➥ VOICE-MAIL / TEXT

[nestingdevil]

[Greed's voice purrs out in metallic static. There's the faintest catch of the radio - something sultry, jazzy.]

"If you've got the number, it means I like ya. Sorry to disappoint, but I'm out right now - all work and no play. If you're looking for a face-face visit, head down to The Devil's Nest. I'll be glad to entertain."

[Thunk go a pair of boots.] "If you're looking for something personal, you know what to do."

[Click.]

* To Page This Person, Press 1. To Send a Numeric Page, Press 4 now.

[Beep.]

Comments

voicemail; backdated to friday or something

[topslug]

Er, hello, M-- Greed. [ She catches the slip just in time. ]

It's Yako. [ Like her voice could be mistaken for anyone else's, and a part of her is already regretting the call, but she pushes on. ]

You haven't registered, have you? [ She pauses. ] I was thinking of signing up for one of the assignments. If you haven't found someone to partner up for the first week yet, would you like to work together?

Just let me know if you're interested.

➥ AUDIO |

[nestingdevil]

[She's relentless, isn't she.]

[He listens to the message only once. At mid-afternoon, he returns it. His voice on the other side is just as slick and smooth as it was when they first met.]

I told you before, didn't I? I'm not very good at taking orders. [His heels clack on the other side of the line. Despite his tone, he's on the move.]

[After all, it'd be easier to get a view of the city under the guise of actually being helpful. Sure, he's gained access here and there. But with a metaphorical badge to flaunt, he's sure there's more doors to open.]

[Even if it is a bit dull.] I won't lie to you - I doubt I'll be much help.

[There's a thunk when his glass hits a nightstand. It may be a little under-handed, but at least he's up front about it.]

When?

[topslug]

I'm not sure it's going to be the most interesting experience for you either. [ She pauses. ] I work in the forensic department of the university, so, er, starting on a weekday might be best, unless you wanted to do vigilante work. That isn't so much my specialty.

[ Not here, anyway. ]

[nestingdevil]

A what?

[1915, remember? Greed scratches at the base of his neck.] Wouldn't know, but might as well. It's not as if I'm doing much.

[Still, doesn't sound like it'll be a really thrilling day.]

[topslug]

[ She's not sure exactly which part is causing confusion, so to be safe... ]

It's a school that teaches people how to investigate crimes using scientific methods. Gathering evidence that can be used in court, or to figure out how a crime was committed... that sort of thing.

[nestingdevil]

[And there's that thing again: court.]

[There's a muffle on the other side of the line. As he pinches the phone between his ear and shoulder.] Eh - not exactly what I'm used to. But I guess I still owe you, don't I.

[topslug]

[ She can't think of what she's done to make Greed feels like he owes her anything, but as it works to her convenience, she doesn't contest it. ]

It helps you too, doesn't it? Maybe you'll learn something new.

[nestingdevil]

Maybe.

[But probably not. He doesn't say that, though. Instead, he sets something down on the counter with a hollow clunk.]

But I'm interested. Just hope you won't regret it.

[topslug]

I won't unless you give me a reason to. [ Cheeky response; she must be in a good mood. Then again, it is around dinner time. ]

I'll see you, then.

[nestingdevil]

[His teeth click together.]

See you then.