The Brunch After
♤ Darius M Cain ♤, & ☽Masha ☾
Time
Day 3~ 2 P.M.
Location
Ominar
Darius had lead them in, given the name he'd reserved their table under and they were promptly escorted to their table. It was nice and secluded, comparatively at least, and Masha settled down in the seat that Darius graciously pulled out for her. After they were both seated, Masha didn’t even wait for the waiter to hand them a wine list before she ordered herself a glass of pinot noir, something nice and smooth. It was after noon after all, and perfectly acceptable for her to have a glass. Or two, or three even. But she wasn’t likely to have more than two, not on this semi business date that they were on. It wasn’t like he didn’t know what she was like, she was sure that he’d questioned her brother and father about her and neither of them were inclined to cover over her addictions.
She did accept the food menu though, and squinted a little as she looked it over before caving and pulling out her glasses from her bag so she could look at it better. She would let the silence between them sit as long as he wanted, she was in no rush to talk business, even though he seemed to be. So she would let him go first then.
Darius had noticed a pattern with Masha, through he was uncertain how he should feel about it. She never began business dealings unless prompted to which could be her downfall one day. Not feeling the need to rush into correcting that as some arrangements were officially dealt with, he chose to focus on his menu.
He ordered a bottle of Syrah to go with his Magret de Canard, which was French for simply rare duck breast. For an additional cost, he had requested it be Vis infused meat since he didn’t know when he would be able to sit down for a proper meal again today. This was a primary reason he chose this particular establishment as it was still one of the few that met his high standards. An upper class atmosphere, competent serving staff, and excellent cooks who prided themselves on producing a meal fitting for their requesting prices. They occasionally served Licentia, at least those who retained their wealthy standing within the Business District, even when their clientele had severely declined over the last year and a half.
Darius spied the waiter quickly departing for the kitchens, pausing briefly at the nearby phone. There was little doubt in the Fox’s mind that the man was informing old Finnbar about his arrival causing his mind to make another little reminding to inquire about the local gang known as ‘The Royal Bloods’, namely the leader named Jarlath McCarthy.
Placing the rumors aside, Darius then turned upon Masha,
“How are you going to deal with the staff currently? You’ll need to root out the staff who are aligned with Cortes’ motivations, but you still have to tread carefully.”Masha looked up at him over the rim of her glasses, she'd left them on after ordering something that looked good. She wasn't fully certain what all of it was, but she was too hungry at the moment to care what exactly was in it. It was pork, it looked like it'd be sweet, that was good enough for her just then. But she had forgotten to remove her glasses, lost in thought as she was.
“I was thinking about giving them a clean break,” she said with a little hum, pulling off her glasses and putting them down on the table. “Let them know if they didn't think they could work for me, they could leave and I'd even pay them out the week. Obviously I know that those loyal to him are probably not going to leave, but they'll probably out themselves at the offer anyways and I'll just keep a closer eye on them.”
“Assuming you can identify them immediately. I seriously doubt they will tell right away where their loyalties lies. What happens then?” Darius asked.
Any answer Masha might’ve had was interrupted when the waiter returned a few short moments later. He was wheeling in a cart with two bottles of wine in a large metal bucket filled by ice and several gougeres, cheese and savory flavored pastry puff, for the meal’s hors d’oeuvres. The waiter placed a plate in front of each of them before he returned to lift the lady’s pinot noir and pour it, then repeated the same with Darius’ syrah. Each bottle was placed upon the table for them to request more at any given time.
When the last of his wine glass was filled, Darius took a hold of the wine glass’ stem and swished the dark, reddish liquid around. The aroma washed over him, his nose savoring it while he let his question linger for Masha to answer. Meanwhile, a charming, gentle music played in the background enhancing the charm of the place.
A smirk crossed Darius’ muzzle upon realizing how little he indulged himself in the more mundane pleasures of late. His thoughts, briefly, drifted to Aeris and their relationship. It sadden him slightly to realize she likely no longer needed him in the life she had made for herself. In a way he was both depressed and happy for her since upon his death, something that would eventually come to pass, she would likely be affected the least.
He shoved those useless thoughts aside, refusing to become distracted, and fixed himself firmly into the present where his attention belonged.
Masha had opened her mouth to speak, but didn't get the chance. Then she, like Darius, took a moment to enjoy her wine, savoring the sweetly, tart taste of the red wine. So she was momentarily distracted as well, though she caught the slightly distant expression of his before she went to speak again.
“I'm going to keep an eye on everyone, regardless,” she said with a little shrug, looking over the food offerings in front of her. “But I don't imagine all of them are too smart. And besides,” she looked up at him and grinned a little wickedly, “I've got an inside source as well.”
Darius let his silence reign for a moment longer before he took another sip of his wine. His paw reached for one of the gougeres then gently placed one within his maw where it practically melted and bursted into flavor, a delightful treat in his mind. Casually he wiped his paw clean of any crumbles and continued.
“As I mentioned before, Afua is there because you need someone you can depend on and trust in the beginning. I imagine you’ll likely have to do some serious house cleaning before this week is up and that will leave your club vulnerable when it comes to building profits,” The Fox’s attention shifted to his peripheral vision a moment and then continued,
“As for your inside source, I hope you’re not depending on the club’s little gossip? One night at her place doesn’t make a concrete relationship. In addition, she does have one weakness: her child. A fact that is known by Cortes and easily exploited should he get the gall to do so.” Darius exhaled softly while he noticed the waiter begin to stroll their way. Masha might’ve assumed the man was about to check on them, ensuring their wine and hors d'oeuvres were to their liking, which wasn’t completely true when the human placed a note upon the white cloth table and slid it over to Darius. The waiter then placed on a genuine smile before he spoke in his French accent, “Monsieur and Mademoiselle, is everything satisfactory with your first courses?”
Slight distracted, Darius had picked up the note and idly read it for several moments. When he was done, he set it down and placed it into his vest while he answered,
“The meal has been excellent. Tell Mr. McCarthy he’s done well when he became the new owner of this establishment, especially in the upkeep of its fine quality.” “Thank you Monsieur, I’ll inform him promptly of your compliment as I believe he’ll be very pleased to hear that,” the young man said with a bow, then waited for Masha’s words.
Masha felt agitation start to form in her chest as he spoke. She might be young, childlike to someone of his age even, but she wasn't stupid. She had spent all twenty four years of her life surrounded by business men. Shrewd, sly, cut throat (both literally and figuratively) men and women who ran all of their lives like it was a for profit industry. She knew not to rely fully on the word of gossip. She knew that Nikki and her weren't anything solid (not that she had a particular desire to be anyways), but it was still something more than just being her boss, even if most of what Masha did was for her own benefit and not Nikki’s.
But the waiter stepped in at just the right time and the agitation that had started fizzled out before it could burn into anger or worse, out right hostility to him. A dark eyebrow raised up in curiosity about his note and she had to bite at her tongue to keep herself from outright asking about what it was. He’d let her know when she needed to know. Even if the curiosity might kill her in the meantime. “Things are great,” she said when he turned the slight incline of his head towards her. She waited for him to be gone, sipping at her wine again, before she replied.
“Depending, no,” she said with a little wave of her hand, dismissive of the notion that she would make any action based solo on the girl's word. “But it is still something of benefit to me, biased and possibly altered as it might be.” She nibbled at something without looking at it much before she went on. “I imagine that I will be pretty much starting over with most of the staff, regardless if it's a Cortes issue or a me...issue. That was part of what I hoped that you could help me with, with people maybe not as loyal as Afua, but still not loyal to Cortes and his ilk.
“I did have the misfortune of having to leave all my playthings behind.”
“I appreciate you clarifying that because she could become a spy for Cortes in the end,” Darius said as he considered Masha’s request.
His arms raised to the table and placed his elbows upon the surface, his hands folded under his narrow muzzle in debate over it. The Fox then lowered them in order to speak,
“I see. I might have some young blood looking to gain some reputation. If some of them decide to continue working for you even while still working with me, I will not object as long as it doesn’t affect my requirements getting completed. This would require an agreed upon price and transition we can iron out now or latter, the choice being yours as to when. Through too much delay could become costly.” Darius took a sip to wait for her answer.
She hummed some and nodded. “I'm fine with sharing minions as well, I'll try and make sure that you're top boss as well.” She couldn't promise that would always happen, but she also knew she'd unlikely do it on purpose either. She had of course been prepared that he'd ask for money for this. She had previously said that she had the funds, but not the manpower or connections. “I was thinking about 500 a week, for about two months to be safe. Probably need about half a dozen men. So about 24k. Which I have already.”
Darius nodded then replied,
“I’m afraid to say it will take several days to screen and determine which individuals would fit the value you’re requesting to pay so they all won’t be available right away. Also, if these individuals end up dying while on the job then it will cost an additional three hundred to cover expenses, per individual to be clear.” He paused for a moment, debating on something, then put forth a counter offer,
“One thing to note, not all my manpower is exactly the same. I do have individuals that have a particular set of skills and ones they have honed over the years, making them far more likely to survive. They are more expensive and limited on availability but could cut down on the individuals needed to keep your club running smoothly. When you acquire your own or additional hired help, you can easily dismiss them.” Masha considered this for a moment. “I'm flexible,” she said with a bit of a smirk, implying more than just the topic at hand with those words. “I can pay less for less quality manpower, or take fewer better ones. Which ever you think would be better. I'm also fine with keeping it the same as I'd suggested. You know your men better than I do.”
“You’re also running the show in the club, but since you seem unconcerned about it then I will make the arrangements. I’ll send you the bill after the first month is up so you can determine if the amount is suitable,” Darius said, his tone seemed to indicate a hidden agenda as he took another sip of wine. Letting the taste settle, the scent of their meals wafted through the room indicating they were nearly done and ready to be served. The Fox altered the subject now that business seemed to be all set for the moment,
“Ms. Sane has informed me you dub in shapeshifting magic. Interesting choice considering how difficult and harsh it is on an individual whose race isn’t built for it. Whatever got you into learning such magic in the first place?” She laughed and smiled at him at his question. She was sure he would find amusement in her answer. But of course, she'd draw it out a moment before she did answer. She took a sip of her wine and looked over as their waiter approached with their plates. “Indirectly, you,” she smirked, knowing he'd not be able to probe more just that moment as their plates were placed in front of each of them. But that wait would just make it all the more delicious. .
