[center][U][B]Just Another Customer[/B][/U][/center]
[center][I][U]Evening[/U][/I]
[I] Collab by Lucius and yoshua171[/I][/center]

Feeling a vibration in his pocket, the businessman glanced downwards slightly before reaching in and extracting his phone, his motions slow and deliberate. Looking at the screen, Crow found his eyebrow raising as he saw an unfamiliar number. Nonetheless a second buzzing, a text message, notified him of the client's basic information.

[I]Damon. Lesser Hellion. Safe House and Operation request. Shapeshifter. Possible identifier: Dark Matter.[/I] The last two points made Crow's eyes narrow slightly before he shook his head lightly and put the phone to his ear, answering it promptly. [B]"Greetings, this is Crow, I presume I am speaking to Damon in regards to a request?"[/B] His tone was somewhere between boredom and a strict business-like manner. It might even give off the impression that Damon was interrupting something important --even though he wasn't.

[b]"Yup. I hope you don't mind the intrusion, so I'll be brief. I'm going to need a safe location to protect myself and a few friends of mines from a man named Darius. I honestly don't know much else about him aside that he's not to be trifled with, and I'd rather not have to face him head on. But that's not all. If you are willing and able to provide the help, I would also like to ask if you could assist me in rescuing a person. He's not someone I know personally, however I've been requested to assist however I can. And in turn, I hope that you can help me as well. I cannot say I have much in terms of wealth, but if you know who I am, than you know what I am capable of. I will be indebted to you and will ensure to pay back on that debt as soon as this job is complete. This is all that I know about this job, and if you're willing to accept it, I shall meet you at a location called The Hog's Head. I should be there with one other. I'll be wearing the thigh-high socks."[/b]

And with that Damon hung up. He couldn't really stay on to talk, since he just pulled up to the Hog's Head. He transformed his body into a sultry woman in a minidress and wearing thighhigh socks. She walked into the tavern and looked around for Juan. Damon didn't see him, but he imagined that Juan would find him soon enough.

As he listened to the demon's response, Crow walked through an alley and disappeared into a shadow, the connection never faltering even as he emerged. [I]A safehouse request in addition to an operation,[/I] he thought silently, [I]seems this one's trying to pull off something dangerous.[/I] It might be risky, but Crow had the resources and as long as this demon was who they said they were he hardly minded dealing with him. Granted, he wouldn't be doing so himself, it wasn't his style--he disliked violence. Hopefully it wasn't something that would waste his men, for even if they were replaceable, it was annoying to recruit people. He'd avoid it if necessary, but it probably wouldn't be.

Nonetheless, realizing he might as well meet the man sooner than later, Crow noted the location down on a GPS, memorized it, and then called one of his men. Two minutes later a man in a car arrived and he stepped in.

The two drove towards the Hog's Head, a bar that Crow had never preferred. However, since it was frequented so often, he had made arrangements with the owner to install some rather hidden rooms in the back. He'd done this in a number of popular bars around the city. It was convenient for him really. 

After only a five minute drive, the car stopped and Crow checked his watch before nodding to the driver. "Park at the end of the block and don't draw attention to yourself," he said with a bored, but serious air before he exited the vehicle. Shivering slightly at the evening air, he found a small smile growing on his face. The sun was gradually descending in the sky and it'd be night soon. Naturally, Crow enjoyed the night and so after he took a long draw of the air he turned back to his destination and entered the bar.

Finding it relatively busy as was usual, Crow glanced through the smoky atmosphere, noting the many customers who had just begun their night of drinking, despite it not being night yet. Paying them no mind, the businessman, who for some reason was barely noticed by the majority of the bar's inhabitants despite his snappy garb, made a beeline right for an attractive woman wearing thighhigh socks. She was sitting at a booth near the back, and casting glances about the bar every few minutes, as if she were waiting for someone.

Crow wondered if she was waiting for him or the [I]friend[/I] who she had called this favor in for. Granted, this would likely end up in Crow's favor, despite it involving Darius. Not that Darius knew much of anything about Crow, in fact the former casino owner had probably never even heard of his name --he intended to keep it that way even after this. [B]"Greetings [I]madam[/I]," he stated as he gestured towards the seat, [B]"May I?"[/B] His manners were impeccably polite and even friendly. It usually served him well to treat his clients with such a manner, even if this one's name was actually male oriented and the individual was in fact a shapeshifting demon.

Even if his informants hadn't picked that much up, Crow would have known just by looking at [I]her[/I], except for the name of course. There were certain perks to being a nightwalker, perks he kept a secret from not only the majority of his organization, but the majority of his clientele as well. This one would be no different for to her he would feel and appear entirely human--it was just one aspect of his skill.

After ordering himself a drink Damon waited. He knew Juan wouldn't show up anytime soon, and from what little he knew about Crow, he'd likely find him first. At least, Damon thought he'd be talking to a sort of representative or some such. He never really expected to see the man himself. Damon only knew his face because, in the past, Damon had a run in with a guy who once had some business with Crow. Like Damon, he was also looking for a safe house, though Damon had to put him down during a robbery. The guy had gone nuts despite Crow's help, though he imagined that Crow wouldn't really mind Damon offing one of his clients in an unrelated act. And if not... Well Damon would just keep it to himself.

[b]"Go right ahead, sir."[/b] Damon waved his hand towards the seat in front of him. His voice was sweet yet mature, with a bit of spice to it like a fine wine. It helped that this body belonged to a high-class call girl who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

More importantly, they both looked much classier than the current clients, who were "casual", to put it kindly. Perhaps overtly formal for their location, but as far as anyone would care they were just two fancy people out on a date. Unfortunately, Damon was not here for such pleasure. [b]"And I presume you are Crow?"[/b] A server came by with a basket of biscuits and cheap wine. Damon didn't really have a taste for alcohol; he could drink it just fine, but didn't really care for quality. He took a few sips before he resumed speaking. [b]"Unfortunately my friend is not here yet, so allow me to introduce myself formally. I am Damon. As you are no doubt aware, my business is with information, but I'm otherwise a free agent for anything within my skills. I'm here on behalf of my friend, who has yet to tell me exactly why he needs my skills, however he has asked for someone of your... Influence. Now I understand that your services cannot be given to just any lady who flutters her eyes at you, so I'm willing to negotiate the terms of our agreement. You know what I want, so what is it that you would like from me?'[/b]

[B]"Yes, I am Crow,"[/B] he said with a slight smile, nodding at appropriate times during the demon's introduction. Chuckling lightly as he mentioned his skills and his knowledge of such, [B]"I am quite aware of your skills,"[/B] he then leaned in slightly, a very small smile on his features before he spoke in a near whisper, [B]"...Darkmatter."[/B] He then withdrew and continued, looking thoughtfully at Darkmatter's wine glass. [B]"I believe I can help you and your...[I]friend[/I]. I'll be calling one, or both of you in for favors here and there though as what you seem to be suggesting could get...quite [I]expensive[/I] on my end."[/B] He smiled at the demon with a friendly look and extended his hand for [I]her[/I] to shake. If she took it the deal would be sealed and at that point he would speak once more after withdrawing his hand, [B]"When your friend is available we can discuss the details,"[/B] he extracted a business card from the pocket of his suit vest and slid it across the table. [B]"My contact information is on there, as well as the address where we will be meeting next time. That building will be the one you requested. Any specific requests for its contents?"[/B]

Damon reached out to shake Crow's hand to seal their deal. Though Damon couldn't speak on Juan's behalf, he'll make sure he's aware of what he's getting himself into. Damon took the card and absorbed it into his body, taking the information for later. [b]"No, not really... Though I'll be sure to let my associate contact you as soon as possible. With any luck, you should have a call from him before the night's end. Thank you for assisting us, I promise you won't regret it in the slightest."[/b]

Crow nodded, smiling pleasantly before he rose and bowed his head respectfully. [B]"Pleased to do business with you, we'll be in contact,"[/B] the businessman half turned before stopping and glancing first at the bartender, who noted his look, and then back at Damon. [B]"The drinks are on the house,"[/B] he smiled graciously and then departed the building entirely, the door swinging shut gently behind him. Things were going well, and he already had some ideas as to who he might call in for this job...one of them was new.

Things would be getting interesting quickly, [I]very interesting.[/I]