Mob Sorcery 2 - Ch28

Chapter 28

The demon left after casting a spell to hide his appearance again. No fancy magic tool needed for him.

Vince watched him leave. The park remained just as empty as when he and Nicki had arrived. Everyone he’d seen here earlier had vanished, replaced by an even smaller group of people. Two office ladies sipped coffee on a bench by the statue of the founders. A small crew appeared to be filming something in the distance.

A quiet afternoon in the park, in other words.

“Nicki, let’s go,” he told his ride.

Nicki picked him up without even landing. When she dropped him off home, Nina was already there and dragged the harpy inside for drinks. Dinner as well, given the pot already boiling on the stove.

“Oh, right. I got your contract back. You should give Krein a call to discuss it. I’ll shoot you his number.” Nina tapped a few times on her phone while grabbing beers from the fridge.

Vince’s phone buzzed. A contact card arrived in his messages and he excused himself. Stepping onto the balcony, he called his lawyer.

His lawyer. Not something he’d ever expected to apply to him, even if he was hiring one guy to glance at some paper. Speaking of hiring, Vince needed to make sure that he paid Nina back if she’d already paid the lawyer.

“Viktor Krein speaking,” a stern, elderly voice said, speaking with an obvious German accent.

“This is Vince. Nina dropped off—”

“Ah, Vincent, yes. Quite the contract Miss Hayes dropped off for me. I almost thought she’d come out of retirement.” Krein chuckled and the shuffling of paper rustled across the line. “I wouldn’t complain if she did. Put one of my kids through college with how many big contracts she picked up.”

If Nina paid enough legal fees to cover somebody else’s college, how the hell had she ever struggled with her own student loans? Probably an exaggeration.

“But enough of history. Let’s talk about the present,” Krein said. “The contract’s complicated. You have it?”

Vince pulled the papers out of the folder. Then he and Krein went through it over the phone, while the lawyer explained some of the more complicated sections and understood Vince knew what he was getting into.

“This is effectively three contracts in one,” Krein warned. “They terminate separately and pay separately. Only one of these jobs has a time limit. Even after three months, if you haven’t dealt with the rival company or the VIP, you’re still on the hook.”

Vince translated internally. “Is that fine?”

“Hits don’t usually have time limits, unless it’s for automatic failure. I just wanted you to know that the three-month limit only applies to the protection duty.”

Krein threw around some interesting euphemisms, and Vince wondered if these were the official terms used for various jobs. He’d always spoke plainly and done simpler jobs. Maybe everyone talked like this in the conglomerates.

“The next concern is the non-compete,” Krein said.

Vince’s heart grew cold. “I don’t recall agreeing to exclusivity.”

If he accepted an exclusive contract, Alessia would effectively be getting him as a corporate enforcer through the backdoor.

“Well, it’s not about exclusivity,” Krein clarified. “There are two elements here. First, you’re not allowed to take jobs from anyone you’re required to dispatch. Houou and Kaziern are explicitly named. But if another gang or conglomerate jumps in, you’ll have to stop working for them.”

Vince nodded. “Alright. That’s not so bad. What’s the other part?”

“If you fail to protect Lionetti assets because you’re busy with another job, they can remove up to a quarter of your monthly paycheck. There are also named entities, including Alessia Lionetti and Lionetti Tower, that dissolve the contract immediately should you fail to protect them while working for somebody else.”

The idea of having his pay cut because he worked for somebody else riled him, but the last sentence brought him back to reality.

Alessia wanted him available to defend the Lionettis at any time. Hell, he’d given Nicki that spiel. If he failed to live up to his end of the deal, did he actually deserve the cash?

To hell with the contract, he wasn’t sure if he could live with himself if he let Alessia die because he was doing some smuggling job for Immanuel.

“Got it. Any big concerns?” Vince asked.

“There are some minor wording problems in the contract that I’ve written modifications to on your version. I sincerely recommend not signing any contract without them, although you’ll need to run them past your employer.”

Everything else was minor stuff. Alessia kept things above board, so to speak. The sneakiest trick she’d pulled had been the exclusivity and that seemed reasonable enough when he thought about it.

“Thanks,” Vince said, finishing up the call.

“It’s my job. Feel free to drop off any more contracts you receive. Especially if you take work while still under the restraints of this one. I can advise you on how dangerous it might be to take both jobs,” Krein said. “Miss Hayes should have my card.”

Once finished, Vince made sure to get Krein’s business card off Nina. She’d completely forgotten about it, so he fished it out of her purse.

He kept Nicki company while Nina finished off dinner. The harpy sipped at one of Nina’s awful beers, but didn’t seem that bothered by its foul taste.

No steak tonight, unlike what Vince had expected after she didn’t prepare it last night. Instead she made some sort of broccoli pasta with mince. It tasted a thousand times better than he expected. Nicki’s plate shot down her gullet so fast Vince thought she’d turned into a pelican. She then sat quietly, staring at the remains of her meal.

“There’s enough for seconds,” Nina said. “I made enough for lunch tomorrow.”

“But then you won’t—”

“Vince can buy his own lunch tomorrow.” His girlfriend frowned. “Oh, right. I forgot you were having lunch with that fox.”

“Foxes,” he said. Then frowned. “I’ll admit, with all the attention I’m getting, I’m worried this is another job offer.”

“From who?” Nina tapped her chin. “If you get an offer from Houou, that proves the bitch that broke in isn’t from them. If it’s the Yakuza, then it is.”

“I’d be impressed if Ally was working with the Yakuza.”

Nicki looked back at him while ladling up seconds from the pan. “Wouldn’t there be good reason for everyone to avoid her if she was?”

“Yeah, but she’s nowhere near their turf. Why would Immanuel sell her with catalysts if she’s supplying their enemy?” Vince asked.

“Money?”

Nina snorted. “The demons are greedy, but like power more. But maybe they just want to piss off Houou.” She took a long slug of her terrible beer before eying Vince. “Oh, right. You mentioned Quintus approached you. What’s up?”

Once again, he explained the situation.

“You’re independent, so take whatever jobs you can. But don’t violate the deal you made with Alessia,” she warned. “I bet Krien warned you, but she’s offering a lot so that you’ll be available whenever. For all you know, Quintus is being paid by Houou to make you unavailable. Or maybe Houou will realize you’re busy and strike then and there.”

Shit. Vince hadn’t thought of that possibility when reviewing the contract. “There’s a reason most enforcers don’t accept deals like this, isn’t there?”

“Eh, it’s not quite a poisoned chalice. More like golden handcuffs. Like taking bodyguard duty. I’ve done it before. Just need to turn down other work for a little bit.” Nina shrugged. “You’re in deeper shit because your boss has a fat target on her ass.”

“Who’d you protect?” Nicki asked, wings fluttering as she sat down with her second plate of food.

The conversation moved on from Vince’s work for the night. Drinks came fast and furious as Nina forced beer after beer on Nicki, leaving the birdgirl collapsed in Vince’s lap by 9PM.

Nina giggled at her friend. “Man, you’re such a lightweight.”

“I don’t drink much,” Nicki moaned. “I really hope I don’t get a hangover.”

Vince forced a glass of water against her throat, and Nicki slowly gulped it down.

“Stay hydrated and you’ll be fine,” he said. “And no more beer.”

He glared at Nina, but she just grinned back.

Fortunately, he enforced the rule. Rather than send Nicki home—and potentially right into a fine for drunk flying—he dug up his old futon and some blankets. Finding room for it in the spare bedroom meant shoving Nina’s clutter around, but he settled the harpy in with little fuss. She fell asleep almost instantly.

“Damn. I was hoping she’d hit on you,” Nina said, leaning against the door behind him. “She’s super-hot right now, even if she cringes whenever somebody tells her. Figured she might make a move.”

“Cringes?” He frowned. “She preened a lot for me. Fished for compliments, too.”

“Oh, really?” Nina grinned and hit him in the arm. “Man, you really do need a specific type of woman, don’t you?”

“What does that mean?”

He didn’t find out, although he did drink more than advisable. Drunk sex felt great, though. Even if he was tired and attacked by a crippling headache come morning.

Vince checked his phone upon waking. Messages from Fia, Pola, and Ally.

Ally’s turned out to be straightforward. A restaurant and time, in case he couldn’t make it to her store first. Pola begged for him to visit her at her penthouse tonight, as she was bored. Figured.

Whereas Fia reminded him to be careful. She also offered to pick him up and take him to Lionetti Tower.

Not that he had any clue when he planned to meet Alessia. She’d said today, but no specific time. Most likely she’d spend the entire day in the tower, especially with the danger she was in.

He wandered into the main room before answering Fia. Nicki curled up on the couch with a tall glass of water.

“I take it you need some time to recover,” he said.

Nicki winced and her wings stretched out. “No, no, I’m fine.”

When she held the side of her head after standing up, he crossed his arms.

“Alright, maybe a couple of hours rest,” she muttered.

With his personal taxi incapacitated, Vince let Fia know he’d hit up Lionetti Tower after his lunch date with Ally and her friend. He also didn’t expect to need a lift, as he’d have Nicki with him.

You’re going to make her wait outside while you enjoy some fancy lunch? Cruel, Fia said.

I’ll make sure she eats something nice as well, he replied.

No reply. Time for breakfast, then, as Nina still hadn’t crawled out of bed. They’d run out of eggs and milk was preciously low, but he found a tub of yogurt and a variety of fruit. Nina must have gone shopping yesterday. Why she didn’t buy more eggs remained a mystery. Her meal planner probably didn’t involve them.

Which also meant eating the fruit would probably mess with her plans. Vince therefore decided to mix the fruit and yogurt with some granola. He even made three bowls, because he was a good boyfriend. And friend, he guessed, given he definitely wasn’t dating Nicki yet.

“Wow. Dinner and breakfast,” Nicki murmured when he plonked a bowl in front of her. “You’re spoiling me.”

Vince remained silent while parsing the comment for sarcasm. After failing to detect any, he shrugged.

“Nina does all the shopping. I just ruin her plans,” he said. “And tempt her with waffles.”

Nicki’s eyes closed and she let out a hum of pleasure, spoon sticking out of her mouth. “Waffles. Sometimes one of my… roommates makes them, but they always suck. I bet Nina’s are better.”

“Vince makes the waffles,” Nina called out as she leaned on the doorway. “I just eat them.”

The harpy stared at Nina, eyes widening. Once again, the lioness had neglected to put on clothes and the sheer size of her tits in her underwear bounced in plain sight.

Ignoring Nicki’s stare, Nina slipped away into the bathroom.

“Damn. They seem even bigger than the first time I saw them. You could play volleyball with them,” Nicki mumbled.

She looked down at her own illusioned breasts. They were big, by normal standards, but Nina tended to ignore standards. All the better for Vince.

“Thinking about what you might look like when you try the dyes again?” he asked.

Nicki gulped and hunched her shoulders. “A little. I’m not supposed to create an illusion that doesn’t properly match my body, though. Even now…” She held her hands against her chest. They visibly sank through it. “If I gave myself fuckoff huge bazongas, it’d look weird. I bet I’d wave my hands through them constantly.”

“You don’t need giant tits to look good,” he said.

“Yeah, but I’d look better with them.” She sighed and munched on some granola. “Wouldn’t you like a bigger dick? Uh, not that I know how big it is.”

Her shifty eyes caused him to glare at her. “Nina finally shared the photo, didn’t she?

Nicki refused to answer, which told him everything. Had it come up last night while he’d been on the toilet or something?

Once finished with her shower, Nina joined them. She clicked her tongue at the granola.

“Don’t bitch. Be happy I made anything, given how little there was in the fridge,” he said.

“You could have made pancakes. Or waffles. Or an omelet,” she said.

“With what eggs? Did you plan for me to get them from Nicki?” he asked.

Nicki choked on her water, spluttering and spitting it everywhere. “Hold the fuck up. I make the egg jokes around here!”

Rolling her eyes, Nina dug into her granola. Although she shot Vince and Nina a curious sidelong look.

Vince noted that his girlfriend remained in her underwear. “Shouldn’t you be getting dressed? It’s early, but not that early.”

“I’m working from home today,” Nina said.

“You never work from home.”

“Yeah, well, I’ve decided that today’s the day I do. Yesterday sucked, so this is how I’ll deal with the constant bullshit of work.”

How long before Nina quit? She’d simmered for the past couple of weeks, but if he’d thought things were blowing over, they’d clearly boiled over instead.

“Do you want a distraction?” he asked.

“I’d rather not fuck like rabbits around Nicki,” Nina said.

Nicki’s face reddened and she glanced at Vince. “Bit late for that.”

“I take it we were loud?” Vince said.

“I can’t believe how long you two fucked for. I even checked on those endurance pills the succubus gave you and they’re still unopened.” Nicki covered her face. “Do you have some spell to handle it?”

“No,” he and Nina said together.

Nina grinned. “He takes breaks. Why? Are you getting ideas?”

Nicki buried her face in her arms. After a little more teasing, Nina gave up.

The morning trundled by slowly. Vince stayed out of Nina’s way as she worked on her laptop. At least she dressed herself. Nicki lounged on the spare futon, playing with her phone.

Eventually, the harpy declared herself good enough. It was 11AM, and therefore too late to visit Ally’s store. Vince would pick up his tools after lunch, then.

He had a lot to do after lunch, it turned out.

After letting Ally know his plans, he got dressed properly and equipped his gear. Nicki remained in her clothes from yesterday. When he suggested she fly home and change, she just shrugged.

“I don’t sweat much. You can check if you like.” Then her face caught on fire and she refused to say anything for several minutes.

The flight downtown went quickly. Vince could have easily taken the subway, but he’d grown to enjoy being flown around by Nicki. Her chatter proved better company than strangers he ignored.

Their destination was the Tri Sommet. Specifically, one of the fancy restaurants on its many levels. He’d bumped into a couple heading to one during his trip with Fia. The price of food there kept the restaurants well out of his wheelhouse.

He doubted he’d be paying today, but at least could afford it. As Alessia promised, the money had arrived, and he couldn’t believe the numbers he saw in his banking app.

The Sommet had dedicated landings for birdfolk taxis, but Nicki avoided them.

“You need approval to use them,” she explained as they landed in the plaza outside the Sommet. “Wings gives us codes to drop people off, but I think you need a permit or some sort of employee pass otherwise.”

He frowned. “Will that be a problem in many places? Now that you’re private.”

“Nah. Not many bourgie shitholes like this that keep the riffraff out.” Nicki snorted. “Plus, I plan to grab a private taxi pass once you pay me a little more. Should let me into most airspaces closed off to private flying.”

The more Vince knew. He also recalled that he hadn’t paid Nicki her bonus.

“I still owe you for Friday night. Do you—” he tried to say.

Nicki shoved him. “Fucking hell, Vince. You’re offering me a huge job and promised to buy me one of Ally’s illusion wands. I’m good. Especially after you let me stay the night.”

Was that truly such a big deal?

With that said, he still pulled out his wallet and forced some notes on Nicki. She squawked in complaint, but took them.

“This isn’t much, but it should cover lunch around here. I don’t know how long I’ll be with Ally and her friend,” he said. “I’d feel bad if I left you to grab some fast food while I’m enjoying overpriced stuff.”

“I can still buy fast food, you know. Maybe I prefer it. But thanks.” She shot him a smile. “I’ve even been laying off the egg jokes lately.”

“I noticed,” he said drily. “I’d begun to worry.”

“Noted. I’ll remind you regularly of the heavily laden consequences of flirting with birdfolk.”

It took far too long for Vince to realize she’d make a joke and he groaned. Laden with eggs, of course.

“Just go. I’ll call you when I’m done,” he said.

Nicki fluttered away, leaving him to brave the Sommet’s intimidating interior. Unlike last time, he lacked an escort that knew the place.

Nobody stopped him or confronted him for clearly being out of place here. He joined several people in the elevator, and they all stepped out on the same floor. One even directed Vince to his restaurant after noticing how lost he clearly was.

The name of his destination was French, and the airy layout and soft blue tones gave the place a chic appearance. He doubted this counted as fine dining, even if the prices suggested as much.

The tables were mostly empty. Which figured as he’d gotten here before midday. A few couples occupied some seats, and a familiar pair of catgirls sat at the bar with plates of fish. They were the same sisters he’d seen on Saturday near Pola’s penthouse. Hell, they’d been in her building. The hairs on the back of his neck rose as he processed their presence.

“Oh, you’re here early, Vince,” Ally’s voice interrupted. “Looks like Mei isn’t here yet. Um, I hope you’re not too shocked when you meet her.”

“Because of her appearance or something else?” he asked.

He turned to face Ally, only to hide his reaction to her cute appearance.

A fluttery one-piece dress clung to her figure, only to flare out below her waist. Its white and red tones complemented the vibrancy of her red tails, hair, and fox ears. Butterfly hairpieces had been braided into her front bangs, and little crystal foxes hung from her ears.

Ally demurely twisted in front of him, hands clutched together and her tails lowered almost flat to the ground.

When she bit her lip and looked to the side, Vince recalled his own question.

“Um, both,” Ally said, uncertainty in her tone. “It’s just a meeting, though. If Mei bothers you at all, you can leave at any time. I made certain of that.”

He kept his expression neutral. “This isn’t just a friendly meeting, is it?”

“It’s, um, complicated.” She sighed and looked around, including inside the restaurant. “Let’s get a seat. I don’t see anyone here that I recognize.”

A waiter stood by the door patiently, fake smile plastered on his face. The fakeness slipped away when Ally bounced up to him and mentioned her booking. Without a moment’s hesitation, the waiter led Vince and Ally to a round table in the back.

An expansive view of the harbor and downtown laid before them, visible through the windows. They weren’t as high up as when Vince met Alessia on the conference floor, but easily higher than most other buildings nearby.

Ally ordered some sparkling water before taking a seat. Vince deliberately chose the chair facing the entrance, which didn’t go unnoticed.

“Sorry,” she mumbled, ears flattening against her head. “I was requested to invite you and can’t really say no. Mei’s important, but I really want you to know that you can walk away at any time. She promised me.”

“Not to be mean, but promises often mean little to those with power,” he said.

Ally’s eyes hardened with a fierceness he’d never seen before. “She’ll regret it if she does.”
Then she blinked and her face reddened. “I mean, you really can trust her. At least this far.”

“Do you trust her?”

“… Yes, but only because of…” Ally’s tails wiggled. “That’s also why I know she won’t betray me.”

Which meant Vince was here under Ally’s protection. He found the idea amusing, given how adorable she looked. Although he shouldn’t focus too much on her cuteness, given the cleavage showing from the top of her dress.

He looked away and his eyes locked onto the catgirls. His expression tightened.

“Ally, can you detect illusions?” he asked.

She blinked, then looked around wildly, tails flailing. After several seconds, she calmed down. “Yes. That’s why I know none of Mei’s associates are here. Plus, I know you can detect glamours.”

His eyes remained focused on the catgirls, who showed no interest in him and Ally. Was he paranoid?

Ally’s tail waved back and forth and her eyes flickered white. “I can’t sense anything. Did… Did something happen?” She bit her lip.

“I got a visit from somebody capable of powerful illusions. I didn’t sense a thing, even after they were actively changing their appearance,” he admitted.

“Oh.” Ally’s expression turned downcast. “I’m almost certain that they’re not illusioned.”

“Almost certain?”

“Err, the only illusions I feel could remain hidden are those from truly powerful foxes or djinn. Plus transformations, I suppose. Are you being followed by a demon? Perhaps a powerful succubus?”

Vince snorted. “I know a powerful succubus, and she loves playing with transformation spells and illusions, but I think they work differently to yours. But she’s definitely not interested in me and…”

Hmm. Could another of Immanuel’s succubi be responsible for the visit? Nobody else saw the fake birdgirl, so the “illusion” might actually be the product of mental magic.

But why would she have told him not to work for Immanuel?

He ran a hand down his face in frustration. “It’s fine. This is my own fault, given all the attention I’ve drawn recently. I won’t say no to a nice lunch.”

“The baked salmon is amazing here,” Ally said, her tails waving around in excitement. “And you really should have some of the oysters. All the seafood is fresh and high quality. Mei would never come here otherwise. She’s so picky about her sushi.”

Some menus sat in a holder on the table, cementing the expensive café vibe Vince had gotten. This place must cater to more casual eating. Probably due to the office workers and mages here.

He flicked through the menu and tried not to gawk at the prices. Every main dish cost as much as two or three meals at ordinary restaurants. At least Vince wasn’t paying.

Ten minutes after midday, a small entourage of suited individuals approached the restaurant. Vince sipped his water and watched.

A couple of the faces looked familiar from Friday night. All of the newcomers wore familiar pins.

But it was the masked tengu that drew his attention. She nodded at him, presumably because she’d met her gaze.

“You know Kiyoko?” Ally asked, frowning.

“Is that her name? She never introduced herself,” he said.

The pack of Yakuza moved like a wall. No, like an ancient military formation protecting something in the middle. Mei must be behind them.

Ally frowned. “She’s the fuku-honbucho of, um…”

“The Yakuza? Also, I don’t know what that means.”

“Yes. Um, the translation is something akin to ‘assistant manager.’” She grimaced. “Kiyoko’s not bad. She saved me the other night.”

His eyebrows shot up. “From Houou’s attack.”

Wait, that meant Kiyoko had been the one who cut a fox in half.

Holy shit. If she’d attacked him on Friday night, he’d be the one cut in half, his blood coating apartment blocks across northern Albion. Between her absurd speed when flying and her powerful magic, Vince understood why she might be “number two.”

Which worried him about the power of the Qilin he’d shaken hands with, if she was Kiyoko’s superior.

The Yakuza pack stopped at the entrance, and Kiyoko spoke with the waiter from earlier. The manager quickly took over, worried but unsurprised by the army of thugs in his restaurant.

“What is a fuku-honbucho?” Vince asked. “’Assistant manager’ doesn’t tell me much.”

“It means she’s the assistant to the wakagashira.” Ally winced. “Sorry. I only learned about this recently, too. It’s complicated to explain. The wakagashira is kind of like a chief enforcer, and Kiyoko helps her do that.”

He nodded. The Qilin had introduced herself as the wakagashira—or number-two boss, according to Kiyoko’s translation.

The Qilin’s and Kiyoko’s positions sounded a lot like Pola and Fia, even if Fia didn’t officially hold a special rank. He nodded.

Finally, the Yakuza separated, revealing the VIP in the center of their huddle.

And Vince’s jaw visibly dropped. He felt a chill run down his spine. Every other person in the restaurant looked over and visible gasps resulted.

An eight-tailed fox with stunning silver hair and tails stood there, wearing some sort of traditional Japanese robe. Or maybe not traditional, given the amount of cleavage and thigh it showed. Her bust size compared well to Pola’s and Alessia’s.

Vince didn’t miss the folding fan tucked into her sash. Or the military emblem emblazoned on it. It made for a strong political statement. He’d seen the flag briefly on last night’s news about Australia.

“That’s Mei?” he asked, voice raspy.

Ally rubbed his hand atop the table. “Yes. Like I said, you can leave whenever you want. Don’t worry.”

Shit. He’d been pulled into a meeting with the Yakuza.

Which meant the rumors weren’t entirely false. Houou had it in for Ally because she worked with the Yakuza.

The time to talk with Ally would be later. Vince didn’t exactly appreciate getting jumped like this, and she knew it. Hurt crossed her face and she retracted her hand. Her tails curled around her like a cocoon.

“I’m sorry,” she mumbled.

Vince found himself lost for words. Not that he had time to say anything, as Mei crossed the restaurant at that exact moment. The rest of the Yakuza remained outside, save for Kiyoko who took a seat at the bar. She and the catgirls looked at each other, before the tengu ignored them.

“Oh my, have you hurt Ally’s feelings already?” Mei asked, her voice oozing seductiveness. “Well, hopefully the two of you mend your relationship. I had no wish to bring harm to it. Merely to meet you, Vincent.”

“Call me Vince,” he said automatically, voice sounding distant even to himself. “And how should I call you? I’m not sure I can call an ancient fox by her first name.”

“Oh, but you can. I permit it.” Mei’s chair moved of its own accord as she swept into it. No, she’d used telekinesis so casually Vince hadn’t even felt it.

He gulped. Sure, he’d felt in danger around that fake birdgirl, but this?

Mei could destroy him with a gesture. Could even Quintus match her?

The only eight-tailed fox that Vince knew of was the chairman of Houou’s board, and he rarely showed himself in public. If Vince recalled correctly, his name was Saito Fujiwara. Even the clan guardians paled in power.

Hell, where did the godlike elementals in the police stand relative to this fox?

“However, I would prefer that you never call me a ‘fox’ again.” Mei’s eyes bore into his, and he saw a deep anger hidden within them despite her calm exterior. “’Mystic fox’ is the word adopted by the… exiles that live outside their mother country. I am a true kitsune. One of Inari’s messengers and a guardian appointed by Amaterasu herself.”

Vince inclined his head. “Sorry. I didn’t know the difference.”

“And now you do. I don’t hold it against you or anyone else to get it wrong the first time, particularly given the status Houou holds here.” Mei shot Ally a soft smile. “Although there is some hope that things may change.”

Ally didn’t react. Her entire stance had stiffened and she held herself with a poise unlike her typical demeanor.

The manager hovered several feet away, as if uncertain if he should approach. Noticing Vince’s gaze, Mei looked over and waved the manager over. She didn’t even glance at the menu before ordering. He took Ally’s advice and ordered the salmon, while Ally got a salad.

A bottle of wine arrived within seconds of the manager leaving, and after Mei approved of it, the waiter poured three glasses. Curiously, he didn’t leave it behind. Possibly because Mei wouldn’t deign to pour her own wine.

“Now, Vince, do you know why I wanted to meet you?” Mei asked.

“No.” He chose not to elaborate on how Ally had gotten him here, although she shifted uncomfortably.

“Hmm.” Mei swirled her wine and took a sip. “Then I shall be brief. I’d like you to facilitate a meeting between me and Alessia Lionetti for the purposes of bringing Aulfair’s mafia under the wing of Knightsgate.”

- - - - -

Commentary: We're back in Yakuza territory, with lots of fancy words being thrown around and a hint regarding what mystic foxes/kitsune do. Plus a brief mention of the boss of Houou. I believe I hinted about this ages ago, but I'm leaning into the word stuff. It's been noted that I use "fox" instead of "kitsune" when the Japanese term has become the standard term for foxgirls, so why not make use of it in-universe?

I'm trying to walk a tightrope with Ally. She is dragging Vince to a meeting without a proper warning, but she's also adorable and in over her head. It's less that she has mixed loyalties so much as she doesn't have a choice given her background, the current situation in the US regarding catalysts, and trying to run a store.

As a sidenote, the broccoli pasta mentioned is the fairly old-school Italian sausage with broccoli rabe dish. I regularly make a version with broccolini as it's super-simple but really flavorful.