[Mercy Merchant]

Jessie laughs and sends the other men away.  "In the first place, these are not my people.............yet.  For now I am just an underling with ideas.  Perhaps working with you will give the bit of edge I need, eh?  And we only talked yesterday and the boss has not yet taken his mind far enough out of the drug haze he has given himself to make a cogent decision about much except which woman he wants to have sex with.  He is bragging about having sex with you, but I somehow doubt that you are that desperate.  How much are you looking for me to push?"  There is something about the man that attracts you to him.  His easy charm or the way he looks at you?  His looks?  Perhaps his ability to hide his fear when he saw your demon or his obvious ambition?  You might not know exactly what it is, but there is something there.

[Ennui]

You were never specific about how much he wanted.  You just said he gave me his order.  Should I have asked for specifics?

I just brought what you asked for.  I suppose you can push whatever you are comfortable pushing.  If you are considering expanding past your gangs haunts I would suggest you contact me so you don't overlap with the other groups I'm supplying.  You wouldn't want to get into a pointless war over that. 

Speaking of other groups...I met a woman who reminds me very much of you, not only your demeanor but she also seems to share your name.  I must say this is not the kind of coincidence that I find easy to overlook, yet I cannot imagine a connection.  Do you have a clone or twin or something; but what kind of parents would name two children the same...outside of tasteless jokes anyway?

[Mercy Merchant]

Jessie takes the packet you have for him and smiles as he brings a stick from his pocket.  "Here is your money up front.  I understand 80% of the street value, yes?"

He pauses as you mention the girl then smiles.  "Now that you mention it, I might have a sister by that name.  Tough girl, so be careful around her.  I don't think she scares easily, either.  And yes, our parents were a bit on the odd side.  I am quite sure that they heartily disapprove of the lifestyles we have taken up.  Now, not to put too fine a point on it, you two are remarkably attractive.  Could I buy you both a drink?"

[Ennui]

That's the deal though I can give you a better percentage as you start to sell more.  I suggest taking it slow at first though, but you strike me as smart enough to take the necessary precautions.

I can stay for a drink or two, but I have an appointment, with your sister apparently, so we can't stay long.  Glinda, this is Jessie, Jessie this is Glinda.  We going to a bar or you got a bottle inside?

[Mercy Merchant]

The man actually smiles as he reaches out to shake hands with both of you.  "Pleased to meet you both but sad that you cannot stay longer.  I imagine that it would be nice to be on the good side of the two of you.  But no, not a bar.  Bars are for chumps who want to pay way too much for some soy swill.  I have a good bottle at my place just around the corner from here, if you are comfortable with that."

Glinda takes his hand and mutters something under her breath that you cannot make out.  She smiles and looks at you as she lets his hand go.  "I think we can spare a few minutes for a good drink.  What do you think, Boss?"

[Ennui]

Okay we'll follow you in the car.

Once in the car and out of ear shot I speak to Glinda  Sorry about that.  I have to say I have very poor self control when it comes to things like that.  I'm still disgusted by the pig of a gang boss I had to deal with and I hope Jessie makes his move soon to get rid of that fool.  Did you cast a detection spell of some sort on him?  I swear a day doesn't go by that I don't wish I knew more spells.

[Mercy Merchant]

Jessie shakes his head.  "Nah, you won't need a car.  My place is just around the corner.  Do you think I could keep these people under any sort of control if I lived away from them?"

OOC:  You can have your whispered chat with Glinda as you follow Jessie.

Glinda nods.  "Sure did and will talk about it when we are solo.  For now, he is not entirely what he seems, but you probably figured that out for yourself."

Jessie does indeed live pretty much just around the corner.  His apartment is in a run-down building much like all the others in the area, but things change as soon as you open the door.  The inside is far nicer than the outside would have you think.  Nice furniture and it seems like he has far more space than a little walk-up should have.  "I took all four apartments on the floor and knocked out some walls.  I wanted to make the place mine.  Have a look while I get the bottle and some glasses."

[Ennui]

I take a look around, both in the meat and in astral to see if there is anything interesting.  i take a moment to assense Jessie scolding myself for not having done this sooner.

Nice place.  Similar to what I did at my place but I have friends who live with me.

Assensing: 8d6t5 2

[Mercy Merchant]

Jessie's aura shows that his essence level is practically non-existent.  Your look in meat space shows that he takes care of his place and that he is neat.  "Yeah.  I never found anyone who wanted to take a chance on me so it is pretty much just me.  I like nice things and would like to share them with someone, so let me know if you are interested in the position or know someone who might be.  Here you go.  This is a very good year for scotch so I hope that you like it.  I made it neat, but can add ice if you prefer."  He hands both of you glasses filled with an amber liquid. 

Glinda swirls the drink and sniffs it, giving a soft moan of appreciation before sipping at it and letting it run down her throat.  "Very nice, Jessie.  What do you think, Lizzie?"

[Ennui]

I raise my glass to him.  To you finding that special someone.  I swirl the glass under my nose to get a sense for the smell and take a drink getting a sense of the flavor and quality.

Very nice.  I will have to drop off a bottle of my ginger distillation the next time I come by, see how you like it. 

So what's your story Jessie, if you don't mind me asking?  You certainly don't appear to fit in around here.  You seem disciplined and competent.  An attractive quality in business associates.  Certainly much more pleasant to deal with than your boss.  I can see you going far, the gang not so much...at least not under its current leadership.

[Mercy Merchant]

Jessie watches as you drink and smiles.  "I like a woman, er women, who can take the time to enjoy a good scotch.  I may find the right woman someday, but for now, I am alright just looking and taking what comes my way, even if it is just for a short time."

He lifts his glass to both of you and takes another drink form it.  "As for about me, I don't fit in well in most places.  Neither does Jess or Jessica, who you might meet another time.  But we have plans, plans that might include you two if you are interested.  I expect that one of your stops is to see Jess.  Yes, she told me about your meeting.  And the boss here?  He is not long for this world and I hope that does not disturb you.  I am just waiting for the right opportunity to remove him and step in."

Glinda looks at you then back to him.  "Maybe we can help each other out.  What if we can provide for his removal?  That would leave you out of it and allow you to assume control.  What do you think, Lizzie?"

[Ennui]

I have plans that might include the two of you as well.  Perhaps all three of us should get together and discuss those plans.  Are there others involved in these plans?

I'm sure he knows what he is doing Glinda.  I doubt he needs our help.  Still I wouldn't mind being involved in that cretins demise.  So if you would find it advantageous we could see our way to helping out.  So long as that advantage is mutual, of course.  We are all business people here after all, and I wouldn't want you to feel beholden to me, nor would I care to feel used. 

[Mercy Merchant]

Jessie nods.  "You are right; I do not need any help doing it, but it might be interesting to see how my new allies work.  And yes, my sisters are part of the plan.  We are business people to be sure and we can each benefit from the other.  Are you willing to talk to us?"

[Ennui]

Of course.  I have some plans.  I need to meet with your sister and an errand to run but I could meet with you later this night or if you'd prefer we can meet tomorrow.

[Mercy Merchant]

Jessie shrugs again.  "Talk that over with Jess and see what she wants to do.  I am pretty flexible as to when we meet.  Tonight is better than tomorrow, but I can change my schedule if you are busy later."  He tips back the last of his scotch and holds out the bottle to see if you would like any more.