Underworld Part I: Connections

He'd heard about this place, a run down piece of crap hole in the wall where the less savory people liked to frequent. Traditional rack material where girls off the bus from some place like Kansas were drugged and "saved" and entrapped into contracts. Cash and favors for "services rendered." Pay was in cash and mostly under the table.

Chase walked in and took one look around. His guy hadn't lied, the place was a dive at best and probably not even worth that. He made a bee line for the bar and took a seat on one of the stools, waiting for the bar tender to notice him.

An man who looked less than thrilled to be there stood behind the counter, and took a considerable amount of time to notice the man. When he did he sniffed once, regarding the man with a certain disdain.

"What'll it be?"

"I'm looking for someone, feisty red head, supposed to manage this place. She in tonight?"

He let out a grumbling sigh, "Sage!"

Seconds later a lovely woman with long, curly locks came out from behind the bar. Her skin was olive and her lips were full, her eyes a startling green color. "What..?" Her voice came with a Romanian accent, subtle, but there. She glanced up to Chase, lips spreading into a Cheshire Cat smile. "Good evening.. here for Celeste?"

"If she's the one in charge of this place, then I suppose so."

She regarded him skeptically. "On what business?"

"A mutual acquaintance, Randall Durian, said I could find her here."

A flash of recognition went through the woman's eyes, a charming smile coming over her perfect lips. "Then come with me." She reached down to slip her hand into his, tugging him gently to stand.

Chase stood, opting to follow the woman.

She pulled him into a sleazy looking private room, the walls too small for much of anything. But as she closed the door shut, her body pressed against his due to the room's constructing size, she smirked. "What did you say your name was, again?"

"Randall Durian." He looked down at her with a smirk. King and Country and all that...

She gave a dark sort of a chuckle, before inquiring, "And what can I do for you today, Randall?"

With a teasing smirk she leaned into him, locking the door behind him and pressing her hips to his in the same motion. A mechanic click sounded, and the room slowly began to lower.

"I'm actually looking, for Mr. Durian," his hands found purchase at her hips as he pulled along with her own motion, "Surely you can tell me where he might be found, beautiful?"

She tilted her head, gazing up at him with those pretty green eyes. "He comes around here most weeknights.. I haven't seen him tonight, though.." Her lips curved up in an impish smile. "You could wait around if you'd like.. see if he shows.."

"I'm guessing you don't have a way of getting a hold of him, hmm?" he gave her a seductive smirk.

"Well, yes, a number to call in case of an emergency, or when his shipment comes in.."

"Business or personal number? Direct line or to a lackey?" he leaned in towards her, just inches from her, taking in her scent.

Her hair smelled of fruity shampoo, while her skin shimmer with purple passion fruit and vanilla orchid lotion. "I have his personal number.. he.." She flashed an impish smile at him, playfulness dancing in her green eyes. "I'm pretty sure he broke rule number 2 and sampled the product."

"Well, then I'm sure you'll have a suitable punishment waiting for him, hm?" He grinned seductively as he pushed her against the wall, lifting her up so that her legs could wrap around his waist. At the same time, his hand deftly maneuvered to slip her cell phone from her back pocket before dropping it into his coat.

His face was inches from hers in the small space as he smiled seductively and said softly, "But then, I'm sure you have all sorts of plans, don't you?"

A gentle little meep escaped her cherry red lips as they were pressed together. She smirked, her expression still smooth. "Of course I do.." The room clicked into place.

He grinned, "I can't wait to find out."