Reflection...{O2A}

[dayna]

That was quite the defense Cross. Never once did I attack your person. Just your choices and actions, yet you found it a need to attack myself. Tsk tsk Cross. Compare me to the dogs as much as you like. You know exactly who I am. You can live in that fabricated imaginary world of yours for only so long. Before someone....pops. it again.

She made a gun with her fingers an fired it on the words pop. The smile crossed her face. So hard he was trying oh so very hard.

And I came here for forgiveness. Which I received. You invited me to stay. Or has your memory clouded as of late?

[King Vegas]

An attempt to rattle his cage a bit...The hand motion simulating a gun did in fact strike a nerve. Yet, he composed himself as he responded...

"You came for forgiveness..."

"...And received it as well. My memory? In tact as ever actually. Fully...Operational my dear Dayna. I neither attacked your person nor sought to do so. Stating facts as I see them actually. But..."

Leaning forward once more, he rests both elbows on the table, making sure to make eye contact as he continued on...

"...You are sadly mistaken concerning yours truly...Knowing who you are? You see I don't even believe YOU know who you are to be quite honest while I? Know perfectly well who I am. Do you truly believe that I believe all of this is just mere coincidence or, karma coming back to me or you for that matter? No Dayna, no. The way I see it, we're a certain "kind" of people. We don't deal too well with conformity. Rules or restrictions. Which is why a marriage between the two of us? Heh Heh...Let's just say that we were reaching to even think of something such as a union between two "free spirits" to survive. So, I know precisely who I am. As well as who you are. Just seems you're the one who finds herself constantly in search of something...All I was stating...Dear..."

[dayna]

True she was always searching. For a REAL man who could make her happy. And as he so wonderfully stated. Looking for that in him... Was a reach.

Then'd assume you have divorce papers on you? Since as by law you are still my husband. Since searching for that REAL man to love me, was a reach. I'll be happy to sign them. Let this little whore just be another chapter in the magnifcent life of Cross Genovese.

No she wouldn't. But it would appear Cross, who knew himself oh so very well. Didn't even know his own face.

[King Vegas]

She couldn't be serious. Does he have the papers? Pffttt...He knew he should have remained in Venice, shacked up with Miss Creighton in that hotel room for at least a few more weeks. Anal marathons can become quite tiring though so...Here we are...

"No I don't actually. Haven't even thought about the entire situation as of late. I've been...Busy you could say. But if you could get those to me as soon as possible that would be just smashing dearest Dayna. "

A quick glance towards his watch ensues, glaring back to her he continues on...

"Before the day is out would be even better. Wouldn't want to keep a special someone waiting for too long. Oh and good luck on finding...Whatever it is you're in search of. Hopefully you don't run from it when/if you attain this...Whatever. So, are we done here?"

[dayna]

Dayna reached into her purse. Damn glad she never tossed those away. Pulling out the folded up pieces of paper she laid them in front of him. Her eyes welling up slightly. Oh fucking well.

There you go. You might want to get a lawyer. Because as far as I the law is concerned. Half of everything you own is mine.

Not signing a prenup. That can be a bitch can't it?

[King Vegas]

He takes the document up into his grasp, glancing it over. Surely she couldn't believe he was stupid? He'd just merely sign away half of what she didn't deserve? Pfftt...As if...

His eyes divert back to hers. Smart move Ms. Mariano. Just not smart enough...As always, His Majesty knew a way out of everything...Everything...Placing the document back atop of the table, he leaned back once more, staring at the papers in front of him as he spoke once more...

"Hm...Perhaps I'm being a bit on the hasty side. Perhaps...I should consult with my legal representation first and foremost. We wouldn't want any mistakes here now would we? No...Of course not...Hm, I'll...Pass as of this moment Ms. Mariano. I'm sure you're in no hurry anyway are you?"

A devious smirk appearing across his face, folding his arms across himself. How sad. She'd actually believe she'd be entitled to half of what was accumulated without her assistance over the years by HIS family? Perhaps Dayna should seek legal council of her own yes? Surely she knew that such a process wasn't just as simple and automatic as; Marriage exists, marriage ends, check comes in mail...Or did she?

[dayna]

Or perhaps he forgot who it was that looked after him after Toronto. Who dressed him when he couldn't do it himself. Who took him and forced him to go to the doctor. Most Likely he had forgotten. It was no matter. Her eyes welled up a little more. She quickly wiped the forming drops of regret from her face. Be strong. Something she never could do around Cross. He had been her strength. She shook her head.

As you wish Cross.

[King Vegas]

"Hmmpf...That's a new one. As I wish...Pfftt...How unselfish of you. I'm touched."

He begins gathering his belongings from atop of the table, his cell phone, as well as the newspaper he had skimmed through before this impromptu reunion of sorts. A smile on his face as he pondered the events to come concerning this situation pertaining to foolishly proposed deserved monetary supplements from Ms. Mariano. It was a delightful feeling to know you'd already won a forthcoming war he thought. Standing to his feet, he once again made eye contact with her, offering his departing words...

"So I gather this is it...Dayna. Until, this bit of business we have ahead of us is handled of course. I'm sure you'll be in touch. Quite sure. It's been nice to "catch up", but I must be on my way of course. Until we meet again..."

...And with that, a single head nod in her direction he began his exit from the table, hopefully leaving her to her thoughts which she so needed the time to go over in that head of hers. He almost grew excited at the possibility of this pre-ordained battle of wits and legal formalities. Poor thing.

[l]

Marcus Mariano had traveled along way for this moment. Leaving the "business" in California in safe hands and making his way to Chicago he now approached the reason for his trip here. Seeing the two of them face to face his familiar protective urges came to the surface, Dayna was all he had since his wife, her mother had been taken from them so long ago and he would do everything in his power to protect his daughter. His arms came up slowly and his hands settled protectively on his daughters shoulders. He spoke in a flat stern voice that demanded attention a necessity in his line of work.

Hello Cross.

[King Vegas]

Ugh. Another one. The ringleader it seemed as well. Marcus Mariano. How droll. His steps stopped suddenly hearing the calling of his name, as he slowly turned to face his former "father in law"? A smile coming over his face, as he merely nodded in the man's direction...

"Marcus. Didn't expect to see you here this evening. To what are we to owe the displeasure of this visit by the way? Checking up on your precious daughter are we? Trust issues? Please, I'm absolutely dying to hear. Either way, welcome to beautiful Chicago, Illinois. Hopefully you won't be staying long will you?"

[dayna]

Phase one complete.

[l]

How funny questions from one of the common thugs who believes himself to be a king in this "business", unfortunate for him then that Marcus wasn't into answering the questions of lessers. Instead of answering he spoke only a "suggestion" if you will.

Why don't we take this converstion upstairs were things can be discussed more privately.

[King Vegas]

The smile only grew in size, glancing back between the two of them. Upstairs he says...Hmmpf...Normally His Majesty would never even remotely entertain thoughts of congregating with the lower class of the organized crime infrastructure. Mariano. Always a step behind the Genovese clan. He knew it...Marcus knew it, and Cross knew deep down that fact alone must have remained in Marcus' thoughts over the years...

...

In theory of course...

"Very well. Lead the way Dayna? Ladies first. I'll enjoy the view as well of course..."

TO BE CONTINUED...