Summer 2021, Week 5
Tuesday evening
The Red Door, Downtown
Storyteller
Most of the people entering the conference room found on the top floor of the Red Door building were wearing rain coats or carrying umbrellas. As they entered, they stashed their belongings or shrugged off their coats. Everyone one of them were fashionably dressed in designer attire. Each painstakingly took steps to appear well off, but not attention grabbing. Subdued style was the order of the day for this meeting. It was the quarterly meeting of the Red Court.
There were 6 people in the room. Their names were common knowledge. They knew them, knew each other. But if they were asked to say them...they'd draw a blank. If they were asked to describe the person sitting across from them they wouldn't be able to. Each individual also wouldn't recall that at the back of the room, in clear view, was a seventh man. He didn't speak. He didn't move. He simply sat in this room whenever he was called. The only room that the 6 individuals were allowed to meet.
They waited, working on their tablets or laptops, doing a last check of their reports before...
Dallas Lock
Appearing in his seat to the shock of no one, at least not visible shock since they were used to this by now, he said, "Let's begin."
Storyteller
The fact their boss was...disheveled wouldn't be brought up by anyone. They each had a self preservation instinct that was strong. Instead, the first began to speak. "Support has seen an uptick of 13% since last quarter. We have two teams on reserve, but parties are starting to hint at wanting to hire one of them. We're going to hold the last team as an emergency team of course, so if this deal goes through we will be able to report full employment."
Short and sweet as he was taught. The Support leader sat down with a nod from Dallas and allowed the Acquisition Lead to go through her report. Next went the leads for Agency, Innovation, and Communications. None of them had any surprising news. Which is exactly what they wanted to report. Consistent expansion at a steady rate, as was their guiding principle. Each looked at their boss who seemed neutral, and each let out a breath of relief.
Dallas Lock
"Okay, excellent quarter everyone. Last but not least, Property. What do we have Herold." Herold was the only one addressed by name because of his position controlling the legitimate properties of the Court.
Storyteller
"Yes, sir. Nothing major to report. We've looked at setting up meetings with the new clubs in Port Victoria and Downtown that are Evo friendly. I believe the one most of interest is owned by a Mr. Darke. If you're up for it, sir, I can arrange a meeting. Additionally, the Casino reports they were able to successfully hire a temporary replacement for their Dealer. Because of the Dealers status as an Investment, we made sure to let them know their job is secured and we've had all their hospital bills sent to us to handle, as is standard."
Dallas Lock
"A dealer?"
Storyteller
"Yes, sir. A Mr. Sorin Fionn."
Dallas Lock
"Ah, yes. I know him. Very good, Herold, he is a critical investment. Make sure he gets the best treatment. I'm interested in how he was injured. Not an on the job incident surely. How long do we expect him to be out?"
Storyteller
"He was apparently in an altercation with some, and I quote, 'Evo Hunters.' Police are looking at the incident along with AERI, so we've taken a back seat and decided--"
Dallas Lock
"Excuse me."
Storyteller
The words froze Herold in place, along with every other member in the room. Even the seventh man, who lost concentration for a moment before reestablishing it with an effort. Shaking, Herold swallowed and tried, carefully, again. "It--it was an altercation between Mr. Fionn and unknown assailants. AERI arrived on scene and took him away. Our sources indicate they're looking very closely at the issue so we took a step back to let them resolve it while we handled the rest for Mr. Fionn."
Dallas Lock
"Someone comes into my house. Assaults a member of my family. And you're telling me, Herold, that we are letting someone else handle it?"
Storyteller
"Ye-yes, according to our--your non-interference policy. But! We looked closely at the issue before deciding to go down that route. Because Mr. Fionn wasn't a known or carded Associate, we ruled it wasn't a direct slight against you. More likely a mistake on the part of the attackers who couldn't have known."
Dallas Lock
"A mistake. Someone attacks one of mine and you call it a mistake. Okay. Herold, what would you have me do then? Forgive and forget. Give a little shrug and say 'oh well'?" Before the man could respond, Dallas was behind in, hands on his shoulders. " Of course you weren't going to say that. No, what you were going to say, Herold, is that someone insulted me. Me, Herold. You were about to say it's not my job to make sure people know who works for me. No, that's their job. That's the cities job. Because they kiss my ring. Not the other way around. Isn't that right, Herold?"
Storyteller
Herold could only give a shaky nod as a tear slipped from his eye. The rest of the room didn't dare to breath as the Red Prince eyed each of them.
Dallas Lock
"My house is off limits. I thought that was clear to everyone. Apparently people need to be reminded of that fact. So you all have one week to find out who did this and bring them to me. I don't care if AERI has them. Or the Police. Or if they're dead. You'll bring me their rotting corpses. Am I understood?
Storyteller
Everyone nodded and didn't wait for the dismissal. Knowing the clock was already ticking, and the door to escape the fury barely contained was opened. Rushing out, the leaders of the Court called their staff before even reaching their cars.
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