♗ IC CONTACT

[waiting]

"You've reached Bradbury. I'm out, so leave a message if you need me."

Comments

phonecall;

[waiting]

[ Huh. What's a girl who sounds like that doing calling him? His mind jumps to the obvious conclusion: ]

Yeah. Sorry, if you're with the press, I'm not at liberty to disclose any information about the Mayor or his policies. You'll have to schedule an appointment just like anyone else.

[detriments]

Oh, no, [have a little laugh!] That's not why I'm calling. My name is Christine - Christine Stanford. Perhaps you've heard of me?

In any case, I hope I'm not interrupting anything. [but who really cares. Pay attention to her lovely voice, it's not like you have a choice!!] How are you, Mr Bradbury?

[waiting]

Sorry, it doesn't ring a bell. [ He's not entirely convinced, by the sound of his voice, but he also isn't putting the phone down. Probably the biggest mistake of his life, really. ]

I'm the head of security City Hall, ma'am. [ Which she was probably aware of if he knows who she is... not winning any points, Bradbury. ] That usually means I'm on the job.

[detriments]

[rude.]

I won't take long.

But I'm glad you mentioned that! Turns out we have a friend in common, Mr Bradbury. And she's told me quite a lot about you.

[le pause. DOES IT MATTER WHAT SHE SAID? Of course not.]

How would you like to go out for dinner with me? My treat. Just tell me when you'll be available and I'll make all the arrangements.

[waiting]

[ When she says 'friend,' his first thought is that Eddie set this up; when she says 'she,' he's just plain confused. ]

I ... sorry, but this is some kinda joke, right? Who put you up to this?

[detriments]

It's no joke. And I'm very determined to get you to say yes.

[aka: I will use my power on you if I have to, boyo.]

[waiting]

You're really serious about this.

[ There's still a healthy amount of disbelief in his voice, still, but he rallies. Well, if this is just some kind of elaborate prank -- or worse -- he might as well try to see what the hell it's all about, and if he can work out what her motives are. no way all she wants is to dinner. ]

All right. Fine. I'm off by nine this Saturday. [ In for a penny... ] You picking out the place?

[detriments]

[That's a good boy!]

Saturday is just perfect. You can leave the rest to me, but - where shall I pick you up?

[waiting]

Uh -- can't I just drive there?

[detriments]

Where's the fun in that?

[waiting]

I don't see much fun in worrying about whether I'm being kidnapped.

[detriments]

[She can't help but laugh.]

My goodness, so suspicious. And why would I want to kidnap you?

[Besides the... obvious...]

[waiting]

Paranoia's kind of part of the job description. My boss is usually the one who gets these dinner invitations.

[detriments]

I'm sure your boss will agree that you could use a night off, Mr Bradbury.

[a pause.]

Jenny sent me. Consider it a present.

[waiting]

I think he needs it--

[ He pauses, when she says "Jenny." There's a lot of emotion associated with that name. ]

Odd kind of present. [ He's paying attention to her now, in a way he wasn't before. Not just with an ample amount of suspicion, which is a given, but curiosity. Jenny's been in prison for a long time. He doesn't know why she'd ask for this -- or why someone would accept it. Teenage former dictators don't tend to make friends. ]

... Okay. [ Slowly. ] Do I need to dress up for this?

[detriments]

She's a little sad she can't take you out herself. I was trusted with the most noble task.

[There's a little playful irony in her tone - nothing detrimental.]

Only if you want to. Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing you in a suit.

[waiting]

You a friend of hers? [ Not that Jenny would admit to having friends. ]

Suit's kind of part of the uniform. [ Not that his are anything special, for the most part, but he does have a couple of slightly better ones that are decent enough for work and play ... not that he's sure that's what it is. He guesses he'll just have to find out. ]

You can just pick me up from City Hall.

[detriments]

I'd like to think so. She's a very interesting girl.

City Hall it is. This Saturday - at, say... Seven?

[waiting]

[ That's one way of looking at it. ]

I don't think I can convince the boss to let me off that early.

[detriments]

[she is... tempted to say she can and just use her power to have her way. But on second thought-]

What time would suit you better, then?

[waiting]

Nine o'clock. If that's not too late, I mean.

[ Wait, she's the one who wants to ask him out, why does he feel apologetic??? ]

[detriments]

[because Christine does that to people!!]

Nine it is. [well-] Pleasure talking to you, Mr Bradbury. I'll be looking forward to our date.

[waiting]

[ he'd been trying not to think that word. ]

I-- right. See you then.