Dorian Sloan (nullumpotentia) wrote in destructionisle, @ 2019-07-03 22:03:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, dorian sloan, laura finn, npc: caitlyn finn, roman skye |
Who: Laura and Dorian, NPC Caitlyn; later Roman Skye
What: Planning the next move
When: Friday, June 28th, 6:00pm
Where: 401 Justice Drive
Rating: none
Status: Complete!
Laura had just begun to get comfortable enough with the Island to venture off to the Marketplace. She was planning to find a job, something to keep herself occupied. She was worried that her growing fatigue was really just laziness, and the best way to counter that was to keep busy. She’d only been out of the house for a few hours when Caitlyn came running to find her, terrified and inconsolable.
It took a while to get the whole story straight, but once she did it took everything within her to stay calm. Her blood was boiling, but she knew she had to keep it together for her daughter. Bringing her back home, Laura sat on the couch, holding Caitlyn close as she glared at the broken front door. Fishing out her phone, she texted Dorian that something bad happened. She knew he would respond soon, or return home, whichever he was able to do first. For now, she just had to help Caitlyn calm down and reassure her that everything would be okay.
---
Dorian taking it easy - making new friends, finding new things to read. He had already established a rule for any new friends - only brief visits if they came by the Finn residence. He was happy that he had re-established his confidence and sense of calm after the talk he had with Caspian a week or so back. Yet he had started to feel something was off or strange, but he discounted it as recalling a scene from the latest book he had read.
He was in the Facility’s library, pulling another Vampire Chronicles book off the shelf to check out when he got the text. Putting the book on a random shelf, Dorian hurried out of the library and the Facility. All he could think about is getting to the house. He didn’t stop until he reached the broken front door. The tall man took a cautious step inside and saw Laura and Caitlyn, but no Caspian. Breathing through his nose, Dorian worked to calm himself. They needed his strength.
He rounded the couch and sat down beside them. “What...happened? Caspian?”
---
When he joined them, Caitlyn shifted away from her mother to hug Dorian, beginning to cry again. Laura let her go, looking to him with a troubled glance. “She said police broke in and hurt him, then took him away. They said he did something wrong. I should have been here.”
Taking a deep breath, she stood and began to pace slowly. “They probably took him to that place, that big creepy building.”
--
Dorian swallowed a breath as he wrapped his arms around Caitlyn, holding her close to him. He gently rubbed her back and gently kissed the top of her head. “I should have been here,” he echoed.
Then Dorian whispered, “We’ll get him back. I’ll try to find out what is going on. There’s a liaison for the residents...us...that is trying to make things good for us with the government. His name is Roman.”
His mind had one sharp question - why didn’t I feel it when he was taken? Or was that feeling in the library Caspian being abducted?
--
Sighing, Laura stared at the floor as she paced. Without Caitlyn to comfort, she felt her body temperature quickly rising with her anger. “Is your friend really going to be able to help?” She trusted Dorian without question, but these other people here had yet to earn her trust. Then again, she hadn’t given many an opportunity to do so. At the moment, she didn’t care. She wanted Caspian back, she needed him back.
--
“I don’t know, but it wouldn’t hurt to ask. If he has connections and truly has our interests in mind, I think I need to try.” Dorian replied and then slowly reached out a hand to Laura. “I have his number.”
--
Laura glanced to Dorian but she didn’t take his hand. Folding her arms tightly around herself, she continued to pace, keeping a safe distance from them just in case. Right now, she wanted something, or someone, to burn. But it would not be Caitlyn or Dorian. “Call him, please.”
--
Nodding, he kept an arm around Caitlyn as he pulled his phone from his pocket and began to text Roman. ‘Roman, can you help me? A friend of mine has been taken by the police. The police broke down the door, hurt him, and took him away.’
Dorian conversed with Roman via text for a couple more responses and then he stopped and looked up at Laura. “He would like to meet with you and Caitlyn if that is okay. He wants to know what happened so he can build a case. I told him I’d ask you.”
--
Laura stopped and looked to Dorian when he spoke up. She frowned, her eyes drifting to Caitlyn. She’d already been through so much, too much. She didn’t want her to have to undergo questioning too. But, if it could get Cas back… Laura hesitated before reluctantly nodding. “Okay.”
--
Dorian watched Laura. He’d do anything to get Caspian back. And sometimes fighting back with aggression wasn’t the way. They had to be smart about this. Nodding, he texted to Roman ‘She said okay.”
A few moments passed and Roman replied. Dorian read it carefully and looked up at Laura. “He would like to know when is a good time to stop by. And he asks us to keep our communications to others to a minimum until he has talked to everyone.”
—
As Dorian texted, Caitlyn returned to her mother. Sitting on the edge of the chair, Laura hugged her daughter tightly and took her into her lap, holding her gently. Instantly, she lowered her rising temperature to just warm enough to be comforting to the little girl without scorching her.
Looking to Dorian, Laura nodded with a sigh. “As soon as he can come. I don’t care what time.” She knew she wasn’t going to rest until Caspian was home and safe again.
--
He breathed deeply to ease his anxiety down. Yet he was worried about feeling anything from his bond with Caspian. Nodding, he replied to Roman, ’As soon as you possibly can, please.’
Receiving a reply and request for the address, Dorian quickly texted it back to Roman and thanked him. Then he read Roman’s instructions. Lifting his head to look over at Laura and Caitlyn, he spoke, “He’ll be here shortly. Let’s stay where we are. He doesn’t want us touching anything.”
—
It took nearly half an hour before Roman would arrive at 401 Justice Drive. From the sidewalk beyond the sweeping lawn he could see the multitude of boot prints in the crushed grass, the way the door clung to it’s hinge offering only a gaping chasm where a once tidy barrier once sat snug. Phone would come out of his pocket long enough to take a few photographs of the scene from the point of view of the bystanders. Had this been an issue he gave any ounce of care for he would’ve hurried faster to get there. As it was, he did his best to arrive at the residence promptly.
When the conclusion of the photos came and he was satisfied, Roman walked up to the shambles of doorway. A head would be poked inside, “Excuse me,” he called softly, looking around before letting himself into the home. “Don’t be alarmed, please. I’m Roman Skye, the liaison. I’m here to do a bit of analysis and gather a bit of evidence.”
Phone still in hand he snapped a few photos of the entryway; things here and there were awry. He stepped over a bit of debris not wanting dirt on his polished leather Italian shoes, before moving further down the foyer corridor.
—
In the interim, Laura had been able to calm down Caitlyn enough to settle her in with a book. She didn’t want to go to her room and Laura felt more comfortable having her within eye sight in case anything else happened.
She’d gone back to pacing when she heard the stranger enter, moving quickly to the foyer, she met the man as he came in. “Hello. I’m Laura Finn.”
—
Dorian had been watching the doorway as Laura calmed and settled Caitlyn. He looked over at them from time to time along with his phone in case Roman texted again before he arrived. As soon as Laura heard Roman and moved to the foyer, Dorian stood up and moved to where he could see into and be seen from the foyer, but also keep an eye on Caitlyn.
---
Bag would be set down on the floor at his feet and the hand without the phone in it would be extended out courteously toward Laura. “Mrs. Finn, I presume. Dorian has told me a little bit about what happened here to your husband. If I have your permission, I’d like to do a bit of looking around. Take some pictures of the scene, and speak with your daughter. Caitlyn, was it? You’re able to be present the entire time, of course. She needs her mother right now.”
Eyes would lift. His gaze found Dorian’s and held it, offering a silent greeting. And then his observation would take him around the place. “I can say confidently that, just from what I’m seeing, there’s a clear violation of your rights. Breaking and entering, possible assault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping.”
“Would you permit me to have a look around? How is your daughter doing? Is she alright?”
—
Laura was barely able to hide a cringe when Roman rattled off the list of crimes that occured in this house that was supposed to be her home. She glanced to Dorian, this was his friend, and as such she’d trust him if Dorian trusted him. So after a moment, she nodded and motioned to the kitchen to allow the man to do more investigation.
Caitlyn appeared from the other room, looking between the adults before moving to her mother’s side once more when she heard the bit about being questioned. Laura wrapped her arms around her protectively, but stayed quiet for now. Something about all of this felt off, but she couldn’t put her finger on why.
--
Dorian stepped a little more in the foyer, watching and listening. He blinked slowly as his eyes made contact with Roman’s. The liaison was the only person he immediately knew that could help him without using any mutant ability to rip the government facility a part. The young man looked over at Laura, catching her glance.
His eyes went to Caitlyn as she came into the room and went to Laura’s side. Stepping over to stay out of the way, Dorian’s attention went back to Roman.
---
At the cold shoulder rebuttal to his politeness Roman offered a smile. “Wonderful. Let’s get to work then.” It was with about as much zeal as one could muster for such a thing, especially considering the feelings he was picking up on toward him. That came with the job though.
His phone went into his pocket and the bag he’d set down was grabbed up. More examination would be done of the foyer, the living area, and the kitchen. He took notes of what he saw, where the event seemed to have taken place, and where most of the action was determined to be.
After he was done with that it was time to ask questions.
Phone would be taken up again and Roman turned to Laura and Caitlyn. “Would you mind, Caitlyn, if I asked you a few questions about what happened? We can stop any time.” He knelt down to her level so as not to intimidate the girl with his height. “Would you like to sit down? At the table, or on the couch?”
He looked up at Laura for approval, direction.
—
Laura stood aside, watching warily as Roman took photos and made notes of what he saw. While she realized she may have come off cold, she thought she was doing quite well holding it together right now. And letting a stranger into the house, after this, well, she deserved an award.
The fact that Dorian said little worried Laura. She’d thought enlisting his friend for help would have been a good call to action, but now she was unsure. When Roman asked for permission to interview her daughter, she once again looked to Dorian for his opinion before reluctantly nodding.
Caitlyn clung to her mother, but when the man spoke to her, so pointed over to the couch before leading him there, pulling Laura along with them. They both sat, awaiting Roman’s questions.
--
Dorian didn’t want to seem too preferential towards Roman. He wanted the Finn family back together. If Roman was a liaison for the residents, to make things better, asking him to come was the best thing.
He looked over at Laura and nodded. They had to hope this was the correct course of action. Dorian moved closer to Laura and Caitlyn to show solidarity.
Following, the young man spoke. “Are you going to be able to get Caspian back to us?”
--
As the motion was given to the couch he nodded and stood up slowly, following after. The distance was closed in a few steps and once more Roman was lowering himself down to Caitlyn’s level. He held up his phone. “Caitlyn, my name is Roman. I want to help you and your family,” he began, offering her the mobile device to examine if she chose. “I’m sure you’re a very capable young lady, would you be alright if I asked you questions about what happened to your daddy? Would you be alright if I recorded you so I can make notes of your account later?”
His eyes would go to her mother before he dared as the girl why questions further. Turning to look at Dorian, Roman sighed. “I won’t make you a promise I cannot keep, however my expert opinion would be favorable for bringing him home, and soon.”
Attention would come back to Caitlyn, awaiting the approval of the girl.
—
Caitlyn hesitantly took the phone, looking it over a moment before handing it back. Laura wrapped her arm around Caitlyn again, stroking her hair. She whispered to her that it was okay to talk, if she wanted to. Laura certainly wasn’t going to force her to do anything, she’d been through enough as it was. But after a moments silence, Caitlyn consented to the interview.
When Roman looked to her, Laura gave a little nod. She glanced to Dorian, trying to read his face to see if he believed Roman’s words. But she couldn’t help herself from speaking up. “We want him home, whatever it takes.”
---
“Okay,” Dorian nodded as he took a seat in a chair by the couch. The first step was to get Caspian back. Then he wanted to somehow find a way to get the Finns off the island.
He watched as Roman spoke to Caitlyn, wishing he could send his strength to the little girl to help her through this. Catching Laura’s eyes, Dorian nodded that he did believe in what Roman said. They had to hope this was the right way. “Whatever it takes,” Dorian echoed Laura, directing it towards Roman.
---
Playing dirty was in his realm of possibility. Roman would nod and his attention would fall on the girl. His phone was taken, turned on for the purpose of recording. “This is Roman Skye, I am sitting here with Caitlyn Finn, daughter of Caspian and Laura Finn. She has consented to questioning, her mother is here with her. We also have Dorian in the room.”
“Caitlyn,” he began, softly, “Would you please tell me how old you are?” When the girl answered he smiled at her, “Thank you. Now, you understand that I have questions for you, ones that you might not want to answer. If you need to stop, please tell me. But to get your daddy back home I need your help. You saw what happened, I need you to tell me everything. What you heard, what was said, where you were standing, where Caspian was standing. Alright?”
With patience he waited as the girl recounted her side of the story. Tears were heard, they had to stop once for her to collect herself as the memories played out. Once it was finished Roman turned off his phone and he patted her hand. “Thank you. This is very helpful. I promise to do my best to bring him home.”
Roman backed up and stood, tucking his phone into his pocket. To Laura and Dorian a glance would go, and he tossed his head toward the battered front porch. He needed to talk to both of them alone.
Things would be gathered up, then, as he made to leave.
—
Laura stayed close, listening quietly as Caitlyn spoke. She didn’t say a word, not wanting to interrupt or distract her, but Laura did her best to comfort her through the process. Once the interview was complete, she gave her a tight hug and kissed the top of her head.
She was hesitant to leave her alone, but Laura did as she was asked, moving out to the porch with the men. She assured Caitlyn she would be right back, and left her on the couch with her book to read.
Once outside, she looked again to the broken door with a frown before looking to Roman. “Is there anything else we can do at the moment?”
--
Dorian stayed seated as Caitlyn spoke, his hands clasped together. He wanted to do more, help more. Once Caitlyn finished speaking and the interview was over, he whispered to her, “You did great.”
Rising, he followed them out on the porch and stood close to Laura. His eyes searched out Roman’s, looking for a glimmer of hope or some silent signal.
--
On the porch he looked at the both of them, “Before I took this job as liaison for the people I practiced law, and was quite good at it. I say we have a strong case against the Government.” His hand lifted to the doorway, “Just look at this blatant disregard for your respect as citizens. It’s more of a show than anything.”
Hand would lower to his side. “I’ll get him out. It might take a bit of leg work, but I can do it. I can’t tell you when, that’s not up to me. In the meantime watch yourselves. Travel in groups. I’m going to the detainment Facility right now to see if he’s awake and to get his perspective on things. If they allow visitors I’ll let you know. If not, they will soon.”
Roman clapped Dorian on the arm, “You did a good thing by calling me. Please do again if there’s anything further I can do.”
With that, Roman nodded at both of them and turned to head off of the porch.
—
Laura listened, furrowing her brow. She wasn’t sure what she was hoping for from this man, but she’d wanted a little more than the wait and see approach. Keeping quiet, she just nodded, arms folding beneath her chest as she tried to keep the fire at bay.
When he turned to go, Laura did think of a question to ask. “Is it safe for us to stay here? Or will they be back?”
--
Dorian listened, watching Laura for her reaction. He wanted Caspian back tonight. But there were hurdles, he was sure. And Roman had the expertise to work through whatever system (seemingly wrong) the government had in place for things like this.
He stilled for a half-moment when Roman clapped him on the arm. “I will. Thank you for coming over so quickly and going to the facility to see about Caspian.” The younger man responded.
Looking over at Laura, he was about to take a step towards Roman when Laura asked the question. Dorian had already planned to stay up all night to watch over Laura and Caitlyn.
--
Hearing the question Roman paused. He knew that one was coming and had an answer ready. Pivoting on his heel he looked at the woman on the porch, “Oh, you’re safe enough here. I will make sure the Mayor understands that you need your door fixed no later than yesterday, but by just looking at what took place they’ve gotten what they were after. I doubt you’ll see them again any time soon.”
If they were afraid, which he imagined they would be, there were other places to lodge. “Perhaps you have a friend or two who you might convince to stop by to stay with you? You’ve plenty enough space to accommodate a house guest or two.”
And moral support during times like these could be emotionally beneficial.
He waited to see if there was anything else, or any further questions.
—
Shifting uncomfortably, Laura studied Roman a little closer now as he spoke. She didn’t think he was the type to offer comforting words, and he did not prove her wrong. She didn’t trust him, but she didn’t trust many, so this was nothing new for her. She nodded once in response. “Thank you.”
Without another word, she turned and moved back inside to her daughter, not wanting to leave Caitlyn alone for longer than absolutely necessary.
--
As Roman replied to Laura’s question, explaining what needed to be done and then people who took Caspian wouldn’t be back, Dorian felt the mental bond he shared with Caspian softly hum in his mind with a sense of disorientation and a faint speaking of his name. He echoed back a thought in his mind of Caspian’s name. But he did not let Roman or Laura on to what was happening.
He looked over at Laura at her response, almost feeling the frustration coming off of her. Then he remained as she went back inside the house. Dorian turned back to Roman, taking a step closer to him. “Is there anything I can do to ensure that you will get Caspian released?” He spoke in a hushed voice.
--
A quirk of an eyebrow would come at the hushed inquiry. Clearly this man in custody was important to this family, it was intriguing. He had experienced grief, stress, trauma. But never to the level like this. A hand would lift, catching Dorian gently by an elbow as if to keep the man steady. “Just keep them distracted. The more they dwell on it the longer this process will feel.” Words were kept at a low tone as well, nearly murmured in a whisper.
“I’ll do what I can to see that this gets its fair share of attention, but I am quite a busy man. I have not only this case on my desk but those that have come before it. I am only one person, you know.”
The next move to make was Dorian’s. The back and forth exchange of words would remain quiet unless otherwise directed. He supposed, taking a wild guess, that whatever was on Dorian’s mind he wanted no one in the house to be privy to.
—
Dorian lifted his chin a little at Roman gently catching him by an elbow. “Okay.” He breathed. This family needed to be together - all of them.
“I know, I know,” he sighed as he searched out Roman’s eyes. “I understand.”
The younger man leaned a little closer and whispered, “If there is anything to make this your top priority, you would tell me, yes? Anything.” Dorian had persuaded people in the past to make deals that benefited him or Caspian.
---
Anything. That was a word that carried a lot of weight with it. He could think of a few things that might sway him to focus his time and energy solely on this case.
“Come by my office tomorrow. I’ll give you the updates as to what I’ve been able to follow up on. Let’s say, one?” A wink would be offered and Roman pulled back from Dorian.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.”
—
And Dorian knew just how much weight that word could carry. There were ways to get what you wanted - for selfish or selfless reasons.
“Okay. Thank you.” He didn’t miss that wink and nodded in return.
“See you tomorrow.” Dorian took a step back from the other man.
---
A wave would be given with the casual lifting of a hand before Roman turned and was moving down the sidewalk, away from the house. There was still work to do yet, and the detention center was not his favorite place to be. But in an effort to prove he wanted to try and could deliver as promised sacrifices would need to be made.
He only hoped that his presence would be well received.
---
Dorian took a deep breath, turned and went back into the house. Finding Laura and Caitlyn, he sighed as he looked at Laura. “Caspian’s waking up,” he whispered to her.
---
Exhausted from the traumatic events of the day, Caitlyn was half asleep already, curled up beside her mother. Before he could speak, Laura commented quietly. “You don’t need to make deals with the devil. We can find another way.”
Hearing his words, she shifted gears. “Is he alright?”
—
“If it requires me to make such a deal, I will,” Dorian replied, his jaw tightening. He had to. Circling the couch, he sat down in the closest chair.
“Disoriented, confused, faint.” The young man frowned.
---
Laura watched Dorian but didn’t argue. She had a feeling he wouldn’t listen to her anyway, it seemed he had his mind made up already.
Frowning as well, she leaned her head in her hands. “Do you think he’s hurt badly?”
--
Dorian would do what was needed to reunite this family, to keep them together. It was hard to think clearly when it came to the Finn trio.
Shaking his head, he spoke, “I don’t think so. But I’d think his head may be hurting.” It was common for overzealous idiots to go for the head.
--
Taking a deep breath, she rubbed her forehead and tried to pull it together. She didn’t like feeling powerless, no one did. But she knew she needed to stay calm and be smart and take care of everyone. They’d get through this, they had to. They’d been through too much to let it all go to hell this way.
Standing slowly, she covered Caitlyn in a blanket, letting her rest on the couch for now. She’d carry her to her room later. “There’s someone else I can try to talk to, but probably not until morning at the earliest. Do you have any other ideas of what we can do in the meantime?”
--
He had done as much as he could for now. But perhaps he could nudge Roman towards prioritizing Caspian tomorrow. Dorian was calm for now. He had to be for Laura’s sake. They were going to be together again and hopefully soon.
“In the meantime,” Dorian nodded as he stood up. “I think it’s best for you and Caitlyn to get some sleep. I’ll keep watch over the front door way.”
--
Laura just shook her head with a smirk. “I have a hard enough time getting to sleep on the average night, I won’t be getting any sleep tonight without him here. You go rest, I’ll can keep people out.” With a glance to the open doorway into the home, a door of fire appeared. She was able to control it just enough to block the entrance without damaging anything else around it. For now. She’d have to stay focused to prevent the fire from spreading. But at least focusing on that kept her from worrying too much.
--
“Okay,” he nodded. Then he turned and saw the door of fire appear. It wasn’t often that he saw her do such. It was dangerous and lovely. “Wake me if you need me.” Dorian added as he stepped over to her.
--
Laura nodded with a sigh. “I will. Rest well.” She would make a point not to wake him unless it was absolutely necessary. But hopefully the rest of the night would be quiet.