Match and Kindling [Alastair, Arlette]

"I know you will. I didn't make a partner of the Duvalier Group, I made a partner of you. So, once the dust has settled, I am sure we can resume our operations with what support you can offer."

A hand ran through his flaming locks, pulling them back off his face as he sat forward again. That much was certainly true, for all that he had tried to achieve with this move had come from the back of Arlette's aspirations, not Claudia's. He had considered that they might have been similar, but it seemed now that their futures were incompatible. A world without dictators and despots was a little different to a world on fire.

"So, is anyone staying with you? I can organise a detail of Sternritter by tomorrow morning, but I will have to do some explaining to my superiors. In the meantime, if you would prefer, I can stay with you until other arrangements can be made."

There was a part of Arlette that very briefly thought to lie to him about her situation. To tell him that no, she had no one else here to stay with her. But that lie would have collapsed in no time, and frankly, it would have done her no good. So she simply took a long pull from her cigarette, still looking out over the City of Lights through the window.

"My chief business associate, Bauher Kleinmund, has been staying with me. Making sure I don't suddenly get worse. I don't think I need any special protection, especially when your city is already in a crisis of its own."

Certainly, Claudia was a dangerous woman, but even her reach was not omnipotent. She couldn't simply gain access in a place like this, and Arlette had done more than enough digging to know where the weakest links in the city's security were, where one could find a bribe made the most difference. Those were the very same places she'd addressed first in her own business.

"Thank you, Alastair."

Alastair was relieved that Arlette had more people here than just him for several reasons: chiefly that she was as safe and connected as could be, but it also allowed him to go home and catch up with Reida, and it was a chance to begin plotting whatever little subterfuge could be managed to mask his goals and intentions from Claudia's watchful gaze. He certainly would not have minded staying the night, but it would have meant more work to be done come the morrow and his workload was already piling up.

"Ah, I know Mr Kleinmund and his daughter. He seems capable enough, but do not hesitate to call if anything comes up. I'll get to work setting up a network for use when your sister arrives."

Rocking back to his feet, content enough with the status quo, and let a smile finally slip onto his features. She wasn't in a good way, it would take some time if that were to happen, but he was truly relieved that she was here. Alastair paused, considering whether to go for a handshake or a hug. Neither seemed to quite suit their situation, it was a little unique compared to most, so he settled eventually upon a curt nod.

"If anything comes up, don't hesitate to call me."