Sunday, October 15th, 2006Icarus was never late for a business morning; today was no exception, but it didn't stop him from being a touch sentimental. He left Sheridan Driscol in the early dawn hours with a kiss to his temple and a simply scrawled note:
He dressed and left not long after, walking home with a cup of coffee in hand and morning plans floating through his mind. This was going to be a precarious deal. The Xenas company was one of the most powerful companies in the country of Rhy'din, and it had a mind to begin to absorb the smaller companies. Of course, they had to make a contract like that sound much sweeter than it actually was-- that's where Icarus's services came into play. A shower, shave, and re-dressing later, Icarus was on his way. Business attire wasn't too far off from casualware: the only difference was a black jacket and gloves that completely covered his hands, specially made to consider those claws. It would be difficult, if not impossible, for his claws to pierce the metal-strengthened leather fingers of the gloves. Suitcase in hand, Icarus headed back into the city.
The Stonewealth company was contained entirely in a three-floor office building on the east side of Rhy'din; the location gave them a decent flow of customers looking to buy homes or sell property. They were up-and-coming honest businessmen with a family-oriented man. One thing Icarus has learned over the years was that honest businesses like Stonewealth had no need for the services of a man like himself-- he'd likely be dealing with the company's President directly. A secretary greeted him and ushered him indoors with offers of coffee or tea; he readily accepted the former before the secretary opened the door to the President's office.
John Stone was an older gentleman with a pleasant face and a strong handshake, which he used to greet Icarus with a smile. "Mister Marcotte, I presume? Shame Xenas couldn't meet us directly."
Icarus chuckled and accepted the handshake, testing the grip: firm, but inviting. "Mister King sends his apologies; he had some family affairs come up in the past few days that he needs to take care of." Family affairs was a bold-faced lie, but always made anyone sound like a better man than he actually was.
John nodded understandingly, maybe even with a touch of sympathy. "That's too bad. Well, I hope things settle out with him right soon. I suppose we better get down to business though, yeah?" He grinned, friendly, and went to return to his desk, gesturing for Icarus to take a seat.
"Of course," Icarus agreed, moving to settle opposite of the man and let his tongue work the magic it was known for. "As you know, the Xenas company is a rapidly growing business and they're interested in welcoming your company into their partnership. Mister King believes your approach to business will be a great asset to both companies and will provide a launching pad into something much greater for both." Oh, the slight of word that Ica wove: it was no partnership, it was a dog-eat-dog method of business. Engulf the smaller fish, grow stronger, take another. It was a launching pad, but only for Xenas.
John's brow furrowed some while he spoke, face worn with thought. "Well, I've been thinkin' about it all week. My lawyers suggest I don't take the deal, but with Xenas and Stonewealth working hand in hand, we could cater to a lot of underprivileged families that need a help up to start a proper life. We could change the whole approach to this business, make it really worth it.."
Icarus could hear the passion in his voice; it left a pang of guilt growing. It didn't happen often, but it did happen. He pushed past it and smiled the same flawless smile, nodding. "I believe so too. It could be a wind of change for unemployment and homeless placement in Rhy'din.." As he spoke, he was pulling a few papers out of his suitcase: the ball and chain, the binding contract. It was written like a noose and no lawyer would be able to escape the stranglehold. Icarus knew a man like John had too much trust to even read it.
John pulled the contract toward him and reached for his glasses, glancing over the contract briefly but giving it no real mind. He smiled back at Icarus while he reached for his pen. "Well-- keep this short and sweet, I guess. King seems like a good guy, and you do too. I trust impression." He leaned down to sign it.
Icarus felt something terribly human swell up in him. This man was signing away his life, his family's lives; normally Ica dealt as the in-between for two callous companies with no real people, no one worth saving. This was different. He suddenly reached out and took the contract back as the man was about to lay his pen on it. John looked up, surprised, and Ica winced. "..Your lawyers are right." Icarus ripped the contract in half.
John's eyes went wide. "--Jesus! Mister Marcotte-- Why did you do that?"
He smiled weakly, but more honestly. "Because sometimes good people should be spared the weight of destruction, Mister Stonewealth. Have your lawyers contact the Xenas company and explain that it was no deal." Icarus already knew the blame would find himself eventually; it should have been an easy deal. John babbled something, shocked, but Icarus was already packing away his suitcase again and leaving before anything could be done.
When he stepped out into the open air, he took a deep breath and inhaled the scents of the city, of life and everything that went with it. He needed a drink. Loosening his tie, Icarus began a slow trek back toward home to change and have a shot of scotch; he could, however, look forward to a little bit of bard in his future and it was enough to keep him away from the bottle and into the streets.
