Link sat at his desk in his office, rubbing the temples of his head. Another migrane was tormenting him. And now of all times. He had a meeting with a client in a few minutes, then after that he had all this paper work to fill out...When had running this business become so hard? Sighing, he looked to his right and out his office window, into the reception room. His secretary, Syrene Jennings, was greeting someone. Probably the client. Syrene was a life saver for sure, the night-shift secretary somehow seemed to know everything, and if he needed something she had it. And she was the one the least bothered by their sudden "unexplainable" money problems. Though his thought swere interupted as the door to his office opened, and in stepped a middle-aged in an obviously expensive white suit. This guy better pay well.
....

Two and a half hours later Link was near the edge of a nervous breakdown. The cilent was well paying, but he had the most idiotic request Link had ever heard. But, not one to turn away a customer, especially in their current money problems, he had accepted it. After failing to be able to write a report in any legible handwriting, his savior walked into the room.

"That's it, Rivers, you're taking a break." Syrene was the only one that could get away with calling her boss by his last name. He looked up, and although his mind was screaming, "Yes! Go take a walk.", he shook his head.

"No, I need to get these reports filled out...And I still need to get the bills--" he was interupted when Syrene tossed several envelops onto his desk.

"There are the bills. If you won't take a break, go mail them." her tone clearly started he was getting out of the office if she had to drag him out herself. Sighing, Link nodded in defeat and, smiling in content, Syrene left the room. Standing, Link started reaching for his shoulder holster, where his .45 was. Would he really need it? It was city life now, not the Marines. He wasn't going to be shot at at any second. Still, he grabbed it and put it on, the top part of his black suit going on over it.

Grabbing the bills, he stuffed them in a pocket on the inside of his jacket and stepped out the door, nodding to Syrene on the way out. In seconds he was outside, walking down the street. Though he hated to admit it, the break, no, not break, bill delivery, was helping calm him down. Though he wouldn't be in such a mess if the blasted journalist wasn't blackmailing him. Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he continued walking. At this late at night, he had the sidewalk almost to himself. Only a few people were out, that was nice. No corwds where he would have to worry about a pickpocket. He had eventually made it to the mail box and slipped the bills inside it. Well, time to head back.

Turning, he started walking back to his office. Halfway there, he heard something in an alley that he passed. For once he wished his old habits from the Marines were dead, and he wouldn't decide to check it out. But he did, walking down the alley, though he didn't see anything. Though that didn't mean there was nothing there.

"Is someone here?"

Morrigan froze. Her back to the stranger. The shadows concealed most of her small form with the help of her black tench coat and matching boots. The corpse of an addict laid several feet away, consumed by darkness. Hopely, the mortal behind her would not see it.

After licking the fresh blood off her pink lips she turned, facing the mortal. It was a man. A handsome one, actually. Jet hair, blue eyes, and pale flesh. The vampiress eyes narrowed, dark and menacing. Despite his looks he was not a vampire. Instantly, she went into innocent mode. Her pretty face seemed soft and young. She smiled, sweetly. The lass looked like just any other young woman.

"Oh!" She exclaimed, "You frightened me!" Morrigan acted surprised and approached the man. Pulling her coat close to her body she faked a shiver. She carefully positioned herself between the distant corpse and the stranger, trying to block the view. "Hello," she greeted the mortal in her kindest voice.

Link's soldier's sixth sense was buzzing now, and that brought the former Marine on edge. Something bad always happened when is soldier's instincts went off, the last time they went off he almost lost his head. Literally. Leave it up to fate to get him assigned to the only instructor that used live rounds in a training exercise. Thank you Master Sergeant Millers. Now to try and figure out why his soldier's instincts were going off. It was just a young woman, nothing threatening about her. Then again, he had thought the same about Master Sergeant Millers. He wasn't bound to make that mistake again.

As Morrigan was turning to face him, Link took in the alley. Your average day, well, average night alley. Dirt, mud, a trashcan by the outlet to the street, and graffiti. Nothing important there. Now for this woman. Why had her eyes narrowed when she first saw him, then she suddenly go all friendly? Nervousness? Perhaps she was trying to hide something. Or maybe she was just startled by his sudden appearance. He was leaning towards the former, though, judging from the way she tightened her coat and shivered. Then again, she could just be cold. The weather didn't effect him much, so it could be colder than what he was feeling. Well, this wasn't helping him any.

He just nodded as she greeted him, taking one last second to try and find something out of the ordinary. Nothing too obvious. So why were his blasted soldier's instincts going off?

"Hmm, may I ask what a young lady such as yourself is doing in this alley at night? Have you heard about the recent murders around here?"

Morrigan managed to blush and look at her feet in a shy, but cute, way. This man looked strong and intelligent, which could become a problem. If he saw the body he may or may not jump to the conclusion that she was behind it. If he did decide she was a threat what would he do? The possiblities disturbed her.

"Murders?" The vampiress whimpered, glancing around, looking nervous. She smiled wearily. "Honestly..," she began.

Honestly what? Honestly what? Don't use "I'm lost". That's far too over done.

"I'm hungry and was hoping to find a nice restraunt," she finished. Her dainty head perked up. She was only lying alittle. She was hungry. "As I was walking past this alley I heard something. Turned out to be a rat." She shrugged her shoulders and moved in dangerously close to the man. Not that someone like Morrigan could easliy find themselves in danger's way.

The young woman sighed, now only about a foot from the stranger. "I'm sorry I scared you. Maybe I shouldn't be out here this late." She loosened up, letting her coat fall open. There were no weapons to hide tonight. Her clothes were simple. Denim skirt, fishnet hose, and a black shirt. More plain than her normal getups. Anything too outlandish might draw more attention than desired.

Link was starting to get skeptical, looking for a restaurant this late at night? A restaurant was bound to be open, with as big at Demaitre was, though any nice ones would be closed. Then again, he always was skeptical of people he met at night, so, she could be telling the truth. Could be. His soldier's instincts telling him trouble was about only intensified, something just wasn't right here. But what? Then again, wait a minute, why was there always a, 'then again?' But why did he care if something was wrong? He wasn't in the police force, nor the Marines. Old habits doe hard, he guessed.

His examined her for a split second when her coat fell open, again an old habit, checking for weapons. None. Well, none that he could see. He doubted she had one, she didn't look the type to carry one around. Then again, looks can be, and often are, deceiving. Most didn't think someone as pale as he was had once been in the United States Marines. Well, he had been.

He was curious, though, on why she seemed a little surprised at the news of murders. It had only been on the news every day since they started, and recently made the front page on every newspaper. Weird...

"Yeah, there had been a lot of murders springing up lately. The victims bled to death, not a drop of blood in their bodies, seemingly drained from to holes on the neck, approximately one inch apart. They've been all over the news."

Sighing, he shook his head. Why was he here anyway? He really should be getting back to his office, he had a lot of paperwork to catch up on. Covering up the money transfers to the journalist, making sure his investigators and staff got the right wages. He was starting to miss life on the service right about now.

"Anyway, I...I think there's a small diner still open down the street. It's alright, better than most place around here."

He took a hand out of a pocket to point the direction, knocking out an envelope. His weekly payment too the "public loving" journalist. Heh, yeah right. Bending down, he picked up the envelope. As he tucked it back into a pocket, he spotted something. A hand? Probably a sleeping homeless person. As he stood up, Morrigan blocked any further view. Hmm...

What foolish vampire has been leaving their prey like that? Probably some youngster who's new to the game, Morrigan thought. She was disgusted that vampires were becoming so careless. Personaly, she hardly ever left a coprse in such a state. She would either heal the bite marks, dispose of the body, or create another wound. Such as the corpse behind her. She had healed the punctures with her blood.

The woman raised an eyebrow. "Really? I had no idea. I don't own a T.V. so, I haven't heard a word about the murders," she said. "Must be some kind of sick killer on the loose." She looked frightened, almost panicked.

"Um...would you mind..," she started to ask, but paused. Asking him to ascort her somewhere was risky. Sure, she could drain him if something went wrong, but he could be the key she needed. The connection to the mortal world.

"Would you mind ascorting me? You know, to a restruant or something," Morrigan blurted, sounding desparate. "Or maybe I should head home."

Link hesitated before answering. He really should be getting back to his office. But, he had a feeling Syrene had a few more tricks she was ready to pull to get him to stay out. Last month she changed the front door's lock while he was out. That had only hindered him for a few seconds, he remembered how to pick locks from the few times he ran away from his last foster family. But...what would one night matter? He could drop this payment off tonight, that would buy him another few weeks. Yeah, he could do that. So, against every Marine nerve in his body, he nodded.

"I guess I can show you where the diner is. I have to head that way anyway."

He stepped out of the alley, waiting for Morrigan. What he saw was likely just a sleeping homeless person, no need to worry about it. But, he figured if escorting Morrigan to the diner could prevent the murderer from getting her, he might as well. Some coffee could help him out anyway.

This walk could even give him an idea as to why his soldier's instincts were telling him something was wrong. He had no idea why, everything seemed all right. Could Morrigan be the murderer? He doubted it, he wasn't sure why, but he doubted it was her. He would find out in time, he figured. And if things got out of control, he hadn't gone through Master Sergeant Millers' training sessions for the fun of it.

Morrigan grinned, acting very relieved. "Thank you so much," she chirped, stepping closer to him. The vampiress could not help but look him over. He was very fine, at least she thought so.

He would make a handsome vampire.

Directly after her expression of interest her brows pinched together. She was curious. "May I ask, where do you work?" She tone was low, as if such a question was bold. A lawyer perhaps? He was wearing a suit. Probably just another businessman, wasting away in an office. If he was a lawyer, Morrigan would suck him dry on the spot. But if her were a businessman, her options depended on her mood.

No matter what, though, it seemed her plan to keep the corpse out of sight worked. It would be safe once they left the alley. Morrigan was glad he choose to walk with her. Why he decided to, she did not know. She really wanted to know this mortal better. Possibly offer him something special.

Link smirked, he saw her look him over. Well, nothing too special about him. The Para-Ordinance .45 he had in his shoulder holster could, possibly, be considered out of the ordinary, but that was out of sight. And his suit was loose enough it didn't make an impression against the handgun. Now that he thought about it, he might want to take some time aside later and give it it's weekly cleaning. Making a mental note for that, he started walking alongside Morrigan.

When she asked him where he worked, he let out a dry chuckle. In a few weeks, or maybe a few months if he was lucky, no where. Maybe he should try and get that journalist exposed. He had a few favors he could call in. That was a new possibility.

"Actually, I work right down the street. I'm a private investigator. My office is two blocks away."

After he answered, he went back to thinking. He could always retire, give the job to Syrene, or another employee. He could head back to States, get back into the Marines and head over to Iraq. It sure would be better than how he was living now. A run down apartment with only a bed, basic appliances, and the few mementos he had from the Marines.

Dropping the envelope into the mail box as the past it, the diner came into sight. The walk had been shorter than he remembered from his bill trip. He was thinking too much.

"Well, here you are. I guess I wasn't needed after all. Nothing new there... Anyway, it was nice to meet you Miss."

"Private investigator? That's interesting," Morrigan said, truely interested. She watched him from the corner of her eyes as they walked. A private investigator could be very useful to her. Amadahy was a decent spy. With Drakeon's help, she could easily become a puppet of sorts. But Morrigan needed something more than a simple spy. Her face lifted to the stars overhead. Actually, he could be exactly what she needed.

They reached the diner and Morrigan did not budge from his side. Fastening her dark eyes on the man she looked deeply into his eyes. Many a man, and woman, had been seduced by that look. "Perhaps, you frightened the hunters away." She grinned, despite herself, due to the fact he was ascorting a hunter.

Then, she paused. Still staring into his blue glaze, her expression became serious. "Have you ever searched for missing persons?"

Link laughed a bit at her remark about scaring the murderers away. He didn't look that threatening, truthfully. Unless he was angry. But he hardly ever got angry, only once had he ever been mad at someone. That person was likely sitting behind hsi desk, polishing his general stars, with the cold weather making where Link had broken his jaw hurt. That had been an interesting day, to tell the truth, but it's a story for another time.

He just shrugged off her look, he had gotten too many in the past to be affected by them. As he was about to start walking away, she asked her last question. Turning back to her, he nodded, wondering why she wanted to know.

"Um, yeah, I do. Why? Is someone you know missing?"

Morrigan hesitated before answering his question. She was ploting a way to receive his help without revealing her state of being. Unfortunately, Morrigan was not one for planning often. The plotting only took a few seconds.

"Yes," she replied, "Someone very important." She closed the distance between them, only inches from his face, and whispered, "And, if you help me find this person...I will give you just about anything you want."

Now, she waited for his reaction. Would he take her seriously? Morrigan was not sure. The chances were fifty/fifty really. He had no way of knowing about her extreme wealth and power. She could kill his worse enemy, buy him a mansion, or set him up with his dream career. But he could not tell, probably. To him she was more than likely just another strange girl looking for a lost loved one.

Well, if he says no...I'll just hand him my card at least, the warrior thought, No use crying over a pretty man in a suit.

Link raised an eyebrow when she said she would get him anything he wanted. Flashes of a dead journalist came up suddenly, though he ignored those. No, the journalist probably had some plan to get his false material publicized if he ended up dead by mysterious means or foul play. Nope, his normal fee would do. Leave it to him to pass up these likely one-in-a-lifetime chances. Out of soldier's habit, he backed up a half step. With Morrigan that close to him he would be able to draw his weapon if the need came up.

"Well, my normal cost will suffice. Well, let's head inside, shall we? You can fill me in on this person over a drink. I need some coffee."

Coffee, currently the greatest drink on Earth, in Link's mind. He was only awake because of that stuff; he had slept for two days. Too much paperwork, and he didn't have the money to pay an employee over-time or hire a new person. He made a mental note to buy more; he was almost out at his apartment. Holding the diner door open for Morrigan, he stepped inside, taking a seat at the counter and ordering a cup coffee.

Morrigan was amused he wanted his normal rate. No questions. No demands. He simply accepted and headed for coffee. She did not speak right away, instead she entered the diner in silence, thinking. Tossing her coat on the counter she ordered a coffee as well.

The lass caught a few looks with her unveiled tattoos. Her wrists were inked with oddly shaped, blue flames. Morrigan ignored the gawkers and kept her attention on the investigator. Her back straight, her ankles crossed, and her head tilted to one side she examined the man's appearance. She wondered if he had a weapon.

"I don't believe you've told me your name," she said, lifting the fresh, steaming coffee to her lips, keeping her eyes on the mortal.

Link smirked at the question, and lowered the empty cup to the counter top. The waitress stared at him, she had just dropped that cup off. Well, at least some one liked her coffee. Taking his glass as he waved for a second cup, he closed his eyes, the smirk still playing on his lips. He had started to wonder when that question would be asked, and whether or not her name would come first. He normally didn't give his name to strangers, but seeing as this person was now a client, he might as well.

"I don't believe I got yours."

The waitress brought back his second cup of coffee, and he didn't down this one in one got this time. Just half of it. He let out a quiet sigh as the caffeine worked it's way into his system. Another cup, another night.

"Corporal Link Rivers. Why I told my rank, I have no idea."

The rank comment was put in as an afterthought, and was barely audible.

The vampiress smiled, setting her coffee down. Knowing that he had military training was helpful. If he had picked up any fighting abilities while serving they may make his job easier. Morrigan was doubtful he could finish the search without bumping into a few...challenges. Lucky for him, she, or one of hers, would have his back at all times. With an immortal at his aid there should be no difficulties.

"I am Morrigan Blair," she told him, almostly proudly. "From Ireland." Her accent seeped out a little. She pulled a card from a coat pocket and slid it across the counter to Link. The small, white card had her first name and address printed in fine, silver letters. These were not commonly handed out.

How many people before him had she hired? Too many, she would say. Several men, a few women. Most gave up. Some were killed or lost or driven insane. One became a vampire. She hoped this would be the last. She liked this one, he seemed strong, alert, and untrusting. Three things that could help him succeed. His part would be small, but all important. Morrigan's strength was her weakness. She wasted decades searching for the man as vampire. She learned, the hard way, it would take a mortal to pick through a mortal world.

"So, where should we start?"

Link picked up the card, inspecting the front and back. Judging by its fancy design, he assumed she had a lot more money than what he had thought. Well, that must have been where the, "I will give you just about anything you want", remark came from. Lucky her, to have all that money. Downing the rest of his coffee, and thinking on if he wanted a third or not, he slid the card in to a pocket in the inside of his coat.

Noting the almost proud tone of her voice and faint accent when Morrigan told him her name and where she came from, he nodded. Beautiful country, Ireland. The closet he would likely ever get would be through pictures in vacation advertisements. Sighing when she asked where they should start, he waved for a third cup of coffee.

"Well, I need some information first. Do you have a picture of this person? And how do you know them?"

Looking at the clock on the wall, he sighed again. He thought would have eaten up more time than it did. Well, more time for searching, he could keep an eye for his other client's missing pigeon. How was he expected to find that specific pigeon, in a city full of pigeons? Stupid birds...all looking the same.

Morrigan held back a chuckle. "Sorry, I have no pictures. No name. I have his father's name. I could try to get his mother's name. All I really have are ideas. Educated guesses." She paused, wondering what Link would think. "He is the son of my foster father. He could be anywhere in the world. I've been searching for him quite sometime."

After a few more sips of coffee, it dawned on her that Link may change his mind. Morrigan stared into the drink, still amazed he did not ask for more than his common rate. "But if you find him...once you find him...he won't be easy to miss. He's likely a firey red-head with blue eyes and several, blue tattoos on his face," she said, not taking her glaze off the coffee, pointing to were the markings might be. Images of Camlin were flashing through her head. "I could draw something up for you. On second thought, I might be able to get a name,too."

Link just nodded, commiting all of that to memory. It figures, he just got another case and he left his notebook in his office. He would have to right it all down once he did get back. Taking a drink from his third cup of coffee, his gaze went blank, meaning he was thinking. Anywhere in the world...Well, that would be a hindrance. But if he was in Demaitre, Link would find him. Anywhere else would, and Morrigan would have to wait a bit for him to, somehow, get the journalist off of his back.

Blinking himself out of his thoughts, he took another drink for his cup. Well, three should be enough. He could get started once he was finished with this cup of coffee.

"Well, if he's in Demaitre, I'll find him. Anywhere else...you'd have to wait for a bit. Business issues."

Downing the rest of his coffee, he reached into his pocket for his billfold. Taking it out, he frowned. He had just enough. He had better find that pigeon soon. Paying for his drinks, he turned to Morrigan.

"So...I guess I'd better get to work. It was nice talking, Ms. Blair. I'll let you know when I find something."

Standing, he offered a hand to shake. Now...where should he start.

Morrigan nodded. She understood why the range would cause a delay. She was just grateful he did not change his mind. Not bothering to finish her coffee, she rose at the same time as Link. She was going to cover both tabs, but Link beat her to his. So, she pay for her instead with the wad of cash in her pocket. Wallets and purses did not suit her style.

"Nice to meet you too, Mr. Rivers," Morrigan said, accepting his hand. A split second after she touch his hand she remembered...her hands were probably ice cold. Ah, well, the lad may not suspect she was undead just because she was oddly cold. She flashed a warm smile. "Thank you for your help." Dropping his hand, she pulled on her coat. No use asking for an ascort again. She gave him a wink. "You have my card."

Link hid a grimace when he saw the amount of money Morrigan took out of her pocket. Some people had all the luck. And although her hands were ice cold, he ignored it for the most part. He had seen too many things for an icy cold hand to worry him. Turning he headed for the door, walking outside. Taking in a breath of night air, he looked up at the sky. The city light made seeing the stars impossible, but he saw the moon. Sighing, he stuffed his hands in his pockets and started walking back to his office.

He made it back to his office, and saw a note taped to the door. Ripping it off, he looked at it. A normal envelope. Opening it, hepulled out a small folded note. Oh no. Though he knew what it would say, he unfolded the envelope. Reading it, he crumpled it up and threw it into a garbage can. The journalist wanted more money in his payments. Stepping inside, he slammed the door closed behind him. He didn't have that type of money, he was barely paying what he had to now. He wasn't getting home tonight.

(thanky Sev for inviting me into the rp *smiles. and gives a cookie to both Sev and Morrigan.* i hope you can find ways to use.....my characters......in the RP)

*a soft patter of smooth leather against cement sounded softly a little. under a street light, a young lady stood. a white hood over her head. a fluttering 'coat' drapped around her shoulders. she seemed to be dressed in some kind of white exotic gown, that fluttered and danced with each movement she made. two coiling ribbons fell down to her ankles, from their placed tied around her arms. she tugged the 'coat' tighter to her body. her focus seemed to be on something in the distance. only when the sound of a door slamming reached her ears did she start*

*the sound was to sharp for her hearing*

*it startled her, and she tensed. turning her head to see who had made such a loud and startling noise. only to see a man. taller than she. broader and stronger no doubt. not that it was hard to be so. she was slender, limber, ready to bend with the wind. he was healthy too. she could tell that much*

*for the merest moment. she licked her lips. then bit her tongue, to keep herself in check. she had lost Kor. she didn't know how she had done it. but she had. now she was all alone. and though she was dangerously hungry, she would stand fast to her rebellion against biting. how could she anyways. she had never been taught how to play the young child, urging some one to come close enough to bite her. oh no. she was to 'innocent' for that. Korbin had tried. but gave up after a while. not that he seemed to mind. no. he liked feeding his tiva. but now his tiva was lost, and she had been chased by some horrid vampires who thought she was human. and was now even more lost then before.*

*and, though she loathed to admit it, she was a bit scared of that fact*

*she had never been alone before. Kor had always been near by. making sure she didnt' get into to much trouble. yet that didn't solve her hunger problem*

*so when she saw this man. who seemed to be rather angry. she turned around a bit. and forced herself to look younger and more innocent then she already did. she clutched her coat, which in actuality was her cape, around her, and took a step forward. speaking softly. meekly*

Excuse me....

*perhaps. just this once. she'll try to play the part*

Morrigan left the diner two seconds after Link. The night air was refreshing. She let her coat hang open to enjoy the coolness and wondered on. No set destination. There was a board grin on her face and a skip to her steps. She had a good feeling about Link and his abilities. He could very well be the one that found Camlin's son. She needed to speak with her sire. Her gut had the uncanny feeling that Camlin was keeping something from her. She wanted to know everything he was hiding.

"Before I retire tonight, I'll write a letter," she told herself outloud. No one else was around. She was two blocks away from the diner, vampiric speed pushing her along. Catching herself, she slowed down.

Link had just started up the stairs to his office when Tiva spoke up behind him. Where had she come from? He sighed, he was slipping, he should have been able to tell she was there from past trining. He would have to check to see if he had any time to spare for a trip to the gym. Turning, he looked at the woman before him, and as they had done with Morrigan, old soldier instincts went off. Just great, another mystery.

"Yes?"

He took a quick size-up of Tiva. No weapons, again he oubted she had any, and she didn't look the type that would attack. Attack? Why did that thought come up? He needed to get some sleep...Though maybe later he would get some. Maybe. If he wasn't too busy. Taking that into thought, he knew he wasn't getting any sleep any time soon.

"Do you need something?"

*hmm. this one seemed to be alert. ready for something. or maybe it was just her. inwardly. she smiled a bit. Korbin would have loved to play with him. he loved to torment his victims before he chose to kill them. making them use their head before delivering the final, and fatile, blow*

*still. she dipped her head. and shied back a bit. pulling her cape tighter around her. she just had to bring up the slightest thought of beign lost, with out her proud gaurd, here in this part of time. and a slight quaiver entered her voice.*

i'm deeply sorry to bother you, but...Do.....do you know how i can get to the estates on the other side of Demaitre?

*she glanced at him. and she sniffed softly. only mentioning the estates. yes, Korbin's 'house' was situated in that area. it just wasn't one of the grandest houses there. not that she minded.*

i'm afraid i was told to get on the wrong bus..........and my father was expecting me home a long time ago.

*she remembered something Korbin had taught her. if she didn't think she was being pathetic enough, make herself sound like a child. a tall, gangly one no less. she glanced down the road. as if searching for some form of rescue. but was, in reality, hearing something. her moment of focus drew along a while. before she looked back at the man. putting on a hopefull fascade*

*she partially hoped that this human would 'help' her. she was still very hungry. but an other lesson had been learned. never kill some one of service. not that she would kill anyways. she was also thankful that she never even thought of carrying a purse. at least the 'take this bus' or 'lets call a taxi' thing didn't work very well. maybe part of her was still a little bit innocent child, for she hated to borrow anything.*

Link sighed, he could help her out. He had some extra money up in his office. He could give it to her to pay for a taxi, which he would call up in his office. He wasn't going to let her walk home. Motioning for her to follow him, he started up the stairs to his office. Seeing the door was locked, meaning Syrene went home, he took out a key and opened the door.

"Well, I can get you some money and call a taxi for you. Come in, make yourself comfortable."

He motioned to a couch on the other side of the room and picked up the phone. After a few minutes, he sighed a hung up. Now for the money. Opening a secret compartment in his desk, he pulled out fifty dollars and walked over to Tiva.

"Well, they company said a driver will be over as soon as their night shift people get in. Do you mind waiting a bit? The receptionist said that might be an hour at the latest. Here, take this."

He handed her the money and sat down in his chair behind his desk. Leaning back, he sighed. He would wait for her to leave before he went to work.

*Tiva followed him like a ghost. matter of fact. she was rather ghost like. as that, she let herself step so lightly she seemed to float. her steps made no sound. she didn't make any sound herself. besides nodding once. and smiling almost secretively.*

Thank you very much sir

*her voice spoke softly. a very good play at timid. as they stepped into the office. her body seemed to set off a slight glow for a moment. before dulled. it was normal for her to......shine. it was her......specialty. she moved carefully over to the couch. her long legs striding and stepping in a few movements she knew. her eyes closed. and she sighed softly. before sitting down carefully upon the couch.*

*his voice drew her attention. ah. an hour. he didn't need an hour. matter of fact. she doubted the driver would arrive. as she glanced around for a window. it was that she watched.*

*she shifted a bit. brought her long legs up under her, and sat in a some what praying stance. waiting for the long minutes to pass. the wind called softly outside. and the flutter of wings drew her. her focus on the window grew. and she smiled brilliantly now. she glanced at link. and pondered how to plan this.*

*the driver would be a good start. she pulled her cape around her. and waited for the right moment. listening for the car. and knowing he would hear it as well. the only thing he wouldn't hear.......was korbin. who was waiting for her. *

*an hour wasn't long to her. not in the least. she sat there like a statue. staring silently. the money clutched in one hand. palid face slowly growing distant. almost sleep like. she wasn't tired exactly. but she was indeed bored. and her mind loved to wander. so the sound of a vehicle pulling up outside made her glance from the window to the door. perhaps she should have appeared more startled. but this is where she couldn't find a reason. she had known it was coming. so why should she be. either way. she glanced at Link, to see what he would do, as she rose to her feet. and smoothed her dress.*

Link turned and looked out the window when he heard the vehicle pulling up as well. It didn't look like a taxi, but he couldn't see much of it from where he was. He might as well walk down with her to make sure it wasn't just some other people. Standing, he sighed.

"I'll head down with you. It's doesn't look like a taxi though."

He headed for the door and opened it for Tiva. His soldier's instinct were going nuts. Something was seriously wrong this times, though he had no idea what. Perhaps it was a good thing he had his .45. An ace up the sleeve if you can think of it that way.

Heading down the stairs, he waited for Tiva, hoping he wasn't getting himself into a big mess.

*this was where she came into her holding. she smiled. spinning once, she pattered softly out the door. smiling her thanks then, fluttering down the stairs like a butterfly in the wind. her long ribbons whipping behind her. her hood fell down. letting her long double colored hair fly. it's black and blond natural coloring flickering softly in dim light. her coat, now revealed as a cape. flapped behind her with glowing brilliance.*

*she paused a moment. and then glanced back at link. her long legs shifting and bouncing. little sounds outside were calling her. her feet made no sound. she looked beyond antsy. she glanced outside. then smiled. seeing a black car sitting along side the curb. weather or not a driver was in that car. she didn't know. she glanced back at Link*

there's a black car.....

*her voice was questioning. but she reached to open the door and step outside. letting the door swing open. and the hazy light of street lamps hit her pale skin. she glanced back at Link again. her brown eyes slightly hinted with gold. and a shadow moved just on the outside of her vision. she ignored it, and stepped outside standing for a moment. still looking like an eager child.*

(oh boy. good thing i'm switching to Korbin soon. i screwed Tiva up XP)

Link just nodded and stood in the doorway, leaning against the frame. Tiva had sounded hesitant about the car, so he would wait to make sure it was a friend of hers. He didn't want her to get into a gangster's car. That wouldn't turn out to well. A young girl like her, idiot gangsters, yeah...

A chuckle sounded near Morrigan, and Murasaki stepped into sight. She was wearing black pants and shoes, and her black Evanescence hoodie. Take that, and the chocker around her neck, and one could safely assume she was a Goth. And a vampire, but none were likely to guess that.

She had watched Morrigan talking to Link, and ask him to look for someone. Murasaki had been planning to catch Link while he was outside and talk him into going home and going to sleep. But, with a new case, she knew that would be impossible. Looking at Morrigan, Murasaki smirked.

"In a hurry are you?"

Morrigan stopped dead in her tracks. She did not move for sereval seconds. Her dark curls covered most of her face. Her eyes held no sign as to want she was thinking. Finally, she turned on her heels and faced the goth woman who had chuckled. The vampiress narrowed her eyes, nearly glaring at the stranger. Not that she instantly hated the girl, she just did not know her.

"Hurry? No, not really," Morrigan replied cooly. "Why do you ask?" She acted calm and incontrol, like all warriors do when faced with a surprise. After speaking, though, she remained silent. This new stranger would have to make the next move. Morrigan was not foolish enough to ask, "Did I surpass the vampire speeding limit?"

*Tiva moved away from the door a few paces. then stilled. as if recieving some hidden command to stay put. wind whipped her hair up, making her white cape and long ribbons flutter around her. her brown eyes locked on the car. staring at it's tinted windows. hypnotized yet still concious of what she was doing.*

*the driver side door opened. and Tiva didn't even flinch. nor did she blink. matter of fact. she seemed frozen. when a tall figure stepped from the vehicle. his pale skin a beacon against his dark clothes. a billowing cape fluttered around him. boot heels clicked upon the asphalt. regal face turned towards the car, glancing at it out of the corner of his goldenish eyes. turning up his aristocratic nose with disdain. he stepped away from the vehicle, moving smoothly like a viper. long white hair fluttered into his face. he blew it away. before smoothing it back towards the tie.*

*then his gaze lifted to the white beacon which was tiva upon the side walk. they stared a moment. before a slightly arrogant smirk crossed the man's face. he moved around the vehicle quickly. perhaps to quickly. coming to stand upon the side walk. a few feet from the innocent girl. only tossing Link a glance when he reached the cement. but cooling disregarding him. his attention was fixed on the girl*

Why.....little darling........what are you doing all the way out here so late at night

*his voice was teasing her. light and care free. he relaxed against the car and smiled and Tiva almost wickedly. and if anyone could see tiva's face, you would see the very vexed scowl that now feel upon it. she whispered very softly*

Korbin....i'm going to KILL YOU

*she glanced casually back at link. almost a whimpering look of dispair. Korbin lifted a brow, before glancing at Link. then at Tiva. again with the reinforced lifting of the brow. then he snorted and turned his head to the side. his attention focusing, for the moment, on something he heard a short distance away. hmm....good thing he had come.....he didn't wish for Tiva to be placed in the company of unknown vampires. oh no. she wasn't ready for that.*

*tive glanced away from link with a soft, whining sigh. and a shiver ran through her body. dammit. she would have to get Korbin to kill some one. anyone. she was starving. and Link was looking particuraly tasty right now. but she still retained some humanisms and refused to act. instead focusing on Korbin. and acting wary of him. it was so much fun causing trouble for Korbin*

Link just glanced between the two. Judging by the way they acted, they knew each other. So, he wasn't needed anymore. Stuffing his hands into his pockets, he turned back to his office, heading back in. Apparently the money he gave Tiva wouldn't be needed, so he just lost fifty dollars for nothing. Figures. Anyway, it was time for him to get to work. Taking one quick look back at teh two before he went inside, he sighed. Something wasn't right here, but he didn't know what. Shrugging, he headed inside and started up the stairs to his office. Time for him to get some work done.

Murasaki just shrugged and leaned against the wall. It just wasn't very often that a vampire uses their heightened agility when a mortal could see them. Luckily, she wasn't a mortal.

"No reason really. You just don't really see vampires using their heightened agility."

Morrigan relaxed slightly from her serious, straight-back pose. Damn it, old girl. Don't start slacking, she mentally told herself. Even the old ones were too loose sometimes. Just do not hold your breath if you wish to catch them slip up. This Murasaki was just one of lucky few.

The vampiress' eyes soften as she decided that the girl was not a threat at the moment. She still had her guard up, but not her nerves. Her hands slipped deep into her pockets, her feet rocked on their heels, and her head tilted to the side. She was thinking of how to respond.

"No, I hope not," Morrigan said, grinning.

*Tiva glanced behind her. watching link slip into the building. before turning on Korbin. as soon as the door was closed. she was off*

what are you doing here? for that matter. how did you find me so fast? last i checked you were on the other side of the city

*her voice was quick and sharp. her black and blond hair falling into her face. and long white gown fluttering around her as she stepped forward. her innocent face faded away. though she was still as young as a girl 17 years of age. she no longer appeared lost or forlorn. her mask was gone. and she stood before the man her long cape fluttering over her arms as she planted her hands upon her hips. she lifted one to wave the money infront of his face. watching him lift a brow*

now what am i going to do with this. it's useless to us.

*Korbin lifted a brow. a loose lock of white hair falling into his face. and he replied haughtily*

i would greatly believe in giving it back.

*Tiva glanced back towards the building*

go back in there. but it's so tempting to.......

*Korbin smiled darkly. a faint glint of his fangs caught her gaze and she stuck her tongue out at him. he adjusted his cape and leaned more solidly against the car*

really Tiva, your as pale as a ghost. you really should have just taken advantage of the situation. i bet your as cold as the dead as well. such a pity.

*tiva hissed right back at him. sounded exasperated*

you know very well i won't bite

*Korbin waved it off*
go give him the money. or at least slide it under the door. perhaps.......perhaps you can lure him back...............i know how hungry you are. surely inviting him to.............dinner.......isn't that bad

*Tiva sighed and took the money. pattering back towards the door. grumbling softly. she reached to touch the knob. then shook her head. and kneeled down. sliding the money under the door. before turning away quickly.*

there Happy!

*Korbin shook his head* No, not quite...

*tiva rolled her eyes. but stayed standing where she was. nose turned towards the sky*

(yeah. that's a bad post. deeply sorry)

Turning when he heard teh, "There! Happy?", remark, Link turned back around. He had a feeling he wasn't getting any work done tonight. Seeing his money, he bent down and picked it up. Well...at least he got his money back. That was nice. Putting the money in his pocket, and seeing that the two were still there through the window in the door, he sighed. OPening the door, he stepped back out.

"Is there a problem?"

Murasaki just chuckled again. In truth, she had been on her way to grab Link and force him to take a break. This, however, proved to be more interesting. And it could give her some time to figure out how she was going to convinve the former Marine to take a break. Fun...Oh well.

"Heh heh...So, what were you talking with Link-san with?"

The inner Celt was really going to show with that question. Morrigan was an open person, but only when it proved useful. She was not a fool. At the stranger's question, she glanced to the side, an indescribable expression passed over her pale features. Slowly, and eerily, her eyes returned to the other; her expression was different now, but still strange.

At first, she said nothing. A long silence clung to the air around her. At that moment, Morrigan appeared as though she were going to jump the other lass and kill her. To do so was, honestly, at her best interest. She just stood there, staring the girl like a hawk. Sure, the lady, now, knew how Morrigan felt about such questions, but it was, also, obvious the old vampiress was not afraid of someone knowing her sore spots. Rather, she would like everyone to know what spots to hit and what spots not to hit as to avoid her annoyance.

After much delay and thought, Morrigan replied, "Why do you care?" Her tone could have been cut with a knife.

*Tiva, being the delicate exotic flower that she was, was never one to be on her gaurd. oh no. that was Korbin's job. he was her gaurd. her protector. her valiant dark night.*

*so of course it was perfectly understandable, that when she heard link speek right behind her. that she leaped forward with a startled cry and landed directly infront of Korbin......who hadn't moved a muscle*

*Korbin still leaned there. the lock of white hair lifting in a gentle breeze. his goldenish eyes locked on link. they looked link over. before he smirked some what darkly. then turned his gaze to tiva*

Really pet.......you should be more careful...........showing your..........peculiarities out in public

*Tiva gathered herself and turned on Korbin. as any teenager would.*

i wouldn't have if i had expected him to leave the building. but no. the bloody human didn't do what normal human's do. (yeah. that's intentionall. i know it. now you know it. it's basically Tiva having a rant and not caring who hears). and what about you! your not even hiding your eyes dammit....

*a pale hand, far to pale for a healthy person, placed it's self gently over her mouth. the other hand grabbed her shoulder and turned her around carefully. hand still plastered over her mouth. Korbin leaned down and whispered in her ear*

now now...your going to give us away little sweet. don't be reckless. go apologies for your behavior.

*quickly, to quickly for a human to see, he nipped her neck. some what of an.......affectionate warning. Tiva sighed and relaxed. and Korbin removed his hand. with a grumble tiva stepped forward. back to her innocent self*

i'm sorry. i shouldn't explode like that. it's very rude

*she dipped in a careful curtsey. then glanced at Korbin. seeing him nod for her to go on. she sighed again and rose to standing.*

a problem sir? i wouldn't know. but Korbin might. he's the one that seems to think so.

*she played with the edges of her cape. then glanced back at korbin. seeing him lift a brow. she gulped. and glanced back at link*

he might have wanted me to make sure you had the money. he was, after all, the one who insisted that you have it returned.

(yeah. hehe.......i'm thinking of what to have korbin do..........he can be good and leave link alone. which would draw this thread on longer and longer and longer XD. or he could draw Link in, and make Morrigan or some one step in.........is there any yay's or neh's?)

((Do as you will. A fight, though Link would likely be knocked out quickly, would draw in Murasaki to protect him. No fight and Link will probably go back to work.))

Murasaki simply ignored the tone in Morrigan's voice. She was just making sure her neighbor wasn't getting too many job. She had made a tiny slip-up a week ago, and the paranoid tenet two doors down from here is suspicious. And with all his ranting, him suddenly disappearing might make the others suspicious. If Link disappeared/died, that tenet would blame her and probably kill her during the day. Not exactly how she would want to go.

"Link-san has been overworking himself. He's always stressed, and if he dies a paranoid neighbor where I live will likely try to kill me when I'm asleep. That, and Link-san is the only one not afraid of me."

She really just didn't want him to commit suicide. She had unintentionally read his thoughts once, and hearing it under all of the clutter, she knocked him out and arranged one thousand dollars to appear in his bank account. No one knew this, but she has a small fortune stowed away. Well, her bankers knew.

Link was wondering if these two were crazy. Shaking his head and rubbing his brow, he sighed. Okay then, he had work to do. Just nodding, he turned and started walking inside again. He needed to get some of his cases done.

Morrigan nodded her head, as if she understood the lass' situation. Her gut was aching. Something was not right. Apparently, she had found a little drama twisted into a bigger story. But did it have potenial to mess up her plans. She swallowed a groan. Yes, this could cause problems. Oh, well, Morrigan would continue on despite the issues.

Taking a step closer to the other female, she drooped her head. Dark locks fell into her eyes, hiding their lack of joy. She decided she could, and should, be open with this one. "Well, he has the choice to decline my offer," she said, "I offered to pay him whatever he wished. Unlike the others before him, he only asked for his normal fee. Odd, yet impressive. I have a feeling, though, if he accepts my offer he will be successful in finding the person I need."

Morrigan licked her lips and smiled. "To be honest, he's lucky I did not kill him. I caught me slipping out of an alley after completing some nasty business," she told the other.