Living in a Plutocracy

[Annabelllee2003]

Lane is striking. Not beautiful, but arresting. Tall and lean, her dark hair pulled back from her face and knotted at the base of her head. She adds to her height of 5'8" with three-inch heels. Her blue business suit is severly cut with a slit up the side, showing an amazingly long line of leg. Her features are bold and her lips perhaps a bit too thin.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I smile inwardly when I see they have both noticed me. What I woudn't give to listen in on their conversation.

After a while, I motion for the waitress to bring me another drink and buy a round for the gentlemen.

I smile and lift my glass to them when the waitess delivers the drinks and tells them who its from.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

OOC:

Waiting for Win to post. *s

 

[TheOlderGuy]

Win

"What can I get you gentlemen?"

Taylor makes his play for the waitress. Gotta admire that in him, but I hope he knows where to draw the line, so we don't find ourselves in over our heads. "I'll have a strawberryy daiquiri. Oh, and just ignore the boy -- he'll be busy later." I had to admit, she was worth a bad pick-up line.

"Look, Taylor, let me be really blunt with you." For an instant he looked concerned. "I really like you, don't know why, could be my fatal flaw showing up early in the ride, but I do, I like your spunk. But this is gonna get really ugly, and you're gonna need an iron will, extremely tight control over that mouth of yours, and an unusual ability to stay focused in the hairiest of situations."

The waitress returned with our drinks, indicating that the tall dark mystery dame had picked up the tab. We both looked over, as she raised her glass to us, and I could have sworn I heard Taylor take a large gulp of air, before getting his brew to his lips. I smiled back at her, lifted my breath of the tropics to her, and took a long refreshing sip.

"Looks like we're gonna have company here soon, so we probably should finish sparring and figure out the next step. I'll tell you what: we have a brainstorming session in the morning, Suite 13. Come on by at 7:30, I know, I know, but these guys are early risers. It wasn't my idea. Anyway, I'll introduce you to the team. If nobody's got a problem with you, you're in. It's all or nothing tho. If even one hand is raised in objection, your ass is outta there. Comprendo?"

I see the dame rise from her stool. A tall drink of water she was, with a slit up her skirt that showed enough interstate to get to Nebraska. I could tell that she was on her way. I motioned to Rip to be aware of her approach.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Ripley Taylor:

"That's fair enough and if I don't make it I'll still be at CNN and, until they can me, can get in as many subtle plugs as I can get past the producers."

Picking up my drink I find a time written on my cocktail napkin and smile as I take a sip and put the napkin in my pocket.

"As for watching what I say, I do it for a living and flack can't be any worse then being from the US in downtown Bagdad during Desert Storm was. There's not much I can think of that will rattle my cage.
"Hell I'm even honest with IRS so that's not a lever.
"I know. I saw her get up. Wonder what or who her interest is."

 

[Annabelllee2003]

Lane

"I'm Lane McDonald." I introduce and extend my hand to Peoples then Taylor. "I see I am in distinguished company."

"Care to sit down, Ms McDonald?" his voiced oozed with charisma and his smile seemed genuine, no wonder he was becoming so popular.

"Why thank you Mr Peoples, I think I will." I can't help but smile when they both rise, Taylor a shade faster, pulling out a chair for me. Good manners, both of them. Generally lacking in DC as a rule.

"I'm staying here, until I find a sublet. I'm doing research for a novel." Not a bad cover, I think. My background would prove it out for the most part.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Ripley Taylor:

"Oh a novelist. Well D.C. is certainly a hotbed of ideas and research possibilities. What genre Ms. McDonald, if you don't mind my asking."

 

[Annabelllee2003]

Lane

"Political intrigue Mr. Taylor, and please call me Lane."

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Ripley Taylor:

"Fine Lane and call me Rip.
"Well then you're in exactly the right place for background and research," I say with a chuckle.

 

[TheOlderGuy]

Win

I watched as Rip and Lane bantered, studying her face for any clues. There was something about this dame that rang some bells, and I wasn't totally comfortable with the tune. "So, Lane -- and please, call me Win, we're all friends here -- are you doing some character studies here? I can't remember what I've seen your name attached to. And what do you make of our fledgling campaign?"

Her gaze was piercing, as she composed a repsonse, but I stared back without wavering. Something flickered behind those eyes besides an author's curiosity.

 

[Annabelllee2003]

Peoples eyes were sharp, as were Taylor's, I'd better be careful.

"I've written a piece for "Metro" Win, perhaps you've seen that, but I'm surprised. You think you've seen my byline elsewhere? I'm just not that well known." I smile and take a drink.

"Washington is a good place to study character, the devious and pious.

"Your campaign seems very... promising, Win. I've not heard such passion in a speech in a long time."

I sit back and comtemplate the two of them for a moment.

"My novel deals with a politician that can't quite control his lusts. Probably won't be a best seller, but it may earn enough to keep me in panty hose." I laugh. "They've given me a nice advance."

 

[TheOlderGuy]

Win

"Well you'll find no shortage of material in this town. But you know TIA is gonna have a file on you, dear lady? They'll know every book you read, every video you rent, every purchase you make, every phone call you make, your toll records, your eating habits -- they'll know everything, or at least they'll think they do. Given how corrupt and dysfunctional this government has become, much of what is in your file will be from somebody else's life, but you'll be the one slapped down to answer for it. Happy days are here, sweetie. And Dr. Evil Poindexter would love to get ahold of your sweet body. But I digress. Do you have a working title yet? You know, for your novel."

 

[Annabelllee2003]

Lane

I couldn't help but suppress a grin when Peoples speaks of the TIA. Of course there is a file on Lane McDonald. There's enough on her to bring her to life.

Was he attempting to intimidate me? Didn't quite work.

"Well Win, actually I don't find the Total Information boys and girls half as scary as some of the people I've met since coming to DC." I shrug.

"As for the title of my book, "Lascivious States" is what my publisher gave me the advance on. Obviously it still needs work."

Turning to Taylor with a smile I go on, "And you Rip, you have a hot story on the candidate here?"

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Ripley Taylor:

"Who me?
"Nah, just chatting. After the press conference I was lucky enough to spot him here alone for a bit of chat is all.
"Strictly off the record and more a BS session than anything else.
"How about the "Lascivious State, Inside the Belt..way" for a title?" I ask chuckling.

 

[Annabelllee2003]

I laugh, "Well that just may do it more justice Rip."

I use all the charm at my disposal to shine a genuine smile on both as I rise.

"Gentlemen, it's been delightful talking with you." I handed each my personal business card with my cell number and number of my publishing house.

"Win, if you'd like some help on your campaign, I'd be delighted to give you some time... and Rip, I don't know if you are interested, but I would love to pick your brains about the workings of DC's elite."

"Good night gentlemen."

I feel their eyes follow me as I make my way from the lounge.

In my room, I settle down before my laptop for a night of research only calling down for mineral water and a sandwich.

Keying in a special code, I read avidly.

So interesting.

 

[TheOlderGuy]

Win

"Well, Taylor, my boy, there is a woman to keep your eye on, in more ways than one. I wouldn't be letting her rummage through your pockets if I were you. She has an agenda, and as much as I'd love to get into her panties myself, it wouldn't surprise me but that she has a sizable collection of amputated penises in a jar on her mantel. I'll see YOU bright and early tomorrow, Rip. Get a good night's sleep, cause you're gonna need it if you hope to dazzle these guys in the morning."

With that I extended my hand for a brief, but warm and firm acknowledgement that I wished him well, and I hurried out the door, hoping to catch a glimpse of the fleeing dame. But, alas, I was too late to even notice her mode of transport. I wandered across the street, and sat quietly on the park bench, looking up at the stars that weren't obscured by DC's sparkle.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Ripley Taylor:

"Win, I'd gamble on getting away with cock intact to lay that hot lady, but I don't engage in pillow talk unless I choose the topic never fear," I say chuckling.

"I don't plan on dazzling anyone. That's not what's required as I see it.
"I plan on telling it as I see it, offering my skills and experience and if that's not enough to please everyone I'm still employed at CNN and imagine I'll be seeing Bagdad or the Middle East again very soon the way the Frat Boy is rattle sabers to distract the sleep American Public."

 

[TheOlderGuy]

Win

It was a quiet night for this town. The day had been long, and tiring, and I was grateful for the chance to just veg. I hoped it would be the start of many long exhausting days. About twenty minutes was all the relaxing I could take, after which I picked myself up and wandered back into the hotel. As I passed through the lobby on my way to the elevators, I caught sight of our lovely bartender, gave her a wink and a nod, and wondered what she made of our little tete-a-tete. Bartenders often have far more going on between their eyes than they let on to the drunken public.

And I mused as well the mystery dame. If I weren't so tired I might have a clue, but, shaking my head, all I could do when this tired was respond to the ding of my waiting elevator.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

OOC:

I'll have to do a bit of a split time TOG. Spicydish had RT (real time) grab her in a very unkind way. She'll return asap to join in again so our after work meeting will have to wait for her return or become a meeting later in the week story time.

 

[Annabelllee2003]

Lane

Slipping out of my room to grab a recharger out of my car, I'm surprised when the elevator opens on the lobby floor and Peoples is standing right in front of me.

We stand shock still for an endless moment staring, until the elevator dings and the doors start to close. Both of us reach out an arm to stop the doors from closing and I start to laugh.

"Well hello Win. Nice night."

 

[TheOlderGuy]

Win

"Well hello Win. Nice night."

The shock of seeing her standing before me when the elevator doors open left me speechless, not a condition I am used to. She had lost the business suit, and looked far softer, covered now with the 'ready for bed' look.

"Why, hello, Lane. What a pleasant surprise." She twinkled slightly at that, or at least I thought she did, perhaps revealing some insecurity about my impression of her. But I still didn't know if she was someone to be trusted.

"I was on my way up to my room, but you look like you're on your way out, so I won't hold you up." I gave her room to step out of the lift, and I slipped quickly in, conscious of the doors about to close again. "But, Lane, tell me something. When you offered to help this campaign, were you being sincere, or crafty, or just polite?" The doors began to close, and once again, we both reached in to stop them, finding our faces inches from each other in the process. Ummm, she DID smell good.

 

[Annabelllee2003]

Lane

I feel my face flush with a blush I haven't worried about in years. I straighten slowly, christ, the man oozes charm like others sweat. And something else. Heat. There is an amazing amount of sexual attraction, and I wonder if he feels it as much as I do.

"I wouldn't have made the offer, Win, if I didn't mean it. I don't make idle offers to men I just met. I'm usually polite and none too crafty as a rule." I smile.

"I was on my way to grab my recharger for my laptop. I left it in the car."

 

[spicydish]

Madaline

Taking their orders, I walk over to lady's table and get her order as well. After delivering the first round of drinks, I pick up a rag and start wiping off tables, slowly working my way toward Win and Rip's table trying to overhear some of their conversation.

I glance up at the lady and she signals me over, orders another drink and a round for the guys. I write 10 on a cocktail napkin and place it under Rip's drink.

The lady gets up from her seat and I watch as she approaches Win and Rip's table. I giggle under my breath as they almost colide trying to pull out a seat for her. I listen to their conversation as I pretend to clean up the bar.

Lost in thought as to how to find the opportunity to talk to Win about working for his campaign, I look up just as Ms. McDonald leaves. Win stays for just a few moments more.

Damn, I think to myself, I've missed my opportunity. Rip also gets up and leaves. I wonder if he'll meet me after I close or not?

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I step out of the bar and lock the door, when I notice Win re-enter the hotel, give me a wink and a nod and head towards the elevators. Another chance. Just as I am about to approach him at the elevators, the doors open and I see Ms. McDonald step out. Slipping back out of sight, I listen to their conversation and watch.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Ripley Taylor:

I go up and take a shower and change into jeans and a nice shirt and at 9:40 walk back into the lounge and sit at the end of the bar near the waitress area and order an Old Forrester and ginger ale.

"I do hope that "10" indicated you wanted me to be here when you get off tonight and it wasn't written by someone else for some other reason," I say with a smile.

 

[spicydish]

Madeline

I smile as Rip walks back into the bar and orders his drink.

"Well it could be the time I get off of work, or....," I reply with a wink and walk down to the other end of the bar to finish my last minute duties.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Ripley Tayor:

"Or? Orrrr??" chuckling and sipping my drink.

As I'm the only one left in the lounge I stroll over and close the doors to discourage any last minute customers then come back to stand across watching you and chatting.

"Well tell me Hollie, what makes me so lucky? I know you have to be hit on by 9/10ths of the males who walk in here and I doubt any or very damned many are this fortunate."