Mob Sorcery 5 - Ch6

After messaging Quintus, Vince flicked over to Nicki’s contact and asked her to pick him up. He had a hunch she might be further away than usual given the locale.

Something about this area gave off unwelcome vibes to the likes of him. Sure, he dressed well enough to fit in, but a surreal feeling overcame him as he people watched. Couples in trendy clothes walked arm-in-arm. Families with kids’ clothing worth as much as his entire wardrobe played in a park across the street from the café. Not a single enforcer or shady character to be seen.

Excluding him, of course. But right now, the only thing that made him stand out was the way he acted.

If he bought a home here, whether using somebody else’s cash or his own, would he even feel right coming here versus his preferred haunts in the city?

His phone buzzed. And kept buzzing.

Frowning, he pulled it out and saw Quintus calling him.

“When I said we needed to talk, you know I meant in person,” Vince said the moment he answered.

“Oh, but your message carried such a powerful imperative,” Quintus said. His voice was laden with a depth of sarcasm far beyond anything Vince had heard from the demon before. “How could I ignore such a directive? Especially from a vaunted hero who repelled both the ailing phoenix and the venomous snake?”

Vince rubbed the bridge of his nose. Was Quintus drunk? The last time he’d been so oddly eloquent it had been on Christmas Eve.

“Are you going to have me killed because I committed a faux pas by ‘ordering’ you to do something?” he asked bluntly.

A nearby couple looked at him with wide eyes, before doubling their pace as they strode to the overpriced grocery store nearby. A black figure circled overhead. Vince shielded his eyes as he tried to make out if Quintus was about to have him killed or if it was Nicki.

“If I wanted to teach you a lesson in manners, I’d do it myself,” Quintus said drily. “But even this response tells me how prideful you are becoming. I expected you to stay put in the Lionetti’s safe haven this weekend. There’s a price on your head.”

“From the Yakuza, I assume.”

“Houou as well. You did break into one of their facilities and kill a six-tail. They’re flaunting one of the more important rules of enforcers—don’t make the professional personal—but it is what they do,” Quintus said. “I feel it’s time to redecorate a tapestry. The remaining question is whether we refresh the worn-out sections or remove them entirely.”

Even if Vince didn’t recall the demon’s cryptic statements from all the way back in November, he’d understand what Quintus meant.

Houou truly was stepping over a line right now. Immanuel’s intransigence in the face of Mei appeared intentional now.

“How much do you know?” Vince asked, voice almost whisper quiet.

“I have my guesses, which had solidified based on recent events,” Quintus said. “But that is not why I am calling. Merely to remind you to perhaps pull your head in, be more mindful of the danger you are in, and stop calling attention to yourself. At least for a few weeks.”

“And if I say no?”

Silence. Vince checked to make sure the phone call hadn’t disconnected.

A nearby rush of air signaled Nicki descending next to him. She stretched her wings, gave him a nod, then leaned against a nearby tree. A small smudge of chocolate on her face suggested she’d gone for a sweet snack.

“I can teach more than manners,” Quintus said coldly.

How long had it been since the ancient demon had threatened Vince like this? Probably the night at the bar after he first joined the Lionettis, when Nina had intervened to chase Quintus away. It was a somewhat nostalgic feeling.

“You still need me to return your ring,” Vince said, choosing to ignore the threat. “Can’t lay low forever.”

A sigh came over the phone. “True.”

“And when I do, we can talk, Quintus,” Vince said. “Not about conspiracies, the health of the city, or the fall of the Roman Empire—”

“I see Ashley’s whining has gotten to you as well,” Quintus said. Did Vince detect a hint of defensiveness in the demon’s voice? “I can regale you with the collapse of more civilizations if you wish. I witnessed the rise and fall of Saladin’s Sultanate. Or perhaps the destruction of the Ostrogoths in the centuries after the collapse of the Western Roman Empire?”

“I’m surprised you were still in Italy at that point.”

“I only left when Wagner came with Charlemagne. He held no love for demons, and his relatively brief ceasefire with La Lupa brought with it another purge, but much grander than the one she enacted following Caesar’s assassination eight centuries prior.”

Fascinating. Vince meant that, as the parallel history the immortals lived remained patchy.

He’d heard that Wagner and La Lupa battled one another, but it made sense that the two great beings had worked together at some point. Italy had spent much of the past two millennia under German influence or even outright rule.

Was Wagner’s connection to the Lionettis based in more than the modern era?

“Maybe over drinks,” Vince said, when his thoughts finally returned to reality.

Quintus made an affirming noise. Evidently the old demon would love a chance to talk for a few hours.

“But what I need to talk about is work,” he said. “Namely, what you have to offer if I don’t have a current contract with the Lionettis. Or wanted to compete.”

Nicki shot him a concerned look, and he waved at her. He’d deal with her later.

“I see.” Quintus’s voice gave nothing away. “I will make time on Wednesday, assuming you can avoid any hit squads until then.”

“Wednesday?” Vince repeated in disbelief.

“Believe it or not, the disastrous state of the city is taking up a significant amount of my time. Both internal and external problems are making themselves known. Too many levels of government make my life difficult, especially when one of them may trigger a crisis by intervening. Plans must be made and put in motion, in case they are needed. Mobilizing an entity as large as Immanuel is difficult.”

“If I’d asked nicely, would you meet me today?”

“Perhaps. But if you had time travel magic, we wouldn’t be having this discussion. You’d be under our thumb and the world would be under ours.” Quintus’s smile was nearly audible. “Ashley will contact you shortly to make arrangements.”

The demon hung up without another word. Vince scowled into his phone.

“Goodbye to you, too,” he said.

Nicki eyed him as he wandered over. He patted her on the arm and her wings fluttered. The harpy retained her look from earlier this month, despite her access to more illusions. That meant she looked like the harpy he’d first met one night in mid-November last year, but more attractive. Big tits, smooth skin, curvy rather than lanky, and with glossy black wings.

No doubt she’d change her appearance soon. Last time they chatted about it, she’d mentioned missing something that made her feel unique.

The moment Nicki found it, he knew she’d be begging him for the cash to buy a fancy illusion tool. Or maybe even a boatload of transformatives.

Then again, she’d receive a hefty payout from the heist. His contract allowed him to pay her a decent rate—more than he’d earned working for Immanuel in the past—but Alessia had promised Nicki more cash after how dangerous the heist turned out to be. Perhaps the harpy might buy her own fancy toys.

“I’m meeting Pola for lunch at a steakhouse north of the harbor,” he told Nicki. “They have a bar. Let’s head there early and have a chat.”

“A bar at this time?” she asked.

“By the time we get there it’ll be after 11AM. They’ll be open.”

She frowned but flew him there anyway. Naturally, she didn’t keep her trap shut during the flight.

“Were you meeting with the unicorn about work, too?” she asked.

“Yes and no,” he said, dangling in Nicki’s claws high above the city. “I wanted Gabriela’s help with Mei.”

“Uh huh. And to see if the cartel would get their dragon to reach deep into his hoard for you?”

Nicki’s bitter tone caused him to look up. Frustration creased every line of her face as she maintained a leisurely pace south-east.

“I don’t intend to leave the Lionettis,” Vince said.

Nicki’s face softened, and her eyes darted downward to meet his. Her face lit up when she saw him looking up.

“Look at the city, not up at my tits and ass,” she mumbled.

“I mean, I’m paying for the ride.”

“I can drop you.”

“You won’t get paid, and that means no fancy illusions anymore,” he teased.

Her talons eased up on his chest ever-so-slightly, and lightning ran through his body. He pushed down on the terror he felt, just in time to see her grinning down at him.

“I really do understand why my ancestors loved flying around with their prey,” Nicki cooed.

“Oh, shut up.” He pretended to swat her away. “Anyway, I’m just seeing what’s on offer. Alessia is… bothering me.”

“Oh, is that what was going on the other night? Fia and Nina didn’t say much, but I could tell you were in a hell of a mood.” Nicki rubbed her chin while they flew, deep in thought. “I’m betting it’s over money. Or Alessia being snooty. You really should just bend her over and fuck her silly.”

“I’ve been told that,” he said.

“Then why not do it? Your life would be a lot easier if you woke up every day with two billionaire wolfgirls sucking your cock, you know.” She snickered at his expression. “Plus a lioness who forces them down it to maintain her position at the head of the pride, or whatever you call yourselves these days.”

“You have a very active imagination.”

“I’m the one in the group chat with the girls. Pola finally swallowed her pride and got let in, and they’ve been peppering Ally with questions about her first time.”

Vince stared into space.

This sounded like a group chat between the members of his pride. So why was Nicki in it?

As they landed, his phone buzzed and distracted him. Nicki knew where they needed to go, so she led them there. His confusion about Nicki’s involvement with his pride vanished into the ether.

Dunno what you said to piss off Quintus, but try not to do it too often, Ashley messaged. He’ll meet you Wednesday morning at Immanuel’s HQ. It’s the big black-and-white tower squatting on the southside of the harbor, near the bridge. 9AM sharp in the lobby. Don’t be late.

Like almost every resident of Aulfair, Vince knew where Immanuel’s central office was. He also didn’t know a single enforcer who had been inside it, unless they were corporate. Not even Nina.

Do I need to wear a suit? he asked.

Sure, if you want me to rip it off you and make you wear something that won’t make Quintus flay you alive for wearing. He’s pissed off as is. Don’t be a smartass.

Oof. The sarcasm had been a warning sign.

“Excuse me, do you have reservations?” a male voice said, forcing Vince to look up from his phone.

They stood outside a fancy steakhouse with a wood and marble interior. Glass windows allowed them an unobstructed view inside, confirming it was both open and devoid of customers. A long bar ran along the first floor, and extensive wine racks filled the far side of the restaurant. Vince guessed the wine menu would be significantly longer than the normal menu.

Nicki shifted nervously. She stood out in her lycra and white hoodie, even if it was a tight-fitting hoodie. The restaurant’s host raised an eyebrow at Vince.

“I’m having lunch here at noon,” Vince said. “It should be under Lionetti. I’d hoped to—”

The host’s eyebrows vanished beneath his bangs and he immediately pulled the door open.

“Miss Lionetti advised us that you may arrive earlier, Mr. Keys,” the host said. “You and your companion may use the bar freely. Consider it part of your meal.”

Vince almost wanted to suggest he’d pay for his drinks now, but suspected whoever made the booking had thought ahead. Pola would get upset if he refused her generosity, and he was already fighting one of the Lionetti sisters by refusing to take their money.

“Thank you,” he said.

The two of them took seats at the bar. Despite the early hour and her earlier protestations, Nicki didn’t hesitate to order an Irish coffee.

“It comes with real cream,” she said when he looked at her. “I’m going out with Fia after this anyway. No way Pola is letting me fly you home.”

“Fair,” he admitted. “Just be careful.”

“I know. When we cleaned out the apartment, we got a warning from Steve and the local cartel members that some shady assholes were watching our apartment.”

Vince frowned. Steve was the local dealer who lived next door. Guess keeping good relations with him paid off if he kept a close eye out. He’d have to stop by and say bye, and maybe buy some stuff as thanks. Or just slide him a hundred.

“I gave him a hundred as thanks,” Nicki said, as if reading his mind. “Nina upped it to five hundred, and told the cartel guys to get their captain to call her.”

“Smart,” Vince said.

While Nicki enjoyed her coffee cocktail, Vince avoided alcohol. He knew Pola would crack open an expensive bottle of wine or three and wanted to be able to walk.

The bartender insisted on showing off and made him up a fancy mocktail sour. It didn’t taste anything like the real thing, but Vince enjoyed drinking it over a glass of soda or another coffee.

“So?” Nicki asked. “You never went into details. I reckon it’s more than just Alessia being stingy. She’s all over you lately. No way she’d risk you walking away over a few bucks. I bet if she knew, she’d throw in a mansion to keep you.”

Vince grimaced. Would that be true?

If Therox could throw a pile of gold at him, Alessia could match it. Vince remained torn over the idea. Especially as he still didn’t know if he deserved it.

“Screwing Alessia would only solve some problems,” he said. “I want to know how much I’m actually worth. Is Alessia doting on me because she wants to fuck me? Or is she flirting because she doesn’t want to pay me?”

“Uh, Nina’s talking about taking us out to eat at a restaurant that costs several hundred per head, and you’re worried she’s not paying you enough?” Nicki asked. “My paycheck is big. I don’t want to imagine how huge yours is.”

“Gabriela basically told me that the big bad dragon overlord would toss millions my way if it got me away from the Lionettis,” Vince said.

He felt bad for using an example he’d rejected, but it should prove his point.

“Oooh.” Nicki fell silent. “And you’re not interested?”

“Gaby refused to introduce me to him because she doesn’t want me to work for him.”

“Huh. Cute girl. Wonder how she and Nina would get along?”

Probably by butting heads. The two women felt like mirrors of each other. Experienced enforcers with immense talent who had fought their way up the ranks, but chosen very different paths.

Nina stuck to that of an independent enforcer, playing the lone wolf—or lone lion—angle. While Gaby led an entire gang and potentially hungered for more still. One threw away the amazing future and money gifted to them to become an enforcer, while the other quit the underworld once she earned enough and grew tired of it.

Once again, his phone drew his attention away from the conversation. Nicki enjoyed her Irish coffee with borderline-inappropriate moans, and would probably order a second before leaving.

You never confirmed you were coming, Ashley wrote.

I assumed it was obvious, he replied. Also, I got distracted for a few minutes. You’re like a needy girlfriend.

The amount of times he saw Ashley typing a reply, only to stop for several seconds and start again, suggested he’d stirred up a hornet’s nest. He should probably tone down the sass on Wednesday.

No reply was forthcoming after a minute, so he placed his phone on the bar.

“I’ll need a lift early Wednesday morning,” he told Nicki, who did her level best not to look at his phone. “I might bring Nina. Quintus will hate me if I bring her into the meeting, but I might need her advice.”

Plus, after the warning about hit squads, Vince wondered if he should be going anywhere without Nina, Fia, or Pola. The Lionetti enforcers tailing him—and presently enjoying glasses of whisky—wouldn’t be able to tango with a hit squad like what Hatoyama had thrown at them in Kaziern’s HQ.

“Easy enough,” Nicki said. “It’s nice to be relied on. Even if it does mean angry enforcers try to murder me in public. I don’t think the whole ‘I’m a civilian’ thing helps me now.”

“It should,” he said. “At least when you’re not actively helping us on a job. You’re not a registered enforcer, so there’ll be an extra level of shit if anyone hurts you.”

“Like when the Yakuza killed a Wings flier downtown, framed Houou for it, and everyone got off scot-free?”

He winced. So much of what he’d believed to be the norm for Aulfair had been thrown in the shitter lately. No wonder Quintus appeared to be upset.

His phone buzzed. He sighed, preparing to deal with Ashley’s tantrum.

Except he saw Nicki’s wide eyes as she stared down at his phone first. The photo shining up from the screen caused him to snap his phone up.

Girlfriend, huh? Maybe take me out for a fancy fight like the one I hear you got up to with the foxes, then we’ll talk, Ashley messaged. I changed my look, by the way. Korea’s out of season and foxes are in, I’d say.

A photo of a nearly naked, amber-skinned beauty accompanied the message. Long, luscious locks of platinum blonde hair mixed with fiery-red curls. Her tits remained as massive as they’d been in her hellhound form, but he now had an even better look at her impressive abs and thick, muscled thighs. Red eyes with flaming white pupils stared up at the phone.

Topping off her appearance were platinum blonde fox ears atop her head and a single massive fox’s tail so big and thick it could double as a single bed.

For whatever reason, Ashley had seen fit to take the photo while buck-naked. Only her hands and finger covered up her nipples and crotch as the demon stood in front of a floor-to-ceiling mirror.

His first thought was that Ashley was manipulating him. But his mind put a halt to that.

Salome had made it clear that Ashley hated anything sexual. So if she was being so in-his-face about it, something was up.

I’d say you look hot, but I don’t know if you meant to send that to me, he replied.

Several seconds passed. His message switched to “read” status.

Instantly, the photo vanished. A different one came through a few seconds later. Same mirror, but Ashley wore clothes. A tight pair of white pants and a matching jacket, although Vince was pretty sure that wasn’t a lacy shirt peeking out from inside the jacket.

You saw nothing, Ashley said.

An emoji of a demon strangling someone until their head exploded followed.

Vince wished he’d downloaded the earlier image. A shame. He was pretty sure Nina mentioned something about an app that automatically backed up images she received, because of clients trying to delete evidence. Maybe he should ask her about that.

For work purposes, naturally.

My lips are sealed, he messaged back. I’ll see you Wednesday morning to admire your hot new look in person.

If he hadn’t already pressed his luck with the foxy demon, he’d tease her more. But he wanted to live to see Quintus on Wednesday.

“So, are you adding a demon to the pride?” Nicki asked him.

He gave her a look, then focused on his drink.

Lunch flew by, along with the entire day. Fia arrived with Pola to escort Nicki away. Neither wolfgirl appeared suspicious of his actions earlier that morning, or even a meeting with Quintus on Wednesday. They knew he had to return the ring.

He wanted to tell them about his problems with Alessia, and what he was doing about it. Unfortunately, the risk of his boss finding out was too high. She’d ruin everything if she threw a tantrum and tried to bribe him more. Or did something more drastic.

Maybe that would be for the better. Even so, he kept his secret.

But he did tell them that Gaby was interested in fighting Mei. Plus Quintus’s cryptic warnings.

“He’s talking in riddles again, but I think Immanuel is going to act against Houou,” Vince said. “I also suspect he might have a job for me.”

Pola’s ear and tail shot up, but Fia pressed a hand against her friend’s head. A whine escaped Pola.

“Immanuel pressured us to keep you independent. There’d be no point if they never hired you,” Fia said. “I’d say to remember you have a choice, but I doubt Quintus Hierum likes being told no. And we can’t even use our contract as a shield. Alessia ended it and we haven’t signed a new one.”

He winced, but she shook her head.

“It’s fine. You’re still working toward dealing with Mei. Alessia doesn’t have the slightest clue how to construct a contract to deal with her. It might end up being a verbal agreement, like when you dealt with Arnulfo,” Fia explained.

Vince couldn’t complain about that.

“We should put Vince under contract to work with us whenever we want,” Pola whined.

“That’s literally something we can’t do,” Fia said. “Unless you want to contract him to date you.”

Pola’s eyes widened, then she smirked. “Oh, can I bring contracts into this?”

Fia glared at the other wolfgirl, whose silver tail danced behind her, as if doing a victory lap.

“Do not,” Fia muttered. “We just got over the discussion about the ground rules. If you start throwing around piles of cash to get Vince to spend more time with you than Nina, she will flatten you.”

“Yeah, but I’d still win.” Pola stuck her chest out. “So, Viiiiiince—”

“Absolutely not,” he said. “You and Nina really need to work this thing out.”

“If I date you more—”

“Without using me.”

His billionaire girlfriend glowered at him, while Fia laughed and patted her friend on the back.

As Nicki predicted, Pola did not let him leave alone. He’d agreed to spend every second night in the penthouse, although some of those would be with Fia instead of Pola. It got him out of Lionetti Tower and into a better place to stay. But while Nina was more than happy to use the spare bedroom, both Lionetti sisters vetoed the idea.

Ally apparently agreed to stay with him in Lionetti Tower. He wasn’t entirely sure why, and wouldn’t see her again for a few more days.

Monday and Tuesday passed uneventfully. After Quintus’s warning, Vince maintained a low profile. The stares and shady characters following him took on a sinister note in his recollections.

Someone was going to take a shot at him sooner rather than later. No reason to take more risks than he needed to.

But he needed to clear these hits somehow. If Quintus failed to offer anything, it might be time to reach out to the Inaba twins.

Nina said to edge them, but her advice did him no good if he was dead.

“You should ask Kiyoko and Salome for some help,” Nina told him on Wednesday morning. “I bet Kiyo can step on the Yakuza trouble, and Salome knows people. The Golden Path needs willing enforcers, and some subtle and unsubtle threats can scare away anyone dangerous enough to care about.”

“What about the undead problems haunting me?” he asked drily.

“Juliet would have tried to kill you by now if she still had a contract. And Houou already stiffed her, so no chance she’ll work for them so soon. Hamelin… Fucked if I know.” The lioness shrugged.

They waited near the birdfolk landings inside Lionetti Tower. Quite a few hotel and casino patrons used them, either to commute or for meals, so they watched a steady procession of birdgirls go back and forth. Nicki was nearby, prepping for the flight.

“I’ve noticed that all the birdfolk fliers here are girls,” Vince said.

“Most of the casino patrons are old men. The younger ones come with dates or aren’t interested in the eye-candy,” Nina said. “Have some hot birdgirls throw on skintight clothing and everyone is happy.”

Once ready, Nicki flew them downtown. Immanuel’s towering HQ loomed over the harbor, making it hard to miss. Its black and white marble façade formed different Greek letters on each side. Vince didn’t recall which, or why. Especially as they changed the symbols every year.

When he was a teenager, he’d paid attention. One year they’d depicted Norse runes. Conspiracy theories ran amok about some secret message built up over the years if the letters were combined in some pattern. When a major magical accident occurred in Norway, obliterating a sizeable portion of the Jotunheim mountains, those conspiracy theories had run wild.

The lobby possessed multiple entrances, and significant passive security around all but the front entrance. Suited demons with Immanuel pins kept watch.

Nicki brought them down on a white marble square to the side of the main entrance. Short, evergreen hedges surrounded them, but they remained in firm view of the guards and surveillance. One particularly beefy demon glared at them as they approached the doors leading inside. Gold gilded the handle and trim of the automatic doors, and the name “Immanuel” was spelled out in several languages above them, most of them ancient tongues.

“Should I leave?” Nicki asked, hunching her shoulders under the attention of security.

“Ashley said she’d slide you into some sort of hidey hole, presumably with drinks,” Vince said. “I think she wants to talk transformatives, given you’re into them.”

The harpy brightened up for a second, before losing her confidence when she met the gaze of a suited demon.

The burly beast stopped them at the doors. “Business?”

Nina smirked at the demon and crossed her arms. Vince knew she’d cause a scene if he let her.

“I’m meeting Quintus Hierum,” Vince said. “Ashley’s waiting for me.”

The second half turned out to be pointless. Speaking Quintus’s name acted like a special password, and the demon practically teleported out of the way.

Another demon, this one slimmer and presumably higher on the totem pole, intervened. “Go through the main lobby. Take the doors with the silver trim on the far-right, and you’ll find Ashley. It’s a good thing you’re early, as I’ve never seen her look so nervous.”

Vince hid his confusion.

Why the hell would Ashley be nervous? Was that why the demon had freaked out? Did they think Vince was here for some bigshot meeting with Quintus, and Ashley was panicking over it?

The atrium looked no different from that of fancy companies or some of the open halls he’d seen in the Tri Sommet. Loud, clacky tiles, tons of open space, benches in weird shapes, and plenty of hidden security. Most exits lay behind security gates, but three sets of double doors possessed different color trims. Gold, silver, bronze.

The bronze trim surrounded glass doors, and led to a bar or dining area. Presumably for public events. It appeared to be closed.

Following the demon’s instructions, Vince led Nina and Nicki through the silver doors.

Lifts stood to one side when they entered. But the corridor swiftly opened up to a meeting room the size of Alessia’s office. The table could seat sixty people or more. Lounges lay along one side, which somehow opened up to windows that revealed a sunlit garden—an impossibility on the first floor of such a tall skyscraper.

Ashley leaned against the far wall, head first. Vince didn’t recognize her at first, thanks to the gigantic fluffball of a tail on the ground behind her. She’d switched her white pants and jacket out for a black pair.

“Ashley?” he asked.

“Wow. A fox. Looking to get railed?” Nina said at the same time.

The demon spun, teeth bared. “Maybe after I rip your arms off, so you can only watch while I…” Ashley’s face turned bright red. “Make good use of Vince.”

“So close, yet so far. Maybe I’ll rip your arms off for a second time and make you watch as I ride his cock.” Nina winked.

Ashley’s body trembled with barely contained rage. After a few seconds, a chirping sound echoed from her and she paled.

“Fuck. No time to waste in a pissing match.” She shook her head. “Uh, plans have gotten weird. You two girls are going to have to go chill for a bit. They want to chat with Vince alone.”

Nina’s eyes turned into slits and her posture shifted. Nicki tilted her head in confusion.

Vince felt more of Nicki’s emotions than Nina’s. “They? You mean I’m meeting more than Quintus?”

Ashley looked away, her fox ears flattened against her head. “Bastet heard something and butted in. I know damn well what it means when the old succuslut wants a meeting with a hotshot enforcer. She steals the best talent. Seems you’re about to get a huge offer from the omega-slut herself to come work for Immanuel.”

- - - - -

Commentary: It's demon grandpa time.

Ashley remains one foot in, one foot out, regarding harem stuff. I still haven't made up my mind, but she's fun to write and I enjoy changing up her appearance.