Who: Carter (open or can serve as a narrative) What: Looking for information When: Today and into tonight Where: Hell (yes, that hell) then Fangtasia Warnings: Not really
While Azazeal, Viktoria, and the others celebrated the birth of the little one, Carter remained troubled. Relief spread throughout the inn, but the danger was far from being over. In fact, Carter wondered if the danger posed from his side had become more dangerous after the birth. The demons wanted the child to be born with the ability to bring about the end of days but instead now she would grow up as any normal child should and her parents would be able to enjoy her childhood properly. Liliya was more vulnerable while their guards were down and she was out in the open. Tiny and fragile.
Normally Carter didn't take any direct steps to intervene, but he had defended the inn when they came under attack on Christmas. Killing a few demons didn't seem to bother anyone that might have been watching him. Now he was back to mostly observing and gathering information to pass on to the appropriate party. He'd conversed with Jerome about his trip down to the pit and both agreed that it was probably best to see if he did the job himself rather than Jerome even if it was more his home than Cater's. The demons couldn't touch Carter like they could with Jerome or Roman. This was the best optiom available, so he took it.
No matter how many times he'd been, he never quite was able to adjust to the jolt of the trip. It was never a pleasure trip and one that angels did only for necessity. He kept to the more administrative areas and didn't dare venture into the more... creative areas. The last time he was here was to give a statement for both Jerome and Roman after Georgina had once again given up her soul for another. Honorable, yes. Foolish? Perhaps.
An old friend was sitting at one of the desks when he entered the main office and so he put on a smile. "Why, hello, Hugh. A pleasure to see you again." The imp looked shocked to see Carter approaching but he kept on his smile. He'd vouched for Jerome and his son, but the archdemon's employees? He wasn't going to push it.
"Carter. I didn't expect to see you here. Ever."
Carter waved off the remark with his hand. "Oh, I tend to catch up with the local gossip from time to time. There isn't nearly as much as there once was back in Seattle, you know. I'll tell Jerome and Georgina hello if you wish."
Hugh didn't exactly grimace, but the look he gave Carter wasn't a smile either. "That would be very nice, thank you." He made a show of straightening some of his files and kept his gaze away from the angel's. "What can I do for you?"
"Oh, I was hoping to see what you had learned of the happenings above, or if you were informed, that is. Jerome and I have been quite busy." Not that anyone else would know it. The pair had a great skill of looking incredibly bored or at ease when in fact they were on the job continually. It's something they'd perfected over the centuries working with each other but also against each other. "Azazeal has been otherwise occupied as of late, so someone has to pick up the slack, you see."
"Occupied. Right." Hugh practically snorted and shook his head. "Fatherhood makes you do crazy shit."
Carter smiled and casually leaned against the desk. "It's a shame you haven't been able to meet the little one. She would be quite taken with you, I'm sure of it."
"I doubt that, but thanks." Hugh looked up at him again, exasperation written on his face. This amused Carter because it was a look he and Peter both used to give him and it made him miss their old group. Succubus, demons, imp, vampires, and all.
"I think you know why I'm here," he said finally and grew more serious. "You know the cost if either of our allegiances are crossed." He took the chance to play on fears Hugh might have and it seemed to be working.
Hugh stayed silent for a moment. He might have disliked Carter, but a part of him did trust the angel as strange as that may seem to outsiders. "I haven't heard of any news other than the announcement that was made briefly." He gave Carter a knowing look and that told him all he needed to know.
"Ah, well, that's disappointing isn't it? I was so hoping to hear your perspective on the subject. Very well. I suppose I must be on my way then." He brushed off his old and tattered coat lightly. "I stay here any longer and I'll never get the sulfur smell out and this is my best suit." He started to walk away but turned back to Hugh once more. "I'll give Georgina your regards." Because even if Hugh didn't care about Jerome's wellbeing, Carter knew he'd always care for Georgina's.
Leaving the building, Carter was back in the wilderness of Everett in a blink of an eye. It was always easier to leave the pit than enter it. He'd speak to Jerome later, but decided to head towards one of his favorite spots in all of the city. Even if it was owned and operated by a group of vampires.
Entering the bar, he took his usual seat by the bar and ordered a brandy. Taking a long sip, he washed away the taste of sulfur from his throat. They didn't have his brand of wine for some strange reason, so beggars could hardly be choosers.