For col_bashermoran and toclafane_queen

[turn_u_in2shoes]

A Russian, an Irishman, and an English expatriate walk into a  club ...Only Moriarty  and Moran knew the true names of the three special guests that would be joining the larger party with them. He'd introduce Lucy to them as they came up on their own initiative. For now, it would be better if they slipped inside the Club and made their way without

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[turn_u_in2shoes]

To make a show, he bid on a priceless vase. He'd probably use it for target practice in a fit of boredom. He won a few other items as well, including a bracelet for Lucy. It was forever and a day before the first item in question, the rare Klimt was put on the block. The bidding was furious, with his bidder doing double time to lock a top bid and win the day. Whitmore didn't look pleased, as he wanted that painting, but was clueless as to who the hell the elderly gentleman was. The silver bars representing the parcel of slave labor was close to being outbid but that too was locked in and won.

The gold bars, standing in for the enormous arms shipment that Ian had wanted was close to being outbid by one of the persons of interest that he had put on a list for Moran. He sent a text to his already overworked tiger hunter to do his thing to sway the overachieving bidder, whatever his said thing was.

[toclafane_queen]

In the beginning Lucy found herself getting smug looks from two of the bits of fluff who'd insulted her earlier, obviously too stupid to have learnt their lessons. They were bidding high and spending money that couldn't have been theirs.
When Jim won the bracelet, however, the looks soon stopped - he'd outbid both their men easily as though it was pocket change to him. Now Lucy was the cocky one, and she settled back feeling very contented for the rest of the auction.

She saw Jim's phone come out and knew who he was most likely texting, but he seemed calm enough so things must have still been going more or less his way.

[turn_u_in2shoes]

Oh, he loved it when no one was happy about a situation but him. If Sherlock were here, he'd have known right away about those three purchases, especially if he'd been present at dinner. Oh well, can't have everything. He got what he wanted and so did Lucy and Sebastian. Drawing small circles at the base of her neck with his index finger, he asked out of the side of his mouth if she had liked her bracelet. He could tell by the way she was practically preening, that she did, but making halfway decent conversation when and where he could happened when it could if at all.

Soon, the auction would be wrapping up and the guests would gather their wins or make plans for their shipments before going back to the main room for drinks and whatever passed for socializing.

[toclafane_queen]

Lucy nodded, "It's beautiful, darling, thank you so much."
She didn't want the auction to finish really... she'd been dreading this event, worried about keeping Jim happy, about holding her own on the scene of the rich and elite after being absent so long, but she'd done well. She knew it was a one off, an illusion, that she hadn't really returned to high society - the dress, the jewels, the company, it was all bought, all part of the deal and not really hers. She wished the night would go on forever so that she could keep pretending... this was where she belonged after all.
But the clock would soon be striking midnight and Cinderella would have to leave the ball.

At least Jim got what he want, and she hadn't messed up.

[turn_u_in2shoes]

"Welcome, my dear ..." As the crowd began to stir and get up from their seats, he deftly maneuvered to get close to their dining companions from earlier. He deftly consoled each one, knowing full well that at least two of them would get their items for free. Free as in they'd owe him big time. Craning his neck in an almost cobra like manner, he spotted his body guards and henchmen. Good, they were where they needed to be.

"I believe there is dancing out in the main area if you would like." No, nothing so crass as gyrating against each other, but simple slow dance waltzes.

[toclafane_queen]

"That sounds wonderful, I'd love to," Lucy replied, "Though I promise not to make you stay too long."
It was good to keep up appearances, and she truly did want to stay and dance for a while, but she also didn't want to keep Jim if he was eager to get home and finish settling business. She'd see how his mood felt.

[turn_u_in2shoes]

"Psssh, don't worry." And yes, he knows how to dance. There's no love for it at times unless he's alone but he's perfectly capable of moving Lucy around. Smiling as they pass the two trouble making goldiggers from dinner, he laughs and kisses her on the cheek. "Nothing like letting them stew in their own juices, Lucy, but you're better than them. As if you didn't already know."

[toclafane_queen]

"Oh, I do already know," she replied, "And when I return to a position more suited me, which I assure you I will, they will be on the top of my list of people I'll be sure to see burn."
Her grin was charming as she spoke, nobody who caught glimpse of her would ever guess the content of what she was saying.

She danced with him easily, graceful and elegant, letting him lead but following without any difficulty.

[turn_u_in2shoes]

Moriarty just smiled a secretive notion he kept to himself. Twirling them about a bit longer, he guided them toward Whitmore and the least offensive of the three gold diggers.

"Tough luck with the Klimt, better luck next time yes? I hear these things go on the market from time to time. I'm sure you'll get another chance." Whitmore smiled grimly, unable to prove that Moriarty was behind it, but pretty certain that he was.

"I think a drink is in order, don't you darling?"

[toclafane_queen]

"Oh yes, I think so," Lucy replied, "Maybe a bottle of wine to celebrate a wonderful evening."
She had almost said 'successful evening' but had caught herself at the last moment, she had no desire to give Whitmore the evidence he needed.

[turn_u_in2shoes]

"But of course. See you again soon Whitmore. Shall we?" The last being a rhetorical question, he led them off almost to the exact same place that they had started. The best bottle of champagne was poured out for them both.

"To an exceptionally productive evening, dear Lucy." He clinks his glass against hers.

[toclafane_queen]

She returned the gesture and flashed him a grin.
"I've always admired a man who always gets what he wants," she said, "I've had such a wonderful evening, James. Thank you."

[turn_u_in2shoes]

"You know ...Lucy. You might want to start thinking about getting what you want via your own devised methods. Given your survival rate with men of my caliber, you're far too intelligent to to rely on men solely. Of course, if you wish, you may admire all you like. I am not adverse." Kissing her cheek he then drained his glass, offering to pour her another when she was ready.

[toclafane_queen]

"Ah, but if I were to branch out on my own then that would make us rivals, or at least give you cause to be suspicious of me, and I am not so silly as to think I'd do better without you or someone of near equal power and intelligence. I'd run rings around your friends here, but you are a very different matter."
She smiled and gave him her glass to fill. "No, I do better standing behind someone and slightly in shadow."

[turn_u_in2shoes]

He let out a small yawn. "Hold the flattery. I know my worth. It's a rather big world and you do seem to have a way with people as you say... I specialize in facilitating and I can't quite picture you doing that either. Promise me if you see an opportunity out there, take it. Just not from because we both know how that would pan out," he teases and sips only a little bit of champagne.

"Given any thought to the favor I would owe you yet?"

[toclafane_queen]

"Well there is one line of business I suppose I've been considering pursuing, but I'm still not entirely sure that I will."
She sipped the champagne again and considered his question. "I don't have anything to ask of you for the moment, but I know that the favour is there when I need to cash it in. There's no time limit on it, I assume?"