InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "Spear and magic helmet?"

Noel Abbott (airspacey) wrote in oceancove,
@ 2011-06-03 13:11:00

Entry tags:

c: noel abbott, c: thomas mckinnon

Who: Noel Abbott, Thomas McKinnon.
What: Noel comes seeking help.
When: Friday afternoon.
Where: Law offices.
Rating: Pg
Status: Open and ongoing.

Noel had left the hotel around noon, heading into town. Surrounded by people escaping the office for a few moments of sunshine and a lunch out from behind the desk, she felt somewhat safe. It didn't take her long to locate the law offices that Henry had recommended. She stood across the street, watching a few people go in and out. She approached the building, and then retreated back to safety across the street. She repeated this a few more times, before actually entering the building. It was far too official, and stifling. Extremely nervous, fear settling in she started when the secretary spoke to her.

"I have- I have an appointment. I called a few days ago." Glanced at the clock behind the woman. "I'm a bit late, is it too late?" Her hands went into her pockets, curled onto herself, an attempt to appear smaller.

"I can reschedule, I'll come back," Before she could turn to get to the door, the secretary rose from behind the desk, and assured her that Mr. McKinnon would see her, and she just needs to wait for a moment. Noel watched as the secretary left, disappeared down a hall. The urge to disappear rose quickly, and she had in fact turned, took a few steps toward the door, when the sound of footsteps stopped her.

(Post a new comment)

forthedefense
2011-06-03 08:22 pm UTC (link)

Outside of a name and Henry's recommendation, Thomas didn't have a lot to go on regarding this particular client. In fact, when Donna swung into his doorframe and told him that there was a "Noel" here to see him, he blanked entirely and had to endure his secretary's 'come on, get with it' expression and accompanying hand gestures. Luckily memory kicked in, and he made it to the annex just as his visitor was angling for the door.

"Noel?" he ventured. 'Thought he saw her shoulders shrink up around her ears in a self-defense posture at the sound of her name. Henry had been right. Defend and protect was written all over this girl. She had been badly shaken by something, perhaps many somethings. He would have to proceed carefully.

"Hi, I'm Thomas." His voice dropped down to the soft, soothing dove mutter of doctors counseling their patients. "Would you like to talk?"

(Reply to this) (Thread)

airspacey
2011-06-03 10:53 pm UTC (link)

Noel turned to see the man who called her name. She took one more step toward the door, straightened, "Yes." Hesitant, but not too frightened. "Henry said I could trust you."

Now that would keep her there, but considering the vampire had bought her food without anything in return held some sway in her decision. "He said you'd be able to help me stay here, that I wouldn't be taken from here."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

forthedefense
2011-06-03 11:51 pm UTC (link)

"If that's what you want, I'd like to see if I can help." The analyst in Thomas had been trained to read body language like a pitcher read signals; he could adjust his tone and timbre according to what he was seeing. It was a subtle, less harmful form of manipulation and it had helped him get his foot in the door before.

"Henry's a good man," Thomas continued. "I trust him too." He paused to let her see the honesty in his expression. Then, "We can take a walk, if you want. We don't have to stay in my office. If you prefer."

Perhaps being outside, with the option to run, would make her feel more comfortable. He could almost hear Donna's eyebrows hitting the ceiling from behind him.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

airspacey
2011-06-04 01:10 am UTC (link)

"I'd like that." Her shoulders relaxed, face brightening with a slight smile. "If we could go outside. It's nice today." She didn't mind the rain that most people in this state complained about, and it certainly wasn't as warm as where she originally came from. It was a nice change.

Outside was fresh and clean and she could see trouble coming. She could also get away from this man if she needed to. "Just you?"

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

forthedefense
2011-06-04 02:53 am UTC (link)

"Just me," he confirmed. "My secretary is not much of a daylight person." Said even as Donna loudly rattled the coffee carafe around in its holder, making no secret of the fact that she did not appreciate pulling a double shift as Girl Friday.

"Tell you what," continued Thomas, "let's take a walk around the block. You can tell me what brought you here and, if by the time we get back around to the office you don't want to talk anymore, that's fine. We'll go our separate ways. I'll leave that up to you. Sound fair?"

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	airspacey 2011-06-14 04:40 pm UTC (link)
	Noel smiled again, feeling some of the tension and nerves evaporate. She headed for the door, the breeze gently buffeting her. Without thinking about it she twisted her fingers, the wind responding to her gesture, swirling into a little dust devil before dissipating. "You're a good lawyer aren't you Mr. McKinnon. Or do you protect the government?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	forthedefense 2011-06-15 01:06 am UTC (link)
	"I take it from your question that you believe you have to be one or the other." He held the door for her, feeling a puff of air at his lower back as she passed. "I protect my clients from whatever they need protection from. And I take that job very seriously." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

airspacey
2011-06-15 01:45 am UTC (link)

"You can't be a good person while protecting the bad ones." Childish logic, but it worked for her. She looked up at the sky, letting the gentle warmth of the sun wash over her for a moment. "Even if your clients need protection from something much larger than yourself?"

Her eyes focused on him, attention solely on him. She was aware that most didn't take her seriously, or found her too naive to function. It was a defense mechanism, and a thoroughly constructed one. "Mr. Doyle said you were good. So is the person I'm hiding from."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	forthedefense 2011-06-15 09:35 pm UTC (link)
	"I trust Henry -- Mr. Doyle -- and I like to think that the feeling is mutual. He told me about you. A little, I mean. He also told me about the...uniqueness of your situation." They passed under the dappled shade of a tree; the sidewalk was not crowded. They could speak in confidence. "Maybe if you told me more about it, I could see if I was able to help you." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

airspacey
2011-06-15 10:30 pm UTC (link)

"My father," she cleared her throat, reached, took his hand lightly feeling the warmth there as they walked. "My father is Benjamin Abbott." She knew he'd recognize the name, most did.

"He is the reason for my situation." They walked in silence for a few moments. "My mother got rid of me, and when I aged out of the foster system, he reached out to me and I ended up in a testing facility."

(Reply to this) (Parent)

forthedefense
2011-06-16 12:47 am UTC (link)

Thomas was more surprised by the name than the fact that she'd taken his hand. Benjamin Abbott. A former congressman, now state senator, thought by some to be gathering steam for a presidential bid in 2012. He was known for being a very vigorous orator, some would even say domineering. Thomas searched her profile for signs of proof. Sure enough, he could see shades of the man in the daughter's face.

His fingers rested easy in hers, movable at her discretion. "A testing facility?" he repeated. "Military? Medical?"

(Reply to this) (Thread)

airspacey
2011-06-16 01:13 am UTC (link)

"Both." Noel's hand turned, intertwining their fingers. "He refused to acknowledge me at first since I'm an illegitimate child. When my abilities came to light, I was welcomed. Somewhat."

"I thought at first it was because of what I was. To see if there was a way to get rid of it. Rather they found ways to use it offensively. And not just for personal protection." There was no hesitation in her voice. He either believed her or didn't. It was a far-fetched story, and he could easily dismiss her as crazy.

"I have proof if you need it, Mr. McKinnon."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

forthedefense
2011-06-16 08:25 pm UTC (link)

"I believe you." Then, more quietly, "I don't know anyone who'd make up a story like that. And please, call me Thomas." First names had more intimacy to them; if Thomas could earn her trust he would be well on his way to helping her with her problem. A problem which, as she continued to speak, grew more and more complex.

"You're saying that you were trained to be some kind of a weapon?"

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	airspacey 2011-06-16 09:00 pm UTC (link)
	"It wasn't like in the movies, but I was pushed to use what I have against others. I'd only ever used it for defensive purposes. They had a fire elemental as well-- since mine was considered too passive." "They learned a lot about the biology and source of most of the supernatural beings." She looked at him, "I'm glad you don't think I'm completely insane." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

forthedefense
2011-06-16 11:44 pm UTC (link)

"I had a banshee in my office this morning wondering if she had grounds for a lawsuit against a local radio station because they wouldn't let her sing the jingles." He smiled. "It takes a lot to throw me these days."

They rounded the corner onto a shady street. A group of children played on a grassy embankment nearby. As they ran by, Thomas noticed that a couple of them had tails. A lot to throw me, he thought again.

"How can I be of help to you?" he asked her.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	airspacey 2011-06-17 12:04 am UTC (link)
	"I'd like to stay here. Without the possibility of ever going back there. Ever." Shivering despite the mild warmth. "The place where I'm staying is a shit hole, but anywhere is better than there." Smiling as she watched the children play. "Is there anyway you can help me do that?" Squeezed his hand, "I can't go back." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

forthedefense
2011-06-17 12:09 am UTC (link)

It was a difficult question to answer. He had no real measure of her situation, or the seriousness of the research being performed. There were plenty of government agencies who would like to have her kind of power in their back pocket. Supernaturals were even more of a growing science than chemical warfare.

At the same time Thomas felt a powerful pull in his gut listening to her talk. He wanted to help her. He would have said almost anything at this point to assure her of that. He stepped down hard on reflex and glanced askance to her.

"Do you think they're coming after you?"

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

airspacey
2011-06-17 12:22 am UTC (link)

"My accounts are frozen. I had money at one point. My last two hundred is for a room at the Key Inn until I run out. I stopped at one point, and just twenty minutes after I left the place was swarming." She paused, "I don't know if they're looking for me, or if he's looking for me."

"I think when I came here, they hit a wall. I'd like to stay here. It's safe. I could have some normalcy." A small smile.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

	forthedefense 2011-06-17 12:29 am UTC (link)
	"I don't know what it would be; amnesty, an extradition --" he was speaking half to her, half to himself. The mechanics of keeping someone safe within the Cove were about as complex as nuclear test codes. He drew his lower lip between his teeth, thinking. "What about after the two hundred runs out? Do you have a place to stay?" (Reply to this) (Thread)

airspacey
2011-06-17 12:49 am UTC (link)

"I'll figure something out. The Key isn't the nicest place. It should do for a little bit." The hotel was one of the worst places in the Cove, cheap and used for the people who had fallen through the cracks.

"I need to heal up a bit, before trying to find work. I'm not skilled with a lot of things, I do photos, but I'm trying to track down cheap gear again." When she just mentions the aspect of photography her tone changes, brightening a bit.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

forthedefense
2011-06-17 12:56 am UTC (link)

Thomas made a mental note to check in with a few of his contacts in the Cove, to see about moving her to a new location. He knew the caliber of the Key and, while it was fine for a night or two, you didn't want to make a habit of occupancy. There were plenty of safehouses where she could lie low without fear of interference.

Her hand squeezed his when she talked about taking photos. Thomas seized on the change in tone, adopting a smile. "Photography? Really? What kinds of subjects?"

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

airspacey
2011-06-17 01:28 am UTC (link)

"People. It started out as people, but moved to supernaturals. I got out of high school and did a series on dhampir children. My foster mom at the time was fostering a set of dhampir twins. It actually got attention and I was given money." A shrug. "I'm burning through that now. It's something that makes sense. Light, exposure, aperture, film and the smells of developer it just makes me happy and makes so much sense."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	forthedefense 2011-06-17 07:19 pm UTC (link)
	"I might have something for you," Thomas said. "I know a couple of people at the Cove Herald. I could ask them if they're looking for photographers. Even if you did something on a freelance basis, it could be enough to get you out of The Key." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	airspacey 2011-06-17 07:26 pm UTC (link)
	Noel stopped, glancing at him. "You're willing to help me that much?" "Why?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	forthedefense 2011-06-17 07:44 pm UTC (link)
	"Because that's what people here do for each other," he replied. "We help if we can." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	airspacey 2011-06-17 07:53 pm UTC (link)
	"Why do you help people, Thomas?" She had encountered some of the help from the residents of the Cove, what she had allowed them to help her with. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

forthedefense
2011-06-17 09:02 pm UTC (link)

He didn't answer right away. It was the kind of question you had a patent answer for, but once you were actually asked you felt strange giving the standard line. He didn't want to condescend to her; he had a feeling that she'd see through that in an instant. The clip of her heels and his solid shoes made up some of the silence as he considered his answer.

"I suppose because it makes me feel good," he finally answered, knowing that that was the truth of it. "I like knowing that people are taken care of. I can't help everyone and I know that. But I like to try and do what I can."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	airspacey 2011-06-17 09:29 pm UTC (link)
	"Do you want to help me to make yourself feel good?" It may sound harsh, but it isn't. "Or is it because you like doing good?" (Reply to this) (Parent)

	forthedefense 2011-06-17 11:17 pm UTC (link)
	"I don't think it has to be one or the other," Thomas said. "Especially if the end result is the same." (Reply to this) (Thread)

	airspacey 2011-06-21 05:26 am UTC (link)
	"Then I will be back to see you." Noel nodded, accepted his answer as something that she could rely on. He wouldn't screw her over. Like others had. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	forthedefense 2011-06-22 12:32 am UTC (link)
	He did not immediately respond, but gently squeezed her fingers to let her know that he had heard. "Tell me about photography," he said, encouraged by her interest in something that had the potential to keep her here. "What got you interested in it?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	airspacey 2011-06-22 11:47 pm UTC (link)
	"I had the same foster home for my last two years of high school, and my foster mother was a photographer. She taught me all about it. Let me use her darkroom and showed me how to develop film." Noel did manage to find cheap gear, it was stashed in the back corner of the closet in the room she was staying in. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	forthedefense 2011-06-22 11:51 pm UTC (link)
	"I took a class as an undergrad in college," Thomas said, guiding her around a rip in the sidewalk. "I sucked at it. I didn't have the eye for framing a shot or anything. I liked the developing process, though. That was about it." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	airspacey 2011-06-23 12:01 am UTC (link)
	"I'd like to shoot you at some point." Studying Thomas' profile and build. "With the camera, naturally." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	forthedefense 2011-06-23 12:19 am UTC (link)
	He chuckled. "Naturally." Beat. "No, I'll put in a few phone calls if you want. A couple of the guys at the newspaper owe me favors. 'You think you might be interested in running around the Cove with a camera in your hand and getting paid for it?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	airspacey 2011-06-23 01:02 am UTC (link)
	"I'd appreciate it." Noel smiled at him. "That way I could repay your kindness properly." She could figure out a way to repay this man for his kindness, and Henry's. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	forthedefense 2011-06-25 04:01 am UTC (link)
	They had nearly circled back around to Thomas's building. He stopped on the sidewalk outside of the great glass doors and turned to regard her, his hand still in hers. "I'd like to help you stay here, Noel, if that's what you want." (Reply to this) (Parent)