Auf Wiedersehen
Posted: 27 May 2018, 05:51
Alaric von der Marck
[wearing: https://i.p i n i m g.com/originals/be/3c/37 ... 166b42.jpg ]
Alaric von der Marck
The elder was still learning. Modernity was a complex beast, a behemoth mansion with a hundred rooms, and in each room were a hundred drawers, each with new ideologies, new philosophies, new technology, new phrases, new etiquette, new everything. The language had been a hard and slow slog but Alaric was mostly there; he had English under his thumb, and there were only a few things he didn’t understand, most of which was modern slang he had yet to get the hang of—or words he didn’t understand because they pertained to new technology or new science that he was not yet aware of.
Alaric von der Marck
The corporation that his family name had turned into was no different. Where once the von der Marck name only adorned a wooden placard over a single shopfront on the brand new main street of Harper Rock, now it was lit in bright lights at the very top of an eighteen floor office tower. Alaric had stepped into the role of CEO; plenty in the business had no idea who he was, but a select few were entrusted with the truth. The big, bad vampire. The one who’d lived for centuries. The one who’d started this business, and who deserved the seat at the head of the table.
Alaric von der Marck
There were others who wanted nothing more than to see him gone; they wanted to continue in their corrupt fashion, they wanted to continue down their illegal paths. They wanted the power all to themselves—those who’d been in line for CEO, stabbing each other in the proverbial backs to get there. They needed to be taught a lesson. They needed to be cleaned up and shipped out. And Alaric soon realised he didn’t have the corporate know-how to get it done. Which is how he’d got Anne Weiss’s number. Clara Spence, his right-hand woman, knew a guy who knew a guy who knew Anne Weiss. She got **** done, as Clara said. So Alaric had had Clara call Anne’s people. He’d had a meeting organised—he checked his watch; he was still getting used to having a watch on his wrist rather than attached to his pocket. She should be five minutes away.
Anne Weiss
The car she had hired to tote her around the city pulled up to the large mansion. Inside, hidden by the black tinted windows hid her from view, but inside, she was smiling. This job was definitely up her alley. The car came to a stop, the engine shut off and the driver walked around to her door. When the door opened first one then another black, patten leather pump set foot on the ground. She didn't take the offered hand of the driver. She got out on her own accord and stood before the breath taking mansion. Her heels clicked loudly over the ground as she made her way to the front door. Would she have to knock? She knew that the client was waiting for her, but was he waiting by the door or was it some old coot that served the master, she didn't know. Anne slid a hand into her pocket as the other came up to knock on the door. Then that hand came to her face to remove the aviators she had been wearing, placing them atop her head like a head band.
Anne Weiss
[[wearing http://www.hotgraphy.in/wp-content/uplo ... 2015-3.jpg]]
Alaric von der Marck
The foreigner had been invited to the Estate, despite misgivings. Alaric was not the only one who worked at night, and this meeting was a private one. He didn't want the beady eyes of spies to see who Alaric was meeting with; he didn't want them to figure out who she was, or what she might be hired for. He wanted to stay one step ahead, and was not sure that Weiss's presence within the corporation that she was going to be hired to clean up would be a good idea. Not yet. Not until he knew what her plan would be. The lights lit up the circular driveway and the wide steps that led to the large front door. The meeting would be a casual one. And he would be the one to answer the door. He left Ms Weiss waiting only half a minute as he closed the book in hand and stood from the armchair he'd taken while he waited. He opened the door with a greeting smile; his eyes bright as gems and as deep and as old as the caves within which such gems could be found. She was alone, aside from the driver waiting by the car. "Guten abend," he greeted with a nod, opening the door wider to allow her entrance. "Please, come in."
Anne Weiss
The male that opened the door screamed anything but old coot. Mature, Sexy, but old? Not a chance. His greeting took her by surprise and she smiled brightly. Her green eyes brightened as well as she gave him a pleasant nod and stepped into the mansion. She gave a curious glance to her surroundings before her gaze returned to the male. "Thank you Mr. Von der Marck." She said with her accent taking on a thicker presence as it did when she was around those from the motherland. "I hear you have a business in need of a good cleaning." She said in a tone that sounded almost as if she were propositioning him for something else. That wasn't her intent but it did come out that way. She was a straight to business kind of woman, there was no need to try to sweet talk a client. Especially if they were coming to her.
Alaric von der Marck
The elder von der Marck schooled his features as the women stepped into the warmth of the Estate and further into the light. As she moved and turned, Alaric realised that her black blouse was not just black, but transparent. And what he could see beneath the transparency was... well, underwear. He could see the structure of the lingerie that supported her. This was not something that the traditional Alaric was accustomed to, though he'd been schooled on many occasions that he ought not to judge women on what they wear, nor could he tell them to cover up. He cleared his throat and eased the frown from the middle of his forehead. He nodded -- both to answer Ms Weiss's question, and to lead them through to the 'office'. There was a desk, but rather than sit behind it, Alaric instead gestured to the two armchairs. He'd wait for his company to sit before seating himself. "That is correct," he said. "I have been away some time. In my absence, corruption has begun to rot the core of what I have built. I would like to cure it," he said, his own accent strong.
Anne Weiss
If there was one thing that helped her in her job, it was that while she might seem ignorant to the slightest of gestures or glances, she could spot them. She had eyes like a hawk in that regard. She could tell that something about her had put him off, but that was the point of why she dressed like she did. The more distracted they are by her looks, the less they pay attention to her mind. She followed him into the office and took the offered seat while watching him with that intense gaze. One long leg crossed over the other and she sat with an interested lean towards the male. That was usually the story when it came to corporate gigs. That or she was to help a whistle blower. "Well, Mr. Von der Marck, curing corruption is no easy feat. I can do it, but it won't be simple and it will take your time, and your honesty." There was a professional timber to her voice but it was laced with a sensual hint, much like the sprinkle of salt on a meal to make the flavors pop. "If you can't be honest with me than I can not trust you to do what will need to be done in order to cull the corruption in your company."
Alaric von der Marck
Alaric did not yet offer his company a drink, or a snack. They could have their meeting first, and once things are settled, then he would offer. He sat leaning back, fingers steepled in front of him as his elbows rested on the arm rests. One ankle sat atop the opposite knee. He was comfortable in his kingdom, that much was certain. His gleaming gaze made sure to never leave the woman's face. Ah, feminine wiles. They were not often directed at the elder, but he could tell what they were. One doesn't live as long as he had without being able to recognise intonations and intent. He spread his hands out in front of him, palms up. Mentally, he reached across the space between them; mentally, he wanted to crack open Ms Weiss's skull to see what was inside. "You will have my honesty. Whatever questions you have, I will answer," he said. Trust was not an easy thing to give, but sometimes risks needed to be taken in order to reach the end goal.
Anne Weiss
Anne nodded, "very well then" she started and gave a nod of her head that cause her bangs to slip free from behind her ears. "First, you looked upset when I first entered, yes or no?" She already knew that the answer wasn't as cut and dry as a yes or no answer. But she wanted to know his thoughts, knowing what went on inside the heads of her clients made her job easier. Easier because she then knew their limits. When to push, when to pull, when to just club them over the head and drag them into reality. Her job got messy, she needed to know just how much dirt to show them. But if the corruption in his company was as bad as he made it sound, he was likely going to have to see a lot of dirt. He may not like it but **** happened.
Alaric von der Marck
The smile that graced the elder's lips was one of knowing. Of course, a telepath could not learn all there was to learn about another person. A telepath could poke around in the heads of others, but most of the time they were only able to skim the top, like froth from the top of a steaming cappuccino. But, it was somewhere to start. And, he knew that people didn't need to be telepaths to figure out what others might be thinking. "Upset? It is the wrong word," Alaric responded. "I think... affronted, might be a better one."
Anne Weiss
A slight challenging smirk came to her face as she relaxed into her seat. She was watching him for a moment longer before she nodded and then sat up again. "I shall try not to 'affront' you again. Now, tell me of this rot in your company that I'm to deal with."
Alaric von der Marck
The elder thought there would be more questions. Questions as to why he felt affronted--a modern man with traditional sensibilities. Or he wondered, given the thing he had discovered with his mental fingers, whether the woman sitting in front of him was skilled enough, yet, to figure out what he was. Who he was, or whether she'd already been briefed. Alaric shrugged. "The usual, I think," he said. "Greed, it is a poison that spreads. The company was created to help the world, not hinder it. The money to be spread, not kept only by a number of individuals. There are some who are plundering the company's coffers with technology that I am not good at reading. With banks overseas and clever tricks, the loopholes -- I wish for them to be tightened," he explained.
Anne Weiss
She watched him, not only as he spoke, the demeanor of how he spoke as well. She knew when to push, when to hold back. Pushing all at once was likely drive the business away. The word 'greed' made her smirk, of course it was always greed, and seeing how the man lived, there was no doubt that the people she'd have to cull wanted to live like this man. "I'm good with loopholes, even better with overseas banking. But I will let my actions speak louder than my boasting. How long have you been in control of the company?"
Alaric von der Marck
"Two months, give it or take it," he said. "When last I had control, it was not as big," he said. There were numerous different subsidiaries, of course, all branched first from the production of sunflowers. Even now there were still acres upon acres of sunflower fields with the von der Marck name attached to the land, harvested for the seeds and for the oil, and for the flowers themselves. Now, von der Marck was an umbrella -- underneath there were farming products, real estate, and jewels. There were caves nearby, even beneath this very estate, that had started the von der Marck jewelry industry. "There are three individuals who are causing the trouble. The others I think will fall in line once the main three are dealt with," he said.
Anne Weiss
Anne nodded as she took in what he said. There was more to his story, but now was not the time for pushing. Earning trust was just as important as earning respect. She knew there was more, she assumed he would open up once she had proved her worth. That is normally how it worked. Men always needed to see the proof in the pudding before they gave her anything with any real power behind it. "I will need the three names, nothing else. I start from the ground up so that I know where the corner stone is. Corruption topples best from the ground up. The others, they will fall in line. I can promise you that."
Alaric von der Marck
The file was sitting on the small table beside Alaric's chair. He slid it out from beneath the book he'd been reading -- Nietzsche -- and passed it over to Anne Weiss. Within the file were pages containing pictures and information on the three trouble makers. George Lourde, Catherine Hoffman, and Owen Snyder. They were each trying to outdo the other, and Alaric was convinced that the only common goal all three had was that Alaric himself needed to go. They'd been trying to get him ousted from the board from the get-go. "You will be given all that you require to begin," Alaric said.
Anne Weiss
Taking the file, she opened it and took a quick look over the file before closing it and holding it on her lap. "I do like when I'm given everything needed." She goaded almost playfully. "I will find that loophole and if I can't exploit it for you, I will make sure no one else can exploit it either." She then relaxed a little more, letting her gaze move more about the room. The book he had taken the file from under had her smirking ever so slightly. "How long has it been since you have been in the motherland?"
Alaric von der Marck
"It is not so long," he said. How long ago had he traveled there with a woman he'd considered friend but since had been proven she was not? Others like him, elders pulled out and left on the riverbank of time, were hard to find. He felt that those who had not yet lived out their natural lives could not understand the loneliness of time, the weight of it when it no longer mattered. "Six months, perhaps," he said. The motherland, too, had changed. He struggled with so much change.
Anne Weiss
"Six months?" There was a part of her that seemed to question that but for now, it wasn't her place to prod. At least not this one. Not yet. "Any questions for me? Concerns?"
Alaric von der Marck
Concerns. He was concerned that if she walked into the company headquarters wearing her current garb, she would draw more attention than was absolutely necessary. He bit his tongue, however, schooled by the memory of Leonie's voice in his head. Somewhere within the Estate was the baby, the nanny, and Leonie nowhere to be seen. A family issue that Alaric needed no outsourcing to fix. Only patience, and wisdom. Instead: "You enjoy the taste of a vampire's blood?" he asked. One of the things gleaned from that skimming of milk from the top of the cappuccino. "It can be, I have heard, an addiction. This will not hinder your work...?"
Anne Weiss
She watched him, seeming to choose his words carefully. Then, out of right field, his question about vampire blood, and how it could be addicting. It was, but the assumption that it would come in the way of her work had her brow arching sharply. "I don't let anything hinder my work." She sat up a bit more and leveled her gaze on his. "I have heard vampires have the ability to read minds. Does that hinder your work?"
Alaric von der Marck
Again, the elder smiled. The seconds rolled past, the words slowly forming upon his tongue, lining up like good little soldiers, well-trained and obedient. When the modern world had first unfolded in front of Alaric he'd often found himself tripping over his tongue, uncertainty a constant cloud over his head. But he'd regained his confidence in so many ways. A woman dressed for seduction would not yet get beneath his skin. "Nein," he said. He did not correct her. He couldn't tell her what she was thinking. His power wasn't quite that strong. Nor did he yet tell her that it was not the human brain that perplexed him, but the artificial one, hanging over the world like a net, scurried roads of electric signal.
Anne Weiss
She did a slow nod, her apple green gaze resting on him. His immaculate suit, his demeanor, the way he watched her with a gaze she couldn't quite place. "Just remember what I said about honesty. I work best when I know everything. And my clients need not worry that I break that trust."
Alaric von der Marck
"Ja, but what is trust but a string of words that, ultimately, mean nothing?" he said. How many promises had he heard from those that weren't even strangers? Words that meant nothing, trust that was broken, loyalty that was a farce thrown away and left to rot somewhere in the dark. Despite all this, the elder remained steadfast in his need to be good, to provide for those of his blood that needed it. A psychologist would be able to read Alaric von der Marck like a book. They'd know exactly why he was the way he was. "You are required, Ms Weiss, because I was not born to this world. I did not grow through the technological revolution. I am not native to the new ways in which humanity can perpetuate their greed. The weapons that I have at my disposal I am not yet learned enough to wield with efficiency."
Anne Weiss
She nodded once more and this time, she stood and offered her hand to him. "Well then, Mr. Von der Marck, I will do my job, I will rid you of the rot of greed and corruption. And I will bring you into a world of technology." She smiled and winked at him.
Alaric von der Marck
Ms Weiss stood and Alaric stood with her. It appeared that their meeting was over; what else was there to know? Though her promise was unexpected. "I am not part of the job, Ms Weiss," he offered, tentatively. But, he presumed if he were to be taught, if he were to be kept in the loop of every move she made, in future her services would not be required. Alaric would be able to deal with the greedy viruses on his own. He took her hand, his grip firm yet cool to the touch.
Anne Weiss
Her brow rose slightly as she felt the coolness of his touch. Then she nodded, "that is what they all say. Trust me, at the end of this, the more you know about the ways they use now. The better." She then took the folder and held it against her stomach. "I will see you soon."
Alaric von der Marck
Alaric nodded. There was no point in arguing when he agreed with her. He led her toward the door; there'd be no drinks offered, then, if she was intent on leaving. And perhaps that was for the better, given the way Alaric's gaze strayed. His willpower was strong, but even a strong man sometimes could not resist. "Ms Spence's phone number is in the folder. You may call her for access to the building, should you need it," he said, opening the door wide.
Anne Weiss
She smiled and stopped at the door for a moment, "It has been a pleasure, sir." She offered her hand once more and out of habit she leaned in and placed a kiss on his cheek. "Auf Wiedersehen." Then she stepped out to the night and headed towards the car.
Alaric von der Marck
Alaric watched the woman with wariness, the proximity not something that he was accustomed to, though he was aware in this day and age that men and women were allowed such luxuries and minor dalliances without judgment. He waited at the door until the car's lights had disappeared through the gate at the end of the long driveway. He then went back inside and returned to his armchair and to his Nietzsche, though his concentration was split. He hoped he'd done the right thing.
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This thread was submitted via a live roleplay chat in the von der Marck Estate area. Participants and rewards were: Alaric von der Marck earned 3403 RPP. Anne Weiss earned 2209 RPP.
[wearing: https://i.p i n i m g.com/originals/be/3c/37 ... 166b42.jpg ]
Alaric von der Marck
The elder was still learning. Modernity was a complex beast, a behemoth mansion with a hundred rooms, and in each room were a hundred drawers, each with new ideologies, new philosophies, new technology, new phrases, new etiquette, new everything. The language had been a hard and slow slog but Alaric was mostly there; he had English under his thumb, and there were only a few things he didn’t understand, most of which was modern slang he had yet to get the hang of—or words he didn’t understand because they pertained to new technology or new science that he was not yet aware of.
Alaric von der Marck
The corporation that his family name had turned into was no different. Where once the von der Marck name only adorned a wooden placard over a single shopfront on the brand new main street of Harper Rock, now it was lit in bright lights at the very top of an eighteen floor office tower. Alaric had stepped into the role of CEO; plenty in the business had no idea who he was, but a select few were entrusted with the truth. The big, bad vampire. The one who’d lived for centuries. The one who’d started this business, and who deserved the seat at the head of the table.
Alaric von der Marck
There were others who wanted nothing more than to see him gone; they wanted to continue in their corrupt fashion, they wanted to continue down their illegal paths. They wanted the power all to themselves—those who’d been in line for CEO, stabbing each other in the proverbial backs to get there. They needed to be taught a lesson. They needed to be cleaned up and shipped out. And Alaric soon realised he didn’t have the corporate know-how to get it done. Which is how he’d got Anne Weiss’s number. Clara Spence, his right-hand woman, knew a guy who knew a guy who knew Anne Weiss. She got **** done, as Clara said. So Alaric had had Clara call Anne’s people. He’d had a meeting organised—he checked his watch; he was still getting used to having a watch on his wrist rather than attached to his pocket. She should be five minutes away.
Anne Weiss
The car she had hired to tote her around the city pulled up to the large mansion. Inside, hidden by the black tinted windows hid her from view, but inside, she was smiling. This job was definitely up her alley. The car came to a stop, the engine shut off and the driver walked around to her door. When the door opened first one then another black, patten leather pump set foot on the ground. She didn't take the offered hand of the driver. She got out on her own accord and stood before the breath taking mansion. Her heels clicked loudly over the ground as she made her way to the front door. Would she have to knock? She knew that the client was waiting for her, but was he waiting by the door or was it some old coot that served the master, she didn't know. Anne slid a hand into her pocket as the other came up to knock on the door. Then that hand came to her face to remove the aviators she had been wearing, placing them atop her head like a head band.
Anne Weiss
[[wearing http://www.hotgraphy.in/wp-content/uplo ... 2015-3.jpg]]
Alaric von der Marck
The foreigner had been invited to the Estate, despite misgivings. Alaric was not the only one who worked at night, and this meeting was a private one. He didn't want the beady eyes of spies to see who Alaric was meeting with; he didn't want them to figure out who she was, or what she might be hired for. He wanted to stay one step ahead, and was not sure that Weiss's presence within the corporation that she was going to be hired to clean up would be a good idea. Not yet. Not until he knew what her plan would be. The lights lit up the circular driveway and the wide steps that led to the large front door. The meeting would be a casual one. And he would be the one to answer the door. He left Ms Weiss waiting only half a minute as he closed the book in hand and stood from the armchair he'd taken while he waited. He opened the door with a greeting smile; his eyes bright as gems and as deep and as old as the caves within which such gems could be found. She was alone, aside from the driver waiting by the car. "Guten abend," he greeted with a nod, opening the door wider to allow her entrance. "Please, come in."
Anne Weiss
The male that opened the door screamed anything but old coot. Mature, Sexy, but old? Not a chance. His greeting took her by surprise and she smiled brightly. Her green eyes brightened as well as she gave him a pleasant nod and stepped into the mansion. She gave a curious glance to her surroundings before her gaze returned to the male. "Thank you Mr. Von der Marck." She said with her accent taking on a thicker presence as it did when she was around those from the motherland. "I hear you have a business in need of a good cleaning." She said in a tone that sounded almost as if she were propositioning him for something else. That wasn't her intent but it did come out that way. She was a straight to business kind of woman, there was no need to try to sweet talk a client. Especially if they were coming to her.
Alaric von der Marck
The elder von der Marck schooled his features as the women stepped into the warmth of the Estate and further into the light. As she moved and turned, Alaric realised that her black blouse was not just black, but transparent. And what he could see beneath the transparency was... well, underwear. He could see the structure of the lingerie that supported her. This was not something that the traditional Alaric was accustomed to, though he'd been schooled on many occasions that he ought not to judge women on what they wear, nor could he tell them to cover up. He cleared his throat and eased the frown from the middle of his forehead. He nodded -- both to answer Ms Weiss's question, and to lead them through to the 'office'. There was a desk, but rather than sit behind it, Alaric instead gestured to the two armchairs. He'd wait for his company to sit before seating himself. "That is correct," he said. "I have been away some time. In my absence, corruption has begun to rot the core of what I have built. I would like to cure it," he said, his own accent strong.
Anne Weiss
If there was one thing that helped her in her job, it was that while she might seem ignorant to the slightest of gestures or glances, she could spot them. She had eyes like a hawk in that regard. She could tell that something about her had put him off, but that was the point of why she dressed like she did. The more distracted they are by her looks, the less they pay attention to her mind. She followed him into the office and took the offered seat while watching him with that intense gaze. One long leg crossed over the other and she sat with an interested lean towards the male. That was usually the story when it came to corporate gigs. That or she was to help a whistle blower. "Well, Mr. Von der Marck, curing corruption is no easy feat. I can do it, but it won't be simple and it will take your time, and your honesty." There was a professional timber to her voice but it was laced with a sensual hint, much like the sprinkle of salt on a meal to make the flavors pop. "If you can't be honest with me than I can not trust you to do what will need to be done in order to cull the corruption in your company."
Alaric von der Marck
Alaric did not yet offer his company a drink, or a snack. They could have their meeting first, and once things are settled, then he would offer. He sat leaning back, fingers steepled in front of him as his elbows rested on the arm rests. One ankle sat atop the opposite knee. He was comfortable in his kingdom, that much was certain. His gleaming gaze made sure to never leave the woman's face. Ah, feminine wiles. They were not often directed at the elder, but he could tell what they were. One doesn't live as long as he had without being able to recognise intonations and intent. He spread his hands out in front of him, palms up. Mentally, he reached across the space between them; mentally, he wanted to crack open Ms Weiss's skull to see what was inside. "You will have my honesty. Whatever questions you have, I will answer," he said. Trust was not an easy thing to give, but sometimes risks needed to be taken in order to reach the end goal.
Anne Weiss
Anne nodded, "very well then" she started and gave a nod of her head that cause her bangs to slip free from behind her ears. "First, you looked upset when I first entered, yes or no?" She already knew that the answer wasn't as cut and dry as a yes or no answer. But she wanted to know his thoughts, knowing what went on inside the heads of her clients made her job easier. Easier because she then knew their limits. When to push, when to pull, when to just club them over the head and drag them into reality. Her job got messy, she needed to know just how much dirt to show them. But if the corruption in his company was as bad as he made it sound, he was likely going to have to see a lot of dirt. He may not like it but **** happened.
Alaric von der Marck
The smile that graced the elder's lips was one of knowing. Of course, a telepath could not learn all there was to learn about another person. A telepath could poke around in the heads of others, but most of the time they were only able to skim the top, like froth from the top of a steaming cappuccino. But, it was somewhere to start. And, he knew that people didn't need to be telepaths to figure out what others might be thinking. "Upset? It is the wrong word," Alaric responded. "I think... affronted, might be a better one."
Anne Weiss
A slight challenging smirk came to her face as she relaxed into her seat. She was watching him for a moment longer before she nodded and then sat up again. "I shall try not to 'affront' you again. Now, tell me of this rot in your company that I'm to deal with."
Alaric von der Marck
The elder thought there would be more questions. Questions as to why he felt affronted--a modern man with traditional sensibilities. Or he wondered, given the thing he had discovered with his mental fingers, whether the woman sitting in front of him was skilled enough, yet, to figure out what he was. Who he was, or whether she'd already been briefed. Alaric shrugged. "The usual, I think," he said. "Greed, it is a poison that spreads. The company was created to help the world, not hinder it. The money to be spread, not kept only by a number of individuals. There are some who are plundering the company's coffers with technology that I am not good at reading. With banks overseas and clever tricks, the loopholes -- I wish for them to be tightened," he explained.
Anne Weiss
She watched him, not only as he spoke, the demeanor of how he spoke as well. She knew when to push, when to hold back. Pushing all at once was likely drive the business away. The word 'greed' made her smirk, of course it was always greed, and seeing how the man lived, there was no doubt that the people she'd have to cull wanted to live like this man. "I'm good with loopholes, even better with overseas banking. But I will let my actions speak louder than my boasting. How long have you been in control of the company?"
Alaric von der Marck
"Two months, give it or take it," he said. "When last I had control, it was not as big," he said. There were numerous different subsidiaries, of course, all branched first from the production of sunflowers. Even now there were still acres upon acres of sunflower fields with the von der Marck name attached to the land, harvested for the seeds and for the oil, and for the flowers themselves. Now, von der Marck was an umbrella -- underneath there were farming products, real estate, and jewels. There were caves nearby, even beneath this very estate, that had started the von der Marck jewelry industry. "There are three individuals who are causing the trouble. The others I think will fall in line once the main three are dealt with," he said.
Anne Weiss
Anne nodded as she took in what he said. There was more to his story, but now was not the time for pushing. Earning trust was just as important as earning respect. She knew there was more, she assumed he would open up once she had proved her worth. That is normally how it worked. Men always needed to see the proof in the pudding before they gave her anything with any real power behind it. "I will need the three names, nothing else. I start from the ground up so that I know where the corner stone is. Corruption topples best from the ground up. The others, they will fall in line. I can promise you that."
Alaric von der Marck
The file was sitting on the small table beside Alaric's chair. He slid it out from beneath the book he'd been reading -- Nietzsche -- and passed it over to Anne Weiss. Within the file were pages containing pictures and information on the three trouble makers. George Lourde, Catherine Hoffman, and Owen Snyder. They were each trying to outdo the other, and Alaric was convinced that the only common goal all three had was that Alaric himself needed to go. They'd been trying to get him ousted from the board from the get-go. "You will be given all that you require to begin," Alaric said.
Anne Weiss
Taking the file, she opened it and took a quick look over the file before closing it and holding it on her lap. "I do like when I'm given everything needed." She goaded almost playfully. "I will find that loophole and if I can't exploit it for you, I will make sure no one else can exploit it either." She then relaxed a little more, letting her gaze move more about the room. The book he had taken the file from under had her smirking ever so slightly. "How long has it been since you have been in the motherland?"
Alaric von der Marck
"It is not so long," he said. How long ago had he traveled there with a woman he'd considered friend but since had been proven she was not? Others like him, elders pulled out and left on the riverbank of time, were hard to find. He felt that those who had not yet lived out their natural lives could not understand the loneliness of time, the weight of it when it no longer mattered. "Six months, perhaps," he said. The motherland, too, had changed. He struggled with so much change.
Anne Weiss
"Six months?" There was a part of her that seemed to question that but for now, it wasn't her place to prod. At least not this one. Not yet. "Any questions for me? Concerns?"
Alaric von der Marck
Concerns. He was concerned that if she walked into the company headquarters wearing her current garb, she would draw more attention than was absolutely necessary. He bit his tongue, however, schooled by the memory of Leonie's voice in his head. Somewhere within the Estate was the baby, the nanny, and Leonie nowhere to be seen. A family issue that Alaric needed no outsourcing to fix. Only patience, and wisdom. Instead: "You enjoy the taste of a vampire's blood?" he asked. One of the things gleaned from that skimming of milk from the top of the cappuccino. "It can be, I have heard, an addiction. This will not hinder your work...?"
Anne Weiss
She watched him, seeming to choose his words carefully. Then, out of right field, his question about vampire blood, and how it could be addicting. It was, but the assumption that it would come in the way of her work had her brow arching sharply. "I don't let anything hinder my work." She sat up a bit more and leveled her gaze on his. "I have heard vampires have the ability to read minds. Does that hinder your work?"
Alaric von der Marck
Again, the elder smiled. The seconds rolled past, the words slowly forming upon his tongue, lining up like good little soldiers, well-trained and obedient. When the modern world had first unfolded in front of Alaric he'd often found himself tripping over his tongue, uncertainty a constant cloud over his head. But he'd regained his confidence in so many ways. A woman dressed for seduction would not yet get beneath his skin. "Nein," he said. He did not correct her. He couldn't tell her what she was thinking. His power wasn't quite that strong. Nor did he yet tell her that it was not the human brain that perplexed him, but the artificial one, hanging over the world like a net, scurried roads of electric signal.
Anne Weiss
She did a slow nod, her apple green gaze resting on him. His immaculate suit, his demeanor, the way he watched her with a gaze she couldn't quite place. "Just remember what I said about honesty. I work best when I know everything. And my clients need not worry that I break that trust."
Alaric von der Marck
"Ja, but what is trust but a string of words that, ultimately, mean nothing?" he said. How many promises had he heard from those that weren't even strangers? Words that meant nothing, trust that was broken, loyalty that was a farce thrown away and left to rot somewhere in the dark. Despite all this, the elder remained steadfast in his need to be good, to provide for those of his blood that needed it. A psychologist would be able to read Alaric von der Marck like a book. They'd know exactly why he was the way he was. "You are required, Ms Weiss, because I was not born to this world. I did not grow through the technological revolution. I am not native to the new ways in which humanity can perpetuate their greed. The weapons that I have at my disposal I am not yet learned enough to wield with efficiency."
Anne Weiss
She nodded once more and this time, she stood and offered her hand to him. "Well then, Mr. Von der Marck, I will do my job, I will rid you of the rot of greed and corruption. And I will bring you into a world of technology." She smiled and winked at him.
Alaric von der Marck
Ms Weiss stood and Alaric stood with her. It appeared that their meeting was over; what else was there to know? Though her promise was unexpected. "I am not part of the job, Ms Weiss," he offered, tentatively. But, he presumed if he were to be taught, if he were to be kept in the loop of every move she made, in future her services would not be required. Alaric would be able to deal with the greedy viruses on his own. He took her hand, his grip firm yet cool to the touch.
Anne Weiss
Her brow rose slightly as she felt the coolness of his touch. Then she nodded, "that is what they all say. Trust me, at the end of this, the more you know about the ways they use now. The better." She then took the folder and held it against her stomach. "I will see you soon."
Alaric von der Marck
Alaric nodded. There was no point in arguing when he agreed with her. He led her toward the door; there'd be no drinks offered, then, if she was intent on leaving. And perhaps that was for the better, given the way Alaric's gaze strayed. His willpower was strong, but even a strong man sometimes could not resist. "Ms Spence's phone number is in the folder. You may call her for access to the building, should you need it," he said, opening the door wide.
Anne Weiss
She smiled and stopped at the door for a moment, "It has been a pleasure, sir." She offered her hand once more and out of habit she leaned in and placed a kiss on his cheek. "Auf Wiedersehen." Then she stepped out to the night and headed towards the car.
Alaric von der Marck
Alaric watched the woman with wariness, the proximity not something that he was accustomed to, though he was aware in this day and age that men and women were allowed such luxuries and minor dalliances without judgment. He waited at the door until the car's lights had disappeared through the gate at the end of the long driveway. He then went back inside and returned to his armchair and to his Nietzsche, though his concentration was split. He hoped he'd done the right thing.
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