It was approaching 2:00 am - prime time for vampires; not so much for humans. They were flagging by that point. Even those who worked nights were approaching their limits; doubly so for those who suffered chronic pain.
Karla was gamely trying to put on a brave face but Waylon could feel the pain coming off her in waves. It was delicious. He motioned her forward. “You, my dear, look exhausted. One last thing before I send you home for the night. I need to make a call. Would you be so kind as to fetch my green phone book? Just do that for me and I will see what I can do for you before I send you home.”
see what I can do. It meant he would, should Karla be willing, roll her and, if not remove, then at least ease some of her pain. It was one of the advantages of working for vampires with a shred of empathy.
Waylon's personal assistant Karla rushed off to comply, returning a five minutes later with his book as well as a look of satisfaction. "Your little green book, Mr. Crosby. Also, sir, I ran into one of the interns that had brought up papers that Dr. Englund dropped off at the front desk."
“You are just too damned efficient,” Waylon said with a grin. “Put them both over by the phone and I will check them momentarily. Now look me in the eyes and feel your pain fading just a little. Not so much that you can’t feel it but enough that it won’t make getting home a living hell.”
It was a gentle roll, certainly not a deep one. His will was enormous; he could easily have overwhelmed her but he chose to allow her to retain her free will for more than just the obvious reason.
The tightness around Karla's eyes and mouth softened slightly. This was a dream job for her. Having only been with the company for a year and a half, she had been overjoyed to find out they were willing to hire someone one with her physical restraints. Legally it was a thing that should have been a given, but many work places were keen to subtly discriminate those with disabilities. She had lost a leg in a car accident three years prior, and finding work afterwards had been difficult as full time left her in agony.
But here at Archangel Industries, she had found a great job as a personal assistant to a vampire that treated her well the hours were semi-flexible, and she had discovered a couple of months in that her boss could do more than just give her good paying hours and excellent medical benefits. She had never been keen on the idea of having a vampire suck her blood, but in secret he had told her he had the ability to feed on things other than blood, and so she had become a personal donor for Waylon. He could take the edge off her pain with little side effect other than being tired. It allowed her at the end of shift to head down to her residence in the residential towers building and to actually sleep solidly for around six hours before the car accident injuries began to chronically wear away at her again.
All in all, it was the perfect job and arrangement for Karla, so she was fiercely loyal to her boss and her job position.
She began to feel him siphoning the pain she was radiating, as it began to gently be pulled away and out of her body. It was almost like someone worrying at a loose thread in a piece of clothing. He pulled at that strand of pain as she felt it unravel being drawn into him as she closed her eyes grateful at the relief it brought, a soft weary sigh escaped her lips . "Thank you sir." She murmured after a few moments had passed, and she felt that power of his recede."It was very kind of you to fuss over such a small thing, my dear."
“Pain is never a small thing,” Waylon replied. “Those who suffer chronic pain can function at pain levels that would devastate those unused to it. You are not a small thing. Don’t think I haven’t noticed how you go the extra mile. It will not be forgotten. Now go. I need to make this phone call in private. I’m not sure how long it will take, so you can take the rest of the night off. I won’t be needing anything else.”
Karla blushed and nodded,"Thank you sir." offering him a smile before she turned, closing his office door behind herself as she made her way back to her reception area.
It wasn't a huge, grand office like Nigel Salvatore's office. She would often bring up files for Maria, as vampires didn't always keep track of things digitally, but the office suited her just fine. She picked up her work tote bag and the cane leaning beside her desk and made her way out of her work space , her limp much less pronounced, to allow her boss to carry on without her.
Waylon cast a quick eye at the papers Karla had brought him. Likely they were the NDA he has asked Englund to secure. He’d look them over more thoroughly once he was finished his phone call.
He opened the green book. It was full of names and phone numbers, many of which were either no longer valid or never had been. You had to know which ones were important to make use of the book. He turned to a page and scanned down until he found an entry marked SHOWER NOT GROWER. He dialed the number written beside it.
“Hello, this is Waylon Crosby, calling on behalf of the Master of Seattle. I would like to speak to the Showman and yes, of course I’m willing to hold.”
"That won't be necessary, Waylon. He is actually here in the room with me. Fortuitous timing, he's just slipping out of his show clothes and into something more comfortable." A male voice explained, as it held a hint of a Spanish accent. "This isn't another call about the Santa Barbra issues, is it? Last I heard, you had been very generous in letting Dalibor return home in one piece for his infraction."
“Hardly anything so mundane,” Waylon answered. “Your masters name was mentioned in a conversation today. Not the Showman. His old name. And it fell from, of all places, the lips of a wereleopard.”
"Well, that is some interesting news, is it not? We haven't let go of any were leopards that work for us, nor would I suspect they would be aware of such things, there are very few that might know such things in passing. It makes me wonder who has been whispering such things, so that they could reach the ears of a were-leopard."
“From what I heard, the name came to the leopards ears from the lips of a vampire, one of a set of twice that collect rent from the head of Pard that makes… shall we call them niche videos?” Waylon paused. “The young lady claims to have escaped the clutches of the said Pard and that money was paid to twin vampires who claimed to serve Javier. Now, I am well aware of your master’s appreciation for twins but I understood that it was more living twins that caught his attention. I thought perhaps I should call and see whether something was amiss.”
"Ah, I see. You know how he likes to have twins around. We do have a total of four sets of twins currently in our employ and one set of identical triplets. There is no chance of mistaking that these rent collectors were vampires? Any other details that you can give? Javier doesn't micromanage all his tasks, so I will have delve deeper into things, do this for me and I can go look into it while you two catch up." The man said calmly to Waylon.
“That would be wonderful, Largo,” Waylon said. “I’m afraid I don’t have a great deal to go on. Twin vampires, and they were described as such by the young woman, whose nose would have verified their status. They collected rent from these wereleopards, or so it was called, every month at the end of the month.”
"Well, it is better than nothing. I wish you a pleasant evening while I go sniff out answers to this mini mystery. Buenas noches Master Crosby." Largo said as he passed the phone off to his master.
Javier sat in front of the dressing mirror hanging up his Ringmasters out fit and mask, enjoying the comfort of the satin dressing gown he wore as he took the phone from his human servant and chose to stretch out on the chaise lounge in the dressing room.
"A pleasant evening to you." Javier answered as he flipped his long mane of dark silky hair. He lay recumbent on the piece of furniture with a smile on his lips his dark eyes stared up at the ceiling in the room as he spoke into the phone. Even through the phone, his voice was rich and sumptuous. In person it could be used to entice crowds and individuals alike. " Is Seattle treating you well as of late? I have heard some interesting rumors about things that are going on in your backyard. I do hope the big chair you currently sit in is to your liking and hasn't yet become a burden."
“The big chair is never a burden,” Waylon chided. “And if it becomes so, there are those who seek to test the cushions. And what is life without interesting events? Not worth the effort in most cases. Nigel got himself impaled during a duel. That was interesting. Leia has adopted a young swan. She speaks Russian as a first language. Grigori Volkov arranged the adoption. So yes, life has been pleasant. How are things amid your menagerie?”
"Life here is good, as is business. Should you ever decide Seattle is no longer to your tastes, I would always welcome you back into my services, you were an excellent right-hand man. I wept the day you left to move on to bigger and better things, but it seemed better to part ways and have a potential ally further up along the northern coast, rather than forcing you to stay. It would have lead to you becoming embittered with me. We will certainly have to catch up on all these new events, especially Leia's new-found motherhood. I am truly happy for all of you." Javier said with a genuine amount of warmth in his tone. "But before pleasure we must talk business, do we not? Do tell me more about this stay cat and what would bring her to your doorstep, old friend."
“Ah, stray cats are another story entirely,” Waylon said. “But the Nigel let that cat out of the bag some time ago. This newest stray is visiting the locals. She seems determined to return home, with the intention of freeing all the female subs from the yoke of the sex trade. I almost miss the days when nobody talked about it. It was the world’s oldest profession and when a whore showed up dead in an alley, nobody checked for bite marks in inconvenient places.”
"We do live in a different era sadly we have had to trade some liberties to be allowed to thrive in the current scenes unmolested by the church and hunters, due to their democratic laws. It sounds like a rather dramatic tale that this kitty has coughed up onto your lap, however, Waylon. There is a group of Leopards that do reside in my domain that are not a part of my preforming troupe, however I am aware of them, and they do run a legitimate business. Last time I checked, they were not sex slaves, but rather employees for an adult film studio. They are fairly paid for their work and everything checks out on paper. Of course, I benefit from their work. I was an initial investor for the company through the right channels, and they rent land from me, so what proof is there that shenanigans are abound? And should I be concerned about this leopard coming down to shake up the status quo? Is it mere pantomime, or should I sit up and take note?" Javier asked as he slowly rose from the chaise lounge as he made his way over to his desk and turned on his laptop.
“She strikes me as having the desire to make changes to the status quo and yet lacks knowledge as to how to go about it,” Waylon replied. “She was quite adamant and has the locals convinced. Now, from what I know of them, they aren’t likely to charge in guns blazing but they might back a more open challenge. I’d know more for certain but my usual source of information on the local Pard is temporarily out of action. And you’ll love this one, even though it needs to stay very hush hush.”
The pause was entirely for dramatic effect; they both knew it. “I have a sick wereleopard on my hands and from all accounts, it is because she served Volkov during his welcome feast.”
There was a pause on the phone that spanned for five long seconds before Waylon heard a soft, thoughtful sound escape from the Show man's lips. "Interesting... It would be useful to know more, but it is shame your leopard informant is unfit for duty. You know me well enough Waylon, I am a businessman first and foremost these days despite the namesake. Those that cross me find out why the title was given. However, if I am being honest, as long as the money comes in I don't care who is running the studio. So if this kitten is wanting to shake things up with a change of management but willing to still steer the ship and keep up with the day-to-day operations, I wouldn't care too much. I find ways to make sure everyone wears a collar around here, one way or another. The current one has been a pet of mine for many years. Consider him one of my outdoor cats. He is allowed to frolic outside but should I need him, he remembers where home is, should I wish him back at my feet."
Javier paused to open up a file on his laptop as he continued, "You must divulge more about that prepotente gilipollas Volkov. Just how sick is this cat? Perhaps fate smiles upon us with the fact that after so many centuries of his fiascoes fucking his way across the plague ridden Europe sticking sword and cock in man, woman, and animal alike, has finally caught up to him. Certainly unexpected news. Are him and Salvatore still on good terms after all these years? I do recall you mentioning a sword fight."
“That is something you would need to discuss with her,” Waylon said. “I suspect her intentions lean far more towards the white knight concept, rescuing the damsels in distress and carrying them off to safety. I suppose it would really depend on how attached you are to the source of the revenue and what she could do to make up the shortfall.”
Waylon pondered what he could tell the Showman or rather how much. “Grigori may have picked something up over time but where and how I cannot imagine. What I do know is that his wolves seem immune. He has fed on leopards before, not an Alpha mind you and not as extensively over a short period of time. This is the interesting part. There is a very real chance that the young lady could succumb to this infection. If isolated, it could give us a weapon against wereleopards. All of this being said, take it as a warning that if you ever do host the Master of Fairbanks, don’t let him feast on any cat that you are particularly fond of.”
"Has this infection been tested on other feline types. Or is it a case of it being solely something that affects leopards? " Javier sighed as he began clicking though a photo album. "So how large is your cat population and problems in Your city? Should have come down to it rather than euthanizing, perhaps consider rehoming. Do you have ease of access to your stray cat?"
“The local Pard is small. Just over a dozen currently. Down from fifty or so, thanks to an issue with one of the rat factions,” Waylon answered. “Not that that is really news to you. We haven’t tested on any other felines. I want to know everything we can learn about it before branching out to discover how far reaching this discovery is. Any weapon against a lycanthrope is a good one, especially one this subtle and effective. And the stray cat? She is quite weak, comparatively and I doubt that Nigel would be overly happy if I used her as a Guinea pig with no real chance of survival.”
"Ah yes, Nigel had reached out some time back a few years ago to request that I not add his stray cat to my collection. I admit the desire to observe such a unique specimen had piqued my interests. A were cat of her nature is something to give most of us some pause, Katherine is her name if my memory serves me correct. I held up my side of that bargain, since he was willing to let me bank favors owed. But back onto Volkov's infection. Tell me more about this sickness, just how subtle are the effects. Just how inconveniencing is it?"
"Recurring bouts of weakness, inability to keep food down, fever, difficulty changing shape," Waylon answered. "Our resident expert in blood born pathogens has removed her off the donors list for obvious reasons as well as barring her from sexual activity. As one might imagine, both she and her primary partner are somewhat annoyed. And yes, Katherine. Victim of someone using a gene splicer in conjunction with a lycanthropic inoculation. Nigel is very cross that we cannot isolate her virus and attempt to create more of her. If that does happen, I'll be certain to let you know."
"Fascinating. How willing would you be to part with a sample of this infected blood? I ask for the simple reason that we could pool resources on such a thing for posterity’s sake, of course letting it be a secret just between the two of us. Also, how indebted would your out-of-town leopard be if you could provide her with additional information if I were to provide you that?" Javier asked as he clicked on a photo, pausing to listen to the information his shared metaphysical link gave him with his human servant.
"Her degree of gratitude isn't something I'd be willing to speculate on,"Waylon answered. "If I had to describe her on one sentence, I would say she lacks commitment. As far as the sample goes, I can look into that. Dr Goodman can be quite difficult. He's already complaining about lack of funding for proper research and testing. He's virtually drained the poor girl of blood on more than one occasion to make certain he has a steady supply of samples, which certainly isn't helping her recovery."
"Well, if your doctor is complaining about resources and testing, I could assist with that. What are your thoughts on potentially loaning out Goodman to have him come down to work? I do have a lab down in Long Beach that we use as an additional blood source, but it is state of the art beyond the routine lab pulls that humans need, the facility is set up to test everything from infectious diseases to the study of genetic mutations and genome study. It is something I would offer up freely due to our history. You and Leia were a tremendous boon when there were dark times for us down here in the city of angels." Javier offered. "Also feel free to relay to your out-of-town leopard that should she step foot in California that it might be wise to seek out an appointment with me before she attempts to play Joan of Arc. After all, the circus is not hard to find, and we do put on one hell of a show. I could slot her in for a short audience after it is done."
"As much as I would prefer to keep this weapon to myself, there are already too many who know the truth to keep it truly secret," Waylon said. "I'm not certain whether Goodman will see this as a reward or a punishment. And yes, I realize this is not entirely an altruistic offer. You will gain as much from this as I will, perhaps more. Given our history, I have no issues getting the short end of the stick. After all, had I been unwilling to share with you, I would have said nothing. "
Waylon paused at the mention of the dark times in Los Angeles. The Great Depression had been truly a trying time. It had been a time where alliances were forged or broken. It had been during that time that Waylon had begun to realize that he was strong enough to hold his own city. Perhaps not one as large as Los Angeles but certainly one of prominence. "Leia brings light wherever she goes," he said. "To have lent that light to you in a time of darkness brings me joy. As dark as those times were, I have fond memories of them and my time with you. I will drop a polite suggestion in Minnie's ear. One would hope she realizes the danger of playing in someone else's backyard unannounced and uninvited."
"I have no intentions of screwing you over. I endeavor to make allies where I can, after all at the end of the day North America is expansive and there is room enough for everyone to have a seat at the table even if we have to share it with some others that we don't perfectly get along with. There are always whispers of things happening behind the scenes and my ears and eyes are open to the fact that the majority of us here while we govern and hold power need to be less concerned with petty squabbles with each other since the European vampires and those that govern them are the greatest threat to everything we have here. The house of cards we have all strived to build could easily be toppled, but this discovery you have stumbled across could be a boon for all of us here in the Americas, since several of the big players we should be concerned with have dominion of cats. This could be a useful tool in protecting that which is ours Waylon." Javier explained.
"At no point did I think that you were going to screw me over," Waylon protested, although there was little heat behind it. "I suspect I will get greater resistance from Goodman than from you. And yes, having a weapon against the common enemy will be very useful. Speaking of the European court, one of Belle Morte's line that serves under me has manifested the Ardeur, an ability currently restricted to the Master of St Louis. It may draw unwanted attention. If she does send someone to investigate, I can only hope that she does not also decide to have her representative wander south to take in a show."
"Yes, St, Louis has had some very interesting drama over the course of several years. Something I have been keen to keep my eyes on. Jean-Claude has grown in power in ways that should be of concern to everyone. He has brazenly called himself the head of the American vampire council. Belle seems not yet to have decided to extinguish this act of independence. Though I have heard whispers that she may not be able to govern over him as in the days of old. It is all rumor, but I have heard that he has broken away from her and is now the font of his own bloodline. Also I have heard rumors that Jean-Claude perhaps desires to create his own council since he has been so obvious to give himself such a Masterful title. All of this is interesting, but I do not know how many a Master ruling here in the United States would have to give some serious consideration to if they would want to join a coalition like that. No doubt any that would join would see the overseas council less than pleased. I have been tempted to send someone up to St. Louis for the purpose of investigating just how this young Master went from being one of Nikolaos underlings and being half my age, to one of the most talked about and powerful vampires in the USA. Sadly, those that send vampires into the city usually do not see them leave. The body count and risk of losing important pieces on the chess board gives me pause to be arrogant enough to march to poke about and try to find deeper truths, so for now I must content myself to the tidbits that fall out of the rumor mill. You say you have a vampire who has the Ardeur just as the St. Louis Master has care to share more details on that? This must be a very recent thing, for this is the first news I have heard of it. Potentially even news that those across the seas have no knowledge on as well." Javier said as he opened up his browser and pulled up a chat program to log into.
"Klaus is young," Waylon said. "Without even an animal to call but he has other signs of mastery, the Ardeur being the latest. He's been in contact with Jean-Claude and his human servant about how to deal with the Ardeur and they have been quite helpful. As you pointed out, sending him to St Louis for training might be problematic with him deciding to stay and, as powerful as I am, it would not be a fight I wanted to get involved him. Jean-Claude's human servant has a reputation for leaving a body count behind when she visits. I think at this point it is best to allow all of the European council to focus their attention on St Louis and see where the chips are likely to fall before deciding on a course of action. As we so often discover, the long game is most likely to lead to survival."
"Yes and I do want to point out that Beautiful Death has a reputation for liking beautiful and shiny things. This Klaus, is not, yet a weapon fully forged, so handle with care. He could be useful, but he could bring you much in the way of unwanted attention. Use care and try not to toss her name about, or you maybe attract her attention. It is said just uttering her name can bring her to hear it fall from her lips. Speak it too often, and she may turn her attention towards you and your city. As problematic as it is to have a rebellious childe of hers break away from her rule, I could easily ascertain that having her decided visit would be far more problematic than anything Jean-Claude or his pet Anita could stir up for you." Javier stated. "I have had news come to me that you have been making friends as well it seems. I have heard the Werewolves of Seattle have decided to be become Allies. Pray tell how did that happen, I know for several decades this was not the case and yet now Seattle seems to have a tentative alliance with the wolves. You must be pleased to have that kind of muscle and blood now sitting on the table. I commend the Master of Seattle for his latest acquisition. It must be grinding Volkov's gears to know that there is such a large untapped population that is there to support the city. He had once said that Seattle would be a lovely throne to sit on due to the large presence of his chosen animal to call. Over the decades it has only grown larger, 1000 or so as the claims seem to be." Javier mused.
"I am not certain if she would consider him beautiful or shiny," Waylon said. "But as one might expect, I am keeping an eye on his progress. Our current situation is due to a transient master who was briefly a guest in Fairbanks. He goes by Noah, which is amusing, because he arrived by boat with a number of different types of shifters on board. He seems to be able to calm them. He had two wolves with him, who had experienced some significant abuse at Grigori's hands. Long story made short, he was able to parlay the tales of abuse into a treaty that bans any vampire able to control werewolves from the city for a quarter century. That is what lead to his duel with Nigel; not giving him warning of the treaty's existence. They crossed swords, they bled. They kissed and made up."
"So you have found a young master that managed to seal the deal for the city? Noah... Sounds he isn't much of a fan of Volkov either. How old is this Master Noah it is a name I have not heard before. He sounds like a good ally to have at your table. Did he come to Seattle for sanctuary after his exchange with Volkov?" Javier queried as he clicked on the contact name Diaos pausing before writing anything.
"Young," Waylon said. "Again, still seeking his beast to call and planning on venturing further south in an attempt to find it. You may hear from him in the near future, seeking safe passage. There is some significantly bad blood between him and Grigori. Nigel isn't a fan either for some reason. And Noah is a bold one. Essentially stole a fledgling wereswan from under Grigori's nose by way of a poker game, then smuggled her into Seattle with no documentation. Grigori followed pretty much on his heels, bringing the appropriate paperwork so that Leia could adopt her legally, not that a lack of paperwork would have slowed things particularly much. Oh, and I've finally gotten a male swan. Lorne joined us not long ago. Such a sweet young man. The others adore him."
"That is some fantastic news it sounds like the swans are thriving in Seattle how many does that make now have you hit a bakers a dozen now? A young swan child and a male swan. Leia must be over the moon. Fortune certainly favors you this year, Waylon. As for this young Master offering him safe harbor here, is he likely to cause me many issues? He seemed to have a good time at Volkov's expense, but personally, what do you think of him and how he has been carrying on in Seattle." Javier said enjoying the fact that so far this catch up call found his old companion in good spirits.
"I've got fourteen now," Waylon said proudly. "Noah is studiously keeping his head down, trying to stay out of trouble and avoid attention. He knows he is no match for Grigori. He's staying here because Grigori cannot enter the city and the local werewolves would not take kindly to him sending an assassination squad after Noah. He's hoping to be gone by winter but he needs cash and I'm not about to bankroll him with no real expectation of a return. Yes, you were correct. There are a thousand of them. A significant fraction are willing to donate and many are willing to serve in other capacities. We've even hired our first handful of them."
Javier nodded appreciatively as he switched the phone to his other ear. "You have every reason to be proud, Waylon. This young Master has done much for Seattle. So I should expect him coming down my way for winter then. You may pass on the message that I would receive him and let him stay in the city of Angels for a few months if he desires. Perhaps we can find him some work if he is in need of money. It's been a long time since such things ever were a bother for us, but I do remember the days of having come from nothing and the hard work that went into being where we both are today. Steering off the subject of Noah for a moment. Would you have issue with me sending a jet into Seattle to make sure your Dr. Goodman could travel in safety and speedily? I would likely send over one or two of my men to provide escort and to make sure Goodman has everything he needs to take with him. I could send them out tomorrow night to lay over at the Towers until he is packed and ready to go, if this suits you. I suspect that your leopard, by the way, is likely referring to one set of twins. I have no issues sending them over to also meet with you so you can ask them directly about their interactions with the Owner and employees of Paws Awhile studios. Diaos and Komo are young, but they are eager to serve and would not be any trouble in your city. I suspect they were the ones to mention my name, and somehow that information made it to your out-of-town leopard. I suspect further that Wakefield likely passed that information on to his employee. Likely he and I will have to sit down and talk about this at a later date. At this point, I see no reason to give Dallas any heads up about things, at least until I potentially hear from this she leopard or if it gets closer to the date of when she will be coming to visit. You can keep me in the loop about this, correct?"
"Are Dallas and Wakefield one person or two?" Waylon asked. He considered for a moment. "They may have to spend a few days here, while Goodman prepares for his trip," Waylon said. "Obviously whoever you send will have safe passage as I assume Dr Goodman will have as well. While they are here, perhaps Minnie could find her way clear to chat with them. Do they have any dietary preferences or will you be providing them with pommes? Special accommodations? And I will give you as much warning as I can. I don't swear to being able to know exactly when they are planning on making their move but I'm going to go out on a limb and say Minnie will not be ready any time soon."
"They are one and the same. Dallas is the name I bestowed upon him. He used to be a full time employee here at the circus before he broached the topic about a new business venture. As stated earlier, I have a way of making sure my pets don't stray too far. As for the twins staying several days, I am fine with that. They have no pressing responsibilities at the moment and I could potentially collect rent from Dallas in person just to inspect the premises as a landlord is want to do. It has been eight years since I last stepped foot on the property to see what he has done with it. Certainly you could have Diaos and Komo meet with the leopardess, they've served me long enough that I can trust them to have a sit down without stirring the pot too much and potentially come understand what she really wants. As for your doctor, of course he has safe passage. Why else would I provide him with such luxury and travel escorts to boot? Javier said, chuckling as he began to type a message to his selected underling and his brother, summoning them to come see him in the next hour.
"Dr Goodman is not exactly known for his people skills," Waylon said. "He tends to fall back on old habits, which have been out of date for a hundred years or so. He is not a fan of his underlings showing any initiative, especially when they are female. He forgets himself at times, so you might want to remind him upon arrival that the legality of our existence hinges on our respect for the autonomy of others."
He could imagine the face of the wereleopard when the knock on the door came from the master of Los Angeles, who had shown up personally to collect the rent. It would be like Nigel stopping by to see if John Breeman had submitted his hours to payroll.
Javier laughed, it sounded warm and genuine, full of joy "Oh don't worry my friend, we can set up an arrangement that is beneficial to make sure the work gets done, even if I have to cherry-pick the team myself. I do however have permission to correct any rude behaviors should he step out of line correct, as long as he is returned to you intact and whole once his work here is done. I'm really pleased you reached out to call tonight, Waylon. Before I ask about some of the other drama you mentioned earlier, but we have not had a chance to consume, is there any information that you might be interested in. I do know we both love a good quid pro quo. After that we can get back onto the juicy things like Nigel and Volkov sword fighting and hearing more about your little girl and newest swan."
Waylon chuckled. "And give up the opportunity to be one up for a change? No, I think I will hold on to that little waiver for a rainy day. Now, as far as Goodman's correction is concerned, I would prefer it not be too savage, although I do recall telling him recently that if he continued on his current path that I would have him taken to the roof at dawn and watch the video of his immolation for my amusement. So please, correct his behaviour if it needs correction or keep a log of his transgressions that can be turned over to the Schoolmaster upon Goodman's return to Seattle."
"Fine, fine, fine... have it your way. One wavier for information to be shared at a later date, unless I come up with something fascinating that would be of great benefit to you and your own. As for the doctor and his need for any corrective behaviors I can certainly make sure he is educated, or I can do both of those suggested things, sometimes a lesson needs to be driven home more than once before it is fully learned." Javier replied, sounding heartily amused.
"Very true, very true," Waylon said. "And a warning of impending doom is always appreciated. So what did you want to hear about first, my new swans or Grigori hoisting Nigel off the ground on the end of three feet of steel?"
