InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "toolbelt of love"

Julian Faust (agent_faust) wrote in la_vie_rpg,
@ 2008-04-30 13:49:00

Who: Faust, Alain, Victoire, Fancy OPEN
When: Wee hours of the morn, May 1st 1941.
Where: The Black Death Tavern, via Paris rail depot.
Summary: Faust oversees an operation before taking a nightcap.
Incomplete

This was not a part of the job that he particularly enjoyed. For one he was required to wear uniform. The tight collar scratched at his neck irritably.

He stood on the platform, his arms crossed and his legs stiff. The thick amber of the spotlights erected stung his eyes and he had to squint to see much of anything. He scanned over the carriages from left to right. Further down, their great sliding doors screeched and wailed as they ground shut.

The wave of activity eventually reached where he was standing. Men, both uniformed and not, hurried and were ferried into the station and onto the platforms. Despite the great sea of bodies, there was silence other than the clip clap of boots on cold stone.

As he watched the throng, with their faces ashen and colourless under the lights, a junior officer approached him.

“This one is for you sir,” he seemed to be indicating the unconscious man carried by two thick-set corporals.

When he said no more, Faust sniffed and cleared his throat, “Fine. Take him to my car.”

The corporals lifted the man sharply by the armpits and carried him across the platform, the points of his feet dragging over the floor.

Faust checked his watch and sighed impatiently.

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little_scary
2008-05-03 05:46 am UTC (link)

Alain Christophe Baptiste, alleged Marquis, stepped back into the shadows of the alley nearby to a motorcar. It was not as if his papers were not in order, not as if his story wouldn't hold up, far from it. No, it simply might be most wise not to be seen in such a place at such a time if it could be helped. If not, he'd spilled a bit of wine on his jacket already, and was a known play-boy with contacts who would be less than happy were he deported to a work camp. Apparent bit of a party-happy socialite, or no, there were certainly those in high places who at the least found him...entertaining. And, of course, if all else failed, well, best to cross that bridge only when one must.

It seemed that the Nazis were moving people again. People were not terribly interesting, at least not insofar as such shipments. Nazis, in his estimation, only slightly moreso.

No, it was other shipments that would more concern him. Still, he'd have someone look into this. Even the mildly curious could be important, after all.

Delicately, he sniffed the wind. It stank of fear and desperation. That was certainly no surprise. He was glad that Justine was not with him tonight. He'd taken her dancing, of course, as promised, the night before, keeping business particularly short and unobtrusive. For him, this night, this place was simply a point between others, a short distraction on what was becoming an increasingly complex and frequent night time ramble.

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agent_faust
2008-05-03 09:41 pm UTC (link)

The night wore on and the time came when the influx of new bodies started to wane. His presence at the depot had proven, as he'd expected, largely pointless and he took the first opportunity to retire.

He came to his car alone. Before getting in, he checked the back seat. As requested, the corporals had left their quarry unconscious and bruised, though hopefully not bleeding on the cream upholstery.

He searched his pockets for keys, but before he could find them a strange sensation came over him. One doesn't get a job such as his without a certain degree of self-preservation skills.

"Is someone there?" he called impatiently, not caring to scour the shadows.

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little_scary
2008-05-04 04:45 am UTC (link)

Now that was interesting. It's not as if Alain had been making so much as the slightest sound. True, there would be the odd person who'd get that sensation of being watched, but it wasn't really that common. His interest was vaguely piqued. He had nowhere to be for a bit. And life hadn't been nearly so exciting as it could be. He pulled out a cigarette, and stuck it between his lips.

"Yes." He replied in German, stepping out of the shadows, and dusting at the front of his wine-stained shirt. "I was just about to ask if you might have a match. I believe that I left my Zippo at the bar."

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	agent_faust 2008-05-04 04:55 am UTC (link)
	Julian was in similar thoughts. He procured a cigar from his glove compartment, lighting it before tossing the book of matches towards where the sound came from. Striding up to the figure, he took a drag before stating, "Papers, please." the please was a relative novelty that one didn't normally receive from him. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

little_scary
2008-05-04 05:26 am UTC (link)

Alain caught the matches easily, and drew out a small, neat, dark leather folder from his jacket pocket. He did it while holding out the jacket, so that the other could see what he was reaching for.

"But of course." He continued in German. "Quite in order, you'll see." Quite a boon, really, that his 'father' had kept cordial relations with Germans in general over the years, and a few of the powers that be in particular, really. There had even been some intermarriage of nobility. It was also not as if they did not have extensive legitimate business holdings in France and abroad. It made it so much easier to hide the rest.

He knew that his own files would likely read something to the effect of that he dabbled in same, and that he was a social creature, dancing and drinking with the who's who when not slumming it. Duty to family, yes, but wine, women, song moreso. Completely apolitical. Protected by various family and social ties, at least unless he did something truly... unfortunate. Such was not made to seem likely.

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agent_faust
2008-05-04 05:41 am UTC (link)

"Very well," he said, casting a fleeting eye over the papers. The name rang a bell, though not from his notebook. Perhaps from some file at headquarters? He would have to look into it.

"Regardless," he began, stepping closer, "papers or no, what a citizen your calibre is doing skulking round a military facility at such an hour is quite a question. Can I offer you a ride home," he continued, casting a rueful eye over the stained clothing, "or perhaps to another wine house?"

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little_scary
2008-05-04 05:45 am UTC (link)

"Ah...considering that I have little idea of why I am here, aside from something about clearing my head from the drinking already done? Home would probably be the best idea. Unfortunately, I tend to seldom take that route of late, so another drinking establishment might not be entirely out of the question. Of course, then I'd owe you a drink. I'm probably almost still drunk enough to be insistant, so I'd have to ask if your...ah...business can wait?"

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	agent_faust 2008-05-04 06:02 am UTC (link)
	He didn't believe his companion's claims, though steering him away should suffice. Besides, after that shift he could do with a nightcap. Glancing at the unconscious body in the car, he replied, "It can wait. Shall we?" He moved toward the car. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

little_scary
2008-05-04 06:10 am UTC (link)

"Why not?" Said Alain, fully prepared to slide into the car, and just go. At least the night was turning out more interestingly. Of course, he'd just managed to come to the attention of someone who was probably quite dangerous, but that shouldn't be too much of an issue. It might even gain him something in the longer term. Alain was fine with a bit of patience.

The door was open, so Alain climbed in. He could smell a bit of blood on the gentleman in back, and hoped for his sake that he'd be more fully a corpse sooner than later. The thought was pretty much an idle one. He wondered what the man had done, or what they thought he'd done, but more importantly, perhaps, how he'd gotten caught at it.

"Not so bad a night after the winter we had."

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agent_faust
2008-05-04 06:18 am UTC (link)

Not one who was comfortable in uniform, he stripped off his dress tunic and rolled his sleeves before taking the driver's seat.

"I couldn't agree more," he replied.

"Don't mind him," he said, noting his passengers interest in the body prone in the back, "he's had more to drink than you."

As he brought the car to life and began to roll down the street, he thought it was polite to introduce himself.

"I'm Faust."

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little_scary
2008-05-04 06:23 am UTC (link)

"A pleasure to meet you, Faust. I am Alain. Of course, you already know that, but it's probably easier than calling me any of the rest. It does seem he's had quite the night, doesn't it?"

He wondered if it might be setting off any of those little alarm bells for his companion that he was apparently neither nervous, nor afraid. Of course, that could be signs of an utterly clear conscience, but he was also well aware that that didn't always save a person these days from some very ugly fates. Ah, well. This was still far more entertaining than dealing with his next contact. That one could wait. It would frankly be best to let the man sweat it out a bit.

"So, which establishment do you prefer? I know a good many of them..." He tried to sound rueful, and mostly succeeded.

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agent_faust
2008-05-04 06:32 am UTC (link)

Perhaps Julian's nerves would be pricked if he had any, though it more than likely never occurred to him that nonchalance in the face of brutality could be construed as a curious reaction. After all this was, at best, a police state.

"I don't doubt that you do," he replied, smiling vaguely, "and one should always turn to the seasoned drinker for the correct venue. Though the quieter the better, if you please."

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	little_scary 2008-05-04 06:44 am UTC (link)
	"The Black Death is a reasonably quiet place, and nearby, though, the ladies, they are of the exceptionally, ah, friendly variety, if you get my drift. Not a bad place, though, and perhaps we can even have them scrounge up something especially decent in the way of potables. Make a left here..." (Reply to this) (Thread)

	agent_faust 2008-05-04 06:48 am UTC (link)
	"What a charming name," he mused wryly, "though I'll take your word." He followed Alain's directions through the city, and it was only a short journey. Pulling up, he turned to his companion, "this the place?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	little_scary 2008-05-04 06:53 am UTC (link)
	"This is indeed." Alain got out, and stretched. "The name may be a bit on the dramatic side, but I've found it a decently relaxing spot, all things considered. Not been in in a bit, but I'm certain little has changed. Some things seldom do, thank God." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	agent_faust 2008-05-04 06:57 am UTC (link)
	"Particularly bars, or so I've found," Faust riffed, stepping out of the car. He checked his quarry, still unconscious, before locking up. He checked his pockets for his cigars and wallet before stepping onto the pavement. "Very well Alain," he declared, turning to the tavern, "lead on." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	little_scary 2008-05-04 07:48 am UTC (link)
	Alain did indeed lead on. The atmosphere within was, indeed, quiet enough, at least at the moment, dark enough, and he quickly found a nicely secluded table where the two of them could sit down. "Not so bad, eh?" he grinned. "So, what would be your preferred poison?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

v_victorious
2008-05-04 05:53 pm UTC (link)

Victoire had been relatively bored that night. It wasn't terribly busy, and most of her usual customers came on different nights. She had been helping out here and there with things that needed to be done around the place, but other than that she stood around trying to look appealing for any incoming customers. She saw the pair of men enter and sit at one of the darker, more secluded table in the place.

Dying for something to entertain her, Victoire headed toward the table, smoothing out her long red hair and making sure her clothes weren't rumbled or crooked as she walked across the room.

"Bonsoir," she started, her voice low but audible. She supposed it sounded sexier that way. "I'm Victoire. Can I offer you gentleman anything?"

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	agent_faust 2008-05-04 07:17 pm UTC (link)
	"Brandy," Faust responded sourly, not looking up at the woman. He scraped his chair back and forth until he had the optimal slouch comfort, before flicking his eyes up to Alain. "Well, I have to hand it to you," he grinned as he looked about the room, "it's certainly low-key." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

fancy_lamorne
2008-05-05 09:47 pm UTC (link)

Fancy stood behind the bar serving drinks, having looked over the two gentleman as the arrived. She recognized one, but not the other.

She kept a closer eye on them when she saw Victoire approach them but for now she kept her distance. It wasn't that she didn't trust her employee. But the girl was young still and Fancy felt the need to see she was protected. Especially where Nazis were concerned.

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	v_victorious 2008-05-07 01:06 pm UTC (link)
	Victoire frowned slightly at the first man before saying, "One brandy." She turned to the other gentleman, her frown immediately disappearing as she fell back into her game. "And for you, mon cher?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

little_scary
2008-05-09 11:21 pm UTC (link)

"Yes, very nicely low-key" replied Alain in German. Then he turned to the young lady. "Brandy as well, please. The best that you have would be perfectly fine for both of us, of course."

He flashed her a smile, turning the charm up a couple of notches, though just on the periphery, there may have been something a touch predatory in the expression. Or perhaps it was just a trick of light.

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v_victorious
2008-05-10 03:13 pm UTC (link)

"Of course," Victoire replied, quirking her eyebrow before swishing back to the bar. Something about the second man made her feel a little on edge, but she pushed the feeling off as she took out two brandy glasses and poured the amber spirit into them before heading back to the table.

"Here you are gentlemen," she set the drinks before each of them, leaning over more than she normally would. If she wasn't going to get a customer out of these two, she was at least hoping for a large tip. "Can I get you boys anything else?"

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	agent_faust 2008-05-10 03:26 pm UTC (link)
	Patting his pocket, Julian turned to Victoire, "some matches wouldn't go amiss." Normally he'd be more polite, but he knew who this woman was. What this woman was. Taking his drink, he lifted it to toast, "to the best drink they have," he declared, a wry glint in his eye. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

little_scary
2008-05-14 07:24 pm UTC (link)

Alain chuckled. "May that be saying something!" He took a sip. He himself had nothing against whores. He'd known quite a few in his years, and had found a good many of them to be refreshingly honest about life, and far more decent than any number of those who would term themselves 'respectable'. He also generally preferred his true victims to be less easy. Still, that wouldn't keep him from enjoying the company of one that little bit extra. He liked to pay those especially well. Idly, he wondered how this one might look in diamonds.

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	v_victorious 2008-05-15 10:54 pm UTC (link)
	"Matches, yes." Victoire grabbed a box of matches that had been left on the table next to them. After tossing the box to Faust, she reached for her cigarette box, conveniently kept in the elastic of her thigh-high stockings. She put it in her mouth, letting it hang off her lips. "Do you mind?" she asked Alain. She had given up on getting anything out of Faust. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	agent_faust 2008-05-15 10:58 pm UTC (link)
	Catching the box, he struck a match and took a thick drag on a fresh cigar. His chair creaked as he leant back, puffing casually as he watched the scene with mild amusement. (Reply to this) (Parent)

little_scary
2008-05-17 04:40 am UTC (link)

Alain dug out one of Faust's matches from earlier, and struck it with a perfectly groomed fingernail, before holding it out to the lady. "I do not mind at all, as it happens."

He flashed her the charming smile again, and this time, it came without little warning bells, which may just have made it that much more dangerous.

"And what might your name be, Madameoiselle, if I might be so bold?" He rattled out his own, title included.

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	v_victorious 2008-05-17 12:51 pm UTC (link)
	Victoire leaned forward to light her cigarette, not looking away from the man's face as she did so. She had never heard of him before, nor had she seen him. At least there was one good thing about him -- his name was French. "Victoire," she replied, exhaling as she did so. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	little_scary 2008-05-30 04:41 am UTC (link)
	"Lovely." He replied. "It suits you." He winked at his companion. "Is the cognac to your liking?" Then back to her. "Do the ladies in this establishment enjoy a drink from time to time?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	agent_faust 2008-06-01 10:39 pm UTC (link)
	In the brief time he was given before Alain's attentions were otherwise diverted, he tipped his glass in appreciation before slugging on it liberally. Another puff on the cigar clouded him with smoke, his bronze eyes glimmering as they flicked between the flirtatious pair. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	little_scary 2008-06-28 04:57 am UTC (link)
	Having recieved his reply from the lady or not, and all in good time, Alain returned his focus to his drinking companion. "Did I not tell you that it was a good, solid establishment?" Alain chuckled. (Reply to this) (Parent)