February 5th - Monday - Late Evening

"Pimpin? ain't easy..." Big hands steer a pepto bismol shade of pink El Camino down an alley, blasting Cop Killer at full volume from the Bose system. Coming to a stop, the largest Mexican most had ever seen gets out from behind the wheel. A towering figure dressed in a pink mink coat, black jeans, boots, and a white A-Shirt, Pimpy McPimperson could be both frightening and comical to behold.

He looks up and down the alley to see if anyone is watching before pounding a big fist on the back door of a building, waits for the little window slot to open up and then parlays with someone on the other side before being slid a paper sandwich baggie. "Thanky, thanky. Now remembers our accords. I's be back in a week fo' tha' next batch."

Freddy had taken complete and thorough notes on Pimpy and his various travels and places that he seemed to visit on a more normal basis. Tonight was the night that she had decided to approach him, and get some answers to the questions that she had, even if she had to bust a head or two. Given just who she was dealing with, and how she knew minds like that though, she had dug through her closet until she had found something black, slinky and body hugging. It came to a stop just above her knees, and was paired with a pair of low heeled leather boots, and a leather jacket that matched. That seemingly black hair of hers was pulled up into a ponytail that showed the rainbow colors hidden underneath. Somewhere not visible on her person is that pretty little sigma of hers.

She had arrived about thirty minutes before the meeting was supposed to happen, and took the time she waited to check up on her make-up, and scout the area beforehand, should she need to make a run for it, it was good to have a touch of an idea as to which way led to dead alleyways. Though the sound of a vehicle rumbling it's approach had her peering over the edge of the dumpster she wed currently taking cover behind. Quiet, she watched as the target she sought got out of the car and moved to knock on a back door. She watched the exchange, frowned a touch, and waited until it was over, and he was headed back to his car. It was that moment that she figured it was good to move an intercept him.

Careful steps carried her from behind the dumpster, before then, she started heading in his direction. The clack of her bootheels against the cobbles was what probably gave her approach away.

Something starts to chirp at his belt and Pimpy actually takes out a beeper of all things to look at the number. "Dayum....dat Trap House again. ****in' watsch stealin mah money..." He grumbles and shakes his head then hears the approaching steps. Pimpy turns to regard who's coming. His entire frame tensing defensively. This is Rhydin after all, even the Girl Scouts can be shady. "Whash you on about lil' mama?" He calls out.

She glanced up when he called out to her. There was a touch of feigned surprise on her features at his words, before her head tilted a little to the side. "Uh Hi." There's a pause, and her steps came up short as she approached him. "M'lookin' for uh." There's a pause, a moment where she made a point to look at a scrap of paper in hand. "Mister Pimpy McPimperson." It was incredibly hard for her to actually utter his name with a straight face, but she managed to do so. She figured it was easier to feign innocent and confirm it was indeed him, before she started busting some balls.

"Now whash you want wit a scoundrel like dat?" All grins now as he put hands on his hips with a little forward lean to look at her. Over the rim of his glasses, golden eyes look at her form in an appraising way. Like he's measuring her up for a new suit.

"I was lookin to ask 'em a question or two. Ya know where I can find him?" This was asked curiously, as she kept up with the innocent act.... Even if the look that those golden eyes of his were giving hr made every inch of her skin crawl. Appraising, like he was admiring a fine cut of steak. It was a look she was familiar with. Seemed like all the men in the sex industry had a habit of eyeing every lady like that. Or at least the attractive ones.

"Well yous gots a fine shimmy to your shake. What be the question or two fah him? I can pass it along as he and I are very well acquainted." The look remains for another moment and then is gone, masked by a lens of amusement at how many directions this could go.

He could pass it along. He wasn't outright confirming or denying that it was him, and in a split second there was an idea that came to mind. A very stupid and probably dangerous one, but it would end at a better chance of finding the girl than bouncing his head off his car would a couple of times. Plus, it would not alert him to the fact that someone was on to him. So she pushed that little feigned innocence. "I'm lookin' fer work." A pause. "Not on the streets. My Fiance made that clear, but certainly, he's got other jobs, yeah? M'good at keepin' the books, and a tidy records or... somethin' else."

Ker. Blink! Certainly threw him that's for sure. Pimpy blinks a time or two more and then scratches the back of his head. "You do know what he does for a livin, yeah? You just asked for a job that entails a lot of trust, as a stranger. Especially when all his girls start on the streets and then work they way up. Earn the rewards is his way. Start at the bottom and climb up the ladder."

"Yeah. I know what he does fer a livin'. " There was a quiet and determined look that flipped up to him after she spoke. "Fine. No bookkeepin'. Is there a ladder rung that I can start out at that doesn't involve such a leap of faith and avoids me suckin' some dude's knob for money? Dancer somewhere or somethin'? Cuz if not m?certain there's plenty of others that do, and would love ta have my pretty face."

He scratches his chin a bit and purses lips in thought. She is a cute little thing and could certainly bring in a good flow. "I'll see about gettin? you an interview, but I'll tell you up front. He'll insist on an interview to see what you can do. And if I was you? Don't push. Just do what's asked and ya might keep that pretty head on your shoulders. The man's a real beast when his hackle gets up there." A hint maybe at what Pimpy really is? Hard to say. "That fair enough fo' yah?"

She listened as he spoke, worrying at her lower lip a moment, before she nodded. "An interview is understandable. Hirin' someone without knowin' their skills is bad business, yeah?" Then there's a pause and a wistful purse of her lips at the comment of doing what was asked and not pushing. "Duly noted. I do appreciate my head where it is." There's a pause. "How will he get into contact with me to set up an interview time?"

"Ya know the tavern on Dubois and Crushes, The Wankin' Trogladyte? Pimpy owns the place. Just show up, he'll be expecting you. He's got some dancers in there all the time." He hopes that's good enough for her.

"Tavern on Dubois and Crushes. The Wankin' Trogladyte. Alright. I dunno where it's at, but I'll find it." The name and street names were committed to memory. She hesitated for a moment, before she offered him a dazzling smile. "Thank you, Mister fer all yer help. I look forward to meeting him at the interview."

"And I don't doubt he's looking forward to it as well. Word to the wise, wear something flattering and maybe a little make up. Visit Sukie's Salon on Galviston and tell them ya got a meeting with Pimpy, they'll give you the royal treatment for free. All his girls get to make use of the salon for their womanly needs." He smiles brightly, even pleasantly and gets in the El Camino. "Lovely making your acquaintance, too bad ya not wanting to work the corners, I'd throw ya something generously."

"Alright. I'll try. I'll employ the Fiance's opinion for the outfit I wear. He has a good eye for what looks good on me. And Sukie's Salon will get me primped and pretty. For free. Free's always a good thing. I'll take full advantage of it.? He moved to get into his car, and she took a couple steps back, pausing at his last statement. "Alas, as wonderful as a startin' bonus would be, my relationship means more to me than money. Suppose it's a shame I didn't come lookin' fer a job a year ago." There's a dazzling smile that followed.

"Real shame, Missy. You look like a Top Dollar lady of the night." A friendly wave and he's driving off.

"Shame indeed." She agreed with a smile, "Thanks again!" And then lifted a hand to wave after him as he took off. The moment he turned out of the alleyway, the jovial look on her face dropped in a few seconds flat. Then she groaned, and turned, heading off to go and hunt down where she had parked. The whole time it took to get there, she asked herself over and over what the hell she had just managed to get herself into.

"In this town there's no way to know wash watt. Elfs, fae, vamp, all dem tings." He continues. "Den da Man comes out with that drug Ascend. Now errybody can find out who's playin' wolf in sheep's clothing."

"There are all kinds of people here." There a slight nod, before she continues to listen as he explained it. "And you give this ta all the girls, just so none of 'em surprise ya, don't ya?" There's a curious cant of her head. This should be fun. Wolves in sheep's clothing?. Considering everything she was quite certain that she could be considered as such to him and his ilk.

"Something of that nature. See, me and the boys take that drug, crush it up with some herb for a mighty high..." He's grinning now as he takes one out and lights it. The ensuing smoke is the prettiest shade of green.

"I suppose then..." She trailed off a moment and watched as he lit it. The color of the smoke was definitely the prettiest shade of green, and very unlike normal smoke that came from soley the herb. "I am in for an interestin' night." This is mused softly.

The gold in his irises shines brighter as they turn to a reptilian dilation. "But...The mo' you imbibe, the better ya control."

Which was absolutely lovely. Because she enjoyed taking mystery drugs, especially when talk of control was involved. "This'll be the first time." Not for herb, but for the drug it was laced with. And probably for the first time since she had arrived at the salon, she told the truth.

A jagged toothed smile splits his features while offering the blunt to her. "If ya hiding sumtin?, besht let it out. Da herb well do it fo' ya."

"M'not human, if that's whatcha mean. Or the girl I swore was my best friend in college was actually my girlfriend." There's a pause, before she reached out to take the blunt as he offered it out to her. Soon enough, she tucks it between her lips, and draws, cheeks dimpling a touch with the inhale. The smoke was held a moment, before she let it out, and simply decided that instead of fighting with it, she'd drop her glamour now.

It wasn?t much of a change, but those abyssal hues expanded to include the sclera. Feathers, fluttered at her eyes like fancy fake eyelashes, and fluttered a fringe behind each of her ears. They were all black as midnight with the exception being the second feather down in each cluster, which was the stark opposite, in a snowy white. Ears came to a rather tapered slim points. Her skin seemed a touch paler, and the incisor teeth within her mouth were elongated, sharp needle points. There was almost an animalistic grace that seemed to linger in her movements.

Pimpy watches her closely as the drug enters her system. Like a flower blooming, the man nods carefully to himself. "Take a few more hits..." his voice turning hypnotic.

A few more was three, or somewhere close. Already she could feel the pleasant hum of herb in her bloodstream, along with something else she couldn't quite place. "Alright." Once again the question of what the hell she was getting herself into came to mind. Soon enough, the blunt came to find her lips a couple more times. Draw and exhale such pretty little clouds of green smoke.

"Now tell me take a seat on my lap and tell me all about this...Eddie.." Pimpy's voice turns to absolute audible silk as he watches Lilly indulge herself. "Make yourself at home, we're all friends here..."

She finally figured she had fallen somewhere along the line of a few hits by now. He asked for her to sit on his lap. There's a moment where she weighs listening, or not, then decides it's good to listen. Something he said last night encouraged the thought. There's a shift and shuffling of her feet, before she moves to perch on his lap. "What about 'em? He works a lot of odd jobs down dockside, and up till recent was takin' care of his Mama. She was sick. That's why money's so tight." There was one last drag taken for good measure, before she offered the blunt back to him. She figured for the most part, she might as well ride whatever high was coming, because there was no avoiding it now.

His fingers drag along the exposed skin of her navel as she talks. A predatory smile tugs at his lips in the briefest flash. "He very protective of you?"

The blend of drugs in her system made it easier to stand his touch... Light along her navel, and in combination with the drugs, more than enough to stir a warmth that has her lower lip being chewed on. "Mmhm. He's very protective. I'm certain he'll be here to watch me often as well."

"Just watch? I don't think I could stand back and watch something of mine in that way.'"
That lone nail travels the length of her abdomen to gently touch her lower lip.

"Well I'd be workin' so it's not really like he can do more than watch, right?" That trailing finger of his earned a shiver and a soft rumbly sound. His finger found her lower lip just as it was curling with a grin. "I'm certain after my shift I won't be able to get home before he's takin' all that watchin' and and not doin' out on me." Not that it sounded like she minded that.

"Some of the...guests can get rather hands-on with the girls. They choose their own acts..." Pimpy keeps the conversation casual as his hands keeps up the light raking of nails over her skin.

That earns Pimpy a wide eyed and curious look. "Hands on. How hands on is hands on?"

"Depends on how well you like getting tipped," he answers with a lewd chortle against her back. His nostrils inhales her scent as he breathes against her neck. The hot breath cascades over her skin gradually.

"I see." Awesome. The thought was bitter, and quickly shuffled off to be worried about a different time. Feathery lashes fluttered, before her eyes closed at the warmth of breath at her neck. She smelled of smoke, damp caves, underneath the scent of what was surprisingly expensive perfume.

The man's voice continues its hypnotic drone while he leans into her more. "I'm glad. See, we're all one big family here. No secrets, no drama...just parts to play and customers to satisfy..." Pimpy trails off as if uttering a command word, knowing Ascend is working its magic.

He pressed against her more, and briefly, the urge to flee surfaced, only to be dragged back down to the back of her mind by the drugs in her system, and the breath still across the back of her neck with every word he uttered. "That's a good way to run a business. Secrets and drama cause stress, stress is bad and leads to high tensions. Which can be bad fer the customers." She pauses, and twists so she can peer up at him. "What is my part?"

"Your part is easy..." he murmurs in response and laces fingers into her hair so that his fingernails scrape along her scalp, to set the nerves alight. "Enjoy yourself and go with the flow...." His breath drifts along her neck once more with a hand coming to rest on her thigh.

"It is?" Questioned softly, before his fingers found her hair, and nails her scalp. There's a shiver, a low rumble of a purr in the back of her throat, while she eased back and relaxed against him. "That seems like an easy enough job."

As she leans back against him, Pimpy shifts for her to settle more centrally into his lap and whispers, "Dance for me...." His legs rested on either side of her thighs.

Dance for me....

Such soft words, a little encouragement, it was all she needed before she lost nearly all her inhibitions. They were carried off quickly by the mixture of pot and ascend humming through her bloodstream. She lost herself to the hammering beat of her heart, Pimpy?s groping wandering hands, which only encouraged the rocking sway of hips that danced in time with the tempo of the faint music she heard from outside of the room. She lost herself in the flood of sensations that washed over her from breath, hot on her neck, wandering hands and insistent mouths.

She was falling. Spiraling out of control down into the rabbit hole of a world that made her everything she was today, and everything unpleasant in life that she wanted to run from?. She could only hope that she would manage to claw her way back out again.

February 12th - Monday - Late Morning

Roni had up and disappeared on Sunday. Not a word to anyone on where she was going, but after the week she had so far, who could blame her? A short respite, away from everything in the comfort of her best friend's home. And she arrived back in Rhy'din early this morning. She took her time to fall apart, and put herself back together. Then she took a little more time and a cold washcloth to chase away the puffy redness from her face. Once she was more put together, she gathered herself, and set out to find something for breakfast.... Which ended with her sprawled in her desk chair at the Agency, box of donuts on her desk, along with notes she was chewing over and over in her head. Finally, she huffed a sigh, dug out her phone and shot out a text or three to a certain curly haired person.

Text to Freddy: hey we gotta compare notes eventually
Text to Freddy: meet me at the agency? i have donuts
Text to Freddy: i vote you grab the coffee on the way


It was a surprisingly short time from when Roni sent the text, to when there was a knock on the agency's door. Probably a goofy thing to do since it was a place of business, but he did it anyway. Immediately opening the door, strolling in with a small paper sack and a little tray with two insulated paper cups balanced in one hand. "You know, Slim. When great minds go at it, they really go at it. Sorry for the stalking...well, not really...but I noticed when you got back into town this morning and figured you could do with the right kind of harassment to brighten your day." Eyeing the fae sprawled in her chair and coming to the conclusion that he was most certainly right in his assumption.

That was indeed a surprisingly short time before there was a knock on the door, and her attention ticked that way... Then Freddy made his way in. Almost immediately, there was a tug of a smile stretching across her features that was only fueled by the words that came with his arrival. "See. I think yer like the only person that I don't mind stalkin' me. Ya do it for good reasons." This is mused as she shifted and pulled herself out of her sprawl and to her feet. Siobhan had stalked her for good reasons too. Maybe it was just a theme that fell among the important people in her life. "And I'm okay with the right kinda harassment." This is mused as she made Grabby hands his way. Hard to tell exactly what they're for.

"Someone has to keep your best interests in mind. You do such a piss poor job of it yourself." Grinning as he held the arm with the food and coffee away from her. "Nuh uh. For sneaking away without a heads up and causing me no end of worry, as well as for the yummies I bring...you need to show your gratitude in an appropriate manner. Hugs and smooches, then coffee and breakfast sandwiches."

"Hey. I try to, for the most part. It's not my fault they get ignored sometimes." This is mused in response. There was a squint that followed him holding the delicious goodies away from her, along with a brief pout. "I didn't mean to worry you, if that helps." Softly spoken, as she is scooting in close so that she could wrap him up in a hug. "And I missed you." Her head tilted back a touch, before she leaned up to give him kisses as well. Was such a small price to pay. And it was Freddy. Like she'd even be bothered by it.

Smiling into the kisses, a sure sign that all was forgiven. A light pat on her backside as he lowered his arm with the goodies. "Good. If you missed me, that means you weren't replaced by a pod person. Come on. Let's get something more substantial than cigarette smoke and your homemade brown sludge into you. I got you a mocha. Figured it would make your sweet tooth happy." One arm wrapped about her waist, he lead her back towards the desk so he could set everything down. "There are four sausage, egg, and cheese croissant sandwiches in the bag. Eat as many as you like. I had one before coming over." He knew she could pack it away like an empty landfill, so he came prepared.

Smiling was a good sign. She took that as all was forgiven. "No, no. I was not replaced by the pod people. I just needed to see my best friend. Past week's been rough, plus Nick needed somethin? he wanted to give Siobhan for Valentine's day. And it's not brown sludge. I know how to brew an okay pot of coffee. But Mocha should be a good change." She... really did not know how to make coffee. But she made it, which meant by all means, she was going to drink it, and half heartedly defend it. "Are they from that little place on the corner, not too far from here?" This is asked as her attention dropped down to the bag of food he set down once they reached her desk. Without trying to break away from the arm wrapped around her, she reached for the bag first, and pulled out one of the sandwiches.

There was a non-committal sound at her claim of being able to brew coffee. It was a mostly harmless delusion, so let her have it. "Glad to see you back in one piece. Makes me nervous when you head out that way without me." He didn't clarify why, though he was sure she already knew. "The food's from a little place on a corner not far from here. Whether it's the same one you're talking about, I have no clue. It passed my quality test, though, so you're good." It seemed she wanted to stay joined at the hip for a while longer. He happily obliged her.

She seemed to accept it as agreement, because she didn't press it or give him a strange look in turn. He didn't have to clarify why, as she knew exactly why. She kept the insistence that she'd be fine with Siobhan quiet, because he didn't need it. Sometimes the people who care worry even with reassurances. "It probably is the same place. It smells like it." She finished unwrapping the first sandwich and took a healthy bite, and chewed. "Tastes like it." This comes after she swallowed. Another moment of standing tucked up beside him lingered, before reluctantly she pulled away, and dropped back down in her chair. "So. Did ya hear anythin? that may have been useful Friday?" This is asked with a quiet little light in her eyes. If he hadn't, she most definitely had.

"You mean did Eddie pick up any tidbits while skeeving around with the drunken pervs and small-talking the scantily clad waitresses?" His distaste mingled with a touch of amusement at the whole situation. "Surprisingly enough, most guys aren't eager to get into a conversation when they're busy fantasizing about a woman on stage grinding a pole. While the waitresses like to steer the conversation back to empty flattery to pad their tips." Shaking his head, pulling another chair over to sit next to Roni. "There wasn't anything that would help us track down our missing girl. I didn't spot anything obvious that would point the finger at Mr. McPimperson." Aside from a few impressive performances, his end of things had been a bust.

"Yeah, Eddie." This is mused simply, before she snorts. "Mmmh. Sounds like most places like that. Servers and the like at Zagan's den were trained the same way. Keep conversation light, fun, and unless expressly voiced, the drinks still comin'. There's psychology behind it all." She paused to shove a couple more bites of her first sandwich into her mouth, and washed it down with a swig of mocha. "Alright. Ya didn't spot anythin'. I suppose bein' just a 'nother girl who's been raked into the trap of dancin' has benefits...." She paused for dramatic effect and grinned. " 'pparently, Pimpy's found himself somethin' of a new favorite. From what I hear, she's a pretty little young thing. So... I have a very good feeling that, yes, we are barking up the right tree, and yes, once we have 'er to safety someone's gonna be receivin' the brunt of lots and lots of misdirected anger." Because.. well why else would the child be his favorite?

Sipping at his own coffee as he listened to Roni's information. "Raked into the trap of dancing. The guy gives reputable strip joints a bad name." A wry smirk curling his lips. "Did you happen to pick up any details about his pretty little young thing? Would be nice if we could move on to the extraction phase, followed by the sound pummeling of a creepy pedophile. And to get you out from under his questionable gaze. He's too off to be safe company for any length of time."

"That... That he does. As much as I dislike saying it, Zagan was a sleaze, but he was a respectable sleaze. Pimpy, the only respectable thing about him is that he'll help his girls out if they need it. But there's always a price." Scoffed. She had learned lots on the Friday, Saturday night combo she had been slated to dance for. And for the most part, the girls were all for letting her know what she was getting into. "I got a couple. He absolutely dotes on her. And his bodyguards, Ya met 'em when we met with Pimy 'fore I danced. Mickey and Rourke. They get sent on a lot of errands. I guarantee a lot of theses errands involve direct helping with the girl. So..." She gave him a pointed look. He was really good at the following and not being seen or noticed thing. So he made a good candidate for that job.

Tapping the side of his nose. "Message received. I'll get on Hunky and Dory tonight. See if they lead me anyplace interesting. If it turns out the girl is at one of their stops, I'll get a lay of the land. See what kind of dangers we're dealing with. Then call you with the details. We'll come up with a plan of attack for getting her out safely, rather than me charging in and gutting whoever seems like they'd rather have the girl stay where she is." If he'd been handling this one solo, that's probably exactly what he would have done. But seeing as he wasn't headlining this show, he'd let Roni call the shots.

"Good, good. Make sure ya take detailed notes. And that is probably the better of the ideas, yeah? Easy as it would be to charge in and be reckless, getting the girl out safe is first priority. So plannin? helps with that." She nodded. And truth be told, maybe it was a good thing they both were working on the whole thing together, because it made thinking happen before action did. She figured it would help them both survive it in mostly one piece.

"Ins and outs. Head counts. Defenses. The whole nine yards. Don't worry. This kind of thing is old hat." It didn't seem to bother him too much that he was falling back into former work habits. Though that could very well be because it was in the service of a good cause. "Though if he has any little magical surprises waiting for us, I hope you have a good way to take care of them. My way can end up a little messy, if not downright painful. Quite often for me." Though his magical warping talent could also have violent consequences for innocent and not-so-innocent bystanders alike.

Sometimes she forgets that Freddy probably had more experience with stuff like that than she did. His list of things that he would keep a look out and make notes of, reminded her that such was the case. "Good deal." There's a pause, before she crammed the last couple bites of her first sandwich into her mouth, chewed and swallowed. "I uh... I'll figure out the magical part. Somehow. Maybe I can talk to Mist." She puffed out her cheeks briefly. "We'll keep the need for messy and painful on the down-low." A faint smile curled her lips, before she stretched and leaned so that she could catch his face with her hands, and pull him closer for a kiss. "Yer the best."

He lingered on the kiss, then drew back slightly, grinning. "Mmmm. You taste like breakfast." Dropping a quick wink at her. "And, yes, let's try to avoid messy and painful as much as possible. For us, anyway. My last desperate attempt at trying to circumvent magic left me broken more than I would have cared for." And in the hands of the last person he would have wanted as his savior. "Hence the emphasis on actual planning."

"Breakfast is always a good thing to taste like. Specially if it's good food." This is mused as she released his face and pulled back . "Though it'd be a terrible thing if ya decided that ya wanted to eat me." There's heavy sarcasm and mischief in those words. "And yeah. I can definitely understand that. Last time we didn't really have a plan, Siobhan and I both got our asses shot, soooo, completely understand."

"A terrible thing? Really?" There was a look of confusion on his face. "You seemed pretty thrilled about the prospect last time." His expression shifting into another grin. "Guess I'll have to figure out some other ways to keep you smiling." Draining more of his coffee. "The last thing we want is for anything to happen to your ass. I like it just the way it is."

"Mmmh. Absolutely terrible. Especially if you do a good job." She smirked at him, and wiggled just a touch. "And yes. Yer ass too. I like it just the way it is as well. So I suppose smart thinkin? and plannin? is mostly definitely a must." Mused. Though, by the look on her face, her thoughts were rather quickly straying from the prospect of work at thiiiis exact moment.

He knew that look and it was quite impossible for him to resist taking full advantage of what it implied. "So, now that we have our next course of action set and you've revitalized on some food and actual good coffee...what else can I do to keep you from being a sour puss?" A little quirk of an eyebrow.

"Oh. Well. Hmmm." Like she actually had to think of such a response, before she was shifting a little more in her chair. "There's lotsa things you could do. Though I do believe the first of 'em starts with lockin' the door, and puttin' up the Will return sign."

Abyssal hues watched as he moved to do just that. There?s nothing she can do to help the smirk that finds the curve of her lips.

February 14th - Wednesday - Early Evening

The thing about a McPimperson party is ...there's no party like a McPimperson party. Thugs can be seen hanging out at both ends of the block where the party has spilled out into the street at the front of the house. Girls, krunk, and music flow in excess. Everyone wanting a piece of the pie. A DJ works her turntable on the porch to keep the lawn party raving while a different party rages inside.

The house isn't anything particularly amazing to behold. A three story Victorian that's seen better days. The interior has been redecorated to accommodate the party. All of the furniture removed to make the entry hall one large dance floor where lights flash and dance along the walls. The second DJ stands at the top of the double stairs to look over the raving crowd where drugs flow as freely as the booze.

Roni herself could feel the pulse and thrum of the energy of the party way before the taxi even rolled around the corner, and then came to a stop where the crowds of people diminished. She shifted and leaned to peer at throngs of people even on the streets. This party was huge Not unlike some of the ones Zagan had thrown. There's a touch of a whine in the back of her throat, as her hands smoothed the mid-thigh ruffles of the black hi-lo dress she wore. Couple seconds later, those abyssal hues shifted towards Freddy, who took up the back seat with her. "You ready, Eddie?" Because she wasn't. Good thing her will power was stronger. Meanwhile, she's digging in her wallet to pull out enough cash to pay for the taxi and a tip.

There was a wide smirk on his lips as they drove through the scene. "Someone definitely wants to make sure people know his name, huh?" Eyeing the crowd, most of whom seemed to be in one chemical haze or another. "Of course, I doubt many of these guests are going to remember much of what happens tonight." He was passing over the fare and tip to their driver before looking over to Roni. "Ready to rock 'n' roll, Lil. A shame we're here on business. This looks exactly like the type of event I'd enjoy on my own time." Getting out of the cab, he walked around to Roni's door, opening it and holding out a hand to help her up.

"Men like Pimpy enjoy that." There's a roll of her shoulders. Her words were nice, because you could never know what someone might hear. She squinted his way when he handed over the tip, and simply shoved her wallet back in her purse. "And I agree. They probably won't. It is a shame it's business. Cuz I could use a night of fun like this. Just someplace.... with less sleaze balls." She made sure she wasn't leaving anything, before her attention turned back to Freddy. She caught his hand, and slid out to stand on black heels that resembled vertebrae. She teetered a moment, then steadied herself, before grumbling something about stupid high heels.

"They're working their magic on your butt, though. So don't be too mad at them." Dropping her a quick wink, then tucking her arm to start leading her through the throng towards to house. "My dear, it was quite an honor for your boss to invite us to this...extravagant gala. I do hope we get the chance for you to introduce him to me." His voice taking on the air of one who has a trust fund and never needed to fend for himself a day in his life.

A white-haired woman staggers by them. She's lost her top somewhere but doesn't appear to care as she tosses a necklace of beads around Roni and her arm-candy's necks. "Happy Singles Awareness day!"

"Are they? I guess you are right. Can't be too mad then, ri-" She was cut off mid-word by the sudden appearance of a topless lady... And beads around her neck. At least the view was something to enjoy. She blinked twice, while her eyes followed the woman. "Uh. Yeah! Happy singles awareness day!" A smile stretched across her face, before her attention turned down to the necklace. Looked like the candy ones. She's not sure if she should trust it. Her attention shifted back to Freddy. "Oh, I do hope so as well. He really is a good boss." She can't help the eyeroll that doesn't match the cheerful tone of her voice.

His eyes matched the course Roni's took, watching the woman stagger along her way to spread good cheer. "It looks like everyone is enjoying themselves." There was no way he was going to trust the candy necklace now looped around his neck. Too much risk of losing the necessary clear head for tonight's objective. "Was that one of your co-workers?" Turning back towards Roni. He was in character from this point on, until being in character was no longer useful.

"I am not exactly certain. She might be! All of us girls were invited to come." There's a slight bounce in her step. And Roni left the necklace alone as well. Freddy wasn't the only one that didn't trust the necklace or what it was made of. "I vote we go find drinks." Something bottled, definitely. Plus it was a good excuse to get further into the throngs and be nosy.

All my friends are dead, push me to the edge is looped into the chorus track of the pulsing techno beat sending the crowd to a frenzy. A few quick enquiries lead to a haphazardly built bar made out of tiered tables and wells of ice. The collection of beverages is wide from domestic brands and imports of all flavors to get you high today.

Glancing at the somewhat ramshackle-looking set-up. Taking in the variety of drinks being offered. "Mr. McPimperson does not spare any expense, does he?" Smiling brightly as he lifted two of the pre-filled glasses of champagne, handing one to Roni. Leaning in close as if to nibble at her ear, getting into the spirit of things. Instead whispering to her. "Don't drink it. Or anything else. It's just for show. We need our wits about us, while trying not to look like we have any." Even as he spoke, his eyes were scanning the grounds. Doubting they'd spot anything worthwhile until they were inside, but it always paid to know the lay of the land in case a hasty retreat was called for.

"He truly does not. A man of good tastes as well." Mused, as she reached up to take the offered champagne. He leaned and whispered, and there was a faint shiver that ran through her. Once he finished whispering, she shifted and giggled, then bumped his shoulder with a hand. "Behave now, Eddie. I'm certain there's plenty of time to go sneak off and act like teenagers later." This is mused playfully, but the look on her face says that she heard him loud and clear.


Most were imbibing of the recreational party favors being offered. All except the security staff that is staying close to the perimeters to keep an eye on things. A thug stands by the steps leading into the house with two more by the door. There's one at each end of the block and one by each corner of the front of the house.

Taking mental snapshots of the guard positions that he could identify. Ugh. If things went sideways, that would be a lot of killing. Necessary killing, if he were going to get Roni and the girl out of here. Part of him wished this was just a nice, easy assassination job. His arm looped Roni's and he started towards the front door, grinning and chuckling at her as they weaved through the crowd. "Let's see how the shenanigans inside measure up to the outdoor party, hmm? Maybe we could even find ourselves a private little corner to do that teenager thing."


She left Freddy to taking note of guards and things that could cause snags later. He had better experience in that, than she did anyways. She on the other hand, kept an eye on those nearby and around them, Arms looped together once more, a nod followed his words. "Mmh, yes. I like this idea. I'm certain we can find somewhere to be teenagers." This is mused as they started meandering through the crowd and towards the door inside.

February 23rd - Friday - Late Evening

The Wankin? Troglodyte was busy, packed full of people and thumping with the heavy bass of music meant to make one lose themselves?. Including the dancers up on the stage, one of which was the new and ever lovely Lily Clarke. Who was just Roni trying to hunt down a child she wasn?t quite sure she was ever going to locate. At the exact moment, she was up on the stage in a skimpy black lace outfit that was probably not even fit to go swimming in, twirling and dancing in a way that was almost hypnotic. There was a rather decent amount of people crowded around her stage, which was also littered with bills, just like every other dancer working tonight.

She danced with a grace that one would not normally imagine her having, and in a way that was hard to pull the eyes away from?. And at some point while she was up there dancing, there was the ever familiar feeling of wrongness that crept over her form. The one that came when someone spoke her true name. There were only two people that knew it, and one of them she had not seen in a very long time. Her steps faltered, she stumbled, and the people around her were quick to shout complaints. There was a mumbled apology, before she resumed?. Only this time her attention wasn?t on her customers, but further out, searching, looking for the familiar face of the man that fueled most of her nightmares.

Try as she might, she couldn?t locate him, and that had a heart pounding panic fluttering in her chest, and making the rest of her flutter full of nerves. Nerves that only grew in might as her song came to an end, and one of the men meant to escort ladies off for personal dances, among other things came up to her stage, and murmured about how there was someone who wished to see her for a private dance. With a press of lips, and a lingering dread in the pit of her stomach, she nodded, and left her stage to be cleared of tips to be saved for her later. She followed the gentleman quietly as he lead his way back off to the private rooms. It took a moment before he finally stopped at somewhere mid-way down the hallway and gestured to the partially closed door. ?In here, Lily.? Simple.

She rolled her eyes as she brushed past him, and pushed the door open to slip inside. She honestly wasn?t surprised to find Zagan seated on the lounge, a pleased smirk sprawled across his features. There was that ever quiet urge for her to turn and run, run, run, but instead, she forced herself to step further into the room, and towards him.

?Ahh. The lovely Lily Clarke. I saw you up there on stage doll, and just had to have a closer look. Come. Come here.?

Her steps slowed when she reached the lounge that he was sprawled out on. She stayed silent, even as she heard the click of the door latching shut.

Zagan shifted, before he patted his lap. ?Come doll, and dance for me. It?s been so long since you have. I promise I?ll keep to whatever little game you are playing here, and tip you well.?

?What the **** are you doing here??

?I could ask the same of you, Ronixi. Or should I call you Lily now??

There?s a soft irritated growl that rolls out of her, as she shifts and slides her way into the man?s lap, against everything within her that told her to run, and run far. Slow and sensual, she slid her hands up along his chest, and to his neck, which they circled, before she leaned in close. ?I swear to god if you blow this cover I?ll just make your death more painful when the time comes, Zagan.? Then, almost belligerent, she rolled her hips and pressed her body close to his. She did have a job she was getting paid for, and she knew if she refused, he would only make her.

Her words, the grasp on his neck, and the way she moved her body against his had his brows arching, before a smirk played along his features with her words. God, the forceful and defiant little creature she had become just made him want to break her all over again. He planned to. He just had a different way of going about it this time. ?Oh, Doll. Cover? Are you playing stripper then, as an undercover for one of your snooping jobs?? There?s something dangerous in those bright blue eyes of his, that only sparked brighter at the determined silence that came from her, and the aggressive way she danced against him.

?I suppose that does put me in a position of getting something from you, doesn?t it? Whatever this cover is for, is important to you, isn?t it lovely?? His gravelly voice practically purred the words as his hands came up to catch her hips and rest on them. His touch made her skin crawl, and his words had anxiety clawing at her throat, making it hard to breathe.

?Yes. It?s important.? That was all he needed to know, to know that he could use it to get under her skin. She grit her teeth, and slowly removed her fingers one by one from around his throat. Slow, they traveled along his collar bones and came to rest on his shoulders, while his nails bit into her hips.

?Then we have an understanding, yes, that you will be doing what I tell you what to do, when to do it. I say jump, and you ask me how goddamned high. Or Pimpy and his men will be receiving an anonymous tip, alerting them that their lovely little Lily, is instead a treacherous weed laden with thorns.? As he spoke, a hand left her hip, and came up to grasp at her chin. ?Tell me Ronixi, do we have a complete understanding on this??

His grip hurt, she wanted to grab his hand and smash every bone within it. But she didn?t have the strength to put behind bringing the thought into reality. She drew in a deep breath, and did a piss poor job at keeping the disgust and annoyance from her face, of the way her body rolled and danced against him. ?Yes.? She practically growled the word. ?Yes, Zagan, we have an understanding. You say, and I obey, and my cover stays in place. Now. What is is that you want from me this time? Me in your bed, begging for you to beat me, with my legs spread wide??

Her words earned a brief but sharp slap to her cheek. ?Enough of that vulgarity, Doll. You never had to beg. I take what I want?. But right now?? There?s a pause, where he leaned forward, nuzzled along her neck, and inhaled deeply. ?I simply miss seeing that beautiful face of yours, Lovely. A picture of you, by ten o?clock every morning. You can get dolled up or not. I?ll inform you of the next thing I want from you at a later date, but for now, picture every day. Your cover stays safe, and I stay happy.?

?I?m not doing it to make you happy, just so you know.? There was snark that bled into her words, before she rocked back, to ever so evasively pull herself out of his grasp. Then to keep him from complaining she rolled her hips against him, and pressed her body back up against his.

?Oh, I know Doll. It still doesn?t take away from my own happiness.? Amused was the smile that curled the man?s lips. ?Now. Tell me, who is this curly haired Freddy that I see around you so often, always sniffing.? She couldn?t help the brief look of terror that flickered in her eyes when he mentioned the man, which only fueled that dastardly smirk on his features. ?I?ve seen the both of you sucking face quite a few times, yes.?

Roni kept silent, and glanced towards the door. ?I paid for thirty minutes with you, doll, and I?ll pay for another thirty, if need be. Answer the question. Who is Freddy? I could always have a chat of my own with him as well if you will not tell me. You two are not the only ones skilled in following people and not being noticed.?

?He?s a work associate.? There?s a pause, and a narrowed look that found Zagan and the protest at it solely being such on his face. This time it?s her that smirks, and leans forward. A hand comes up to cup the side of his face and she just barely touches her lips against his. ?And he ****s me way better than you ever could, Zagan. And he does it all without deciding his fists need to be involved to the party. And I?ll tell you this much, it?s goddamned wonderful to be treated like something precious, and dear than some kind of piece of trash to be kicked around.?

Almost lightning quick, he leans back and his hand comes up to catch her in a backhand strike. It snapped her head to the side, and earned him a surprised and pained sound. Just as quick and to keep her from toppling off his lap that hand goes to catch her slender throat and squeeze tight.

Before he has a chance to say anything, she was snarling at him. ?Go ahead, Keep on abusing me. Prove my point, Zagan. Keep on hitting me to make yourself feel bigger, because someone hit you when you were poor itty bitty unloved Zagan. You?re pa-? Her word choked when he squeezed tighter around her neck.

?I suggest, Ronixi, you cease the stream of words you are spewing, as you are walking a very fine and very dangerous line there, Doll. Do you forget that we have a rather peculiar arrangement. You were given to me as payment for your father?s debt. Therefore, you are my property. I was rough with you because there was a need. You were willful, and defiant, and still are. And as I have always told you? There are repercussions for everything you do. Lovely you just keep building them up one by one. I can only let it go for so much longer before I start taking actions against them.? Very slowly, he released her throat. ?Ronixi, please, on your feet.? He commanded, and all too happily she was obliging him. ?I would certainly hope that you will watch your step, as I would hate to see anything happen to your friends. Like the tall blonde elf. His name is Mist, Right? And there?s the lovely Miss Cromwell, as well. The ever bitchy Siobhan is achingly absent, but I do believe we all know the reason why.? There?s a knowing smirk that follows his threats.

She growled, then looked like she was ready to Lunge for him. Then the realization that he would only count it as another strike against her sank in, and she stilled herself. ?Go **** yourself, Zagan. You and all your threats. I can?t wait till the day you have no hold over me, and I can make your death painful. I?ll remember everything you?ve ever done, and take all that out on you. That?s a promise of my own, you ****er.?

Bright near neon blue hues watched her solemnly as she spoke. ?Oh Ronixi.? He crooned the words softly, and stood. Then without warning, he moved to backhand her again, only this time it was enough pull a pained yelp from her, and to have purple rising in its wake, quicky. It also sent her scrawny form sprawling with a thud. ?You would make things so much easier on yourself if you knew when to just shut the hell up.? As he spoke, he angrily plucked his wallet out of his pocket, and fished five hundred dollar bills out. He simply dropped them on her crumpled form. ?There?s your ****ing tip, Lily. Watch your step next time.? Viciously the words were snarled, before he turned on his heel, and stalked towards the door, which was just in the process of opening, thanks to the sound of the commotion.


The attendants attention bounced between Roni and Zagan, but before he had a chance to say anything, the male was shoving another five bills in his face. ?For the damages. My apologies for being rough. Tell her to glamour it over, she was always well skilled at that.? Then he was pushing past him, and gone. Bewildered, the man collected the bills, and stared after him for a moment. Then slowly, his attention turned to Roni, ?Lily, are you alright??

The terror, pain, and threatening tears on her face when her attention snapped onto him were all genuine. ?I? I-I need a moment. I?m gonna take my break. Just.. leave.? Her voice was soft and pleasing. Don?t ask. ?D-Don?t tell anyone. We just had a d-disagreeable conversation. He got passionate. I need this job.? She sounded weak. And she knew it was genuine and it made her so? angry. Did not help that there was absolutely nothing that she could do to change anything at the exact moment. The attendant simply nodded. ?Alright Lily.? And with that he left her be.

He was also the one that came back about thirty minutes later to find her rocking back and forth in the corner, and struggling to not hyperventilate. He got the manager on Duty who gave her a xanax, and told her to go home for the night and pull herself together. She even had enough decency to call a cab to drop the woman off at the sparsely furnished apartment she had rented and paid for under Lily?s name. Not that it was good for her to be left to herself when her brain was in such a panicked frantic state, but at least she would be safe.

That?s what mattered for the most part?. Right?