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[cleptes]

You've reached Bela Talbot's voicemail. Sorry I can't answer your phonecall; please leave a message and I'll get back to you later.

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Comments

[fortitudosalutis]

Got offered a job. And maybe an ally if I pass the test he put to me.

[cleptes]

Too early to say congratulations? I hope it pays well.

What sort of test?

[fortitudosalutis]

Pay's good. Might get a contract out of it too.

[ Might. He's got options on that count, and a little more time before he has to commit one way or another. ]

I've got a week to track down information on a person called Larus. Preferably something compromising. Don't know if it's a name, surname, something else. But I figured you might be up for a challenge if I made it worth your time.

Whatever you think is reasonable.

[cleptes]

Never heard of that name, but I can ask around, do some snooping. Had to do it sometimes when I was looking for information on an object I was after.

I suppose my first instinct is to ask for a cut of the overall payout; although I’d need to know how much is on the table in the first place.

But a contract? Well, whatever you decide, I hope it's the right choice for you. I also hope the dominant isn't a complete arsehole.

[fortitudosalutis]

It was a fair price.

[ He names it. Respectable, for a week's work. A lot more than a submissive would make working a regular job, anyway. ]

I'll kick you a percentage.

Seems like a professional. I can work with that. Don't have to like them.

[cleptes]

That works for me.

[ She's a businesswoman through and through. Didn't matter where she was. ]

Well, of course you don't necessarily need to like them, but I wouldn't want you stuck in a contract with a dickhead.

[fortitudosalutis]

I've done that before. It's just a business arrangement.

[cleptes]

Then I trust you'll be okay.

[ He was capable of taking care of himself. ]

I managed to get a good contract myself.

[fortitudosalutis]

How'd you find that, you don't mind me asking?

[cleptes]

Simple, really.

He announced over the network that his Dominant had disappeared and he needed someone to take over the business he runs. Can't run it without a Dominant involved. I figured it was an opportunity for me, so I met up with him, we discussed what we both wanted out of the contract and that included a cut of the profits from the business for me.

I can't sign up for the business until I've been here for four months, but he's nice and we seem to get along.

A police officer back home though. So I haven't mentioned anything about what we've discussed before or now. He already thinks I've fucked around with Dominants, based on those profile things.

I did fuck around with them, but don't tell him that.

[fortitudosalutis]

Smart. He going to have a problem with the rest of it?

[cleptes]

No. I'll make sure of it.

But just to be on the safe side, I think we should keep our discussions away from my apartment.

[fortitudosalutis]

Fair enough. Though the place I'm staying ain't exactly five star.

[cleptes]

We can meet up in a hotel. I know some places have private rooms for hire too.

They wouldn't suspect anything.

[fortitudosalutis]

Good. I can work with that.

[ Though he'll miss cooking for her. ]

[cleptes]

Though he sometimes keeps odd working hours. Late shifts. Maybe we could work around it.

Meant to ask before - the Dominant that wants the information, did he approach you directly?

[fortitudosalutis]

Either way.

He did. Posed it like a test.

[cleptes]

That's interesting. Wonder if he's asked anyone else here.

Just be careful, yeah?

[fortitudosalutis]

Wouldn't surprise me.

You worried?

[cleptes]

You're an ally. Don't want you getting screwed over.

[ So yeah, maybe she's a little worried. ]

[fortitudosalutis]

It won't be a problem for our arrangement.

[cleptes]

That's reassuring, but my words still stand.

Can you tell me his name at least?

[fortitudosalutis]

Grayson Frost. You know him? I’m talking to a few others but he’s the one who posed the test. 

[cleptes]

I spoke to a man named Frost over a week ago, but he didn't mention Grayson.

Sharp suit, dark hair, and a bit restrained. Sound like him?

[fortitudosalutis]

Sounds like him. Barely concealed control freak tendencies?