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Vivian took a second to register the voice on the other end of the phone. It was different than what she expected. The man on the line sounded rather enthusiastic - chipper, even - not exactly what she had in mind for an ‘old’ rich guy. He spoke rather formally nevertheless, so Vivian figured it was just that his voice didn’t match his age.

[color=C8C7CB]“Yes, this is Vivian,”[/color] she confirmed, following her statement with a light chuckle. She felt that Alexander’s effortless words of praise were a bit of an overestimation of her abilities. [color=C8C7CB]“Glad you find my skills satisfactory. I’m a bar player though. Not a professional, but you swing the cue just the same.” [/color]

Vivian paused, realizing that underselling herself in this situation wasn’t doing her many favours. She could only hope her skills were an accurate match for his seemingly lofty expectations, so that he didn’t lower the pay. Not that it mattered much if he did — Vivian was sure it would be a generous amount for her circumstances either way.

[color=C8C7CB]“So, Alexander, when and where would you like to start?”[/color] Vivian tried to keep a nonchalant tone with her next phrase, to avoid making her sleuth-y intentions too obvious. [color=C8C7CB]“I can… commute to your residence if you’d like. If you have the equipment, of course.”[/color]

[Color=gold]"Hmm..."[/color] Alexander pondered the option of starting the lessons here in New Paeonia. He figured Vivian would remain safe in his company, but would his people remain safe after she was exposed to the community. Operation Humanity was known to use tricks and schemes to mount attack on his clan and Alexander needed to be sure that this woman was not another Trojan horse. [Color=gold]"As much as I would love for you to see what I have set up here in my home, I think it might be best to meet you at more public venue."[/color] He kept his tone polite as if his decision was meant to make Vivian feel more comfortable with their first meeting.

[Color=gold]"You mentioned being a [i]bar[/i] player. We could meet at one. I would like to see you perform on your more usual playing field. Less pressure, safe... oh, and drinks on me."[/color] 

[i]Well, shit.[/i] Vivian figured it wouldn’t be that easy to get into their exclusive little community. Though, it seemed like he was offering to meet in public for the sake of courtesy, which lessened Vivian’s disappointment with having her plans of detective work thwarted.

[color=C8C7CB]“Booze and pool, a favourite combo of mine. I'll gladly accept that offer.”[/color] Vivian replied enthusiastically as her lips stretched into a toothy grin. The deal just got sweeter. [color=C8C7CB]“I work at Alexei’s in town. They have pool tables there. If you want to start today, my shift begins at 3PM so I can do anytime before that.”[/color]

[Color=gold]"Noon it is then."[/color] Alexander was quick to set the arrangement, despite his opinion on Alexei's. The establishment was known by all supernatural faction leaders in the area as a ceasefire zone. The magic there dulled abilities and traits of vampires, werewolves, and witches, so it was only natural for the vampire puritan to not favor the place. [Color=gold]"A pleasure speaking to my soon to be instructor."[/color] 

[color=C8C7CB]“Solid. I’ll see you at noon, bye.” [/color]

Vivian tapped on the red phone icon on her phone to end the call, realizing in that moment that a precise amount for payment was never discussed. Her hand raised itself to her forehead instinctively out of exasperation as she stared at the screen. She had been so focused on her goal of getting into New Paeonia - and to a lesser degree, by the seemingly generous compensation - that it had totally slipped her mind to ask something so basic. [color=C8C7CB][i]Ah, whatever. I’ll ask him before we start the lesson.[/i][/color]