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Post by NoOnesShowMonkey on Mar 14, 2011 11:41:32 GMT -5
[12 March, 2069. 18:51, Markum, et al. offices]
[PAN Mode - Active]Sterling sits in his office going through some papers. It had been nearly two weeks since his last "outside" job - and given the way that had gone, perhaps it was for the best. Since then, he had spent a lot more time in the office, trying to keep himself busy. He hadn't talked to Torin since then, either - he wasn't pleased at his associate's choice of clients. But, beggers can't be choosers - and the stacks of legal briefs and paperwork were dulling his senses. He rang up Torin on his secure line. <<D. Sterling @ T. Lowell>>
Torin, its been awhile. This work is starting to grate on me and I don't want that last job to leave a mark on my reputation in this city. Has any word of work for a negotiator come down the pipeline to you?
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Post by NoOnesShowMonkey on Mar 14, 2011 11:46:38 GMT -5
Within the hour, Sterling gets a message from Torin Lowell:
<<Torin @ Sterling>>
<<Actually, I may have something for you of a more personal type. I'll let you know.>>
Several hours later, as Sterling is packing up to head home, Lowell calls, his usual motormouth running at a nice hum.
'Hey, Sterling. No hard feelings about that last job, I thought it was a bit below you, myself. I heard that the next team that took it, only half came back. Looks like you dodged a bullet, eh? Anyways, I have something for you. This guy I know owes me a bit of scratch and I want you to collect. He has been a bit of a hardon about it - put the hurt on a couple of guys I sent his way last week... But don't worry, they were small time hoods, and you, you are of a order all together different, am I right? Am I right? Look, I'll send you his name and where you can find him. The mug owes me twelve large. If you can pick it up for me, I'll make a present of 15%. Sound good? You're the best.'
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Post by phatgdog69 on Mar 14, 2011 13:33:26 GMT -5
[12 March, 2069. 21:30, Markum, et al. office]
[PAN Mode - Active]
Sterling couldn't help but smirk wryly to himself - that was no small debt and Lowell's debts were usually....well, not the kind you would want to have. Nor were the kinds of debtors he had the kind you would want to have either....
"No hard feelings, Torin - I imagine if you're calling me, you want this done in a quiet, peaceful and professional manner if at all possible. Now, this sounds like the kind of thing I shouldn't ask too many questions about - of course, anything you could tell me about the guy himself would certainly help."
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Post by NoOnesShowMonkey on Mar 14, 2011 15:58:57 GMT -5
'Look who is so smart. You can give him the carrot or the stick, I don't care which. I just want the cred. The mope in question is James Costone. He is a regular at some bar called The Dark Horse. Clean this up for me and I will be very happy. And when I am happy, you are happy, am I right? Am I right? All right, get this done sooner rather than later. If it takes more than a few days, I'll start knocking nuyen off your cut, got me?' Lowell rings off, leaving Sterling to his work. Sterling now has a name and a location to start a workup on where to find this James Costone and get back the twelve thousand. . |
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Post by phatgdog69 on Mar 14, 2011 16:15:16 GMT -5
"Always a pleasure, Torin."
Torin may be one of the least-liked living creatures in the city, but he always has work. Well, first step of any of these jobs is a cursory check of the information. Sterling warmed up his comm and went about to looking for any quick hits for those names to start planning before delving deeper.
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Post by NoOnesShowMonkey on Mar 14, 2011 17:39:22 GMT -5
Sterling spends a few minutes on the Matrix doing a couple of searches. The Dark Horse is a Downtown club and bar not far from Seattle Center. The menu is sub-chic in pricing, but high enough to ensure that it is likely a decent locale. There is a limited menu for food, ranging from pub fare to calamari. A page lists regular musical acts and interior shots on the main site show the location as something of a music club, a place that hosts shows. The name James Costone brings back a phonebook. One note of correlating information is that the surname is - surprise - Italian-UCAS. The list of names includes producers for the film biz, a few lawyers, and general wage-slaves. Without further information or ability, Sterling is unlikely to find much more about Costone
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Post by phatgdog69 on Mar 14, 2011 18:00:47 GMT -5
Sterling scratches his head - well, it was a start. Something he could leverage..... in some place nicer than the parking lot. Sterling hopped in his car and headed home to make a few calls in more comfort - and make a point of passing by the Dark Horse on the way.
He gave Lily a call as he headed out.
"Hey Lil, just getting out of the office, I'll see you in a few..."
A thought crossed his mind about the implacable name -
"...hey, the name 'James Costone' wouldn't happen to ring a bell, would it? I overheard it earlier and it just seemed familiar for some reason..."
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Post by NoOnesShowMonkey on Mar 14, 2011 18:28:39 GMT -5
Lily takes on a thoughtful tone, 'James Costone... Nope, I haven't heard of him off-hand.' She gets audibly excited and asks, 'want me to ask around some? Is this another one of your paid, off-the-books, ask-no-questions kinds of things?!'
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Post by phatgdog69 on Mar 14, 2011 18:44:05 GMT -5
Sterling laughed - Lily did like playing 'spy accomplice,' but he'd rather keep her safe until he knew a little bit more about this Costone guy.
"Haha, I thought he might have been somebody famous - you know how forgetful I can be about that. I'll see you in a minute."
The bar would be coming up in a moment, then he'd be back to the condo a few minutes after that.
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Post by NoOnesShowMonkey on Mar 15, 2011 10:31:02 GMT -5
[12 March, 2069. 19:42, Sterling's Bar of Choice, Downtown]
The drive was short, predictable, miserable. Sterling pulled up to his usual haunt and, after letting the autonav park in the nearby garage, deducting it's usual fee, heads into the bar to soak away the day's troubles.
James Costone could wait, for now.
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Post by phatgdog69 on Mar 15, 2011 16:37:59 GMT -5
Correction from OOC Sterling drove past the Dark Horse. There are wealthy looking patrons coming and going, a few college age, mostly young professionals and older. Music can be heard booming out of the place, shaking the walls a bit. Sounds like a live act. Security is on par for other clubs - tight enough to handle a scuffle but not obviously heavy. Sterling made a note of possibly dropping by the bar tomorrow to take a closer look, but he hoped it wouldn't be necessary. As a last thing before calling it a night, he sent his friend Henricus a message as he pulled in to the lot. <<D. Sterling @ H. Athanasi>>
"Hey Henri - if you get a minute, I've got two names I'm trying to get some dirt on: "The Dark Horse" and 'James Costone'. I've included what I've found so far, but I'd really appreciate anything else - you know I'm good for the cred, too. Thanks, and take care of yourself."Henri had a good ear for these things, but they hadn't talked in awhile. Sterling hoped this would be enough - he really didn't want to have to call Nils too, so he hoped this would do it.. |
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Post by NoOnesShowMonkey on Mar 15, 2011 19:04:44 GMT -5
<<H. Athanasi @ D. Sterling>>
"Isn't the Dark Horse a bar in Downtown near the civic center? Heard it is pretty nice... been meaning to check it out myself. James Costone doesn't ring any bells - he isn't a mojo slinger that I've heard of. I can ask around a bit about him, if you want."On the off hand that this is a face-palm, Sterling has not really asked Torin anything about the guy he is collecting from, not that Torin has been all that forthcoming...
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Post by phatgdog69 on Mar 16, 2011 11:51:23 GMT -5
<<D. Sterling @ H. Athanasi>>
"Yeah, looks pretty decent, really don't want to get a bad rep over there already. If you can find anything on that Costone guy, that'd be perfect - thanks again, man."With that, Sterling pulled comfortably into his parking spot at home. It would be good to get plenty of rest and pick up tomorrow with whatever Henricus could find for him, and fill in whatever blanks were left before confronting Costone. Repost from OOC - Sterling did ask Torin about the target, he just got nothing for his troubles. Their relationship is more strict business, anyway.
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Post by NoOnesShowMonkey on Mar 17, 2011 11:24:29 GMT -5
[13 March, 2069. 07:21, Sterling's Condo, Downtown]
<<H. Athanasi @ D. Sterling>>
<<Don, I did a bit of checking. The name didn't ring any bells with me, so he is not a mage working the darker side of things. But, someone I know did recognize the name on the mundane, but no less dark, side. James ''Jimmy Bags'' Costone is a made guy with one of the three families in Seattle. I hear he frequents the Dark Horse. I am guessing that, since you asked about both, you are looking to find this guy. I hear he is a bit of a hot head, so be careful if you walk into his turf and jerk his chain, omae. Be a pal and send a couple hundred my way for bus fare, ya know?>>
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Post by phatgdog69 on Mar 17, 2011 11:48:16 GMT -5
[13 March, 2069. 07:33, Sterling's Condo, Downtown]
<<D. Sterling @ H. Athanasi>>
"Thanks - here's some cred for your troubles. You wouldn't happen to have a picture of the guy, would ya?"
Well, that would get him started - a made man, great. Well, at least this time he could roll in and play it classy instead of having to throw cred around to look like a bum. Next up - pay a visit to the Dark Horse and hopefully meet this Costone. Or at least get a decent meal and scope the place out.
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Post by NoOnesShowMonkey on Mar 17, 2011 12:13:46 GMT -5
When Henricus drops the made-man bombshell, a light goes off in Sterling's head. He'd read about this place, years ago, in the 'Dress to the 9s, Eat to the 10s' issue of the matrix publication Pinnacle Dining. The issue covered many restaurants in the Seattle area that had mob connections - some smokey or past or long dissolved, and others still frequented by real live gangsters. The Dark Horse was purported to be nothing but a front for the mob - but still had a great soy-burger while calamari was top rate. 'Don't think that this is an old Speakeasy, though, as weapons are strictly not allowed', the issue had warned.
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Post by phatgdog69 on Mar 17, 2011 16:03:56 GMT -5
[13 March, 2069. 18:33, The Dark Horse, Downtown - Parking Lot]
Sterling reluctantly left his gun in the car - no need riling up the locals this early on. He hoped this Costone fellow would be more forthcoming about his situation - Torin was consistently to-the-letter about his...loans...but not big on letting out the fine print. This was the last place he wanted a confrontation - this was Costone's turf, got to play it cool
With that, he straightened his jacket and strode up to the door, making precise observations about every inch of the place along the way.
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Post by NoOnesShowMonkey on Mar 17, 2011 16:59:04 GMT -5
[13 March, 2069. 18:33, The Dark Horse, Downtown]
Passing his coat off at the coat check, passing under an obvious security scanner and noting a few guards, Sterling enters the club.
The Dark Horse's dimly lit interior is a tasteful mix of wine-red and hardwoods, deep leather and brass. No live acts are currently playing, and light, easy listening music floats through the interior. Largely unoccupied at this time of the evening, the island bar set against the right wall does have several patrons nursing martinis and cocktails. Beyond the bar, a small sound stage can be seen that could accommodate a four man band but barely. Along the left wall, a number of deep booths are nestled, high backed and cozy looking. Beyond those, a small hallway leads back towards what Sterling can safely assume is the kitchen or bathrooms. Few of the tables between the booths and bar are occupied, mostly by downtown professional types dressed the part - suits and chic dresses, expensive sunglasses, low-profile body mods and perfect skin.
Gazing about, Sterling does not find Costone.
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Post by phatgdog69 on Mar 21, 2011 10:10:15 GMT -5
[13 March, 2069. 18:35, The Dark Horse, Downtown]Sterling didn't expect to see Costone immediately, if at all - so, a pleasant meal as stakeout and working up a little rep before asking some questions. He politely grabbed the attention of a passing waitress, flashed a patented smile and got himself a table. Sterling made a point of asking for a table further from the door, taking in as much information as possible as he walked through the rather nice establishment. Thinking about it, he really hoped he wouldn't have to confront Costone here, or otherwise make any trouble for them. If the food was anything like the atmosphere, this would definitely be a place to come back to. Sterling ordered a nice meal and bided his time. Room recorded in 3D Memory for later recall and analysis - 25 m^3 volume
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Post by NoOnesShowMonkey on Mar 21, 2011 13:01:56 GMT -5
[13 March, 2069. 20:51, The Dark Horse, Downtown]
Sterling has been sitting around the Dark Horse for several hours, passing the time by picking slowly at an appetizer, then a salad, finally an entree. The food was good, certainly not the best, but plenty decent for the money. The music has slowly shifted towards lounge-jazz with bits of mashup, the bar tones shifting towards clubs. Upscale patrons started to fill the venue over an hour ago, and conversation flits lightly over the rooms.
As his entree is being cleared and the desert cart is being spoken of, Sterling spies Costone enter the restaurant amidst a small cloud of suited men, all talking to one another in a familiar fashion. He is an average sized human, black coiffed with silver flecking his temples, a thick nose, bushy eyebrows and a deep wine colored silk suit. His dark eyes are quick and sharp.
Costone is clearly the alpha of the group, Sterling can see that much, and the group saunters through the restaurant, Costone greeting various patrons as they go, before retiring down the hallway in the back.
Within moments of the gaggle disappearing in the back, a waitress heads that way with a scotch and whiskey laden tray.
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Post by phatgdog69 on Mar 23, 2011 15:38:27 GMT -5
[13 March, 2069. 21:28, The Dark Horse, Downtown]Sterling had spent the better part of 3 hours now buttering up the staff and patrons of the Dark Horse. He hadn't learned too much that he didn't already know, but was building a rapport as a good customer - and wanted to keep it that way. By this time in the evening, he had long finished his meal and was sitting comfortably at the bar with a scotch in hand, chatting up the place. One particular regular was more than happy enough to relay the history of the place - much he knew, some he doubted, but it was a good segue into finding out more about Costone. Given the history, everyone but the regulars seemed to assume anybody with an entourage or enough apparent presence was a Made Man - it was best that Sterling avoided that label. "So, whats a guy got to do to meet one of these 'legends', eh?" Sterling asked. "Meet? Man, if you gotta ask, you've got as much chance as I do - but good luck to ya!" replied one of the barflies, to a chorus of hearty laughter. It was a dream of many there to roll with the big dogs - though it was unlikely that any of them knew what that meant outside of their rosy trid-colored imaginations. Getting to Costone here would be difficult at best - and even then, he was at a tremendous disadvantage. There was always Plan B... "I'd love to at least shake the man's hand - anybody who's good to this place is good by me." See note in OOC
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Post by phatgdog69 on Mar 28, 2011 17:11:37 GMT -5
[13 March, 2069. 21:51, The Dark Horse, Downtown]
Having bought some time, Sterling noticed the back room door of the bar opening up and a wall of suited men poured forth. Here came Costone, walled almost entirely off by his retainers. Of course, a man such as himself couldn't help but address his adoring fans, especially after a few drinks. Sterling made a point of being in that crowd and presenting an outstretched hand.
"Jeff Franklin - its an honor."
With that hand came an AR message - Sterling's name for his underground dealings and business card. Plus a formal letter, directed to Costone alone, detailing what he knew of his dealings with Lowell, and an offer to mediate the dispute before things got out of hand.
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Post by NoOnesShowMonkey on Mar 28, 2011 18:49:18 GMT -5
Costone eyes Sterling with hawk's eyes, hidden behind a glowing smile. 'Mr. Franklin. I do not believe we've met. James Costone, call me Jimmy.'
As their hands meet, his eyes harden slightly, recognizing at the point of contact the exchange. Not missing a beat, however, he continues on. 'What is your business, Jeff?'
Sterling notes Costone's eyes going soft focus a moment as he pops open the AR card on his commlink. Within seconds, Costone smiles and leans in. 'Well played.'
Returning to a more normal interval for conversation, he asks, 'Walk with me?'
Without waiting for much of a reply, he nods to an associate and heads for the door. Sterling can feel the pressure of several soldiers ushering him towards the door, too, and soon he is in the bowels of a large Cadillac.
[13 March, 2069. 22:00, Jimmy Costone's Cadillac, Downtown]
When the door shuts, he is sitting beside Costone. 'So that rat fucker Lowell thought that, after he sent a pair of low-rent hoods, he'd want to go more white collar, eh?'
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Post by phatgdog69 on Mar 29, 2011 10:21:32 GMT -5
[13 March, 2069. 22:03, Jimmy Costone's Cadillac, Downtown]
"Indeed. Having heard about his first attempt , I do not expect any further attempts will be any more sensible. He has particularly....troublesome...methods. I am led to believe that Mr.Lowell has accused you of owing him a substantial amount of money. As a negotiator, I can advise you on a variety of legal and extra-legal options at your disposal. If there is any information that I can leverage on your behalf, I would be glad to do so - at a nominal cut, of course."
Sterling was walking a fine line - but it was still safer than a direct confrontation or any place less public than his mark's favorite bar. He played it as formal and diplomatic as possible - a made man may run debts, but not to a man such as Lowell, assuming its true, not unless they're in a seriously bad position...
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Post by NoOnesShowMonkey on Mar 29, 2011 13:20:45 GMT -5
Sitting back in his seat, Costone looks Sterling up and down. 'You sure have some stones on you, don't you.'
His eyes narrow and his voice gets a hard edge. 'I don't need no negotiator because I don't owe Lowell anything. He is the one that owes something - he is the one who fucked up. Sending hoods to put their hands on a made man? Who the fuck does he think he is? He is lucky that I don't have him erased. Hell, you are lucky that I don't just drop you into the Puget sound just to send a message.' Leaning forward, Costone taps the driver's shoulder. 'Our guest's stop, Frankie. Let him out.'
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Post by NoOnesShowMonkey on Mar 29, 2011 16:07:07 GMT -5
[13 March, 2069. 22:07, Jimmy Costone's Cadillac, Downtown]
After only a few rings, Torin answers, his voice sarcastically excited.
<<Torin @ Sterling>>
'Give the the good news, Sterling. You squeezed that ginny fuck for the cred yet?'
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Post by phatgdog69 on Mar 29, 2011 16:27:00 GMT -5
[13 March, 2069. 22:07, Jimmy Costone's Cadillac, Downtown]
<< Sterling @ Torin >>
Sorry about this, but in my current position, this seems to be necessary "
"Mr. Costone, you have my card and are welcome to call on my services at any time. However, before I go, I think there is someone we both need to talk to."
With that, Sterling switched his commlink to the equivalent of speakerphone, bringing Lowell - or at least his Icon - into the car with them.
"I believe we are all acquainted, yes? Now, if you don't mind, lets begin with the nature of this debt so that I may properly facilitate expedient payment..."
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Post by NoOnesShowMonkey on Mar 30, 2011 10:34:12 GMT -5
Torin's voice turns squeeky with frustration. 'Costone, you cock sucker, give me my fucking money. Do you think you can rack up debts like this and not pay them just because your great, great grandfather was some ginny prick who got kicked outta his homeland?'
Meanwhile, Costone seems even less pleased, as he tries to yell over top of Torin. 'Listen here, ratfucker, you sent guys to put the hurt on a made man. Do you realize what the fuck that means? They shot my car up. They shot at me. This is not even disrespect, it is war! It is only because I am so fucking reasonable about this that you aren't dead yet!'
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Post by phatgdog69 on Apr 5, 2011 10:41:18 GMT -5
[13 March, 2069. 22:20, Jimmy Costone's Cadillac, Downtown]
The arguing between Lowell & Costone was getting rather vicious - of course, it was understandable. At least now Sterling's gambit had (temporarily) paid off, as long as he could wrangle the two madmen into order.
"As I understand, the debt stands at 12,000 nuyen. In lieu of mutually incurred losses during prior negotation, and in the interests of continued business, a prompt payment and cessation of hostilities is in the best financial interests of both parties. As a gesture of good will, I think a negotiated discount of the debt is reasonable - say, starting with 5%. I think Mr. Lowell understands the need for less...direct..customer service , and appreciates his more refined clients. This... unfortunate arrangement can be avoided in future business."
Judges were less intimidating than this level of negotiating, but the adrenaline really made him feel alive. It was walking this line that kept him running in the shadows...
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Post by NoOnesShowMonkey on Apr 6, 2011 22:40:21 GMT -5
Costone and Lowell continue arguing at high volume over-top of Sterling, nearly drowning him out. When Sterling notes the nuyen amount, Costone nearly hyperventilates.
'Owe him money?! OWE HIM MONEY!' Costone's eyeballs are bulging out of his sockets, spittle stringing out of his gaping, toothy maw. Reaching into his coat, he produces a Colt Government and points the large barrel at Sterling. 'You need to get your fucking hearing checked! OWE HIM MONEY?!'
Casting his eyes about the inside of the Cadillac, Costone seems utterly beside himself. 'Hear that, Frankie? This cocksucker things I owe him money! He is some kind of funny man! Funny, FUNNY FUN-NY!' Each statement of 'funny' is emphasized by smashing Sterling with the cold barrel of the Colt.
Sterling finds himself in the gutter, a little woozy, in the rain.
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