nukkkoivnf:

Nukk nodded as politely as possible, “I hope that my early arrival is not problematic. If so I can wait outside.” Nukk suggested while standing somewhere near the doorway as if guarding it like some sort of super special club bouncer daring someone to try to sneak past. Though it was more so comical to most given her short stature. Nukk noted that Gio was there early as well, before her even, it was a fact nukk was glad to be so. She’d expected it of someone who was more experienced within the family to know when to be early. Shuffling her feet a bit nukk would stand there awaiting further direction or word. 

“It was a compliment,” Kleine said. “If you’d like to wait outside, I won’t stop you.” Kõiv was a member of the defence, she remembered. Giovanno’s division. That explained the subordinate’s early presence. Kleine lifted her glass slightly, “Now, what are your drinking habits? Can I get you a Scotch or anything?”

(Source: kleinecroce)

Location: Meeting Room, June 03, 2012 11:15 am

nukkkoivnf:

giovannoduvalli:

“Yes, thank you.” Giovanno said, smiling slightly. He waited for her to pour the scotch before taking a sip. Unconsciously, he looked over Kleine’s seated figure and stared at the room’s wallpaper. Minutes went by. They drank in silence.

It had taken some time to clean up the breakfast area, but no matter. Nukk had done so with as little help as she could have managed. After all, she liked doing things on her own. She’d gone to her residence to wash up and change clothes before secretly taking the food leftover elsewhere. Somewhere it would go to use rather than to waste. By the time she’d returned it was time for the meeting and on her blue-star shaped sunglasses went. Black blazer buttoned up over her usual shirts which did nothing to enhance her small chest, perhaps even making it worse, but that was a matter of it’s own.  Nukk’s dress shoes clattered faintly on the floor, but no more so than a man’s would. After all, heels weren’t her thing, and so her feet were covered in less than feminine attire. Despite such those shoes were mostly hidden by the black slacks that draped her scrawny legs. 

Giving a faint knock on the door before stepping into the room Nukk gave a look around, surprised there were so few people there already, but at the same time she wasn’t overly surprised. There were a certain few she imagined would be fashionably late. “Sir. Ma’am.” Nukk would greet politely before walking into the room further.

“49,” Kleine called, acknowledging her presence. She placed the glass down and inspected the young woman. ”You’re rather early,” said the boss. She turned to Giovanno as a note of approval.

(Source: kleinecroce)

Location: Meeting Room, June 03, 2012 11:00 am

giovannoduvalli:

Giovanno remained standing there until Kleine spoke up. “I’ve only seen around five. The others will arrive on time, don’t worry.” He pulled out a chair and sat down next to her, “You know how they like to be dramatic.” His eyes drifted across the table where he found a whisky decanter, some rocks glass, and an ash tray. He turned back to the boss with a small, amused expression. “Is this for everyone?”

“Only for the early,” Kleine smiled while placing two glasses between them. “I hope you had your brunch.” As she rose from her seat, Kleine took the decanter and removed the glass cork. “Scotch, Mr. Duvalli?” she offered.

(Source: kleinecroce)

Location: Meeting Room, June 03, 2012 11:00 am

giovannoduvalli:

“I did,” replied Giovanno. He moved towards the seats, stopping a few inches away from Kleine. The man tossed the newspaper on the table. ”Joni Panini. Assigned to take care of some business in Sicily with Rosso. Coincidentally near the area of Gelato’s bail out. Same day, same time.” He turned to her, “You think something went down?”

“Most likely.” She sat leaning back with her fingers pressed together. “We’ll talk to him when he comes in with news regarding Adriano and his family.” Kleine kept silent a stretch longer. “Have all the members arrived yet?” she asked finally.

(Source: kleinecroce)

Location: Meeting Room, June 03, 2012 11:00 am

giovannoduvalli:

Giovanno was standing inside the meeting room with his back against one of the two doors, waiting for Kleine to take notice. The curtains were drawn, keeping the room well-lit. He chose to stay put until he heard from his boss.

She lifted her gaze, “Come in.” Kleine closed the book and placed it next to her phone. She checked the clock, keeping in mind the time she started reading. “I assume you read the news I asked you to look through?” inquired Kleine. 

(Source: kleinecroce)

Location: Meeting Room, June 03, 2012 10:35 am

Kleine arrived at the meeting room early to make sure everything was in place. She sat at her  desk, and placed her phone down on the surface before closing her eyes momentarily. A soft ticking noise came from the wall clock. Kleine had an hour to spare. She wouldn’t waste it watching the slow, moving hands of the timepiece.

She glanced down at the open shelf of the desk, and found an old copy of Vladimir Nabokov’s Speak, Memory. Kleine pulled the book out, and flipped through the pages. This might keep her preoccupied.

Location: La Villa, June 03, 2012 6:35am

Second floor balcony. Kleine doesn’t bother tucking the tails of her blouse. The food is displayed on the circular table, accompanied with a teapot and its cup. A small bowl of cream with assorted nuts, two toasted pieces of sliced filone with raspberry jam smeared on its surface, and a slice of camembert cheese. Next to her breakfast was a folded newspaper with today’s headline facing Kleine. She gives a quick glance at the title before passing it to her left, “Please give this to Giovanno.” 

A stout woman at the age of fifty stands next to Kleine. She takes the paper off the hands of her employer. Her name is Hilda, the head maid of the Novero household. She has two children, each named after two leading characters of an Italian soap opera that aired every night at a local radio station. Hilda has been working for Kleine for more than four years. She has short frizzy curls tied to a neat bun, and wears her proper light blue uniform; if not for the stain on her apron that couldn’t be erased no matter how much bleach she put in. She also has a reputation to scold many of the household servants, and fuss over the Novero members whenever they were rude or wild. But over the people who paid her wages? Well. ”Right away, ma’am!” She curves her lips and bows right away.

Kleine takes a bite of the toasted bread, then swallows. “How is Agnes? Is she doing well? She’s been here for a month now, am I correct?” “She’s doing very fine now, ma’am, all settled in!” The old woman pipes in with faux glee, Kleine notes. The young boss darts her eyes towards Hilda before turning her attention towards the view next to her. It was the backyard. Green grass, shrubs, and a cliff edge; beyond it stretches a blanket of blue water. There were no outlines of any mountains or nearby islands. It was only the sea. “I’ll make sure she doesn’t interrupt any of ma’am’s work or meetings!”

There is a short amount of pause before Kleine finds herself looking back at Hilda, who seemed to be waiting for her reply. The side of her lips quirked upwards, much to her dismay. “Be sure to do so. You may go now.” Hilda bids her a good morning before closing the door. Kleine takes her spoon and eats the creamed nuts. She lets the cream sink into her mouth. It was quite chilly, and it had a hint of cinnamon.

As Kleine takes four more spoons, she shuts her eyes. All she wants is a peaceful morning breakfast. The business with Gelato kept clouding her thoughts. She had no qualms about the war. Kleine was proud of the members of her family. —-But the idea of her allies siding with the enemy was intolerable. And those who do so need to be set right. 

Kleine stabs her fork on the cheese and eats quietly.

Location: La Villa, June 03, 2012 5:40am

giovannoduvalli:

Giovanno’s shoulders tense. “All right.” He knows he shouldn’t pry any further. “I’ll wait until the meeting then.” He pauses, just to check if the boss had anything else to say.

Kleine turns her chair a little, just to see Giavanno head off to the doorway, “Until the meeting. The morning hours are the most precious of the day, as they say. So for now, have a good morning.”

(Source: kleinecroce)

Location: La Villa, June 03, 2012 5:40am

giovannoduvalli:

Giovanno folds his arms, “We declined their offer. What of them?” A string of events flashed before his mind. He remembered their boss, Mario Gelato. Hair slicked back with too much hair gel. Bushy brows furrowed together. Moustache covering his pouty lips. And a cold, hard stare. He smoked heavy cigars, and had terrible breath. 

Mario smuggled hallucinatory mushrooms, and illegal weapons. His income wasn’t particularly too bad, but there has been word from other families that he tends to double-cross anyone for money, thus deemed untrustworthy. “We’re having a war against them?” Giovanni raises his eyebrows.

“Only been rumours so far, I’ll elaborate the details later.” She swivels her chair towards the window. “The only thing you should know for now is that a few of our own alliances are thinking of betraying us. And we can’t let that happen.”

(Source: kleinecroce)

Location: La Villa, June 03, 2012 5:20am

giovannoduvalli:

Giovanno frowns. “You’re the boss, and I follow orders. It’s fine to worry about your subordinates, but if they’re not capable of doing their work then they aren’t capable of holding their title.” He sighs. “Besides, I agreed to taking these jobs. Don’t hesitate to tell me anything.” 

He pauses, “So, what’s the news?” He runs his hand through his hair, with his eyes darting at the right. Giovanno could spot the grey ball of fur sleeping peacefully. Peacefully. He subtly snorts.

Normally, the leader of the family wouldn’t tolerate such informality. But this was Giovanno. It’s been fourteen years since they met. His advices were rational, well-thought, and wise. She leans back after a nod, ”Do you remember the family that came by a few months ago for an alliance?”

(Source: kleinecroce)