The phone rang in my hotel room. I was surprised by it, but the startled state left me rather quickly as I picked up the phone. Clearing my throat to the side before answering..
"Yes? ...oh? Yes, I'll be right there."
Blinking, I was more than surprised to hear that Emerald was here. I wondered why she was here, but I wasn't complaining. Standing, I quickly dressed in a lazy untuck shirt and a loose blazer jacket with some trousers and stuffed my hands into my pockets. Taking my key, I locked my door and headed down to the lobby.
Taking the elevator, I exited it moments later - scanning the lobby. Spotting her, my eyes widened before I stepped toward her.
"Emerald!"
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Cathedral! *She rushed forward, sweeping him up in a hug. They embraced for a few seconds, before she leaned back, hands on his shoulders, a slight frown on her face.* You look awfully tired dear, are you feeling all right? *She was happy to see him, and it showed in her green eyes, which seemed to sparkle like the stone from which she took her name. Cathedral had been a friend of hers for as long as she could remember, and a damn good one at that.*
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"Ah! Me? Tired? Psch."
Shaking my head, I offered her one of my lopsided grins.
"Just taking a ye Olde Business Trip... What the hell are you doing in Vegas, girl? Last I remember you were making it big back in LA.. did Erich drive you off again?"
A small chuckle as I thought about that. Erich always seemed to have goo-goo eyes for Emerald, but never really stepped out of his little hole in the ground so to speak. I found it highly amusing and I teased them both about it whenever I had the chance.
"I haven't seen you in what? At least a year... tell me about the things you've done..."
I led off to the side, to a cluster of rather comfy looking chairs and a love seat. I perched on the arm of one of the chairs.. brows raised.
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*She knew he was lying about being tired, but she didn't call him on it. It was enough that he knew that she knew. Her expression darkened slightly when he mentioned Las Angeles. She seated herself in the love seat before responding* Well, things in Los Angeles ended up going badly. *She leaned over, placing a hand on his knee.* Mr Black got killed....and his replacement thought that I was trying to cover for who did it. *A hint of anger crept into her voice.* I only told the truth...I bet it was that bastard who did it, but he'd never answer my questions. None of those other guys liked me anyway, bet they were eager to get rid of me. *Although she did her best to keep her emotions in check, she was hurt by how quickly people stopped believing in her 'talent', as if they'd never believed in it at all. She was so lost in her story that she completely missed his crack about Erich.* As you might imagine, I had to get out of LA, at least for a while. *She smiled again, a bit weaker than the first.* I heard through the grapevine you were out here, so I thought I would come say hello.
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I frowned at her story. Well, that wasn't what I was expecting, but - some people are assholes and love to make things harder for people trying to make it in this world. I sighed gently, before clasping her hand in mine - patting it lightly with a smile on my face.
"You're strong and I'm glad you got out when you did."
This was heart-felt, which was something I only showed at certain times. This being one of those times. I licked my lips, shifting on my perch a bit.
"Have you had anything to eat?"
I was curious, perhaps I could invite her up to the room and order something nice or take her out. At least something to make her feel a little better.
"And I'm glad you came by, I was getting lonely. I leave for New Orleans tomorrow, unfortunately. Where are you headed eventually?"
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*She smiled again. Thankfully, Cathedral always knew how to make her feel better. It was one of his charms. She couldn't understand why he had such a problem with girls when he always treated her like a lady. She squeezed his hand.* The last thing I ate was a couple bags of peanuts on the plane..delicious, but a bit heavy on the salt. As far as where I'm going in the future, I have no idea. *She looked into his eyes, and briefly he could see the uncertainty that lay within hers. But just as quickly, it was gone.* Can I go with you, dear? I won't be a bother, I promise. It will give us some time to catch up...
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Well, fortunately - she didn't know what I did on the side that some people had the misfortune of knowing. I narrowed my eyes at that, shaking my head lightly.
"That just won't do. What are you in the mood for, hm?"
I grinned, before canting my head to the side. I saw that hint of uncertainty, but I knew her to be ratehr tough. She'd ask for help when she needed it, or I'd get an indications.
"Go with me? Er ... I don't know..."
He thought about that, before chuckling.
"We'll .. see."
I wasn't sure what to say to that, honestly. Shifting off the chair arm, I peered at her .. waiting for her to tell me what she wanted.
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*She spoke quietly, not wanting anyone else to hear. She sounded almost motherly when she spoke.* Cathedral Graves, what are you hiding from me? *Somehow she knew that he was, but she didn't know what he could be hiding from her. She was going to say something else, but decided to hold her tongue. She hadn't had many friends since her power had begun to manifest itself, and she sure wasn't going to do anything to endanger one of the few she had left.*
I-I'm sorry, Cathedral. Forget it...*She smiled, again, patting his knee.* I'm just a bit tired. If you don't want me to go with you, that's fine. I'll just see you when your job is finished.
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I couldn't just leave her there to ponder what things could be. I sighed gently, before squeezing her shoulder gently. I'd grin a bit, nudging her.
"C'mon up to my room, I'll order some pizza and soda .. and order a movie or three ... I'll tell you some things."
Of course, Frank would kill me - so I had to play cool with the job bit. I knew she was a lie detector as well, but I had ways around that ... it was all about the eyes and convincing. I would head for the elevator ..
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*Her eyes lit up at Cathedral's suggestion.* Pizza, pop, a movie...it sounds like fun. *Grabbing his arm, she stood up.* But you can't stay up too late, since you've got a -job- to do. *She winked at him, feeling better now. She paused, chewing her bottom lip.* I-I'm sorry, Cathedral. I shouldn't use my power with you. It's really not fair. *She looked down at her feet, and then up at his eyes again.* I just wanted to make sure you weren't in any trouble. *Even if he was, what could she do to help? Her fighting skills were average, and although she carried a gun, she was no marksman.*
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I laughed as I guided her into the elevator, shaking my head.
"It's fine, Emerald."
Choosing my floor, I grinned at her - offering a wink.
"Besides, it's natural.. and I've never held it against you."
A small chuckle as I leaned back against the interior of the elevator, laying my head back and closing my eyes. This was turning out to be a good night in my mind. There was much I had to ask of her, but it was better in a much more comfortable enviroment.
"Don't mind the mess, I had to go shopping and such for a few things - spent all day getting my things situated."
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*She blushed. Cathedral's always been so understanding to her.* You've always left things a mess, Cathedral. I don't know why it's so hard for you guys to pick up after yourself. Dan was the same way, you know that. *Dan was her older, and only brother. He'd made the mistake of joining a gang and got capped trying to defend her after some rival gangmember called her a freak. It had been a long time before she could say his name or even think about him without breaking into tears, but she had. After his death, she became adept at hiding her secret from people who didn't need to know.*
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I frowned as she mentioned her brother. I knew the story and it really bothered me to this day. I moved to her and wrapped my arms about her. I stood much taller than her, so I felt like a big brother to her - and well, I looked at her like a sister. It was perfect, really. She was unaware of my other .. activities and I was thankful for that. Though she knew of Erich and his .. strangeness.. so she might not be surprised. Who knew, though. I wasn't going to test it.
"Mmh, Emerald .. don't think about that .."
I whispered this in her ear, before chuckling .. the doors of the elevator opened and I ushered her out, getting my key. When we got to the door to my room, I unlocked it and allowed her to enter the messy domain first then entered and closed the door - engaging the locks.
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*She felt, well, safe with her head against Cathedral's chest. He'd always been there when she needed him and she appreciated that more than she had ever been able to tell him. It was the reason she'd come to Vegas, it was the only place she felt she -could- go in her time of need. Her mouth fell open when she looked around Cathedral's hotel room, and she just started laughing.* Oh...my...You weren't exaggerating when you said it was untidy...*She flopped on the bed, and rolled over on her stomach, propping her head up with her hands as she watched him lock the door carefully. Always one for safety, he was.* I can clean it up if you like, it wouldn't take long at all.
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I grinned at her, that offer made me want to laugh long and hard - but I refrained, nodding my head slowly.
"Sure, go ahead."
A wink, before I headed for the phone and dialed up the number for a great pizza and some soda. I watched her for a moment, before looking away. After the phonecall, I flopped on the bed - staring at the ceiling.. stratching a bit. I should brush my teeth and get ready for bed - at least in a sense.
"Would you care if I asked you to sleep with me? Not in a sexual manner, mind you - but I'm sure you need a place to stay, correct? Or did you get a room here?"
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*As quickly as she flopped, she rose to her feet, leaving her black purse on the bed. First, she picked up the books he'd left scattered about and stacked them neatly on the desk. Then, she went about picking up his clothes, folding them up in a stack besides the suitcase. She almost didn't hear the question he asked, but she was smiling when she turned around, one of his shirts draped over her arm.* I didn't think to get myself a room, I came out here so fast....*She shook her head again, and sat down on the bed beside him.* I'd love to sleep here with you, Cathedral...unless you've got a girl coming over I don't know about.
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"A girl coming over? Not at all. I'm not that kind of guy, Emerald. You should know that."
A small shake of my head, before I would shift to a sitting postion. Eyes narrowed for a moment, before I would stand up. Scratching my neck, I turned on the television and grabbed up the remote.
"Any particular movie you wanna see? They've got a ton, including still in theaters and new releases."
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I wasn't implying anything, Cathedral....You could have a girlfriend. I mean, it's been almost three months since we last talked. You could have gotten married here in Vegas! That's how crazy things are out here...*But she knew he wouldn't have done that. He was -far- too sensible to act on a whim like that.*
I don't get out much...so you just pick something. *Picking up a pillow from the bed, she hugged it to her chest.* It can even be one of those action movies you like...*Tilting her head to the side, she watched him carefully. He seemed almost -nervous-, but surely she must be imagining things. They'd known each other since they were kids, long past the nervous stage of friendship.*
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"Hardly, Emerald. I'd never get married in Vegas .. of all places."
I grunted, before laughing - looking at her with a raised brow.
"I feel like something horror-ish ..."
I scrolled through the movies, found Saw and flicked it on. And at that moment, the pizza and soda arrived. I wandered to the door .. I got the cash ready and handed it off after the things were delivered.
Picking thethings up and set them on the bed, opening the body to show a normal meat lovers pizza and some Pepsi. I glanced at her and gestured.
"Ladies first."
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*She laughed too.* I know, Cathedral...you're a very sensible guy. Getting married in Vegas is just -crazy-.
Oh, you're such a gentleman. *She took a Pepsi and a big slice of pizza out of the box. It was still warm, and delicious. She hadn't realized how hungry she was until it was there in front of her. She literally devoured her first piece, quickly reaching for a second.* Oh, you always know the best places to eat. It's a gift...*She took a swig of Pepsi, and leaned against the headboard.*
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"I don't think I'll ever be getting married, at all. But that's what alot of men say, and get hitched soon after with a sheepish grin on their face."
I snickered at that, before licking my lips - allowing her to take her fill before I moved in to grab a couple of pieces and get some of the soda.
"What about you? ..any relationships?"
The movie was slowly coming on in the background, and I was paying attention to it as well as her.
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Me? No...*She was now on her third piece of pizza.* Guys don't like a girl who can catch them in a lie, especially every time. *She took a couple of large bites, and finished off her piece of pizza. Then, she drank more Pepsi, screaming could already be heard from the TV.* The guys who wouldn't lie to me wouldn't understand. *She sighed again, her shoulders slumping just slightly.* It's not exactly easy to talk about...*She'd tried a number of ways, and began to tick off responses on her fingers as she spoke.* I've had guys blanch when I told them, got yelled at. One guy even said I was possessed by the devil. *She shook her head back and forth as if trying to clear an old memory, then smiled.* I had another guy say that it must have been a gift from God. *At this, she gave Cathedral a 'What was he thinking?' look.* If I got this from God, he must hate the way I'm misusing it...
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I suddenly was struck by a realization. I stared off at nothing for a moment - lost in thought. I was recalling the job and I winced, turning to her.. I frowned.
"I'll pay for you to stay in this room whilst I'm gone ... I don't think it would be wise for you to go with me ..."
This time I was being honest. It was in my eyes, my body, the language I spoke. I shook my head, laying a hand on her own .. but I said nothing - staring off at the movie.
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Oh, ok...Cathedral honey. *She patted his hand.* I can pay for my own room, I still got some money left. *He was being honest, in fact he seemed concerned for her welfare. That in itself wasn't too surprising, he did have a way of getting in trouble.* I'll even wait here for you until you get back. *She leaned over and hugged him from behind.* Don't worry...whatever it is, I'm sure you'll do fine.
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"Mmmh..."
I seemed incredibly distant, before sighing.
"Oi vey .."
I muttered, before devouring my pizza and downing my soda. I got more and curled up on the bed and watched the movie - murmuring to myself. I was rather worried about this whole ordeal ... glancing at the phone as I passed my gaze over her.
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*Finishing her pizza and soda, she pulled the covers up over her legs. The room was a bit chilly, but Cathedral always did like the cold. She couldn't help but notice his change in attitude, and knew that somehow the job was getting to him. It wasn't her, she knew that, but somehow that didn't keep her from being concerned.
Just then, a particularly nasty scene of the movie came on, and she hid her face in the pillow.* Tell me when it's done...
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I blinked free of my thoughts.
"Huh? Oh, yeah.."
Laughter bubbled up from my throat as I watched the particularly gruesome part of the movie. And I noticed how she had pulled the covers up. I remembered then, that I had the air conditioning on rather high ... it was like my Morgue in here.
"The mortician never leaves, you know? I can turn it off if you want it to warm up in here."
I grinned a bit, standing.
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*She kept her face hidden in the pillow, which muffled her voice a bit as she responded.* No, it's fine. The blanket's keeping me plenty warm..*Just then, the phone on the desk rang. It could even be heard over the screams of the TV.*
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*She raised her eyes from the pillow and cocked her head. That was odd..why would someone be calling? Unsure of what to do, and a bit unnerved by Cathedral's reaction, she waited silently.* ~Donna, is that you? Oh, don't tell me I dialed the wrong number..~
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"Mmh, you have the wrong number..."
Wow. I was a tense wreck now. Setting the phone down on the cradle after the apologies and things - I eyed Emerald and gave her a full-blown sheepish grin.
"Wrong number.
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Yes, it was....*She scooted on the bed until she was lying beside him. One of her hands rested on his chest, and she propped herself up on her other elbow.* That doesn't explain why you were so scared...and you -were- scared. *She looked down at him, concern obvious in her big green eyes.* Why are you so scared, Cathedral?? *There was no reason to mention that she had tensed as well when the phone rang..*
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"Why am I scared?"
I thought about that.
"Because this job might kill me."
But I was already in it, and that was all that mattered - I did my first job rather well, so now I had to prove myself to Frank Vincetti. This wasn't going to be as hard as I was making it, right? I offered her a smile.
"Don't worry so much, please?"
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Might kill you? *She wanted to grab him by the shoulders and -shake- him. What the hell had he gotten himself into? Instead, she forced herself to be calm, and look him directly in the eyes.* Ok, I won't worry about you as much, if you insist. *She smiled, and reached up to ruffle his hair.* I trust your judgement, Cathedral, honest. It's just that you've been such a good friend, I'd hate to see anything bad happen to you.
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"I know better with you, Emerald.. you're going to worry and fret ... you're going to panic when I don't return on time. I know you..."
I sighed, before shaking my head .. I stood up and started to shed my blazer, my shirt and unbuckle my trousers - disappearing into the bathroom where I began to brush my teeth ..
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*She rolled over on her side, tears beginning to prick at the corner of her eyes as she squeezed the pillow tightly. He was right. She could say she'd be good all she wanted, but it wouldn't stop her from worrying or the feeling of panic she'd get when he was undoubtedly late. She chewed her lip as the first tears began to splash against her pale cheeks. It had been a mistake to come here. All she'd wanted to do was reunite with an old friend, and she couldn't even do that without screwing things up...just like she screwed things up in LA.*
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I sighed as I finished brushing my teeth, moving on to flossing before I shook my head. I seemed to be a wreck because of her being here - maybe I was more worried than I thought I was. This might be nothing more than like the last job. But, I knew better than to assume so much. Staring at myself in the mirror, I wondered what would happen by this time tomorrow night. Closing my eyes, I rested my forehead against the mirror... Emerald and Erich wouldn't allow that I go down without some rebellion. I could count them with my life and everything else in between.
Pulling away from the mirror, I started the water for my shower - customizing it to my liking. It was a spacious bath, quite elegant. I peeked out at her - frowning as her back was facing my direction.
"Emerald...?"
Slipping out of the doorway told her, the steam of the slowly heating water rose and curled from within the bathroom - trailing outward a bit, but I wasn't in the mood to care right this moment.
"Are you alright?"
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No...*It was funny how the simple statement could set her off into a fresh torrent of sobs. She clutched the pillow as if it was a life preserver, and she was stuck on the ocean.* I-I'm sorry....I lied...*The irony of the statement did not escape her, even in the midst of her pity party. *I couldn't...go back...to LA....*She paused, drawing a couple of ragged breaths, still unable to look at him. When she spoke again, her voice was small.* They threatened me. That's why I came here, to meet you...
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Her sobs stabbed me, in the heart specifically. I lowered my head, shaggy black hair fallen about my features. I pointed to the bathroom.
"Get up, Emerald.. take a shower, calm down and relax."
Worried? More than you'd know. My eyes were half-lidded as I kept my head lowered for a moment, then I lifted it - watching her.
"C'mon now ... I'm here, you're safe .. and things will work out."
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*Finally, she turned to face him, wiping tears away from her face.* No, you go ahead...I'll take one when you're done...*She even managed a small smile. She hadn't meant to upset him, and yet, somehow she did. She felt a bit embarrassed about acting like a child, especially when he had such an important job. All she had to do was lay low for a while, and everything would be fine, just like he said.* I knew you'd keep me safe, it's why I came. Now, go take your shower, you've got work to do tomorrow. *She smiled again, feeling a bit better.* That job isn't going to do itself after all...
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I nodded my head to her and smiled, heading into the bathroom to do my business in the shower. Afterward, I wandered out with a towel wrapped about my waist. A small sigh escaping me as I combed back my wet hair and wandered toward the bed .. I snagged up some boxers and then wandered back into the bathroom to put them on.
Once 'dressed', I re-entered the room and slithered into bed .. yawning loudly.
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*She had calmed down considerably by the time he got out of the shower. Getting all upset like that had been stupid.* I hope you didn't use all the hot water....*She smiled at him before heading into the bathroom. Slipping out of her clothes, she laid them neatly on the toilet. She'd left in such a hurry that she didn't have time to pack. Maybe after he'd left in the morning, she could go shopping and pick herself up a few things. Cranking up the heat, she stepped into the shower, letting it caress her long green hair and make her all nice and toasty warm, just the way she liked. When the shower was done, she wrapped a towel about her, using the other to dry her hair. Retrieving her panties from the toilet, she slid them on beneath the towel. Then, she snuck into the room, in case Cathedral had gone to sleep, grabbed one of his button-up shirts, and took it back in the bathroom to change. Five minutes later, she re-entered the room, yawning. It was late. She climbed into bed, pulling the covers up to her shoulders. Her voice was a whisper as she leaned over and kissed Cathedral's forehead.* Night, Cathedral..
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I was asleep after she had exited the bathroom the first time. It wasn't hard.. to fall into a deep sleep, that is. I was tired and I really needed to get the sleep to wake up at the asscrack of dawn.
When the clock went off at 7AM, I startled upward in bed - heaving a bit, before looking over toward Emerald. I slid from bed carefully, stretched and wandered toward the miniature coffee maker and began to brew some up. Eyes closed as I lurked around the coffee table, grumbling as I rubbed my eyes.
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*She could hear the coffee maker, and rolled over lazily in bed. Her eyes didn't even open as she pulled the cover up tighter..* Is that you, Cathedral? *Then, she remembered he had somewhere to be and began wiping the sleep from her eyes.* You leavin?
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"Not leaving yet. My plane leaves at 9AM, and it only takes a bit to get there.. I just want to be up and around, so I don't struggle to do so later."
I chuckled, peering at the coffee maker then back at her ..
"You can sleep more, if you like ... or whatever you want to do."
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*She sat up then and opened her eyes.* I'll stay up, at least until you go. *A faint smile lingered on her lips.* I haven't seen you in three months, Cathedral dear. I can sleep anytime. *She watched him putter around the coffee maker with a good deal of fondness.* I'll just hang out here at the hotel until you get back. Just make me proud, ok?
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"Yeah. Three months. Long time. I really find myself wondering where that time just went .. though when we split ways, I figured I'd be seeing you sooner than now, you know?"
I scratched my head, before shaking it lightly.
"I'm sure that this job'll be easy. I just have to watch whose feet I step on. It'll be alot easier then ..."
I lowered my head, before I looked off to the side at the clock. It was almost 7:30AM, but I merely smiled and shook off my worries. I poured two cups, wandered toward her and offered one.
"I have a present for you, I'm sure you'll enjoy..."
I wandered over to one of the briefcases full of money, going to the 100k case - I set it on the side, and opened it .. scooping the money out and laid it out before her.
"Here. Have it. Go shopping whilst I'm away."
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*She took the cup of coffee with a smile, black, just the way she liked it.* You remembered... *She took a long drink, feeling the warmth settle down to her toes.* I feel bad for it being so long, but I couldn't get away. Not for any real period of time...*She had been busy, peddling her skills. As usual, her skill got her in trouble. That's why she was back in Vegas.*
*When he opened the briefcase and started pulling out money, her eyes got wide.* Cathedral! It's not my birthday....*She smiled, it was the kind of thing he would do. He always cared so much for his friends.* It's sweet, but I couldn't. You -earned- that money yourself...
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"Take the money, Emerald. I want you to have it. You need clothes, and I'm sure that a night on Vegas is something that you've always wanted. C'mon now .. please?"
I offered her these puppy-dog like eyes, before chuckling. I stood up and snatched up the clothes I laid out for the morning - heading into the bathroom. I got dressed, brushed my teeth, hair and smoothed myself out before wandering out of the bathroom.
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*She giggled like a school girl. Cathedral could be so funny when he wanted to be, and somehow he always knew how to make her laugh.* Ok, I'll take the money, but it just won't be the same without you around. *She stood up when he came back into the room, brushing an errant piece of lint away from his shirt.* You look so -handsome-. *She was a little bit sad at the thought of him leaving so soon. But, she believed him when he said everything would be fine, and he should be back soon enough.*
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I sighed as I watched her. I didn't want to leave and never come back. I shook my head slowly as I patted her cheek.
"If I don't come back, you know what to do.."
Inform Erich. And the man will know what to do next. I winked at her, before I got my things around.
"This hotel is paid for in advance; stay here, you'll be safer."
With that I was out the door and on my way to the airport and on to the plane.
~*~Back~*~
