Chapter 2
"That went very well," Jagger said impassively to his employer, who happened to be his brother, who seemed to be distracted. He looked at his muscular brother who gazed at a certain place on the cream colored walls. Jagger wondered I haven't ever seen him like this, he usually isn't this fazed. "Slade Princeton, come back to earth. You have a business to run," Jagger announced impatiently.
"I know that," Slade snarled, "I just was thinking. Jagger, does our company have a bad reputation?" Jagger flipped through his black leather bound notebook that he carried around everywhere he went. He flipped to the public relations section where there was a decent amount of information.
Jagger sighed heavily and responded tentatively, "Well not so much the company does, but we do. We are known for being heartless bastards. This is especially true in the radical magazines. I believe the editor or one of the writers is Amber. What ever became of her? I haven't heard about her since…" Slade gave him a murderous glare that sent shivers down Jagger's spine. He remembered that it was a sensitive subject that it had been a situation that happened three years ago. Although Jagger had seen the affect on Slade, he never really found out the whole story.
Flashback
Slade stormed into the Princeton estates in a dangerously apparent shock. He sat on the couch beside Jagger. Slade rested his head in his hands. Usually Jagger wouldn't get involved with his brother's personal life, but it seemed to be traumatizing his brother.
"What happened?" asked Jagger putting down his copy of the most recent book of laws passed that year. Slade looked up at his brother and then smoothed back his wet hair. Why he walked in the rain was beyond Jagger's comprehension. Usually his older brother would have stayed at Amber's apartment.
"She's gone," responded Slade quietly, "She couldn't take my actions." Jagger wondered if because of his older brother the girl committed suicide, but that wasn't the most feasible explanation.
Jagger asked in obvious uncertainty, "Did she kill herself?" Slade looked at his brother and slapped the back of his head. How could his brother, a lawyer and genius, possibly come up with something so ridiculous?
"No," replied Slade with a sorrowful tone, "She has decided that we shouldn't be around each other anymore. She says I am too controlling and changed too much for her to be around her. She says the power has taken over me, and it's too painful for her to witness or something like that." Jagger looked at the clock trying to figure out what to say. He never expected that. Maybe, it was meant for a later time in their life.
End of Flashback
"So are you implying that Amber Rhodes is behind this?" asked a strained Slade. Jagger looked nervously back at his notebook. It wasn't a solid fact, but the evidence was certainly not in Amber's favor. Jagger noted remember, nothing is a solid fact, but you may want to look into the matter before Slade decides to have a genocide of the extremists.
Jagger answered, "That would not be certain. I suggest you arrange a meeting with her or talk to her sister. You know, the girl with glasses who can't duel and…" Slade rolled his eyes. Jagger often forgot that Amber's sister rarely spoke a full sentence although she had the ability.
"Do you truly believe I should do that?" inquired Slade trying to keep composed in front of his employees. Jagger nodded and thought that would be the one thing that might make him shut the hell up about the whole mess. The older brother was contemplating the results of the possible meeting. It would either lead to an unnecessary argument or to a compromise.
"Get the secretary to call Miss Rhodes, and make sure the answer is in my favor," commanded Slade which translated into Jagger, call Amber and convince her to meet with me. She can tolerate your sorry ass.
Jagger replied as he headed to his office, "I'll get right on it." Jagger watched his brother stuff his hands into his pockets. The younger brother said to himself he really fucked his life up by being an asshole. He grabbed the phone and dialed the Rhodes home.
Ring, Ring, Ring
"Hello, this is Allison Rhodes," said a quiet girl that was practically inaudible. That must be Amber's sister that seldom speaks thought Jagger. He adjusted his seat in his brown corduroy chair.
"Hello, I am Jagger Princeton," He replied, "May I speak to Amber Rhodes? This is a very urgent matter for someone else in this company." He heard Allison call for his sister.
"Thanks Ally," Amber said. Jagger recalled that was what most people referred Allison as. Amber soon spoke into the phone, "Hey Jagger, how would the great lawyer/ politician be doing? How are you taking care of the homeless?" Jagger smiled at the sound of her voice. She was one of his best friends that Slade had no idea that Jagger had kept contact with her.
Jagger replied, "Average and I try to help feed them at the shelter whenever I get a chance, you know my cooking skills aren't amazing, but I can clean. But the reason I called the boss wants to have a meeting with you. He believes you are behind his bad publicity." He heard Amber giggle and then attempt to act serious.
"So I see that my recent meeting has affected with him," Amber said in her most professional tone, "Tell him that if he postpones the eviction then I might consider it. Until then, I do not want to see him. Besides, he should be able to call me. I have a very busy schedule." Jagger wrote this on a yellow papered notepad.
Jagger responded, "I will give him the message, but have you considered at least trying to be civil to him? He…may not be the best man in the world but…" He was quickly surprised to here a disgruntled sound coming from the girl on the other side of the line.
"…But nothing! He has no excuses anymore! He could use his money to help fund the hospitals needed to be built in Haiti or donate money to cure AIDS. If he has the power and the mass communication systems, he could help find homes for the orphans. People are dying unnecessary deaths because of people like him. Tell him I said that as well," Amber said before she slammed the phone down. Jagger had kept all of the young woman's words written down.
As soon as Jagger entered Slade's office, his brother quickly averted his gaze from his laptop. He had been awaiting the response. "What did she say?" demanded Slade Princeton. His patience was not to be messed with at the current moment, and to save time, Jagger had to perfectly honest.
"She said only if you consider postponing the eviction, and that you should do it because of all the power you hold, you could help fund houses being built in Haiti or help AIDS research. She also said that if you wanted to see her so badly you should have the balls to call her," Jagger reported. Slade slammed his large fists against the oak desk. Of course, Amber would be the one to make things terribly difficult. That wasn't the response he wanted, but that would be the only promising response that Amber would ever give. Slade waved his hand to dismiss Jagger from his sight. He snatched his phone from it's holder.
Ring, Ring
"Amber Rhodes speaking," Amber said more politely than Slade had ever heard.
"It's Slade, and I agree to your conditions. I will consider the eviction and all that other shit. Does Tuesday at twelve work for you?" Slade asked intolerantly. He heard the flipping of pages in the background of the other line.
"No, I have meeting to attend to, but I am free on Thursday at 2:45, can you make it or will you be making war missiles in an attempt to abolish a country to rule?" Amber responded sarcastically. Slade rolled his eyes; the girl was unbelievably cruel.
"Yes, I am free. Shall we meet at the French café?" Slade inquired attempting not to raise his voice.
"I refuse to do business in public, we meet at my office. It's on my lunch break. The address is…" Amber said being cut off by Slade's sadistic voice.
"I remember where it is," Slade retorted, "I'll be there."
"I expect you will be," said Amber with a bittersweet voice that tormented Slade's soul, "You will be because of your foul reputation." Before Slade could reply, Amber had hung up the phone. He realized that this was a matter that he wouldn't rest until he settled it once and for all.
Mew Kazurinu: This was fun to write. I seriously love this fanfic. How will Slade's meeting go with Amber? Tell me if you have any suggestions. Thanks for reading.