white
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Post by white on Jan 25, 2005 19:45:59 GMT
“White” said Sophia, peering up at the guard. "I’m sure that Mr Dellarosa is expecting me”. She looked the guard up and down “My, they grow them big where you’re from, don’t they?” she purred.
Sophia’s sense of humour appreciated the fact she could say anything, and she’d been trained to know that such comments could make a weak opponent hesitate or underestimate her.
She waited while the guard, colouring slightly, checked her name in his data assistant.
As he typed on the hand held, Sophia took the opportunity to look around the room, noting the locations of guards, possible places for cameras, and searching for a familiar face to speak to.
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Post by Tomahawk on Feb 5, 2005 11:20:36 GMT
The guard mumbled something unintelligible- *did he say, “Lasagna?”*- as means of reply as he tried to manipulate the keys on his data assistant with his large, sausage-like fingers.
Her quick glances around the room gave her a decent appraisal of the situation. Standard security cameras were positioned throughout the room, just underneath the interior balcony, if her memory served correctly, each of those would have about a 90°arc, and from their positioning they overlapped, giving the room itself full coverage. She guessed that they were most likely closed-circuit, considering the fact that they were indoors, and that it would make little sense to have each independently set on RF-modulation. No guests were seen on the interior balcony, but that did not mean it was devoid of people- Guards, obvious to make out with their white suits, patrolled above, the bulges under their coats significantly large enough to conceal semi-automatic weapons of a type typically found in this region.
Bringing her eyes back down to the level playing field, she noted a few familiar faces she’d seen from parties before, as well as more than a few VGers- Members of the Velvet Glove, a social-elite club of which she herself was also a member. The majority of the people, however, were the run-of-the-mill “beautiful people” who flocked to such displays of extravagance and decadence like so many moths to a flame.
“Yes, Miss White, sorry for the delay. Have a pleasant evening. If there is anything you might be needing, please do not hesitate to ask the staff…” The Man-mountain addressed her, stepping aside and motioning inside, where the party was already well underway.
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white
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Post by white on Feb 8, 2005 19:40:26 GMT
Sophia stepped into the room proper, removing her coat, to reveal the white, bespoke evening dress underneath.
Delicately taking a flute of champagne from a passing waiter, she began to walk over to one of the VGers.
As she moved, she kept an eye out for Dellarosa, or anything out of place.
Sophias face was a perfect mask, her expression conveying the haughty, bemused look common to the fantastically rich at a social event. *At least there’s no press* she thought.
She arrived at the VGer, a recent member, a Doctor Friedriks, owner of a pharmaceutical company in Switzerland, and exchanged pleasantries with him for a few minutes before moving on.
*Id better do some background checking on him when I get back* Sophia mused as she moved through the crowd, swapping nods and greetings with those she recognised.
Sophia pause for a moment by one of the sculptures in the room, pretending to study it, making mental notes of everyone she’d seen so far – the Agency had trained her that any intelligence could be useful.
Still no sign of Dellarosa though.
Looking past the statue, Sophia thought she spotted someone she recognised.
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Post by Tomahawk on Feb 9, 2005 14:37:31 GMT
In her precursory glances about the room, Sophia did indeed recognize a few of the faces milling about socializing. Quite a few were “no-names” as far as the Agency was concerned- persons with vested monies, but no known ties to anything political or underworld. More than likely, they were here as part of the obligations inherent to the wealth they possessed.
She saw a familiar face moving over and speaking with Dr. Friedriks- Vladamir Rasumofsky, from what she’d read, a freelance hit-man with strong ties to the Russian mafia, believed to also work on assignment for the Directorate. She observed him receiving some sort of envelope from Fiedriks before moving on to a small group of young ladies.
And speaking of ladies, she finally caught sight of one of the Dellarosa’s- the Elder Dellarosa, who was enjoying the evening with two pretty young things enough his junior to be his granddaughters- indeed, Sophia could have even been led to believe they were his granddaughters, were it not for the placement of his hands on their buttocks.
*Well, there’s the father, now where’s the son…* Sophia thought to herself, taking another casual glance around the room.
Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of a familiar face- and did a double take. There was Manfredi Dellarosa, but not the cretin she knew from University. This man was clean-cut, held himself well, sharply dressed and pressed, and actually appeared… Charming. He was talking with a few persons Sophia did not recognize, and she spotted a medium-built Asian man, also sharply dressed, standing beside him, no doubt an associate or someone close to Dellarosa.
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white
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Post by white on Feb 13, 2005 17:20:24 GMT
Sophia paused for a moment, taking stock *If that B£%$&^d Rasumofsky knows Friedriks, then we really need to check on the good Doctor. Best be careful of Dellarosa’s associate as well. The mission brief mentioned Chinese, and he could be.*
Sophia looked at her glass – almost empty. Deciding to strike before she was noticed, Sophia put on her most charming smile, and most graceful walk, and headed straight for the ‘new and improved’ Manfredi Dellarosa.
Obeying the rules of etiquette, Sophia didn’t interrupt, just walked up to the edge of the conversation, and waited.
She took another look at Dellarosa. He had changed. It was difficult to put her finger on, but something about Manfredi was different, certainly more mature, but something else too. *Well, this could be an interesting development…* she paused, realising that Dellarosa had noticed her.
“Ahh, Miss White, a pleasant surprise. I was hoping you would accept my invitation.” The Italian aristocrat’s tanned face smiled at Sophia. “Oh no, Mr Dellarosa, the pleasure’s all mine. How could I refuse an invitation to a gathering of this class? Especially from one as charming as yourself?” she replied, only partly by instinct. *His manners are better than before as well*
Stepping forward into the group Dellarosa had been talking to, Sophia continued – “I take it your going to introduce me to these other gentlemen, Manfredi?”
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Post by Tomahawk on Feb 17, 2005 11:29:33 GMT
“Of course, how rude of me.” Manfredi politely answered, “But first things first- it would seem we have a bit of a crisis here- your glass is empty.”<br> He smiled, and called over one of the white-suited servers.
“Giro, another drink for the lady, if you would. Pronto, she is an old…” he looked at Sophia, and gave her a slight wink before continuing, “Classmate of mine. Grazie, Giro.”<br> With a nod, the server was off, and several minutes later returned with a tray of assorted drinks. In the meanwhile, Manfredi continued.
“Now, where were we- ah yes, introductions. I assume you have already met Monsieur D’Gauix and Herr Schutzer. This is Mr. Jones from America, and I don’t believe you’ve met my colleague Mr. Liung.” he said, making a clockwise round of introductions, ending with the Asian man standing at his side. Each, in turn, gave their greetings.
“I was just mentioning to these gentlemen about the art exposition fund-raiser I have been planning for next month, and Herr Schutzer had just graciously offered the use of his facilities in Vienna to host the event.” Noticing her perfectly-faked puzzled glance, he continued,
“I see I have gotten ahead of myself, Scusilo, il mio caro. Am I to assume that you had not heard? Almost a year ago, I was on a business trip to Hong Kong when my airplane experienced difficulties and was forced to land in a most rural area. At first, I cursed my bad luck, as it took several days before we could even leave the location. But the more time I spent there, amongst these simple, poor, people, the more I came to respect and sympathize for their plight. I had thought I had everything one could ever want from life, but I did not have half as much happiness as these impoverished people had. I took the time, then, to get to know these people a bit better, and it has changed my life- for the better, I am sure. The fund-raiser I mentioned before is to raise monies for food and medical supplies for those unfortunate souls who otherwise might never get such relief. I am convinced that even amongst circles such as these, there are still persons of compassion, persons who have not forgotten how to care, persons willing to share some of their wealth with those less fortunate.” He paused, a faint moistness in his eye as he recounted his experience. Apparently, it had left quite a mark on this man.
*If he is faking this whole story,* Sophia thought, *He certainly is doing one hell of a job of it. For now, I can only assume everything he is saying is true…*
“Well ah think it sounds like one helluva idear,” The man named Jones spoke up and interjected, “Ah may not know nuthin’ ‘bout art, but ah know you throw one helluva party, Manny, so you can count on me bein’ there!”<br>
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white
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Post by white on Feb 20, 2005 16:59:51 GMT
“Indeed, Mr Jones,” Sophia joined in. “Manfredi, that’s a superb idea. You must send invitations to father and I. You know how my Father adores art.” She took a sip of Champaign.
“On the subject of which, you could allow us to make arrangements for security in Vienna – it’s become something of a pet subject for my father recently” She didn’t quite lie – security was a concern of her fathers, but he let Sophia let the Agency, or people it recommended, take care of most issues.
Sophia’s eyes scanned the group, looking for reactions to her statement.
“I had heard Manfredi, that something had happened to you in China. I had no idea it was so dramatic.” This was true, and Sophia was beginning to find this Dellarosa more interesting than the cretin from university.
Still, she had work to do – better big up some intel. “Is that where you know Mr Liung from?” she asked, looking at Dellarosa’s Asian associate, giving him as much chance to answer as she did Dellarosa.
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Post by Tomahawk on Feb 21, 2005 12:44:39 GMT
The man Dellarosa introduced as Schutzer, a rather stout, older fellow with a broad moustache chuckled heartily at Sophia’s suggestion.
“I am certain my people can more than handle Herr Dellarosa’s security needs in Vienna, Fraulein White. After all, my people already know the security systems in place, as it is their heimat, you know. Besides, they know the local police force well, and I am sure finding security persons fluent in German in England would not be the simplest of tasks… But I thank you for the offer.”<br> The other gentlemen present- D’Gauix and Jones joined in Schutzer’s chuckling, a rather patronizing sort of laughter which gave Sophia the immediate impression that they considered her suggestion in the same league as that offered by a small child. Fortunately, she had quickly changed the subject and moved on to other things before any further comments could be made, thus saving herself from potential jokes at her expense, which themselves could have led to her acting slightly less than lady-like.
”Is that where you know Mr Liung from?”
Dellarosa caught on to her cue and joined quickly in the subject change maneuver.
“Yes; Mr. Liung was part of the group who came to assist in our repairs, and was one of the few who also spoke fluent English. I suppose expecting the people there to speak Italiano was a bit much, eh?”<br> The others laughed at his small joke, and Sophia played right along as well.
“After everything was taken care of, I asked Mr. Liung if he would be willing to work for me, and he was gracious enough to agree. His knowledge and expertise in identifying and dating the works of art in my collection has been a very valuable asset, as is his friendship.”<br> Mr. Liung nodded slightly at the compliment without saying a word. Sophia believed she may have even seen a half-smile cross his face- but she could have been mistaken.
“So, Manfredi,” D’Gauix spoke up, “Are you only going to talk about zee art all evening, or can we get a bit of- how you say- ‘sneak preview’?”<br>
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white
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Post by white on Feb 23, 2005 12:27:23 GMT
Sophia bridled at Schutzer’s arrogance *That’s what you think*, but kept her temper and didn’t let it show.
Sophia spotted an opportunity. She waited for Dellarosa to hesitate – obviously he was considering weather he wanted to show them the paintings or not – she leaned towards him “Come on Manfredi, you know the kind of money that my father and I can bring to your fund raiser”.
She paused, and moved closer to Dellarosa, so that only he could see her face clearly “and I thought you’d want to impress,” she paused, mirroring his wink from earlier “an old classmate”.
The emphasis in the sentence made it clear that Sophia meant more than classmate, and some of the other men looked away, embarrassed. Sophia wasn’t being entirely subtle, but then, that should mean that Dellarosa got the message.
Sophia stepped back slightly, helped herself to a fresh glass from the passing Giro, looked back at Dellarosa and smiled her special ‘your move’ smile – one that had got many other people into trouble.
Taking a drink of the Champaign, - it really was rather good – Sophia looked Delarosa straight in the eye, and waited for him to decide.
During the conversation, a plan had formed in her mind.
*If I can get Dellarosa to show us the objects, I can complete the first part of the mission. And maybe I can get him to give me a private showing, then I might be able to use the tracers.*
Sophia continued to smile *And who said you can't mix business and pleasure?*
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Post by Tomahawk on Feb 23, 2005 14:47:57 GMT
Dellarosa seemed to be quite taken aback at Sophia’s forwardness, but quickly regained his composure. Speaking in a low voice to Sophia, he said,
“It would seem I am not the only one who has changed since our days at University!” Taking a quick measure of the reactions of the others standing there, he stood upright and said,
“Ah, very well then- why not? You do all realize, however, that this does not excuse any of you from attending my fundraiser!” He laughed and wagged his finger in an “no, no, no” motion, drawing a round of further laughter from those gathered in the small group. “Please then, if you will- right this way!”<br> The small group navigated its way through the hall, past and around the guests living it up and having a good time. Dellarosa as well as the others exchanged greetings and pleasantries with guests here and there, impressing Sophia with Manfredi’s good manners as a host. At one point, he drew her somewhat aside, and again speaking in a low voice, whispered,
“Sophia, I must say, I had absolutely no idea… You had always seemed so distant at University. When all of this party has ended, how would you like to stay a few days longer? Of course, your are welcome to stay here… or at your hotel, as you prefer… you need not answer now- I will let you think a bit, yes?” Motioning to the others, he said,
“Gentlemen! Over this way…”<br> Exiting the hall, they came into a rather opulently decorated corridor, befitting one of landed wealth and status. Dellarosa led everyone past several security guards, into an equally lavishly furnished elevator. Dellarosa pushed the “-2” button and the doors closed, the elevator beginning it’s descent. In a few moments, the doors slid open again, and they found themselves in a much more “sterile”, blank white hallway. Dellarosa led the group past a pair of guards sitting beside the elevator down the hall to the right, stopping at the third door on the left-hand side. Sophia made careful mental notes of all Dellarosa’s actions, from the time he entered the elevator, to the door he stopped at- such information could always come in handy. Before doing anything, Dellarosa turned and addressed the group.
“So, my friends- we are here. I will tell you before we enter, that you may be surprised at the collection I have taken the time and effort to amass. While many people busy themselves with the art made for kings and emperors, I have done something quite different in my collection here. I made an extra effort to collect pieces of artwork more common amongst the people- things which they made for themselves- moreso than those things for their lords. My reason for this is simple: I want to share with the world some of the beauty of the common people, some of that beauty of spirit that was shared so generously with me. Gentlemen… and of course, Lady…”<br> He quickly turned to the door, placing his hand on a scanner next to it while at the same time breathing into a small tube sticking out from the same mini-console. The door slid open revealing a darkened room. For a brief second, Sophia could make out a criss-cross of red beams of light about a foot above the floor, which blinked out as the door opened completely. The only light within the room came from small halogen lamps suspended from the ceiling, directly overtop of glass cases housing the individual art objects within.
“If you’ll just step inside… Mr. Liung, perhaps you would be so kind as to be a bit of a guide for this tour?”<br> “It should be my pleasure, Mr. Dellarosa.” the man identified as Liung purred, a soft, silky voice which on the one hand seemed inviting, yet on the other instinctively sent a chill up Sophia’s spine.
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white
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Post by white on Feb 25, 2005 14:49:42 GMT
*Gottcha* Sophia thought to herself, as much from personal pride as having completed part of her mission. *If I can stay a few days, I might be able to bug the objects. But I must remember that… appointment tomorrow*
Sophia followed Dellarosa and the other men towards the gallery, making sure that she could see the objects, and get clear pictures of them with the hidden camera.
Sophia acknowledged the chill that ran down her back when Liung started talking. *This snake wants watching.* She looked over at Dellarosa, realised he was looking at her, and smiled encouragingly, before returning her attention to Liung *I need to hear all this…*
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white
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Post by white on Feb 27, 2005 21:26:23 GMT
Liung proceeded to explain what each of the items in Dellarosa’s collection were, and what there significance was.
As they made there way around the showroom, Sophia made sure to get a good look at the pieces that Director Jameson’s envelope had contained, letting the hidden camera capture each piece. Once she’d seen them all, she separated herself from the group, and went to speak to Dellarosa, where he stood near the entrance, watching his guests.
“Manfredi” she spoke quietly “Ive been thinking about your invitation” “Yes, Sophia?” replied the Italian aristocrat. “I’ve got some business to take care of over the next few days, but I’d like to stay tonight.” She paused, watching Dellarosa’s face, to gauge his reaction. Seeing him begin to smile, Sophia continued. “It would be nice if we could get together after your other guests have left?”.
She was almost whispering now. *Come on* thought Sophia, *I want to talk to you away from Liung*
As Dellarosa hesitated, she continued “Ive appointments for the next few days, but, assuming tonight goes well, I could always… make another visit.”
Sophia was being less than subtle again, but she felt that if anything was left of the old Dellarosa, he’d take that as a challenge, something he'd rise to. Which, in a way, it was
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Post by Tomahawk on Feb 28, 2005 12:17:58 GMT
“Yes, of course, by all means…” Dellarosa replied, “I shall arrange for a room to be made up for you right away. As for your appointments, it shall be no trouble at all having my driver attend to your needs.”<br> Mr. Liung finished up his mini-presentation and he and the rest of the gentlemen came and rejoined Sophia and Manfredi standing near the doorway.
Speaking in a low tone to Sophia, Dellarosa said, “We shall continue this momentarily. In a louder voice for everyone to hear, he said, “So gentlemen, this is but a small preview of what shall be on display at my upcoming fund-raiser. Mr. Liung has been so very helpful in assisting me in acquiring these lovely pieces of artwork, and has assured me that through his contacts, the collection should be nearly doubled in size by the time we are prepared for the exposition. But I believe now we should rejoin the rest of the guests- no doubt they are wondering what’s become of their host!”<br> His last comment drew a few chuckles from the assembled men, and they made their way leisurely back through the hallways to the elevator. On the way, Dellarosa made a very quick call on his mobile phone. They all entered the elevator, and it began it’s ascent.
“Sophia,” Dellarosa said, turning to her very nonchalantly, “Regarding the matter we spoke of briefly earlier… The arrangements have been made. Should you need anything, ask any of the servers and they will direct you to Maria.” He smiled warmly, a charming smile which rather offset the young Agent White, who was still finding it difficult to believe that this was the same man who’d chased skirts back at the University.
Arriving back at ground floor they all disembarked, and made their way back to the hall and the party in progress.
Dellarosa turned to the assembled persons and excused himself, saying, “I do not mean to be rude, but I must make my rounds amongst the guests here. Please, by all means, enjoy the music, enjoy the food, and the drinks. I shall catch up with everyone perhaps later in the evening, no?”
That last comment seemed particularly directed at Sophia, who obligatorily responded with, “Yes, of course…” and watched as Manfredi Dellarosa, followed closely by Mr. Liung made their way amongst the guests, mingling and casually socializing. In short order, the other gentlemen likewise excused themselves, leaving Sophia to ponder about these recent events and plan her next course of action.
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white
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Post by white on Mar 1, 2005 23:43:25 GMT
For the next few hours, Sophia drifted around the party, interacting mainly on automatic, relying on her upbringing and years of practice to converse with people without really thinking about it.
As she’d been trained, she stayed alert enough to note who was talking to whom, knowing that Director Jameson would want a full report.
Taking a moment to find a quiet spot, Sophia called Smith, the driver, and told him to return to the hotel. “I’ll call in the morning if I need anything, Smith.”
By this time, the party was at its peak, most of the older generations having left or moved into a quieter part of the house, leaving the younger to the pounding pop – techno.
Despite not being a huge fan of the genre, Sophia killed another couple of hours dancing. *I’m here as myself, and I like to dance.* Sophia could dance well, taken classical lessons as a child, and having partied amongst various parts of British youth culture at University.
Once while dancing, she caught sight of Dellarosa, moving through the younger guests, he saw her on the floor and smiled, but had to continue with his guests.
As it got late, and guests began to drift away, Sophia took the chance to speak to Maria, to check the arrangements for her room. The courteous, middle aged Italian house keeper was more than helpful, and Sophia found herself liking the woman. *I bet she’d get along with Smith*
As the party drew to a close, Sophia excused herself from the group she was speaking to and found Maria. She asked Maria to make arrangements for light refreshments for herself and Mr Dellarosa, on one of the villa's balconys, and went to find him.
“Manfredi, she spoke as he turned away from some guests Sophia didn’t recognise.“You look tired. Come, Maria has left coffee and brandy on the balcony. Let’s have a quiet drink. I know Im being presumptuous, but I won’t keep you long. Sophia brought out her seductive smile again, and waited for the master of the house to reply
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Post by Tomahawk on Mar 3, 2005 16:33:08 GMT
“Hmm? Ah yes, a bit of coffee would indeed be nice… I fear I have already had my fair share of other drinks this evening- I do need to get up tomorrow morning, after all…” Turning to the other guests, he politely excused himself, saying, “Thank you again so much for coming- we will see each other again soon, I promise. Good night, good night.”<br> Following Sophia’s lead, they both made their way up to the balcony, outside in the cool night air. As per her request, a decanter of brandy stood at the ready on the ledge, as well as a fine silver coffee service, set for two. Maria, a bit of a romantic, had done her work well- even going so far as to include a single red rose on the tray.
“I must say, Sophia,” Manfredi said, taking up one of the cups and carefully pouring the still piping-hot coffee into it, “you surprise me considerably. Had anyone asked me a few years ago, I would have never guessed that you- of all people, you- who most persistently resisted my immature and arrogant advances back at University- would ever be gracing me with your company over drinks at my Villa. And on a night such as this- ” he motioned towards the view- a quite impressive view, of the full moonlight shining radiantly over the glassy-calm sea. “Well. It is nothing short of magical, no?”<br> He paused for a moment, and took a sip of his coffee before continuing.
“Ah, perfect. Would you care for some coffee, or some brandy? I see Maria has brought us both- or perhaps a touch of brandy with your coffee? Perhaps a Biscotti?”<br> He waited just a moment for her reply, and continued,
“So how is it, then, that you magically appear here, now, when before I could not even get… how you say… the time of day?”<br>
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