Vincent: *I had piles of manuscripts that I had to get through today and a handful of meetings. Groaning at the thought of it as I lean back in my chair. Don’t get me wrong, I love my job, but when you have an overload of things in one day it can get pretty hectic. I needed to unwind a bit and not in the normal way that I do. What I really needed was a cold beer and a chat with my good buddy Zeke. He was a detective that I’ve known for awhile now. About five years ago I had a submissive that soon became a stalker. He was following me and threatening to hurt the people I love. That's when I met Zeke. He was the detective on the case, and after it was over we became friends. Pushing away from my desk, I pick up my cell and gives him a ring. It goes to voicemail which was fine cause I really didn’t have time to chat all that much* Zeke, it’s Vincent. How the fuck are ya? *Chuckles then pushes a hand through my hair* Listen it's been damn too long since we got together. So if you can drag your ass away from your desk tonight I’d love to grab a beer. Say at the usual spot? Text me so I know that you are in. *Hanging up, I sink down into my chair as I open a fresh new manuscript. I really hope the fucker was free for the evening.*
Zeke: It had been a long, long day. Venn hasn’t exactly been thrilled with the evident I’d presented to him, and it had taken hours to go through it so that he honestly believed what I’d got him in a vice. Either way, he was spending the night in the cells, and then who knows what they’d do with him. I was just glad that I’d had my plan agreed. I just have to find a time and a place to get it activated, and of course, get Venn on board. Which would probably be easier said than done at this point. I was not his favourite person. Though I guessed that my partner, Aiden, was probably even less of a favourite right now. I snorted and flopped into my chair, raising my eyes to one of my co workers, one I didn’t see all that often with us both running around. She was talking about how exciting it was to have Venn in custody, and how she’d been rooting for me since the first trickle of information had started pulling my interest. I grinned at her and gave her a mock salute. Laughing when she smacked me on the back of my head before disappearing to carry on with her work. I signed into my computer and tugged my phone out of my pocket, registering I’d gotten a missed call from Vincent. I frowned and cocked my head. It had been a while, I was sure nothing was wrong, but I got a hit of anxiety anyway as I waited for my voicemail to filter through the various options and allow me to listen to his message. I sighed with relief when I heard what he wanted, bringing my wrist up with me so I could check the time to ensure it wasn’t too late to reply. I grinned when I saw it wasn’t even 9pm yet, that meant he’s still be in the office, so I could shoot over a text and we’d probably both arrive around the same time, “Long time, but I am leaving now. I’ll be there in 10, if parking isn’t a bitch. Z.” I pressed send and then grabbed my jacket, checking I had everything I needed before locking my computer again. I bypassed Aiden and explained where I was off to. My eyes not really connecting with the emotion in my voice, but I was glad when he merely nodded and moved along. I’d deal with that one later. Right now, there was a beer with my name on it.
Vincent: *I had just arrived at the bar when I got the text from Zeke. Which was good because I was about to just head home if I hadn’t. Texting back “Good. No rush, i’ll save you a seat at the bar” Waiting until Smith got the door, sliding out murmuring to him that I will text him when I’m ready to leave before I head inside. Once in I look around and grins at the hostess in the front “Evening Mr. Pierce, your normal table?” Shaking my head as I nod at the bar, making my way straight over there. Once seated I ordered two beers. Figuring if you don’t get here soon enough that I would just drink them both. Going over a few emails as I wait for Zeke. It’s been so long since we’ve chatted. Most of our conversations are legal matters that I was getting his opinion on, but for once this was just a friendly chat. And thank god for that. I needed to just unwind and have a relaxing night*
Zeke: I managed to find parking pretty damn close to the bar, and that seemed to be all the luck I was getting for the evening. The interrogation had rattled me, and it was actually really helpful to have the time to relax and not worry about anything but drinking and talking about nothing in particular. I could trust Vincent to listen, or talk, and it wouldn’t be repeated. I locked the car and then quickly crossed the street, my gaze bouncing around even before I was in the place to ensure that everything was as it should be. I’d worked a host of jobs with my current office, and it paid to always be on the lookout. While I didn’t look like your typical cop, I did like to keep an eye open for anything out of the ordinary. I pushed through the door to the bar and looked around again, instantly clocking who I was here to meet. You couldn’t miss him really. Even from across the room he just seemed comfortable in his own skin. People didn’t fuck with him, they respected him and that all came across with how he was treated and how people acted around him. I wasn’t one of them however. Sure, I respected the hell out of the guy, but I wasn’t going to give him a wide berth. Instead I stepped in beside him and landed a hand on his shoulder, “Vincent. I’m sorry if i kept you waiting, I made it over here as fast as I could once I’d received your text. That for me?” I grinned as I eyed the beer on the side, my ass finding the seat beside my friend so I could reach for the pint glass and take a long, much needed, drink. I gently placed the glass back down and then tipped my head towards the man beside me, “Thank you. And what brought you here? It’s been awhile since I’ve heard from you. I’ll just check to start that everything is ok with you, before I try to get out of ‘cop mode’” I chuckled and took another drink, though I kept my gaze on Vincent, trying to assess whether he was actually ok or if he called me here for a reason.
Vincent: *Watching the male come in, I let out a low chuckle as he immediately grabs the beer that was indeed for him, and starts to drink it. Crossing my arms as I study him a bit more before nodding* Yeah thats for you, and yes everything is okay so calm the fuck down. *Smirks and takes a few more sips from my own glass before I reach a hand up to loosen my tie* I told you it was to catch up with a drink. *Flickers my eyes at the male* You worry too much, ya know? So please do me a favor and just exit cop mode and enjoy your drink. *Chuckles low then pulls out my blackberry and scans my emails. Seeing nothing important I set it down and murmurs to you* I’ll even try to not answer work calls tonight. *Flashing my pearly whites in a grin as my eyes flicker up to Zeke* I tell you i’ve been so stressed out lately and I haven’t...Well had the release that i’ve needed in a long time. Too long. *Grabs the glass in front of me and downs more beer before turning my attention back to you* What about you? Everything going well or have you been working way too many cases to the point where you aren’t sleeping much again.
Zeke: I snorted at the way the male answered by question. Of course he’d be blunt and to the point, it was one of the things that had allowed us to be friends. None of the usual pussy footing around when it came to answering questions, or asking them. It had been refreshing. And while we didn’t meet up often, it was always a pleasure when we did, “You message me out the blue with a meet up date, I’m going to worry. Sue me.” I grinned and took another long drink before speaking again, “Actually, don’t. You make far more than I do. I’d be bankrupt before we even made it into a courtroom. And I’m no good at taking orders on how to act with people.” I laughed and then twisted slightly so I could face the man rather than having to tip my head each time I spoke. I listened to his explanation of the impromptu meet up and nodded, sighing with him. I knew how it felt to need to get your stresses out and having no idea how to. I usually went to the gym and beat the shit out of a punch bag. But that hadn’t been cutting it lately. Though I felt calmer now than I had in months. I put that down to having caught Venn and knowing that he was well and truly caught. I smiled and didn’t even try to hide the amusement when he called me on my lack of sleeping. The man saw far more than I gave him credit for. I was able to hide from most, but apparently I wasn’t able to hide from Vincent, “I’ll try to worry less though. It seems you’re in worse shape than me. You need to stop working so hard and find whatever it is that will help you relax some. Go on holiday or something.” I nodded and tipped my attention to the bar to order another beer, “You’re right, I’ve not been sleeping. I’ve been working on a case that sort of all came to a head. I was hoping that it would be some big relief and I’d feel like I could tick it off my list. But as it is, I feel like I’d caught something that is just lying in wait until I let down my guard. More troubling, he pissed my partner off enough to have him almost punch the guys lights out. Aiden has a temper, but he’s careful. I’ve never seen that happen. The whole thing has me off balance. So your text to meet couldn’t have come at a better time.” I shrugged a shoulder, tugging at my wallet so I could pay for my beer absently, “I might have have to up the game and have something stronger than the beer.”
Vincent: *Raises a dark brow before I quickly darted my gaze to the bartender, waving away your wallet* Get us something stronger and put it all on my tab. *The bartender nods “Yes, Mr. Pierce” Turning in the stool to face you as well* A holiday sounds nice. Maybe i’ll take a trip to the Hamptons or maybe Miami. *Nothing sounded more relaxing than being on a beach somewhere. Just imagine myself on a hammock with a drink in my hand. Listening to you as you talk about work. Turning my head to only grab the whiskey that is set in front of us. I say a quiet thank you to the bartender before I turn my attention back to you* Well it sounds like you need a holiday too. Or maybe just a day to rest and get some fucking sleep. You know that shit is not good. *Downs some of the amber liquid* For me work is the same. I enjoy my job but at times there are different things that stresses me out, but I always manage to get through it. I've had to fire some employees lately and that fucked with my head a bit. *Mutters* I gotta start learning to not screw around with the help. *Snorts then downs what's rest in the glass as I come clean with that one*
Zeke: I arched my brow, but inclined my head in thanks before pocketing my wallet and taking the drink. Stronger I could deal with, but I couldn’t have too many, though I was within walking distance of the office should I get called in for some reason. The holiday comment had me laughing as I nodded, “I do need to go on holiday or at least have one night’s sleep that’s not interrupted by phone calls or updates. I’m hoping that now we have him in custody, that will happen. I’m just always on edge and in work mode. I know it’s not healthy, and I am sure I should be having massages or some shit, but I never get around to it.” I laughed as I nodded, ordering a glass of water after finishing my drink, savouring the taste. The frown on my face deepened when I heard that employees were fired, “You did? What did they do in order to force your hand like that? I remember interviewing a lot of your colleagues way back when, they were all incredibly nice about you. Said you were fair, but you had rules and they weren’t to be broken. It makes me wonder about people if they pushed you into that position” I nodded confidently and then laughs, glad I hadn’t taken a drink of my water before hearing about the screwing the help. “You were screwing your employees and then had to let them go? Fuck! Ok, that has to be awkward. How does that go down on the forms about why you’re letting them go? Or rather, how do you approach that one with HR in terms of letting them go without issues?” I laughed harder, my eyes bright with amusement as I leaned in with a huge grin on my face, “Please enlighten me, cos this sounds like it’ll lighten my entire night.”
Vincent: *About to ask of this crook you had in custody when I watch your face light up for the first time tonight. It was nice to see. I chuckle and order another drink before shifting in my seat. Resting my hand on chin as a grin slowly forms* You know for someone who doesn't like to talk about dirty details in their own life, you sure like to hear about mine. *Laughs softly before thanking the bartender as he refilled my drink. Dragging the tips of my fingers over the rim of the glass* Well let's see. There was an intern and we...had some fun. *Smirks as I raise a brow not knowing how much details you wanted* In my office. Then he became...I dunno, too smart for his own good. Wanting to use me to get ahead, and I had to let him go. HR and me aren't always the best of friends but luckily for me this didn't reach that. Fuck Jessica was pissed. *Thinking of my assistant who probably is still at the office* And honestly she is right. I gotta be more careful when it comes to employees. Can't be fucking up the company that my grandfather built from nothing.
Zeke: I snorted and then shook my head, taking another slow drink before focusing on the conversation again, “I certainly don’t need or want details. You know I’ve been too busy with work to get into anything.” I ignored the actual amount of time since I’d felt any sort of connection with anyone in order to explore more than a drink and the occasional walk home. And the latter was normally because I was more paranoid than most. Especially with the undercover assignments I had done over the years, I just kept the habit of looking over my shoulder any time I wasn’t in my own home. That was the only place I felt safe. And it was somewhere that I hadn’t taken anyone, ever. I continued to listen, laughing at the mention of the intern and what he’d hoped to achieve, “So basically he was hoping that since he was fucking the boss, he could get into a position of power, or at least move up in the company without actually working for it. That’s not the way to go through life. You have to pick your company better my friend.” I winked at the male beside me as I fiddled with the glass in my hand, “So is that a new rule of no more employees, or just to be more careful on how well you get to know them before allowing them into the inner workings of your offer?” I grinned. I’d leant quite a bit about Vincent when I’d been working on the case where we’d met. Probably more than I would ever want to learn about someone. Thankfully he never held it against me, and wasn’t in any way bothered if I was to know. I knew to keep my mouth shut, and he trusted me. Which went a long ass way in both our businesses, as well as our friendship. “So you now need to advertise for a new………….whatever he was and hope that it’s not instant attraction that will get you into even more trouble with Jessica and HR?” I snickered and ordered a glass of water as I thought on how fun that conversation must have been in order to get the man out of his position.
Vincent: *Rubs at my jaw with a grin* You know I'd like to think that I will behave and not mess with any more employees but it's easier said than done you know? *Finishes off my drink then signals for the check. You started up the water and I knew that was your sign for being done. I tilted my head to the side as I signed the receipt. Pocketing my designer wallet after I slipped my card inside of it* So do you think it's wrong of me for wanting to learn more about the new guy that moved into my building. I mean hell I own the complex for Christ sakes. Do you think it's wrong if...I paid him a visit. Just as a friendly landlord? *Chuckles then rises from my seat and shakes the bartender’s hand before I move with you out of the bar. Once outside I nod to Smith who already had the Bentley out front and ready for me to get in it. Lighting a cigarette as my eyes flicker to you* And what about you? Anyone catch your eye lately? *Grins wide* I'm still determine that you use those cuffs of yours when you are off duty.
Zeke: I chuckled and nodded at the comment, “This is true. And with the amount you work, it can’t exactly be easy for you to find people outside of the office. Maybe you can just run interviews to pick out those you like, and see them outside normal office hours.” I grinned and winked. Blinking in surprise when the male went about paying. Not that I’d thought anything else would happen. Vincent was one who didn’t let other pick up the bill unless you’d seriously pissed him off, or owed him in some way. I figured perhaps he had a meeting to get to. Either way, I wasn’t about to insist he stayed longer if he was busy. I knew I was on call, and so would have to cut this short at any second. I got the need to change plans without warning. I followed on after the male until we were outside the bar, my laugh loud as I shook my head at him, “I think it’s the kind of thing that a concerned landlord might do. Ensure things are going well, not snags or whatever that you might need to fix. Perhaps you can take your tool belt over there at a later date and play out all his fantasies.” I grinned widely and rested my shoulder against the side of the building as I watched Vincent. The images in my mind ones that I was pretty sure he’d approve of. And would no doubt be playing out in full colour come the first opportunity he was able. I would feel sorry for the new tenant, had I had a feeling that if he consented, he’d be as happy as Vinent with the arrangement. My grin widens at the question of whether I have anyone who has caught my eye. And the truthful answer would take far too long to explain, and I’d have to actually own up to it. “No, no one as yet. You know when I’m working I have to be other people, it’s hard to meet someone with a lasting connection when you’ve got that going on. The connection, physical and emotional, is all just part of the need to catch whoever we’re after. Maybe if I met the right person I’d give it up and get a desk job.” I snorted, knowing that Vincent would know as well as I did how unlikely that was to happen. Though the handcuffs comment had me laughing again, “Watch yourself or you’ll be the only one I’ll be using them on. I’m not sure how well I can make ‘being lippy’ an offence. Or how well your driver would take to me carting you off in them.” I chuckled and gestured to the car, “How the other half live. I should have got you to pick me up, that way I’d have been able to have a little more to drink. Being on call 24/7 has its disadvantages when you want to catch up with an old friend.”
Vincent: *Chuckles low as I gaze at you* You know I would have picked you up. All you have to do is ask me man. *Laughs and shakes my head then shrugs* I like nice things. Is that such a crime? Also I have more money than god so I might as well spend it. *Nods before my eyes lower and my lips form into a smirk* You gonna use your cuffs on me and lock me up? I'm always innocent and you know it. *Zeke and I have been friends for awhile but that doesn't mean I didn't have a tab on him like I have on everyone. When people come into my life I tend to do a little digging and getting some information on them before I bring them in any closer. Zeke barely had anything on him but there were a few surprises in there that I bet even he didn't know. I never really brought them up though and there was no need to. Nodding to Smith as he opens my door. Disposing of my cigarette before I slide into the Bentley. When the door closes I roll down the window, peering out at the male* You have a nice night...and cuff a few people for fun will ya? *Laughs low then rolls the window up as I feel the car start to drive away*
Zeke: It had been a long, long day. Venn hasn’t exactly been thrilled with the evident I’d presented to him, and it had taken hours to go through it so that he honestly believed what I’d got him in a vice. Either way, he was spending the night in the cells, and then who knows what they’d do with him. I was just glad that I’d had my plan agreed. I just have to find a time and a place to get it activated, and of course, get Venn on board. Which would probably be easier said than done at this point. I was not his favourite person. Though I guessed that my partner, Aiden, was probably even less of a favourite right now. I snorted and flopped into my chair, raising my eyes to one of my co workers, one I didn’t see all that often with us both running around. She was talking about how exciting it was to have Venn in custody, and how she’d been rooting for me since the first trickle of information had started pulling my interest. I grinned at her and gave her a mock salute. Laughing when she smacked me on the back of my head before disappearing to carry on with her work. I signed into my computer and tugged my phone out of my pocket, registering I’d gotten a missed call from Vincent. I frowned and cocked my head. It had been a while, I was sure nothing was wrong, but I got a hit of anxiety anyway as I waited for my voicemail to filter through the various options and allow me to listen to his message. I sighed with relief when I heard what he wanted, bringing my wrist up with me so I could check the time to ensure it wasn’t too late to reply. I grinned when I saw it wasn’t even 9pm yet, that meant he’s still be in the office, so I could shoot over a text and we’d probably both arrive around the same time, “Long time, but I am leaving now. I’ll be there in 10, if parking isn’t a bitch. Z.” I pressed send and then grabbed my jacket, checking I had everything I needed before locking my computer again. I bypassed Aiden and explained where I was off to. My eyes not really connecting with the emotion in my voice, but I was glad when he merely nodded and moved along. I’d deal with that one later. Right now, there was a beer with my name on it.
Vincent: *I had just arrived at the bar when I got the text from Zeke. Which was good because I was about to just head home if I hadn’t. Texting back “Good. No rush, i’ll save you a seat at the bar” Waiting until Smith got the door, sliding out murmuring to him that I will text him when I’m ready to leave before I head inside. Once in I look around and grins at the hostess in the front “Evening Mr. Pierce, your normal table?” Shaking my head as I nod at the bar, making my way straight over there. Once seated I ordered two beers. Figuring if you don’t get here soon enough that I would just drink them both. Going over a few emails as I wait for Zeke. It’s been so long since we’ve chatted. Most of our conversations are legal matters that I was getting his opinion on, but for once this was just a friendly chat. And thank god for that. I needed to just unwind and have a relaxing night*
Zeke: I managed to find parking pretty damn close to the bar, and that seemed to be all the luck I was getting for the evening. The interrogation had rattled me, and it was actually really helpful to have the time to relax and not worry about anything but drinking and talking about nothing in particular. I could trust Vincent to listen, or talk, and it wouldn’t be repeated. I locked the car and then quickly crossed the street, my gaze bouncing around even before I was in the place to ensure that everything was as it should be. I’d worked a host of jobs with my current office, and it paid to always be on the lookout. While I didn’t look like your typical cop, I did like to keep an eye open for anything out of the ordinary. I pushed through the door to the bar and looked around again, instantly clocking who I was here to meet. You couldn’t miss him really. Even from across the room he just seemed comfortable in his own skin. People didn’t fuck with him, they respected him and that all came across with how he was treated and how people acted around him. I wasn’t one of them however. Sure, I respected the hell out of the guy, but I wasn’t going to give him a wide berth. Instead I stepped in beside him and landed a hand on his shoulder, “Vincent. I’m sorry if i kept you waiting, I made it over here as fast as I could once I’d received your text. That for me?” I grinned as I eyed the beer on the side, my ass finding the seat beside my friend so I could reach for the pint glass and take a long, much needed, drink. I gently placed the glass back down and then tipped my head towards the man beside me, “Thank you. And what brought you here? It’s been awhile since I’ve heard from you. I’ll just check to start that everything is ok with you, before I try to get out of ‘cop mode’” I chuckled and took another drink, though I kept my gaze on Vincent, trying to assess whether he was actually ok or if he called me here for a reason.
Vincent: *Watching the male come in, I let out a low chuckle as he immediately grabs the beer that was indeed for him, and starts to drink it. Crossing my arms as I study him a bit more before nodding* Yeah thats for you, and yes everything is okay so calm the fuck down. *Smirks and takes a few more sips from my own glass before I reach a hand up to loosen my tie* I told you it was to catch up with a drink. *Flickers my eyes at the male* You worry too much, ya know? So please do me a favor and just exit cop mode and enjoy your drink. *Chuckles low then pulls out my blackberry and scans my emails. Seeing nothing important I set it down and murmurs to you* I’ll even try to not answer work calls tonight. *Flashing my pearly whites in a grin as my eyes flicker up to Zeke* I tell you i’ve been so stressed out lately and I haven’t...Well had the release that i’ve needed in a long time. Too long. *Grabs the glass in front of me and downs more beer before turning my attention back to you* What about you? Everything going well or have you been working way too many cases to the point where you aren’t sleeping much again.
Zeke: I snorted at the way the male answered by question. Of course he’d be blunt and to the point, it was one of the things that had allowed us to be friends. None of the usual pussy footing around when it came to answering questions, or asking them. It had been refreshing. And while we didn’t meet up often, it was always a pleasure when we did, “You message me out the blue with a meet up date, I’m going to worry. Sue me.” I grinned and took another long drink before speaking again, “Actually, don’t. You make far more than I do. I’d be bankrupt before we even made it into a courtroom. And I’m no good at taking orders on how to act with people.” I laughed and then twisted slightly so I could face the man rather than having to tip my head each time I spoke. I listened to his explanation of the impromptu meet up and nodded, sighing with him. I knew how it felt to need to get your stresses out and having no idea how to. I usually went to the gym and beat the shit out of a punch bag. But that hadn’t been cutting it lately. Though I felt calmer now than I had in months. I put that down to having caught Venn and knowing that he was well and truly caught. I smiled and didn’t even try to hide the amusement when he called me on my lack of sleeping. The man saw far more than I gave him credit for. I was able to hide from most, but apparently I wasn’t able to hide from Vincent, “I’ll try to worry less though. It seems you’re in worse shape than me. You need to stop working so hard and find whatever it is that will help you relax some. Go on holiday or something.” I nodded and tipped my attention to the bar to order another beer, “You’re right, I’ve not been sleeping. I’ve been working on a case that sort of all came to a head. I was hoping that it would be some big relief and I’d feel like I could tick it off my list. But as it is, I feel like I’d caught something that is just lying in wait until I let down my guard. More troubling, he pissed my partner off enough to have him almost punch the guys lights out. Aiden has a temper, but he’s careful. I’ve never seen that happen. The whole thing has me off balance. So your text to meet couldn’t have come at a better time.” I shrugged a shoulder, tugging at my wallet so I could pay for my beer absently, “I might have have to up the game and have something stronger than the beer.”
Vincent: *Raises a dark brow before I quickly darted my gaze to the bartender, waving away your wallet* Get us something stronger and put it all on my tab. *The bartender nods “Yes, Mr. Pierce” Turning in the stool to face you as well* A holiday sounds nice. Maybe i’ll take a trip to the Hamptons or maybe Miami. *Nothing sounded more relaxing than being on a beach somewhere. Just imagine myself on a hammock with a drink in my hand. Listening to you as you talk about work. Turning my head to only grab the whiskey that is set in front of us. I say a quiet thank you to the bartender before I turn my attention back to you* Well it sounds like you need a holiday too. Or maybe just a day to rest and get some fucking sleep. You know that shit is not good. *Downs some of the amber liquid* For me work is the same. I enjoy my job but at times there are different things that stresses me out, but I always manage to get through it. I've had to fire some employees lately and that fucked with my head a bit. *Mutters* I gotta start learning to not screw around with the help. *Snorts then downs what's rest in the glass as I come clean with that one*
Zeke: I arched my brow, but inclined my head in thanks before pocketing my wallet and taking the drink. Stronger I could deal with, but I couldn’t have too many, though I was within walking distance of the office should I get called in for some reason. The holiday comment had me laughing as I nodded, “I do need to go on holiday or at least have one night’s sleep that’s not interrupted by phone calls or updates. I’m hoping that now we have him in custody, that will happen. I’m just always on edge and in work mode. I know it’s not healthy, and I am sure I should be having massages or some shit, but I never get around to it.” I laughed as I nodded, ordering a glass of water after finishing my drink, savouring the taste. The frown on my face deepened when I heard that employees were fired, “You did? What did they do in order to force your hand like that? I remember interviewing a lot of your colleagues way back when, they were all incredibly nice about you. Said you were fair, but you had rules and they weren’t to be broken. It makes me wonder about people if they pushed you into that position” I nodded confidently and then laughs, glad I hadn’t taken a drink of my water before hearing about the screwing the help. “You were screwing your employees and then had to let them go? Fuck! Ok, that has to be awkward. How does that go down on the forms about why you’re letting them go? Or rather, how do you approach that one with HR in terms of letting them go without issues?” I laughed harder, my eyes bright with amusement as I leaned in with a huge grin on my face, “Please enlighten me, cos this sounds like it’ll lighten my entire night.”
Vincent: *About to ask of this crook you had in custody when I watch your face light up for the first time tonight. It was nice to see. I chuckle and order another drink before shifting in my seat. Resting my hand on chin as a grin slowly forms* You know for someone who doesn't like to talk about dirty details in their own life, you sure like to hear about mine. *Laughs softly before thanking the bartender as he refilled my drink. Dragging the tips of my fingers over the rim of the glass* Well let's see. There was an intern and we...had some fun. *Smirks as I raise a brow not knowing how much details you wanted* In my office. Then he became...I dunno, too smart for his own good. Wanting to use me to get ahead, and I had to let him go. HR and me aren't always the best of friends but luckily for me this didn't reach that. Fuck Jessica was pissed. *Thinking of my assistant who probably is still at the office* And honestly she is right. I gotta be more careful when it comes to employees. Can't be fucking up the company that my grandfather built from nothing.
Zeke: I snorted and then shook my head, taking another slow drink before focusing on the conversation again, “I certainly don’t need or want details. You know I’ve been too busy with work to get into anything.” I ignored the actual amount of time since I’d felt any sort of connection with anyone in order to explore more than a drink and the occasional walk home. And the latter was normally because I was more paranoid than most. Especially with the undercover assignments I had done over the years, I just kept the habit of looking over my shoulder any time I wasn’t in my own home. That was the only place I felt safe. And it was somewhere that I hadn’t taken anyone, ever. I continued to listen, laughing at the mention of the intern and what he’d hoped to achieve, “So basically he was hoping that since he was fucking the boss, he could get into a position of power, or at least move up in the company without actually working for it. That’s not the way to go through life. You have to pick your company better my friend.” I winked at the male beside me as I fiddled with the glass in my hand, “So is that a new rule of no more employees, or just to be more careful on how well you get to know them before allowing them into the inner workings of your offer?” I grinned. I’d leant quite a bit about Vincent when I’d been working on the case where we’d met. Probably more than I would ever want to learn about someone. Thankfully he never held it against me, and wasn’t in any way bothered if I was to know. I knew to keep my mouth shut, and he trusted me. Which went a long ass way in both our businesses, as well as our friendship. “So you now need to advertise for a new………….whatever he was and hope that it’s not instant attraction that will get you into even more trouble with Jessica and HR?” I snickered and ordered a glass of water as I thought on how fun that conversation must have been in order to get the man out of his position.
Vincent: *Rubs at my jaw with a grin* You know I'd like to think that I will behave and not mess with any more employees but it's easier said than done you know? *Finishes off my drink then signals for the check. You started up the water and I knew that was your sign for being done. I tilted my head to the side as I signed the receipt. Pocketing my designer wallet after I slipped my card inside of it* So do you think it's wrong of me for wanting to learn more about the new guy that moved into my building. I mean hell I own the complex for Christ sakes. Do you think it's wrong if...I paid him a visit. Just as a friendly landlord? *Chuckles then rises from my seat and shakes the bartender’s hand before I move with you out of the bar. Once outside I nod to Smith who already had the Bentley out front and ready for me to get in it. Lighting a cigarette as my eyes flicker to you* And what about you? Anyone catch your eye lately? *Grins wide* I'm still determine that you use those cuffs of yours when you are off duty.
Zeke: I chuckled and nodded at the comment, “This is true. And with the amount you work, it can’t exactly be easy for you to find people outside of the office. Maybe you can just run interviews to pick out those you like, and see them outside normal office hours.” I grinned and winked. Blinking in surprise when the male went about paying. Not that I’d thought anything else would happen. Vincent was one who didn’t let other pick up the bill unless you’d seriously pissed him off, or owed him in some way. I figured perhaps he had a meeting to get to. Either way, I wasn’t about to insist he stayed longer if he was busy. I knew I was on call, and so would have to cut this short at any second. I got the need to change plans without warning. I followed on after the male until we were outside the bar, my laugh loud as I shook my head at him, “I think it’s the kind of thing that a concerned landlord might do. Ensure things are going well, not snags or whatever that you might need to fix. Perhaps you can take your tool belt over there at a later date and play out all his fantasies.” I grinned widely and rested my shoulder against the side of the building as I watched Vincent. The images in my mind ones that I was pretty sure he’d approve of. And would no doubt be playing out in full colour come the first opportunity he was able. I would feel sorry for the new tenant, had I had a feeling that if he consented, he’d be as happy as Vinent with the arrangement. My grin widens at the question of whether I have anyone who has caught my eye. And the truthful answer would take far too long to explain, and I’d have to actually own up to it. “No, no one as yet. You know when I’m working I have to be other people, it’s hard to meet someone with a lasting connection when you’ve got that going on. The connection, physical and emotional, is all just part of the need to catch whoever we’re after. Maybe if I met the right person I’d give it up and get a desk job.” I snorted, knowing that Vincent would know as well as I did how unlikely that was to happen. Though the handcuffs comment had me laughing again, “Watch yourself or you’ll be the only one I’ll be using them on. I’m not sure how well I can make ‘being lippy’ an offence. Or how well your driver would take to me carting you off in them.” I chuckled and gestured to the car, “How the other half live. I should have got you to pick me up, that way I’d have been able to have a little more to drink. Being on call 24/7 has its disadvantages when you want to catch up with an old friend.”
Vincent: *Chuckles low as I gaze at you* You know I would have picked you up. All you have to do is ask me man. *Laughs and shakes my head then shrugs* I like nice things. Is that such a crime? Also I have more money than god so I might as well spend it. *Nods before my eyes lower and my lips form into a smirk* You gonna use your cuffs on me and lock me up? I'm always innocent and you know it. *Zeke and I have been friends for awhile but that doesn't mean I didn't have a tab on him like I have on everyone. When people come into my life I tend to do a little digging and getting some information on them before I bring them in any closer. Zeke barely had anything on him but there were a few surprises in there that I bet even he didn't know. I never really brought them up though and there was no need to. Nodding to Smith as he opens my door. Disposing of my cigarette before I slide into the Bentley. When the door closes I roll down the window, peering out at the male* You have a nice night...and cuff a few people for fun will ya? *Laughs low then rolls the window up as I feel the car start to drive away*