Re: Ocean's Eleven - Seven Hills: Neil, Cris & Sam
[Neil didn't think anyone on staff had snuck the box in. Micah didn't know Sam was here. Very few people did. It was possible, of course, that the man could have discovered this information somehow but it didn't seem likely. How the heart had gotten in was a question that needed to be answered, but this was an expensive place, very concerned with appearances; why would anyone take such a risk? For money? No. Money wasn't an issue. Neil had intended to handle the situation one way, coming in, but apparently Cris had other ideas. He saw Sam, brow furrowed in concern, but his attention was drawn by the box, the picture, the agitated director who clearly wasn't having a good day either. Did it never end? Was this life for the foreseeable future?
He was quiet while Cris went into full cop mode. Thinking, thinking, as he tried to ignore the wish-itch under his skin. There would be no involvement of the authorities. No calling of news channels or legal teams. Cris could threaten all he liked, but ultimately Neil wasn't letting that happen. He knew people who wouldn't like the attention, and if he wanted to keep his pull in this city, in this door, it couldn't go public. That wouldn't do Sam any good either, and really, why keep her here? Even if the director could be convinced, she'd be staying in a hospital that didn't want her. She could get better care elsewhere at this point.
Finally, he spoke.] Please. We can handle this like civilized people, can't we? [Itch, itch, itch, and he was losing his patience with all of this. Neil moved forward and picked up the picture, the color seeping from his face. It certainly looked authentic. The heart, too. He looked at the director.] Do as the man says and sit down. I understand your concerns, but if you cooperate, everything will be fine. Make this difficult for us and you will have a great deal of unwanted attention on your hands. I promise you, the authorities won't be involved unless you force our hand. [His eyes narrowed.] You'll be generously compensated for your trouble. We can speak about that later.
[Maybe that wasn't how Cris was, but it was Neil's way. The way of the rich and powerful. He exhaled and turned his gaze to Cris.] We'll take a look at the security footage. See what it shows, and if he-- [a smile for the director, sharp] can provide a timeline. But Sam isn't staying here. Not after this. I can find somewhere else.
[Again, back to the director.] Now. As he was saying, what time was the outburst? Please. [It was too cool to be genuinely polite.]