Even with all the connections Victor had, it was more than a bit difficult to enter the country unnoticed, to move through New York City, to make his way to the offices of his new associate undetected. And, though the man didn't know he was to become a very integral part of Victor's plans, Victor was sure of at least one thing. Resistance was futile.
"And why exactly am I meeting with you?" Mr. McKenzie of McKenzie Corporations Inc. questioned, leaning back in his chair, one hand running through his dark hair. "You are, after all a wanted criminal. And I do not aid or abet criminals."
Bold words, but Victor wasn't deterred. "Actually, I am not a wanted criminal," he corrected, leaning forward. "I was never charged with any crimes. My presence in the United States is merely discouraged, not forbidden." It was a testament to the wonders of being rich and powerful as much as he allowed it to the fact that very few people knew he was still alive. "As to why you're meeting with me, Mr. McKenzie…let's just say I can be rather persuasive." He regarded the man for a moment more before leaning back and steepling his fingers. "And I need your assistance in some matters."
The other man chuckled amusedly. "I agreed to meet with you, Mr. Von Doom. I never agreed to assist you with anything. Nor will I. If that's all you came for, then I'm sure you can find your way to the door."
"I'm sure I do as well," he agreed. "But I have a bargaining chip. I hardly think you want your little secret bandied about New York." The last part was thrown in almost nonchalantly, as if his entire deal didn't depend on how McKenzie would react to it.
"And what secret is that?" Namor McKenzie questioned innocently as he leaned still further back in his chair, fingers playing with his pointed eartips. "My ears? They're not an uncommon feature." Fawn's ears people called them. Or elven ears. Some people thought them quite handsome.
"No, they aren't," Victor agreed, metal fingers interlacing. "When viewed by themselves. However, when viewed in conjunction with other anatomical anamolies you have…well…they're quite revealing."
"You're one to talk," the other man rolled his eyes, rising from the chair as if bored by the whole exchange. "A metal man? How do you even manage to traverse the city unobserved?"
"I'd rather appreciate it if you didn't change the subject," Victor countered, rising so that he was at the same eye level as his prey. "But I daresay that there would be plenty of government officials curious as to why the CEO of a Fortune 500 company has gills and wings on his ankles." How did that sound?
Namor's features darkened for a half second before they took on an unconcerned façade. "I hardly think they'd believe such unfounded accusations."
"They're not unfounded, I assure you, Mr. McKenzie." Victor's voice took on a superior tone as he explained the next part. "You haven't been as careful as you might think. And I have proof, I assure you. Otherwise I wouldn't be here today." From the folds of his coat, he produced a DVD, sliding it forward on the desk.
McKenzie swallowed sharply, eyes studying the object before darting upward, searching the face of the metallic man in front of him. "And what do you want in return?"
"As I said before, Mr. McKenzie…your assistance."
