{*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*]*~Multiverse Mysteries~*[*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*}
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*~6~*
Chapter 10:
Flirting With Danger…
{*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^} *-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-* {*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^}Kevin: Are you sure about this?
Simon: Yeah this is the best play we have.
Kevin: Do you want me to do it? I can come get the tag.
Simon: No. It was my idea, my play. I got this.
Kevin: Kay. Syncing the tag info to my phone now. Good luck.
Simon: Thanks.
Simon took a deep -hopefully steadying- breath, reaching into his pocket, fishing out his car keys. He turns them, quickly removing the little key ring Airtag holder, mentally kicking himself for forgoing the simple, nondescript black leather one in favor of the cutesy one with the pink, yellow and blue panda.
Ugh- this was SO not sting appropriate tech.
It should be something sleek and subtle and unassuming. Sparkly pan-pride cartoon panda is REALLY not what you'd generally go wit-ah crap…
He just remembered. It also glows in the dark. Perfect.
Just perfect…
Oh well. It's all he has so it's gonna have to do.
He sighed exasperatedly, rolling his eyes at himself, shaking his head once more as he slips the keys back into his pocket, doing his best to subtly palm the cheerily colored electronic tracker before moving into the more crowded area surrounding the bar.
Oh man how is he gonna pull this off? Subtly and stealth REALLY isn't his wheelhouse. That's really not gonna work for her…
But…well…if anything she's good at improvising…
Welp…here goes nothing…
It's really hopping tonight, the music is loud and energetic, lights going- people laughing, shouting, flirting and having a blast. He can see multiple groups of people going, various little mini parties mixed into the middle of the hubbub and chaos. Everyone seems to be having a ball and settled right on the edge of it seemingly reveling in the frivolity is Andre Levine. He looks happy and relaxed, leaning back casually against the bar at the very end, turned around to face the happy, cavorting crowd.
There really isn't much of anything about him that stands out. He's not really short, but not overly tall- about an inch or two taller than Simon. He has short, medium brown hair and medium brown eyes. Clean cut, in decent shape, handsome in a safe, somewhat bland kind of way. He's dressed in a pair of nicer designer jeans and a fitted black tee-shirt.
He kinda gets why he's so hard to track; just from where he's standing he can see over a dozen guys that would fit the exact same description- hell a dozen guys and at least three girls that between the lights and the faint atmospheric fog wafting up from the dance floor could easily be mistaken for the dude. He kinda reminds him of one of those guys in stock photos in picture frames; just a random, clean cut, generic, inoffensive dude that you don't even offer a second glance.
Yeah- no mystery why he's so hard to keep track of. They lose him in the crowd for a second and it's gonna be hell trying to find him again. Like a live action version of Where's Waldo. Only way harder and with far higher stakes.
If he slips them and leaves the club without them noticing they're out of luck. The original plan was to use the security set up at the club to gather intel on who he's with- maybe even pick up some details to run with and to get a tracker placed on the car he arrived in to track his movements and see what he was up to but that's kinda went out the window at this point.
By all appearances he's here alone. That was rather surprising. It was assumed someone with so many connections- especially one with a major propensity for clubbing and night life- would be traveling with a veritable entourage but so far it seems like that's not the case. He hasn't really talked to anyone yet except the bartender to place an order and make a bit of innocuous small talk so the whole listening in thing was a bit of a bust.
They'd called Luke and let him know the mark was there and they were a go but at this point they're kinda stymied. You can't listen in on someone if they aren't talking. They were looking into sending in an undercover to try to chat him up but as they're not really sure what might actually work for the dude that's kinda a crap shoot…
I mean if they had someone like Mags on this then they'd just go for it- guy's like EVERYONE'S type- but as at the moment he and Alec have their own case they're dealing with so it's just him and Kevin in the thick of it here and they're kinda floundering.
A lot of Raph's staff are real head turners and could do the trick but they can't involve civilians any more than necessary. Kevin did talk to a few of them and ask them to give them a heads up if they get anything – whether it be psychically or through more mundane methods- but thanks to his stupid malfunctioning psychic shield he really doesn't think they'll be too keen to help. Hell, who knows after his psychic face plant they'll be lucky if they don't end up tipping off the guy and helping him sneak out the back.
He couldn't even blame them if they did. They're probably already regretting being this involved with them. Thankfully it seems to be under control at the moment but he hasn't missed the little side-eyes or that they seem to be giving him a fair bit of space. So yeah at this point looking to the bar staff for any kind of help is likely pretty much out the window.
Even the damn car thing seems to be going pear shaped. They tried to figure out what he arrived in but it turned out to be a dead end. Simon'd played back the feed from the car park hoping to see what he arrived in and maybe who he arrived with but all it showed was that he in fact did not actually park there. Guy had went through the opposite side and then just walked right on through to the other entrance, seemingly making it look like he had parked at the club. So- really pretty much on point with his whole MO. Good for him, really sucks for them.
He didn't really seem to be with anyone. Didn't seem to be meeting anyone. Doesn't really seem like he's really watching for anyone in particular…he's just kinda there, enjoying the jovial atmosphere and people watching.
At this point they're pretty much dead in the water. The guy's here, they have eyes on him but that's all they have. They can't make a move if they don't have anything to move on. They don't really know anything. Yeah the guys been implicated in near every branch of black market dealing under the sun but that's just it. It's all implications. There's things that point to him but no one's ever really been able to get anything solid on him. Not anything that'll stick. They need a solid, strong, clear link to him and his illicit activities.
However at this point unless he just randomly decides to start babbling to himself about them they're kinda DOA.
They really just don't know. They don't know if he's actually alone or just has his backup keeping an eye out subtly. They don't know how he got here. If he took a car and got dropped off, parked a bit away and walked or if he was staying close enough to just walk the entire way. And honestly if he's this careful with his arrival it's entirely possible if he's picked up in a vehicle he'd end up switching to another before he goes back, so even if they get eyes on a vehicle connected to him there likely isn't much of a point in tracking it.
Even if he is staying close enough to walk there were easily a dozen different places close enough for that so it didn't really narrow it down much (and yes he had reservations at every single one).
So basically if he gets wind of the investigation and rabbits or even just decides he's ready to head out and they don't catch it they're screwed. Fortunately Simon's good with improvising.
He figured if they can't track his car maybe they can just track him. Again this is where having an appealing under cover operator or a Magnus would come in really handy but all they have is a Kevin and an Simon. Neither of them are exactly what you'd classify as smooth operators and yeah Kevin's adorable as hell but he's not about to toss him into an impromptu under cover honey trap. If he thought he could have a chance at pulling it off he'd give it a try but generally flaily, over-caffeinated chatterbox isn't really the honey trap type. So that is pretty much out but they can just go with the next best thing.
It's a long shot and pretty risky but if one of them can get close enough and slip a tracker on him they'll be at least somewhat back on track and thankfully as he has a tendency to misplace his keys several times a day he just so happens to have a tracker handy all set up and ready to go.
Like he said, he's good with improvising- He kinda wishes he had less geeky equipment to use for said improvisation but it'll work…
At least it will so long as he can pull it off.
Here goes nothing.
Simon consciously relaxed, pasting on an overly chipper, excited smile, laughing, slipping into the crowd, moving in and out, stumbling a bit here or there, making his way over to the end of the bar without making it totally obvious that's his goal. As he nears Levine he quickly shifts, trying to dodge around what looks like a way too rowdy, totally sauced bachelorette party, quickly sidestepping out of the way of the screaming, carousing women, stumbling clumsily.
"Oh!" He gasps, feet getting tangled, slamming right into the side of Levine, reaching up, clasping at his shoulder to steady himself with one hand, other catching at his belt loop, subtly slipping the airtag into his pocket, hand accidentally brushing against his thigh.
He makes a little squeak, startling, quickly righting himself, pulling his hand away like it was burned.
"Oh damnit! Dude I am SO sorry!" He exclaimed, fumbling animatedly, quickly holding his hands up, all wide eyes and flushed cheeks.
"Oh my god that was SO not intentional! I swear I wasn't trying to like get fresh or cop a feel or whatever! I'm not a creep or a perv or anything like that- I swear I'm not! I'm just a klutz with new shoes and NO coordination!" he babbled rapidly, blushing more, shifting holding up one foot in emphasis, animatedly pointing at the ridiculous gold Lamé high heeled boots.
He giggled nervously, awkwardly putting his leg back down, giving a helpless shrug, reaching up anxiously tucking a few wayward curls behind his ear, flashing a sheepish smile.
"Sorry! Again not a creep or anything, just a klutzy guy trying out a new look that seems to be fighting back. And I think winning. Sorry again." He laughed again, smiling apologetically, nervously glancing up.
"I didn't hit you too hard did I?"
Levine blinked, gaze flickering over him for a moment before chuckling, flashing a reassuring smile, waving him off.
"No, no you're good. I'm a fair bit tougher than that. Besides it's pretty packed in here easy to misstep in general and those things do look pretty dangerous."
Simon scoffed exasperatedly, nodding like a bobblehead, eyes wide, animatedly gesturing.
"Oh dude they SO are! I don't know what I was thinking. I can't even blame it on being drunk cause I haven't even started drinking yet! I knew I should have brought a back-up pair but I figured after a bit I'd adjust, you know? I mean yeah it's not really my thing and I haven't really wore them too often before but I have plenty of friends that practically live in heels. They bound around in these things like they're freaking Catwoman; figured I could handle a few hours at a club.
Guess I gave myself too much credit. I can't even manage to toddle across a freaking bar without causing collisions and possible injuries.
I do NOT know how they do it. More power to them and all that but this is just SO not for me. I'm enough of an uncoordinated, flailing menace as it is- definitely don't need to add shoes that make me walk like a newborn foal into the mix.
Clearly this is SO not for me. I mean yeah they're really pretty and look really awesome and totally complete the outfit and blah, blah, blah but oh my god it is just SO not worth it! Shows what I get for stepping out of my comfort Zone." Simon giggled again, trailing off into a relieved sigh, flashing a bright, dimpled smile, nodding, reaching up, patting his arm.
"Wow, thanks for being so cool about it man. Sorry again for the whole collision and near body check and sorry for interrupting your night…A-and for babbling incessantly at you about my fashion foibles like a jabbering idiot." he chuckled, shrugging, reaching up brushing his hair back, rolling his eyes exasperatedly at himself, flashing another somewhat sheepish smile, nodding, gesturing over his shoulder.
"Okay so, I'm pretty sure I've embarrassed myself enough for the evening, I'm just gonna awkwardly move away, try not to have any other collisions and find somewhere I can set down and not cause any more damage - don't think I'll be lucky enough to have the next person be so cool about it.
Have a great night dude, and thanks again." He smiled again, giving an awkward little wave before turning, quasi stumbling away, making his way away though the crowd, trying to kind of lose himself in the crowd before emerging from the throng around the bar area.
Okay…kay…good…that went well...w-well…I mean as good as it could have possibly went in any case.
It definitely wasn't smooth or subtle or anything even remotely cool but that's never really been his style. Flailing, fumbling and tripping over his own feet while babbling like an auctioneer on a sugar high? Now THAT is his wheelhouse. It seemed to work at least.
He didn't seem overly suspicious and his babbling and flailing seemed to keep his attention enough not to notice the tracker. Between that and the shoe thing it seemed to work pretty good. They definitely made for a hell of an excuse. They really were ridiculous and he is near certain Nico was purposefully screwing with him. Five boxes of fashion insanity and these were the only shoes in his size? Really? Yeah, no way it wasn't a set up. They looked like something from a disco themed fever dream.
Even so at least they served a purpose besides looking ridiculous, so that was good. He really didn't seem to suspect a thing. Thank goodness, a step in the right direction…well a flailing stumble in the right direction. Eh, still worked, he's counting it.
He relaxed faintly, slipping over to one of the tables dotting the outer edges of the dance floor, settling on one of the tall bar stool type seats, pulling out his phone to let Kevin know they were set.
Simon: Kay we'r-
Kevin: Simon! Levine's on the move, coming your way!
He starts as his phone buzzes mid text, reading the words, feeling his heart rate pick up as he registers a shadow coming up next to him.
Oh god-damnit- he's been made h-
"You know usually when you have a collision you're supposed to leave your name and number."
Wait, what?
He blinks, subtly hitting the button to call Kevin, muting it before slipping the phone back into his pocket, turning to face Levine.
"Wha-are you planning on suing me?"
He laughed, settling closer.
"Nah- not really my style…especially not with someone so cute. Figured it was a good opening though." He chuckled again, smiling near playfully, gaze slipping over him, eyes flickering in clear interest.
Oooh…huh…Oookay…Apparently they don't need a Mags…it would seem HE actually IS the honey trap type. Huh…did not see that coming.
Still it was kinda their original idea- only with him subbed in for a competent, smooth, experienced under cover operator. Not really his forte but when has that ever stopped him?
Oh what the hell- here goes nothing.
Simon shifted, a plan already taking shape, relaxing, putting on his best flirtatious smile, giving a slight huff of a laugh, glancing over, brow quirking impishly.
"Uh huh…sure…a likely story. You're just setting up your lawsuit."
Levine laughed brightly, waving him off, settling closer, casually leaning against the table, rolling his eyes, holding up his hand placatingly.
"No lawsuit, I promise, I just figured it was a good opening. Hi, I'm Andre Levine." he smiled charmingly, holding out his hand.
Simon hesitated a moment, gaze flickering over him curiously, a soft little giggle slipping out, shrugging, reaching over, taking his hand, flashing a little smile.
"Simon Lewis."
He smiled brighter, shaking his hand, squeezing gently, lingering.
"Nice to meet you Simon." He glanced around at the bustling crowd before shifting back to him, head tilting curiously.
"Are you here alone tonight?"
Simon sighed, glancing around, shrugging, giving a bit of a wave.
"Eh, looks like I am now. I was here with a couple of friends but two of them had a lovers spat and went home in a huff and the other one met someone and took off." He sighed, shrugging, giving a bit of a wave.
"I mean Mags did offer to stay but by then it was pretty clear my night was a total bust. Didn't really want to ruin his too. No sense both of us setting around feeling sorry for ourselves, you know?"
He blinked, gaze flickering over him, head tilting curiously.
"Why do you feel sorry for yourself?" he huffed out a faint laugh, smiling encouragingly, lightly nudging his shoulder.
"You're not that upset about running into me are you? It really wasn't that big of a deal."
He huffed out a faint laugh, shaking his head, waving him off.
"No, no, not that…that's my usual level of awkward and klutziness. If I let things like that get to me I'd never leave the house."
He chuckled, nodding.
"Well I'm glad you decided to brave the outside world. So what is it then?"
Simon shrugged, kind of slumping in his seat, shaking his head faintly, giving a bit of a wave.
"I got dumped a few days ago, kinda came out of nowhere and threw me for a loop. I- honestly I thought my ex was gonna be here tonight. They are most nights- it's like 'their place'. Figured I'd show up with my friends all decked out, pretend I don't notice them, hang out, have fun, dance and just let them see what they were missing out on…" he huffed, rolling his eyes, holding up his hand placatingly.
"Pathetic I know but it seemed like a good idea at the time…" he gave a faint laugh, shifting on the stool, gesturing again to the gold lamé heeled boots.
"Hence the ridiculous outfit. Well, ridiculous on me- I barrowed it from my friend Mags. Looks gorgeous on him- like it was made for him…on me it looks like…well…like it was made for Mags. So now I just look like an awkward idiot and a walking ball of caution tape and I wasted everyone's time as my ex didn't even bother to show up tonight, so it really was a total bust."
Levine chuckled, shaking his head, smiling faintly.
"I wouldn't say it's a total bust. You got to go out, have fun with your friends, meet some new people, relax and unwind a bit. And it looks good on you too. You look great."
Simon snorted, brow quirking, gesturing animatedly towards the silky yellow top with gold detailing.
"I look like a gilded lemon!"
He laughed brightly, shaking his head, waving him off, settling closer, relaxing, gaze flickering over him again.
"You look gorgeous- and your ex is an idiot…" he shifted closer, smiling, gaze flickering over him, leaning in a bit, brow quirking playfully.
"I'd say I'm sorry about the breakup but gotta admit, I'm kinda really not."
Simon giggled, rolling his eyes, nudging his shoulder lightly, shaking his head. Levine chuckled, settling closer still, giving a faint shrug, reaching over, resting his hand on his arm.
"Hey if he's stupid enough to dump you it's his loss. And it's not pathetic, you're getting back out there and letting him see that you're not just gonna sulk and pine away, you're not too intimidated to let him push you out of places you want to go and you're not just gonna set around waiting. That's exactly what you should do; let him see what an idiot he was to let you go."
Simon huffed out a faint laugh that trailed off into a soft sigh, head tilting concedingly, shifting towards him a bit more, reaching up, resting his hand on his arm, squeezing lightly.
"Thanks, that's what I've been trying to tell myself."
"It's the truth…" Levine smiled, shrugging, gesturing towards the other chair at the table.
"Well I'm here alone too, mind if I join you, maybe buy you a drink?"
Simon blinked, brow quirking teasingly.
"Hmm…I don't know…Guy tells you he was dumped and is looking to make his ex regret it and you jump right to drinks? Kinda get the feeling you might have some ulterior motives there…"
He chuckled, holding his hands up placatingly.
"No ulterior motives, just thought with the night you're having you might feel like having a drink. I figured a bit of company might be nice and it might help." he paused, head tilting, giving a bit of a shrug, smirking teasingly.
"I mean if that's the kind of help you decide you want I wouldn't exactly turn you down b-"
Simon giggled brightly, rolling his eyes, nudging his shoulder again. He laughed, raising his brow, beginning to reach for the chair. Simon smiled, nodding, waving for him to set down. He smiled, all but falling into the chair, scooting it a bit closer to him, settling forward. He gave another laugh, reaching over, resting his hand on his arm, squeezing lightly, flashing a warm, somewhat grateful smile.
"Actually a bit of company sounds good."
He blinked, brow quirking, smirking. He laughed, rolling his eyes, again nudging his shoulder, poking him playfully.
"Not THAT kind of company…" he laughed, gaze flickering over him consideringly, sighing, giving a bit of a shrug, head tilting concedingly, brow impishly quirking, flashing a wry little smile.
"At least not yet…let's see how the night goes."
He blinked in surprise, he giggled, rolling his eyes, shaking his head teasingly, waving him off.
"Yeah, yeah, don't get too far ahead of yourself dude. That's not a yes; it's a possibility…a slight possibility. I'm not really that type of guy but I'm also not the type to pass on something I want just to prove a point.
Like I said we can just see how the night goes. I mean right now I don't know you from Adam. I know absolutely nothing about you. I'm definitely not the type to just go off with a total stranger."
He smiled, shrugging, giving a faint nod.
"Totally understandable. How about we start with that drink?"
Simon giggled, shaking his head, brow quirking in playful challenge.
"How about we start with an actual conversation?"
Levine blinked in surprise, chuckling, head tilting concedingly.
"Fair enough. Where shall we start?"
Simon smiled, shrugging, thinking for a moment before glancing back over, head tilting curiously.
"Hmm…I don't know. I've been here a bit and I don't think I've ever seen you here before. Have you been here before?"
Levine shook his head.
"Nope, first time. Been looking forward to it though. There's actually twelve other locations spread out all over the world. I've been to all of them. Quite a bit to be honest. It's one of my favorite clubs."
Simon blinked, head tilting in surprise.
"Wow, so clubbing is kinda your thing, huh? Or is it like Chaos in particular?"
He shrugged, giving a bit of a wave.
"Yeah- I mean Chaos does seem to have a really unique vibe but yeah really just clubs in general. I love the atmosphere and the excitement. It's a real rush. Plus it's something you can do with everyone you know or completely alone and still not feel out of place or awkward. I travel a lot for work and don't really stay in one place too long so I don't usually have a lot of people to socialize with outside of work- and the people I work with aren't really the type I'd choose to socialize with so it kinda leads to me being on my own and bored out of my mind in a bunch of places I'm not too familiar with.
But clubs are kind of a universal thing. Whether you're a local and know the place like the back of your hand or just passing through for a day it's the same either way. They give you a chance to mingle, relax and meet all sorts of people from all different walks of life. Even if you're not really in the mood to socialize they still give you a great chance to people watch and just soak up the atmosphere. They tend to attract a really good, interesting mix." He paused, smiling, head tilting curiously.
"What about you? You said you come here a lot?"
Simon huffed out a faint laugh, shrugging.
"Mainly just with my ex or my friends. This is really more their scene. I've actually never really been a super clubby kinda person…though part of that could be because most of the time I'm just stuck outside while the bouncer looks right past me. My ex and a few of my friends are the ones that can actually get into clubs- I'm just kinda like that weird little fish you see clinging to the side of a shark, slipping in with them.
I came here a lot with my ex though so the bouncers know me now so at least here I can get in on my own…for a bit in any case." Simon paused, head tilting curiously, something seemingly occurring to him.
"You said you travel a lot for work. So is this actually home for you or are you just passing through for work?"
He chuckled, shrugging.
"Eh- kinda yes and no. I tend to travel a lot and have for I don't even know how long. I haven't really put down roots anywhere permanent but I do have a few places where my living arrangements are a fair bit less nomadic. This is one of the places that feels more like home than most.
I do have a semi-permanent place around here- well actually technically right now I have two. My yacht's docked in Santa Barbra Harbor."
Simon blinked in surprise.
Okay they'd never seen any mention of a yacht…that's either a load of crap to try to get laid or a possible lead. It sounds like a line but it could be a line using the truth and it would actually fit pretty well for the guy and could definitely explain why he's so hard to pin down.
Simon shifts, catching himself, giving a soft little chuckle, brow quirking teasingly, leaning in.
"You're yacht, huh? Just casually tossing that out? You wouldn't be trying to impress me or anything, would you?"
Levine chuckled, giving a bit of a shrug, brow quirking right back.
"Maybe…is it working?"
Simon giggled, shaking his head, nudging him playfully.
"Eh…maybe…but don't get too ahead of yourself. I'm not that easy."
Levine laughed brightly, smiling, waving him off.
"Of course not- I'd never think that. And to be fair it wasn't TOTALLY just tossing it out there to impress you- that's just a really great bonus." He smirked, nudging his shoulder.
Simon giggled, nudging him back. He settled a bit closer, flashing a flirty wink before continuing.
"Like I said I travel a lot for work and most of the places I end up have ports or are close to the water. If it's not too much of a hassle I'll try to either sail up to the place or have it moved to a nearby port. It's pretty much the closest thing to an actual home I have and if it's possible it's where I usually prefer to stay. It's kinda nice being able to both travel for work AND be home…" he paused, head tilting concedingly, giving a fluttering wave.
"I mean there are some places that I like enough that I have other places landside or when every once in a while I'll feel like having a break from the movement of the ocean and all that but in general it's a pretty nice way to live."
Simon smiled, nodding.
"Sounds like it would be. I mean that's like the dream right? Just sail away into the sunset on the-" he paused, head tilting, glancing over curiously.
"Chimera."
Simon blinked, chuckling, nodding faintly impressed.
"Huh…the mythical fire breathing hybrid from Greek folklore."
He blinked, head tilting, clearly surprised.
"Yeah- you know it?"
He chuckled, shrugging.
"I'm a bit of a nerd- I love myths and legends and all of that. Makes life much more interesting. And it definitely seems like a good name for a Yacht. I was expecting some cheesy pun or obnoxiously highbrow brag. The Chimera is way better than any of that. How'd you come up with it?"
He shrugged, settling closer.
"Eh, just kinda fits. A Chimera is an amalgamation. It's a combination of complementary- sometimes contradictory- parts that shouldn't fit together, that make no sense together, and yet somehow they just seem to work perfectly together." He huffed out a faint chuckle, smiling, giving a faint shrug.
"I don't know, it just kinda fits for me, you know?"
Simon smiled, nodding, settling closer.
"Yeah, I get it, I definitely get that…I like that." he paused, smiling, head tilting, gaze flickering over him curiously.
"So you said you travel so much for work. What do you do?"
He sighed, giving a bit of a shrug and a flickering wave, shaking his head.
"Oh nothing too interesting. Just import, export- hence why I'm usually pretty close to a big city port of some kind. Which sounds interesting but really just boils down to tedious paper work and logistics and a lot of complicated, intricate detail work navigating red tape, customs, bureaucratic mumbo jumbo and all that other headache inducing stuff that people will generally happily pay through the nose not to have to deal with themselves. It's basically like a mix of accounting, tax auditing and mapping logistics.
Admittedly the traveling is a great perk and the pay is awesome but other than that it's really just tedious, mind numbingly boring crap. I think I've actually put myself to sleep when I talk about work." He chuckled, giving a bit of a helpless shrug, looking him over curiously.
"How about you?"
Simon giggled, shifting closer, shrugging right back.
"Honestly it's the same with my job- only without the awesome pay or travel. I work data entry and file management for a temp agency. I just kinda go where I'm needed and do the job no one there actually wants to do."
Levine huffed out a faint laugh, head tilting, brow quirking.
"That seems like it'd be pretty tedious, don't you get tired of it?"
Simon shrugged, giving a bit of a wave.
"Yeah but if anything it's not too stressful and I don't feel like I have to take my work home with me- that's something at least. What about your work? Don't you ever get tired of it?"
He smiled, shrugging right back.
"Eh, sometimes. It wasn't what I ever planned to get into or anything - I just kinda fell into it. I've thought about looking for something else a few times but I really do seem to have a knack for it. I don't know, I'm not too crazy about it- there's a lot of parts of it I really don't like- especially the people I tend to end up having to work with- but it pays the bills and gives me opportunities I wouldn't usually get…like traveling, multiple homes, yacht ownership, " he paused, settling closer, smirking, gaze flickering over him.
"Getting the chance to meet new, interesting people."
Simon giggled, rolling his eyes, nudging his shoulder, shaking his head, waving him off.
"I'm not that interesting."
He smiled, settling closer, gaze flickering over him.
"To me you are."
Simon gave a soft chuckle, rolling his eyes again, settling closer, gaze flickering over him again, smiling faintly.
"I think I'm ready for that drink now."
Levine perked up, brow quirking, smirking playfully.
"It's the yacht right?"
Simon snorted, rolling his eyes, nudging his shoulder, gesturing towards the bar.
"Just go get our drinks before I change my mind!"
Levine chuckled, nodding, holding up his hand, pushing back his chair, standing to head over to the bar before pausing, glancing over at him, head tilting.
"What would you like?"
He gave a soft chuckle, brow quirking playfully.
"Surprise me."
He chuckled, brow quirking, settling closer to him, gaze flickering over him, leaning in a bit.
"This feels like a test..."
He giggled, leaning in, brow quirking teasingly.
"That's cause it is."
He laughed, blinking in surprise. He chuckled, shrugging, reaching over, resting his hand on his arm, tapping lightly.
"Hey like I said, I need to get to know you. This will tell me a lot. What you pick for you tells me about you and what you choose for me tells both what you think about me and how intuitive you are. Seems like it can tell me a lot."
He chuckled, shaking his head, nudging his shoulder lightly.
"Well good thing there's no pressure." He chuckled again, squeezing his shoulder, gaze flickering over him once more before turning away, making his way over to the bar.
Simon chuckled, setting there smiling for a few seconds, ensuring he was far enough away to where he wouldn't see him before quickly pulling his phone out, bringing up his conversation with Kevin.
Simon: You get all that?
Kevin: Got it. We're checking docking slips for The Chimera now. Trackers up and running, connections good, recording. This the play now?
Simon: Seems like a good chance. I'll see what I can get. If the boat pans out that could explain a lot. He said he has another place in town. He could be just trying to boast but it could be something. I'll chat a bit more, see if I can get him to mention it again, maybe a lead where it is. If we can get something solid on him we can move in. I have my Bluetooth earbud, I'll put it in so I can hear you but I'm turning it down to whisper mode so he won't hear and I don't want to talk - he said he was alone but I don't want to take the chance.
Simon shifted, pulling out the little- thankfully nondescript- earbud, slipping it in flicking it on, turning the volume down to whisper level.
"Copy?" He mumbled through a cough, reaching up, covering his mouth.
"Got you. We're running the Chimera- keep you updated but I'll keep the chatter to a minimum. Good luck Si."
"Thanks Kev, hopefully I won't need it." He breathed, subtly glancing at the phone screen ensuring the call time was still going before quickly slipping the phone back in his pocket, moving his curls around a bit, trying to cover the earbud before shifting, again trying to force himself to relax, settling back.
Okay well this w-
"What are you doing?"
Simon starts at the voice just behind him, flailing.
"Woah!" he exclaims, nearly falling off the stool, just managing to catch himself, turning to face the voice, giving a faintly annoyed, heatless glare.
"So apparently vampire stealth is an actual thing, huh?"
Raphael huffed somewhat irritated, shrugging, waving dismissively, folding his arms, leveling Simon with a somewhat sharp look.
"With me it is. What are you doing?"
Simon blinked, brow raising pointedly, leaning in, voice slipping to a whisper.
"Working the case!"
Raphael shook his head, leaning in as well, gaze flickering over him.
"I don't remember this being part of the plan."
Simon huffed shrugging, waving him off, gaze slipping around the crowd, watching for Levine's return.
"That's because it wasn't."
Raphael startled, eyes widening faintly.
"Then what a-"
"Things changed, the old plan was a bust so I called an audible."
"Called an audible? Wha-"
"I stumbled into an angle I could work, I decided to take it."
Raphael blinked, shifting closer to him, reaching over, catching his arm, squeezing gently.
"Angle, what does th-"
Simon sighed exasperatedly, again looking around for Levine before shifting back to Raphael, shaking his head, tugging his arm back, kind of pulling Raphael closer, glaring faintly.
"He seems into me, he's trying to chat me up. He's already let some things slip. He has a yacht docked in the harbor and he mentioned having a place nearby. He's just trying to get laid but he could be giving real info to do it. We had nothing on a yacht or any kind of permanent residence. If he has those here that's huge. If I can get him to talk more we might really be onto something.
I got this, I'm good at improvising."
"Improvising? Simon, no- this is too dangerous-"
"It's n-"
"It is he's-"
"I know damnit! I know and I got it."
"It's too-"
Simon shook his head, standing up straighter, catching his arm right back, tugging him in a bit closer, glaring, shifting closer still, voice barely loud enough to hear but sharp and sure, meeting his gaze dead on, holding it firmly leaving no room for interpretation.
"No it's not. I'm an adult and a fully trained detective and I know what I'm doing. I am working. I am working a case. A very high stakes case. I am trying to get info on a dangerous criminal and get them off the streets and I found a way in. I have a chance, I am taking it. I got this. I do. Now you need to back off and get out of here before you blow this."
Raphael blinked, swallowing, Simon catches an excited little shiver slipping through Raphael, dark, dizzying gaze flickering over Simon, a confusing light shimmering in those impossibly dark eyes. Simon feels a giddy little thrill slip through him in answer clear down to his toes. It's the same exciting spark he saw back up in the security booth.
Simon gulped, taking a somewhat shaky breath, pushing down another distracting little shiver at that look, shifting back, standing up straight, again meeting his gaze head on, shaking his head firmly.
"Raph I-"
"Okay I think this is kinda perfect. I got you a lemon dro-oh…" Levine began smiling, holding two drinks in front of him, a glass of whisky neat and a bright yellow drink in a gold rimmed martini glass before trailing off, smile falling, looking between Simon and Raphael in confusion.
He shifts awkwardly, slowly setting the glasses on the table, looking between them once more in concern before his gaze settles back on Simon.
"Is everything okay?" he looked between them again, shifting back to Simon kind of unsure.
"Am I interrupting?"
"Yes." Raphael snapped, glaring intimidatingly.
Simon huffed, glaring at him, sharply nudging his shoulder, shaking his head, shifting back to Levine, flashing an apologetic little smile.
"No you're not, you're fine. Just a quick catch up; Raph was just leaving."
Raphael scoffed, brow raising, shaking his head.
"No I wasn't."
Simon huffed, gaze whipping back around to Raphael, eyes widening exasperatedly, shaking his head, glaring at him in utter disbelief before shifting away from the glaring Raphael back over to Levine who's looking more and more like he's ready to rabbit.
Oh god damnit Raph! What the hell are you doing? The growly intimidating thing is hot as hell and everything but this is SO not the time.
You're acting like a jealous e-oh…
Simon huffs again, shaking his head, sending one more aggravated, disbelieving glare towards Raphael before turning back to Levine, giving a faint shrug, gesturing over to Raphael.
"Sorry about this. Really I am. Remember how I said my ex didn't even show tonight? Well apparently he DID…he just didn't let me know."
Levine blinked in surprise, looking from Raphael over to Simon, gesturing kind of confusedly towards Raphael.
"Y-your ex?"
He huffed, rolling his eyes exasperatedly, nodding, shifting closer to Levine.
"Yeah and apparently he did know I was here and has for a while and couldn't care less until I started talking to someone I could actually be interested in. Then he just magically pops out of the woodwork and wants to have security toss you out on your ass and us to try and talk it out."
Levine started.
"Have me tossed out? Does he know the owner?"
"I AM the owner." Raphael growled, brow quirking, smirking dangerously, shifting a bit closer.
"And I didn't say anything about having security deal with you."
Levine blinked, paling faintly, some flicker of recognition shifting in his nervous gaze, taking an instinctual step back, anxiously shifting, stepping back a bit further away from Raphael, eyeing him cautiously, casting a quick glance over at Simon, brow raising, noticeably unsure.
"I-is that what you want?"
Simon seemed to pause a moment, seeming to genuinely consider it before shaking his head, scoffing, standing up straighter.
"No it's not. I don't play games and I don't waste my time with people who do. I don't want someone who just wants me when they think they can't have me or when it's a challenge or to try to one up someone else or some other stupid, vapidly moronic reason. I outgrew that kinda crap in high school." He gave another exasperated scoff, turning more away from Raphael, shifting closer to Levine, resting his hand on his arm.
"This was really stupid of me. I don't know what I was thinking coming to his club. Sorry about ruining your night."
He swallowed, shaking his head, gaze flickering cautiously over to Raphael, shifting a bit further away from him before settling back on Simon, flashing a reassuring little smile.
"You didn't ruin my night. But it seems like it's about time for me to go. Do you want to get out of here? Maybe have our drink somewhere else? There's a really nice bar at the rooftop lounge of The Hyperion."
Raphael scoffed, brow quirking.
"There isn't a rooftop lounge at The Hyperion."
He shrugged, giving a bit of a wave.
"It's not really known to the public. It's pretty exclusive; just the owner, their close friends and family and a few handpicked VIP's."
Simon blinked, head tilting curiously.
"That's an awful short list. You really think you can get us in there?"
Raphael shook his head.
"He's ly-"
"I'm not." Levine smirked, turning to Simon, shrugging.
"And I know I can. So you want to go?"
Raphael growled, stepping closer, trying to move between Levine and Simon near protectively, menacingly glaring, staring him down.
"No he doesn'-"
"Actually? I do." Simon cut him off, moving back around Raphael over to Levine, catching his hand, beginning to turn before shifting back to Raphael, glaring, pointing sharply.
"Do not follow us. We are done." He snapped sharp and clear, meeting his gaze, eyes widening, trying to mentally yell at him to knock it off and not screw it up before shifting back.
"Come on Andre, we're out of here." He huffed, glaring once more at Raphael, squeezing Levine's hand before turning towards the door, tugging him along.
Levine stumbled faintly before falling into step beside him, the two quickly moved through the crowed, making their way to the entrance of the club, pushing out of the doors into the cool night air. Simon glanced over, giving a faint shrug, gesturing along the boardwalk.
"Hey The Hyperion is just a half mile away and it's a nice night. Do you mind if we walk? I think I really need it."
Levine nodded, settling next to him.
"Of course, no problem."
Simon smiled gratefully, nodding, relaxing, settling in next to him, moving away from the club, making their way along the boardwalk.
"Si, can you hear me? Clear your throat for yes."
Simon cleared his throat, shaking his head, subtly reaching up shifting a few of his curls around the earbud, seamlessly slipping over to Levine's right side, ensuring the earbud was on his opposite side to Levine.
"Kay we located the Chimera in Santa Barbra harbor. Luke is getting the search warrant now and there's a team set to move the second we get word but that's not the big thing. The Hyperion Lounge is seriously exclusive- and like SERIOUSLY linked to some major players in the criminal underworld. It's run by some big time muckety muck. They're some big time criminal mastermind. Jewel thief, expert cat burglar, master class thief whole nine yards who can make things disappear better than David Copperfield. No one knows their name, just a codename; Warlock.
You may have seen it before. It's showed up in True Crime specials and articles. They seem to get a real kick out of the infamy. They're currently number 9 on the FBI's most wanted list. Apparently they kinda have a thing for myths and magic and all of that- hence the cheesy name. They're always somehow connected to their work- it's like a calling card.
I think I remember hearing a True Crime Podcast about them. Everyone want's this dude. The knowledge they'd have would be invaluable.
The hotel is owned through multiple shell corporations and offshore businesses that look on the up and up on the surface but underneath is a whole different story. No one knows an actual name or any kind of a description. We don't even know if it's a man or a woman behind it. All we know is they have some major connections to some big names in the underworld. Like America's Most Wanted level names…and Interpol's Most Wanted…and like near EVERY countries most wanted. If he has an in there this guy's even bigger than we thought.
If he can get us a link to this Warlock dude that's a literal game changer. Luke said to keep on him, see what you can get but the second you feel uncomfortable or even an inkling of danger just pull your badge and bring him in. Luke has a team following the tracker and they can be on you in a minute flat. We have the yacht and a solid lead for the Hyperion so we have plenty to move on. See what you can get but listen to your instincts and the second anything feels wrong get out."
Simon again cleared his throat, nodding faintly to himself. He slowed faintly, glancing over, catching Levine's eye, head tilting, holding up his hand.
"Okay I gotta ask. Is this fancy super exclusive rooftop lounge like an actual thing or was that just you trying to outdo Raph?" He paused, huffing out a faint laugh, holding his hands up placatingly.
"Don't get me wrong- I'd totally get it if that's what it is. Guy kinda brings that out of people. I'm not even mad if it was- I just want to know the truth. Like I said I'm not really that big on games and posturing and all that crap- though if that's what it was I totally get it. Special circumstances and all that."
Levine chuckled, waving him off, flashing a reassuring smile.
"No, no. No games, no tricks. The lounge is there and I can absolutely get us in, no sweat."
Simon blinked, glancing over, head tilting curiously.
"You sound awful sure of that. Do you know the owner?"
He smirked, standing up a bit straighter, brow quirking cockily.
"I AM the owner."
Simon blinked, stumbling faintly before catching himself, giving a surprised laugh, shaking his head, waving him off.
"Cute- that was a good impression too."
He chuckled, shrugging.
"Yeah, couldn't really resist- it was kinda right there."
Simon chuckled again, nodding, smiling.
"Oh absolutely, it really was too perfect of a set up…and thanks- I kinda needed the laugh after that…" he paused, sighing, glancing over at Levine apologetically, shrugging.
"I'm really sorry about that by the way."
He shrugged, waving him off.
"Hey, it wasn't your fault."
Simon shrugged, settling closer to his side.
"Kinda it was- he is my ex and I did go there to see him…or for him to see me-oh you know what I mean. Still I feel bad you getting caught in the middle of it. All you wanted was to get to see the hot new club and I get you practically blacklisted and on the owners crap list. Again sorry, I know he's a lot to deal with."
He huffed out a laugh, brow quirking.
"Think that's a hell of an understatement. He's something else."
Simon laughed, head shaking, eyes widening, holding his hand up.
"Oh dude you have no idea…"
Levine chuckled, nodding animatedly.
"And I think I'm okay with that. Definitely a rough character. I mean I've heard a bit about the owner of Chaos but that's all just hearsay and rumors. I always kinda thought it was like a show, you know? Like a bit part to play up a kinda old style suave, flashy mobbed up/kingpin type club owner persona. I really thought people were exaggerating, over reacting or jumping at shadows.
Now I'm thinking they were actually under-reacting."
Simon snorted, shrugging, again waving.
"Yeah- again- you really have NO idea. Pretty sure the man is like danger personified. I know he's bad news…I knew that when I met him. I should have known better…but..." he gave a soft kind of moony sigh before seeming to catch himself, glancing over sheepishly, seeing if he caught it.
Levine definitely caught it, brow quirking questioningly. Simon gave a nervous little chuckle, shrugging helplessly.
"I don't know…kinda think that was a lot of the appeal. It was new, dangerous, exciting….sexy, you know?" he giggled, glancing over, giving another kind of helpless shrug.
"He's just like some crazy, unattainable fantasy. This flashy, suave, mysteriously dangerous daydream. He's like a character out of a movie; like a cool, Lex Luther with way better hair or some way too appealing Bond villain."
Levine chuckled, brow quirking.
"You want to date some kind of supervillain?"
Simon giggled, shrugging waving him off.
"No-well…I don't know. I never really thought I would but then again I never thought I'd actually get the chance to meet someone like that- well at least the real world version of that. And I definitely never thought someone like that would actually have any kind of interest in me.
I-it's just a rush, you know? Something new and different and exciting. Someone exciting. I don't know…people like that never notice me. He's just so suave and flashy and dangerous. Having someone like that actually have an interest in me was a thrill. It was a rush having someone so cool and smooth and exciting actually think I was worth noticing…" he gave a bit of a self-deprecating huff of a laugh, sighing faintly, half-heartedly waving.
"I know it's crazy to get tangled up with someone like that but…well…I don't know. It really was exciting. Having someone like that take an interest in me felt like being a character in a cheesy movie. You know when the cool, flashy, debonair fantasy person everyone wants ends up noticing the awkward, bookish wallflower that everyone else just looks past?
I know it's ridiculous and crazy to think someone like THAT could actually really have any interest in someone like me beyond a novelty or a curiosity but…well…I don't know…it was just kind of a thrill feeling like someone like that would actually take notice of me."
He huffed out a faint laugh, head tilting concedingly.
"No I get it." he paused, glancing over, smiling, nudging his shoulder.
"Though I think you're really underestimating yourself there. I'm sure plenty of exciting, fascinating people would be interested in you. Even so I get what you're talking about.
There's a real thrill to it. Maybe it's not even the person so much as the chance at a new, mysterious, exciting life. The thrill of being close enough to taste danger. It's the same reason why people love shows with mobsters, pirates, spies and flashy, debonair criminals. Why people go skydiving or parasailing or bungee jumping. We want the thrill and the excitement. Something besides the normal, humdrum- perfectly fine but mind-numbingly boring- life we have."
Simon smiled, nodding, gesturing towards him.
"Exactly- you get it."
He smiled, nodding eagerly, settling closer.
"Oh absolutely. It's a challenge and a rush and you know you shouldn't be involved with it but it works and it's exciting and kind of addicting and you just can't seem to help but go back even though you know it's not good for you."
Simon chuckled, nodding faintly.
"Exactly…like I know he's trouble…And tonight I stood my ground and stayed strong which was good and I really didn't think I'd be able to do that and I know the only reason he wants me now is because it's a challenge and I know the second the challenge goes away he'll lose interest once again and I'll be right back where I started but…" he sighed, helplessly shrugging.
"Can't say I'll be able to do that the next time I see him."
Levine huffed out a laugh, giving a bit of a shrug, smiling faintly.
"I get it. Being with a criminal is a thrill. It's exciting and can make you feel like you're really living for the first time ever. It's a rush being part of that life…even if it's just on the edges of it. It really is and once you experience it it's really hard to go back to your normal life. And that's not even necessarily a bad thing.
Who doesn't want a bit more excitement in their lives?" He paused, shrugging, giving a bit of a wave.
"Only thing is you have to be really careful with this and be sure you're only getting involved with the right kind of criminals. This Raphael man is NOT the right kind of criminal."
Simon blinked, huffing out a faint laugh, brow quirking.
"The 'right' kind of criminals?"
Levine nodded adamantly, holding up a finger, pointing in emphasis, lightly nudging his shoulder.
"Exactly! See the thing of it is there are two types of criminals; artists and thugs. The whole criminal appeal thing is exciting and thrilling and sexy as hell and all that but you want the artist, you don't want the thug."
Simon gave a soft giggle, shrugging.
"What's the difference? A criminal's a criminal- right?"
Levine shook his head, waving him off.
"No, no, no- it's two completely different things. See an artist is all about the skill and challenge and technique. They're about finessing the situation and getting what they want without anyone getting hurt. Sometimes without anyone even being any the wiser. It's a skill, a talent, a dance. Artists are the kind of criminals that the thrill of being with them is actually worth the danger.
These are the maestros and masterminds of criminals. They're the geniuses. They make their way in life using their intelligence and wits and their perfectly honed skills. Yes being with them involves a definite degree of danger but you're never in real personal danger from them and they're near always smart enough to keep you safe from any danger that could come your way.
Thugs are a different matter entirely. A thug is just about getting what they want regardless of what it takes. Oh sure, they might play the part of the artist if it suits them- they can even play it really convincingly sometimes- but things go south and bad things happen. And they will happen to anyone in their orbit.
An artist doesn't actually NEED thugs- they just use them for their own purposes. As a means of lining their pockets or as a means to an end. Thugs NEED artists. They don't have the brains and the skills and the talent to back up their plays. All they have is brute force, terror and intimidation. That only gets you so far.
Thugs always think they're in charge. An artist knows they are and they know enough to continue letting the Thug think they're really the one calling the shots for as long as they need them to.
Being involved with any kind of criminal comes with risks and dangers but there is a world of differences between the two. Getting involved with an Artist can have its dangers and risks but they're near always outweighed by the thrill and excitement and the romanticism of it all.
Getting involved with a thug is like tramping through the woods in a bear suit during the peak of hunting season. It's like going in to have your appendix removed and having a choice between a highly skilled, world renowned surgeon with a scalpel or some shlub butcher with a meat cleaver."
Simon snorted, brow raising.
"So you think Raph's some kind of a thug?"
Levine gave a faint scoff, brow quirking right back.
"You don't?"
Simon began to shake his head, giving a faint shrug.
"N-well…I-I really don't think so. I mean I can see where you'd get that and…well…Yeah…but…I don't know. I guess it's like you said- it's a rush. Maybe I just have a thing for trouble." He sighed helplessly, giving a soft little giggle and a helpless wave, glancing over, shrugging.
"I-just…god-The man's just such a thrill. Being around him is like being out in the middle of an electrical storm. Like you know you shouldn't do it. You know it's not safe or sane or in any way smart but it's wild and exciting and breathtaking and makes your heart beat faster than you think should even be possible.
You know you shouldn't do it but you can't really help yourself." He paused, shrugging, giving a fluttering little wave.
"Besides I really don't KNOW know anything about any of that. It's just the vibe he has. I've never actually seen him involved in anything criminal or anything even close to anything like that. Hell for all I know it really could be the whole flashy club owner persona type thing. He definitely has an edge and all that but I do think underneath all of that he is good…it's just kinda really hidden."
Levine scoffed, shaking his head.
"Yeah well if it is it's hidden better than freaking bigfoot…and I think given the choice I'd rather take on a rampaging bigfoot than him."
Simon gave a surprised laugh, head tilting concedingly, nodding animatedly, holding up a finger.
"I have a feeling you'd probably have better odds against the bigfoot." Simon huffed out a faint laugh, shrugging, glancing over, brow quirking playfully.
"Well you said a thug could masquerade as an artist…maybe the reverse is also true. Maybe he is one of your 'artist' type criminals and the whole thug like persona is just part of his skill as an artist?"
Levine scoffed, shaking his head adamantly.
"No, he's not. I work with a lot of really rough people- the kinds that you don't really want to get mixed up with, you don't want to get anywhere near- and everyone I know avoids Chaos and its owner like it's the freaking plague. Quite frankly that's one of the reasons I liked Chaos so much; cause I know when I'm there they're most definitely nowhere near me.
These people aren't gonna react like that over an artist.
The man is a thug…and he's a thug that sends OTHER- utterly terrifying- thugs running away whimpering with their tails between their legs. Trust me you majorly dodged a bullet here. This man is not the fun, exciting bungee jumping, cliff diving type of danger. He's the trying to make your way through a minefield in the middle of a lightning storm kind of danger. Yeah he might be sexy and magnetic but the risk is way too high of a price for the reward."
"It is one HELL of a reward though." Simon mumbled, another kind of helpless sigh escaping, shaking his head, shrugging.
Levine huffed, shaking his head.
"It's still not worth it."
Simon paused, brow quirking, head tilting curiously.
"You seem really sure of this. And I thought you said you worked a boring, red tape, bureaucratic import/export thing?"
He shrugged, settling closer, giving a bit of a wave.
"I am. I'm a hundred percent sure…and I may have downplayed my job a bit. I mean not entirely. A lot of my work DOES deal with paperwork and red tape and bureaucratic type things…it's just less dealing with it the proper way and more finding ways around it for my clients."
Simon blinked, slowing, turning more to face him.
"Clients?"
He shrugged, giving a bit of a wave.
"The people I work for…well with…I don't work FOR anybody. I'm my own boss. I choose what jobs I take and I choose when to take them. Most of the people I work with I'd generally never even consider lowering myself to dealing with but…well…when the price is right sometimes moral ambivalence or repugnation has a tendency to get kinda murky.
People need things moved, or need things acquired for them. I help them make it happen for the right price of course. It's pretty tricky and can have some really high stakes but that's part of the draw. I mean half the fun of doing something is just figuring out how to do it. Especially when it's something other's think is impossible or crazy. It's a skill, an art form. One I'm especially skilled at.
It's fun and exciting- a definite thrill. And I make a hell of a good living doing it. People want things, need things, whatever it happens to be I can make it happen…again for the right price.
Sometimes that price is pretty steep but most are more than happy to pay to make it happen, and none of the people I work with are exactly hurting for funds. Hell, I bought the yacht with the money from a tip from one of my first jobs." He paused, glancing over, brow quirking.
"I'm actually kinda surprised I don't know your ex, he really feels like the type that'd run in the same circles as me. Definitely seems like the type who'd be in my customer list…" He shrugged, head tilting concedingly.
"Though I guess he would be if most of the people who make up those circles didn't run for the hills at the mere mention of his name…which is really pretty concerning as I don't really know too much that does get to these guys."
Simon slowed, looking him over in disbelief before giving a bright giggle, rolling his eyes, waving him off.
"Oh man- you really had me going for a minute there!" he giggled, shaking his head, flashing a bright, dimpled grin.
Levine looked over curiously.
"What do you mean?"
Simon giggled, rolling his eyes exasperatedly.
"Dude come on; you're making it sound like you're some flashy, debonair dark side version of Q."
Levine smirked, standing up a bit straighter, shrugging.
"Well…"
Simon snorts, nudging his shoulder.
"Sure and I'm an international, super spy warlock."
Levine slowed a bit, glancing over, brow quirking, head tilting curiously.
"Warlock?"
Simon snorted, shrugging, flashing a playful smile.
"Seems just as realistic as the rest of this. I mean you're making it out like you're some big time criminal mastermind. With the yacht and the fancy private club at the Hyperion and talk about rubbing elbows with the criminal underworld." He sighed, shaking his head faintly, brow quirking.
"Dude I told you I don't really like games and posturing and all that. I got it back at the club- like I said special circumstances. I know Raph is a lot. He's cool and smart and really sexy. I get why you'd be intimidated-"
"Intimid-"
"Or why you'd feel like you have to showboat and try to compete to make it seem like you're at his level-"
Levine scoffed, eyes widening.
"At his level?! I'm so far above his level-"
Simon tried to muffle a laugh, pretending to cover it by clearing his throat, holding his free hand up placatingly.
"Andre, come on? It's really adorable that you're trying so hard b-"
He started, standing up straighter, scoffing in disbelief.
"Adorable? I'm not 'trying' to compete with him. I am leaps and bounds above him. He's just some brutish, violent, two bit thug running a chain of nightclubs. I am a freaking artist. I RUN the criminal underworld. There is nothing that I can't move, that I can't make happen. I can't just move anything I can GET anything.
I can get it- not just hire someone with more skill and talent to find a way to get it. I can. The museum heist in Dubai, the Federal Reserve robbery two years ago, the disappearing armored truck in D.C., The jewel heist of the Sun Drop Diamond and the Star Of Persia, the armory pilferation at Vandenberg Air Force Base?
All. Me.
I'm not trying to compete with him; he wishes he could reach my level. I mean, really? What does he have? A scary rep, an attitude and a smattering of nightclubs?
Pfft…please.
I have a yacht and a backup yacht AND a backup for the backup! I have a castle in Scotland! I have apartments and mansions and villas and full on hotels scattered all over the world!
The super exclusive, swanky, rooftop lounge at the Hyperion?
The one that only the owner and a select few can get into? You know why I'm so sure I can get us in? Because I AM the owner! My semi-permanent residence here is the owner's suite of the most luxurious hotel in town. I own the Hyperion and dozens of other hotels scattered throughout the world.
I am one of the most prolific criminal masterminds the real world has ever seen.
I'm the freaking Warlock!"
Simon froze, shifting, standing up a bit straighter, head tilting curiously, holding up a finger.
"Y-you're…the warlock? Like THE Warlock?"
"Yes!"
Simon blinked, head tilting the other way, brow quirking.
"The big time, jewel thief/master criminal that's been in the papers and on the news and in the true crime podcasts and is currently setting at number 9 on the FBI's most wanted?"
He smirked smugly, giving a flippant shrug and a little brow quirk.
"Yup…so what do you think about that, hmm? How do you think your glare-y, broody ex measures up to me?"
Simon blinked, huffing out a faint breath of a laugh, giving a faint shrug, turning more to face him.
"I think that you are absolutely right, there really is NO comparison between you and Raphael…"
Levine practically preened, standing up straighter, nodding.
"Exactl-"
"And I also think that you are very much under arrest…" he interrupted his peacocking boast, shifting, reaching into his pocket, pulling out his badge, holding it up clearly for him to see.
Levine froze, paling shaking his head.
"W-what? No- no you're screwing with m-" he trailed off at the sound of sirens wailing echoing through the night, looking around fearfully.
Simon shook his head, waving the badge, beginning to reach for his cuffs, moving closer.
"Andre Levine I'm det-"
"Wha-no!" Levine exclaimed, shifting, moving away from him, trying to make a run for it.
Simon darted forward, catching his arm, stopping his retreat. Levine shifted as if on instinct, whirling on him, hand coming up in a sharp blow. Simon easily dodged the blow, shifting, catching Levine's arm, pulling sharply, turning, twisting his body, pulling the larger guy off balance and bringing him to the ground, hard.
"Oomph!" Levine hit the boardwalk planks with a resounding thump, knocking the wind out of him.
Simon didn't waste any time, settling on top of him, using his full weight to pin him down, shifting rapidly, pulling out his cuffs from his pocket, pulling his arms back, slapping the cuffs on him, fastening his hands securely behind his back.
"As I was saying…I'm Detective Lewis, and you are under arrest." He shifts back as the sirens wail, lights flashing, cops swarming everywhere, a crowd of curious onlookers gathering around trying to see what all the commotion is about.
Simon shifts back, making sure Levine is securely pinned, glancing around at the approaching police and the gawking mass of onlookers before pausing when he catches sight of a familiar face in the throng of onlookers.
Raphael's standing there in the mass of people, barely ten feet away, dark eyes wide and shocked. Simon, shifted, giving a bit of a shrug, reaching up with his free hand, brushing a few loose curls behind his ear, catching Raphael's gob smacked look, flashing a little smirk all his own and a casual little shrug his way, brow quirking impishly.
"See? Told you I had it."
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*****EndOfChapterNotes*****
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Yay! Another chapter down! And Oh my god I was SO looking forward to this one guys! I freaking LOVE kickass Simon {think Raph's very much in the same boat- and like way over his head – poor gu lol}. And before anyone says anything yes I know a criminal monologuing their crimes generally only happens in comics and James Bond Films but I couldn't resist…and I needed to end the scene.
Besides what guy wouldn't get a bit of a complex trying to compare themselves to Raphael? Lol. I really had a lot of fun with that.
Okay so once again sorry for the long wait, This chapter took way longer than it should have for me. I kinda shot myself in the foot here locking myself in to doing all 5 remaining chapters here back to back. I'm remembering why I wanted to start doing the multiple stories at the same time in the first place. My brains usually good for 2 or 3 chapters in the same verse in a row but then it really wants to wander and it gets really hard for me to make it stay in the verse I need it to. Also I have come to realize my brain is basically a cat. It only does what it wants when it wants and it usually wants to at the least opportune time. I have a whole day off- I can't get it into writer's mode to save my life. I have a few hours before work free- nothing until like half an hour till I need to leave…I'm struggling with finishing a scene for hours before work with no luck- I get to work not five minutes into my shift and it all falls perfectly into place and I'm stuck trying to hide behind something and scribble out the scene as best I can in my notes on my phone without being spotted by my boss…
So yeah- my brains basically a cat.
However it CAN be motivated sometimes and the fact that I only have one chapter left (I already have the final chapter written, proofed and ready to go I just needed to get 10 and 11 done) is one hell of a motivation. I'm hoping it's enough incentive to keep my brain on track and get through chapter 11 so I can finally put this story to bed and I can move onto the other stories.
Speaking of- here is everything we have left for this round of stories:
A Study In Chaos {Verse 6} {Ch11}, * You Can Go Home Again {Verse 1} {Ch8}* Picture Perfect {Verse 8} {Ch8}* Death Was Just The Beginning {Verse 3 }{Ch9}*Nosey Neighbors {V9}{Ch9}* Picture Perfect {Verse 8} {Ch9}* You Can Go Home Again {Verse 1} {Ch9}* The Demon In The Mirror {Verse 4} {Ch10}* The Demon In The Mirror {Verse 4} {Ch11}* The Demon In The Mirror {Verse 4} {Ch12}* Nosey Neighbors {Ch10}* Nosey Neighbors {Ch11}* Nosey Neighbors {Ch12}* Love Bug {Verse 2}{Ch10} Love Bug {Verse 2}{Ch11} Love Bug {Verse 2}{Ch12}* Death Was Just The Beginning {Verse 3 {Ch10}*, Death Was Just The Beginning {Verse 3 {Ch11}* Death Was Just The Beginning {Verse 3 {Ch12}* Picture Perfect {Verse 8} {Ch10}* Picture Perfect {Verse 8} {Ch11}* Picture Perfect {Verse 8} {Ch12}* You Can Go Home Again {Verse 1} {Ch10}* You Can Go Home Again {Verse 1} {Ch11}* You Can Go Home Again {Verse 1} {Ch12}*
Okay yes I know it looks like a jumbled mess but out of 108 chapters {What we start with in a new set of stories} that's all we have left here. We're really moving into the home stretch with them now. I really love how this verse is shaping up, it's quickly becoming one of my favorites- which honestly really surprised me as when I was starting the verses it was the one I was least sure about. I'm really looking forward to getting another story fully completed. I feel like I need to move faster on them but at the same time I'd rather take my time and ensure I really love what I end up with rather than rushing through and ending up with something I don't like. I really liked how this case went- I like how both are shaping up. I kinda feel like I should have had more time to devote to them but at the same time I like how it all went. I think sometimes we're gonna have stories where the case is the main focus of the episode and other times where the character building is more the focus. This one was a bit more about the characters and how they fit together than the cases proper but we have plenty of time for all that.
Oh by the way what did you guys think of Andre Levine? He was supposed to be just a kinda one off thing but I kinda got to like him with his flirting with Simon…kinda feel like he might be a fun kinda Raj-esq type character…you know someone fun for me to have Raph torment lol.
Anyways what did you guys think?
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