Business or Pleasure?

It was another productive evening in Club Vivid as the casino floor bustled with sounds of the various machines, the voices of its patrons, and the steady clink of money falling into the Dresden twins pockets. The pretty courtesans wandered about the floor either on the arm of a John or else served drinks amidst walking about. But where was the owner of this floor of the delightful establishment? "Aces high. Mr. Griffith is the winner." Spoke a calm, even voice as a cheer erupted from one side of the table. Selina Dresden was playing dealer for the evening, her red hair tied back in its usual fashion with the unique ornament keeping the majority of her long bangs back. Two strands still hung on either side of her face in a lovely frame as the short length of the rest of her hair flowed around the base of her head. Her crimson gaze glanced amongst the men about her table, observing as two left to be replaced by a pair of women. She smiled and nodded to them as she gathered up all the cards quickly and easily, absentmindedly beginning to shuffle as she shifted her stance. She was wearing a white button up shirt with a red vest that was accented with black roses as its pattern, a rose pin at her throat as the center of her bow tie. Black dress pants covered her lovely legs with modest heels upon her feet. She definitely was wearing a uniform befitting a dealer, but it was certainly something that identified her station clearly amongst the other staff and patrons. No one would mistake Selina Dresden as some random woman there.

"We begin the bets anew." She murmured softly to those at her table as she began to deal out a fresh game of poker to the group before her. Some had come to watch the game because she was the one working the table, but none were the ones that she was waiting for. There was a very specific person that the mob sister was waiting for amidst the flashing lights and bustle of people. After their last encounter, Selina was quite interested in what dear old Patience would wish to do amongst their little corporation given her talents and current life standing. She was a woman who had status, who could certainly gain whatever position she liked by being such a temptress if not by her voodoo. So would she wish to slink back into the life that she had left behind with the Men in White? Or not? She had showed genuine interest when last they spoke, and now the question became where would she wish to work? Selina still remembered her reaction to the jest at becoming one of her girls so she knew that that was unlikely, nor would she wish for someone of Patience's standing to sink to such a level. Not that her girls were at all some common whore, but still.

Maybe she would like to become a dealer hm? A beautiful woman such as her would certainly draw in more of a male crowd, and she was quick and clever much like Selina was. Oh yes, she could certainly do well out on the casino floor. As the patrons before her took their bets and received their cards, she merely smirked and nodded, waiting patiently for them as her eyes flickered between them. Now here came the interesting moment, who was bluffing? Who would fold? How much were they willing to bet before folding or revealing their hands? Sadly, this particular table didn't take terribly long before revealing their hands. "Double pair trumps. Mr. Griffith is our winner again." He and his buddies began to laugh and high five each other, the two women pouting before murmuring to each other. She leaned over and took back all their cards quickly before beginning to shuffle again, turning her head slightly to the side as one of her staff came up and touched her on the shoulder. She nodded once to their message and allowed them to take over as she stepped away, bowing her head to the patrons at her table. It was now that she stretched her arms upwards, winding her way through the bodies easily though slowly as she observed the greed that consumed these people. How quickly they threw away their cash on the idea of chance. Let them hope to win big.

She took a drink from a tray one of her girls offered her, smiling gently to her as she moved onwards. None of her girls wore anything outright sluttish, but they were certainly in things that accented their curves or desirable points. She was happy to know that none had any problematic customers yet this evening since it was such a drag to have to throw someone out due to their idiocy. She slowed to a stop beside a dice table to watch, sipping slowly at her red wine as she waited patiently for Patience to arrive. This meeting would certainly be interesting no matter how business discussion went.

Another night, another little black dress. But then again, that's true of any day as well as night. This little black dress was new, however. And interestingly enough, it was not black. It was a little Jessica McClintock that Patience had picked up last week. It had caught her eye because it was just delicious. Everything about it screamed dazzling and Patience complemented it by buying new heels and earrings to go with it. The heels were black stilettos and a lovely solid black peep-toe, at that. The earrings were in the usual fashion of hers, studs, but these were black diamonds. All in all, it had been a successful shopping trip. Her hair was up tonight, in a tight braid that curled into a bun. She was quite pleased with her appearance. But what to do now? All dolled up with no place to go... Patience smiled at herself in the full-length mirror in her bathroom. Now, that wasn't exactly true. She had had a most enjoyable night with Victor and now, it was time for her to see what she could enjoy with the other twin.

The drive to Club Vivid was short, Patience coolly instructing her driver to wait for her call. She gave him a lingering kiss as she left, just to remind him what he would receive if he picked her up on time. She entered the club, choosing to ignore the dance floor. Selina had implied that the casino was her business, so it was fair for Patience to assume that it would be a good place to start her search. The casino was bustling, as she stepped off the elevator. She was fortunate to see a casino employee walking in her direction and she gestured to the girl to come over. “I'm looking for Miss Dresden. We have an appointment.” Well, not really. Patience had agreed to meet Selina for business but she had never specified when. However, that was frankly none of the girl's business.The girl, who was carrying a tray of drinks, gestured with a glance to the dice table. Patience gave her a small smile of thanks and moved her way through the crowds. She noticed Selina, dressed in a more elaborate version of the dealer's uniform. Stilettos moved steadily forward, coming to stand to the side of Selina. Her eyes glanced at the female twin before moving her gaze to the action at the table. “Good evening, Miss Dresden.”

Hmm.... He flicked his wrist too hard. If he just threw it straight.... "Snake eyes." The man beside her groaned in disappointment as his chips were swept away. He left the table with his friend as she stepped a little closer. Should she play a round while she waited? Or should she just mill about and move onto another game? Mmmm the choices.... This was one of the reasons why she enjoyed her "job" so much. She could watch people try and try, watch them miss the little things that would help them win. She could watch how they clawed for more and fed their addictions as if it were a black hole. She honestly did not care if they were wasting their money here, wasting their time for it was their time to waste. This was their choice, not her own. So what if their family lives might be suffering? Or they may soon become homeless and turn to the mob for help? It just meant more money for her and her brother. How could they lose?

A smell... It was foreign, new, and... Ahhh, she recognized that scent though she did not look away from the table as bets were placed upon the next throw. There was no need to as Patience slipped up next to her, drawing the attention of some of the men at the table. “Good evening, Miss Dresden.” "Good evening, Miss Vinrouge. Welcome to the casino floor of our humble establishment." She said softly as she turned to face the woman that she hoped would wish to work for them. She sipped once more at her wine as she gestured for them to continue walking about the floor, stepping away from the table as the soft clatter of dice being rolled in hopeful hands reached her ears. "Would you care for something to drink? Or would you rather get straight to business? At least, if that is the reason you have graced us with your presence again. If this is purely a visit of pleasure, then I shall do my best to provide." She asked with a small smirk, tilting her head slightly as she wandered away past the slot machines and tables of roulette. She could not help but wonder which it was for the lovely Patience. Was she hoping to score with both of the twins? Or was she here for the business proposition that had been presented to her?

"Good evening, Miss Vinrouge. Welcome to the casino floor of our humble establishment." If Patience had been an indecent woman, she would have snorted. Humble was not the word to explain anything related to Club Vivid or the Dresden twins. Instead, Patience just nodded. “I had the opportunity to visit the casino on my last visit.”

"Would you care for something to drink? Or would you rather get straight to business? At least, if that is the reason you have graced us with your presence again. If this is purely a visit of pleasure, then I shall do my best to provide." Patience shook her head. “Not at this time, thank you.” Patience wanted a clear head for their business discussion. She would have to play her cards carefully in this game. She had her own ideas as to how she would be useful to the Dresden's many business endeavors. Yet she wished to hold off on these until she saw what Selina thought she might be good at. She wanted to test what exactly Selina knew about her. It was always a good way to scope out potential foes. “I am in fact here for business. I suspect you and I have quite a few things to discuss.” She managed a small smile. “However, a little cards after business would not go amiss.” Let Selina think Patience enjoyed spending her money. It would offer a unique perspective to see how Selina treated her. More importantly, it was another card in Patience's deck of tricks.

“I had the opportunity to visit the casino on my last visit.”

Had she now? Her dearest brother must have escorted the lovely woman past it on the way to the VIP rooms. Well, Selina certainly hoped this visit was for more business oriented discussions as opposed to what position may be most pleasurable between two women. She took one last sip of her wine and placed the glass down on the tray of one of her girls who swung by. She had trained them so well. “Not at this time, thank you.” Nodding slowly, Selina slowed as they walked past a lounging area where some men perched with cigars in hand discussing who knows what, her girls finding a patron for the night quite easily amongst that crowd. “I am in fact here for business. I suspect you and I have quite a few things to discuss.”

Excellent. A small smile of her own reached Selina's lips as she glanced back towards her guest, slowing to a stop near a couple of chairs that were placed near the wall, sitting down slowly as she cast her eyes over her domain. “However, a little cards after business would not go amiss.” That warranted a chuckle from the Dresden twin as she folded her hands in her lap, turning her crimson eyes to the beauty that sat beside her. "Then perhaps we shall play a few rounds later." Now, business. "While I know you enjoy sampling the male population, I would not ask you to join my girls for you are a woman who stands above them. I could see you as one of the dealers here, but I think there's a strong possibility you'd grow bored of it. And besides, its a complete waste of your talents." May as well banish those thoughts from Patience's mind just in case she had already pondered what she might say.

Lifting her hands towards her face, she touched her two index fingers to her lips in thought for a moment, seeming to consider a roulette table about twenty paces from them. She hadn't quite spoken to her brother before about this, but she knew he would trust her decision. Hell, he'd probably be happy to have her in their ranks. "You get things done. Which means you would probably make an excellent lieutenant should we need to send someone in our stead. You have your high standing in society which will allow you to venture where we might not be so easily invited. Not to mention you have those... delightful little gifts on the side." Yes... her voodoo... Unlike Takatori, the Dresden twins had little to no problem with alchemy or alkahestry as clearly demonstrated by the fact Selina delved into such pursuits. "So, Miss Vinrouge, I ask you this," her crimson eyes rested with a calm intensity upon those blue eyes, "Where do YOU see yourself fitting into our organization? I personally don't see you working in gun-running too much, but that is merely my opinion. I am curious what your expectations are." She had revealed her hand, what would be in Patience's?

"Then perhaps we shall play a few rounds later." Patience nodded her head in response as she joined Selina, sitting down in the other chair. From here they were out of the bustle of the casino, but could still observe. An interesting location choice. "While I know you enjoy sampling the male population, I would not ask you to join my girls for you are a woman who stands above them. I could see you as one of the dealers here, but I think there's a strong possibility you'd grow bored of it. And besides, its a complete waste of your talents." The female twin was smart, that was obvious. Very smart. She could have made a very foolish error, suggesting that Patience stoop herself to some base level. Sex was never to be enjoyed for money. Especially when you had to give the money away to someone else at the end of the night, only keeping a portion for yourself. And another base position... a dealer at the tables. Forced to wear disgusting uniforms. No, thank you. Even as these thoughts whirled around her mind, her face was of polite interest, no negative emotion betraying her real thoughts.

"You get things done. Which means you would probably make an excellent lieutenant should we need to send someone in our stead. You have your high standing in society which will allow you to venture where we might not be so easily invited. Not to mention you have those... delightful little gifts on the side." Now, here is where things became interesting. She was at the right hand of the leader of the Men in White. So it was fair for Selina to assume that she could be useful in an equally high position in their little band. It was also fair for Selina to assume that Patience's social standing could be of some use... under the radar of course. At the very least, Patience wanted to stick to original ideal of doing good things in the public eye. So she had to maintain a respectable front. Then again, she was always good at keeping things under wraps, so introducing a little work for the Dresden's into her life wouldn't be too bad.

"So, Miss Vinrouge, I ask you this. Where do YOU see yourself fitting into our organization? I personally don't see you working in gun-running too much, but that is merely my opinion. I am curious what your expectations are." Selina had laid out her options. It was now time for Patience to lay out hers. But she wasn't going to lay out everything. Oh, no. Definitely not. She mused for a moment, ankles crossed and tucked under the chair. “As you indicated, I have a social standing that you do not have easy access... as well as hobbies.” She waved her hand idly, as if her birthright and her voodoo were trivial. “I believe in terms of your business and your brother's, both could assist you. I have the ability to bring a variety of clientele by a variety of means. I also have the ability to... work with troublemakers. Although, I do dislike a mess.” She curled up her lip a little bit at that. Voodoo was clean; guns were not.

Selina could see that the dear Patience was pondering her words heavily, but she was a patient woman and could wait as long as was necessary to hear the beauties answer. “As you indicated, I have a social standing that you do not have easy access... as well as hobbies.” She merely chuckled and smirked wider at how casually Patience played these things off. Somehow it seemed somewhat... elegant to come from the woman beside her. But what was her answer. “I believe in terms of your business and your brother's, both could assist you. I have the ability to bring a variety of clientele by a variety of means. I also have the ability to... work with troublemakers. Although, I do dislike a mess.”

Now at this, the female twin of the Dresden pair had to give pause, that curling of her guests lip not going unnoticed. Turning her eyes out to the floor, she folded her hands and lifted them to touch her index fingers to her lips, her eyes appearing distant as she felt into thought. She could allow them to reach to those stuffy old fools in their grandiose halls sipping on wine and smoking cigars without a care in the world. Bourgeois fucks. Yes... they could send her into a mighty fine shindig and have her make business deals there... Alright, so that would work. She would certainly be more stable than her brother in terms of containing her anger. Victor was always a man of business, but if his anger got triggered... it could get bad. Now working with troublemakers, that was more Selina's field not that her brother was entirely aware of it. After a moment, she closed her eyes and chuckled, lowering her hands back into her lap as those crimson orbs turned back to Patience. "Yes, well, I can assure you if I were to send you after someone, messes are generally not appreciated. My brother may enjoy bathing in the blood of his vanquished foes, I do not share such sentiments." Paying off the police could be such a pain.

"You make excellent points Miss Vinrouge. I'm sure my brother would appreciate getting to reach those clientele that he couldn't before." She could just imagine his smirk at that. "But as for dealing with troublemakers..." Now, where did she go from here. "I have some connections of others who deal with such... troublemakers. We call on them when we get contracts, or if we need them ourselves. If you wish you can call them hitmen." No need to share that she was really one of them. With a soft smile, Selina tilted her head ever so slightly, "So you could certainly continue your current life style with the social elite, though if we give you a call we will expect you to answer." A glint seemed to flicker across her eyes though the smile remained, fully aware that Patience would catch it though most likely remain unaffected. "I think we could use another lieutenant, and you were one for the Men in White. I don't see why we should place you below where you were there. That just seems silly." It was completely illogical to.

"But here's what I'm curious of," She began before extending the hand to shake in order to seal the deal . "What are you expecting from us in exchange for your help hm? Is it merely extra cash on the side? Or are you expecting something... more?" Patience liked power. By joining with the Dresden twins, she would certainly gain a lot more power. She could guess how she must have coveted Takatori's position when he was alive. Probably wanted it for herself if she could have had it. Would that remain with the Dresden Twins group as well? They would just have to see.

Patience watched Selina carefully as she fell into thought. She seemed to mull over Patience's words, weighing her options. Patience wondered what part of her statements Selina would lean towards the most. "Yes, well, I can assure you if I were to send you after someone, messes are generally not appreciated. My brother may enjoy bathing in the blood of his vanquished foes, I do not share such sentiments." Patience nodded her head. “On this, we can agree.” A mess often led to unwanted questions and stains in clothes that would just not come out. Which then, of course, led to more shopping. And while shopping wasn't a bad thing, it would become tedious if every other week, she had to go buy blood-free clothes.

"You make excellent points Miss Vinrouge. I'm sure my brother would appreciate getting to reach those clientele that he couldn't before. But as for dealing with troublemakers... I have some connections of others who deal with such... troublemakers. We call on them when we get contracts, or if we need them ourselves. If you wish you can call them hitmen." Patience nodded her head. So the twins hired out to handle their issues? It was an interesting tactic. They would have to hold a certain level of power over these hitmen to ensure they were not double-crossed. In this instance though, Patience sided with the late Takatori. It was better to keep such situations in-house. Those people, you knew were bound to you. "So you could certainly continue your current life style with the social elite, though if we give you a call we will expect you to answer." Patience noted the flash across Selina's eyes, but kept her own eyes neutral, a polite smile across her lips. What Selina thought of her lifestyle was her own business. As much as she felt it, Selina did not know everything about Patience. And never would. "I think we could use another lieutenant, and you were one for the Men in White. I don't see why we should place you below where you were there. That just seems silly." Patience was far beyond a lieutenant in the Men in White, although that had been her unofficial title. But she didn't mind the position here. A certain level of power and she would be able to continue her life as she chose fit. A good deal, as far as she was concerned.

"But here's what I'm curious of. What are you expecting from us in exchange for your help hm? Is it merely extra cash on the side? Or are you expecting something... more?" Patience mused for a moment as her own hand reached forward, capturing Selina's in a femininely firm handshake. “Extra funds are always appreciated. As for the rest...” Patience shrugged a shoulder lightly, “I suppose we shall see. At the very least, I plan on enjoying myself.” A wicked glint flickered across Patience's eyes. How delightful it felt. One simple handshake and the crime world had wrapped its sweet arms around Patience again. It was an embrace that she coveted and recoiled from all in the same moment. But now that she could play in the dark as well as the light... it would be a lovely stay in London.

“On this, we can agree.” Of course they could. They were women who preferred to work in the shadows and out of the public view. Their jobs were not meant for the general populace, and that is why they had to operate under the radar. Leaving a giant mess was not the way to remain unnoticed. Oh sure, the occasional body here and there, but that was necessary! And no one ever questioned the occasional murder, especially not in Philly. After all, there was enough war going on that plenty of people were dying, what was another few more hm? The thought made Selina smirk, wondering if maybe tonight was the night she should complete that contract she had sitting there so patiently for her even though...... No. It wasn't time yet. That could come another time. For now, it was time to focus upon the impending business between them, these two powerful women.

Patience's hand grasped her own, her eyebrows raising ever so slightly, “Extra funds are always appreciated. As for the rest...” Very well then. Selina made a note that now Patience was on their payroll. Her smile began to grow as she stared so intently upon her new lieutenant, the wheels already turning within her mind (not that they ever quite stopped to begin with). “I suppose we shall see. At the very least, I plan on enjoying myself.” "And that is what I like to hear." Squeezing Miss Vinrouge's hand gently, she chuckled rather darkly even as she pushed herself up, grinning as she gestured out to her domain. "Well then, now that thats been settled, shall we enjoy ourselves some?" She remembered Patience's earlier comment about possibly playing cards, and it was certainly one of Selina's favorite ways to unwind. Besides, she was always interested to see how someone might play the game.

(( Short post is short. ><;; ))

The hands had been clasped and the deal had been struck. A mutual agreement between two powerful women. Albeit, a man was also involved in this game, as Selina was in cahoots with her twin. Yet, it was clear to see who was holding the more serious power in this game. Selina. And Patience was now in with both sets of power and able to drain both as it pleased her. It was promising to be a delightful endeavor. But for the time being, business was complete. They could both indulge in the finer things in life now. Patience rose from her chair, casually adjusting her dress to make sure it had not risen too far past appropriate lines when she had sat. Decorum must be upheld, especially in such a classy establishment.

Patience smiled politely at Selina as she gestured towards the tables. Patience mused as they began the steady trek to the hustle and bustle of people losing their money. What card game was she in the mood for this evening? Her favorite had always been blackjack, but she felt that she wanted something else this evening. Her eyes scanned the available tables and her eyes sparkled. A definite possibility. Gesturing gently towards the variety of tables. “So, Miss Dresden. What is your poison?”

Selina knew that Victor would be quite pleased with what had just transpired, making a mental note to tell him later about things. Various employees of hers nodded to her as they strode close and moved by the various tables, some of her customers unable to turn their attention away from the two gorgeous ladies that floated through the room. But what sounded good this particular evening hm? There were SO many choices after all. With a faint smirk, she slowed to a stop as bets were being placed at a Blackjack table, an eyebrow slowly raising as she glanced at the hands that she could see. Hmm.... interesting. People were funny things and made such interesting choices, placing so much faith in such a simple thing as chance. Though... could it really be chance when probability played such a large part of it? Counting cards was illegal though, a bane to the existence of casino's and the underworld. But for her? Cards may as well be another section of her soul. “So, Miss Dresden. What is your poison?”

The cards were placed down, a groan and cheer flowing past her ears. "An excellent question Miss Vinrouge," She began as she turned to gaze upon her new employee. Yes.... this would be excellent. "How about some texas hold 'em? Or maybe some poker? The classics after all." She chuckled softly as she slid past the Blackjack tables towards the poker tables, her soul already calling to feel those cards in her hands. The dealer looked up at the flash of her red hair, his eyebrows raising in surprise as he bowed his head to her. It only made her purr and smile, pulling out the two free chairs for her and Patience. "No need to be too formal Jacob. Shall we?" And so the handsome man nodded with a small smirk, quickly shuffling the cards before dealing out everyones hands. Chips were produced for the two women as one of her girls swung around, placing down the stack quietly on their table. Selina didn't even look up. "Thank you Layla." She produced a few bills that she placed on the girls tray, only glancing back sweetly to her at the quiet thank you.

Well now, lets see what we have..... Well well! What a promising hand this was and she had a few options that she could choose from, that she could follow. Her mind was already beginning to race with the possibilities, thinking things through before placing down two cards, throwing out her usual bet before glancing to the others with her. What would our dear Miss Vinrouge do?

Patience nodded in agreement at the suggestion of poker. An old classic and a true merit of skill, as well as chance. In this game, it came down to expression. In blackjack, it mattered... but nearly as much as here. You knew in blackjack whether you won or you lost in moments. Poker was a long, drawn-out game and the illusion had to be kept at all times. A slip of the facade could cost you a large pot, or a challenger to help up that pot. Patience sat, sliding the chair in slightly until she was comfortable, ankles tucked under the seat. She watched as the cards were shuffled and the chips laid before her. She quietly sorted them into her usual arrangements and took the proffered cards, allowing a small, sultry smile at the dealer. He was attractive. Selina clearly had good taste in her employment. But then... that was obviously evident in the fact that Selina had hired Patience.

Her expression neutral, she gazed at the cards in her hand. They showed some promise... a simple win already evident in the pair. There was more that she could go for, clearly. But she had to watch herself. She decided to discard two, matching Selina's bet. The rest of the players at the table made their choices. Then cards were shown, and winners revealed. And so the evening continued, each powerful woman sizing each other up as they played. It was a delightful way to spend the evening. Start with business, having a little fun after. And Patience knew exactly what was waiting for her when she got home tonight, with her driver. Pleasure.

[END THREAD]