[@Olira]

While waiting for Mei to pick up, Nero paced the floor.

[color=ed1c24]"Nero Castigione, and no, my parents didn't teach me any manners, on account of them being burned at the stake when I was two.  Now fuck off, doll!"[/color]

The phone rang for a few minutes.  Nothing.  Nero was getting impatient.

[@Luna Amore]

Mei glanced down at her phone buzzing in the cubby hold.  She picked it up, already aware of who was calling.

"Nero."

[color=ed1c24]"The one and only."[/color]  Nero answered with a dry chuckle.

Mei smirked, "Okay smartass.  How is everything?  Are you alright?"

[color=ed1c24]"I'm a little dinged up...and surrounded by weirdos.  You at the hideout?"[/color]

"Not yet, but I'm getting there.  Has Anton contacted you any?"

[color=ed1c24]"No, but I figured he'd call you first."[/color]

"Shit..."  Mei sighed irritably.  "Well look, I'll get a hold of him and the rest.  You just get back to the hideout in one piece, okay?  Got it?"  She sounded genuinely concerned, and why not?  Nero, the coven, they were more to her than just loyal subjects.

[color=ed1c24]"Yeah, sure thing boss.  And Mei?"[/color]

"Yeah?"

[color=ed1c24]"You watch yourself out there.  There's some bad shit going down, and I think it has to do with more than just the Malkavians."[/color]

Mei was quiet for a moment, her brow wrinkled with a grim feeling of anxiety.  Softly she answered, a tad choked up, "Y-yeah...you might be right.  I'll see you back at the hideout.  Be safe."

She hung up the phone and kept driving.