Back To WorkGoran was not certain how long he stood there on the docks after Tear's carriage pulled away. There was a sudden hollowness inside his chest - a feeling that he would not be seeing his friend anytime soon, if ever. His rational mind told him that this could not be the case; that she was simply going home. But the change in her demeanor had told his heart otherwise and left him feeling sad and a bit lonely. He shook it off eventually and made his way over to speak with the dockmen about having a skiff ready for a passenger transfer later in the evening. Then he wandered morosely back up the gangplank, hands in his pockets. At the top, he met Vincenzo in his regular spot. "Mission accomplished," Goran said flatly, though his posture now indicated that he was returning to proper business form. "Who do we have that needs attention tonight?" A silent Vincenzo simply regarded him in the light of glass enclosed lanterns for a long moment before speaking. "We derived no great joy from that either - no matter how it may have appeared. But it had to be done." Goran nodded once. He understood. Vincenzo clasped his hands behind his back and nodded to a familiar Ægyptean governor coming up the gangplank with his entourage. He had changed his tie at some point. It was now violet, with a small silver dragonfly enameled in green and purple for a tie tack. They all had those pins; there were places in and out of Amber that required that small piece of identification in order to take care of Queen business. Vincenzo waited until the group was met at the door by Aura and Portia and led inside before he turned back to Goran. "A Claudio Bariman is making his first visit with us this evening. He is being attended by Allegra. There will be a group of five late arrivals after we have left port. Petra arranged it before she left for the castle." He smiled slowly. It was a smile that was both fond and with all the anticipation of a predator preparing for a hunt. "You will not be able to miss them. They have free run of the ship." Goran's eyebrow quirked in inquiry, but he did not inquire. "All right," he drawled. "Skiff's already been alerted for transport. Do these people have any special... needs... that will require the attention of security?" he asked with a knowing look. If Vincenzo was this pleased about new arrivals, they were likely quite capable of violence if not handled with the proper care. Vincenzo snorted in amusement. "Nicco will be bringing his own security that will augment ours. He will be taking the office adjacent to mine. I will need to introduce you, as the rest of the staff is already familiar with he and his people." Goran smirked appreciatively. "A hotshot then. I'll look forward to meeting him. In the meantime, unless you have anything else, I should see if Allegra is all set with the new arrival," he nodded respectfully. Vincenzo was looking pleased with the state of things as he pulled out another cigar. "I am sure she is fine, but si. Check on them. Anyone who can claim the last name of Bariman, they are trouble." He smirked at Goran. "Even you can be a bit of un monello." Goran grinned mischievously as if that was a compliment. He started to snip the end of the cigar with the silver cutter he pulled from his pocket, then paused. "Oh.. and you may wish to warn tuo piccilo amica - the next time she attempts to take the form of one of us without permission, she should make certain that her subject, they are not standing on deck, si? And that I do not catch her. I take a dim view of such things, and Aura, she is very far from amused." Goran's grin faded behind the cloud that crossed his face. "I doubt that there'll be a next time, signore," he said with a touch of sadness. "But yes, I'll tell her." With a final nod, Goran turned and went on his way. |
