Family Gathering (Alice, Lani)

[Odion Martins]

Odion was a little hesitant for Lani and Alice to officially meet. He had the sneaking suspicion it would be awkward at best. It was a little disturbing that Alice had all of Odion’s contact information far before their first meeting, though it wasn’t as disturbing that she knew about Lani, and what he meant to Odion. At least the air had seemed to clear between them. It had been terribly difficult to relive everything Odion had tried to erase from his memory. He wouldn’t say they were on good terms necessarily, however they were far better than they once were. They were… getting friendlier so to speak. They were, at the very least, trying again.

Odion had given Lani plenty of warning about Alice. It had been secrets and lies that had wrenched the two apart before, so the redhead was willing to try something new if it meant he could be with Lani once more. Of course Odion was looking his very best. He patted the shorter hair where his temples were, wondering if the edgier hairstyle suited him or not. It certainly made his face more angular, focusing more on his eyes – he wasn’t sure if he liked that yet or not. Underneath his coat were dark wash blue jeans, a teal sweater on top. Smart tan shoes were on his feet while he and his… Lani, walked. His hands were in the pockets of his coat as he glanced at Lani, trying to think of any last minute things he had forgotten on their way to the meeting place.

“I’ve never quite pinpointed Alice, though I suspect I never will,” Odion added with a fond smirk. “Stick to being charming and an almost doormat, she likes mind games.” He had said that last part about a hundred times, drilling Lani day in and day out until the day for their meeting finally arrived. Odion was a bit nervous. He could control what he said, but not what Lani said. It wasn’t like he was embarrassed about Lani, oh no not at all. He was only concerned that Alice would try and use him and Lani would retaliate. The trick was to let Alice use you so to speak. “And if she asks you to be a part of her family, accept. Might be interesting to have a telekinetic,” he added, giving Lani a wink.

He paused in front of Munroe's Place, and breathed in deeply, checking his watch and happily noticing that they were right on time. Lani was about to see Odion in action in yet another way.

[Lani Hunter]

Lani didn’t like it. Something about it felt off, there were ripples of news passing hands and they had finally come from Boston and New York and D.C. Some new upstart was convinced that they could take the east coast. It was laughable. It was suicide. Lani’d heard the news from old Leroy Brown himself. Somehow now that Lani had a name for his Boss he didn’t seem quite so powerful anymore. Not too long ago Lani had finally told Odion about Leroy. He was still contacting Lani, some bull about Boston being his right. Well, screw that Lani didn’t want to be the head of anything. Why couldn’t people just leave him in peace? But sure enough word from other sources started filtering in and the truth of the matter couldn’t be denied. Someone was on a suicide mission.

The telekinetic knew of about four groups in Boston alone that would pay hefty prices for a head when this foolhardy person stepped food within their borders. Leroy might have been the largest but he wasn’t the only organization in Boston and since his demise things in Boston had been tense. There was no love lost for Leroy Brown but the balance of power had been altered and there were freelancing thieves running around. It was looking to be a favorable life for a lot of the still controlled thieves and chaos was breaking out in the underground. And while the underbelly warred the life of the locals was never more calm and police were given a welcome break from organized crime, at least for the moment.

That was when Odion had told him about Alice. Lani didn’t want to think that Alice was the same upstart that had a large target on her back. Lani glanced at Odion, he seemed nervous, which was quite unusual. Lani was warm in his coat but he was protesting the pronged cold by not wearing a scarf or hat and he was starting to regret it. It wasn’t quite spring yet, but Lani was willing it into an early thaw that wasn’t going to come any sooner than it was ready. Odion looked impeccable as usual, wearing just the right blue to bring out his eyes. He wondered momentarily if he could use a change in his hair style, and then the thought was gone with a mental chuckle and a shake of his head. Lani was the kind of person who found something he liked then never changed it.

“Seems like a real sweet lady,” Lani commented dryly and nodded. “I know Odion, c’mon usually I’m the one that worries.” Honestly did Odion forget the people that Lani used to deal with? He could play doormat all day. The telekinetic wasn’t too keen on being part of another group, ‘family’ if Odion liked that better. It was no different in Lani’s eyes than where he’d been before. Lani’s teeth bared and he shook his head, the telekinetic hadn’t gone through hell and back again to be caught in the same trap. Lani watched Odion and shrugged his shoulders. Odion was the only person Lani had ever stolen with and Lani wasn’t very into the idea of expanding partnerships. Too many people left too many variables and he didn’t trust thieves even as far as he could throw them. Odion was the exception. Lani shrugged and didn’t reply, Odion was assuming Lani would accept, Lani wasn’t planning on accepting anything. “If this Alice wants my services she’ll have to pay just like everyone else.” Lani replied softly and put on his masks as the approached the restaurant.

Lani stopped with Odion and a smile slid onto his face and no one would ever know the wicked thoughts behind the calm expression. “Nice haircut by the way.” Lani smiled despite his unease.

[Alice Halifax]

Alice had arrived at Munroe's far earlier than Odion or Lani. She was already seated at a booth closer to the back of the place, enjoying a glass of wine. She was sort of leaning forward, resting her elbows on the table, slightly swirling her wine glass about, ever so slightly. Her blue eyes watched the entrance to the small establishment, her eagerness skillfully hidden behind her beautiful face. As usual, Alice was dressed far better than those around her. She wore a long silver dress which stopped just above her ankles, her top, the same color. It was loose about her torso, with slight sleeves long enough to cover her shoulders. The neckline of the top, plunged dangerously low, a silver necklace with some bobble attached, rested at the top of her cleavage. This wasn't an accident, Alice found it easier to manipulate others when their attention was focused elsewhere. This trick would be of no use on Odion or his boyfriend for obvious reasons. Still, Alice dressed this way for her own reasons.

She absently twirled a strand of her curled hair about one finger as she quietly waited. Odion should be arriving shortly, any minute to be honest. This meeting, like all meetings, had to be handled strategically. Alice knew Odion manipulated her just as she did him, so keeping her eye on the prize had to be at the forefront of her mind.

With a sigh, Alice sat back, dropping one hand beside her. She took a drink of her wine, enjoying the burst of flavor across her tongue and then the smooth feeling as the liquid slid down her throat. Alice made sure not to smudge her lipstick and tried to avoid leaving any on the wine glass. It was a graceful and consuming trick, but one her mother had made her learn early in her training as a lady. To say Alice's parent's had high hopes for the daughter was an understatement. The Halifax family was quite important back on the West Coast, hence the reason why Alice was focusing her attention on the East Coast. She wanted an empire created by her own hands, not one handed to her by her parents. Those sycophants who worshiped the Halifax family out west worshiped her parents, not her. They were loyal to Alice's father, because they were afraid of him. Alice had no such respect, only her last name to give her authority. Out here though, it would be an empire built by her hands and the respect that followed would be hers.

[Odion Martins]

Odion sneered. “I’m not worried.” He just wanted to make sure that Lani had his ducks in order. After all, they needed to be one step ahead of her. Alice could be sweet, but she turned sour very quickly when things didn’t turn her way. Odion wasn’t asking Lani to be a doormat, only to pretend to be one. The redhead smirked a little. “Well of course dear,” he said, glancing at Lani bemused, “she’ll pay a pretty penny for your help I’m sure.” If, and only if, she decided she liked Lani as much as she liked Odion, which was yet to be determined. Odion knew that whatever Lani said and however he acted had no bearing on how Alice viewed him. Odion and Lani may be together, but they weren’t conjoined twins.

Smiling at Lani’s comment over his hair, Odion gave Lani a once over in reply and nothing more. His dark blue eyes caught Alice’s almost immediately, and a different smile adorned his face. It was the face of a man looking forward to a challenge. A beautiful challenge at that, since Alice was truly lovely. Perhaps her sexual appeal would have little effect on Odion, but Lani… Well, it depended on his mood. And how Alice chose to use her powers. Odion approached Alice’s table with Lani by his side. “I must say, you look positively radiant,” Odion cooed, appreciating Alice’s style more than anything else, but to anyone listening she may be receiving a compliment from a lover. He took her hand and kissed the top of it gently before sitting across the booth from her.

“I believe formal introductions are in order,” Odion said, since everyone here knew of each other. “Alice, this fine gentleman goes by the name Lani.” He waited for them to at least make eye contact before carrying on. “And Lani, this is Alice, exquisitely bright, charming, and beautiful.” He added a wink in her direction and looked at Lani, studying his reaction to everything, though Odion hoped he was giving nothing away. Odion smiled softly and nodded softly towards the glass on the table. “Would you recommend what you’re drinking? I wouldn’t mind getting one myself.” He knew Alice well, and she would state her intentions when she was ready.

Crime bosses came in all kinds of different shapes and sizes; some were simply prettier to look at than others.

[Lani Hunter]

“Right,” Lani snorted skeptically. Lani wasn’t comfortable but he was a good enough actor where it wouldn’t show. He’d played this part before but he was not going to go back to being someone’s lapdog. Did Odion not remember what that was like for Lani? If they were going into business it was going to be business, not favors or loans. Business. Lani rolled his eyes a little at Odion, falling into his carefree act. Really Odion was underestimating him, just because Lani let his masks down around Odion didn’t mean he still had them. “I only hope she knows what she’s doing.” He replied a smile on his face. The high powers of the East were powers that had been in place for generations and it was going to be not only difficult but dangerous to undermine them. Unless Alice was as smart as Odion though.

Lani blinked at Odion, blushing a little wondering what that look meant. He followed Odion’s gaze to the… well, stunning woman. Lani breathed out through his teeth and looked down at himself in jeans and a tee shirt and coat. “I’m underdressed, aren’t I?” He muttered to Odion as he followed toward the woman. Lani fell back and followed Odion’s lead, giving Alice a charming smile. He slid into the seat next to Odion and took her in. To call her pretty would have been too gentle a word. She was attractive and knew it. Lani glanced at Odion and nodded his head at Alice. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” he said extending his hand testing her to see if she’d meet him like an equal or if she would immediately try to set herself above him. “I’ve heard so many wonderful things from Odion.” He added tossing a glance at Odion.

Leaning back casually Lani was already sure of three possible escape routes, a fourth if he could count on the windows breaking like he thought they would. He listened to Odion initiate idle chatter and feinted interest in the drink menu. Odion was good, Lani acknowledged, he hadn’t lost his charming touch and he certainly could still turn it on thick when he wanted. If his old boss hadn’t been insistent of reaching Lani, the telekinetic might not have the information he had now. At the same time, Lani found himself the owner of knowledge that would give him valuable information for Alice, but it also put him in a position where he could turncoat and give Boston and New York and D.C. what they needed to make a push back. Lani just wanted to stay out of the whole thing, he thought he’d left it all behind but it kept pulling him back in.

[Alice Halifax]

Alice smiled as Odion approached, always such a delight. The two of them made quite the fetching pair. If Alice thought her ability was strong enough to influence Odion to be sexually attracted to her, then she would do so in an instant. Oh well, some things simply just weren't meant to be. With a slight sigh at this realization Alice came back to the moment at hand. This meeting was supposed to be a business one.....How boring. this meeting though would be more interesting than most others simply because Odion was involved. Odion had already agreed to come back into the fold of the "Family". This meeting was just a formality, plus it was a good way to meet the guy who had managed to pin down Odion. This Lani had to really be special if Odion trusted him. People like Odion and Alice didn't trust others easily.

Offering her hand to Odion as he reached the table, Alice felt a slight warmth reach her cheeks. Odion always managed to bring out these awkward feelings in Alice. In the back of her mind, Alice chastised herself for showing this sign of weakness. Odion was one of the few people who Alice regarded as a challenge and as such she knew she had to really step up her game around him. Perhaps this was the real cause of the excitement she felt when graced with his presence. Speaking of presence, Odion's gentleman act never ceased to please Alice. The kiss of her hand along with all sorts of flattery made her smile a bit wider. The rogue always knew how to break down Alice's guard, if only briefly. Alice hoped that Lani was just as civilized. Lani's concern over his state of dress wasn't anything which greatly concerned Alice. The other might not have been dressed as elegantly as Alice, but he was well put together and carried himself with confidence. This was what mattered at the current moment.

Alice turned her attention to Lani as Odion introduced him. She wasted no time in offer her hand to Lani, pleased to see he wasted no time in doing the same. He had extended his hand slightly before Alice had offered her's and this pleased the young siren greatly. Alice studied Lani intently for that brief moment of greeting. Cat had down her homework on Lani but hadn't been able to turn up much about the young man. No matter, Alice had a way of getting people to tell her everything she needed to know about them. The slight glance to Odion as she gently withdrew her hand from Lani should have given Odion cause for a bit of worry. The glimmer of mischief in her eyes should have been all too familiar to Odion.

Clearing her throat a little, Alice raised her hand casually to signal the waiter. "I'm always glad to see you Odion, such a ray of sunshine to my day. It's so hard to find a man who knows how to treat a lady," she said with a smile. The waiter appeared with a smile of his own. Alice turned her head and played innocently with a strand of hair which framed her face nicely. "Sweetheart, would you kindly bring my friends and myself the best bottle of wine you have? On the house of course," she said, flaunting her power openly. It was more for show for Lani than anything. Alice could easily afford anything this quaint little establishment had to offer. The waiter sort of went blank, like he was entranced. "Yes ma'am," he said obediently before walking off to carry out Alice's request. Alice turned and looked back to Odion with a smile before settling her gaze on Lani. "So tell me Lani, how on earth did you manage to get tangled up with such a striking rogue like Odion?," she asked, taking another sip of her wine, eagerly awaiting an answer. Alice wasn't in a rush to get to the point of this meeting. She was a socialite after all and enjoyed playing the game.

[Odion Martins]

Odion had no intentions of making Lani do anything he wasn’t interested in doing. He merely thought Lani would appreciate the opportunity and respectfully decline if it did not interest him. The redhead smirked at Lani, trying to leave his worries at the door they stepped through. “Hope will get you far,” he offered, because it wasn’t his choice to make, it was Lani’s. Odion trusted Alice as far as he could throw her, but she was interesting to be around and if her plotting suited him then he would stand beside her. Besides, the sexual tension between them was interesting in a way that fascinated Odion, like if they were the only two people left on the planet, he could make it work.

“I told you,” Odion said, raising his eyebrows as Alice proved the point he made earlier about dressing a little more formally. Perhaps Alice had gone overboard, but she liked to stand out and make sure everyone knew she was the belle of the ball. Odion admired that, and was glad that he himself had met Alice and Lani in the middle in terms of how formal things could be. But Alice didn’t seem to care that Lani was underdressed as her careful eyes looked him over. Lani was confident all on his own, which was attractive in its own way. He wasn’t about to lay out the red carpet for her and Alice didn’t seem to expect him to. It was interesting to observe. Odi smiled between the two of them and laughed, feigning modesty. Alice had that glimmer in her eye and Odion knew something would happen sooner rather than later.

Odion watched the waiter carefully as he was so easily subdued by Alice’s power, which she was clearly flaunting. As the waiter obeyed, Odion raised an eyebrow in Alice’s direction. “And it seems you still know how to treat a man,” he teased, unable to hide that he was impressed with her power, like he usually was. “I’m sure it will be delicious.” Time manipulation was nearly god-like, but being able to tell people what to do and not have them argue, that was being god-like in the present. As Alice targeted a question at Lani, Odion went along with the little game. He was after all, a fabulous actor when he wanted to be. He put a hand to his mouth as though trying to speak to Lani only, but clearly intending for Alice to listen in. “She’s only curious because she secretly fancies me.” He grinned charmingly and went back to looking at the menu as though he hadn’t said a word, sneaking a glance at Alice over his menu when he believed she wasn’t looking. But truly, he wanted her to catch him.

It was only recently that Lani and Odion had touched base when it came to old crimes in the past, and the past was quickly becoming their present in the form of this meeting. Odion hadn’t intended to ever see Alice again, but when she herself and come for him, there was no denying that he was interested.

[Lani Hunter]

Lani’s face remained a mask of pleasantness as he watched Odion in action. He’d almost forgotten how terribly charming the redhead could be. He raised a brow at Odion but didn’t answer as they got within earshot of the young woman. She was beautiful, Lani had to give her that. It took a moment for him to remember her intentions and her beauty changed. She became the beauty akin to a poisonous flower. “Ha,” Lani replied deadpan giving Odion a sidelong look. How was he supposed to know that this was a formal affair? Lani watched their exchange and waited patiently for their introduction. He took the time to examine her. She didn’t look like much, but Lani didn’t let that fool him, he wouldn’t be surprised if she had a weapon hidden somewhere.

Lani rose himself to his full height when he met Alice and was glad she met his handshake with one of her own. The telekinetic wouldn’t have been surprised that she hadn’t been able to find out much about him. The protective agreement he’d had with the Boston PD had been sealed away and the only people who knew about it was himself and the detective given his case. Otherwise she might have just found the frivolous behavioral problems Lani displayed at Hammel in an attempt to make people leave him alone. Lani glanced at Odion and gave him a secret smile before turning his attention back to Alice as he slid into the seat next to Odion. Lani was content to sit back and observe for the time being. He wasn’t just sizing up Alice as a business prospect he was sizing up her worthiness the take control of his city. Not just anyone was good enough for Boston. He didn’t care what happened to New York or Baltimore, all of those could fall, it was Boston he cared about.

Carefully schooling his expression, Lani suppressed any surprise he had watching her manipulate the waiter. It was quite a feat, Lani was quite impressed, but he wasn’t sure if she meant to impress or intimidate. “Thank you,” Lani followed up politely. Lani raised a brow at Odion, acting just as well as the redhead. He leaned his head toward Odion and smiled at the joke. Lani tossed Odion an impish grin before turning back to Alice. “I wouldn’t say tangled,” Lani replied with a chuckled, he turned his eyes back to Odion, a teasing glint in his eyes. “He chased me down.” Yes, Lani still remembered. It wasn’t the first time they’d met, nor was there anything even akin to friendship back then. Loathing was a more accurate word back then. When Odion had chased him down over those rooftops everything had started to change.

[Alice Halifax]

Alice remained calm and casual through the beginning of the introductions. This sort of thing was her forte if you will. She came from a very well known family on the West Coast and had attended more than her share of parties and had even attended several business meetings with her father. She knew the delicate steps which needed to be taken. One wrong word or wrongly phrased statement could end this meeting quickly. Odion already had one foot in the "Family", and it wouldn't take much to nudge him further. Lani was a different matter though. He seemed tense despite the casual attitude he put forth. Alice wasn't a fool and saw through most facade people put forth. Her power was in pushing people to do what she wanted them to and for that to successfully work, she had to be able to read those she was pushing. Despite her ability, she couldn't override strong willed emotions or thoughts people might have about certain subjects. For example she couldn't push someone to kill someone else or even themselves if they had a will to live or had convictions about murder. She had to read each person she dealt with and work with what was there.

Lani was very much like Odion. He had a strong will about him, not to mention his striking good looks. Alice surmised Lani used those good looks to strengthen his job skills. Alice didn't fault that, she herself did the same thing. Despite the arguments from society, people in general were very superficial and good looks went a long way. Lani certainly had Alice's attention and while Odion was always her favorite sparring partner, Lani would be receiving most of Alice's attention for the duration of this meeting. Getting Lani on board was necessary if she wanted to fully secure Odion. The two were deeply connected, that much was easily seen. If Lani bucked, then Alice knew she might lose Odion.

She smiled playfully at Odion's jokes, finding him a joy to have around. Lani smiled, but Alice felt it wasn't genuine. He was playing the game as she was and it seemed he knew the game well. Alice would have to be on her toes with this one. A challenge and she loved challenges. Lani was looking more and more desirable with each word he spoke. Alice still wasn't sure of what Lani's ability was, she only knew he was a meta. It didn't really matter if he was meta or not or even if his meta ability was even useful. He was smart and had charisma. This was what Alice looked for in potential "Family" members. Their natural skills.

Alice giggled a little as Lani remarked about he meet Odion. Lani didn't give any real details, just teasingly played with her. About this time, the waiter returned with the bottle of wine, setting it down on the table with a smile. The waiter's eyes seemed distant as if he was sleepwalking. "Thank you sweetheart" Alice said, making sure to touch the waiter's hand. The touch sort of woke the man up from his daydream. He looked confused but smiled and quietly left. Alice looked back to Lani, smiling playfully. She wanted him to know he was dealing with a pro and not some foolish upstart with childish dreams. Sure, Alice's plan to establish herself on the East Coast was a dangerous dream, but she had never been one to shy away from danger. "You are a lucky man Lani. Odion is a rare man. I have to admit, I'm just a bit jealous," she said, glancing to Odion. She gave a small look to the wine bottle and then back to Odion, wondering if her would take the signal to pour her a glass.

"So Lani, I hear from a reliable source that you are from Boston. It's a wonderful city, I've been there several times. So many interesting places and so many interesting families," she said, slowly looking to Lani. Alice knew the powers that ran Boston from the shadows and she knew just how dangerous they were. Boston was a key hold and very important in her plans.

[Odion Martins]

Oh there would be much to discuss later, after everything had been said to Alice. And with Odion’s power, well, much could be discovered after the fact. As it was, Odion was enjoying the banter, and a genuine smile crossed his face as Lani mentioned the rooftop chases in an inside joke kind of way. “It was literally over everyone’s heads!” He teased, finding excitement in his own double entendres. Things back then hadn’t been as... friendly, as they were now that things were coming together again. “I will always be chasing you dear,” he said, his gaze lingering on Lani for a few seconds longer than normal. If Odion was lucky, he might get a blush out of the blond.

Winking at Alice, Odion wouldn’t doubt that she would be all over him given the opportunity. He caught her drift and reached for the bottle. He served her first, not because he was anyone’s bitch, but because he wanted to play the gentleman and enjoyed doing so. Then he poured Lani a glass, and by the time Alice had truly begun discussing business, he was pouring wine for himself. He was careful not to give anyone too much, or too little. And secretly he hoped that Lani didn’t see Odion’s obeying of the command as being manipulated by Alice’s wishes. He just didn’t see the harm in letting her have the upper hand at the moment. Not everything was a battle.

It was strange. When the two had first met, Odion was determined to prove that despite the fact that they were both thieves, they were completely different. Now he knew better than that, and would say they probably had more things in common than not. Alice’s suspicions of the two of them being a package deal for her Family might’ve been true if they weren’t so independent. Lani may not be impressed with Odion’s decisions, but he was still free to do what he wanted with his free time. Whether Lani wanted to join him in those endeavors, that was entirely his choice.

So far from what Odion could gather, Alice was taking a liking to Lani. He didn’t have any doubts about that. And if and when she found out what is power was, well, then she would want to have him all the more. Now it was Lani who was the wild card.

[Lani Hunter]

It was a delicate situation and Lani was determined to not get himself stuck in the same situation he had been in for. Even if she was smart and didn’t use Odion or Lani the way Lani was imagining, if she did manage to take the east coast what was stopping her from treating them like lapdogs. Lani might not have owed her anything but that wasn’t always enough to make someone free, Lani had learned that the hard way. He wasn’t got to let himself into the situation where she felt like she could tell him to do something and he would. That was the only way of maintaining his freedom and he had just gained it and he wasn’t going to be foolish enough to toss it away. It didn’t matter if it was all in his head, it was what he had decided.

Lani grinned and glanced at Odion, giving him a warm look. He was glad that Odion remembered. It appeared that Odion wasn’t to be disappointed, he dropped his gaze first his cheeks coloring. “It’s a good thing I let you catch me,” Lani teased in return rolling his eyes from Alice back to Odion and giving him a suggestive raise of his brow. It was the challenge it sounded like and they could debate until they were blue in the fact about that last fact. An amused Lani turned back to Alice watching her even as he feinted paying attention to Odion pouring the wine. It wasn’t that Lani didn’t like wine but he didn’t want to be muddled. He thanked Odion nevertheless and took a sip to show he was afraid. It was slight, just enough to taste. Lani watched the waiter with interest, he seemed confused and yet didn’t stop to wonder about it.

It worried the telekinetic, did the waiter even remember what happened. What did it feel like to be hypnotized, as he assumed she had done? Lani felt his power coiling uncomfortably, it wasn’t an easy beast for him to control, he didn’t want anyone else to get their hands on it. That was part of the reason he had felt urgency to get away from his old boss. Who knew what he would have tried to make Lani do if he knew how powerful he really was. Lani suppressed a shudder at that thought and watched Alice, it was impressive even that Lani had heard of her, that his old boss had heard of her, even if he didn’t agree, who knew, maybe it would just be better to be on the winning side of all of this. “Yes,” Lani agreed turning his gaze to Odion and bumping his knee affectionately under the table. He caught Odion’s wink and swirling his wine with one hand he got that impish look on his face. “Careful, he’s already having difficulty fitting through doors,” he teased giving Odion an wicked smile. It wasn’t like he was jealous or anything…

His eyes snapped back to Alice and he nodded immediately wondering who her reliably source was. He didn’t look at Odion, but he wondered if Odion had said something. How much did she know, he fretted. “It is beautiful,” Lani agreed, feinting relaxed, even though she’d put him on edge. Maybe that was what she had intended, she was a clever and beautiful opponent. As if the latter wasn’t distracting enough he really had to keep a look out. “And old,” Lani added, “As old as the Tea Party.” There were some families that had been rooted there that long and well, they were not going to take well to being uprooted. “Where are you from, Alice?” She was from money that was for sure, not even a thief would be foolish enough to flaunt themselves like she was, so even if she was working in the shadows she was well enough off in the public eye that no one could pin anything particularly criminal on her. He had a feeling that she wasn’t one of those to just spend daddy’s money either, which made her all the more dangerous. And Lani had to admit he was impressed.

[Alice Halifax]

Alice had already had one glass of wine but indulged herself in this second one. She knew her limit and it was far from two. She needed to keep her head but at the same time keep up social images. Alice wanted to keep this meeting near the casual level. This wasn't a board meeting or political debate, it was simply a get together for would be friends to share ideas.

Alice had taken a liking to Lani and seeing how Odion felt about the young man, she saw no need to exclude Lani from this rag tag "family". Lani's knowledge about the workings of Boston's top crime families would prove invaluable. Alice didn't have the man power or pull to move in on the major cities just yet. She needed information and people on the inside. Lani was both of those. She needed to convince Lani first before she began getting her hopes up. It shouldn't be all that hard, after all Odion was already one of the more powerful members of her "family".

With a smile, Alice decided to indulge Lani a bit as he asked her where she was from exactly. Alice saw no need to lie or sugar coat anything about her ties to the West Coast. Clearing her throat a little, Alice glanced down at the table playfully. "I'm from San Diego originally, but my family has places up down the West Coast. My father travels quiet a bit and mother and I usually like to tag along with him," she said as her eyes slowly traveled back to Lani. "My family deals in antiques, art, and other private items. Our company deals exclusively with private owners who like to keep their dealings just as private," she said, wondering if Lani would read between the lines. The Halifax family was well known on the West Coast as the people who could get their clients anything.....usually. Organized crime wasn't anything new or shocking to Alice as she had met many powerful and connected people in her young life. The families in Boston and other such cities on the East Coast weren't any different and thus did not scare Alice nor intimidate her. She knew how to deal with them in more ways than one.

Taking a sip of wine, Alice gave her babbling time to sink in with both Odion and Lani. She didn't expect either one to blindly jump into the waters. "I do believe the East Coast is ripe and ready for an extension of the Halifax family business" she added with a wink to Odion.

[Odion Martins]

Lani didn’t disappoint. As his face coloured, Odion just gave a chuckle and shook his head. Lani could think and say whatever he wanted, but they each had a version of the truth. He gave Lani a look and kept his thoughts to himself. He could always prove Lani long later by revisiting said memory. He felt his knee being nudged by Lani, followed by the blond’s gaze towards Alice. Interesting… It seemed he didn’t really like the attention Alice was getting. Odion made a note of this as Alice asked Lani about Boston.

Odion didn’t know who or what Alice’s sources were, but it didn’t even register in his mind that Lani thought it might be him who had given Alice said information. The banter was being filtered through his mind as silly nothings for now, as he hadn’t passed any information about Lani to Alice, ever. He wouldn’t do that, there was no price for that. Besides, Alice knew so many different people who were in different businesses, she didn’t need Odion to get information.

Taking a sip of his wine, Odion smirked as Lani mentioned the Boston Tea Party. “Not that you like tea or anything, eh?” He asked, wondering how else he was supposed to contribute to the conversation at this point. So when Alice started talking about her family, he simply listened. It wasn’t a speech he had heard before and he knew she was giving much so she would be given much in return. And Lani was trying to not be the center of attention. Odion found the information Alice gave to be interesting, and also true. It had been her dream, for the family to conquer the East Coast.

Odion grinned affectionately at Alice, giving a nod in agreement. His brow furrowed. “What ever happened to that lovely woman you were attached to?” Odion asked out of curiosity, his eyes casting a sharp gaze at Alice. She had had a lover once, perhaps they had a falling out. The question would at least, give Lani more time to think about everything that was going on.

[Lani Hunter]

It was interesting, this meeting. Lani got the sense he was getting a look into a part of Odion’s life he’d never known before, he wasn’t completely convinced that this wasn’t going to end as badly as his work with his boss had been. Lani looked down at his hands, his blush getting greater. He shifted and schooled his expression trying to cool his cheeks. He turned his attention back to Alice and ignored Odion, holding the smile away from his face. Lani shot Odion a look and shrugged. “Why do you think we threw it in the harbor?” Lani said a sly smirk on his face.

He turned his attention back to Alice at this point and he shifted ever so slightly, watching her with piercing gaze as she explained her origins. Well that certainly explained a lot. Lani’d never been west of Vermont and he was curious what kind of claim her family had on the west coast that made them want to stake a claim in the east coast. Currently there was an uneasy truce between the major families, Alice wouldn’t just be attempting to uproot them, she would be competing against them in most cases. People with a much longer history and much greater resources than a couple of people. Granted Lani had a reputation in Boston and he had influence and pull there. A strong thieving influence was already peppered along the east coast and Lani wasn’t even sure he could get her Boston, if he were to agree. He had competitors of his own and ever since he’d destroyed the hierarchy under his boss the loose ends and free thieves were quickly either picked off or picked up.

Nodding, Lani considered the words. If her family was as strong as she said then why did she need them? It was the nagging question. If her family wanted to extend their business then why hadn’t her father. Or had her father set her upon this fool’s errand? He chewed methodically on this information and he was grateful for Odion’s interjection. He glanced from Odion to Alice and then wondered again, what kind of relationship they had. He let the conversation drift and he sipped at his wine, only half paying attention. So her family was strong, big deal? What did that leave her? The daughter of a crime boss, but did she have any real power or was she counting on the loyalty of her underlings.

His boss… Lani bit the inside of his lip, he had a name, he needed to start using it. Leroy Brown. Not just the Boss, that was a powerful name, his boss was human now. Lani had never thought he’d hear from him again. The call had been an request for a visit and Lani had obliged, despite his better senses telling him to hang up and never think of him again. That Leroy had heard of Alice was one thing but he also had other plans. Lani had already decided never to work for him again, in any capacity but the idea that after Leroy, Lani could take Boston, it was a crazy thought and one that Lani hadn’t yet entertained. He had refused and left without another word. His eyes darkened in thought and he wondered if he’d made the right decision. Further, he was going to school, he was doing something with his life. Did he really want to get pulled back into the politics of the underbelly?

[Alice Halifax]

Alice oh so loved Odion in many different ways. He was attractive, well gifted in speech, and so very cunning. His meta ability thrilled her as she had never encountered another like him in that department. Just everything about Odion appealed to her and had he preferred the opposite sex, then what wondrous things the two of them could do together. Sure, his past was rather sordid, but then again, so was Alice's. She wasn't a saint by any standard nor did she claim to be. Alice knew her tactics and actions weren't exactly on the up and up, but if one wanted to succeed in life, then rules had to be broken. Odion seemed to understand that train of thought and offered no judgement upon Alice, even after their long unspoken absence from each other. Alice couldn't have faulted the little time lord for slighting her as she did disappear from his life for a lengthy amount of time.

Alice smiled a bit more as Odion mentioned her lady friend. Catherine always brought out the rawest emotions in Alice, made her feel....different. Alice had had a few lovers in the past, not many mind you, but Cat was different. She was the polar opposite of Alice and perhaps it was that hint of innocence in the young woman which attracted Alice. "Catherine," Alice said somewhat softly at Odion's question, "She's around and doing quiet well. She's settled into her role within the family nicely," Alice added still smiling that cat like grin. "I'll tell her you asked about her," she went on admiring how Odion played the game. He was buying Lani time and giving him a breather to take in Alice's brief explanation of her family and where she came from. Alice didn't mind, she didn't want Lani pressured but to make up his mind on his own time. Not too much time though as Alice had a time table to keep.

Alice sipped on her wine, toying with the brief silent moment. Lani had no reason to trust Alice and she didn't expect him to take a liking to her at their first meeting. No answers were expected at all. This meeting was just to introduce the players of the game. Lani should have been used to things like this considering his background and criminal ties. Odion took to the game like a fish to water, much like Alice. Alice would provided some answers to Lani's questions, but not all of them. Just enough information to peak his curiosity. After all, there really wasn't anywhere Lani could run that Alice could and would not find him if she so wished.

Finally with a sigh, Alice cut through the silence, "I imagine you have several questions you would like to ask me Lani. I surmise Odion has already filled you in on who I am and what I'm looking for from you two. I wouldn't expect you to blindly just sit there and go along with what I'm going to offer you. From what I hear and gather, your smart and I like that. I don't need mindless drones running around my feet, I have plenty of those already. I need people I can count on, people who have something to offer from their life experiences," she said quiet casually. Alice wasn't trying to hide anything, not really. If she wanted Lani on board with the "Family", then being open and honest with him was the best route. She had been honest with all "Family" prospects, after all, if the "Family" was to be united and strong, then they had to trust one another.