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Alice (me):
Alice was just finishing up her set at the club. She was certain there would be cheers for an encore, as there seemed to be every night she performed. And most nights she would have easily given in to them and obliged them with a few extra songs but tonight was different. Tonight she just wanted to go home and rest. Of course, there was a reason she was so tired tonight. And it had nothing to do with her singing.
One of the regular patrons had come in tonight and wanted Alice to do a reading for her. The woman, somewhere in her mid-twenties, had been curious about her future with the man that had just proposed to her the night before. Of course the woman had said yes, so she was wearing the engagement ring. Since what the woman wanted to know about concerned the both of them, Alice had explained to her that holding the engagement ring would be the best way for her to see anything. After all, the ring had been bought by the man and then given to her so it had both of their auras surrounding it.
Alice had escorted the woman off into a room in the back. The woman slipped the ring off and dropped it into Alice's hand. She closed her hand around the ring and got a far off look on her face. Her hand tightened around the ring as she saw the things the woman would go through. How their marriage wouldn't be a happy one but they would fake it for the children. She saw the man cheating on his wife with a string of affairs. Her hand tightened further as she watched until the ring was digging into her hand. She quickly opened her hand and gave the ring back to the woman, explaining to her what she'd seen, not sparing a single detail. The woman wanted to know the truth and she was going to get it.
Half an hour later, the woman was leaving the club, engrossed in a conversation on her cell phone. Alice stayed in the room, opening the envelope the woman had given her. She reached in and pulled the stack of cash out of it as she walked across the room to a painting. She reached out and pulled the painting back, watching as it swung away from the wall to reveal a safe. She opened the safe to reveal several stacks of bills. She reached in and sat the new one on top before closing the safe back and swinging the painting back into place.
She'd then gone about her evening, performing her set as she usually did. When they'd called for an encore, she'd excused herself and had returned to the room in the back. She gathered up her things and then grabbed her coat from the rack beside the door. She slipped it on and slid her things into her pocket before she moved and stepped from the room. She locked the door behind her, as it was her room and only her room before she turned and moved down the hall to the back door, which anyone that knew her routine would know that was the way she left each night. She pushed the door open and stepped out into the night.
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Katia:
Overhead lights warmed the stage and washed the delicate, dark haired singer in pale light. She looked almost ethereal, wrapped in azure haze; like an angel who had wound up, somehow, singing her heart out for tips from strangers. Katia watched her through her last set, watched her exit and then return again for a few more. The people ate it up. They obviously loved her and Katia hadn’t minded the entertainment herself, but that wasn’t why she had come.
When Alice left the stage for the last time, Katia exited out the main entrance and headed around the back of the building. Winter had settled upon the city and most people were bundled up; all hats and mittens and scarves. But Katia was hot blooded. Her body hardly recognized the threat of late January snow.
When Alice came out the back exit, Katia was already there, her hip cocked slightly as she leaned against the brick in the dimly lit alley. Alice was slender, delicate, easily tossed into the back of a car-but that wasn’t how Katia liked to do it. We can do this the easy way, or the hard way, she thought. Some part of her hoped that Alice would put up a fight, if only because that would make her evening more interesting.
“Hey.”
Katia pushed away from the brick, shifting her hands in her leather jacket. She was wearing a pair of dress trousers, a nice shirt, a pair of heels. She didn’t look like the type that would mug you in an alley or try to drag you home by your hair. She didn’t look like the sort that could splinter bone with her fist, either, but looks could be deceiving.
“You were pretty great in there. I take it this wasn’t your first rodeo.”
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Alice:
She had helped the club owner to design the lighting, so as not to overwash her or give her an unflattering appearance. She had suggested to the owner that it would help keep the people entertained, allow them to see her more easily then if there were bright lights overhead. She was just thankful the owner had listened to her. Of course, in exchange, she had used her powers for him, giving him a small glimpse into the fact that he would soon find the woman of his dreams and that there would be happiness for him. It was what he'd truly wanted to know, as he'd been lonely for so long. And having a happy boss was never a bad thing, when it came to working conditions. At least if he was happy, Alice was easily able to get him to do things her way.
Alice pulled her coat closer around her as she stepped out into the alley way to fight the bite from the air. She wasn't expecting anyone to be there waiting for her. Of course, it wasn't unheard of, as sometimes a client would seek her out after her set was done but it didn't happen all that long. Her eyes shown in the dim light like lapis lazuli as she lifted her head when she heard a voice coming from a short distance away. Perhaps against the wall not too far from the exit.
"Hello."
She watched as the woman pushed off the wall and shifted her hands. Alice was wearing a deep green dress underneath her coat and a pair of black high heels. The skirt of ehr dress billowed around her legs as she had stopped when the woman spoke. Tonight was one of those nights she wished that perhaps she had changed into a pair of pants before exiting the club but only because the wind held a bitter bite to it. She knew once she started walking again, the cold wouldn't both her legs anymore. Her dark hair was braided behind her head, exposing her ears to the cold. She still wore the large hoop and drop earrings, along with the necklace she'd had on.
"Thank you. And no, this wasn't my first rodeo as you say. I've been performing here for awhile now."
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Katia:
“I don’t get out enough apparently.”
Katia offered the young woman a tilted smile, her hands still kept firmly in her pockets. From the look of it, the singer was cold. She should be. The temperature had dropped pretty severely as night had fallen and she wasn’t exactly properly dressed for the weather.
“You look cold, Miss Pearson.” Yes, Katia knew her name. She knew quite a bit about the bright eyed vocalist; more than she was ready to reveal at present. “Perhaps I can give you a ride and you can answer a few questions for me.”
Katia withdrew her hands from her pockets, offering one of them to the girl before her. “Katia. Katia Kozlov. I swear on my mother’s life that I have no intention of harming you. I’d just like to talk” Katia slid her hands back into her pockets as a dark car pulled up beside them, its windows heavily tinted.
“I know what you do, Miss Pearson, and it’s quite a gift you’ve got there. You’re lucky that the wrong people haven’t found you to be toying with it. I’d hate to see what would happen if that skill fell into the wrong hands.” Katia smiled a bit, drawing her lower lip carefully between her teeth a moment, considering her options if Alice turned down her offer for a ride.
“Just a ride. Just a talk. Besides, you look positively frigid."
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Me:
"Apparently not."
Alice offered a small bit of a smile in return as she shivered a bit. She hadn't expected the temperature to drop so severely while she was inside performing. But then, this was New York and it did have bitter winters. She'd grown accustomed to them since she'd been living there. But she really needed to remember to dress for these nights before she left the club. Even if it was only to slip a pair of pants on her legs while keeping the dress on. At least then her legs wouldn't be so cold. She'd also have to remember to take her hair down during the cold winter months. Either that or invest in a pair of ear muffs to keep her ears from freezing.
"I am cold. The temperature has dropped significantly since I stepped onto the stage." It didn't surprise her that the woman would know her name. Most that came to the club knew who she was. She thought the woman's offer over for a moment. "Perhaps." Though she was undecided at this moment.
Alice extended her hand and took the other woman's, shaking it slightly as she spoke her name. "A pleasure to meet you Miss Kozlov. I'm sure that's true but one can never be too careful in this town." After all, Alice knew New York had quite a few unsavory types roaming the streets. She glanced when the car pulled up beside them, noting the heavily tinted windows.
When she spoke of knowing what Alice did, it surprised her for a moment. After all, most that came to her seeking her gift were not so upfront about it. They would pussyfoot around the subject for several minutes before admitting their true intent. Alice rose a brow as she looked to Katia when she mentioned she'd hate to see what would happen if Alice's skill fell into the wrong hands. "I'm sure nothing good would come of it."
She once again looked to be thinking the offer over as she watched Katia, debating on whether this was really worth it. But the truth was, Alice was not looking forward to walking back to her apartment. "Alright. Just a ride. Just a talk. I don't live all that far from here anyway. I hope I can answer all your questions in that short amount of time."
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Katia:
Katia ushered the singer into the car, slipping inside after her. The door locks clicked as the car revved forward and Katia smiled across at the young woman. “I do hate to admit this, but I have told the slightest lie to get you here, Alice” Katia dropped the formalities now that they were moving through the city. There was no reason beat around the bush now, as Katia highly doubted that the woman would throw herself from the car. That would take either extraordinary stupidity or skill, neither of which she was sure this woman had.
“I have a friend who would love to meet you. I was afraid, you see, that if I asked you would probably simply brush me off.” I reached across to her and slid my hand against hers, my fingernail brushing delicately against her palm before I gave her hand a gentle squeeze and released her. “No need to be frightened though. I’m hardly dangerous.” I gave her a slight sideways smile as I turned back toward the window, watching as the city lights flickered overhead. When a few minutes had passed, I unfastened my seatbelt.
I curled my legs beneath me on the seat and pulled a dark colored scarf from my handbag. “This is for your protection and mine, sweetheart.” I motioned her forward with the curl of my finger, waiting until she’d leaned over to wrap the scarf over her eyes, knotting it behind her head and giving it a little tug over her dark lashes. “There. Now, like I said…” I gave her shoulder another gentle squeeze. “No need to be frightened. We’ll be there very shortly.”
The car finally bumped along toward Vlad’s office and pulled into the garage. I recognized the rumble of it closing behind us and, when the car came to a stop, I slipped out. A man opened the other door and pulled Alice out, taking her by her arms and helping her to her feet, not bothering to help her get her footing and nearly causing her to fall forward out of the car.
I shot the man a look. “Jesus. I told her she wouldn’t be hurt.” I rolled my eyes and moved over to her, slipping the blindfold from her head and shoving it into my pocket. “Men.” I smirked and took her hand in mine, then moved past the guys in the garage. “We’re here to see Vlad.” I didn’t wait for a response, but made my way to his office with the girl in tow.
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Me:
Alice climbed into the car as she was ushered inside. She heard the locks click as the car revved forward and her brows shot up. She looked over at Katia and couldn't help but narrow her eyes a bit. After all, she didn't like being lied to, no matter what the reason was. Perhaps she wouldn't so upset over the doors locking if the woman had been truthful with her. And no, she wouldn't throw herself from a moving vehicle. not unless she absolutely had to. Perhaps if she felt her life was in danger but at this point, that wasn't the case.
"Perhaps you should have opened with that first. You do not know how I would have reacted. I could have been willing to come with you. I do not care for being lied to in order to get me to do something. But since I am not stupid enough to throw myself from a moving car, nor am I in a position to decline going, there isn't much I can do, now is there?" Alice's eyes flashed down to Katia's hand when it slid against her own and then back up to the woman's face. "I am in no way frightened miss."
She lifted a brow when Katia pulled a scarf out, her thoughts instantly clicking that the woman was going to blindfold her so she could not see where they were going. There was no need to fight, as she was not in the mood to end up injured in any way, so she leaned forward as Katia motioned her and let out a soft sigh, closing her eyes as the other woman wrapped the scarf over them and then knotted it behind her head. "I see." She settled back once the blindfold was on, listening as the car moved along.
She could feel the car as it bumped along, just listening to anything around her she could. The car came to a stop and she looked over to where she knew the door should be. She heard it open and then felt a man's hands on her arms, taking her out of the car. She had no real time to gain her footing. The minute the man let go of her, she stumbled forward, almost falling on her face. Thankfully, Alice had good enough reflexes to manage to stop herself.
When the blindfold was removed, she opened her eyes and blinked, looking over to Katia and nodding. "Yes. Men." She allowed Katia to take her hand and followed along with her, her eyes glancing around as they moved. She heard Katia say who they were there to see and couldn't help but tilt her head slightly, still moving along with her.
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Vlad:
The Russian Mafia was one of the biggest in the city, it often went to war with some of the other nationalities, casualties were high, sure. But only if it brought in more profit. Tonight he hoped he could find the edge that would allow him to finally take over the city as his own. If he could have this woman predict where they will be, then his reign was only starting. When Katia and Alice would walk through the massive oak doors, Vlad would be standing at the front of his desk looking larger than life, if you will. Vladimir was an impressive figure, Standing well over 6' Feet Tall and weighing close to 200lbs, he was a big man.
"Katia." he said with a smile "I see you brought me a present." gesturing for them to sit in the chairs, he'd move around to the other side of his desk and sat in his throne like chair. Which really only made him seem bigger than life. It was all a game, this whole thing. He knew Katia wanted his position, and would kill him for it. But she was biding her time, waiting for him to be weak.
"Welcome Alice. My name is Vladimir, I will be your host for tonight." he said with a toothy grin as he slid open a drawer and pulled out a couple of cigars. He'd toss one to Katia after chopping off the end. Once his was lit, he'd toss the lighter to her as he took a puff. Letting the smoke flow out of his mouth. "You might be wondering why you're here, let’s get down to business… I'm in need of your services. It's that simple." grinning some more as he leaned forward watching her intently. "And you will do what I ask."
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Katia:
Vlad ushered them into his office and Katia motioned the girl inside first, following just behind her. Once inside, Vlad spoke in that cheeky way he often did, giving them both a wide girl. Katia smirked and rest one hand against her hip. “I do know how you like surprises, Vladimir.” Katia caught the cigar that was tossed her way and accepted the light. She did not, though, accept the seat. Instead, she stood with her hip cocked slightly, her and against her side.
Perhaps they both knew where the other stood. She wanted his position and he was keeping her close for exactly that reason. For now, Katia was okay with that. As much as she enjoyed their little romps and occasional fights, she knew the time would come to take him down. It was something she had known going into it and nothing would change that for her. It is simply how it was.
“This is Alice. She’s a singer.” Katia said it with enough disgust to nearly knock the girl over. Honestly, the girl had been perfectly lovely on stage. “Oh, don’t get me wrong. She has a beautiful voice. But it is her other attributes that I think you’ll find most enjoyable.”
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Alice:
Alice made her way into the office when Katia motioned her inside. She was certain there was no use in trying to run right now. Not unless she wanted to die. And right now, she wasn't looking to die anytime soon. So for now, she would humor them and go along with this. Once inside, she moved over to the chairs that Vlad had motioned to and sat down in one of them, waiting to hear what this was about.
She was taken back a bit by the way Katia said what she did with such disgust before saying she had a beautiful voice. And then she had to make mention that she had other attributes. She suddenly knew that it was her ability to see into the future that had brought her here tonight. She silently cursed having the ability now, for she wasn't sure what either of them planned to do.
She looked to Vlad as he spoke. She sat still in the chair, a chill running up her spine. "Yes, I was wondering why I had been tricked into coming here tonight." She rose a brow when the man had stated that he was in need of her services. She sat up more as she crossed her legs at the ankles. Her eyes didn't leave him now as he leaned forward. "And if I were to decline such an invitation?"
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Vlad:
Smiling at her "You don't get a choice in the matter" grinning as he slowly stood. "Thank you for the gift, Katia. I knew making you Sovietnik was a good idea." smirking as he moved out from behind the desk. "She is pretty, It would be a most shame if some harm came to her, no?" asking as he looked to Katia as he moved behind Alice, placing his large hands on the back of her chair as he pulled it back towards him. "I have a traitor within my army. I want you to find him." saying as he let the chair fall back forward as he walked over to the door and knocked on it. A few moments later, a man would be carried in. Knocked out, badly beaten and on the verge of dying. One of Vlad's soldiers would flop him to the ground and walk back out without making so much a sound.
Leaning down he'd grab the man's hand and pull off his ring as he looked it over. "Tell me what you see." he would tell Alice as he walked back over to her placing the ring on her finger. It was nothing fancy, a gold ring. The way he would have delivered it to Alice, he would make sure to keep himself close to her as he reached over her shoulder, placing it in her hand. Making sure his face was very close to hers. Hard blue eyes stared long and hard at her. "And if you do not…" trailing off as he took his cigar and held it over one of her arms. She'd be able to feel the heat coming off from the ends of the lit cigar, ashes falling from it now and then. Red hot embers touching on her skin.
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Katia:
Katia liked her, even though she shouldn’t. This girl was a pawn, a little piece in their game to be tossed about how they saw fit, but she was cute. She was slight and soft spoken and delicate in the same was as flowers or snowflakes. Katie steeled her gaze, watching as Vladimir moved over to Alice and dropped the ring into her palm. The cigar lingered close and hot, threatening to crash with fire against her skin. Katia held her breath.
Tell him what he wants to know, she thought. Tell him and then go home. Her urge to protect this girl made her feel somewhat sick and Katia’s jaw tightened as she drew from the cigar Vladimir had offered her earlier. She wished he had poured her a drink instead. She hadn’t had nearly enough at the little club and, if things took a messy turn, she’d really regret that decision. Usually, violence thrilled her. The blood and guts and broken bone made her feel alive, wild-but this girl was like a puppy. Watching her at Vlad’s hands would be like someone kicking a small animal.
Katia kept her mouth shut and watched, studying the ring as it was handed over to the brunette vocalist.
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Alice:
Alice had half expected that reply. After all, why would he truly bother giving her a choice? No one knew where she was and the only person that would truly miss her would be her boss at the club, though she was sure some of her clients might wonder where she disappeared to. She couldn't help but tense as she saw him get up and move behind her, feeling him pull the chair back towards him. Her eyes lifted to look at him as he spoke before he let the chair fall back forward. She grabbed hold of the arms of the chair to keep from falling forward out of it before she looked over to the door he knocked on. She watched as the man was carried in and flopped onto the ground.
Her eyes darted for a brief moment over towards Katia before they returned to Vlad as he leaned down and pulled the ring off the man's finger. She tensed again as he walked back over to her and placed the ring in her hand and told her she was to tell him what she saw. Her eyes flicked to the side towards him as he reached over her shoulder to put the ring in her hand. She stared at those eyes for a moment before they trailed down to where he now held the cigar over one of her arms. She could feel the heat coming off the end of it as ashes fell from it now and then. She felt a few of the red hot embers as they hit her skin and turned cold, biting her lip.
She nodded simply and closed her hand around the ring, keeping the arm that was under the cigar as still as she possibly could. The last thing she needed was to accidentally push it up into the cigar. She closed her eyes for a moment, focusing on the ring that was now closed tightly in her hand, doing her best to ignore the heat she could still feel coming off the cigar, the embers still occasionally falling on her skin.
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Vlad:
It was a good thing Katia kept herself quiet. He wouldn't want to put her into place infront of the beautiful young Alice here. "So, what do you see… Alice?" asking, his voice low and near. There would be no getting away from him. Vladimir was an imposing figure, both physically and mentally. He had to be strong for the family, he had to make them fear him enough that they listened without questioning. The only one who questioned him was Katia. But, even then it wasn't often. If it was one thing, Vladimir didn't like being questioned. Even less by his own men. Even though the other real men in the 'family' looked down on Katia, she more than pulled her weight around here.
When Alice would look into the ring, she would first see the man behind her getting royally beaten by Vladimir's own hand. Further back, she'd see the man talking to another man. It seemed a little more hush hush than it should be, then that's when Vladimir found him. And the beating ensued. He knew the result, he knew this man was a traitor and that he was going to be fed to some wild dogs that they kept. If she looked into the 'future' of the ring, well, it was black. Nothing…except the horrible sound of wild dogs eating a man alive.
So, now the question is.
Is Alice going to tell him the truth?
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Alice:
She could easily feel Vlad still so close, even with her eyes closed. Not to mention the heat from the cigar still. That wasn't something that was so easily put out her mind. But she forced herself to do it as much as possible as she looked into the ring, trying not to tense up again with him being so close. She wasn't used to working with someone so close to her like this. It was one of the things she'd always told other clients, to not get to close. After all, sometimes her hand would jerk from what she saw, depending on what it was, and Alice didn't want to end up hitting someone on accident. So she always told her clients to keep out of her reach.
She looked harder, first seeing the man behind her getting the beating from Vlad and then the man speaking with another. She tilted her head as the conversation seemed a little more hush hush then it should have been. She knew that it was because of that conversation that Vladimir had beaten him. And then he had, and the beating ensued. Her eyes darted to the side beneath her lids as she didn't want to watch the beating a second time. This time, she looked forward, into the owners future, but she could see nothing. Just the sound of wild dogs. And the man screaming as he was eaten alive.
Her eyes flew open as she turned her head to look at him now, her breathing rapid for a few moments before she could regain her composure. "This man." She motioned with the hand of the arm that didn't have the cigar over it. "Had a very hush hush conversation with someone before you found him and beat him royally. It would seem you have already found the traitor within your army."
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Vlad:
"Good. I am proud of you." telling her, Glancing over at Katia for a moment before walking back over to his desk. Putting his cigar down into a tray, he'd blow out the rest of his smoke and smile at her. "This is how the deal works. " telling her as he watched her. "That man, you saw? He crossed me. I do not like people who cross me. I need your abilities, you will be paid handsomely for this. Just know, that If I need you, you come. No matter time, place or day. You are on my call, 24 Hours a day, 7 Days a Week. If you hide, or tell the police…" grinning as he looked over at the man "What that man had done, will be done 10 times worse, to you. I promise, you will die a slow death." his eyes were hard on her. "You will be paid 10 Thousand for every read I need you to do. I am a very easy man to deal with…so long as you do not cross me." slowly coming to a stand, he'd place his massive hands on the desk as he leaned on it to look down at her. "Do we have an understanding Alice?" asking as he stared "Oh, and I wouldn't bother running away… my little friends will find you." he would grin and laugh slightly. "It’s a pleasure dealing with you, Alice."
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Alice:
She watched as Vlad looked to Katia and then moved way from her. She seemed to relax once she no longer had the cigar over her arm. Her free hand reached and lightly rubbed at the spot the embers from his cigar had fallen to, glad that there was no real damage to her arm. Her eyes studied him as he put the cigar down and blew out the rest of the smoke, listening as he explained how the deal would work. It wasn't the money that was the real issue for her. It was the fact that she would be working for a man like him that bothered her. The fact she really had no choice in the matter as well didn't please her. She preferred to be allowed to select her clients on her own. Her brow lifted as he said she was to be on his call at all times. "And I assume you'll be having me give you my number for you to be able to reach me?" It was a simple question, and a logical one. "And what of my current job? I'm not willing to just give it up. I enjoy being on the stage." Though if she was correct, she was sure there would be plenty of times that she would have to cancel. She swallowed hard as he mentioned that if she ran or told the police, that she would have ten times worse done to her then was done to the man. She resisted the urge to flinch at the mention of having a slow death. Her eyes looked up at his as he leaned on the desk to look down at her. She nodded her head slowly before she spoke. "Of course." She moved to get up and blinked as he said his friends would find her if she ran. She silently cursed again before nodded. "I'm sure the pleasure was all yours. Now, am I to be taken back home now?"
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Vlad:
"Do not worry about your job." he would simply say as he gestured for Katia to come pick her up and haul her away. "And I already have your number." grinning "Good bye, Alice Pearson. I will be seeing you around." and with that, Vlad would pick his cigar back up, and swivel his chair around so that the back of it would be facing the door and Vlad looking the other way. Yes. Business shall be great.
(End Scene)
Enjoy!
Alice (me):
Alice was just finishing up her set at the club. She was certain there would be cheers for an encore, as there seemed to be every night she performed. And most nights she would have easily given in to them and obliged them with a few extra songs but tonight was different. Tonight she just wanted to go home and rest. Of course, there was a reason she was so tired tonight. And it had nothing to do with her singing.
One of the regular patrons had come in tonight and wanted Alice to do a reading for her. The woman, somewhere in her mid-twenties, had been curious about her future with the man that had just proposed to her the night before. Of course the woman had said yes, so she was wearing the engagement ring. Since what the woman wanted to know about concerned the both of them, Alice had explained to her that holding the engagement ring would be the best way for her to see anything. After all, the ring had been bought by the man and then given to her so it had both of their auras surrounding it.
Alice had escorted the woman off into a room in the back. The woman slipped the ring off and dropped it into Alice's hand. She closed her hand around the ring and got a far off look on her face. Her hand tightened around the ring as she saw the things the woman would go through. How their marriage wouldn't be a happy one but they would fake it for the children. She saw the man cheating on his wife with a string of affairs. Her hand tightened further as she watched until the ring was digging into her hand. She quickly opened her hand and gave the ring back to the woman, explaining to her what she'd seen, not sparing a single detail. The woman wanted to know the truth and she was going to get it.
Half an hour later, the woman was leaving the club, engrossed in a conversation on her cell phone. Alice stayed in the room, opening the envelope the woman had given her. She reached in and pulled the stack of cash out of it as she walked across the room to a painting. She reached out and pulled the painting back, watching as it swung away from the wall to reveal a safe. She opened the safe to reveal several stacks of bills. She reached in and sat the new one on top before closing the safe back and swinging the painting back into place.
She'd then gone about her evening, performing her set as she usually did. When they'd called for an encore, she'd excused herself and had returned to the room in the back. She gathered up her things and then grabbed her coat from the rack beside the door. She slipped it on and slid her things into her pocket before she moved and stepped from the room. She locked the door behind her, as it was her room and only her room before she turned and moved down the hall to the back door, which anyone that knew her routine would know that was the way she left each night. She pushed the door open and stepped out into the night.
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Katia:
Overhead lights warmed the stage and washed the delicate, dark haired singer in pale light. She looked almost ethereal, wrapped in azure haze; like an angel who had wound up, somehow, singing her heart out for tips from strangers. Katia watched her through her last set, watched her exit and then return again for a few more. The people ate it up. They obviously loved her and Katia hadn’t minded the entertainment herself, but that wasn’t why she had come.
When Alice left the stage for the last time, Katia exited out the main entrance and headed around the back of the building. Winter had settled upon the city and most people were bundled up; all hats and mittens and scarves. But Katia was hot blooded. Her body hardly recognized the threat of late January snow.
When Alice came out the back exit, Katia was already there, her hip cocked slightly as she leaned against the brick in the dimly lit alley. Alice was slender, delicate, easily tossed into the back of a car-but that wasn’t how Katia liked to do it. We can do this the easy way, or the hard way, she thought. Some part of her hoped that Alice would put up a fight, if only because that would make her evening more interesting.
“Hey.”
Katia pushed away from the brick, shifting her hands in her leather jacket. She was wearing a pair of dress trousers, a nice shirt, a pair of heels. She didn’t look like the type that would mug you in an alley or try to drag you home by your hair. She didn’t look like the sort that could splinter bone with her fist, either, but looks could be deceiving.
“You were pretty great in there. I take it this wasn’t your first rodeo.”
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Alice:
She had helped the club owner to design the lighting, so as not to overwash her or give her an unflattering appearance. She had suggested to the owner that it would help keep the people entertained, allow them to see her more easily then if there were bright lights overhead. She was just thankful the owner had listened to her. Of course, in exchange, she had used her powers for him, giving him a small glimpse into the fact that he would soon find the woman of his dreams and that there would be happiness for him. It was what he'd truly wanted to know, as he'd been lonely for so long. And having a happy boss was never a bad thing, when it came to working conditions. At least if he was happy, Alice was easily able to get him to do things her way.
Alice pulled her coat closer around her as she stepped out into the alley way to fight the bite from the air. She wasn't expecting anyone to be there waiting for her. Of course, it wasn't unheard of, as sometimes a client would seek her out after her set was done but it didn't happen all that long. Her eyes shown in the dim light like lapis lazuli as she lifted her head when she heard a voice coming from a short distance away. Perhaps against the wall not too far from the exit.
"Hello."
She watched as the woman pushed off the wall and shifted her hands. Alice was wearing a deep green dress underneath her coat and a pair of black high heels. The skirt of ehr dress billowed around her legs as she had stopped when the woman spoke. Tonight was one of those nights she wished that perhaps she had changed into a pair of pants before exiting the club but only because the wind held a bitter bite to it. She knew once she started walking again, the cold wouldn't both her legs anymore. Her dark hair was braided behind her head, exposing her ears to the cold. She still wore the large hoop and drop earrings, along with the necklace she'd had on.
"Thank you. And no, this wasn't my first rodeo as you say. I've been performing here for awhile now."
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Katia:
“I don’t get out enough apparently.”
Katia offered the young woman a tilted smile, her hands still kept firmly in her pockets. From the look of it, the singer was cold. She should be. The temperature had dropped pretty severely as night had fallen and she wasn’t exactly properly dressed for the weather.
“You look cold, Miss Pearson.” Yes, Katia knew her name. She knew quite a bit about the bright eyed vocalist; more than she was ready to reveal at present. “Perhaps I can give you a ride and you can answer a few questions for me.”
Katia withdrew her hands from her pockets, offering one of them to the girl before her. “Katia. Katia Kozlov. I swear on my mother’s life that I have no intention of harming you. I’d just like to talk” Katia slid her hands back into her pockets as a dark car pulled up beside them, its windows heavily tinted.
“I know what you do, Miss Pearson, and it’s quite a gift you’ve got there. You’re lucky that the wrong people haven’t found you to be toying with it. I’d hate to see what would happen if that skill fell into the wrong hands.” Katia smiled a bit, drawing her lower lip carefully between her teeth a moment, considering her options if Alice turned down her offer for a ride.
“Just a ride. Just a talk. Besides, you look positively frigid."
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Me:
"Apparently not."
Alice offered a small bit of a smile in return as she shivered a bit. She hadn't expected the temperature to drop so severely while she was inside performing. But then, this was New York and it did have bitter winters. She'd grown accustomed to them since she'd been living there. But she really needed to remember to dress for these nights before she left the club. Even if it was only to slip a pair of pants on her legs while keeping the dress on. At least then her legs wouldn't be so cold. She'd also have to remember to take her hair down during the cold winter months. Either that or invest in a pair of ear muffs to keep her ears from freezing.
"I am cold. The temperature has dropped significantly since I stepped onto the stage." It didn't surprise her that the woman would know her name. Most that came to the club knew who she was. She thought the woman's offer over for a moment. "Perhaps." Though she was undecided at this moment.
Alice extended her hand and took the other woman's, shaking it slightly as she spoke her name. "A pleasure to meet you Miss Kozlov. I'm sure that's true but one can never be too careful in this town." After all, Alice knew New York had quite a few unsavory types roaming the streets. She glanced when the car pulled up beside them, noting the heavily tinted windows.
When she spoke of knowing what Alice did, it surprised her for a moment. After all, most that came to her seeking her gift were not so upfront about it. They would pussyfoot around the subject for several minutes before admitting their true intent. Alice rose a brow as she looked to Katia when she mentioned she'd hate to see what would happen if Alice's skill fell into the wrong hands. "I'm sure nothing good would come of it."
She once again looked to be thinking the offer over as she watched Katia, debating on whether this was really worth it. But the truth was, Alice was not looking forward to walking back to her apartment. "Alright. Just a ride. Just a talk. I don't live all that far from here anyway. I hope I can answer all your questions in that short amount of time."
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Katia:
Katia ushered the singer into the car, slipping inside after her. The door locks clicked as the car revved forward and Katia smiled across at the young woman. “I do hate to admit this, but I have told the slightest lie to get you here, Alice” Katia dropped the formalities now that they were moving through the city. There was no reason beat around the bush now, as Katia highly doubted that the woman would throw herself from the car. That would take either extraordinary stupidity or skill, neither of which she was sure this woman had.
“I have a friend who would love to meet you. I was afraid, you see, that if I asked you would probably simply brush me off.” I reached across to her and slid my hand against hers, my fingernail brushing delicately against her palm before I gave her hand a gentle squeeze and released her. “No need to be frightened though. I’m hardly dangerous.” I gave her a slight sideways smile as I turned back toward the window, watching as the city lights flickered overhead. When a few minutes had passed, I unfastened my seatbelt.
I curled my legs beneath me on the seat and pulled a dark colored scarf from my handbag. “This is for your protection and mine, sweetheart.” I motioned her forward with the curl of my finger, waiting until she’d leaned over to wrap the scarf over her eyes, knotting it behind her head and giving it a little tug over her dark lashes. “There. Now, like I said…” I gave her shoulder another gentle squeeze. “No need to be frightened. We’ll be there very shortly.”
The car finally bumped along toward Vlad’s office and pulled into the garage. I recognized the rumble of it closing behind us and, when the car came to a stop, I slipped out. A man opened the other door and pulled Alice out, taking her by her arms and helping her to her feet, not bothering to help her get her footing and nearly causing her to fall forward out of the car.
I shot the man a look. “Jesus. I told her she wouldn’t be hurt.” I rolled my eyes and moved over to her, slipping the blindfold from her head and shoving it into my pocket. “Men.” I smirked and took her hand in mine, then moved past the guys in the garage. “We’re here to see Vlad.” I didn’t wait for a response, but made my way to his office with the girl in tow.
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Me:
Alice climbed into the car as she was ushered inside. She heard the locks click as the car revved forward and her brows shot up. She looked over at Katia and couldn't help but narrow her eyes a bit. After all, she didn't like being lied to, no matter what the reason was. Perhaps she wouldn't so upset over the doors locking if the woman had been truthful with her. And no, she wouldn't throw herself from a moving vehicle. not unless she absolutely had to. Perhaps if she felt her life was in danger but at this point, that wasn't the case.
"Perhaps you should have opened with that first. You do not know how I would have reacted. I could have been willing to come with you. I do not care for being lied to in order to get me to do something. But since I am not stupid enough to throw myself from a moving car, nor am I in a position to decline going, there isn't much I can do, now is there?" Alice's eyes flashed down to Katia's hand when it slid against her own and then back up to the woman's face. "I am in no way frightened miss."
She lifted a brow when Katia pulled a scarf out, her thoughts instantly clicking that the woman was going to blindfold her so she could not see where they were going. There was no need to fight, as she was not in the mood to end up injured in any way, so she leaned forward as Katia motioned her and let out a soft sigh, closing her eyes as the other woman wrapped the scarf over them and then knotted it behind her head. "I see." She settled back once the blindfold was on, listening as the car moved along.
She could feel the car as it bumped along, just listening to anything around her she could. The car came to a stop and she looked over to where she knew the door should be. She heard it open and then felt a man's hands on her arms, taking her out of the car. She had no real time to gain her footing. The minute the man let go of her, she stumbled forward, almost falling on her face. Thankfully, Alice had good enough reflexes to manage to stop herself.
When the blindfold was removed, she opened her eyes and blinked, looking over to Katia and nodding. "Yes. Men." She allowed Katia to take her hand and followed along with her, her eyes glancing around as they moved. She heard Katia say who they were there to see and couldn't help but tilt her head slightly, still moving along with her.
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Vlad:
The Russian Mafia was one of the biggest in the city, it often went to war with some of the other nationalities, casualties were high, sure. But only if it brought in more profit. Tonight he hoped he could find the edge that would allow him to finally take over the city as his own. If he could have this woman predict where they will be, then his reign was only starting. When Katia and Alice would walk through the massive oak doors, Vlad would be standing at the front of his desk looking larger than life, if you will. Vladimir was an impressive figure, Standing well over 6' Feet Tall and weighing close to 200lbs, he was a big man.
"Katia." he said with a smile "I see you brought me a present." gesturing for them to sit in the chairs, he'd move around to the other side of his desk and sat in his throne like chair. Which really only made him seem bigger than life. It was all a game, this whole thing. He knew Katia wanted his position, and would kill him for it. But she was biding her time, waiting for him to be weak.
"Welcome Alice. My name is Vladimir, I will be your host for tonight." he said with a toothy grin as he slid open a drawer and pulled out a couple of cigars. He'd toss one to Katia after chopping off the end. Once his was lit, he'd toss the lighter to her as he took a puff. Letting the smoke flow out of his mouth. "You might be wondering why you're here, let’s get down to business… I'm in need of your services. It's that simple." grinning some more as he leaned forward watching her intently. "And you will do what I ask."
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Katia:
Vlad ushered them into his office and Katia motioned the girl inside first, following just behind her. Once inside, Vlad spoke in that cheeky way he often did, giving them both a wide girl. Katia smirked and rest one hand against her hip. “I do know how you like surprises, Vladimir.” Katia caught the cigar that was tossed her way and accepted the light. She did not, though, accept the seat. Instead, she stood with her hip cocked slightly, her and against her side.
Perhaps they both knew where the other stood. She wanted his position and he was keeping her close for exactly that reason. For now, Katia was okay with that. As much as she enjoyed their little romps and occasional fights, she knew the time would come to take him down. It was something she had known going into it and nothing would change that for her. It is simply how it was.
“This is Alice. She’s a singer.” Katia said it with enough disgust to nearly knock the girl over. Honestly, the girl had been perfectly lovely on stage. “Oh, don’t get me wrong. She has a beautiful voice. But it is her other attributes that I think you’ll find most enjoyable.”
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Alice:
Alice made her way into the office when Katia motioned her inside. She was certain there was no use in trying to run right now. Not unless she wanted to die. And right now, she wasn't looking to die anytime soon. So for now, she would humor them and go along with this. Once inside, she moved over to the chairs that Vlad had motioned to and sat down in one of them, waiting to hear what this was about.
She was taken back a bit by the way Katia said what she did with such disgust before saying she had a beautiful voice. And then she had to make mention that she had other attributes. She suddenly knew that it was her ability to see into the future that had brought her here tonight. She silently cursed having the ability now, for she wasn't sure what either of them planned to do.
She looked to Vlad as he spoke. She sat still in the chair, a chill running up her spine. "Yes, I was wondering why I had been tricked into coming here tonight." She rose a brow when the man had stated that he was in need of her services. She sat up more as she crossed her legs at the ankles. Her eyes didn't leave him now as he leaned forward. "And if I were to decline such an invitation?"
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Vlad:
Smiling at her "You don't get a choice in the matter" grinning as he slowly stood. "Thank you for the gift, Katia. I knew making you Sovietnik was a good idea." smirking as he moved out from behind the desk. "She is pretty, It would be a most shame if some harm came to her, no?" asking as he looked to Katia as he moved behind Alice, placing his large hands on the back of her chair as he pulled it back towards him. "I have a traitor within my army. I want you to find him." saying as he let the chair fall back forward as he walked over to the door and knocked on it. A few moments later, a man would be carried in. Knocked out, badly beaten and on the verge of dying. One of Vlad's soldiers would flop him to the ground and walk back out without making so much a sound.
Leaning down he'd grab the man's hand and pull off his ring as he looked it over. "Tell me what you see." he would tell Alice as he walked back over to her placing the ring on her finger. It was nothing fancy, a gold ring. The way he would have delivered it to Alice, he would make sure to keep himself close to her as he reached over her shoulder, placing it in her hand. Making sure his face was very close to hers. Hard blue eyes stared long and hard at her. "And if you do not…" trailing off as he took his cigar and held it over one of her arms. She'd be able to feel the heat coming off from the ends of the lit cigar, ashes falling from it now and then. Red hot embers touching on her skin.
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Katia:
Katia liked her, even though she shouldn’t. This girl was a pawn, a little piece in their game to be tossed about how they saw fit, but she was cute. She was slight and soft spoken and delicate in the same was as flowers or snowflakes. Katie steeled her gaze, watching as Vladimir moved over to Alice and dropped the ring into her palm. The cigar lingered close and hot, threatening to crash with fire against her skin. Katia held her breath.
Tell him what he wants to know, she thought. Tell him and then go home. Her urge to protect this girl made her feel somewhat sick and Katia’s jaw tightened as she drew from the cigar Vladimir had offered her earlier. She wished he had poured her a drink instead. She hadn’t had nearly enough at the little club and, if things took a messy turn, she’d really regret that decision. Usually, violence thrilled her. The blood and guts and broken bone made her feel alive, wild-but this girl was like a puppy. Watching her at Vlad’s hands would be like someone kicking a small animal.
Katia kept her mouth shut and watched, studying the ring as it was handed over to the brunette vocalist.
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Alice:
Alice had half expected that reply. After all, why would he truly bother giving her a choice? No one knew where she was and the only person that would truly miss her would be her boss at the club, though she was sure some of her clients might wonder where she disappeared to. She couldn't help but tense as she saw him get up and move behind her, feeling him pull the chair back towards him. Her eyes lifted to look at him as he spoke before he let the chair fall back forward. She grabbed hold of the arms of the chair to keep from falling forward out of it before she looked over to the door he knocked on. She watched as the man was carried in and flopped onto the ground.
Her eyes darted for a brief moment over towards Katia before they returned to Vlad as he leaned down and pulled the ring off the man's finger. She tensed again as he walked back over to her and placed the ring in her hand and told her she was to tell him what she saw. Her eyes flicked to the side towards him as he reached over her shoulder to put the ring in her hand. She stared at those eyes for a moment before they trailed down to where he now held the cigar over one of her arms. She could feel the heat coming off the end of it as ashes fell from it now and then. She felt a few of the red hot embers as they hit her skin and turned cold, biting her lip.
She nodded simply and closed her hand around the ring, keeping the arm that was under the cigar as still as she possibly could. The last thing she needed was to accidentally push it up into the cigar. She closed her eyes for a moment, focusing on the ring that was now closed tightly in her hand, doing her best to ignore the heat she could still feel coming off the cigar, the embers still occasionally falling on her skin.
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Vlad:
It was a good thing Katia kept herself quiet. He wouldn't want to put her into place infront of the beautiful young Alice here. "So, what do you see… Alice?" asking, his voice low and near. There would be no getting away from him. Vladimir was an imposing figure, both physically and mentally. He had to be strong for the family, he had to make them fear him enough that they listened without questioning. The only one who questioned him was Katia. But, even then it wasn't often. If it was one thing, Vladimir didn't like being questioned. Even less by his own men. Even though the other real men in the 'family' looked down on Katia, she more than pulled her weight around here.
When Alice would look into the ring, she would first see the man behind her getting royally beaten by Vladimir's own hand. Further back, she'd see the man talking to another man. It seemed a little more hush hush than it should be, then that's when Vladimir found him. And the beating ensued. He knew the result, he knew this man was a traitor and that he was going to be fed to some wild dogs that they kept. If she looked into the 'future' of the ring, well, it was black. Nothing…except the horrible sound of wild dogs eating a man alive.
So, now the question is.
Is Alice going to tell him the truth?
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Alice:
She could easily feel Vlad still so close, even with her eyes closed. Not to mention the heat from the cigar still. That wasn't something that was so easily put out her mind. But she forced herself to do it as much as possible as she looked into the ring, trying not to tense up again with him being so close. She wasn't used to working with someone so close to her like this. It was one of the things she'd always told other clients, to not get to close. After all, sometimes her hand would jerk from what she saw, depending on what it was, and Alice didn't want to end up hitting someone on accident. So she always told her clients to keep out of her reach.
She looked harder, first seeing the man behind her getting the beating from Vlad and then the man speaking with another. She tilted her head as the conversation seemed a little more hush hush then it should have been. She knew that it was because of that conversation that Vladimir had beaten him. And then he had, and the beating ensued. Her eyes darted to the side beneath her lids as she didn't want to watch the beating a second time. This time, she looked forward, into the owners future, but she could see nothing. Just the sound of wild dogs. And the man screaming as he was eaten alive.
Her eyes flew open as she turned her head to look at him now, her breathing rapid for a few moments before she could regain her composure. "This man." She motioned with the hand of the arm that didn't have the cigar over it. "Had a very hush hush conversation with someone before you found him and beat him royally. It would seem you have already found the traitor within your army."
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Vlad:
"Good. I am proud of you." telling her, Glancing over at Katia for a moment before walking back over to his desk. Putting his cigar down into a tray, he'd blow out the rest of his smoke and smile at her. "This is how the deal works. " telling her as he watched her. "That man, you saw? He crossed me. I do not like people who cross me. I need your abilities, you will be paid handsomely for this. Just know, that If I need you, you come. No matter time, place or day. You are on my call, 24 Hours a day, 7 Days a Week. If you hide, or tell the police…" grinning as he looked over at the man "What that man had done, will be done 10 times worse, to you. I promise, you will die a slow death." his eyes were hard on her. "You will be paid 10 Thousand for every read I need you to do. I am a very easy man to deal with…so long as you do not cross me." slowly coming to a stand, he'd place his massive hands on the desk as he leaned on it to look down at her. "Do we have an understanding Alice?" asking as he stared "Oh, and I wouldn't bother running away… my little friends will find you." he would grin and laugh slightly. "It’s a pleasure dealing with you, Alice."
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Alice:
She watched as Vlad looked to Katia and then moved way from her. She seemed to relax once she no longer had the cigar over her arm. Her free hand reached and lightly rubbed at the spot the embers from his cigar had fallen to, glad that there was no real damage to her arm. Her eyes studied him as he put the cigar down and blew out the rest of the smoke, listening as he explained how the deal would work. It wasn't the money that was the real issue for her. It was the fact that she would be working for a man like him that bothered her. The fact she really had no choice in the matter as well didn't please her. She preferred to be allowed to select her clients on her own. Her brow lifted as he said she was to be on his call at all times. "And I assume you'll be having me give you my number for you to be able to reach me?" It was a simple question, and a logical one. "And what of my current job? I'm not willing to just give it up. I enjoy being on the stage." Though if she was correct, she was sure there would be plenty of times that she would have to cancel. She swallowed hard as he mentioned that if she ran or told the police, that she would have ten times worse done to her then was done to the man. She resisted the urge to flinch at the mention of having a slow death. Her eyes looked up at his as he leaned on the desk to look down at her. She nodded her head slowly before she spoke. "Of course." She moved to get up and blinked as he said his friends would find her if she ran. She silently cursed again before nodded. "I'm sure the pleasure was all yours. Now, am I to be taken back home now?"
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Vlad:
"Do not worry about your job." he would simply say as he gestured for Katia to come pick her up and haul her away. "And I already have your number." grinning "Good bye, Alice Pearson. I will be seeing you around." and with that, Vlad would pick his cigar back up, and swivel his chair around so that the back of it would be facing the door and Vlad looking the other way. Yes. Business shall be great.
(End Scene)
Enjoy!