12-29-2023, 10:56 PM
Almaz hadn't turned out like he'd expected. First Jaxen Marveet recognizing him, then him disappearing, and then the monsters in the fight with the mark. How was he supposed to kidnap a guy who can kill monsters?
There had to be an angle. Ashton decided that it was best to hit Kallisti next. At least that was more his speed. He could compete with selling sex.
The lines were a little longer than he expected. But it had been worth the wait once he got inside the opulent show room. The bars were fully stocked, the servers and bartenders more than enough eye candy. The stage was full of beautiful performances. The one on now was a faux strip tease. The performer was behind a screen pulling of alluring outfits with various lighting and dance moves. The music was etherial and it was a beautiful seduction.
But it was the guy standing against the wall that drew his attention. His mark stood stoic. He had seen Ashton at the Almaz. Seen Jaxen disappear. He didn't seem to eye him anymore than anyone else but he saw the look that said he was going to watch him. Which was good. If he was watching him, it meant he'd be able to see his reactions to those he interacted with. There had to be an angle to this guy, some way in, something Ashton could use against him.
And it didn't take long to find that thing -- or rather that someone.
Ashton sat down at the bar. The bartenders came and went and when one finally stopped he saw the man on the wall tense up. It was the barest hint of movement. But Ashton knew how to read a person. Whoever this bartender was. He was something to his mark.
There had to be an angle. Ashton decided that it was best to hit Kallisti next. At least that was more his speed. He could compete with selling sex.
The lines were a little longer than he expected. But it had been worth the wait once he got inside the opulent show room. The bars were fully stocked, the servers and bartenders more than enough eye candy. The stage was full of beautiful performances. The one on now was a faux strip tease. The performer was behind a screen pulling of alluring outfits with various lighting and dance moves. The music was etherial and it was a beautiful seduction.
But it was the guy standing against the wall that drew his attention. His mark stood stoic. He had seen Ashton at the Almaz. Seen Jaxen disappear. He didn't seem to eye him anymore than anyone else but he saw the look that said he was going to watch him. Which was good. If he was watching him, it meant he'd be able to see his reactions to those he interacted with. There had to be an angle to this guy, some way in, something Ashton could use against him.
And it didn't take long to find that thing -- or rather that someone.
Ashton sat down at the bar. The bartenders came and went and when one finally stopped he saw the man on the wall tense up. It was the barest hint of movement. But Ashton knew how to read a person. Whoever this bartender was. He was something to his mark.