[color=d2b48c][center][sup][i]Almost a month after Friday Night (of the Allison Chapter)[/i] [@BrutalBx] & [@LovelyComplex][/sup] [img]https://i.imgur.com/DGYQsCD.png[/img] [img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/220406/b3f4eb385c3f35003d0b32dcb220095f.png[/img][/center] [indent][indent]Gotta carry that weight. That’s what he was always told. No matter the burden. No matter how hard or heavy. It was a duty to carry that weight or as his lovely mother used to say, you had to learn to eat shit and like the taste of it. She was a wholesome lady. To be fair, Mrs Silo was everyone’s favourite lunch lady at Pinehurst Academy. It was just a shame that she rarely treated her own son with as much reverence as she did the other Pinehurst children. His father was a different story. He was such a creative and imaginative man, so full of life and energy or at least, that’s how Wes likes to remember him. He hated lying and he hated that he was doing it successfully. In some kind of strange way, Wes had hoped that Kylee or Clay would figure out that he wasn’t from Boston as he had originally claimed. He had hoped that they would uncover that he was actually a Pinehurst Monarch. If they found out then he wouldn’t have to lie anymore and then he wouldn’t have to carry that horrendous weight that he had been logging over his shoulder this entire time. Clay had asked him to come to the Hole in the Wall. It certainly wasn’t his type of place. Wes was a classy boy and this place just wasn’t that appealing. Beer and wings. It was so…Regardless he had found a decent beer on draft that he likes and sat in a corner booth away from the prying eyes and listening ears of those that wish ill to the investigative trio. He took a sip from his beer and was greeted by the beautiful brunette he had been waiting for since he got here. [color=E9F4C9]“Hey there.”[/color] [color=a95963]“Hi,”[/color] Kylee beamed, looking straight into the reporter’s eyes. She sported a long sleeved crop top, jeans, a black chain strap bag, and red lipstick. Her hair was free flowing, her skin was moisturised, soft and glowing, and her heels were that of black boots. A casual outfit suited for a bar. A look simple enough to display she wasn’t even trying but purposeful enough to bring out her features like her midriff, her long legs, and her slim, petite figure. [color=a95963]“I hope I haven’t made you wait too long.”[/color] Kylee politely added, while holding a Bell’s Two Hearted Ale, before taking her seat with him at the corner booth. Scooting her way in until she was a slight distance away from him, Kylee got herself situated, placing her drink on the table. She didn’t want to come across as desperate so she made sure there was a little distance between them this time around. Though notably so, since she’s been sitting ridiculously close to him past meetings. [color=a95963]“What time is it anyways? Isn’t Clay supposed to be here?”[/color] She pulled her phone out of her purse to check to see where he was. [color=E9F4C9]“I spoke to him an hour ago, said he was erm…”[/color] Wes was trying to find the words but it was becoming increasingly difficult around Kylee. For the past little while, since their forming of their crew with Clay, they had been spending more and more time together and it was becoming almost impossible to ignore just how beautiful she was and just how much he was beginning to feel for her. The reporter was doing his best to keep it professional, he still had a lot to hide. [color=E9F4C9]“…sorry yeah he said he was chasing some lead.”[/color] As if on cue, Kylee’s phone lit up with a message. It was from everyone's favourite rookie police and it had a picture attached. Of course, it was that doofus with some girl going to the movies. [quote][b]Clay:[/b] [color=BCDD81]Date night. I told Rhett I’d pay your tab. It’s all you now, Grimmy. Get your man. Good luck xxx[/color][/quote] Wes’s phone also pinged with a message. [quote][b]Clay:[/b] [color=BCDD81]Something came up. Not gonna make it. I know the guy who works there. I’ve got the tab. Laters gators.[/color][/quote] Wes returned his attention to Kylee, running a hand through his curly hair with an almost frenetic energy. This was dangerous. Being alone with Kylee, for just so many reasons. She was an inquisitive one. All it would take would be one slip of the tongue and she would figure out all the things he was keeping close to his chest and she would likely never forgive him. The other problem was that he wanted to kiss her badly, no doubt ruining their fruitful partnership. Hell, there was even that lug Costigan to consider. They had become, dare he say it, friends, how would he feel about all that? Probably not a lot. Clay would probably just think about a girl himself or maybe a meatball sub. [color=E9F4C9]“Just us then.”[/color] Part of her was surprised because she didn’t expect Clay to do this move so soon. It was only a couple of weeks since he found out about her crush. Then again, it was McDungus and this is how he played. The other part of her was excited and nervous, all at the same time. The last time she felt like this was with Pierce. What she had with Natalia was pure and unadulterated lust. She did care for the woman, one point in time, but that wasn’t the same as what she shared with Pierce. If anything, Kylee desperately needed emotional connection and maybe that’s what drove her to break up with Natalia. Holding her ale, Kylee fixed her hazel eyes on her date. She felt bashful which was unusual for her. To her dismay, the mayor’s princess didn’t have Clay in between them as a buffer. [color=a95963]“So… how you’ve been?”[/color] Her voice was feathery and yet still ever so inviting. [color=a95963]“It’s been a week since we saw each other last.”[/color] It didn’t take a rocket scientist to tell how spatially aware Kylee was of her surroundings and of him. Especially him. This Kylee was less intense than her usual self. She was more reserved and shy even. Her smile was gentle and tender. It wasn’t like they hadn’t been alone before. Their first meeting they were alone with each other and they both made quite the first impression. This time was different. This time he wasn’t here with her as a stranger but someone she wanted to know more and more about. Someone she was growing to care about. The light in his eyes and how he talked about the thing he loved… maybe that reminded her of Pierce. Still, she knew she would never be able to replace her ex so she wanted to know everything about Wesley Silo. The outsider that wants to solve the case of the letters. The outsider that loved what he did, even if it meant he’d have to desperately cling onto a cursed town where he was more unwanted than not. The outsider that she could see becoming part of the everyday faces of Edenridge. She wanted to fall for him and not because he reminded her of a ghost. And if he was willing, he could be part of this town, hand in hand with her. [color=E9F4C9]“Erm, yeah busy.”[/color] Wesley took a long drink from his beer. He wasn’t particularly sure if it was because he was thirsty or if it was because he was [i]thirsty[/i]. Perhaps it was maybe even to wash down the feelings that he was now enduring for the girl in front of him. [color=E9F4C9]“Chasing leads, getting to know this place. For such a small town there’s so much going on. It’s kind of amazing actually.”[/color] It was true, Eden had stories going as far back as its founding. So many myths, so many legends, so many truths and oh so many lies. Every step through the concrete wilderness acted like the turning of a page in a book. Every new cobble revealed a new tale to uncover. The story he was interested most in now however was that of Kylee Grimm. The Mayor's little girl. A survivor of Charlie Decker’s massacre. A truth seeker just like him. Wes couldn’t lie and say that he wasn’t intrigued by her backstory. Her father was loved by many but the young reporter had a feeling about the man. He had secrets and he believed that they were bigger than most others. [color=E9F4C9]“I have an idea,”[/color] Wes rested his arm across the back of the booth, inching it ever so slightly behind Kylee. [color=E9F4C9]“Since Costigan left us in the lurch we can’t really debrief properly. So how about you and I have a little fun? Here’s something, you get one question. Just one. That you can ask me and it can be about literally anything. One question and I have no choice but answer it truthfully and vice versa.”[/color] Kylee hadn’t even drank much and she could feel the heat. The fact that she was so attracted to him, like it was an intoxication, was something she didn’t necessarily understand. He was a bundle-package of all the things she sought out in someone and underneath it all, the chemistry and sexual tension, it was all there. Still, she wasn’t an easy girl to win over and she needed to hold herself back. Kylee knew if he inched even closer and wanted to… she would have a hard time refusing him. [color=a95963]“Anything I want?”[/color] She leaned forward, enticed by his offer. [color=E9F4C9]“Anything you want.”[/color] Wesley repeated. This was the most dangerous game and he was putting himself in the line of fire. Ky was just like him, inquisitive and hungry for the hidden words that the rest of the world weren’t aware of. All she had to do was ask the right question and he was fucked. Yet he couldn’t help himself. She was forcing him to do this. It was like a drug, [i]she[/i] was like a drug. This last month with her had been the most exciting he had had in a very long time, if ever at all. Kylee Grimm truly was something special. He could feel the warmth radiating from her body as they somehow found themselves edged closer together. Shit where was Clay when you needed him? Tilting her head, realising he had hazel eyes like hers, but his was more like a warm honey mixed in with deep caramel, she gave the sweetest of smiles, her lips adorned with red. He was challenging her and she wondered if he was prepared for all the things she wanted to know. She needed to answer soon so she could listen to him speak, his voice being a lovely melody to her ears. Without a doubt, she could wrap herself with his words and sleep more soundly than she ever could. Of course, that was her imagination getting carried away. [color=a95963]“Well, [i]Wesley[/i].”[/color] She said his first name for the first time to make it a point that after this, there was no turning back. [color=a95963]“If you want me to trust you fully, no false pretence, I need to know one of your secrets. What lies behind that charming smile of yours, hm?”[/color] All her surroundings had disappeared as she hyperfocused on the reporter. [color=a95963]“You said you wanted to have fun, let’s have [i]fun[/i].”[/color] Did they get even closer to each other? Fuck. There it was. He had been caught in his own bear trap. Wes had to choose his next words so carefully. One misspoken word or any elongated sentence could spell seven different kinds of disaster. He wanted to tell Ky everything. He wanted to be completely and utterly honest with her at that moment and relieve the weight he had been carrying in his heart for so long. Something about those eyes and that smile made Wes just want to be unashamedly himself, something he hadn’t been for a very long time. [color=E9F4C9]“Well Kylee,”[/color] He marched for tit for tat. They were using first names now, it was basically foreplay. [color=E9F4C9]“Believe it is not…”[/color] He grinned from ear to ear as he found the perfect secret to share with his lovely companion. Wes tilted his head [color=E9F4C9]“Sometimes when the world gets too much and my heart just can’t take it anymore…I run myself a bath, light some candles, grab a drink and sit in the water, having a little cry whilst I listen to Boys II Men.”[/color] When he gave his response, while it was nice to know, Kylee couldn’t help but feel disappointed. Pulling away from him, using her drink as a reason to put some distance back up between them, the mayor’s daughter took a longer sip of her drink and laughed, [color=a95963]“I can’t blame you!”[/color] She forced a smile, as she added, [color=a95963]“Boys II Men? They just give the right vibes. I know a few of their songs, like [i]End of The Road[/i].”[/color] After finishing her drink, she looked between Wes and her beer, [color=a95963]“I’m going to get another and then when I come back you can ask me something! Do you want anything?”[/color] [color=E9F4C9]“Yeah actually,”[/color] Wes polished off his own drink rather quickly. Damn, he wished he had eaten some of those wings now because he was feeling the booze. [color=E9F4C9]“I’ll have another but I’d also like to give you my real answer.”[/color] He reached out and put his hand on top of hers. She was like fire to touch but she wasn’t burning him, at least not in the way of scolding. She was making his heart burn. [color=E9F4C9]“A real secret of mine is that from the minute I first walked into your studio for the Dawn Patrol, I knew you were someone I could do this with. Save the world and be myself with. You’re special.”[/color] [color=a95963][i]Nice save.[/i][/color] Narrowing her eyes, Kylee looked at him with conflicted emotions. Once again he brought her back after clearly noticing he made the wrong move. Dropping her defence once more, she rolled her eyes, embarrassed at his declaration. [color=a95963]“Better,”[/color] is all she responded before pulling her hand away from him, letting her touch linger for a little longer. Subconsciously, she nervously bit her bottom lip as she got up to retrieve their beers. When she got to the bar, she leaned on it and patted her cheeks. [color=a95963][i]Get it together, Kylee.[/i][/color] Her first crush, Rhett, came to her with a smirk on his face. “Clay told me everything.” The bartender had already gotten them second rounds and whispered, “I’ll send some shots over so you can really get him to loosen up.” [color=a95963]“Rhett!”[/color] Kylee looked over her shoulder back at Silo, before bringing her attention to Cece's older brother almost immediately when she realised Mr. Reporter was watching her. [color=a95963]“This is too much. I should go home.”[/color] “Hey, that’s not the Kylee way. From what I can see, he’s into you. You got this.” Of course he was encouraging her so she could stop flirting with [i]him[/i]. Rhett was a wall when it came to her advances but hey, if her eyes were on someone else, not his problem. He wanted peace and part of that meant encouraging the mayor’s daughter to put all her focus on the new guy in town. [color=a95963]“Okay, okay.”[/color] Deep breath in, deep breath out. [color=a95963][i]You got this.[/i][/color] Wes leaned back in the booth and looked up at the ceiling with a great sigh. What on Earth was he doing? This wasn’t the plan. He was supposed to come to this town, do his job and get out. Now he was sitting in a bar with the most enticing girl he had ever met. A girl who quite possibly was the most dangerous of them all in this shitty little suburb. This wasn’t the plan. He pulled out his phone and began scouring the news, looking for anything and everything that could distract him from the growing fever in his blood. Wesley soaked up the news like nobody else. He could speed read an article in four seconds flat and it was a great way of leaving himself behind and just getting lost. It wasn’t working this time however; Kylee’s perfume lingered in the air and it just made him want more. None of this would have happened if Costigan had actually bothered to turn up. He didn’t know whether to thank him or punch him. [color=E9F4C9][i]Fuck you, Clay.[/i][/color] With two beers in hand, Kylee navigated through the bar, where the crowd was beginning to grow. Finding her way to the private booth, away from the chaos that was the locals of Edenridge, she slipped in and handed Wes his drink, [color=a95963]“I ordered us the house wings. We should balance our drinks with food. Don’t want to get too sloppy tonight…”[/color] the mayor’s daughter displayed an adorable winsome smile, hoping she didn’t overstep with that, [color=a95963]“And hey, it’s on Clay. He didn’t want to show up so we might as well get what we want.”[/color] And right away, two shots and wings were placed in front of them, [color=a95963]“Oh. And that’s from Rhett.”[/color] She gestured at the shots. If there was one thing about Edenridge, if you have the right connections you get some of the best service. Shots now? Good God. [color=E9F4C9]“Thanks,”[/color] He took a hold of his drink and brought it to his side of the table. Now Wes was terrified. He couldn’t handle his drink at the best of times and now they were doing shots. He could feel himself separating into two, there was a part of him that wanted to throw all caution to the wind and give in to the feelings that he was experiencing. Then there was the other half that wanted to excuse himself and get out of there while he still had the chance. He really wasn’t sure which side was going to win out. He picked up the shot glass and raised it to his date for the evening. What it was? Wes had no clue but he trusted Kylee and if she was willing to do this, then so was he. [color=E9F4C9]“To getting what we want.”[/color] [color=a95963]“To getting what we deserve.”[/color] Kylee asserted and eased her dainty hand towards his glass. After clinking the glass with hers, the curly haired reporter downed the fire water. He could feel the intense flavour travel through his body like an electrical current. This was some strong shit. What on Earth had Rhett given them? Never again. [color=E9F4C9]“Ok, I told you a secret. Your turn, tell me one of yours.”[/color] Before Kylee could answer, she was taking in the shot. She seemed equally as surprised as Wes. Wow, this was really strong. Kylee was more of a wine drinker than anything and wine drunk was a completely different kind of drunk, but this was like a highschool party cranked up to 10. [color=a95963]“This is… must be something new.”[/color] Placing her glass down, finally, the alcohol she had been rushing down the past thirty minutes or so due to nerves was hitting her and it hit her fast. [color=a95963]“A secret,”[/color] she said under her breath. Jeez there was so much that she could unfold with this town, with her family, and with herself. She wasn’t going to be a chicken like Wes was, so she’d do something personal. Something that ate at her ever since Prue died. [color=a95963]“I don’t know if this counts, but…”[/color] she scooted closer, just so she didn’t have to raise her voice. When subjects involved her father, it was best to be careful. Anyone could be listening. [color=a95963]“… my dad has a lot of skeletons and I think, no I know, that he’s lied to me about who my mother is. I never got to meet her. I’m pretty sure she died before I could even walk. He—”[/color] she stopped mid sentence to get a sip of her beer. This was such a serious talk. They needed to lighten things up after this. However, there were no more restraints holding Kylee back, [color=a95963]“—he has a strong attachment to music even though the mom that raised me, Prudence, didn’t know a thing about it, and neither does the sugar baby my dad now calls wife. I think it’s a clue, I really do. And, like, this is the case I care most about because I just want to know who my mother is, or, well, was.”[/color] She said a lot of words. Too much? Probably too much. [color=a95963]“Oh and I’m not going to sound like a cheeseball like you but I’m really fucking into you. You’re stupid hot and I love your mind and drive.”[/color] Okay now she might’ve said too much. Wesley, a man whose job it was to write meaningful and powerful words, was at a loss for them. A lot had happened between his playful question and Kylee opening her mouth to answer. Not only was he taken aback by her own distrust of her own father but from her admission of finding him attractive. He wasn’t an idiot, he knew there was a vibe but for her to outright admit it…what did that guy put in their drinks? Because whatever it was, it has opened up a well that Wes didn’t even know was full. A waitress passed by their table and headed back towards the handsome, red headed barman with some empty glasses and handed them to him. “It’s going well, she just told him he was hot! Let Clay know!” Rhett grinned as he picked up a walkie talkie and radioed his former Celtics point guard. “Yo, sixteen, this is twenty one. Your plan is working like a charm.” Elsewhere, parked outside the Godmothers, Clay Costigan took a bite out of his meatball sub. He listened to Rhett give him the rundown of how he had given them his “special drink” and how the couple seemed to be radiating chemistry. Were Clay anything but himself, he’d probably have to arrest his old friend but spiking for the sake of love, was that acceptable? Probably not but fuck it, Wes needed the kick up the backside to get himself into gear. [color=BCDD81]“Copy that, good brother. Keep me posted, also, say hi to your Mom for me.”[/color] Wes managed to shake off his astonishment long enough to have a drink from his fresh beer, a big one at that, before he spoke again. [color=E9F4C9]“I..well, shit. Listen, we’ll look into your Mom. Yeah for sure, we’ll dig and dig until we find out out who she really was….as for that other thing,”[/color] He has definitely had too much to drink or mixed too much of whatever but, fuck it. He was going to use what he learned from Clay and just stop giving a fuck. [color=E9F4C9]“I’m into you too, like crazily so. I wanted the story to come first but when I’m with you, it’s really hard to do that because you’re so beautiful and you’re so passionate and alive. You may be Grimm by name but not by nature. Fuck it!”[/color] The reporter took a hold of the girl's face and planted a kiss on her painted lips for a second before pulling away, not knowing whether to regret or be proud of such an action. Meanwhile on the other side of the bar, the waitress raised her arms in victory. [color=a95963]“You’re not going to just stop right there, are you?”[/color] Kylee looked at Wes, her face was heated and now he left her wanting more. [color=a95963]“Don’t be a tease, Wesley.”[/color] She poked the bear, hoping he’d get a bit more risqué than a long peck. There was a spark in her eyes that he couldn’t ignore. He took her by the hand and that spark seemed to transfer to him at that moment. [color=E9F4C9]“My place is a block away,”[/color] Wes had to do it. He had to give in to the temptation. Kylee was worth it. She made him feel special. She made him feel like what he was doing was the right thing when everybody else told him it was wrong. He had to show her that her faith was well placed. He had a place here now. He had a person. [color=E9F4C9]“Let’s get out of here.”[/color] He led her by the hand out of the door and towards the AirBnB he had been renting for the last month. [color=a95963]“You know…”[/color] Kylee giggled as she walked out of the bar, interlocking her fingers with his. [color=a95963]“You’re going to be bad for business, I can tell.”[/color] She teased as she took in his face with complete adoration. She was on cloud nine. Whatever was in that drink only meant a good thing, she hoped. As he led them towards his Airbnb, she glanced behind her. If there was one thing that Kylee knew for certain, she knew someone was always watching her.[/indent][/indent] [center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/220406/433fe96af7d3d4041e1af1622405c5f1.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/xc6NKJN.png[/img] [img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/220406/dc7fafeaaf12f15b8c76c50b110f6a95.png[/img][/center] [indent][indent]Edenridge was a small town. People knew people. Word gets around fast. The Hole in the Wall, the more popular bar in town, was no exception. Sitting at a table near the entrance was one of the people that was closely tied to her father. She, along with Theodore Grimm, were part of the Iron Five. The people that ran the show and made sure Edenridge still had a pulse. In scantily clad, not her usual wear but definitely her occasional wear to blend in with the crowd, Phoebe Masterson flirted up a storm with some random guy. Once the lovebirds left, another guy came up to her, asking for a smoke. Excusing herself from the table, apologising to the obviously drunk man, Phoebe followed the other guy outside and provided him with a box of cigarettes. He opened it and there sat a roll of cash and two cigarettes. After lighting one up he handed it to her and then he grabbed one for himself, pocketing the box. The guy himself was just a kid out of luck, desperate for some easy money. The desperate were usually the best to employ, even if it was a brief job. They exchanged a few words as they both smoked outside the bar. When he was done, he walked back in and she dialled a number on the phone. After one ring, someone on the line answered, [color=873260]“Julian, sweetums.”[/color] On the other side, the voice sounded unamused by the pet name, [color=873260]“Might want to look into the newcomer, Wesley Silo. It seems like our boss is not going to be happy with that one. No, not at all.”[/color] There was a quick response and the line went dead. Smiling to herself, knowing she did a good job, Phoebe proceeded to call another number, as she flicked her cigarette to the ground. God, she hated smoking. [color=873260]“Bashhhhhh, what are you doing? Come pick me up, [i]please[/i].”[/color] Less than a minute had passed before a car pulled up next to the woman. The passenger door popped open as the driver, one Sebastian Laszlo leaned to the right and waved. [color=328759]“Hello love, get yourself in then,”[/color] He spoke with a very distinct British accent. He leaned back into the driver's seat and began adjusting the beads and talismans that were hanging from his rear view mirror. Bash was not one to meddle with bad juju and one thing he had become all but certain of in his time in Eden was that this place was full of it and that he needed all the protection he could get. [color=328759]“Busy evening?”[/color] [color=873260]“You know me. Always looking out for Teddy.”[/color] Phoebe heavily sighed, knowing for damn sure she overworked herself to keep the mayor happy. But she learned within her first day of working for him, a happy Teddy, a happy cabinet. His mood affects the morale of their small team so the least she could do was keep a strong face and be diligent with her time. He believed in her and her strengths, he gave her tools and resources to succeed, if anything she was indebted to him and his kindness. When she buckled herself in, she leaned back in her chair and turned her head toward her partner. Her skin showed more than she’d like. It was a nice light brown mixed with olive tones, displaying her Mexican and Indian descent. Her dress was this hot summer pink, showing far too much cleavage and her shoulders. It was a dress to make her look far younger than she was so the regulars at the Hole couldn’t tell who she was. Her usual style was business casual and elegant. Something that flattered her body but still left some room for mystery. This reminded her of her teen years and she hated it. [color=873260]“How’s things going on in your end? Been busy too, I imagine.”[/color] [color=328759]“Same old, same old.”[/color] Bash turned the engine back on, placed his arm on the headrest of Phoebe’s passenger seat and reversed out of the Hole’s car park. Once they were straightened up onto the main road, the Englishman flashed his headlights and put his foot down. The car was fairly nondescript, something to blend in perfectly on a hot summer night. [color=328759]“That said, I did sit in on a call with Teddy and that Montero fella he’s keen to do business with.”[/color] He turned onto a very well lit road, the car beginning the climb up the winding roads towards Scott Street and the true heart of the north side. [color=328759]“They’ve picked out a plot of land for that hotel and you know what that means? If our boy can’t buy it straight up, yours truly will be sent in.”[/color] [color=873260]“Well then, I’m sure we’ll get what we want if you’re on the job.”[/color] Phoebe smiled at her friend before glancing at her phone, making sure there weren’t any urgent calls or texts from Teddy or Julian. [color=873260]“What’s your feelings on the whole hotel arrangement? Do you think it’s a good business move?”[/color] To be honest, Phoebe felt a little hesitant because the moment that hotel was built, the more eyes there would be on this little town of Massachusetts. She didn’t know if that was a good thing. There were far too many secrets in such a small place that could imprison half of the people here, kill some of the others, and leave the rest with trauma beyond repair. [color=328759]“Sorry sweetheart, I don’t really get paid to think about the business stuff. I’m just the muscle.”[/color] He flashed his indicator before turning onto a very affluent looking road. [color=328759]“But if I had to, I’d say financially it’s probably a no brainer. Still, getting into bed with these guys and bringing more eyes on us, that I’m not sold on.”[/color] Sebastian parked up outside one of the houses, shutting off the engine and unlocking the doors. [color=328759]“Teddy knows his shit. Julian his. So I’ll give them the benefit but if things turn south, then it’s on me to protect you all and I’ll do just that.”[/color] [color=873260]“Just… remember to take care of yourself too.”[/color] As cutthroat as Phoebe can be, when in front of Bash she allowed her softer side to come out. He didn’t put much thought behind any of his jobs. He was a worker bee through and through, and that likely was a beneficial thing in the long run. Being smart got you nowhere if you weren’t pulling the reins. But, she needed to start somewhere and she believed in Theodore Grimm. That must hold some merit. [color=873260]“You want some tea or you got more to do?”[/color] She unbuckled herself and opened her door. [color=328759]“I’m English, love. I never turn down tea plus it’s you, you know I can never say no to you.”[/color] Bash places his keys in his leather jacket pocket and climbed out of the car as well. He surveyed the area, placing his hand on the gun holster on his waist. It would take him naught point three seconds to unbuckle his pistol and fire off a round. This was faster than most average gun owned by a clear mile. The joy and skill of being a former SAS operative. His cold blue eyes were efficient in picking out potential points of ambush. Perks of the job. Once he was happy that the coast was clear, Sebastian moved to Phoebe’s side of the car and out his hand on the small of her back. [color=328759]“Let’s go. I know you don’t like dressing like that but just so you know, you look amazing.”[/color] He led her towards the front door where they entered at the strike of midnight. [/indent][/indent][/color]