MIAN
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The Books.
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First Move February 11th 2019
I managed to escape the city for a bit of time. My time in Ireland wasn't without reward. It was good to see them again. And, of course, they both knew why I was there, even before I landed. I was surprised to see a particular face. In every sense, this really isn't his fight. But try telling him otherwise. Ahh, I can't dig into him too much. He always had a heart of gold. I still stand by my opinion that he is too good for this group. But clearly, that's just me.
Coming back to Basin City, certainly left a sour taste in my mouth. I know he's out there. And I know he's biding his time. All those years of working along side of him wasn't for business knowledge, no. I already have that in spades. I had a deeper plan. Back home, they didn't realize why I chose to "mingle" with Braedan Black. But now they see. It was just strategy. Isn't it always? In this existence, there isn't any rest for the wicked. And you better be damn sure that you are just as quick as they are. If you can't be... Being able to predict their next move is just as helpful. Thus all the "mingling". I know he's about to do something. It has been far too quiet for far too long. And if I know Black, he's waiting for it to be absolutely still before making his move. Now that my knights are in line, and the board is set...
Come out and play, Mr. Black... -
Dáil Éireann July 23rd 2018
My dealings with the Japanese can only be summed up in one word: Complicated. Seems as though they need routine maintenance when it comes to our very delicate relationship. I suddenly realize why so many back out of Japanese trade deals. Nothing that my partners can't handle, this I am sure of. After a month or two of once again fortifying our contract and maybe sweetening it a bit, I return to feel a very familiar, and not at all welcome energy.
I knew he was here, and for a time I went about my business. Not necessarily ignoring it, no. You would be a damn fool to ignore that boom. Knowing just what created it. No, I kept it in the forefront of my conscience. It would be almost redundant for me to seek him out. I know him well. And I know it's only a matter of time until he shows up at Modeus, most likely ready to reclaim his corner office. And when that happens? Well.. I'll do what I do best. Negotiating has always been my bag. And I know just what currency he froths over.
It will take a level of planning on my part. As with anything I do, I know I have many nights in the office ahead of me. This isn't just some corporation. This isn't Japan. No, at the very core, very root of what this is.. This is my Everest. My Sistine Chapel. My fucking Nemesis. I laid the framework for a deal of a fucking millennia. I knew this day would come. And I know he's just on the horizon. I'll need back up, and this requires something of me that I have not tapped in a very long time. But honestly? I don't mind the reunion.
Afterall...
Ní neart go cur le chéile... -
Sign Here May 20th 2018
It had been a couple days since I extended the offer of a potential job to Miss Sinclair. These are invigoratingly chaotic times for Modeus. And yet.. Within all the mayhem, I found myself looking forward to today. With something so simple as a job interview. At least, that is how I approached it. It was more like a trial by fire sort of situation. Throw her right in and she'll learn how to swim real quick. I was finishing up with the weekly meeting when I got that notice that she had arrived. I knew Jade was going to give her shit. Because Jade gives every female shit. It started when Brae was around, and she never broke out of that habit. Always guarding her CEO like she's a fucking dachshund. But when I saw Thena.. I have to say..
She looked the part.
The excitement in her eyes.. It only ignited further when I took her to the floor she was unknowingly interviewing for. While most would look around that place and immediately back away.. She was surprisingly confident. It's always difficult to be the newest fish in the pond. The rest look at you like you're merely bait. But she marched right into that place, not even flinching as they all glared on. It was something to witness, I have to say. There is absolutely no room for weakness in this business. A dog eat dog world. A bloodbath. But she understood it. And what's more... Respected it. I set her up with a desk and a small project to work on.
Call it an audition, if you will.
And hour. That's how much I was giving her. But she.. Of course.. Finished what needed to be done in 45. And that... That was something else. I looked over her work. A store clerk did this? No... She didn't belong there. Not at all. So behind closed doors, away from all the staring and those severely harsh judgments I was picking up on.. I slid on over the contract to her one year commitment to Modeus.
And she signed it.
She thanked me. As if this was a favor. I suppose, in a way, it is. I don't think any other CEO would take a chance on a store clerk with a busted laptop. But then again, I know who she is.. To me. And yes, I was willing to risk a bit for that. To keep her closer. She starts next Monday. Strange how much I am looking forward to this... -
Return Investment May 13th 2018
I've been in Japan for the better part of this year so far. The Japanese, though very hospitable, are one of the more difficult partners to gain in this business. They know the ins and outs like they were born to know it. To those looking to cut corners, it makes it near impossible to reach a deal. Luckily for me, I never cut corners. They respect that. So, even though I took up residence there for months, in the end, I boarded a plane with a fat paycheck and new Modeus territory in one of the fastest growing countries in the world. I'd say that's worth it.
And I loved the thrill of it all.
It was practically early morning hours by the time my plane landed. Though a shower and my own bed were definitely calling me, I was craving an actual cup of coffee. Tea can get you by for so long before you want something with more of a kick. So that's where the night found me. In that small cafe. I never thought that what should have been a pay-and-go situation would end up into something vastly different. I never thought a deal I made nearly a decade ago would be standing there in the same shop.
It was that tug. That pull. Sure, I can always feel a being's mortality, but when that mortality is of my possession... How can I forget those eyes? She wasn't even looking at me and it all flooded back to me. Eighteen, scared for her dying sister. I was there to collect her. It was back when I figured having a disguise was easier than trying to make up a backstory as to why a young man was visiting hospital patients. For some reason, not many question an older gentleman with white hair and a kind smile. I was sure all had left for the night. I was sure the woman's family let her go, at peace with the fact that it was just her time. But when I walked into that room... It was those eyes that stopped me in my tracks.
"Dear girl, why are you crying?"
"I don't want her to go. I can't-"
"Shhh, now... I'm here to ease her mind, she's in pain.."
"I know but... I'd give anything to have her stay. To be alright..."
I should have ushered her out of the room, claiming that I need to read her her final rites. And yes, I have done that despite what I am. But I couldn't. What she said sounded like a prelude to a deal. I was so foolish back then. Hungry to make them that I vaguely would think about the consequences. It isn't how it works. A soul for a soul is not the way. It was her sister's time. Not hers. It was her sister's soul I came for... But she was torn, so brutally torn at the notion of her sister's death. With those blue eyes, could I say no?
She probably thought it was mindless talk, because who would believe that they're about to make a deal with a demon? Nobody. But as I asked her further, if she was absolutely sure she would trade her soul for her sister's.. I think that was the time she realized that this wasn't some bedside chat. I saw in her eyes right then. She knew why I was there. And she very well knew what I was capable of.
Yet, she made the deal. It happened in a split second. Her demeanor changed almost instantly, as it normally does when you feel a part of you be taken. Or in this case, be put on loan. Her soul was mine. And though death normally follows such a deal... I let her live. Because what would be the point of sparing her sister's life, only to take hers.
I left there, one soul richer, and it wouldn't be until the next day did that heart monitor start ticking in the way that it should have. I could only imagine the doctors gathering around her bed, watching as that cancer slowly dissolved into nothing. I even read it in the paper. "Miracle on 23rd Street" is what they called it. She got her sister back. And it was a deal I never spoke about again. Knowing my folly, it was one moment in my career that I would have liked to forget. On a clear day, when that sky is as blue as the one I saw that night, sometimes I wonder where that soul was. That loan I gave out years ago. And then.. I got off my plane. And I went to that cafe. And there she was.
She has no idea who I am. Just a friendly face that bought her a coffee. We got to talking. I know, not very professional. Then again, I shouldn't have bought her coffee if we're going for professionalism. Turns out, she's a finance buff, hitting upon hard times. Well, If that isn't fortuitous! Very quickly I already hashed out a plan in my mind as she started slinging statistics at me.
This was perfect. Almost too easy.
She's going to visit Modeus on Monday. Naturally I downplayed it, telling her I'll just show her around, see how she likes it. But I already saw those stars in her eyes. Hell, she's probably already picking out her stationary set.
It gives her a way out of that hole life has put her in. And me? This is a streamline way for me to keep an eye on that investment of mine. -
First Move December 21st 2017
He had already been hard at work painting this town red. I have to say, it was a beautiful thing to watch. Soon there were flyers on every block, sporting his upcoming tour and what it all meant. Hype. Lots and lots of hype. And hype?
Is profit.
I have to admit, I am beyond impressed. I never saw Jack Dalmaine as a businessman. But there he was, wheeling and dealing with some of the toughest execs a little indy label would never dream of sitting down with. The hound's got balls. Though I tried, I knew he wouldn't return my phone calls. Not that I could blame him. But there was a key to this puzzle.. A way for me to work around that red tape he was trying to put up. Lost Stars' Co-Founder. Mr. Cal Sterling.
We had been in talks for already a week. And he did reinforce what I previously feared would happen. Jack Dalmaine wanted nothing to do with Modeus. I said I understood his opinions about the Corporation, knowing that the name came with a bad reputation.. One of which I am trying to turn around. Though, Brae's actions really only effected Dalmaine.. I still want to do right by him. Even though he has no idea the history I already have with his "brother".
Yes, Cal and I were already business partners. He wanted revenge.. I wanted that company. In the end, we both won. Though his price was far heavier than my own. Then again I never expected it to change. I never thought he would wind up in that coma. If I did.. If I saw that coming.. Hell, I don't even think I could have stopped Cal. He was going to face Brae with or without me after what he did to Jack. I suppose it was a good thing I lent a hand. They both could have been killed. But will they ever know that? No.
Cal wants that bit of our history to stay between us. That was the deal and I'm not one to break that. He wants it to be left in the past, that's alright. Jack, however... Now I know he has a bead on me. I know he's judging my every move, waiting to prove Cal wrong about me. I'm not, nor have I ever been two-faced about my transactions. I just hope he sees that.
For as long as he waits for the demon to come out in me, we are all still just living in the past. -
The Squeeze Play December 2nd 2017
I spent many days overlooking that town in Louisiana, pondering if this was the right fit for Modeus. I suppose I knew it wasn't since day one. But if there was anybody who could make gold out of lead, it would be me. However, that luster didn't shimmer the way I wanted it too. That college town wasn't the right demographic for the services provided. They were all more interested in keggers and rushes. Petty little events that Modeus would have nothing to do with.
Granted, my dealings overseas have been quite fruitful, which is why I didn't leave that swamp immediately. I suppose I was waiting for the tides to turn and bring that fortune I had been longing for. I knew I had to leave. We were... Comfortable.. There. But anything significant wasn't achieved through comfort. Risks and chances need to be taken. I was eyeing the Big Apple for a time, knowing that it was a sure thing if I moved the company there but then...
I heard him on the street. That was the first time. I knew he was in the music business, or at least trying to be. He used to be one of our biggest clients before... That fiasco occurred...
It was a car full of those blonde-haired sorority types. And they were all singing his songs. It wasn't hard to look him up. So the struggling musician who used to perform at cafes for free coffee now has his own record label and is looking to expand... Well then...
Surely he remembers our last interactions. How I only had his and his brother's best interest in mind...I know as soon as he sees the name 'Modeus' all will be lost. Given my former partner's absurd actions.
But don't you see, Mr. Dalmaine, there is new management now. And I truly would like to request an audience with you.
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