vetting the new arrival
Dark evil eyes surveyed the street from behind a pair of dark glasses, all these people going about their happy little lives, totally unaware of the menace that glared at them from the shadows. As Karl walked slowly from the alleyway his presence stifling the atmosphere, nearby people’s voices were sounding a lot more miserable than before, the flowers in a florists window seemed to curl like they were dying as he quietly passed, his movements so slow and fluid it were as if he was floating down the street rather than walking.
As he passed an open shop doorway the demon could hear some sort of commotion inside, some people were having an argument. Usually he would not have hesitated in having a look to see weather he could make the situation worse, but for now he would have to pass on that one, after all someone was bound to find the bodies down the alleyway he had vacated only a few minutes ago. He had spotted the family in a store about an hour ago, they seemed so happy with things, laughing and joking around, it had sickened him enough to break his concentration from his intended victim.
Turning his attention from an old man standing outside mumbling to himself, the demon eyed up his new prey, a relatively young couple with two children, one toddler and a baby. They looked so happy as they wandered through the aisles of the store, he was soon to change that… moving in closer he didn’t bother concentrating on any of them to begin with, the evil of his presence beginning to eat away at the happy mood.. no need to rush things.
After only a few minutes the baby began to cry, music to his ears, things were beginning to work out just nicely. Try as the parents did they could not quieten the child, and the toddler began to cry too, following the group from a workable distance Bolvaark began to concentrate on the toddler, as the Childs mind began to drive itself to the edge of misery her crying became louder, forcing the family to leave the store. As they entered the street the child began to hallucinate farther, breaking free of her mothers grip and running off into the street, the mother crying out as she followed her child down a nearby alley.
It had not taken long for the rest of the family to follow… and the rest, well; lets say it got a little nasty. As The demon walked away from the scene he could hear a woman’s scream from behind him a way off down the road, someone had found the slaughter then… as attention was turned to the alleyway a sharp ringing sound came to his ears, a beacon to let him know he was wanted in his office.
Looking quickly around to see that no one was looking the demon shimmered out, the street fading into an office, the wooden walls clear of any pictures or paintings as the emotionless demon had no need for anything to distract his attention or give him comfort. In the centre of the office there was a plain desk, one large leather executive chair (his own) and two other smaller chairs set to the other side of the desk. On the desk his computer was still turned on, though he had no real liking for the machine and on the wall there was a map of the city, behind which lay a large screen.
The office was empty, which was unusual as his orders were to send anyone in if they were there to see him, but moving round the desk quickly it became clear as to why there was no one, a message on his computer screen letting him know that someone he had been monitoring was being seen to in another office. Taking a second to think it over in his head Karl shimmered once more rather than walking to the downstairs offices, straightening his tie outside the room before entering slowly through the door. The office was much smaller than his own and a lot less tidy, papers on the desk showed that this was not an executive office; the chairs whilst comfortable were not as large or impressive as the ones in his office, sitting on one side of the desk was one of their workers, a middle aged human male whose thin face made him look a little rat like, the glasses he wore doing nothing for him whatsoever.
“Ah, Mr Voba” the man stood quickly as Karl entered the room, a hint of fear evident in his voice as he addressed the demon for it would not be the first time that Karl had unleashed his anger on an employee that had not shown him the respect he demanded. “this is a Mr Grant, he has com…” his words were cut short “I know who he is and what he is here for” the demon butted in quickly as he walked round the desk and sat down in the mans chair “you can leave now” his harsh emotionless tone coupled with a dismissive hand gesture, watching the an leave the room before turning his gaze to ‘Mr Grant’ in the chair opposite
“So..” he spoke in his slow purposeful voice “Mr Grant… what brings you to our organisation… in your own words” the demon knew exactly why this young man was here, he was after power, he was after money and he was after influence. And those he would be able to find in abundance if he had the potential for it, the first thing however was to see what he had to say about his motives, to see if he was truthful or secretive, foolish or guarded… or even somewhere in between. So this was his one opportunity to impress, if he took it and took it well then there was definitely a future here for him. He certainly had to be better than some of the snivelling morons that grovelled the hallways and offices of the corporation… like th man who had just left the room for example.
New York, New York So good they named it twice! Or so the song said! *Aye right!* Personally George thought there might have been another reason. Like the fact that there really were two New York’s. Firstly there was the busy bustling city the tourists raved over. He had to admit it was impressive. Hell he’d even permitted himself a few days just to be overwhelmed by it. The sights and the sounds! The women! All the excitement that money could buy. It was everything he had hoped for and more but it still wasn’t enough to make him stay. Not with the opportunities this new found wealth could have opened up for him back in Scotland. No it wasn’t the glitzy, flashy New York that had made him change his plans and settle in. It was the secret city the darker hidden one that most people never even knew existed that had lured him in with its promise of danger and power beyond even Georges wildest dreams
Demons! Vampires! Even if you told people about it they’d never believe you. It was the kind of crap Michael was always reading about in those damned books of his, not something you actually thought you were going to come face to face with. But there was no denying that that was exactly what had happened at Harmony Market. The veil of logic he had always taken to be real had been drawn aside and he had been forced to look at what lay beyond. George had to admit that it had scared the shit out of him at the time. And not just for the obvious reasons.
Sure, it was pretty damned terrifying talking to someone who had been technically dead for a couple of hundred years or negotiating with a being who looked as if their face had just been put through a blender but he had soon got used to that. Or at least as used to it as a human ever could. No what had shaken him to the core were the possibilities this strange world offered and the fact that he had been blind to them all his life.
Ever since he had been a kid George had known where he was going. Crime might not be a career your advisor recommended in school but it had always suited him down to the ground. Besides he was good at it, possessing a cunning and a ruthlessness that had soon brought him to the attention of his various bosses. He had been on his way up and everyone back home had known it. What they hadn’t realised was the full extent of his ambition. There were limits, moral, social, call them what you will, that even criminals were loathe to cross! Bonds of friendship and family that could be considered sacred! Except that George was a non believer.
Where he was concerned things had always been very clear. There were those who could help you move forward and those who got left behind on the way. And if you were very lucky, sometimes by stepping on those you cast off you could get where you wanted to be even faster. In the end he supposed Michael had come through for him on that score. More than once!. Even now he supposed he was counting on his brother to provide him with the necessary credentials to keep him alive during the next few hours. Well that would only be fair, wouldn’t it? After all he’d had to put up with the sanctimonious little sod for years.
But still………..the demons………! It had been a revelation to say the least. Like a painter confined to black and white who had suddenly discovered colour. Opportunities he had never imagined. A whole real underworld that made the one he had grown up in look like kindergarten. He had to be a part of it! No matter what the cost. Though this time he knew he was actually laying his life on the line for a chance at getting his foot in this particular door !
It wasn’t something he actually liked doing but sometimes there was no getting round it. Occasionally there was no one else to take the fall. Then, like now, you just had to step up and say yes this is my work! So do you like it or not? And just hope that they person sitting at the desk approved. Because lets face it, prayers in theses circumstances weren’t going to cut it. This was all about image and confidence and George had staked everything on the fact that he had both.
Checking his reflection in the next shop window he came too George had to admit that the money he had spent on the suit had paid off. The Glasgow thug had been expertly replaced by a fairly credible young executive, someone that the business community might just take seriously. And George had no illusions about A corps. If you couldn’t blend in to the corporate background they had so carefully established then there was no point in even crossing their threshold. Which was something he had every intention of doing!
It was dangerous! No, it was deadly. But in the long run it was worth the risk. Provided he survived the interview. If he even had one that was! This was why he had come to their offices so soon. He had such a short window of opportunity. So few days in which his name might actually mean something! He had telephoned ahead of course. Even he wasn’t willing to take the risk of just turning up on their doorstep with nothing but a nice suit and a hopeful expression. “George Grant” the secretary had repeated her voice expertly indifferent “Hold on please…. Ah yes the young man who made a rather interesting deal at Harmony Market…….. Why don’t you drop by later and we’ll see what we can do for you.”
It wasn’t much, not even a definite promise that they would even see him but it was enough to have him making his way towards the impressive building that housed their corporation. He had to admit that it looked every inch the respectable business it was reputed to be. The façade never dropped for an instant. At least not in the public areas. What went on behind the closed doors he could only guess at and even then he was sure that his imagination fell far short of the reality. Which when all was said and done was probably just as well otherwise he might have lost his nerve.
As it was though he managed to look calm and collected as he approached the reception desk and said “Hi I’m George Grant I was told to call in. I believe you may have an interview set up for me?” His Scottish accent sounded harsh and out of place but at least his voice was steady despite the knotted feeling in his stomach. Fear or excitement? He wasn’t quite sure. He just knew it made him feel alive , more alive than the stupid blind people who passed by this place and never realised what it hid.
” Grant you say?” The moment of truth! In or out? George’s mouth went dry though he hid his trepidation well. “Yes. Mr Voba will see you now. Room 125 Fifth floor.” His moment of victory was short lived , cut off by something in the woman’s voice and eyes. A flicker of fear, almost of sympathy as she went on “Here You’ll need this.” A badge, simple enough, but handed over as if it was a weapon, or a shield. George took it gratefully pinning it to his jacket pocket, a concrete symbol of his entry into the secret world even if only for a moment. Sometimes though a moment was all you needed if you knew how to work it. And George intended to work this one for all he was worth.
The elevator was as silent and efficient as everything else in the building delivering him safely to his destination, a medium sized office, nothing special, just like the nervous man who greeted him, but that was no more than he had expected .After all you didn’t just waltz up out of nowhere and expect to be seen by the big boss now did you? Already getting any kind of an interview was a feat in it self and George had never been afraid of starting at the bottom Just as long as he knew there was a way to work his self up.
“Mr Voba?” he asked politely,watching in surprise as the blood drained from the other mans face.* Ok, now that is just weird* he thought to himself *Maybe even a little unsettling I have to admit!*“Nnnooo” The fear was so obvious it was almost funny. George could feel the old familiar smile installing itself on his features as the executive crumbled into panic in front of him. “Mr Voba is coming here? Oh God! I mean…… Please take a seat. Im sure he’ll be down in a moment” The guy was actually trembling, his eyes flickering around the office like a kid looking for the bogey man. George supposed he should be worried as well after all he had seen some of the things that had lumbered their way round Harmony Market and they were definitely not to be tangled with but for the moment all he felt was contempt and amusement.* If this is what they hire around here I’m quids in* he told himself smugly. *Though I have to admit I had expected better.*
Then the door was pushed open and George got a taste of who or maybe what it was that the man feared and he knew that he was lost. He should never have come. The whole idea was stupid, futile………*Woah! What the **** was that all about?* For a moment he had been ready to just give up, leave , let this newcomer wipe him out like a bug even, but now the feeling had passed or at least been mitigated enough to let him function again.
“Ah, Mr Voba” The little rat like man was at least able to get up and walk towards the other guy without wetting himself, something George hadn’t honestly thought him capable of. “this is a Mr Grant, he has com…”“ “I know who he is and what he is here for” Harsh Dismissive To the point. There was no question as to who held the power here and George was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. “you can leave now” the imposing man told the frightened executive who hurried out with visible relief leaving George alone to face his fate. The eyes that turned towards him were deadly, that much was obvious As was the fact that George wasn’t up to the task *Stop it That’s not me that’s him, some ****ing power or something. Get a grip you can do this!*“So Mr Grant…” The voice rolled over him like a compressor, deep and deliberate each syllable reminding him of his own inadequacy. "what brings you to our organisation… in your own words.
*Don’t freeze, don’t choke , don’t look away.*“ I was at Harmony Market” he said simply, pleased and a little surprised at how calm he actually sounded.”But then you already know that or you wouldn’t even have let me past the door. Let’s just say the experience opened my eyes.” It was easier now that he had actually started. George could feel his confidence coming back, his faith in his own potential returning with each breath. It was as vital to his survival at that point as oxygen and he well knew it. This man wouldn’t have time for the weak or patience with the cocky. But he would perhaps have some glimmer of interest for someone who knew they were worth something and was ready to take an opportunity when it presented itself to them.
”I’ve always known this world was divided into two categories." he went on. “Victims and predators! The weak and the strong. Just like I’ve always known which side I intended to be on. Harmony showed me there’s a whole other level to things that I hadn’t even suspected existed. So I had a choice to make. I could turn my back and pretend it never happened. Take my money and go back to my safe, normal existence. Or I could come here and ask to be a part of it. Offer my services such as they are for a chance to learn. And I learn fast, believe me.
The wry smile was back now, not brazen, just honest as were his words. So that’s why I’m here. Because I want more than what they’ve got he gestured towards the busy street below and the passers-by. “And I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get it.”Edited by: HankMcCoy13 at: 5/29/06 3:44 pm
Re: vetting the new arrival“ I was at Harmony Market”The calm voice held back the young man’s fear well enough for any normal person to miss it, but to Karl his fear was intoxicating, the demon seeming to get a sick sense of satisfaction from the terror his mere presence caused. But the satisfaction was only ever short lived and sure enough it passed, his cold features ensuring it remained unnoticeable to the world. .”But then you already know that or you wouldn’t even have let me past the door. Let’s just say the experience opened my eyes.”
Ahhh, the market… such a pathetic excuse for a business he thought silently, it had never really been one of his fondest places as it were to open, too exposed for all to see the world that he was from and that they tried to keep under wraps from these stupid humans. It had not just been this young man who had noticed the market before and come crawling to A corp. in search of employment or power, most of them barely made it past the secretary and those that did were inevitably useless to the corporation. ”I’ve always known this world was divided into two categories. Victims and predators! The weak and the strong. Just like I’ve always known which side I intended to be on. Harmony showed me there’s a whole other level to things that I hadn’t even suspected existed. So I had a choice to make. I could turn my back and pretend it never happened. Take my money and go back to my safe, normal existence. Or I could come here and ask to be a part of it. Offer my services such as they are for a chance to learn. And I learn fast, believe me.
But this young man had caught the demons eye as he watched over the marketplace on that day, observing from afar the ‘rescue’ that had taken place without being bothered to intervene… it was none of his business and unknown to the intruders had in fact assisted him in a deal of his own. But that was not important now, now there was George sitting opposite him, clearly seeking employment and power. So that’s why I’m here. Because I want more than what they’ve got And I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get it.” Silently the demon allowed him to finish talking, his hands locked in front of him, his arms leaning on the desk in front of him.
For a second the demon waited before clearing his throat and leaning backwards, his menacing gaze not averting from the man in front of him, the dark emotionless pits of nothingness seeking out every tiny feeling that passed through this young man’s mind. Fear was not always a good thing though and the man clearly knew this, only hiding fear from a creature that lived for causing fear and misery and nothing else was a very hard thing indeed, but with the fear came the inevitable respect that he was attempting to show Karl by not stuttering or mincing his words.
“What you saw in that marketplace are but glimpses of the world that lies behind…” he paused, moving to open a drawer in the desk that did not exist, remembering as he did so that this was not his office and that there were no files available to hand. Everything was computers nowadays he thought pressing a button on a small electrical device on the desk “Bring me the files off my desk… quickly” his slow harsh voice directed towards the device, there was no way he was going to use a computer, papers were much better and one could look more intimidating whilst glancing over a page.
“Mr Grant” he directed his gaze back to the young man opposite “you represent a rather interesting side to humanity that is rarely seen” Karl jumped straight into the reason this interview was happening in the first place, his words disturbed by the door opening, the executive whose office they were occupying scurrying in and offering a thick brown file done up with a piece of string on one side, wrapped around a small metal pin holding it shut. With a slow purposeful movement Karl reached out and took the file as the man offered it gingerly before leaving in a hurried manner.
“You have been watched since your arrival in this country and registration as a seller at the market” he continued, slowly undoing the string and opening the file on the desk in front of him displaying a few surveillance photo’s of George “but it is your performance at Harmony that attracted my attention… there are very few humans with the ability to betray their own blood to enrich their own lives or further their career…” he paused to flick a couple of pages “and to sell his soul to demons” he added with a slight grin “to me that shows potential”
this young man did indeed show potential to go further, and this was possibly the only reason that he was not a corpse right now… his ability to detach himself from the blood ties that bonded the human family together was a rare thing indeed, coupled with his obvious desire for power and the respect he had so far shown the Demon made for a complete package. But how to approach this situation, the young man had no education beyond high scool and therefore would be useless in an office such as this one
Again he flicked through the file, this time lifting it off the desk and taking a proper look at some of the pages “you have no criminal record so to speak” he slowly stated “a few odd scuffles here and there…” closing the file in a dismissive manner he looked upwards at the man in front of him “this does not interest me that much, your dealings with those demons in the market are more of my interest, the lack of argument before they handed over payment and your arrangement of the whole deal is what drew my attention your way”
Another pause as he seemingly thought over the possibilities whilst actually searching the man for obvious signs of weakness that could prove his downfall in this organisation… there was no point in bringing in someone who would be trodden on after a few days. “I see you as a deal maker… someone who ensures things go his way no matter what is necessary to achieve this… what are your opinions on this” the question carefully calculated for the answer to say a lot about his character and suitability for a job with the corporation. The demon’s power was subdued by the badge the young man wore, though it was still in effect enough to disorientate… if he could manage to piece together a decent enough speech then George clearly had the ability to hold up under pressure.
And that was what was needed in this business for when dealing with demons and creatures beyond most humans comprehension it was imperative that you did not become over awed and forced into deals that you were not entirely happy with or pushed around until you settled on a deal that did not give you a full return on your goods. No, you had to stand tall and not allow them to push you around, you had to thrash out the best deal for yourself possible and ensure you had the backup to any threats you may have to make to ensure the deal, or the muscle to hold off anything a dissatisfied customer may send your way when they realise that you have the better deal.
Re: vetting the new arrival
If only the guy would say something then George thought maybe he could breathe again. Though to be honest he didn’t know what was worse. Being stared at in silence or having a death sentence passed on him. Because he had no illusions that this man wouldn’t do just that if he had failed to impress. And he was pretty sure he had failed big time. So when the answer finally came it was all he could do not to cringe. “What you saw in that marketplace are but glimpses of the world that lies behind…” He was still alive. That already should have felt like a triumph. Though maybe they were only toying with him, letting him see the mess he had voluntarily stepped in before wiping him out. Maybe even now the message was being sent .Minor irritation in room 125. Please remove!
“Mr Grant” Oh god he was so dead! No one ever called him Mr Grant. Not even the Glasgow gang lords when they were pleased with his work! But this man… this being…. was so far above them that there was no comparison * Ok I knew what I was risking when I came through the door* George reminded himself. *All or nothing!. But still!. Shit! I didn’t really believe it would be nothing!* It was strange. Normally tight corners like this inspired him but this time he was coming up empty. And that was not good on so many levels. Now the deadly gaze was focusing on him again , his mouth going dry as he waited for his fate to be sealed. “you represent a rather interesting side to humanity that is rarely seen”
Was this a lifeline? Under normal circumstances George would have exulted in the opportunity that had presented itself. Here though, with the demon’s powers threatening his senses he merely saw it as a slender chance, his one small hope of staying alive. Now when the A corps employee entered the room, the same pitiful minion as before, his fear even more apparent, George had to actually stop himself from feeling sympathy. After all, would he have held up under such daily pressure ? *F*** it all! I’d have too ! Otherwise Id end up like him And I think I might actually rather die than do that!*.Brave words sure enough but were they true? That was something he was going to put to the test pretty soon, George realised as he looked at his potential employer and waited for his decision.
“You have been watched since your arrival in this country and registration as a seller at the market,but it is your performance at Harmony that attracted my attention…, Mr Voba said, his clearly inhuman eyes locked onto George’s all to mortal ones.*Ok ! Calm down This is your trump card after all.*Michael. How crazy was that ? Hanging his whole future on a deal concerning his more than annoying younger brother. Still….! When it had come to taking the fall Michael had never yet let him down. Why should now be any different?
” there are very few humans with the ability to betray their own blood to enrich their own lives or further their career” Sooo…. A hint of approval! George felt the pressure ease a little, giving him some hope for the future. Though hope under the present circumstances was a concept difficult to imagine. The dark man sitting at the desk turned the pages too slowly for George’s comfort “and to sell his soul to demons”
George couldn’t help but draw a breath at the easy recognition of what he had done.Ok! Deep down inside he had known that was what the contract had said . Lets face it the whole ‘we don’t care where he is physically ‘ and the ‘sign the contract in blood’ had been a dead giveaway but all the same this was stark confirmation of the deed Still…This meant that souls…. ,the spiritual essence that until now had been a subject of disbelief as far as George was concerned, were as real as any physical attribute. And potentially as valuable.*OK so Michael is as f*****d as I thought* George realised *But I still have something to negotiate. And if I have to bring it to the table then I will*
It wasn’t necessarily much but it was something. An ante he hadn’t been totally sure he possessed until now. However, he couldn’t honestly say that he hadn’t been thinking about it in the days that had followed the negotiations in Harmony Market! His soul! He had to presume that he had one if Michael did, thought he doubted somehow that they were the same. But in the end did that really matter?
After all he had always been taught that if you had one it was you who had to screw up to lose it. Yet he had happily sold his brother’s without a bye your leave and no lightening bolt of divine judgement had struck him dead on the spot! Which meant as far as he was concerned that all bets were off! And so much the better!. Though maybe he didn’t have to show his hand just yet! For there was a smile on the other mans face though it was as dead and full of menace as his eyes.
“to me that shows potential”To George it just showed good sense though he was willing to believe that was a quality hard to find nowadays. The ability to know what you wanted and to go for it no matter what the cost! “you have no criminal record so to speak” Voba continued his voice dripping as slow and dark as treacle though much less sweet. …““a few odd scuffles here and there..this does not interest me that much,”
George was taken aback. He had worked hard to keep his record sheet as clean as it was using others to shield him when the heat was on, covering his tracks meticulously, so as to stay out of prison. Maybe though such an attitude was taken for granted at this company, or maybe these people were so influential that such considerations no longer had to be taken into account. In any case it wasn’t good for him and George braced himself for the worse as the dark man spoke again “your dealings with those demons in the market are more of my interest, the lack of argument before they handed over payment and your arrangement of the whole deal is what drew my attention your way”
Why? Was he really so different from the rest of the world. Ok he wasn’t going to argue if it would save his life but he genuinely didn’t understand. Sure he knew that there were plenty of sentimental fools out there who would have refused to do what he had done but he couldn’t be the only reasonable man on the planet, could he? Or maybe he was just one of the lucky few who had an opportunity like this come their way and seized upon it. In any case he wasn’t going to make a fuss about it. Not with his life and future on the line.
*Bugger!* The silence was settling in again and he wasn’t at all sure that he should be the one to break it. Though he had to admit that pleading for his life was looking like a better option with each passing second! Except that he never begged! Hell not even Michael begged though sometimes in George’s opinion he should have. Beat him, smash him, knock him down and he still spat in your face! Now, with his back to the wall, George had to admit that maybe they were alike in some ways. It was a trait in his brother that irritated the hell out of him but now it allowed him to maintain some form of dignity as his fate was decided.
“I see you as a deal maker… someone who ensures things go his way no matter what is necessary to achieve this… Ok! He could live with that .In fact he couldn’t argue with it either. He had the brains to make a deal More than that he had the cunning to make deals he knew he could see through. And the muscle to back them up! In his own world that was! He just wasn’t sure he had all the knowledge and power necessary to play in this league. Which was what this man seemed to be asking of him.
"what are your opinions on this ?"The question hung in the air between them as deadly and invisible as syntox gas. George breathed it in, knowing it would alter him for ever even if he survived. Which wasn’t something he expected to do he had to admit. Hopelessness and defeat was all around him. There was nothing he could do, nothing he could say to convince this being that he was worthy of life. It should have sent him to his knees but it didn’t. Instead it was strangely liberating, going beyond the adrenaline rush of excitement to a calm that was somehow more intoxicating and infinitely more dangerous. With nothing more to lose there was everything to gain. All you had to do was bluff.
“Sure”he said realising that each word could be his last, his body crying out for survival but his mind already resigned to extinction. Knowing that only this reply could perhaps save him! “I know what needs to be done and I go for it. And like I said I have a pretty good idea of what’s needed to clinch this deal. But” he looked the executive straight in the eye though it cost him every ounce of strength he possessed to do it”there are more opportunities out there. Things you maybe haven’t considered because they look too small from where you’re standing but which have the potential to grow And that’s where I come in.
"I’m small." He admitted it freely, acknowledging his all too obvious weakness but also he hoped showing his potential.”So I can still see the cracks in the wall.. And I can exploit them. If you give me the means to do it. Maybe I can break into places you didn’t even know about”. And that was after all his ace in the hole. A hitherto unexplored territory he could break open for them. Scotland. The UK.Hell Europe if they wanted it. Why not? It was all there waiting to be taken and he had his foot in the door! If he could just make them see that. “I can make the deals”.he said steadily “Whenever and wherever you like. Though I’ll need power to carry them off! Power you can provide. Which is after all why I’m here! And we both know that “Edited by: HankMcCoy13 at: 5/29/06 3:46 pm
Re: vetting the new arrival“Sure I know what needs to be done and I go for it. And like I said I have a pretty good idea of what’s needed to clinch this deal. But” there was always a but, and why was it that all humans tended to repeat what was just said… I mean was what he had just said about being a deal maker and seeing it through not good enough for this human? A twinge of hatred hid itself well on his emotionless face as Karl listened to the young man, interested at George seeing this as a ‘deal’
”there are more opportunities out there. Things you maybe haven’t considered because they look too small from where you’re standing but which have the potential to grow And that’s where I come in. the man was so presumptive at A Corp not considering every possibility out there, from the other side of the desk Karl slowly flicked through the folder his eye’s rarely moving from the man in front of him. The fear that was creeping from George could almost be tasted in the room around them and the demon liked the effect he had upon weaker creatures, though this man seemed to gain a thrill from it and this was clear in his voice as he spoke.
It was strange how people reacted so differently to fear, some ran and hid, some begged for their life… and there were the one’s who enjoyed it and savoured every minute of situations like this. This man for example was way out of his depth in something that he was only just beginning to understand but through all this he was still managing to make an attempt at a deal with the demon, and after all was that not what Karl had just said and the man had repeated.
“I can make the deals. Whenever and wherever you like. Though I’ll need power to carry them off! Power you can provide. Which is after all why I’m here! And we both know that “ a small evil smile crept over Karl’s emotionless face as the man finished his selling point though it disappeared slowly as he once more utilised a seemingly endless silence that in truth lasted but a few seconds. He broke the silence with his slow torturous voice “you assume we have not seen these opportunity’s” the word seen was drawn out, the demon did that a lot while speaking, certain words would be stretched as if he were emphasising something “the foreign market is something that has been looked into, though not a priority to Cole…”
the man probably didn’t know who Cole was still it did not need explaining here and was not something that the demon saw as important at the moment “I however have an interest in exploiting every opportunity available since my return to the company… and admittedly some things were… overlooked” it was true, Cole had not shown much of an interest in the market abroad, and although Karl trusted his former student’s judgement this was not something that he felt should be left available for others to exploit for themselves.
“but before we go any farther there are a few things that need to be made clear” his menacingly slow and droning voice continued to pour towards the man who was holding up well under the pressure he was inevitably feeling from the demon’s powers “you are not the first to come to this organisation in search of power and glory.. and you will not be the last. Most are incapable fools who are in over their heads and fail miserably…” there was a lengthy pause as he stood and walked over to the window, glancing out at the street below with his back turned to George “A Corp does not tolerate failure… I do not tolerate failure”
there was nothing much of interest out of the window and from this level in the building the view was not as extensive as the offices on the higher floors, he turned sharply back and walked to the desk before sitting down again “for this reason power has to be earned, you must prove to me that you are indeed worthy of my time and effort” his mind already knew what he was going to do with this man… a task was necessary to prove his worth
“There’s a young psychic the company has taken an interest in… only problem is that the child is currently in the possession of some rather… unsavoury creatures, I was originally going to send one of our more experienced *negotiators* but this is now yours” it was irritating that he was not in his own office even more now as the files about this case were not readily available in this office. “Your job is simple, organise a meeting…” he scribbled a number on a piece of paper from the desk and pushed it over towards the young man “…and retrieve the psychic”
Karl knew that the task he had just set would not be as easy as most people would think… the demons that held the psychic were not good friends of A corp. and most likely would drive a hard bargain, or just kill him as soon as a meeting was set up.
Re: vetting the new arrival
Cole! George knew who that was all right The guy who had met them at the airport when they had brought Michael in. The one who had given him his first insight into the power to be had here at A corps. Soooooo maybe he was even more important than George had realised. Which could be a good thing or a bad one as far as he was concerned. *Because I’m pretty sure I didn’t exactly shine last time we met.*.George reminded himself. *Though in the end I did come away with the cash… which is more than can be said for the rest of the guys at the market.*
In any case there was something else to be noted here other than Coles apparent importance in the company. Exploitable, maybe! Useful, certainly! The faintest hint of……not disagreement as such but….divergence of policy, yes that was it, between Cole and the being now addressing him over the matter of foreign opportunities. Some things had been overlooked had they? Well maybe he could help put that right.
He didn’t have time to dwell on the subject though for the executive was talking again and even if his words were the ones George had expected to hear since the moment he walked through the door that didn’t make them any easier listening. “but before we go any farther there are a few things that need to be made clear” George braced himself for what was to come, feeling his courage eroded by the relentless voice but refusing to buckle all the same. “you are not the first to come to this organisation in search of power and glory.. and you will not be the last. Most are incapable fools who are in over their heads and fail miserably…” Voba told him, letting the words hang in the air for an interminable moment before adding. “A Corp does not tolerate failure… I do not tolerate failure”
That was something George had never doubted. Indeed it was the one stable thing in his ‘profession’ Get things right and the rewards could be high Get them wrong and you were dead. In that respect A corps was no different from any of the other gangs he had worked for. Though he suspected that dying at the hands of a Glasgow hit man would be a walk in the park compared to what this guy would do to him if he screwed up. Still to screw up he’d have to be given a chance in the first place. A chance it looked like he might just be about to get! “for this reason power has to be earned,” George nodded his agreement even as his heart started to race. "you must prove to me that you are indeed worthy of my time and effort”
This was it then! The deal! Make or break. Win or lose. He wondered what it would take to close it, what he would have to give, who he would have to kill. In the end it didn’t really matter. He would do whatever he had to. Whatever it took to break into this world and to hell with the consequences! So when the order came he was relieved in a way. Maybe even flattered. This wasn’t any “bring me back the hearts of three virgins” crap like in the bad horror movies. This was real, intriguing, infinitely dangerous of course and they both knew that but still….
“There’s a young psychic the company has taken an interest in…" Voba explained curtly "only problem is that the child is currently in the possession of some rather… unsavoury creatures," George didn’t even try to imagine what that meant. He had seen enough ‘unsavoury creatures’ at the market to know they came in all shapes and sizes and he surely didn’t intend to go anywhere near these particular ones without knowing exactly what it was he was dealing with. And preferably how to kill them.
“ I was originally going to send one of our more experienced *negotiators* but this is now yours” Anything but reassuring. If they had thought this needed someone with experience then it was obvious that the ‘negotiation’ was going to be far from easy.* Well then, if I do pull it off they wont be able to say I took the easy way in, will they? That my friend is the secret to getting some respect around here. And lets face it in this business respect is everything!*
“Your job is simple” his new employer told him, neither one of them believing that for a second, "organise a meeting… and retrieve the psychic” ”The paper was passed over negligently, nothing like the bloodied contract there had been for Michael but just as binding in its implications none the less. George didn’t hesitate, glancing down at its contents, one stark phone number that would change his fate as surely as any winning lottery ticket though a lot less easily.
“Ok” he said, his fear held back now by the calculations that were starting to run through his mind. “This is the contact number but where do I get the rest of the details Ill need to carry this off. Because I’m sure neither of us wants me going in there blind. Not good for A corp’s image. Sure as hell not good for me.” He managed to look steadily at the dark being who may just have condemned him to death, letting him know that he was prepared to this. He just wasn’t prepared to do it badly. Edited by: HankMcCoy13 at: 5/29/06 3:47 pm
vetting the new arrival
The young man’s gazing at the paper was enough for the demon to know that he was now calculating the risks involved and the resources needed… well he had better be if he wanted to survive this. “Ok” the word itself was a nothing, an insignificant but the way in which it was used as if there were more to come. What was next he thought with a slight intrigue… was the ok going to be followed with a string of questions about the nature of this task and how he is supposed to do it, or was he going to merely accept this task?
“This is the contact number but where do I get the rest of the details Ill need to carry this off. Because I’m sure neither of us wants me going in there blind. Not good for A corp’s image. Sure as hell not good for me.”*Good, good* he thought, the guy was nearly spot on with his continuation… only one slight problem “you do not seem to understand this” his voice slow and draining as ever as the demon stared at the young man
“You are not part of A corp. yet… if you fail in this there is no way of linking you to this organisation, once you have completed this task we shall discuss a contract” it was matter of fact, Karl was certain that this man would not disappoint him and for that reason he had not killed him on the spot for assuming that the demon had accepted him into the Corporation already. Staring over at him with his dark soulless eye’s the demon contemplated things “sooooo” the word drawn out, Karl interlocking his fingers not far from his face, his elbows resting on the desk.
Silver cufflinks glinted in the stark artificial lighting that was installed in the lower offices of the building “I can provide you with all the details you want” he said dismissively in answer to the boy’s earlier question. *The question is… do you know what details you need* he thought scornfully, the boy was only human after all and even though the demon did not dislike him any and thought he might have potential there was no getting away with that fact… just yet anyway. If he proved himself worthy of A corp’s attention then they might be able to sort that out if he so wished, just by giving him an aspect of a demon he could be elevated from the scum level that he currently was trying to claw his way from…
But this young man was after more than just that and these things did not come easily for a newcomer to the company. This task was just the beginning of things to come, if he were to succeed then things were going to get even more interesting and infinitely more dangerous… if he were to succeed and his position in A corp. were cemented the chances were that he would become a target for some of the more ambitious members of the corporation trying to get ahead by breaking him down… but already the demon could tell that it would not be a problem for George for he was managing to withstand the sapping power of Bovaark with only minor protection from its affects.
Re: vetting the new arrival“you do not seem to understand this” There was no change in the intonation but that didn’t stop the warning bells from going off in George’s head. This was after all a tightrope he was walking and and mistake ,no matter how small could prove fatal. The question was had he just made one? “You are not part of A corp”. Vorba continued…” yet…”
George breathed again. Still in the game then. Even if just by the skin of his teeth.” if you fail in this there is no way of linking you to this organisation, once you have completed this task we shall discuss a contract” That was all he had expected, even if the being obviously though he had been assuming more. There could hardly be question of actual employment before he had proved himself but still…. It did move the matter of his actual status right up there to the top of the question list.!
"Soooo I can provide you with all the details you want" the so called business man told him coldly, his intimidating presence always working to undermine what little confidence George still possessed. The Scot had to admit that he would have preferred to get the information from an underling, someone not so likely to decide to kill him where he stood, but that couldn’t be helped. He needed these answers and he suspected that perhaps Volba needed to hear the questions. If George could manage to get them out that was.
“Right” he said taking the plunge, knowing he wouldn’t get a second chance if he failed to ask for everything that he needed. “Well firstly…I wasn’t presuming that I was actually working for A corps. You had made that more than clear. But… these guys aren’t going to even agree to see me if I’m not representing somebody with clout. If not A corps then whoever you decide to us as cover. So I’ll need to have details on that set up before I contact them”
It stood to reason Hi I’m George Grant fresh off a plane from Scotland. Want to deal? wasn’t going to cut it and they both knew that. Like he had said before, things like this needed power and he sure as hell didn’t have any worth speaking about without A corps resources behind him. And speaking of resources….
“Will I have any back up on this, muscle I mean.” He wasn’t expecting them to send in the army if he got into trouble. After all this was his mission and he was under no illusion that he was anything but expendable. Still it could blow everything if he didn’t command a little respect.And a visible show of strength went a long way to getting some. "Sometimes a show of force is needed to bring people to the table. Or to keep them there. Do I have that possibility or not?"
"And I’ll have to know who exactly these people are. What makes them tick. What their weaknesses are. What they value. I’m presuming we won’t automatically be talking about money changing hands here?" The demons who bought Michael hadn’t given a damn about how much money they had to spend to get him. Apparently where they came from gold was as common a dirt. Which meant that these beings he was going in to trade with might prove to be the same! Not necessarily a bad thing. Provided you had whatever actually interested them that was. And that would be the key to a successful negotiation wouldn’t it. Finding a price that suited both parties! And staying alive long enough to propose it.
“I need to know what they will ask for and whether A corps is willing to give it to them” he told Voba steadily “Just what is this girl worth to you? Where’s the cut off line? What is an acceptable price and what isn’t? Once I know all that I should be able to set a deal in motion.*And maybe, just maybe, live to see it through*Edited by: HankMcCoy13 at: 5/29/06 3:48 pm
Re: vetting the new arrival
“Right” the demon looked on with intrigue as to whether this man was going to ask the right questions, more often than not they didn’t bother and ended up getting killed… end of story, but somehow he did not see this happening with George as the young man seemed to know what he wanted and how to get it. “Well firstly…I wasn’t presuming that I was actually working for A corps. You had made that more than clear. But… these guys aren’t going to even agree to see me if I’m not representing somebody with clout. If not A corps then whoever you decide to us as cover. So I’ll need to have details on that set up before I contact them”
he was a little slow on the uptake of things then… the demon frowned a little, he had not said that he was not going to be representing A corps… just that if he failed there would be no way of publicly linking the dead body to the corporation. “Will I have any back up on this, muscle I mean. Sometimes a show of force is needed to bring people to the table. Or to keep them there. Do I have that possibility or not?"
"And I’ll have to know who exactly these people are. What makes them tick. What their weaknesses are. What they value. I’m presuming we won’t automatically be talking about money changing hands here?" rather talkative one wasn’t he when he got going… well at least it showed promise that he was keen to pull this off “I need to know what they will ask for and whether A corps is willing to give it to them, Just what is this girl worth to you? Where’s the cut off line? What is an acceptable price and what isn’t? Once I know all that I should be able to set a deal in motion.
George certainly did not leave much to chance with his questioning, now needed to be done was to give him the answers, but not without a long pause before doing so… leaving the questions hanging in the air unanswered gave the demon a small sense of satisfaction. “you are to set up a meeting as representative of A corps, that will get you noticed… we have good advertising amongst the demonic population” he started his answers slowly, the voice as drab and emotionless as ever, lingering on every word just long enough to cause maximum suspense.
“The demon clan in question keeps itself to itself mostly, it has never taken sides in any battles and prefers to live in peace with the humans, they do however have one of the strongest clans in the area. They obtained the psychic and took her under their protection as part of a prophecy which shall herald a new peace between demons and humanity… I, We cannot let that happen” his tone changed, menace creeping into his voice at the end of the sentence, he had personal reasons for this… in times of peace Bolvaark’s powers weakened greatly.
“Suffice to say, Mr Grant the clan will not let her go willingly, the exact opposite…” he paused to shuffle to the back of George’s file that was now laying on the desk in front of him again, there was another smaller file containing the information for this task. “but we have something of theirs…” a photo was slid out of the file and quickly placed on the desk in front of George, taken from a surveillance camera the photo showed a smallish blue humanoid creature flanked by two rather large demons with horns climbing out of a car.
There were more photo’s in the folder, but Karl did not see the need for them all as they were much the same as this one “their leader is known as the Duke… this is his offspring… before he suffered an unfortunate run in with our special op’s team” a glint of satisfaction in his eye as the demonic lawyer spoke of the Duke’s son… the boy had proved much amusement over the past few days… he had learnt so much about their species.
“The clan will be very keen on retrieving the boy, but they will be too afraid of ambushing our representative… that is of course as long as you can pull this off… fear will be as easily detected then as it is now” leaning backward in the chair the demon locked his eye’s on George’s, Karl subduing his powers as much as he was capable of, best the young man was allowed some confidence.
“As muscle goes we will provide you with two of our operatives, once you have arranged the meeting you shall return here… they will accompany the ‘exchange’ to the meeting point…" he paused again, leaning forwards again slowly “once you have the girl in your possession you will accompany the operatives back to A corps… then we shall discus a contract”
Re: vetting the new arrival
Yet another one of those stomach clenching silences settled in around them! *Easy* George told himself *he’s just thinking about how to answer that’s all. Please god let that be all!* When there was something to say, something to think about the fear could be kept at bay, but in the quiet moments it crept up, leaking his courage away like blood from a wound. Voba must have known it, he had to be playing with Georges nerves just to see if he would break. And that thought was enough to keep the young Scot standing, refusing to give him the satisfaction of turning and running or begging for a mercy he knew would never come.
Though words finally did, sending a relief so profound sweeping through George’s body that it almost accomplished what terror had failed to and brought him to his knees. . “you are to set up a meeting as representative of A corps, that will get you noticed…the executive told him as George struggled to get his emotions under control "we have good advertising amongst the demonic population” Good advertising? A euphemism for being feared George reckoned. But then their reputation was one of the things that the Glaswegian admired about A corps. Once you had that name backing you up it got you more than just noticed It opened doors you didn’t even know existed and George was more than eager to walk through them.
But for that to happen he had to pull this off and the information Voba was giving him was what he needed to do just that. “The demon clan in question keeps itself to itself mostly, it has never taken sides in any battles and prefers to live in peace with the humans, they do however have one of the strongest clans in the area.”*Great* George thought contemptuously*there are even bleeding heart goodie goodies in the demon world. Pass the sick bag now*
Still that didn’t mean they wouldn’t be tough to deal with These self righteous bastards usually were.And these ones sounded as if they took their holier than thou attitude very seriously indeed from what Volba now explained. “ They obtained the psychic and took her under their protection as part of a prophecy which shall herald a new peace between demons and humanity… I, We cannot let that happen”
Damned right they couldn’t! The really interesting opportunities for people like him only came around when there was conflict. Let some wishy washy peace deal come into play and suddenly life was all pen pushing and loving thy neighbour. Not what George had in mind at all. Oh this was one plan he’d be more than happy to help bring down. If he had the right leverage that was. The question now was, did he?
“Suffice to say, Mr Grant the clan will not let her go willingly, the exact opposite…” That much he had already worked out, it was the punch line he was interested in .And he liked it when it came. “but we have something of theirs…” George looked at the photograph Voba pushed towards him and realisition hit home.Holy f*** they had a kid! And not just any kid apparently. “their leader is known as the Duke… this is his offspring… before he suffered an unfortunate run in with our special op’s team” George’s face split into a delighted grin. The deal was in the bag!
Family ties. Didn’t you just adore them? Humans, demons… no difference apparently at least as far as this clan was concerned, when it came to love. George had seen it so many times in the past. In fact it was almost pathetic how quickly even the toughest hard man or the most stalwart defender of the law crumbled once junior’s fingers started arriving in the post.
Thank god he himself didn’t have any such feelings. For him his family was just something to be used like everything else. And the fact that other people couldn’t believe that was true only made him stronger. While everyone else ran around franticly trying to keep their so called loved ones safe from harm he cheerfully threw his to the wolves, using them as a first line of defence or a source of income, whatever he happened to need at the time. And after all wasn’t that why he was here now? Because his rare brand of ruthlessness had been recognised and appreciated?
But it was rare and that was just fine as far as George was concerned. The poor sod he’d be negotiating with didn’t have it by the sounds of things.”maybe I should ask for a few pictures of the kid after his ‘unfortunate run in ‘ he thought cynically. “* that would surely have good old dad turning a paler shade of blue!* The image amused him causing him to chuckle slightly as he gazed once more at the frightened face in the photograph “The clan will be very keen on retrieving the boy, but they will be too afraid of ambushing our representative… that is of course as long as you can pull this off…” Oh he would pull it off all right, after all he had one hell of a bargaining chip.Voba’s next words however drew the Scot’s eyes sharply back to those of the demon. “fear will be as easily detected then as it is now”
Suddenly though the terror was easing, as if the room had been filled with noise and someone had just turned down the volume. Did that mean he had passed some sort of test? He was pretty sure in any case that he’d not be alive if he had failed. In any case he felt better, more sure of himself and he strongly suspected that Voba had something to do with that. And there was more good news still to come. “As muscle goes we will provide you with two of our operatives, once you have arranged the meeting you shall return here… they will accompany the ‘exchange’ to the meeting point…"
Backup! Good. That was what he liked to hear. People who knew what they were dealing with probably better than he did but who would follow his lead. “once you have the girl in your possession you will accompany the operatives back to A corps… then we shall discus a contract”“That sounds great” George said before drawing a deep breath and changing tone.. “I mean. Thank you for this opportunity Mr Voba”
Some of his confidence was back, though he didn’t doubt that the man facing him could strip it from him in an instant. Still while he had it he would use it to show that he was more than just another cog to be incorporated into A corps wheel and forgotten To show that he had potential. “I will get on to it right away.” It took every scrap of courage he possessed to do what he did next though. Looking Volba straight in the eye he extended his hand and said. “It’s been a pleasure doing business with you sir.” There was just a hint of wry humour in the comment that they both knew to be a lie. Just like the one that followed. “ and I look forward to our next meeting”Edited by: HankMcCoy13 at: 5/29/06 3:51 pm
Re: vetting the new arrival“That sounds great” he raised an eyebrow and glared silently at George the other side of the desk “I mean. Thank you for this opportunity Mr Voba” his correction came not a moment too soon, the lack of respect the boy showed him at times was intolerable. But to a lesser extent it was refreshing, the demon enjoyed seeing someone with a spine for a change when confronted with such a powerful being.
Karl moved slowly in his chair, wondering what his newest employee would think of the impressive spectacle that was Bolvaark in his true form even though it was not achievable at this point in time, but there were plans in action that would change this… in time. . “I will get on to it right away.” And so he should… Karl did not like to be kept waiting at any time, especially if it was for a result to a task that he had set himself.
“It’s been a pleasure doing business with you sir. and I look forward to our next meeting” for a moment he glanced at the hand extended towards him in a manner that suggested he was hopeful for advancement in this company via Karl… hope did not sit well with the demon though, it was not only the enemy that he was most effective against but also his greatest weakness, his very existence a paradox.
Slowly as if to emphasise his point the demon extended his own and took up Georges in a vicelike grip, his eyes locked on the young man’s “until such a time then… you must know one thing about me” he spoke calmly in his emotionless voice, his hand still tightly holding George’s. The creatures eyes suddenly changed from a deep black colour to a fiery yellow in an instant as he effortlessly pulled the shocked young man across the table towards him, leaning forwards so his their faces were only inches apart
“If you fail this or cross me but once I shall not hesitate to crush you underfoot like an insect in my path” his cold emotionless voice paused for a second before continuing, “there is nowhere in this world or the next where I shall not be able to find you, no distance to great that my wrath shall not follow if you fail or double cross me… do not be mistaken of your part in this boy, you do not get to be where I am today by letting others off lightly for their failures”
Slowly the demon withdrew backwards to a position leaning backards in his chair and clasping his hands in front of him as if nothing had just happened “speak to the receptionist as you leave, she will give you any more details that are necessary, contact numbers and the such” woe betide George if he was not to succeed in this task, not only would he have no chance of gaining the power he so greatly desired but he would also face the prospect of disciplinary action, not something to be taken lightly in this company.
For a moment he seriously thought he had gone too far, that instead of being thought of as bold move the proffered hand would be seen as an insult and that he knew was a mistake he wouldn’t be walking away from. Then, with horrible slowness, the demon reached out his own hand and took Georges in a grip that not only demonstrated his enormous strength leaving George gritting his teeth in an attempt not to show his pain but also made the young Scot all to aware of just exactly who he was dealing with. Or at least he suspected as much of the truth as his mind could bear without shattering as easily as his bones threatened to.
Then he was being hauled close to that terrible face whose eyes no longer harboured even a semblance of humanity but were instead full of a fire that George was sure could consume his very soul. Desperately his brain tried to shut down but the creatures words bored themselves into it anyway “until such a time then… you must know one thing about me” No! He didn’t want to know anything about this thing. Even power wasn’t worth this. Surely?
So why then did the still listen. Not just hear as he was bound to but really listen. Storing the words up for future reference not just as the warning they unmistakably were but as a source of information he could possibly use. For if his ambition was momentarily cowed by Voba’s presence it was still there curled like a serpent inside him just waiting for a chance to strike.
But that would come later. For now there was only fear as the demon intended. “If you fail this or cross me but once I shall not hesitate to crush you underfoot like an insect in my path” George didn’t doubt it, but then he never had. Not from the first moment he had stepped into Vobas presence. Nor did he take for anything but the most literal of truths what came next. “there is nowhere in this world or the next where I shall not be able to find you, no distance to great that my wrath shall not follow if you fail or double cross me…” Dear God was anyone actually stupid or suicidal enough to even try to double cross this guy? The mere idea made Georges stomach clench. “do not be mistaken of your part in this boy”, Vorba went on just as intensely “you do not get to be where I am today by letting others off lightly for their failures”
Then, miraculously, the pressure decreased both on body and mind as George felt himself released to stand unsteadily before the imposing desk once more shaken to the core but still upright if only barely. Then the game was resumed. The one in which Vorba was a business man and he just a prospective employee sent out to clinch some unimportant deal . Even if neither of them were taken in by it in the least. “speak to the receptionist as you leave, the demon told him calmly. “she will give you any more details that are necessary, contact numbers and the such”
George didn’t trust his voice enough to reply but he managed a polite nod just as he managed to close his trembling fingers round the handle of the door and let himself out. Once it shut behind him he would just have leaned back against it and closed his eyes for a long moment if it hadn’t been for one thing. There were people lingering at the far end of the corridor, the timid clerk for one but other too with half fearful half expectant expressions on their faces that George even in his present state recognised all to well. Vultures gathering to kill or at least gloat! Waiting to see him run screaming from the office as if all the demons of hell were behind him! Which after all wasn’t so far from the truth!
Well if that was what they were expecting it certainly wasn’t what they were going to get. Ok maybe he was a bit pale but shit who wouldn’t have been. But he was still walking and that he could now see was enough to change the looks directed his way to ones of surprise and appraisal. So scraping together what strength he had left George settled his best sarcastic grin onto his face and injected just an ounce of swagger into his stride.
The effect was gratifyingly spectacular. Despite those truly dreadful last moments alone with Vorba George had thought that the interview hadn’t gone too badly. Now though, faced with the reaction of those who worked here he was forced to reassess that opinion. And what that implied brought his confidence flooding back. It had gone well. Better than well. They had expected him to emerge broken from the experience. Instead he wasn’t only alive and sane, he had had been given a chance to prove himself. And one he wasn’t going to let slip.
So when he reached the little group trying to look nonchalant as they huddled near the elevator the grin was all genuine. And though it could never hope to match that of the demon for inspiring fear it was in its own limited human way every bit as disturbing.
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