Caesar & Keystone
![]()
Location: Chicago (Grimaldi Books)
Skills: N/A
Skills: N/A
Caesar listened patiently to the words that Adelaide had in response to his offer. He did not attempt to correct any assumption that she verbalized, though he did cock his head to the side with a hint of confusion on his face as she described a simile linking the subtleties of consultation with changing one's mind about food quality. He understood what she was getting at. Even agreed with her on the point. But that wasn't what he was trying to get at whatsoever. All the same, the idea of explaining the nature of research or consultation contract, as he was familiar with them anyway, was made a wearying thing after she continued her train of thought.
It also seemed that her idea of a security package was colored a bit by factors unknown to him. Being fair, he really had no clue what sort of features her present contract with Wentworth offered. Perhaps it was more than adequate to her business's needs. But the fact remained that, with everything that had gone on, the older man just couldn't trust in a location where that company had eyes and ears. Especially not after the incident at the R&D Facility in Justice. There were
way too many coincidences for them to not be involved, and being as that company had a more standing history in the city, they likely knew just the right people to pay off. In that moment, Caesar believed that there lay a possibility that, if Wentworth was involved with the greater issue plaguing them all, then Adelaide's seeming cooperation with him may even compromise her safety. Regardless of how rude she had been, he did not wish to drag anyone else into this that didn't have to be.
"I agree. A life is much more important than a book. I'll see myself out." Caesar turned and took another step or two toward the stairs, then paused for just a moment.
"This is not a threat. Be careful. You get a bad feeling about something, get out quick. My people will help you if you need it." He motioned to Keystone and made for the stairs.
The broad Londoner had his own confused look to bear on the situation, but mostly aimed at Caesar. Regardless, he was paid to follow orders. He even did, most of the time. With a shrug, he looked back to both Adelaide and Robert, offering up a quick,
"Like Bossman said, sorry 'bout wastin' your time, right? Thanks for the coffee." He turned heels and followed along, jogging for a few steps to catch up with Caesar. Quietly, he asked,
"That's the plan then?" His voice had a hair of doubt in it.
"I'm tired, John." The sudden use of his first name, a thing which almost never happened, took the larger man by surprise. Caesar continued,
"This could be a scam. Or a setup. Or a trap. I honestly don't give two shits about Celestial chingado Dice, either. But mostly, I'm tired. Tired of butting my head against a wall and hoping the wall breaks first." He reached the stairs and began to ascend, Keystone less than a step behind and to his right.
"If this isn't bullshit, us being here might put them in harm's way. I'm tired of people dying because of things beyond my control. M'hija is dead because of this. The people at Queensguard. Seattle. Dozen or more others. And now some puta on a screen is pulling strings and we're supposed to dance for them. Fuck that. Just... fuck that." The pair came to the top pf the stairs and made for the doors.
"You tossin' in the towel, Boss?" asked Keystone, still confused.
"No. Not yet anyway. Look, Queensguard - I read the reports. A few things don't add up." "Yeah, you're tellin' me, right? I give out orders, hear nary a bloody thing back. We look around, ain't nothin' there even though barney's runnin' roughshod over our collective arses, right? Team we just installed ain't doin' jackshite to help neither, and staff that I put in rooms're no-fongin'-where about. Still ain't got a report back on that satellite mishap. I put eyes on the scene - my own eyes, Boss. Nothin'. Not even to speak on all the cockknockery what's been on afters." The pair stopped by the front door. Caesar voiced an observation,
"There wasn't anything in my schedule about a party on the grounds before I left. Who put this together?" Keystone thought for a quick moment.
"Order came from the big lady 'erself, Boss. Last bloody moment, it was too. Guest list came with the memo." "Why would she invite Wentworth? She drops contract and then invites the man to a party? Invited the people who were killed, and a man who's probably involved? And why weren't we suspended from contract immediately?" "You think she's involved?" It was a statement as much as a question.
Caesar looked around at the cameras one last time before stepping outside.
"Yes." How could she not be? The grizzled Mexican breathed out a deep sigh.
"I'm neck deep in this because someone killed my baby girl. Mother of your son, Keystone. We know who did it now. News says both are dead. Someone else says one is alive. 'The Big Picture' can kiss my ass. If Wentworth wants their fucking contract back in Justice, they can buy it out. Don't care. Done with a place where all of our protections and guards and tech mean absolutely goddamn nothing. It's officially hemorrhaging money and destroying our reputation globally, just that one location. And I'm starting to wonder about people who are close to me, too. My grandbaby is back there with them. Your son is in Justice, and it wasn't my idea." He shook his head solemnly.
"I am saying that we're being led. I'm honestly not sure why we're going to Grimm in the first place, except that their records aren't found online. I'm not even sure what we're looking for." The pair caught sight of their vehicle as they stood in front of the bookstore.
"Look, I'm the cop, or used to be. You're the bodyguard. Maybe you should take care of mi familia while I handle things on this end. Get baby boy someplace away from this. Maybe the others, too." "Dunno, Boss. Hey, howsabout we get in on the particulars over a meal, 'fore we go makin' big decisions? Nice quiet spot where we can make some arrangements. Good?" Caesar left the younger man's question unanswered, merely looking to him with open air between them. In truth, he was putting his attention outward, though it might have still borne the appearance to a casual observer that the two were merely having a conversation. As an afterthought, he distantly rattled off,
"Okay, sure." 
