Getting to Know You - And Not

Marina sat next to Yeong, crossing her legs and stretching her back. "Mr. Choi, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I've read the CoV's file on you, but I would prefer to know you from peer to peer." She said, smiling her most polite smile. "If it isn't an inconvenience, that is.”

The coffee shop stood as a contrast to most of the town. Most would think that coffee would be subpar. They would think it would be an off-brand package bought wholesale from a cheap distributor looking to make a profit off of any upstart restaurant in Gary.

One would be lucky to find national restaurant chains along the highway heading towards Chicago. So any functioning business here was considered something unique.

As you sip your coffee, you notice a man in the back. He seems to be looking at you. He has a military haircut and is working on a laptop. He has the eyes of someone who knows what is out there.

Choi thought that all would be in the files for Marina’s perusing. Yet, he figured that even Alyssa didn’t have everything.

Choi, aware of the surroundings, noticed the guy with the cropped haircut. He looked like a jarhead, ex-military type.

“Just a minute,” Yeong said to her. “As much as I’d like to talk, we need to approach that guy over there.

He approached the man from an angle, so that he didn’t come head on as a threat. Ina soft, calm way, he asked the man, “May I help you?”

Marina noticed the man and sighed, getting up with Choi and walking closer as well, not saying much. Yeong seemed to have it under control for now, and undermining him felt like it wouldn't really do much.

"Perhaps you can join me for a drink later at the bar. Do you know how far it is to get to Ealdwic from here? I can explain more later, meet me tomorrow night at the bar." said the man.

Choi thought a moment. Was Ealdwic the name of the bar or did he mean Old London?

“The bar doesn’t mean much to me,” he replied. “I mean, there must be four in this immediate area. What is the name of this bar where you want to meet?”

Choi’s phone buzzed twice. On was Eun-Ji’s reply. Another was from Dahlia, the Templar. The confusing thing was that one had the winking emoji.

"It's called the Yellow Wallpaper. We can talk more there, I think I can be of some help.”

Choi nodded and looked to Marina. “Okay! We’ll see you then.”

Choi’s phone vibrated once more. This time it was from Alyssa about dinner. Choi had forgotten how hungry he was. He replied back: Marina and I will be there.

He texted Dahlia, still intrigued about the winking emoji. Was she flirting with him? Choi texted back: Welcome back! He wondered if he should respond with a wink too, but settled with a smiley face. He wasn’t sure about all these emojis and any feelings that might be attached to them.

Turning his attention back to Marina, he said, “I’ll drive you back to the hotel. You can ask your questions and I’ll do my best to answer.”

Marina watched as the man avoided answering questions with a slight annoyance, then sighed and watched him go.

"Sure, that's cool by me. You probably have some questions too, so feel free to ask as well.”

Choi walked Marina to his ice blue Veloster. He opened the passenger door for her, then walked to the driver’s side and entered. Starting the engine, Yeong did ask one question.

“So, why does the Council of Venice suddenly have interest in Gary, Indiana?”

Marina got into the car, wary as always. She didn't get into a car without a plan to get out, much less into a Dragon's car.

She chuckled at the question. "The Council's interest is less focused in Indiana and more in your 'unlikely alliance', we don't trust that you'll all play fair with each other, and we have a vested interest in this being kept stable." She chuckled, sighing.

"So, what's a guy like you making with the Dragon? You don't seem like Kiyota's type, too... Well put together, I guess.”

—--

After finishing her digital and photographic documentation of the theater's façade around 4 pm, Eun-Ji packed up her equipment and made her way to her rented 2021 Toyota RAV4. The vehicle was comfortable and reliable, making it the perfect choice for her current assignment. She drove through the streets of Gary, Indiana, heading toward her extended stay hotel in southeast Chicago, approximately a 30-minute drive away.

The hotel was a luxurious establishment known as the Grand Mariner Suites. Its exterior boasted a sleek, modern design with large glass windows that reflected the afternoon sunlight, creating a welcoming and sophisticated ambiance. As Eun-Ji entered the hotel lobby, she was greeted by the warm glow of elegant chandeliers and the subtle scent of fresh flowers. The décor was a tasteful blend of contemporary and classic styles, with plush seating areas and polished marble floors.

Eun-Ji’s suite was spacious and well-appointed, designed to cater to both comfort and functionality. The living area featured a cozy sofa, a glass coffee table, and a large flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. A sleek desk with an ergonomic chair was positioned near the window, providing a perfect workspace with a view of the city skyline. The kitchenette was equipped with modern appliances, including a microwave, mini-fridge, and a small dining table for two.

The bedroom exuded a sense of tranquility with its king-sized bed dressed in high-thread-count linens and an assortment of plush pillows. A walk-in closet offered ample storage space, while the en-suite bathroom featured a deep soaking tub, a separate glass-enclosed shower, and luxurious toiletries. The suite's overall ambiance was one of understated elegance, providing a serene retreat after a day’s work.

Around 5:30 pm, Eun-Ji received a text from Alyssa informing her of a meeting at 7 pm. She decided to shower and get ready. The bathroom's rainfall showerhead provided a refreshing and invigorating experience. After drying off, she chose her outfit carefully: a lovely and elegant dress that fell just below the knees, designed with fluid, lightweight fabric that allowed for ease of movement. The dress was a deep emerald green, cinched at the waist to accentuate her figure, with a high slit on one side to accommodate her thigh holsters.

She paired the dress with black, low-heeled ankle boots that were both stylish and practical. Her twin hammers were concealed in the holsters strapped to her thighs, easily accessible but hidden beneath the flowing fabric. She completed her look with a pair of simple, yet elegant gold earrings and a matching bracelet.

With her ensemble perfectly balanced between elegance and practicality, Eun-Ji felt ready for whatever the evening might bring. She grabbed her purse, which contained essential items, and made her way to the parking garage. The drive back to Gary, Indiana was smooth, and as she approached her destination, the GPS estimated her arrival time at 6:50 pm, giving her just enough time to prepare for the upcoming meeting.