Twilights Hour

[fleurbelladonna]

Chay wasn't all too happy right now, but you definitely could not tell.

No Chay looked quite lovely tonight, other than her perpetually anorexic, ill waistline. Her hair was crimped and curled, hanging about her lovely, healthy face with grace, and her face itself was carefully and slightly adorned with only enough makeup, to make it fair and rosy.

She was cut tonight, in the latest pants outfit looking as though she'd just come from a meeting or a fashion show and she walked, like one might expect a model to. Chay had always had style, but it had been enhanced, by the hours she spent at home alone. After all, she had to take breaks in between reading those old medical texts that would collect dust if it weren't for her. All in all, Chay came across as this sweet, primped, good wife, that loved only the simple things- shopping, primping and cooking.

How wrong could everyone be about her? Well that was quite unsure wasn't it? Chay left no opportunity, for anyone to figure her out.

Tonight though, she felt a coolness in the air,that either meant there were eyes upon her, or a rainstorm was coming. Her eyes kept sweeping carefully around her, and her ears were open for any sound. One couldn't be too careful these days, not with stoneage around. And after all, she was the wife of a politician.

Not that he was very good at what he did, but then again, he was a politician after all...

[Eric]

He was dog walking. It was something Eric liked to do. Well. He walked one dog, the other dog ran wildly around occassionally sniffing at something but Jenny's main concern seemed to be running. Eric didn't use leads. He had no need to, both dogs twitched at his command and would growl, roll over, and tear out a persons throat if he so much as whispered them to.

So taking them for a walk and being completely certain they weren't going to fuck off any time soon was a small detail. Meg walked sedatly to heel, pausing occasionally to sniff something, relieve herself, or dig. Sometimes she ate something.

Eric smoked. He'd taken to carrying his gun. He shouldn't, but he'd taken to it nonetheless. Wasn't about to take anymore bullshit, if Stoneage were running around with weapons, why couldn't he? Course, he'd filled out special lisences and it was only a temporary thing, and it now meant he was on duty all of the time but he could about live with that.

Today he wore black BDU's. That was it. The jacket hung open loosely, loose enough to cover the two semi-automatic hand guns holstered around his shoulders. It was an akward position to draw from, but Eric knew he was quick and that was all that mattered. Tongue darted over his lips and he passed a woman who smelt as bored as he was, and probably eight times as arrogant dressed like that. Meg wandered on by, but Jenny the hairy, rag-tag half covered in mud panting mongrol darted over for a sniff.

She smelt the faint scent of drugs on her. Course, jenny was incapable of telling the difference between plants that made drugs and various illegal...things... and the actual items, but she smelt them nonetheless. The dog growled. Eric paused, half turning in the act of lighting a ciagrette and raised an eyebrow.

"Come on Jen." He said, lighting up cigarette dangling from his lips. "Her perfume ain't that bad."

[fleurbelladonna]

Chay laughed.

"Oh come now, I didn't use that much did I?" Her voice was light and perky, as she petted Jenny, not too worried about the mud. Every stain came out with something after all. "Aren't you a sweet puppy? What breed is she?"

She looked at Eric with a positive, friendly smile and disposition, but her eyes were giving him the look over. She was taking in, how strong he looked, what he might be carrying and what kind of mood he was in, by the way he stood, and carried herself. Not that she knew too much about these things, she had only listened in once, when waiting for her husband to finish a standard DPS safety course. But she had a very good memory. Well, he was certainly better looking than her husband, that was for sure.

"I'm sorry, must be so rude." She straightened up. "Chay Hartwell," She held out her hand. "And you must be..." She searched her memory. "Latner, I think?"

[Eric]

Jenny growled at the petting. She only allowed people to touch her at certain times. Never had been a very... people dog, it was clear Jenny was the sort of dog that worked, liked her owner and the only reason she wasn't a danger to anyone else was because she liked her owner. The sort of dog that you look into the eyes of and a see an intellegence that is almost human, and then teeth that remind you every dog, somehow, is a wolf.

"She's a mongrol." He pointed out, wondering how anyone could think a dog like Jenny was a breed. "This one is a Old Nadionian Sheepdog." Think like an old english sheepdog, only Meg has had her fur clipped short for maintence. Smoke streamed from Eric's mouth as he talked, watching her cautiously with pale green eyes. He didn't smile, he didn't grin, but he took her hand in a loose shake.

"Yea. Eric Latner. Jenny, heel." The dog growled again but trotted obdiently to Eric's heel and sat her rump down. Unconsiously, Eric wiped his hand on his jacket before sliding it into his pocket. Both dogs were now sat either side of his legs. Meg staring at something off down the park, and Jenny sitting glaring pointedly at the woman.

Hartwell meant fuck all to Eric. He paid little attention to the politics apart from who was giving him his orders, more than happy to slink off on an ops mission for six months and pretend this world wasn't real. His free hand plucked the cigarette from his lips, stance and poise slouched. He didn't look it, but Eric was a professional. Right now he looked like someone in their early twenties out walking dogs and not really paying attention.

But he was. Always aware of his surroundings. "Sorry about that ma'am, you must've been near something that makes something illegal. Jenny's a sniffer, patrol and gaurd dog all rolled into one. Sometimes she takes her job a little too seriously."

Right now, he didn't want to drag anyone else down into the cells because Jenny had smelled them out. That was just a pain in the ass.

[fleurbelladonna]

She listened to what he had to say about the "near illegal" stuff, quite glad that he had assumed this.

"Can't imagine what..." She said with a raised eyebrow and perplexed smile. She wanted to play with him, to drop him hints so subtle, that even he wouldn't get them, but she was cautious. It was too soon in the game after all, to get caught.

She could tell by the look he was giving, that she looked both positively stupid, and that he knew nothing about politics. This, was good. It meant that as usual, her charades had payed off. No one, must ever suspect that she was anything more than the dumb, spoiled housewife of a politician.

She didn't trust the dogs, she knew well, for her mother had had a few dogs, and her cat had been the smartest creature she'd ever met, how intelligent animals could be, especially when it pertained to their senses. But they seemed well under control, so that was alright, as long as they stayed that way.

Chay had a plan forming in her mind for this one, but it was still too soon. Even as she smiled placidly, she had her mental image, of his death. If she remembered correctly, from the scant information she gathered from her husband, this one, was in the special operations... Well he was automatically a threat and you know what they say, about keeping friends and enemies close.

"You know my husband just loves dogs." She said suddenly with great reverence. "I'm sure you two would have so much in common, how'd you like to come over for lunch on Friday? If your not doing anything that is."

This one, she would most certainly, have to keep an eye on.

[Eric]

"I'll pass." He said, simply glancing down at Jenny who was still trying to growl under her breath and not be heard. It's an interesting sight. The dog had it's teeth bared and it looked like it should be growling, but she wasn't. Clearly there was something she'd scented on this woman that she didn't like. Reaching around into his back pocket, Eric produced a notepad and a piece of paper and handed it over to Chay. "Although write down your address. Maybe I'll swing by when I get a few minutes."

And check out your apartment. Fuck, maybe I'll send over the substances team and they'd cream your place from top to bottom.

To say that Eric knew nothing about politics would be wrong. There was a difference between dis-interest and knowing nothing. He knew what he had to know. He paid attention to what way winds were blowing so he would be able to figure out what he could, and what he couldn't get away with. It had long been established that the whole Stoneage thing was Eric's territory.

Eyes were still fixed on the dog, though. One hand ashing his ciagrette right then and there wondering what the hell was running through the mutt's mind. What was she scenting? What was she seeing what he wasn't? Eyes flickered back to the woman, and this time he watched her. Really watched her. You learnt more from what was said between the words, Eric remembered James telling him.

What someone doesn't tell you is what you really want to hear. Jenny's reaction told him there was something plain fishy. They must pass dozens people that meddled in toxic substances. Drugs. Near gunpowder. Hell, the dog knew the difference between the high gradegun powder for a firearm and the cheap nasty shit used in fireworks. Which meant this woman smelt of something she really shouldn't be smelling of, and it wasn't just expensive perfume.

But on the other hand, it wasn't his problem. Or was it? She might be a member of Stoneage...Hrm.

"You know. I'm surprised your husband hasn't insisted you walk around with a gaurd. It's really only a matter of time before Stoneage decide to take a hostage as bargining power."

Eric *knew* that that wasn't Max's style. Why take a hostage when you can instill real, direct fear and just start killing people until it's only the bigwigs left and then they'd give in to save their own fat asses? But depending on this woman's reaction to the question...well. It might just tell Eric all he needed to know.

[fleurbelladonna]

"Oh he's suggested it." She said her tone sharpening to worry. Perhaps not completely genuine, but it came across mostly as that. "All this horrible nonsense with these terrorists running around and such, but I-I couldn't take away that guard from their other work just for me, and anyway, I don't go out often. Though, I could swear I was being followed," She paused. "its quite unnerving you know."

Maxwell Conner interested her, but no one, must ever know that. She knew well, that going near him, could be a death sentence, with a great emphasis on death, and yet there was something in these attacks he put through, that fascinated her. Though, a few of them looked much like they'd been done by children, and that was quite insulting. She was sure, he had little hand in anything he wasn't directly, and completely in control of. No one after all, was stupid enough to put their fate in someone else's hands. Well, no one intelligent.

Still, she looked quite, worried. Looked.

"I'm sure I'm just being paranoid though." She said with a slightly brightening disposition. "After all, all the news media and my husband, well he assures me that these people wouldn't attack so randomly and anyway, what would the want with me?"

Thats right, come off as stupid and careless, that's what everyone wants to think anyhow.

[Eric]

Ah. There. Slip up number one. Maxwell did attack randomly, or at least his lackies did. The random mall bombings. The bombing several weeks ago on the train. The suicide bombing kids. They served no purpose other than to distract and wreak havoc. Eyes flickered off to the side. To all intents and purposes Chay was acting like the normal indivdual. Perhaps a little too dim, but there was a very real possiblity she was that dumb.

Remember the Fool? The Fool is often unhindered by a wise-mans expectations. Eric dropped his cigarette on the ground and stomped it out, fingers wiping on his shirt before one hand slipped into a trouser pocket, the other moving around under his jacket to rest between his arm and side. Fingers less than an inch away from his fire arm.

"I wouldn't say that." He pointed out. "Stoneage is quite well practised in their random bombings. Normally it's just over enthusiastic kids all to willing to die for the cause that Maxwell put them up to. But he has been known to use them as diversionary tactics. Who is to say he won't tell someone to kidnapp you and cause a whole complicated ruckus? Your husband is an important figure. Of course he'd want you back. Hell, he's probably one of the men that reads my mission reports. Theres vast resources to devote to finding you. I wonder how many he would expand? I wonder if Conner would be interested in finding out..."

Eric watched her, still keeping up the slightly concerns but 'oh no I'm fine' unflappabilty of a woman. How would she react to that little peice of news, hmm? Careful careful Eric, don't want her to trip up over something too freakin' obvious.

[fleurbelladonna]

"Oh, oh I had no, Idea!" She seemed, to be quite uninformed, didn't she? That was the whole idea."My Jayson, he tells me so little. I expect he does it to keep me from being too worried. I don't do well under stress you see, my health and all," She trailed off, gazing off into nothing, looking quite disturbed at this information.

Well of course, she understood now, quite well that Maxwell Conner would want to wreak havoc, while the important work was done. Lead away the queen with a few pawns distraction, while you do away with the king.

Her husband really didn't tell her much, that was entirely honestly, she had to scrape for information, but she did well enough. She could get something out of her husband if she really wanted to, just took some good brandy, and a little coaxing.

"I suppose the news doesn't help much either do they?" Her smile was bashful, sheepish. "Just tell you to be on your guard and all that."

Was he suspicious of her? She couldn't tell.

[Eric]

He shrugged, one hand finally reaching out and petting Jenny on the head. Her lips unfurled and with and an enquiring look she peered up at Eric. The end of her tail hit the floor in a rather unenthusiastic wag. Meg had wandered a little further off in search of something interesting to sniff or eat, a clear indication that they should be getting on with their way.

"I imagine it's more for your safety ma'am. If Conner was to target a polticians spouse it would probably be for reasons of what they know, rather than who they know." He chuckled a little at that thought. "Maybe you should reconsider the whole gaurd thing. If not for the security then maybe for the company. Seems like your husband works long hours."

Twisting he began to move off, and gave a little nod of the head, which was his version of a bow. "Well, if you'll excuse me Ma'am, I best be off. The dogs like to get their dinner at regular hours and are beginning to get restless. Maybe I'll see you soon."

And with that Eric headed off down the pathway, dogs trotted obdiently along beside him, occasionally trotting off on explorations of their own. Fingers began to sift about for his cigarettes again. Something was up with Chay. Eric didn't like it. He didn't like it at all. Something was terribly wrong with the whole affair, and her reactions had been like she'd not been living in this century, never mind this city.

So clearly, they were lies. Now she was either trying to act stupid so he would feel all bravdo-esq, or she was hiding something. Covering up something for her husband? Covering up something for a friend? Covering up something for herself? He'd never know until he'd had a look around her apartment. Anyone living in an area always leaves something behind. Even someone as meticulous as Maxwell. Staying still bring complacently, and with complacently brings carelessness.

Whatever it was Jenny had smelt, Chay was obviously dealing in it. So whatever that was, was precisly what Eric would have to find out. Not now, of course. Had other fish to fry.

[fleurbelladonna]

Chay nodded in agreement, a pleasant and amused smile on her face, because clearly that was supposed to be amusing. She waived her goodbye and turned to leave herself, appearing to be quick about it, till Eric was slightly out of range, then she leaned up against a tree in thought.

If he was on to her, this was trouble. It was her fault for stopping in the first place, but she supposed it might've happened eventually anyhow. Still, now she had one more thing to worry about, that is if he did suspect her. She hoped to god he didn't, that would be so much work.

Chay was far too concerned with new problems forming in her head, new things she must do and new ways that had just popped up, to kill her husband... to notice much of anything. Not that she was afraid, after all, if this Maxwell Conner was as much a genius as everyone said he was, were she to meet him, she'd just have to shake his hand.

Everyone needs an idol after all.

[Eric]

Meg's ears pricked. She darted off into the trees. Eric was out of hearing range of Chay, but if she was observant she'd still be able to see him. As Meg ran off, Eric twisted and straighted up, hands coming out of his pockets as Jenny barked and ran after Meg. One hand withdrew one his weapons and a small torch. Holding the torch in his left he turned it on, balanced the handgun on his left wrist and moved through.

It was the means of sighting a weapon that doesn't have any light on it. Then he moved off into the trees. Meg had vanished off somewhere, and Jenny was trotting back, crunching a dog biscuit.

Eric glanced at her, and swore as he heard a weapon cocking. Bringing his own around he pointed it towards the sound and there, clear as crystal in the torch light like some sort of ghost, was Max.

Eric swore.

Max had his own firearm cocked and ready. Eric would never be able to out draw the terrorist. He glared.

"Conner."

"Latner."

"What do you want?"

My dog has been shot. I need you to fix him. You aware that there's a woman watching you?"

"Yes."

"She's up to something. Stinks of plants.

"I know."

"Good."

Their voices travelled, but just as voices. The words were whispered and undecipherable.

[fleurbelladonna]

Chay was thinking deep thoughts, careful and calculating, until she noted, that someone wasn't too far away. Who though?

She stopped trying to see them and stayed a good distance away. So instead, she tried to listen, and it wasn't any good. Not with the wind carrying the voices away, and how soft they must've been, to begin with. No, she'd just have to forgo finding out what the hell was going on. It was disappointing though, she might've been able to use it to her advantage. Still, at least she wasn't stupid enough to try and inch closer.

No Chay knew how to protect her own ass, and right now the method to that madness was to walk the other way.

A slight ways down the path she stopped at the exit and entrance to the park and leaned against the gateway with a stretch and a yawn. There really was no reason to go home so soon, it was still quite early and besides that her husband was still bound to be awake. No, best to return when he had gone to bed. Then she could do some reading and some thinking. But for now she would lean here, and enjoy the night.