voom of burlesque, her body was far more sleek and slender, though her breasts and hips were in no way boyish. | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: She considered how to answer that for a long moment, a nervous flip flop of belly before she opted to simply say the first thing that occurred to her, which was sometimes a bad move but it usually led to the truest words:: I think | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: you triage well Dash. If not for the danger factor, I think you would be more effected by it, or, rather, you would allow yourself to be drawn more into it. ::she took a sip of her drink:: I believe you when you say you are a cad, | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: but I get the very deep sense that you are a man who chooses his partners and pleasures with a degree of self direction, that the sense here of it being expected throws you off and raises your defenses, almost as though you will not | ||
+ | CatarinaFlynn: indulge on principal, not dancing to another man's tune. /d | ||
+ | Dash Karp: Once again I was staring, but this time I am sure I looked like a deer in headlights. She knew me all of two days and she read me perfectly. How did she do that? Whether or not my resistance was my own innate will or not, she was | ||
+ | Dash Karp: dead on that I didn't like to dance to another man's tune. I might work with Applewhite, but anything I did for him was because I wanted to. Even going to Atlantic City was less for Lorenzo and more for my own reasons. I suppose | ||
+ | Dash Karp: those reasons were about disproving certain things. First, disprove that ancient relics would be found in a night club. Second, if I do find it, disprove that it had any power. Lastly, disprove that Lorenzo had any mystical power at | ||
+ | Dash Karp: all beyond a fat wallet. "I wonder if he will give me my gun back before we leave." I liked that gun. I had it a long time. Not that I didn't have others, but that was Army issued. "Its late, Catarina. We should get to bed." () |