001.1 Chapter One - A Night at Jessica's

Richard eyes Eli for a second. "We always have room for you", he says with a grin and without thinking about it.
He then glances over at Bella to get a read on her reaction. He hasn't ever told her how he feels about Eli but he would be surprised if she hadn't picked up on it. And while they're both very open with each other about their conquests and adventures, he doesn't know how she would feel if there were actual feelings involved.

"Oh, this ain't a meeting, chere." Malachi sips his drink. "This is a safe place to have a drink while we wait to hear what that brute who marched in here all en furieux wanted."

He waved a hand and music began playing softly. The shirtless men got up and started dancing with two of the waitresses, appearing to do so more for the scenery they created than out of any real desire to dance together. There was an air of forced joy among the serving staff. It was more than just putting on a happy face for work; this seemed like putting on a happy face under duress.

The woman Jack invited up seems to sense it too, and moves closer to Jack.

Bella looks at her smartwatch, then taps an earpiece and listens. "Mmhm," she makes sounds as if acknowledging information she is receiving. She looks sideways at Malachi, who takes his hand down from an earpiece he was wearing as well and nods to Bella.

"Our intruder has escaped," she says to the group. "It seems the toxins in his system wore off and he managed to break his bonds. Two of our men are dead, and three more will require extensive medical care. He left you a message, Eli."

Bella flicks her wrist and the image on her smartwatch appears on a screen that had been disguised as a wall. The image is a gree-tinted hallway as if viewed through night vision. The scarred man from earlier walks into the frame. He is carrying another man with one massive hand around the others' skull, dragging his limp body behind him. When he gets to the camera he lets go of the seemingly lifeless body which collapses to the floor without moving. He steps closer to the camera, his face nearly filling the screen.

When he speaks, his voice sounds like crushed rock. "You can't protect him forever. I'm coming for Staff Sergeant Cross. You won't be able to stop me. Traitors get what they deserve."

"Well isn't he quite the charmer," says Will, grabbing another drink from the bar. "I vote we don't invite him to the private party."

He smiles and sits near Malachi and Veronica, grabbing a couple of fancy snacks off the table.

Richard stiffens at the video and the threat to Eli. He suppresses the urge to make a comment about Malachi's security. No need to be unnecessarily hostile if he's already in enemy territory.
"Our first priority is to keep Eli and Veronica safe, somewhere where Scarface won't be able to find them", he says. He's not in the mood for drinks and snacks anymore. "Do you know a place where you can stay? I would let you crash at my apartment but..." But he doesn't want his sister to possibly become a target if Scarface finds them. He doesn't want to mention Ally in front of Malachi, however. He probably knows about her but he doesn't have to be reminded that she exists. "...but it might not be ideal.", he finishes after a second.

"This is the party. See that man over there? The owner himself, Malachi in person. Jack, nice to meet you" As Jack continues to make some party talk with girl, he keeps an eye for what the others are doing. "Staff Sergeant Cross..." he makes a mental note (literally) of Scarface talking to Eli. When Richard raises the issue of keeping Veronica, and Eli, safe, Jack sips his drink and says loudly enough to reassure everyone "Well, I know just the place for that!"

Veronica watches the video as if mesmerized then as it ends she looks to her brother, "You better not plan on meeting with that monster, he is a murderer now, and he has no problems hurting people whose only sin is getting in the way." Her pupils flicker to Bella briefly then back to Eli.

"I agree you need to go someplace safe, we really don't have police or peacekeepers in the QZ."

"Richard, why would we move Eli? He's safe right where he is. That brute may be formidable, but even he knew better than to try a second attempt on Eli in a tower full of powers." Bella smiles at her beau.

"You come upstairs with me and Richard, Eli, and we'll keep you safe and entertained." Her predatory grin turns on Eli, but then she looks right back at Veronica. "We'll even make room for your sister."