Tube Tinkering (Open I guess )

[Keegan Navaro]

-->She was still on her high from the kiss she shared with him, but knew it was time to get down to business. Keegan changed into a pair of boxers and her sports bra, both black in color and recently purchased. Bare feet made their way back over to the place she had stored the tube and retrieved it and her Ipod. Sitting in the center of the bed with her back against the wall, ear buds were positioned and the play button hit and Five Finger Death Punch started playing..."The Bleeding" was a great song and now that her mind frame was right she studied that tube for a good half hour before even attempting to open it. Her fingers were too big to roll one wheel without doing another. Placing the tube aside for a moment she got up from the bed in search of something...aha a pair of tweezers. They could turn one of the colored wheels, and leave the rest alone. Going back to the bed and returned to her previous position.

-->Julian had said to think logically, and she was but it also didn't hurt that she put herself into an almost trance like state. Letting the tube in a sense talk to her the first colored wheel was slowly rolled when the tumbler seemed to catch and click Keegan knew she had found the first color to the combination. Three more to go, and hopefully she would still be sitting on the bed and not blown to Kingdom Come. Head rested against the wall for a moment as a more mellow song started playing. It was perfect for what she was doing, head lifted and dark eyes studied the tube and the three remaining wheels left. Tip of tweezers honed in on wheel number two and began to slowly turn it. Soft huff because she had turned the wheel completely around without finding the correct color, but she didn't give up and tried again...this time with luck. Wheel two clicked every so softly and now she was halfway done.

-->Breaking Benjamin's I Will Not Bow started, and she couldn't keep her head from keeping beat with the music. Keegan was in her zone and she was going to figure out this damn tube, it also meant that once she was finished she would see Julian again...of course once it was opened she had no idea what that would mean for her but it didn't matter. Third wheel was slowly turned, and she had moved it exactly two spots before the soft click of the tumbler could be felt, more so than heard. So the first color was green, the second blue and now the third was red...here came logic sort of, the only remaining color was white so the wheel was pulled to the white indicator and nothing...would there be a dummy color? What better way to fool someone, and there was so many combination. She knew her first three colors were correct but what she didn't know if there was a booby trap for a certain amount of failed attempts.

-->Honestly, she didn't think that he would risk her life after the time they spent together but Keegan wasn't going to risk that either. Perhaps it was part of his job, to lull her into a false sense of security before plunging a knife in her back..the knife of betrayal that is. Well, she turned the wheel to blue and nothing, green and still nothing it was red that finally gave the tell tell sign of being correct. Keegan held her breath a moment and closed one eye. She gave a small twist the tube opened and.......Nothing! No loud boom, or noxious gasses poured out of it. A tad disappointed but not curious enough to peek inside the lid was replaced before she scooted off the bed. Now did she take it to Julian, or wait for him to come find her? Ipod was turned off and placed on the small table, she didn't bother to change her clothes, or to take her hair down from the pony tail she sported. Opening the door slightly, head peeked from within her room to look up and down the hall before stepping out and closing the door behind her.

[Angel Eyes]

The hallway was not empty, and the lady stepping out might just notice that on her own, as the sound of bare feet hitting the floor could be heard. Feet were bare because she had snuck out of her rooms. Long brown hair was pulled back into two braids that hit against her back with every step. The girl had not gotten dressed yet and she was wearing her pjs. Her pjs consisted of mostly blue fabric with pink flying pigs decorated over the shorts and the open pajama top. Under the opened matching top was a light pink tank top with spaghetti straps and a twist of sparkly pinkness around the neck.

When the lady stepped out of her room, the girl looked at her, she didn't have high hopes but maybe the lady could assist her. Steps would pause when she was close to the woman, her head tilting upwards a bit. When she spoke one might be able to hear a bit of a air in her speech. "Hi. Do you happen to know where the kitchens are?" The girl was hungry, the maid was sleeping she assumed, and not wanting to wait she left.

In the girls left hand was a pair of slippers that matched her overall assemble. If one looked at the end of her braids they would see they had pink ribbons that matched the glittery pinkness around the neckline of her tank top. Left hand was hanging loosely at her side. Currently she was not looking at her nails but they both her finger and her toe nails matched her tank top.

[Keegan Navaro]

-->She did notice as soon as her head turned to the left that is. Her posture going straight as she noticed the state of dress the girl was in. Yes, girl because to Keegan she didn't look much older than fifteen or sixteen. It was a good thing her hopes were not high because Keegan hadn't been here long enough to know where the kitchen was, she only knew her way to the bathroom, the bar, and his room. "Sorry, I haven't a clue. I just checked in yesterday." Did she smile, of course. Keegan wasn't a snob after all, but the little one before her seemed to be full of herself. How cute.

-->She leaned against the wall between her room and his, the tube hidden under crossed arms. She wasn't going to go anywhere until she was alone. Unless however the girl didn't have a sense of direction. "The bar is on the first floor, I'm sure you can get something to eat there...if they allow you inside." Her own pj's were a bit more grown up than pigs and pink glittery things but Keegan had to tell herself not to laugh, it really did look like she was trying to make a fast getaway. "Running away?"

-->Okay, so Keegan had some time to kill and this girl obviously couldn't handle things on her own. Just look at her nails, and toe nails painted to match her ensemble. Poor thing, did she wipe her own backside? This caused Keegan to chuckle softly to herself. "Need help? I know how to get to the front door." Mischievous it seemed Keegan was being, but hey...she had to have some fun sometime. "Or would you like an escort to the bar, Miss..." Yeah priss was left off. Nothing personal, well maybe just a little but Keegan had no use for someone who thought the world and everyone in it owed them something, and little miss thang here was just exuding that. Prove her wrong if you can.

[Mael Feu]

He told her that he would know when she opened the tube and he was not known for lying. There were occasions where it was necessary to leave out bits of information but that was not a lie, it was not his fault if someone took the things he said and applied their own meaning to them. As for how he knew when it was opened.....that was his secret.

Nevertheless, if she was looking to knock on his door, or wanting for him to come out and greet her then she was going to be sorely disappointed. 'Julian' wasn't in his room. His head was an inch down and to the left as he walked up the stairs, his hands in the pockets of his loose jeans. A dark blue Jersey cotton Tee was on his chest and the only thing to note were the dual leather straps wrapped around his left bicep. Blond hair fell partially over his face. When he reached the first floor landing he stepped upon the floor and combed back his hair with his hand only to have to fall back nearly in the same place.

The knuckles on that hand looked as it may have been dirty earlier and then wiped, but not wiped completely clean.

As he was going to his room he naturally saw the pair there in the hallway .

"Ladies."

Smooth and even tone and clearly a polite way of asking them to not loiter in front of his door. Keegan, he didn't mind, but who was this other? His gaze focused on the girl as he continued to near, the distance was ever-closing. "There isn't anything you want on this floor."

When he stopped it was on the same side of the hall as Keegan though he was not directly behind her and at a conversational distance.

[Angel Eyes]

She was newly turned sixteen, so the guess on the age was correct, not that the girl would be volunteering such information. Now that wasn't a surprise that the woman did not know where anything was, if the girl had her own thoughts well, she figured that the only place the woman could find would be some random mans room.

After the other moved to lean against the wall, she would listen to the words, before giving a nod. The words were dipped with something, if she hadn't added on that bit of condescending at the end her voice wouldn't of taken on that bit of haughtiness. "Thank you." The words themselves were what anyone was suppose to say to any bit of help. She could not help adding, "I am sure that you don't have to worry about people not thinking that you don't belong in a bar." She shifted her feet digging her toes into the comfort plushness on the bottom of her slippers, counting as they flexed. Mentally that was, she was not counting out loud. The last question was ignored, the girl did not think it needed to be dignified with an answer, she had asked a question that did not mean that she would respond to all questions presented to her.

"Yes, the front door is easy enough to find. It must be since you seem to know..." And that was as far as she got before she realized they were not alone. The things the girl knew how to do might surprise some but that was neither here nor there, what did she care about what the piece of fluff thought about her? She didn't. Fluff was what she would be called in the young girls mind, because she reminded her of the girls at the boarding school she used to go to, use your imagination on why some girls were called fluff.

Before she could say hello to the man, he had gone on with that tone. Oh you mean that this floor was a private floor, funny there was no signs posted. Her cool gaze flicked to the man. "And you know everything that I want?" That almost caused a laugh, not a ha ha laugh, these two thinking they knew everything. Funny a simple question got turned into such. He seemed like the sort of man daddy liked to deal with. Oh the wheels were turning in her head, most people did not tick off daddy, and the quickest way was to mess with his little princess. Just because daddy wasn't here didn't mean the young girl was completely helpless. That would be a mistake that one should not make in judgment.

A glance between the two, yep fluff, and with that thought she took off down the hall to find the steps. The man did not know if she stayed on the current floor, which she could of, she was not a happy camper, as she went down the steps. Oh inside that sweet little mind of hers was plotting, and her plotting could be more dangerous then they would ever guess.

[Keegan Navaro]

-->It was probably best the girl hadn't given thoughts of her own a voice, or Keegan might have been tempted to spank her backside. Keegan was far from the lose women than seemed to flood this place, and the only other door she knew was Julian's....speaking of the devil. Dark eyes cast a glance at him but there would be no recognition on her face. Nope, she didn't know this little chit from Adam and she wasn't about to give in to the fact she and Julian knew each other. His single word greeting got him a nod, and that was about it.

-->"Tsk, tsk. You might want to watch how you speak to people around here." And that was all she was going to say to the girl. She wasn't a fan of the bar, and drinking while riding was not the wisest of choices, but it was only fair the girl came off with such retorts since Keegan had already judged her but hey...it had been a long day and well she wasn't in the mood for playing chaperon. Smile was kept from her face even though she found it amusing how the girl went after Julian. It would be interesting to see how he handled it. Tube was still hidden from view, but she was now wanting to hand it off to him so he could do with it what he wished.

-->Thumb and index finger lifted to pinch the bridge of her nose, she could feel a headache coming on, not to mention that Keegan was growing restless and wanted to just take off on her bike for a few hours. That was one way she escaped, not that she had anything to escape from here. Save by the bell so to speak as her phone could be heard in the hallway. "Excuse me." Yeah, she left those two standing there and she ducked inside her room to answer the phone. You know what they say about hindsight. The news was not good, so she didn't return to the hall. Instead the tube was placed on the stand and she flung herself on her bed, one arm draped over her eyes. Laying on her back she pulled her knees up, with right left crossing over left. Kick-kick-kick as she battled the anger rising.

[Mael Feu]

At least Julian had the gall enough to say something to someone and stick around for any retaliation instead of walking away. The little girl must have a plush life for the sense about her was one that said she did to people whatever she wanted to do to them. Or had others do it for her. And if she was going to be haughty and walk away then he had no further need for her.

How unfortunate.

How he would handle it would be in doing nothing. He was not the type to play the verbal game of tip-for-tap or even call down the hall and speak to her shrinking back. She wasn't that important.

In a matter of moments he was by himself in the hallway - unless of course the girl decided to come back and say something else. Julian did not go in his room, instead he turned and leaned on the wall to the side of Keegan's door. Right leg bent and foot ready to push off the wall and arms crossed over chest with his shoulders off the wall in the slight lean forward. With his head bent downward he was able to focus his hearing better and his aim was to center in on what may be happening in Keegan's room. He could have easily went into his room and tried the old 'ear against the wall' but that would mean he'd have to go in there again and come back out and that was a waste of time.

The silence from inside is what caused him to turn and give two knocks on the door before turning the knob to open the door. The first thing he saw was the tube and he heard the sound of kicking feet against the bed. One thing a person didn't do was approach a female who was in a fit of anger unless they were going in to restrain them. He wasn't dumb and he preferred to keep all his parts in the right place.

There was the fleeting thought to take the tube and go, leaving her to whatever thoughts were bringing about the frustrations, but he let that thought be just what it was: A thought.

"Someone die or did Christian sell you out?" He did pick up the tube while he spoke. A quick look and it appeared how it should have been. Then he replaced the top and waited.

[Keegan Navaro]

-->The brief knocks and then the opening of her door didn't cause any alarm or movement from Keegan because she knew who it would be. He was the only one here that would be coming to see her. Arm dropped from over her eyes as they glanced in his direction as he entered, watching him but saying nothing...for the moment. Deep inhales resulted in slow exhales and she reigned in her anger. She was never the type to unleash her fury on innocent people and Julian was the one person who didn't deserve her anger.

-->With his words, all movements stopped. He picked up the tube but didn't seem to impressed by what she had done...hell at the moment she wasn't either. Someone dying would be preferred at the moment not that she wished death on anyone but it sure would beat the news she just received. "I've been considered MIA by my sponsors and they've decided to drop me......" Part one of the two part blow to her...Keegan moved to now drape her legs over the edge of the bed...sitting up with a slight lean forward and fingers gripping the edge of the bed.

-->"And they offered him a head mechanic position on one of their other teams and he accepted." Part two of the blow connected with a pain that might have well be physical. It hurt worse than she thought possible. He was the one person that had never betrayed her....not any longer. Maybe after she cooled down and thought about she would realize he was doing what was best for him. Hell she hadn't been around in awhile and could she really expect him to sit idly by? Would she even do it if the positions were reversed....probably.

-->Cant of head to the side as dark hair fell to cover half her face leaving one eye to watch him....examining him yet again. Most in her situation would cast blame in his direction simply to take the blame from themselves...but Keegan did exactly what she wanted to do so the fault was hers. Another deep breath and exhale...a shrug of shoulders to cast of the pity party that was wanting to take place. She had never been the type and she wasn't going to start now. With each door closed, two more opened. Right...right. Something else would present itself to her and she was a gifted rider. Unemployment wouldn't last long.

-->Soft smile was offered as a nod given towards the tube. "Guess you know where I was headed before little Miss Thing interrupted me." Distraction, that's what she wanted for the moment. She just didn't want to think of losing her best friend because in her heart of hearts Keegan knew that the bond between her and Christian would be strained and it was the eventual loss of a friendship that bothered her more than the loss of a job. What better way to distract herself than with Julian. He was the bright spot in any of her recent days....let's just hope he wasn't about to turn into Mr. Gloom and Doom.

[Mael Feu]

The lack of enthusiasm that he displayed at Keegan having successfully opened the tube should not be mistaken for him not being pleased. She had done the task in a short period of time and that was commendable, especially that she had not tamper the tube in her attempts to open it. That part was very important for it may have looked empty but that never meant that it wasn't as it should be, or that something wasn't actually there.

Now that the code had been broken that top of the tube could be removed and replaced with a type of ease so Julian made sure it was securely together and moved it behind him to ease it through the back belt loop. He placed his hands on the dresser ends and pusehd forward. "You let personal feelings get in the way of your job." He could have a lack of tact. Possibly should have been more considerate of her current mood but it was already said and could very well be believed that he was saying it was her fault that the people dropped her. But he wasn't saying that.

"Thought you were good at what you did," he continued, stopping in front of the bed. "So f-ck them for letting you go." That was his attitude about it. Groups who let their best people go for failing one task were not worth the time. Then again, this depended on the gravity the failed task would have on the business. If she wanted to keep traveling the circuit, with her skills she wouldn't have a problem joining another.

A singular shift of weight to put most of his frame weight on the right foot and his arms crossed. Her friend was a different story but not an uncommon one of a person stepping up to opportunity and not caring if it hurt someone in the process. He had seen it. He had been it - whether by choice was another matter. Some things had to be done for the greater scheme to be realized. Why he didn't get to involved with people normally, saved him from these type of circumstances. "You can either do something about your betrayal or move on to something else."

First-rate consoling from Julian right there. Wasn't hard to understand why he didn't have a job as a counselor.

[Keegan Navaro]

-->She looked at him in an almost stunned silence. He was blaming her for this? Okay. Keegan needed to move before she slapped the taste out of his mouth for that comment. She stood up putting herself really close to Julian. "Yeah, silly me for wanting to get away from the daily grind and just take a much needed vacation." Safe to say she could be a spitfire when she needed to be and he had put her on the defensive from the jump. Hands were planted firmly on her hips letting blunt nails pinch into the thinly covered flesh.

-->"My feelings as you call it didn't get in the way of my work....I got distracted by a man that I thought was different." Boy did it seem she was wrong, he was the distraction...she wanted to just be normal for awhile and now it cost her more than she was willing to pay. His words were like little barbs penetrating the armor she wore. He thought she was good at what she did...hmm..."I opened that tube didn't I? I'm damn good at what I do both off my bike and on it." Goodness, maybe she was misunderstanding what he was saying or maybe he simply didn't have a use for her anymore.

-->She could feel the tears welling up in her eyes, and no they were not tears of sadness but of anger. When she was getting really pissed, she would cry and then all hell would break loose. "I don't give a damn about that job or the sponsor. Dime a dozen..what I do care about is my friend who I feel betrayed me. He knew a couple of days ago what was going to happen and didn't bother to tell me....that's what hurts. Sorry if that bothers you...Julian." She could feel one plump tear leave the corner of her eye...Keegan was quick to turn around and present him with her back.

-->Refusing to let anyone see her cry...but she wasn't going to cry. With an angry swipe the tear was cast away as she closed her eyes and willed herself to get under control. She didn't turn around, she didn't want to see the look in his eyes. "You got what you wanted from me...so I'm sure I'll be your next cast off." She wanted to rewind and hit play again on this day. Could it possibly get any worse? She lost her job, her best friend and now she waited for the other shoe to drop in him walking out the door. "Yeah, revenge is not my style and I do plan on doing something...get another job."

-->Arms came to fold across her bare stomach, bare feet shifted slightly to put her weight more on the left one than the right. "I just don't like how easy it was for him to leave me." Her breaking point had come and she hated it. She didn't like feeling weak and vulnerable but sometimes she had to just crumble in order to build herself back up. Question was...would he be around when she did or was he going to turn and walk out like Christian had done to her. Either way, her eyes were downcast looking at the wrinkles in the bedding where she had once been sitting.

[Mael Feu]

Clearly his words had struck a cord with her and he would consider it to be a good thing partially because it meant that she was passionate about the things she did. Passionate people produced good results and those were the type of people his 'job' looked for.

He didn't bat an eye or looked appalled at what she said about him and if she would have hit him there was a 60/40 chance he would have taken it clearly for the fact she needed to get out aggression. That's all her display was: aggression from someone who was hurt. He'd seen it before from different people - sometimes he was the cause and others not - but maybe she didn't realize that if he had no further use for her then he would have taken the tube and walked out the door without saying anything.

In fact, he was still here when he could have started walking out after she started talking. As for the point about being different, hard to say if he was or wasn't - though he'd go with the latter, personal - since she didn't specify what he did that was like the others. What he did want her to do was to dwelling on those things that were pissing her off and move forward.

"If it was that easy for him to leave you then he wasn't your friend to begin with or he's an ass." Mael tossed in his two cents. This didn't change what he thought before about liking the guy. He liked a quality that he had. That's all.

And she was going to cry. Whether sad or angry tears, she still was going to cry. Maybe he'd get lucky and she'll change her mind about crying. He didn't mind looking at her back, or even talking to it. Probably because he's done a lot of it in his time or he didn't view it the same as other people. Turning the back meant you needed space and sometimes it was the only thing a person could do to achieve that in situations.

He wasn't sure where she got that he cast people off, but that too would be chalked up to her current state of frustration. "Now," he started off saying "if you're done wallowing in anger and disappointment over what happened we have things to do. Unless you're casting yourself off." If he was only using her to get the tube open the he wouldn't have bothered with any of the other activities. Maybe it was clearer now.

So he could probably use a lesson or twenty in sensitivity. No one's perfect. "Shitty thing that happened."

There.

[Keegan Navaro]

-->Crying...it last all of two seconds but only one tear would be shed. Julian might suck at being consoling but the fact he stuck around meant a lot to Keegan. "He did what he needed to do, take care of him because he can't always depend on me being around." There, it was a small bandage on a gaping wound but it was a start. She would call Christian later and talk to him with a more open mind and heart. He was her best friend and how could she be so cruel when he needed to do this. Anyway...Julian might suck at being consoling, but his being here meant a lot.

-->Composure regained as she turned around to face him No traces of sadness, bitterness or anger were worn in her features. "Yeah suppose we do...what's the next step?" Flip of a switch and it was back to business. Keegan had that way about her, it was so easy to just go into auto pilot and shut down any emotions or feelings she had. This wasn't one of those cases though. Julian had a positive effect on her...like it or not. He was one of those doors that opened, Mr. Gloom and Doom failed to make an appearance.

-->"Thanks, shitty as it might be, it is what it is." Now before he could move out of reach, Keegan would move a step closer and if he permitted a hug and a kiss to his cheek would be given as a token of her appreciation. She knew she probably made assumptions about him that were so off the radar NASA couldn't even track them, but she knew that he was unlike any man she'd ever met. "Sorry for my little tirade." Apologizing wasn't something she did often, nor was she very good at it, but it needed to be done. Made her feel better so yeah.

-->Although all physical contact between them was broke off, Keegan still remained close to his body. Tempted to just hold his hand, but she decided better of it. He was in business mode it seemed and she wanted to know more about what things they had to do were. Smile formed as her gaze continued to drink in his features...every now and then remembering the kiss they shared. Not the time Keegan so squash the romantic sentiment. Done...but by no means forgotten about.

[Mael Feu]

Julian would have bet one of his two leather straps on his arm - and those were not something he'd gamble away lightly - that she was going to call Christian and the lame excuse he would dish out to reason his actions. The guy could be different but he thought he was rather right one the money.

He didn't move away when she came to him for the peck and hug - her apology was better than his and he even reciprocated the hug briefly. To do anything more they would end up spending more time in her room than they should at the moment. He was only human after all and he couldn't be faulted for having various thoughts float through his mind. So it was that afterwards he reached behind him for the door and opened it. Besides, she said that she was ready to go.

Go they would.

It was her room but he would hold the door open for her to go through - manners - and once she was he would then let go of the door and returned his hands to his pockets. As he moved he could feel the tube in his back belt hoop so there was no worry of it falling accidentally.

"Aside from the girl from the hall, who else have you been in contact with here?" Poising the question to her as he started down the hall and the steps. "And how good are you at keeping your mouth shut?" Keegan didn't seem the sort of person who would tell their life story to a person if they asked how she was - she hadn't done it with him but then again he hadn't asked that particular question either.

The question may have been more of a formality, but it was still asked.

[Keegan Navaro]

-->She would bet her own bike that Christian would give her an excuse that was more than lame, but it is what it is. No sense crying over spilled milk. She was a grown woman, not some child or teenage love struck girl losing her love interest. It was that easy for Keegan to slam the door and never look back...however she just wanted to hear his reasoning. Closure was something everyone needed. Right?

-->She felt the warmth of his embrace, the scent that was uniquely his own. A scent she was becoming attached to...maybe too much so. His company was something she found herself wanting more of and after the kiss they shared it was stronger now. How easy would it be for her to let down those walls and let him completely in? Too damn easy and that shook her to her very core. Keegan didn't believe in the romanticism that most women did.

-->Go they would and Keegan forgot about how she was dressed, and Julian didn't say squat about it. So her boxers, sport bra and bare feet clad self would parade out the door ahead of him. Damn it Julian you don't make it easy for a girl to find flaws. His manners continued to bring a smile to her face....said smile was flashed at him as she waited for him to step into the hall and towards the steps they would go. His question didn't even cause a stutter step, and her reply was matter of fact.

-->"You." Glance to him with a wry smile. He was the only person she had any real contact with her at the Inn, besides the clerk that checked her in. It was his next question that brought a brow to rise and she almost laughed at the absurdity of it all but he had no way of knowing now did he? "Lose lips sink ships, correct? Or do you want me to be one of those don't speak unless spoken to types?" She chuckled softly but Keegan wasn't a gossip monger like most and what she knew she would take to her grave.

-->"I'm not an open book Julian. What I do is my business and I keep it that way. People tend to spill their guts more if they trust you not to tell." Skeletons in her closet were few, but she knew many a secret about others that she would never reveal. They were not her secrets to tell. Cant of her head once more brought her gaze to him. "And I don't betray my friends." End transmission. It was a done deal in her mind. She could damn well be a mute as far as some were concerned.

[Mael Feu]

Stick around him long enough and a person was sure to find a flaw or two about him. Everyone had them, no matter how hard they worked to conceal it. And if she didn't mind walking around in bare feet and boxers then who was he to dictate her dress? Maybe if they were going somewhere specific of dress code but not for this. Even then, after a person leaves the house without shoes on a few wrong occasions they learn to cover their feet on the way out.

Keegan had a low-profile at the Inn so far but that could because she hadn't spent much time here and unlike his check in she may not have been served by a handful of people. During his time here - and from previous intelligence - he knew that the person he was looking for ran the front desk. At least that was her usual placement and it was his 'good fortune' that she wasn't amongst those he saw when he arrived. However, this did not mean that Keegan did not get checked in by her.

They were walking down the steps by now and in no time would likely hit the ground floor. Julian nodded as he heard her speak about now having loose lips and smirked. A thought flashed through his head on a way to loosen her lips but that was a thought for another time. "Being in contact with me isn't bad," he said it more to himself to push the thought out of his head, than to her. Though she was there to hear.

When they were on the ground floor he pulled out his cell phone and flipped it open. Unlike the times past when he used it around her this was no quick flash -n-dash and she'd be able to get a closer look at it if she wanted. It wasn't flashy and not the latest trend. The shell was black with an old-style monochromatic LCD screen on the outside and in that had a green glow attached to it. For all purposed it looked old and that it may not be able to do anything but make a basic call and take a basic picture.

It was hard to tell which buttons he pressed but that screen but it changed to color and a picture of a young lady appeared. Brown skin with ark brown hair - it was a picture of De'Ryanna. The setting of it was the evening but it was clearly a focused bust shot. Julian showed the picture to Keegan as he asked, "was she the one who checked you in?"

Business was in his tone as he asked and his expression was indifferent though he expected an answer as he watched for it. Nearing the front door now and he'd open it with his free hand unless another happened to come by and hinder the progress.

[Keegan Navaro]

-->"Never thought it would be." An answer of sorts to his comment about being around him not a bad thing. In fact to Keegan it was the exact opposite. She found herself drawn to him like a child to candy but this wasn't the time for foolish day dreams. She kept her pace with him as bare feet kissed the floor with each step. Yes, this might teach her to go parading around half naked and without shoes but she honestly didn't think about it. He had that effect on her at times, being in close proximity made her want to do things that were well but left unmentioned. Once they reached the ground floor she paused slightly as he flipped out his phone.

-->She did nothing more than glance at it as he went to pushing buttons. She wasn't going to stare or try to see what was on it, it was his not hers and she really didn't care what he was doing....that was until he asked her to look and when she did it her answer wasn't quick in forth coming, in truth she had to really think about it. One hand reached out to close around his that was holding the phone, bringing it slightly closer. "Yes, that's the person that checked me in." Now to a typical female the fact he had a picture of her on his phone might have brought out jealousy, but she was far from typical and believe it or not she didn't ask one question more. Spending time with him and given her a glimpse as to what type of man he was....not the kind that mixed words, nor did she believe he was using her to get to the other woman.

-->"Thanks" spoken softly as she left the Inn via the front door. Of course she would wait for him to exit because like always she had no clue where they were going. This was really becoming a habit with them but it was okay. Keegan trusted Julian at least until him proved himself untrustworthy. Until that time her questions would be few and far between. Once she was outside on the porch arms would lift in a languid stretch above her head. Soft moan feeling the muscles stretch and bones quietly pop before both hands came to let thumbs hook into the elastic band of her boxers. Well...she should be thankful she had clothes on, but her lack of attire made her a bit self conscious but oh well.

-->Dark eyes shifted between various spots before her as if scanning the area of people, danger or a random creature of wildlife before a slight pivot drew them to Julian. Really, she was sure he did have flaws, hell she had them herself but it was sometimes the flaws in people that brought them together. Once more she found herself thoroughly checking him out. From the blonde hair on his head to the shoes on his feet...he was really a very handsome looking man. Flutter of lashes pulling her mind back into reality. She didn't have time for this, and she really needed to be able to shut off her attraction to him. Power down, and that mask of business was dropped into place. Yes, with a flip of a mental switch her head was back in the game. "Where to this time?"

[Mael Feu]

The girl in the picture may have been pretty but she was also an assignment and he didn't mix business with pleasure in that regard. In a sense he was using Keegan to get to the other girl but it was not in the way most would put that cliche to use. If she had happened to be a male they would still be heading to their current destination.

"Thought so," was all the comment he gave about where Keegan had seen the girl until they were both outside and stepping on the porch. The phone was put back into his pocket and a cursory glance was given of the area. The outside light was fading and it was fortunate for her that it wasn't raining today like it had been the last time they had gone out at this hour. Her feet would have gotten wet.

In a round-about way he had told her when they had dinner that he wasn't going to hurt her and even though this was a different circumstance the same could be applied. When it came to him, not necessarily any other people they may encounter. He knew the location that they had to go by the quick flash of light that came from down the road. It wasn't bright and brilliant but rather quick and direct before it was gone. Nothing lasting to make a person wonder what it is however, the observant person would have seen it.

Stepping off the porch he waited until they were more than a few steps away before a turn of his head and he was looking at her as they continued to walk. He was considering his words as well as her and the skill set she possessed. He didn't know everything about her and she knew about the same when it came to him but he was not going to discredit what she was able to do.

"Where we are going depends upon you making a decision by the time we reach the end of the second block," he started off saying. "At the end of the second block if you choose to come you are stating that you're leaving your old life behind. If that is something you can't do, then I will leave you there and you can go about your business." He tried to be clear even if he offered no explanation about what he meant or what this new life would entail.

The answer to 'where to this time' was in what he said and coming into view at the end of the next block. Here there was road and in the dimming light and under the shade from a tree was a dark and sleek Lotus Eagle with onyx colored hubcaps. Internally Julian groaned and chuckled in approval at the 'flashy' vehicle, but everyone had their styles.

Two blocks was no ground to cover at all and soon they were there. The car's engine was off and everything about the car was still. Julian reached forward and opened the door, as expected with the lighting the interior was uncertain for all was black. He was holding the car door open and looked at her once more.

"Are you coming?"

[Keegan Navaro]

<--Did she catch the brief flash of light, yes did she mention it, no. It didn't rank up there at the moment with anything of importance. You seen a lot of unusual things in this place. Keegan's mind was now wrapping around everything he had said and done. There was a reason he asked about the woman that checked her in but it had nothing to do with attraction. Julian was the type at least to her that if he wanted something he got it. The notion he was romantically involved with the woman was chucked.

<--Ignoring the fact her feet were still bare, Keegan stepped off the porch two steps behind Julian. Ominous that's what his words were, down right cryptic and foreboding. She had two blocks to decide if she would go blindly into whatever adventure he was going to take her on. Glance around and one over her shoulder and to the building her bike was stored in. Could she leave that behind? Didn't matter Keegan really didn't have time to ponder much because she noticed they were heading in the direction of the flash of light from earlier.

<--As the car came slowly into view with each step she took, she cast a glance in his direction. Was this one of those times she was told about when she first hit the circuit about biting off more than she could chew? Most likely. Now she was presented with an open car door. He wanted her to just get in and leave everything behind? Was he daft? Better yet was she daft for even considering it?

<--"Yes, but I want my bike." Shockingly enough that was said as Keegan slipped into the darkness of the car. She felt very out of place in her current state of dress. If he had connections that could drop a flashy pimped out ride here, those same connections could get her bike...and that wasn't something she would negotiate. Should he tell her to forget the bike, well he could forget about her ass warming the seat she now occupied. Her gaze locked with his and there was no room for barter. "Promise me Julian that you'll handle getting my bike to wherever it is you're taking me."

<--She was wearing her poker face, and one leg did still refuse to tuck inside the car with it's twin. Should he refuse, she would walk out of his life just as she walked into it....no regrets, a memory of a kiss shared. That wasn't to say inside she was hoping he would take care of her bike, and that whatever he was leading her into would continue. He had woven himself intricately into her life, and she wasn't ready to release his hold upon her. Business and pleasure never walked hand in hand, but that didn't meant they couldn't walk side by side. Her old life had left her, Julian should he decide to be could be the beginning of her new one.

[Mael Feu]

One of the things that he liked about her was the fact that she didn't follow along blindly without having some thoughts of her own. However, this likable quality had a flaw and that was in her wanting to make sure her bases were covered before carrying through. At times it could be a good thing, but in times like when there wasn't much time to pause for negotiations, it wasn't.

At least when she had started to get into the car she hadn't taken the time to examine the inside of the car before choosing to add an amendment to her coming along. If she had, then she would be coming along no matter his answer about her bike. There were some things that once seen or known about put you in the game and the only way to get out was to go six feet under. But she hadn't so she could still decide to get out the car.

The windows on the vehicle were blacked out - unless you had the ability to see through things or took the time to shine a specialized light at it, there was no way to see what was going on behind it. Though the people inside could see out just fine.

"Your bike will be taken care of," he said with a straight face while looking at her, "I like your bike." That was to be an added bit of assurance that in taking care of it wouldn't be dismantled or handled inappropriately. This went without saying that the bike was a visible representation of her skill, why would that be harmed?

Now, if she was fine with that answer then he would close the door, if not . . .

[Keegan Navaro]

<--Lucky for Keegan she wasn't one of those nosy types that would have examined the inside of the car completely before getting in, however she did trust him so there was no need. A chord of humor was struck within Keegan, really she was tossing away everyone in her life and the only thing she wanted was her bike. She loved her bike, it was a labor of love. He reassured it would be okay, and that was all she needed.

<--"Thanks Julian." Yep, nothing more said as other leg was tucked inside the car, and she still didn't venture to exploring the interior, well nothing that wasn't in front of her. Eyes traveled over the dash, to the drivers seat and then back to her own lap...a lap that was bare...wiggle of toes and then it hit her..she was going somewhere dressed like she just rolled out of bed. That fact alone had her erupting with laughter.

<--She might have been laughing still when he got into the car, or she might be getting herself under control. Hopefully where he was taking her she could get access to her money and a shopping spree would be in order. If not, well Keegan would be rockin the hobo look. She was looking forward in truth to this new adventure, mostly because it was with Julian, but at the moment her mind didn't need to drift to fantasy, nope it was needed right here in reality.

[Pazuzu]

Sometimes it paid to be 'nosy'.

The cover of darkness was instrumental in situations like this and made perfect when the person caught in the middle didn't spare the time to figure out their surroundings. This was something the man sitting calmly in the backseat of the car found amusing - even more so when the woman simply looked at what was directly in front of her. Had she been more vigilant then perhaps his next move would have been noticed but she hadn't and as she erupted with laughter he moved in to strike.


If she had looked to her side then it was possible she may have seen the slight flash of metal before something cold and hard would rest lightly against her side. "Don't. Move." The voice was cold and firm in the dark and in the silence that followed there was a click as the hammer was drawn back.

[Mael Feu]

Did he know what was going to happen once Keegan got fully into the car? If he did he would not have said anything anyway. Wasn't his style. Besides, he had already told her that she was going to be okay and there was no need to reinforce that.

The laughter form her pulled a smile to the corner of his lips, one that was quickly hidden as he shut the door with that that one-sided smile being the last she would see of him for the moment. Was she still looking forward to this venture and sure about her decision to get into the car? To late to change her mind now.

Two people were already in the back and that wasn't his place anyway. After he shut the door he walked around to the backside of the car and rapped on the hood in a rhythmic roll three times with his knuckles as he made his way to the driver's side. Pazuzu would know what the knocking meant, as trigger happy as he was it amused Mael that he was the one in the back.

Someone else had to have driven the car to this destination though there had been no sign of anyone getting out - that they could see - when they were approaching the car. For now, Mael was the one driving. He opened the door and sat down into the main seat, clicking his seat belt in place (safety first, right?) he reached up to adjust the mirror so he could see both Keegan and Pazuzu.

"Welcome to the Syndicate."

With a click the car rumbled softly to life and started down the Rhy'din road.

[Keegan Navaro]

<--It was the movement in peripheral vision that had Keegan's attention turning, but not in time. The click of the hammer was one she recognized, c'mon she was from the streets so guns even though not her thing she recognized. Eyes darted to see if Julian was in the same predicament she was in but his nonchalant walk in front of the car was good indication he wasn't. Deep breath collected, calm always won out over panic. "No intentions of it." What was she going to? Throw open the car door and run...not likely or she'd have a bit more iron in her diet that she wished.

<--When Julian opened his door Keegan was about to warn him but instead she just stared at him in shock. He knew this was going to happen? He was even buckling his seat belt? Oh how her hand itched to smack him or the ass holding a gun on her. Keegan made a mental note to never get into a car without looking in the backseat from now on but she trusted Julian. A pang of something in the pit of her stomach, hoping that trust hadn't been misplaced.

<--Keegan would give a slight turn to her head looking in the direction of the man holding the gun to her side but it was Julian's voice that brought her attention solely on him again. "The what?" Now that she felt comfortable with moving, she did just that. Surely they wouldn't want to spill her blood in the car. Slight turn shooting the man with the gun a harsh look. "Nice welcoming committee you have here." Keegan's temper was about to get the best of her. Muscles in her jaw clenched in effort not to just snap on both men, it would make her feel better at the moment to unleash that venomous tongue on them.

[Pazuzu]

There was absolutely nothing wrong with being trigger happy. Besides he hadn't planned on actually shooting the woman unless she had tried getting back out of the car but she hadn't so the rolling knock was met with a disgusted sigh and a roll of silver eyes.

The woman would be relived to hear the click of the safety being turned on and see the gun was being lowered but it was not put out of sight. 'Never let your guard down' was the motto he lived by.

Looked like someone was going to have a temper tantrum. Pfft, women. Pazuzu shifted back in his seat and reached around to buckle his own seat belt but kept his eyes on the woman. "Nice to meet you too." Sarcasm, pure and simple.

[Mael Feu]

"You get use to them." Statement of fact.  There were some people you had to get use to and others you bonded with on the automatic. Then there were the people that picked at you like a bad habit you learned to live with them.  He found that one of the three applied to every person he's met.

Keegan was settling down - more or less - and he couldn't help the partial smirk that pulled on his lips as he took his attention out of the rear view mirror and to the road. The car moved quickly and quietly as it zoomed down the road. She would get use to the people or Keegan would learn to ignore them. "First thing you should know is that my name is Julian but I go by Mael Fe," he said just as calmly while he drove. If trigger-happy wanted to give her his name that was on him. "As I said before you got in the car, your old life is behind you now. The only way out of this one is death." 

He was upfront enough about that much. Still hadn't lied to her yet, he only didn't give her full disclosure of what getting into the car meant. "You may not always be needed, go where you want, but when you're needed they'll find you." He wasn't going to bother with some lame spiel about not trying to run or that crap. 

He reached behind him and pulled out that tube he had through the back loop of his pants then handed it over his partner. "Ready to get to work?" He asked Keegan. "Don't forget your seatbelt." 

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