Kev, left alone once more, couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and belonging. Cindy's words, though sometimes cryptic and unsettling, always carried a genuine concern for his well-being. With a guitar in hand, he decided to escape the impending cleaning frenzy and enjoy some fresh air. He didn't want to be in the way, or worse, become another item on Cindy's meticulous to-do list.
He gathered the overflowing trash bag and placed it neatly by the door, a small act of consideration for the hardworking cleaning crew. Then, with a final glance around his cozy apartment, he stepped out into the hallway and made his way towards the back of the mansion.
The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the manicured lawns, creating a tapestry of light and shade. The air was still warm, but a gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass, a welcome respite from the stuffy confines of the mansion's interior.
Kev found his favorite spot by the pool, settling onto the bench beneath the sprawling oak tree. He propped his guitar case against the trunk and took a deep breath, savoring the tranquility of the moment.
Kev pulled out his silver cigarette case, a gift from the night before, and retrieved one of the expertly rolled joints Horns had prepared. He lit it, inhaling deeply, and let the smooth, fragrant smoke fill his lungs. Ralph's "finest flowers" were indeed potent, a gentle euphoria washing over him, easing his anxieties and sharpening his senses.
As he exhaled a plume of smoke, his thoughts drifted to Ralph and his cryptic history and relationship with Fang. There was a playful antagonism between them, a familiarity that hinted at a long and complicated history. Kev wondered what their past held, what secrets and shared experiences had forged their bond.
He finished his joint, carefully extinguishing it in the ashtray on the bench. He picked up his guitar, his fingers finding their familiar places on the strings. The music flowed effortlessly, the melodies a reflection of his newfound peace and contentment.
Lost in the music, Kev hadn't realized how much he'd missed playing. Life back on Earth, with its demanding job and endless distractions, had left little time for his passion. But here, in this strange new world, he found himself with an abundance of free time, a gift he was determined to make the most of.
He was still a bit rusty, his fingers occasionally stumbling over a chord or missing a beat. But the muscle memory was there, the familiar patterns and progressions ingrained in his subconscious. He closed his eyes, letting the music flow through him, the melodies a reflection of his hopes and fears, his dreams and desires.
He couldn't help but marvel at the quality of the guitar Asmodeus had provided. It was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, its rich, resonant tones a testament to the toucan's discerning taste. Kev was touched by the gesture, a reminder that even in this world of power plays and hidden agendas, there was still room for kindness and generosity.
As Kev strummed the final chords of his song, a movement caught his eye. Talon, his posture rigid and his gaze darting nervously around the garden, was approaching from the direction of the mansion. The eagleman seemed out of place in the tranquil setting, his sharp features and predatory aura a stark contrast to the peaceful surroundings.
Kev stopped playing, a curious smile playing on his lips. "Hey, Talon," he greeted, waving a hand in welcome.
Talon's wings twitched slightly, a subtle sign of his unease. "I didn't want to disrupt you," he said, his voice a raspy whisper. "I heard your music from inside."
"What are you doing here?" Kev inquired, his curiosity piqued. "Another trial run?"
Talon shook his head, his feathers rustling slightly. "This is my first official day," he clarified, his voice a low rasp. "I'll be moving in tomorrow, with my sister."
Kev's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Wow, that was fast," he remarked.
"The deal was done the moment Mr. Fang made the offer," Talon said flatly. "I couldn't pass up the opportunity to provide for my sister."
Kev nodded in understanding. "It must be a bit sudden for her too, though," he observed, thinking of Talon's sister and her reluctance to leave behind the comforts of her modern apartment.
"Yes," Talon admitted, his expression somber. "But it's for the best. She needs proper care, and I can't provide that on my own."
Kev, feeling a pang of empathy for Talon's situation, reached into his cigarette case and pulled out another joint. He lit it, taking a deep inhale before offering it to Talon. "Want some?" he asked, a friendly smile on his face.
Talon shook his head, his gaze fixed on Kev with a hint of disapproval. "What are you doing?" he inquired, his voice a low rasp. "Aren't you working?"
Kev chuckled, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "Haven't you met Horns yet?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "You must have, when you were doing paperwork."
Talon's brow furrowed in confusion. "But that's different," he protested. "He's..." His voice trailed off as he struggled to articulate his thoughts.
After a moment of silence, he finally said, "I'm here to work today, but everyone was on their way out when I arrived. Mr. Fang is asleep, and Mr. Horns just told me to find you."
Kev took another drag from the joint, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Welcome to Club Fang," he said, his voice laced with amusement.
"Horns must have forgotten, he didn't mention it to me this morning either," Kev mused, taking another puff from the joint. "There was a lot of excitement last night. A big deal was made, so I guess you coming on board must have been an oversight… You'll probably be joining us later as I'm asked to pick out pretty little rocks to celebrate."
Talon's confusion was evident. "A deal?" he echoed, tilting his head slightly. "Rocks?"
Kev chuckled at the eagleman's bewilderment. "Fang met the owner of a jewelry store last night," he explained, "and he's bringing me along to visit her shop tonight. Apparently, I need some bling to match my new suits."
"Good to know," Talon replied, his voice a low rasp. Kev sensed that the eagleman wasn't particularly interested in the details of his shopping trip. Talon's focus seemed to be elsewhere, his mind likely strategizing about potential security threats and defensive maneuvers.
Kev strummed a few more chords on his guitar, the gentle melody a stark contrast to the intensity of Talon's presence. He carefully placed the instrument back in its case before asking, "would you like some lunch, Talon?"
Talon blinked, as if startled from his thoughts. He looked up at Kev, a flicker of surprise in his eyes, then nodded slowly.
"Follow me," Kev said, leading the way towards the grand staircase. Talon fell into step behind him, his movements precise and measured, his gaze constantly scanning the surroundings.
As they made their way through the mansion, Talon's long strides quickly closed the distance between him and Kev. He kept a watchful eye on the cleaners they passed, his sharp gaze assessing their every move.
"I thought we were going to the kitchen," Talon remarked, his voice a low rasp. "And... all the cleaners are staring at me. I think something's wrong."
Kev chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. "Relax, Talon," he reassured the eagleman. "They're just curious. You're the new guy, after all." He paused, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "I'll have to introduce you to Cindy, if she doesn't come to meet you first."
Talon's brow furrowed in confusion. "Who is Cindy?" he asked, his voice a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "And where are we going?"
They reached the second floor, the atmosphere noticeably quieter than the bustling activity below
"The kitchen's closed during the day," Kev explained. "But I have my own kitchen in my apartment, remember?"
Talon nodded, his gaze sweeping across the hallway. "What else is up here?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Fang has his room and office," Kev replied, pointing towards the familiar doors. "I'm not sure what else goes on up here. I haven't seen anyone else around, except for the cleaners."
Talon's eyes widened as he took in the expansive hallway and the numerous closed doors. "It's massive," he murmured, a hint of awe in his voice.
Kev noticed with satisfaction that the trash bag he'd left outside his door was gone. He cracked open the door, a smile playing on his lips as he anticipated Talon's reaction to the transformed apartment. But before Kev could step inside, Talon pushed past him, his movements swift and purposeful.
"What the hell was that?" Kev exclaimed, startled by the eagleman's sudden intrusion.
Talon, his sharp eyes scanning the room, didn't even turn to look at Kev. "The door was unlocked," he said, his voice a low rasp.
Kev wasn't sure whether to laugh or be annoyed. "The cleaners were just here," he explained, gesturing towards the freshly made bed and the neatly arranged furniture. "They dropped off some new stuff for me."
Kev stepped back into his apartment, a smile tugging at his lips. The transformation was remarkable. No longer a bare-bones, utilitarian space, it now exuded warmth and personality, a testament to cleaning-crew's meticulous attention to detail.
The once-bare windows were now adorned with elegant drapes, their rich fabric filtering the afternoon sunlight and creating a sense of cozy intimacy. The bathroom, once sterile and uninviting, now boasted a stylish new mirror that reflected Kev's image with flattering clarity. A plush, inviting sofa replaced the worn-out loveseat, its soft cushions beckoning Kev to sink into its embrace. And the mismatched cutlery had been replaced with a gleaming set of silverware, adding a touch of elegance to even the simplest of meals.
Kev's gaze swept across the room, taking in the thoughtful additions Cindy had made. Fresh towels hung neatly in the bathroom, their fluffy texture a welcome luxury. A subtle fragrance of lavender and vanilla, courtesy of the new air fresheners, permeated the air, masking any lingering odors from the club below. A sleek new kettle sat on the stovetop, promising a quicker and more efficient way to brew his morning coffee. A compact icebox, tucked discreetly into a corner, offered the possibility of chilled drinks and fresh produce. And a charming bread box, its wooden surface adorned with delicate carvings, provided a designated space for his beloved bagels.
Kev noticed a few additional touches that hadn't been on Cindy's list. A soft, plush throw rug now graced the floor beneath the coffee table, adding a touch of warmth and comfort to the living room. And on the piano, a vase filled with a vibrant bouquet of wildflowers brought a splash of color and life to the space.
Talon, having completed his cursory inspection of the apartment, emerged from the bedroom and joined Kev in the living room. He seemed slightly less tense, his feathers no longer ruffled in agitation.
"It's... nice," he finally said, his voice a low rasp. "Did you say someone named Cindy is the cleaning woman?"
"Cindy's the cleaning manager," Kev explained, a hint of admiration in his voice. "She's been working for Fang's family her whole life."
Talon nodded slowly. "She must know him very well then," he observed, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"She does," Kev confirmed. "Fang trusts her advice implicitly." He paused, a flicker of unease crossing his features. "I heard you knew about Pedro at that auction… That was Cindy's idea."
Talon's gaze hardened, his feathers ruffling slightly. "Yes," he admitted, his voice a low rasp. "My... audition that night was to... educate Pedro."
Kev's eyes widened in surprise. "So you beat him up?" he asked, a mix of curiosity and concern in his voice.
"It was necessary," Talon replied, his tone clipped. "He crossed a line, and Fang needed to send a message."
"I don't get it," Kev said, shaking his head. "Couldn't Fang have just... talked to him? Or banned him from the club?"
Talon's expression hardened. "It's not my job to get it, Kev," he retorted, his voice sharp. "I need this job, and what it means for my family. That's all that matters."
Kev sighed, a wave of sadness washing over him. "At least you don't seem to... enjoy it," he offered tentatively.
Talon remained silent, his gaze fixed on the floor.
Kev, sensing the eagleman's discomfort, decided to change the subject. "Are you hungry?" he asked, heading towards the kitchen. "I can make us some lunch."
"Thank you," he said, his voice a soft rasp. Talon tapped his leg and continued to look around the apartment. The eagle was restless and on edge.
Kev busied himself preparing sandwiches, the familiar rhythm of slicing bread and spreading condiments a welcome distraction from the heaviness of their conversation. He emerged from the kitchen with two plates piled high with sandwiches, sliced fruit, and the remaining coffee from that morning. He set them down on the coffee table, a silent invitation for Talon to join him.
They ate in silence, the gentle melodies from the player piano helping to fill the void. Talon, his initial awkwardness fading, tapped his foot in time with the music, a faint smile playing on his lips. Kev couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in the eagleman's demeanor, a hint of vulnerability peeking through his stoic facade.
Once they finished their meal, Kev gathered the plates and carried them to the kitchen. He carefully washed and dried them, placing them back in their designated spots. The cleaners had done a remarkable job organizing the space, and Kev was determined to maintain its pristine condition.
Talon glanced at his watch, a frown creasing his brow. "Only noon," he muttered. "We have six more hours to kill before Fang wakes up." He tapped his knees rhythmically, a nervous habit Kev had noticed earlier.
Kev, sensing Talon's restlessness, offered a suggestion. "If your sister's moving in tomorrow, the cleaners should be getting a room ready for you, right?"
"Yes," Talon replied, a flicker of anticipation in his eyes. "I should be able to see it in the morning when I bring her here."
Kev grinned mischievously. "Want to see it early?" he asked, a playful glint in his eyes.
Talon's eyes widened with a mix of surprise and hope. "Can I?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I can't promise anything," Kev replied with a shrug, "but if we can find Max, I don't see why we couldn't."
Talon stood up abruptly, his wings rustling with excitement. "Then let's find this Max fellow," he said, his voice filled with a newfound determination.
Kev chuckled at the eagleman's eagerness. "Follow me," he said, leading the way out of the apartment and down the hallway. He headed towards the side staircase that led to the basement, Talon close on his heels.