Winter had to admit, for a rival she was about to bring to his knees, the leader of the owner of the nightclub who believed she was going to share her precious dust with had impeccable taste. A band on the corner of the half circle stage was playing slow, smooth jazz in front of the red drop curtain. The front of the stage was a seres of rounded steps spanning the whole way around it and there was a large center walkway for any performers to walk along to disperse along the tables that sat with precise spacing and grace between them. Winter sat in a booth in the back left corner of the room. A glittering crystal chandelier hung above her head casting a soft glow over the table where a glass of sparkling white wine was set before her. Unlike the clubs Xiao Long liked to visit where the music was loud, the people packed against each other, the alcohol cheap and the air full of shouting and smoke, Winter had to admit she was quite enjoying herself. Once she kicked the owners back into shape and she owned this place, she would have to bring amber here and see how the lights would shine on her soft Carmel colored skin.
Winter breathed in and closed her eyes to her small private symphony of Ambers soft carmel skin and pink lips and big glistening redish brown eyes.
A light cough interrupted her and icy eyes opened and traveled up to meet those of a man in a neat white trench coat with a red lining and gold outlines. His hair was a flaming red and was comes over under a black bowler with a red ribbon around the middle. A grey scarf was tied around his neck and in his black gloved hand was a white cane with a red handhold. A pair of mischievous green eyes peered out from under the brim of his hat. Winter could feel the sleaze radiating off him. She stared at him through narrow eyes. He spoke first.
"Why hello Princess, I don't think we've formally met." Every word rolled off his tongue with a slightly sarcastic feel. Winter got a thousand reads on his personality right then and there. Ah yes. He fancied himself as her equal it seemed. "The names Roman Torchwick. I believe we may have spoken about an arrangement involving dust and a certain...enemy." He held out a gloved hand. Winter did not take it.
"Charmed, I'm sure." She said slowly and sarcastically.
He shrugged and took out a cigar and lit it gently. He sucked in on it and blew of a small cloud of grey smoke. Winter crinkled her nose. He chuckled at her expression of distaste. "Want one?" He asked reaching into his pocket.
She shook her head. "I do not wish to shorten my life by putting that stick of death between my lips."
"Suit yourself." He blew another cloud of smoke at her face, this time in the shape of an O. Looking quite pleased with himself he did it twice more in the span of a few heavy minute of silence. "See that?" He pointed a finger at the slowly dissipating ring hanging in the air. "That is called talent right there. You would be applauding if you had any sort of humor in that frozen heart of yours." He said chuckling again.
Winter looked him dead in the eyes and his laughter quickly stopped. He held up both hands, the cigar now gripped between his teeth. "Sorry Princess didn't mean to displease her majesty. I can see your all business huh? Well I can talk business."
The owner of the Schnee Dust Company nodded. "I was informed that my largest rival would be here. In return for access to the company's dust reserves we would be allowed to take him out unhindered."
"Right you are darling. Unlimited access mind you."
Winter scanned the room. "Of course but..."
"What?" The man looks nervous for a second then seemed to catch on to her train of thought. "Oh, right. Lets see they said they would be here at ten, and it's ten now soooo..." There was a silence in the music as someone walked into the room. "Ah yes there they are now. Punctual as usual."
The room was silent as the cool taps of glass heels clicked on the ground. A small jingle like the sound of broken glass clinking was heard. Winters eyes traveled up a thin curvy body with pale skin and clothed in an ash grey dress. Ash colored hair was draped over her far shoulder and a hold eating hung off the open ear. Flame colored eyes swept the room as the woman walked towards them. She neared Winters table and stopped behind Roman.
A pale hand with blood red nails squeezed his shoulder making him jump slightly. An odd expression of discomfort settled on his features, as though this woman touching him made his very soul hurt. Fiery eyes met icy ones and a melodious voice rang in Winters ears. "Come now Roman, who is this? I thought we would have the club all to ourselves."
The sleaze in front of the sociopath winced uncomfortably as he observed red nails tighten into the weaker mans shoulder. "You know I can't close it down every time you come. I have to make money one way or another."
The woman laughed in a way that sent chills racing up and down her spine. "Ah of course. How silly of me Roman. Your guests all look lovely." She stared pointedly at Winter who stared back.
"I...ah..." The man looked lost for words.
The woman smiled and tugged on his shoulder, ignoring Winter. "Let's go find a seat why don't we? You told me that the younger Schnee will be performing and you know how I like to be entertained. I hope I'm not disappointed."
"Yes. Of course!" Roman said and hastily stood up looking frazzled and slightly disconcerted. Turning around the woman wrapped both hands around his arm and he escorted her away.
Winter watched the two walk away and felt a smile creeping onto her face. She would have to alert Weiss and the others. If this woman was their biggest competitor then she would have no worries about the Torchwicks muscling in on her turf. No he would be kissing the ground at her feet if she did. The high price for the deed was to make sure she wouldn't turn the job down. Better to beg forgiveness than to ask for clarification.
Of course killing this woman would be a challenge, but that was okay. The world was boring. Nothing was more fun than a challenge.