"Well, that was a fun day, even with her cockblocking father," he muttered as he took the latest photo he finished processing, one that showed a half-naked Taylor with a beautiful sultry expression. He threw himself to the motel bed even as he burned that photo. He also made a note to hide the negatives as well.
He didn't trust a seedy model — the best he could afford that wasn't under the middle of the gang territory, and with a large closet he could use as a dark room — to respect his privacy. And, the last thing he needed was Taylor's naked photos to end up in a forum.
Burning the picture was sad, but not too much. After all, the real benefit was the changes in his power. The latest session showed two more things. First, changing the emotional theme of the photoshoot increased the impact of the power.
He could feel that both the range and the potency of his power had increased, enough that, he could probably force someone to follow his command against their wishes. But, it felt like another, rougher setting, not fit for photoshoots.
But, it might be useful for emergencies. Forcing someone to freeze even for a second could be very beneficial during combat. He hoped that he would never need it, but it was better to have it and not use it than the alternative.
He had to admit, that being a power copier, even with all the rules and exceptions, was fun.
Just as he was about to fall asleep, his phone buzzed. For a moment, he thought it was Taylor, but then he remembered Taylor didn't have a cell phone. So, she couldn't send a message.
It was an unknown number. He thought of ignoring it, but he received another message. Then another. Curious, he checked, only for his eyes to widen. 'Hey, mysterious photographer. This is Victoria,' said the first message. Followed by another. 'We need to talk.'
He quickly typed a message, telling her that he was ready to talk whenever she wanted. His phone rang immediately. "I hope it isn't too late," she started. Marcus recognized her voice, making it even less likely that it was a prank.
"No, I was just settling in my new motel. The apartment is condemned for the damage," he replied.
"That's what I wanted to talk about. There is some news saying that it's my fault…"
"The photos didn't help?"
"Well, that's the problem," she responded. "My mother wants to use them, but she can't use them without a release form from you. She doesn't want to get sued." Marcus opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, she continued. "I know, you won't do anything like that, but she's a lawyer. She wants you to sign a contract."
"Sure," Marcus said. "I can do it first thing tomorrow. I don't have anything arranged for the morning." Her silence was poignant. Marcus recognized that she wanted something else. "But you want it to happen even earlier, right?" he asked.
"Sorry for the last-minute thing. But, if we can get the release, we can send the pictures to the newspapers before they go to press. And, for the forums, the earlier we serve it, the better."
Marcus paused. He was not exactly a Samaritan willing to do favors for people, he was happy to make an exception for Glory Girl. After all, she had not only gifted him super strength,
Also, she had a family made of capes and she was very good friends with many heroes. Having her owe him one could be very useful. As long as he could arrange a photoshoot through them, it would be an excellent thing.
"Sure, send me the address, and I'll drive," he said.
"Are you sure? I can pick you up."
"No. The idea is tempting, but I don't think I can afford the attention of being escorted by a hero. It won't help me if the gangs get curious."
"Makes sense," she said. "Alright. I'll text you the address. Try to be there in an hour."
"Sure," Marcus said before he ended the call. He didn't leave immediately. Instead, he checked a few sites, reading some suggestions about contracts and how various artists could be screwed up by the basics of contracts.
He was willing to give the photos for free to Glory Girl, but that didn't mean he wanted to be treated as a moron. If they act nicely, he would as well. If not … well, he wasn't the one that was in a hurry to make a contract, was he?
He even grabbed his camera and some extra film before leaving. A midnight photoshoot was not a guarantee, but it was better to be prepared. Victoria seemed to enjoy her photos being taken enough to make it a possibility.
A set with her was certainly welcome. Maybe he should create an excuse to linger around, or at least let her follow him out. His car was old and terrible enough to make a good excuse.
"Yes, Mom, he told me that he'll be here in a minute. Don't worry," Vicky said even as she sat across from her mother. "Are you sure you want to greet him in a pantsuit?"
"Yes, Victoria. We're going to make a deal with a young man. We need to look professional. It's basic respect. Maybe you should change as well."
Vicky shrugged, happy with her shorts and tank top combo. A bit more revealing than she would be normally comfortable in such a private setting, but she had just spent an hour fighting with Dean, who insisted on not believing her when she explained that this time, Rune was responsible for the damage.
He didn't believe her. It looked like her boyfriend believed a Nazi villain before his girlfriend. So, Vicky dumped him … again. And, giving a show to another handsome boy felt like a better punishment.
Someone might say that it was unfair, but Vicky had seen how Marcus looked at her when she was posing for him. She was sure that he wouldn't complain about the amount of skin she had on display. "As long as you don't fleece him. Just pay him what he deserves."
"We don't exactly have a lot of money to throw around, Vicky. Not with our sponsors pulling back due to …"
"My collateral damage," Vicky grumbled. "Even though villains are responsible for a lot of it."
Her mother sighed. "If you say so, Vicky. Just be careful —" her mother started, but her growing lecture was interrupted by a sudden ringing of the doorbell.
"It must be Marcus. Let me get it," Vicky said even as she jumped up to her feet. As she moved toward the door, her phone buzzed. She checked, only to see a message from Dean. She deleted it without reading it.
Then, just as she stood in front of the door, she adjusted her clothing a bit. She pulled her shorts down a bit to reveal a hint of her underwear, and pulled her top lower to enhance her cleavage, proudly showing her assets.
"Hello —" she started as she opened the door, only to stop. Marcus was standing at the door, but his car was nowhere to be seen. A small detail, but she was an experienced hero. She didn't miss it. "Where's your car?"
"Two streets down," he said. "The engine decided to rest early."
"Sorry about that. We can call a mechanic."
"I rather not," he said. "Any call at this hour would have emergency rates. Not something I can afford. But let's not talk about it for now. Let's talk about the contract."
"Sure, come in," she said as she gestured for him to follow her.
Vicky had to admit, she was impressed with his attitude. All day, she dealt with a lot of boys who bragged about their family money — probably thinking she was dating Dean because of his money rather than dating a fellow hero. Someone admitting his limited financial means without shame, but also not turning into some kind of judgment was refreshing.
It felt appropriate to reward him with a shake of her hips. She had no intention of letting him touch, but letting him look felt appropriate. Especially since her mother looked determined to buy his photos below market value.
"Do you mind if I take a picture," he asked just as they entered.
"A quick one, and as long as it stays private," she warned, and only because her mother was about to fleece him. Poor guy.
He took the photo just when they were at the doorway. Vicky wondered if he took the picture of her mother as well, but then she shrugged. With the way she was dressed, it wouldn't matter either way.
"So, you're the amateur photographer lucky enough to get my daughter's pictures," her mother greeted the moment Marcus stepped in. Vicky was familiar with her attitude, enough to recognize that she was intentionally putting him down by calling him both amateur and lucky at the same time.
Vicky shuddered. It was clear that her mother was in her lawyer mode. She pitied him.
"Yes, Mrs. Dallon," he responded. "I'm sure Miss Dallon here —" he started.
"Call me Vicky," she interrupted, which earned a smile from him, and a scathing glare from her mother. Both, she responded with a smirk.
"I'm sure Vicky mentioned that I'm willing to give the photos for free."
"I heard, but I will be more comfortable if we handled it officially. That way, there's no problem down the line," she replied. And, pushed a long, multi-paged contract.
"If you say so, Mrs. Dallon. We can handle it like that. You don't mind if I read your offer, do you?" he asked.
"Sure, go ahead," she said. "I'm sure you'll find a thousand dollars an acceptable payment."
"I have no problem with it. As I told Vicky, I'm happy to give it a gift," he said, but he didn't pull his gaze away from the contract, reading it slowly. Her mother tapped the floor with her foot, played with her pen, and sighed. All tricks to make him hurry up, but Marcus ignored all of them, continuing to read silently.
Then, he stopped at a line. "This here says I'm giving all the rights, including my name in any future publication. Meaning, anyone claiming that they took the photo."
"It's just a boilerplate line," her mother countered.
Marcus sent her a gaze that showed that he disagreed, and didn't flinch under her mother's angry gaze. Vicky had to admit, she was impressed. Not everyone could handle her. He continued to read, until halfway, he sighed. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Dallon. This contract is too complicated for me to sign without my own legal counsel. I don't even understand all the rights I'm giving up. I might be ruining my career here."
"You promised to give up the photos. Are you saying that you're changing your mind," her mother declared angrily.
"If it means I have to sign a contract I don't understand, yes," he said shamelessly. Vicky couldn't help but giggle, which earned an angry glare from her mother. "But, I'm more than happy to sign one, as long as we can draft a new contract. One that I understand."
"Vicky, go watch some TV," she said, sending her away.
"As you wish, Mom," Vicky said, not wanting to deal when her mother was frustrated. She clearly didn't expect an eighteen-year-old high school senior to resist her pressure easily. And, while it was fun to watch, not at the expense of getting another long lecture.
Vicky went upstairs, but rather than turning on the TV, she chose to dig around her wardrobe. Her mother still had to go visit a few newspaper offices to handle the details of the stories she wanted to push, and Amy was at the hospital as usual.
Meaning she would be alone with Marcus for a while.
After watching him deal with her mother, Vicky was even more excited to tease him. The idea of winning something that her mother failed was exciting.
She just needed to pick the right clothes. Something attractive, but not too much —
Another message from Dean interrupted her thoughts. She erased it again, and smirked, going deeper into her wardrobe. Maybe he deserved something truly fascinating.