As they made their way to the lobby the new angel never dropped his smile. It wasn't serene like Katherine's, but smug. As if he were playing a game, and winning. They caught how his eyes flittered, always moving, as if he were trying to memorize everything.
"It's nice to meet you Katherine," he said softly as they made their way to the lobby bar. "I've heard wonderful things from your son."
"How did you know Alastor," she asked cautiously.
He chuckled, not looking at her. "I'm the one that called the dogs on him."
She was struck for a moment. Feeling anger inside her that she wasn't used to. But she had a feeling there would be more to come.
They all took their seats and he looked at them both expectantly. Once the silence became too long, he sighed. "I suppose I'll get things rolling," he leaned his head on his hand playfully. "I think it's admirable what you're trying to do here Miss Charlotte."
Charlie squirmed in her seat. Only managing to squeeze out a thank you.
He smirked. "I want you to know I'm nothing if not fair. I think even Ali will tell you that." Katherine glared as he referred to her son so affectionately. "I believe they chose me because it would put some of you a bit off your game, strategic on their part. But I'm not interested in intimidating you. I'm actually quite intrigued by this whole thing. But be warned. I'm honest. And...I'm...quite observant." His face finally relaxed into something more genuine. "I want you both to know that I'm rooting for you."
Charlie seemed to calm but Katherine stayed on her guard.
"So...do you think we have a chance?" Charlie asked, unable to keep the hope from her voice.
Nicholas sucked his teeth and gave a jerk of his head. "Possibly. By my math it's not good odds but...I've learned there's other data to trust." He finally started to seem warmer. "As I said, I want to be fair. So I want to set the parameters with you. I'll be frank, I think getting to know each other might be the best way to find out how progress is being made, but I'll allow you to control how much I get to observe."
Charlie and Katherine looked at each other. Charlie secretly hoped Kat would offer advice but saw something more in her warm eyes...Trust.
Charlie took a deep breath. "I like the idea of scheduled one on ones," Charlie began, trying to sound confident. "And...and we don't have anything to hide so you're free to.. Umm… observe… as much as you like."
He was showing his teeth again and it unsettled her.
"But, I think that you need to respect our guests' privacy. If they ask to be left alone or set their own boundaries, you have to follow that."
Detective Davies held her gaze for a few more moments than was comfortable before extending a hand. "Beautiful diplomacy Princess," he answered.
Charlie gave a shy smile before taking his hand in a shake. "I'll umm...show you to your room?"
He smiled, warmly. But there was something that still made her uneasy.
Soooooo obviously we're getting some hints at the background between Alastor and the detective...but I'm actually thinking about doing a whole spin off story about them in life. I have so many ideas for a little cat and mouse game that led to him being caught by the detective. Not sure yet but I feel like it's more streamlined as a companion piece.