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Post by Farren on Nov 24, 2009 7:15:27 GMT -8
"Good morning Mr. Treborn."
"Good morning Miss Money Penny."
"For the hundredth time Mr. Treborn, it's Grace. Not Money Penny."
"Fair enough. But I've told you before, it's Farren. Not Mr. Treborn. So if you insist on calling me Treborn, I'll insist on calling you Money Penny."
"All right then...Mr. Treborn."
My secretary smiled and looked back down at her work. God she was gorgeous. A little older than me, probably mid 20's, but with the looks of a professional woman who hasn't quite left the college coed behind. Brown, chin length hair, sexy and inviting like a nymph. A body like a gymnast. And those green eyes - they sent shivers down my spine every time. The great thing was I hired her for more than her killer looks; she was an excellent secretary in her own right. Okay, so the emerald eyes sealed the deal but her experience with Word got her through the door. Hey, is it wrong to like walking in and seeing that figure every morning? If it is I don't wanna be right. Of course, she also had the tendency to disarm and distract even the biggest male hard-ass at this school. A big plus for my line of work.
Oh right, let me introduce myself. My name is Farren Remington Treborn, age 22. Or is it 21? I always forget. I'm the Guidance Counselor here at 259. You know, the guy who helps you sort out academic studies and also any personal issues you might have. I'm also apparently an enforcer of school rules but, eh, I don't do it too often. Just doesn't interest me. I've had my fair share of battle already. I am a graduate and former Pillar of PHS #552 (I know what you're thinking - somebody actually survived that school?! Yeah, I did, sort of, but it wasn't easy. Story for another time) and I'm currently taking online courses to earn a bachelor's degree. In what major I have no idea yet. I got this job because of my experience with corporal punishment education. Also because I'm a damn good fighter.
I left Miss Money Penny at her front desk and entered my office. It was a humble little thing just off the main hallway. I had a desk, a lamp, a rolling recliner, two padded steel chairs, and a cheap, fabric IKEA couch by the window, which offered a great view of the main courtyard out front. The sun was shining through brightly, lighting up the small space so much I didn't need the overhead light. I liked my office. It wasn't much but it was home. Kind of like a study in somebody's house. I had little mementos from my past tacked up on the walls and sitting on the desk, things like my old Pillar badge, the first ever flyer for the 552 Fight Club, and some photos of me and old friends like Xaier and Kate, people long since gone from my life. It hurt to see them and think of the past, but it would hurt more to ignore them. Even more to forget them entirely.
I dropped my messenger bag behind my desk and slipped out my laptop, placing it gently on top of the varnished wood. Then I strolled over to the couch, kicked off my shoes, and flopped down onto the tough yet soft green fabric. I stared at the beige ceiling, thinking over the incredible twists and turns my life had taken. From homeless orphan to fight champion to school politician to cancer survivor to guidance counselor. Hell of a resume. I was lost in the day dream when Money Penny buzzed me on the intercom.
"Someone here to see you Mr. Treborn. Looks like your first meet of the day, though they won't tell me why they're here."
I sat up and reached over to my desk, pressing the button to talk on the intercom. "That's fine, they usually don't. I'm kind of the pussy job here at 259. All talky, little fighty. Little early in the day though. Send them in."
I couldn't see it but I knew she was smiling on the other end. I know what you're thinking - Farren, you're totally tapping that ass aren't you? I wish. Money Penny was a lesbian.
I heard the doorknob of my office door turn and I sat up on the couch, draping my arms casually over the back. Ah, my first meeting of the day...
P.S. - Yeah, the couch? It's the one in that photo at the bottom.
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Post by Kevala Badoer on Nov 24, 2009 9:05:37 GMT -8
The school counselor. The one place in this school she had yet to visit. It was strange to given the amount of crap that she had wrong with her and the amount of things that had happened to her since coming here.
But why was she here today? Because she had a bit of a breakdown in class today and her teacher..for the sake of not getting his head bit off, had sent her here.
Dressed in her usual jeans and a black tank top, her brown hair falling about her form and her icy hues shimmering in the light she cast a look to the woman at the desk.
"Yeah, is Mr. Treborn here?"
The woman looked up at her and smiled. Oh she had some clue who Kevala was. Most people in this place did. She was the one who got into trouble every time she turned around. Not that she started it...In fact she did everything to avoid it, but it kept finding her.
What can I say you are here for?
"You cant. I am here. Is he?"
She raised her brow as she crossed her arms over her chest. Usually Kevala was in a much better mood than this. But yeah, everything was just driving her nuts. Well more than she already was. Being sent here, was just the icing on the cake.
She watched as the woman shook her head, letting out a little sigh as she pushed the intercom button and announced that somebody was here. Kevala took that as her cue and would move past the desk. She really had nothing more to say to the lady, her hand reaching out and grasping the doorknob. With a quick twist of her wrist she would turn the handle and open the door. Slowly stepping inside and closing the door behind her.
It was then her eyes would scan the room. Hmm...Pretty much what you would expect. Not like she was thinking it would be any different...But then eyes settled upon the guy.....she assumed to be Mr. Treborn...her brow raising slightly.
Okay so yeah..he did not seem to fit the bill of counselor. She had been thinking short, balding man with classes and a serious sweat problem.
This guy, in his own right, was not bad looking. But then...who around this place wasnt..Okay so Arthur wasnt even close. But still!
Giving a soft nod of her head she would move foward, her hand slowly extending outward as she offered to shake his hand. She could remember to be polite, despite her foul mood.
"Mr. Treborn I presume. My name is Kevala."
She left out why she was here. Why? Cause she honestly did not know. Other than her teacher could not handle being told she would drink his blood in a heartbeat if he did not back off and leave her alone. But...that was not so strange was it? She did not think so. But then...she was by all definitions.....insane.
But nobody really needed to know that did they? Nah! Never!
She would then draw her hand back, assuming he shook it and take a step back. Once more scanning over the room as her arms crossed over her chest. Sure he would have something to ask. Isnt that the way these things usually went?
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Post by Farren on Nov 24, 2009 11:37:13 GMT -8
Well let's see who we got HOLYSHIT!
That's pretty much what my mind said as the beautiful young student walked through my door. Damn, I am just rolling in eye candy this morning. Though my mind was doing backflips my face remained at ease, my eyes inviting. I had learned to mask my feelings well during my tenure at 552 and that skill was especially helpful as a guidance counselor. After warning my loins that she was a student and I was a teacher, I managed to regain control of my thinking and assessed what information I could from the girl's entrance, posture, speech, etc.
Definitely a little forceful and flustered this one. I didn't have to have interpersonal communication and body language training to see that. I stayed seated when she came in and shook the hand she extended, though I originally had no intention to offer mine. Shaking hands at the outset of a meeting was so formal and rigid, it usually just made people uncomfortable. That's why I stayed seated and waited for the young woman to find her own, though she remained standing anyway. She really did not want to be here. No matter, few ever do, I was used to it.
Looking her up and down one last time, I gestured to one of the cushioned chairs in front of my desk, saying casually "Please, call me Farren. I'm not old enough to be a 'Mister' yet. If you want, grab a chair and have a seat."
I then reached under the couch and pulled out a few thick stacks of papers, files, and reports. (I really need to invest in a proper filing cabinet) Despite having a student population lower than most major city schools, the sheer number of relevant info was staggering. I hadn't read anything but dossiers for weeks now. Luckily, that meant I was able to pluck Kevala's file out with relative ease. After all, hers was an interesting case...split personalities, sociopathy, vampirism, a tendency towards violence. Pretty standard among students really, but she was an especially...ahem...attractive case. I unclipped a pen from the outside edge and tapped it against my chin, flipping through some of my notes that I had pinned to the inside cover. Yeah, yeah that'll be a good place to start.
Returning all the files to under the couch save hers, I placed the thick folder on the cushions next to me and said bluntly, "Do you like blood Kevala?"
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Post by Kevala Badoer on Nov 24, 2009 13:05:15 GMT -8
She found a seat as he suggested..Her eyes following him as she did such. Something about this guy struck a nerve with her. She was not sure what..But it was something.
Slowly, as she lowered down onto the chair she had found across from him, she would place her hands in her lap. Watching as he shuffled through papers. Gods the man really needed to figure out a way to get this shit together.
Shaking her head she would just lean back, her hand coming up to brush back a few locks of hair from her face as she sighed and ran the tip of her tongue over her lips. Then he was done. The file set down beside him. And then question came.
"Do I like blood? You could say that I suppose. Though the fact that I crave it in order to survive would be more appropriate. I mean if I dont drink it on a regular basis my mind tells my body I am dying and the pain hits."
She shrugged softly as she thought over this. It came from her as naturally as if she was speaking of the weather. Hell, she had lived with it for so long that now it was not really a matter of being anything other than just another part of her.
"Then it leads to Sasha and gods how everyone hates her."
She rolled her eyes as she spoke of her other personality. It of course not occurring to her at that time that Farren would not know she had more than one personality. But then, she just did not think that far ahead sometimes. She was honest and a bit straight forward...But she was who she was.
It was always either take it or leave it...
She then fell silent. Next question or analysis please?
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Post by Farren on Nov 24, 2009 14:15:16 GMT -8
Hmmm, interesting answers so far. She must have been living under this idea of herself for quite some time. The mentioning of someone named Sasha caused my one eyebrow to lift slightly in surprise. Her file had briefly covered her 'other' personas, though there was were no details on how many there were or what they were like. I could only deduce that Sasha was one of them. One that Kevala, or at least everyone else besides Kevala, hated. Oh, and the blood thing, can't forget the blood thing.
I listened attentively as she spoke. When she stopped and became quiet, I readjusted my seating on the couch and folded my one leg up under me. I gave the impression of deep thought, though I already knew what I was going to say. After the pause I said, "Good to know. I like to hear people's stories and talk with them so I'll give you a choice. You can either tell me anything you want about yourself, anything at all, or...you can ask me anything you want. It can be about me, about the school, shit, it could be about Ghandi for all I care. I'm just here to talk and help you out."
I then leaned forward a little and said in the same tone as before, "Because I'm pretty much all you got left."
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Post by Kevala Badoer on Nov 24, 2009 14:58:14 GMT -8
She raised her brow at his words. Okay on one hand he seemed pretty cool. On the other he seemed a bit full of himself. All in all...she liked this guy. A grin coming across her lips as she leaned forward, her icy hues finding his own as she spoke.
"All I got left huh?I did not realize my situation was so dire. Well then. How about this? I ask a question then you ask a question? Cause I dont like to hear myself talk all that much and personally, I dont think I want to let you have free reign to run your mouth just yet."
Her tone, her features, everything about her at that moment was teasing. She was strange. Nobody, not even Kevala, denied that. Most people actually enjoyed her compay, with the exception of those who wished to use her as bait to lure in Leon or Gabriel, or just flat out wanted to kill her. Heh.
Leaning back once more, she would capture her lower lip between her pearly white teeth, chewing on it lightly as she tried to think of a good question to ask. Something interesting and yet something that would not require a long boring answer.
Kevala had a bit of an attention span problem. Nothing major, just...yeah..it could be a problem if she got bored too soon.
"Okay, so I can ask anything my little heart desires...Well then, I would like to know, how many times a day you check out that nice piece of ass that is sitting at the desk in front of your office?"
Nah! She was not a bit too blunt! Never!!!
~Yeah and while we are at it, why dont we go with she is a virgin, a saint, and the most innocent girl in the entire school?~
~Cause sometimes it is hard to say just one with a straight face, let alone all that.~
The sad thing is, she did not ask to try and stir up trouble. No, she genuinely wanted to know. She had a natural curiosity that got her in trouble sometimes. But it kept her interesting. To say the least.
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Post by Farren on Nov 25, 2009 14:45:04 GMT -8
"More times than you can possibly imagine. I mean, have you seen the body on that girl? And her eyes, damn, her eyes. Instant pleasure." I leaned back and looked up at the wall, imagining the goddess right on the other side of the wall. Mmmm...
If Kevala was going to be blunt, so would I. Quite honestly, I had nothing to hide, and little to feel afraid of. You don't live a life like mine and make it this far by being timid or easily spooked. But I did have regrets. Things I was ashamed of. From the little I had seen so far, Kevala didn't feel shame. She just...didn't care. Or else she hid it well. That was the difference. A sense of guilt. And understanding guilt, owning up to mistakes, was crucial. You can't change without recognizing who you are and where you've come from.
"Interesting first question. Either you wanted to catch me off guard, embarass me, or you're just fucking with me. None of them will work. Or maybe you've just got an eye for her yourself...? Nah, couldn't be that."
I cracked my neck and stood up off the couch, taking Kevala's file with me. I walked around the other side of my desk and reached into my bag, pulling out a green apple. I walked back, munching on the apple as I moved, and took a seat at the couch again, this time sitting on the backrest of it like you might do on a park bench. I flipped her file open again and said, in between bites of fruit,
"And yes, Kevala, your situation is dire. Do you know why you've never met me before? *crunch* Because they only send me cases that have gone beyond what physical punishment can help. After all, why even have a guidance counselor at a place where you can beat a student half to death for missing a homework assignment? *gulp* Talk is cheap in a place like this, normally."
"See, my speciality is learning what makes people tick. Their dreams, desires, motives. I then use that info to help them. Or harm them. Corporal punishment extends beyond merely punching someone. It's my job to employ other 'methods.' Some beneficial. Some cruel. You've obviously not responded to the usual methods, so now I'm here." I thumbed to a dog-earred page of her report.
"It says here you have children. Twins right?"
The conversation was taking a dark turn.
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Post by Kevala Badoer on Nov 25, 2009 16:10:49 GMT -8
"Did I say it to get a rise out of you? No, nor did I say it just to be shocking. I actually just wanted to know. As for myself. Sure. I will admit that she has a body that wont stop. If I did not have enough man trouble in my life I would have been all up on that or at least tried."
She shrugged. Funny how people always assumed that she was trying to get a rise. When she usually just was asking a question for the sake of knowing the answer. Then came the turn in the conversation. One she was not too thrilled about.
Last resort? Perhaps he was right. What he said made sense, but that did not mean she had to like it. She did not see herself as a lost cause. Especially since most of the teachers could take her down if they wanted to.
But usually she was the last one to cause trouble. Today had just been a bit of a bad day for her. But she was fine...she would talk, she would listen, and she would go home and go about her business. It was how this worked. Her shrink had given up on her, this guy would be no different.
Then the question, and anger rolled through her. She could handle many things being thrown at her, many thing far more personal than that which he had just asked. But there was nothing she guarded more than this. Stamping down her anger, containing it and preventing her eyes from shifting colors to show her emotions she would nod softly.
"Yes, I have twins. A boy Aiden and a girl Kazumi. I do not see what my children have to do with this. Do not dare try to attack my ability to be a good mother. For I have given everything I have to make sure that they have a peaceful and calm life. I give everything to them without question or without regret. They are my life and I will defend them with such.
So you tell me....Why do you ask?"
She was waiting now, wanting to hear this, knowing that right now, the conversation was headed some place she was not going to be comfortable with. She just wanted to know how far he would push it.
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Post by Farren on Nov 25, 2009 20:38:21 GMT -8
Finished with my apple, I left the core on the window sill and clasped my hands together between my knees, leaning forward so that my eyes were locked and level with Kevala's. She really was a pretty girl and totally legal at 19 years old. Under any other circumstances I'd give serious thought to some flirting. But no, I had to finish my talk and do my job. I wasn't earning my paycheck just for looking good.
"I have no doubt you're a good mother. In fact, I'm sure you're a wonderful parent. And I want you and them to remain that way. Kevala, despite your violent and sometimes insane nature, you are of great value because of you're high position in the school hierarchy and your part in the school newsletter. And you're valuable to me because you are familiar with other higher-ups here, like Gabriel and Leon. What I want from you...is information. As you've seen, my files are extensive but far from complete. There's a lot I don't know. I'd like to know I can go to you to find it. Maybe not right now, but when I do, I'd like to call on you."
I then turned my head a little and looked out the big windows behind me, gazing at the students lounging in the courtyard. I didn't like saying this next part but the alternative was worse. "I'll ask you plainly at first. Will you help me? I don't want to bring your kids into this so think hard."
I hopped off the couch and went to my desk, opening a drawer and retrieving a paper form from inside. Placing it and my pen next to her on the desk top, I said "This is a form saying you are helping me, an informant of sorts. With this you'll get immunity from serious punishment. Any questions?"
God, Kevala, please say yes. I don't like what comes next if you say no...
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Post by Kevala Badoer on Nov 25, 2009 21:26:38 GMT -8
Her eyes flashed to red for a moment. The names he threw out were the two she guarded most dearly. Gabriel held her loyalty and her love, Leon she owed more than she could ever repay. Not to mention she was living with his son and on their way to a very serious relationship.
Drawing in a deep breath she would calm her nerves. Eyes slowly fading back to their calm icy hue as she ran her tongue over her lips, letting his request run through her mind.
What sort of information did he expect her to give him? She would not betray those men or any of her friends. It was not in her to do such a thing. Especially those two. She would give her life to protect either. Though she did not know if many people knew just how much she cared for them.
Sure, she was seen around more than once with Gabriel. But usually they were always fighting. Their more intimate talks were always held in private and she knew for a fact nobody knew of them. As for Leon. Well their relationship was a bit more clear given that everyone knew of her and Spike. But the depths of her loyalty was hidden. She made sure of this and kept those secrets deeply guarded.
"I do not know what I could tell you about them or anyone else. I usually am only involved in fights with Gabriel and Leon is simply the father of my boyfriend."
She shrugged casually.
"Besides I am not some lap dog to do as her master wishes. If you want this information so badly then why dont you ask them yourself. I am sure they both would be more than happy to speak with you."
Okay so maybe Leon would talk to the guy, Gabriel would probably just .... yeah.....It would not be pretty most likely. But for now she would play on the fact that people did not know of her real relationships with them....and see what happened next.
This was getting bad and fast and she would up and leave if it continued. Nothing was holding her here really. She just had to keep that in mind.
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Post by Farren on Nov 26, 2009 21:33:53 GMT -8
I let out a deep sigh upon hearing Kevala's stern reply. Damn it girl, I was really hoping to avoid this. I don't like being an asshole but in order to do my job and get my future plans up and running, I needed this. Ah well, no turning back now.
"I doubt you know as little as you let on. We'll find out soon enough. As for asking them myself, I fully intend to. But people lie. They don't tell everything. That's why it's important to ask as many people as possible, to see if the stories match up. But you know that already."
I left the form and pen on the desk and walked around back in front of the young woman, taking a seat once again on the couch. I was sitting on the edge of the cushion, looking her dead in the eyes, my own brown eyes doing their best to show concern and strength at the same time. Opening and closing my mouth once or twice as I searched for words, I finally said,
"Look Kevala, I'm not asking you to be a lap dog. You'd never have to do anything but keep me informed. I'm asking this of you as someone who's been through hell and wants to save others the pain." I averted my gaze ever so slightly as I said the next line. "I don't want to have to threaten your children. Obviously you can leave at any time, but if you leave or say no to me, I cannot guarantee their safety." The tone of my voice meant exactly what I said. "So last chance - will you help me? Please, give it a try. You can back out at any time, just know the consequences of what will happen then."
The threat was thrown down. How will you respond Kevala? Because this whole interview is as much about your reactions as the final answer.
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Post by Kevala Badoer on Nov 26, 2009 22:02:26 GMT -8
She listened calmly to his words, nodding and showing no emotion what-so-ever. Shaking her head softly she would smile, though it was not a very comforting smile. Instead it was one that was almost scary, and if you knew anything about her, you would know that what would come next would not be good.
"My relationship with Gabriel Seran and Leon Sudeki is not what you assume it to be."
She would reach down into her bag, grabbing out her cell phone and sliding it open as she rose to stand, moving to the other side of the room........A quick text being punched in...
Hitting send she would lean back against the wall and tilt her head to the side as she let those eyes fall over him..There were lines you did not cross with her....and that was one of them....The twins were her life, the only thing she held higher in her life than Gabriel or Leon....She would die to protect them, but she was no fool either. She had a feeling this guy could beat her ass if he so got the urge. Not that it would matter, but in the end, it would leave her broken and unable to defend those she held dear. Not to mention it seemed only fitting that Gabriel know that somebody was out for information.
"I am glad to know you will be speaking to them yourself. I am certain that they will both find our little conversation very interesting."
Those eyes now a firey red, as they watched him. Her hand moving to tuck her phone into her back pocket.....Spike was at home currently, so for the moment the twins were safe. She did not doubt that. Not to mention the house was under 24 hour surveillance by the Sudeki clan. Add to that her top knotch security system and you had one very hard place to get into undetected.
Her hands coming to rest at her sides, she waited. She would wait on Gabriel. Hoping that the mere fact that she asked him for help would be a big red flag to him. She never used that card...but this situation was different..and she only hoped he would know that.
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Post by Gabriel Seran on Nov 26, 2009 22:27:06 GMT -8
Gabriel was at ease most often, today was of certain difference. NOt to the ear or eye but Gabriel could feel a certain unbalance to the world. Caution on the wind perhaps. He remained at school filing out his applications to remain here for his college classes quite honestly he'd grown to love it here. Though there was always something that had to disturb the very cautious lines that were designed for us. Gabriel however was there to correct that imbalance and set himself up at the top, a God mentality would be sure to come after a few years of this extensive training he'd been putting himself under.
Shifting to get himself together Gabriel left for the counselor's office, he'd never been there before only once off with Clavering about a year ago but he'd never stayed long. His march neither slow nor a swift bolt carried him through the sturdy lunch tables and aggressive students drawing his own glares and ambitious notions.
Eyes peered at the name scrawled on the golden plating at the door. Mr. Farren. Good he'd have the name for this man, more than simple concern followed that thought, he wondered as to why Kevala would call him in there to defend her? Perhaps what'd happened recently had bolstered trust but regardless he'd not be caught off guard by this man.
Two soft knocks at the door ushered his arrival, "Pardon, am I interrupting?"
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Post by Farren on Nov 27, 2009 21:42:20 GMT -8
"Not all, come in."
I had remained seated on the couch and allowed Kevala to get up and send the message. I probably could have stopped her at any time but...I didn't want to use force. Not yet. This the starting phase of everything, there'd probably be more than enough blood later on. The arrival of Gabe, however, was an unexpected yet happy surprise. I reached under the couch, pulled out his file, and stood as he entered. His was seperate from the others and easy to find, as were a few other people that'll remain unnamed for now.
I flipped open the thick folder and said casually as he walked in "Good to see you Gabe, I was almost hoping Kevala would call you. No doubt she explained some of what's been happening in that text. I'll explain that in a second" Didn't take a rocket scientist to guess she had summoned him that way. "If you don't mind, I'd like to speak with you as well. Have a seat or stand, your choice."
Turning pages in the folder, I came to the paper I'd been looking for. A copy of Gabe's academic transcripts. I was a guidance counselor after all, part of my job was knowing grades and things. Excellent stuff for him, despite his long history he had earned great marks in all subjects. And according to preliminary paperwork, he was looking to remain here at 259 for undergraduate college classes. Hmmm, that might just work out to my benefit. Let' see...
I looked up from the file and said, "You're looking to stay here for college work, right?"
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Post by Kevala Badoer on Nov 27, 2009 21:53:11 GMT -8
She was pleased to see Gabriel. Though that was usually the case, this time she felt herself relax as she let out a sigh and grabbed up her phone, punching out another text to tell Spike to stay home with the twins and that she would explain later. Hitting send she would lean back against the wall.
Those eyes watching over Gabriel as that Farren guy pulled out his folder. Oh this was gonna be interesting. Was he going to try and pull some shit with Gabe now? She soo hoped he would. It would make her day to see Gabriel handle this guy.
He had threatened her kids! What did you expect!? Drawing in a deep breath she would wait to see where Gabriel moved to and would then take her place beside him. All the while not letting Farren out of her sight. She knew that it had to be odd to Gabriel for her to have texted him for help, but at the same time, he had to be seeing that there was something going on? Right?
"Yes, Gabriel. Farren here was just explaining to me that basically bad things could happen to Aiden and Kazumi if I do not feed him information on you and Leon when he asks."
She settled down beside Gabriel and would cross her arms over her chest, casting a firey red gaze toward him before turning back to Farren to see what was to happen now.
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