3.47 – Suits and Sneakers
“Can’t we just go to Men’s Warehouse or something,” the
tailor scoffs at my suggestion.
“That stuff is cheap, ready to wear off the shelf. You’re
going to need something that makes you look important,” Destiny explains.
“Couldn’t I just rent a tuxedo again?”
“Rent, a tuxedo? Someone isn’t used to class. You should
thank the lady,” the tailor jots some numbers down on his notepad.
“We’re not going to a tuxedo event. This is more of a
business meeting than a rich people party,” Destiny tries to not laugh at the
tailor.
“So, who are we going to meet with?”
“The heads of the Marson House,” Destiny says calmly.
“I’m sorry, could you repeat that.”
“Local heads of the Marson House.”
“Didn’t we just rob them, kill a bunch of their people, and
that’s where your nemesis Chloe is sworn to, right?”
“That’s exactly them,” she shrugs.
“Why are you so calm about this?”
“Chloe is getting married to one of the sons of the Marson
family. She’s obligated to squash any beefs before she officially marries into
the family. I’m a beef she needs to settled.”
“Sir, there’s no need to worry about the suit,” I call out
to the tailor.
“Nonsense, I have the perfect color for you. This beautiful,
golden-poppy yellow match exceptionally well with your umber skin tone,” he
flips through several pieces of cloth in his hand.
“Sorry, I like blue,” I reject his suggestion.
“I think you’d look nice in yellow,” Destiny suggests.
“Then I’ll get a yellow T-Shirt on the way home,” I argue.
“Hmmm,” the tailor stares at me intensely, his pupils dilating.
“Midnight blue, almost black, yellow highlights, black shirt, yellow vest with
a muted checker pattern, black tie with yellow accents barely noticeable. Yes,
that’ll do. Be back soon,” the tailor vanishes behind a curtain.
“Why do you want to get involved with them again? I thought
we were done with all of this,” I switch the topic back to Marson family.
“We never said we were officially done with them. Also, they
invited us this time,” she shrugs.
“Why would they invite us? Do they even know me?”
“They invited me, because I’m a beef, like I said. You’re my
plus one.”
“Here is your suit sir,” the tailor returns with a black
suit featuring yellow along the pockets and seems.
“How did you do that so fast,” I ask in confusion. “Did you
just have this ready.”
“Not everyone who uses magic is content with blasting holes
in buildings like a maniac. It does have practical use for us normal folks too.
Even more uses for those of us who take the time to hone our skills,” I get the
feeling he doesn’t care for me.
“We’ll take it,” Destiny stands and begins to stretch.
“Great, the total will be $7,499.36. Will you be paying cash
or credit?”
“Debit,” she smiles and hands her card to him.
“How can you afford this,” I ask.
“Oh, money bags doesn’t like it when I spend money on him?
Feeling insecure,” she mocks me.
“No, just, that’s a lot for a suit.”
“This meeting means a lot.”
“But that’s a lot of money.”
“You can make a lot of money doing bounties or other jobs. I’ve
got great senses, and I know criminals. Not a lot of folks want to fight a
vampire even if they have a weapon or magic. Quick work. Try to do one a day.
You should get registered and quit your job. You’ve got heist experience now
and not all the work is fighting. When you get your payment for the job, you’ll
understand what I’m saying.”
“I’ll take computers over creatures any day of the week.”
“I’m sure there’s jobs for that too.”
I don’t bother fighting her anymore on the suit topic or
even attending the event. I know her mind is made up. Even if I didn’t go, she
would go in there alone. That puts her in danger. I know she can handle
herself, way better than me. I watched her kill a troll, or a half troll
anyway. I need her to show me that sword of fire trick too. Is vampire blood
flammable or was that some kind of spell? Maybe worrying about her when I know
I don’t have to is proof that I’m in love with her. I just wish she could let
her past go, because I don’t want it to be our future.
“Hey, what’s the full story behind you, Chloe, Marsons and
all of this,” I can’t help but ask.
“It’s long. You don’t have to worry about it.”
“If we’re walking into a trap, I need to worry about it.”
“Told you, it won’t be a trap. They wouldn’t break their
customs like that. These people stick to their traditions even if it means their
breed of vampire might die out.”
“Then tell me because I want to know more about you.”
“You don’t want to know that much,” she shakes her head as
if she’s disappointed in me.
“Why are you always trying to keep secrets from me?”
“Because you couldn’t handle it if you knew everything about
me.”
I hate that. She swears she’s trying to protect me as if she
hasn’t already dragged me into a dozen life or death situations. I’ve gone with
her to chase bounties. I was there when a mall got destroyed because some
vampires decided to have an all-out war with a thieves guild. This crap is
straight out of a video game. She thinks she’s protecting me by not telling me
the truth. Maybe it would be a good idea if I knew what kind of crap storm she
was going to have me walking into this time around.
“I’m sorry,” words I didn’t expect from Destiny.
“What?”
“I’m sorry. You’re not a child, and I want this to work out.
If you go to this meeting with me, I’m sure all your questions will be
answered. You might have more afterwards but that’s okay too.”
“Can I wear sneakers?”
“What do you mean?”
“Can I wear sneakers with the suit? Can’t run away in dress
shoes. They’ve got no traction. Just slide straight to your death. That’s why I
never got any Easter eggs. Just sliding through the grass.”
“Does this mean you’re coming,” she sounds hopeful.
“If I can wear sneakers.”
“You can wear sneakers.”
“Alright, so where we meeting these George Washington wig wearing lunatics?”
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