InsaneJournal

( Accidental Voice Post - Backdated to before midnight )
( There’s the sound of a scuffle before anyone speaks. When Charles does speak, he sounds a little winded. )

You know, Irene darling, this would be quite a bit easier if I had both hands free.

[Irene sounds amused when she replies. Each word she speaks is punctuated by the sound of something whip-like striking flesh, and masculine sounding grunts of pain.]

Then I suggest you free yourself, Charles. I’m a bit busy at the moment and we both know you’re perfectly capable.

[A man gives a hiss of pain then there’s a thump as a body falls to the floor. Irene makes a clucking sound with her tongue.]

And I’m afraid I’m all out of sedatives. Such a terrible waste on this lot, too...

( There’s a pause and the sound of a struggle before Charles replies. He sounds ever so slightly annoyed. )

Well, yes, my dear, I’m perfectly capable but I’m ( a pause and the sound of a punch and a groan of pain ) I’m afraid I am a bit preoccupied at the moment. Makes things a bit more ( more scuffling ) difficult.

( a crash and glass breaking )

Happy? And I will have that repaired. I promise. ( a pause ) He’ll be fine. Just some broken bones and a concussion...and, I imagine, a desire to seek new employment.

[Irene chuckles lowly.] As though I care about the window. Or his welfare. You really need to stop giving me such credit, Charles. I do believe we’ve already discussed that terrible habit of yours, yes? [There’s the distinct sound of something leather hitting skin and a male-sounding yelp.]

Or shall we discuss it once more? I’ve certainly no objections to another [another sound whack and another yelp] chat.

[A brief pause, then Irene’s tone goes from amused to annoyed rather suddenly.] And now, they’ve destroyed my favourite portrait. I do believe that is quite enough of that. [A drawer is pulled open; a heartbeat later, there is a loud bang as a gun is fired.]

You all have to the count of three to remove yourselves from my home or, I promise you, I will begin shooting you in places you do not wish to be shot. [a gunshot rings out once more and a man screams in agony; there’s the thump of a body hitting the floor and the screaming continues; Irene sounds remarkably calm, even a touch cold]

Anyone else wish to press their luck and attempt to approach me rather than making their way toward the nearest exit?

( Charles laughs, and when he speaks he sounds fond and a tiny bit awe struck. ) The things you do with a riding crop. Positively wicked. ( Some movement then a small, almost involuntary sound of triumph ) Ah. There we go. At least now I can say with a good deal of certitude that I can fight with one hand tied behind my back. ( a loud thump as a body hits the wall ) Now that I can focus ( a pause ) And I would hardly object to another chat, once we’ve dealt with the problem at hand. I promise I will never fail to give you more credit than you think necessary.

( Charles is quiet as Irene breaks out the gun, almost too quiet. He’s still not entirely comfortable with guns. There’s a sharply hissed breath when Irene shoots one of the men. The moment passes quickly though. When the assailants don’t immediately leave, he speaks. His voice has a hard edge. )

Gentlemen, you will be leaving immediately. Your presence is terribly bothersome and we were rather busy before your intrusion. Now go. Or Miss Adler’s formidable skill with a gun will be the least of your worries. The choice is, of course, yours. ( There’s something in his voice that says it really isn’t. )

[There’s a moment of silence then the sound of footsteps shuffling toward the door, followed by it softly shutting. Irene’s tone is amused.]

Very nice. I daresay I’m even impressed. Now. [There is the sound of handcuffs clicking into place.] Where were we before we were so rudely interrupted? I’m afraid I’ve completely lost track.

( There’s a pause and the sound of someone shifting. Then Charles speaks, his voice lower with a quiet intensity. )

I suppose that would be enough to make a lady forget. ( a pause ) A moment, darling. ( a long pause ) Oh yes. ( another brief pause ) Bishop to E4.

( OOC: Just to reiterate, this took place before the changeover from action adventure to zombies. )