Asking too many questions, aint always so bright

[Bambi Maddox]

Maddox moved into downward dog, stretching her body, long limbs straight, feet and palms flat on the floor, butt skyward and exhaled loudly.

She chutterung-ah'd into cobra balancing on toes and fingertips, her lithe frame now suspended lengthwise inches off the floor, neck stretched up in mimick of said serpent.

Surely they wouldn't keep her waiting much longer. The yoga was doing nothing to keep her racing mind ping-ponging from one possibility to another - each of them more dire in speculation than the last.

She had finally found the Black Sun. Or, more correctly, they had found her as the large bump on the back of her head bore witness too. (A bump which now, by the way, throbbed brutally with the backrush of blood flow from her noggin at the change in body position).

One minute she had been crossing the threashold to her dingy motel-room doorway, next she had a hession bag over her head and a short sharp whack on her bean with a thick metal tuncheon.

Waking up in the back of some moving transport, which Maddox was certain was being driven by some tirret-suffering rodian who was either too short to reach the brake and took each turn as sharply as was rodianly possible, while shouting out incomprehensible (Bambi didnt speak rodian) and sporadic curses at her. Maddox was battered and bruised and stiff yet certain she was being held by the Black Sun. She knew she shouldnt' have asked that last question in the bar...It was a dead giveaway that she wanted to find the sinister cartel that dominated the criminal underworld. But she was tired of being prudent and careful. That tactic had gotten her a big fat nowhere.

And now in a cell 20 x 10, this was atleast better than nowhere. Sorta.

Coming up into warrior pose, Maddox stretched herself in perfect stance. Paused there for three ugia breaths, the young assassin heard the approach of heavy boots.

"Alrighty then" she murmered to herself. "This is it."

Her stomach dropped with a fear she hid with questionable success beneath her hatha calm.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"What the frell is this?"

:: The voice outside the cell was female, and the tone wavered somewhere between anger and dismay. Another voice spoke back in Rodese, and this only served to vex the woman further ::

"Imbecile!!! That is not what I told you!!!"

:: There was a gunshot, and the sound of a body hitting the floor ::

"Get him out of here." the woman growled.

:: Maddox could hear a body being dragged off, and then the cell door opened. Sorsha's expression was the very soul of sincerity ::

"There seems to have been a mis-communication. Please accept my apologies."

[Bambi Maddox]

Bambi stood square and flat footed, hands dangling idly by her sides.

She had not known what to expect when that door opened, but it certainly had not been an apology.

She lifted slightly on her toes to afford a better view through the doorway just in time to see the scuffed soles of the rodian's boots sliding around a bend in the corridor.

It took a moment for her mind to shift gears from the curve-ball tossed at her by the woman's statement.

She dropped back to her heels and looked over to Sorsha with a nod of apology accepted. Hard to refuse a smoking blaster.


"And who might you be, then?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Sorsha is my name."

:: She returned the blaster to one of her enforcers ::

"Allow me to make this up to you."

:: Beckoning with a finger, she walked down the corridor. The two enforcers waited for her to exit the cell ::

[Bambi Maddox]

Bambi looked from one enforcer to the other and as they remained in place, she took it as her cue to exit. And so she did, following Sorsha at a short distance, with the retinue of two bringing up the rear.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha led her to an elevator which took them to the top most floor, to the penthouse suites. She tossed Maddox a key and waited outside a set of ornate double doors ::

[Bambi Maddox]

Maddox reactions were a tad slow and so instead of snatching the keys from the air which she should have done, she instead grabbed at them awkwardly in the same instant that they hit against her chest.

Her mouth twisted slightly, suddenly feeling less cool as she tugged her shirt down to unrumple it and free the keys.

"Whats this?" she asked, stepping up to unlock the door, careful not to turn her back fully to Sorsha who stood patiently beside her.

Maddox couldn't help herself from eyeing the notorious Vigo. So much of legend surrounded the Black Sun and those who ran it. Everyone was larger than life, if you ever heard anyone speak about it. Like rock stars, only scary as hell.

From all she's heard, Bambi did not for a second doubt the ruthlessness of the woman next to her - one dead rodian as an example sprang to mind - but Sorsha's gentle demeanor towards her so far was very disconcerting.

Maddox reminded herself to step carefully.

click

The lock gave way and Bambi pushed open the door.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: The door opened into a luxurious suite, with a glorious view of the coruscant skyline and a personal spa ::

"It's yours, if you want it to be."

:: She smiled sweetly at Maddox ::

[Bambi Maddox]

A long, low whistled whined its way passed Bambi's lips as she stepped into the suite.

She took a few long strides taking in the incredible view and the sheer luxury displayed around her.

She gave a small unconvinced laugh as she spoke, "Just like that, its mine"

Maddox picked up a lead crystal vase, tossing it from one palm to the other in affected nochalance.

"And the price......?"

Of course there would be a price.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"I'm offering you an opportunity. Come work for me, and I'll supply you with whatever you need."

[Bambi Maddox]

Now that was an offer hard to refuse.

Maddox, however, answered not so much from a sudden case of false modesty as much as from a "better Sorsha finds out now-rather-than-latter-and-I-get-shot" motivation.

She returned the vase back to its place, setting it down carefully, and gave a small shake of her head.

"I think, Sorsha, you may have been mis-informed about me. I mean, I'd be happy to come work for you. But I aint worth a penthouse and get all I need sorta deal."

She added, not out of false modesty, but because a good assassin knows their strengths. And their weaknesses.

"I think you need to be aware of who your offering this all to. I aint worth that to you." She added, quickly, out of self-preservation, "Not yet , anyways"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha flashed a cheshire grin ::

"As I said, I'm offering you an opportunity. It's up to you to take it. Or leave it."

[Bambi Maddox]

Bambi couldn't believe her luck.

What had started out as a very bad day on the tail end of a fruitless and frustrating search for Grym, had developed into the chance of a lifetime.

Maddox had felt for the longest time that she was without a rudder, without direction. Ever since her accident (screwup) where she had been so badly injured, and around the same time the disappearance of her mentor Grym Kandel, she had been floundering.

And now here was an opportunity many would kill to be given.

All thought of hesitation evaporated. It wasn't ever gonna get better than this.

"Well, since you put it that way, I'd be happy to take you up on that offer."

She looked about her once again, seeing the fabulous suite with new eyes and couldn't supress a ridiculous grin. This was to be hers? How insane was that!

Absurd smile still in place, Maddox turned to Sorsha.

"Whats next, then?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Take some time to settle in. I'll pick you up tonight and we'll talk business then."

[Bambi Maddox]

"Ok" Maddox shrugged. That would be easy enough.


She twisted from the hips to look behind her, wondering which way lay the refresher.

"Guess first order of the day will be a shower...Got an idea what time I need to be ready?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Seven."

:: She signaled her enforcers and they departed, leaving Maddox to take it all in and unwind ::

[Bambi Maddox]

Maddox passed the time until Sorsha's return mostly by meandering about her new home investigating rooms, cupboards, closets, draws. Opening and closing, peeking and snooping and muttering repeatedly to herself in combined awe and disbelief, "dang, this is nice..."

At some point during her roamings, she took a turn in the refresher and then redressed, raided the refrigerator (ate some cheese and an apple), flunked backwards onto the huge fluffy bed and stretched her length along it (her toes weren't even close to hanging off the end), walked the length of the balcony which lead off the main living area and afforded a stunning view of the early evening stars and tried every cushion on the sofa and its accompanying chairs.

It was as Maddox was crouched infront of a sophisticated entertainment system admiring all its bells and whistles, she cast a glance at the inbuilt chrono and noted the time was just seconds shy of seven o'clock.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: The comm system beeped and an incoming meassage activated the vidscreen on the wall. Sorsha was waiting on the other end ::

[Bambi Maddox]

Bambi stood and crossed to the vidscreen, giving Sorsha her full attention. The Vigo's precise punctuality was not lost on the newest Black Sun member.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Feeling better?"

:: She was standing down on the ground floor, with a black-clad mandalorian at her side ::

[Bambi Maddox]

"Very much so, thankyou"

Bambi flicked her gaze to the mandalorian beside Sorsha.

"Who's that with you?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: She smiled up into the camera ::

"My protection, and my top enforcer. His name is Mato."

[Bambi Maddox]

Maddox leaned closer to the vidscreen.

"How's it hangin' Mato"

The enforcer looked rather ominous and Maddox wasn't exactly sure what was next. She addressed Sorsha once again, hoping things were still all good.

"Should I come down, then.....?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Yes. We're going to the Manarai."

[Bambi Maddox]

"Good!"

Bambi had no idea what the Manarai was.

The vidscreen connection disolved into blackness within a nanosecond as Maddox exitted the suite.

As the turbolift doors closed, engulfing her within the durasteel confines of the elevator, Maddox poked the button marked "M" hoped her assumption was correct and that Sorsha was down on the main entrance level of the building.

[Mato]

:: Mato escorted the two women to Sorsha's hoverlimo and set course for the Manarai ::

[Bambi Maddox]

Maddox sat across from Sorsha and smiled pleasurably as the deep soft leather received the weight of her body.

She was still a little stiff and achey from her captivity - and the bump on her head throbbed off and on as she had rubbed it vigorously while shampooing her hair earlier, having forgotten it was there.

The dark interior of the limosine provided a muffled calm to the bustle of the traffic outside and under the quiet scrutiny of Sorsha's eyes, Maddox felt compelled to talk.

"I have never been to the Manarai - should I expect trouble?"

She was more than willing to prove herself capable, especially with the presence of Mato around.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Trouble?"

:: Sorsha laughed heartily ::

"Not at all." she purred. "It's become one of my more enjoyable acquisitions."

[Bambi Maddox]

Revelation dawned and Bambi (without actually laughing as well, because that would have been weird) allowed herself a wide grin and relaxed even more.

This night was beginning to sound like fun.

"I take it this is a pretty high-class place?"

Maddox before she had teamed up with Grym to be an assassin had been a dancer. A good dancer. But she would not have been on the roster at a place like the Manarai, she felt sure about that.

She tugged at her shirt and straigtened herself in the seat.

"I hope Im not underdressed.."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha's eyes widened ::

"There are no finer chefs on all of Coruscant, my dear."

[Bambi Maddox]

"How long have you owned this place?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Not long. It's more of a partnership really, but I do have controlling interest."

[Bambi Maddox]

"I see. Sounds like a peach. I can't wait"

Maddox was looking forward to this Manarai joint. Judging by Sorsha's obvious delight in the place, Bambi was about to have her hair blown waaay back.

In a change of topic, Bambi jerked her thumb toward Mato who was seated behind her driving the limo.

"He got a story?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"He's fast with a gun."

:: She laughed gleefully ::

"Very fast. I do love watching him work."

[Bambi Maddox]

Maddox twisted her head to give Mato an appraising look.

Turning back to Sorsha, she grinned appreciatively "..lot to be said 'bout a man with quick hands"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha laughed again. Soon they reached the Manarai, and touched down in the parking deck. Sorsha stepped out of the hoverlimo and stretched ::

"Here we are."

[Bambi Maddox]

Sorsha, who was flanked protectively on the one side by Mato, stretched and walked casually toward the VIP entrance, Maddox a step or two behind them.

Bambi had never seen such a glorious backdrop. The Manarai was located in a tall tower in Monument Park a short distance from the Manarai Mountains - the only remaining natural terrain found on all Coruscant.

Maddox knew of the mountains, of course. As did all inhabitants of Coruscant, but getting as close to them as this was the exclusive right of the rich and powerful of the planet city. The mountains themselves were under preservation and heavily guarded to prevent anyone from taking souveniers of rock or soil.

Bambi was speechless.

It was not until she noticed the Vigo and her bodyguard were waiting for her to catch up, that Maddox realised she had stopped dead in her tracks and was openly gawping.

"This is fantastic. Really fantastic"

As if used to such reactions, both Sorsha and Mato turned without comment and stepped into the lavish entrance of the restaurant itself.




References The Manarai location description courtesy StarWars Wikipedia site

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: The Maitre d' quickly escorted the trio to Sorsha's private table, and bowed to Maddox as well as they took their seats ::

[Bambi Maddox]

As if in challenge to its beautiful outside location, The Manarai interior was furnished in the manner of a worthy rival - exquisite and luxrious to both sight and senses.

Every table was its own small island of understated good taste. Crisp, white tablecloths, overlayed in delicate champagne-pink lace were centered by short crystal vases of exotic orchids - each flower an explosion of color contrasted by the soft ambiant lighting of gentle scented candles and dimmed overhead lighting. In one corner, a fountain added its soothing song as cool, clear water trickled down upon dancing marble nymphs into a small rock pool below.

The Maitre d' seated his important guest and her companions, taking care to attend to every small detail - the laying across of the starched napkins in each lap (Mato didn't really seem to care for that too much) and the opening of each menu and placing it in the hands of each guest, ladies first. Maddox barely noticed him. All her attention was taken with her surroundings and the breathtaking view of the Mountains afforded by the entire north wall, which was made of tinted transparasteel.

Bambi smiled at Sorsha.

"I can see now why you are very proud of this place. It certainly is quite incredible. Amazing. Really."

[Miranda Tarkin]

" ... Nebula Cluster was amazing. All of the vibrant colors simply fanned out across the viewport as if to swallow the entire destroyer whole. It was a stunning sight, Miranda. Much like the one before me." Commander Dyres, Son of High Admiral Dyres, had paused momentarily to sip of his merlot and admire the beauty that sat across from him. He, as well as many a single male in the military or political arena, had their eyes set upon Miranda Tarkin, yet none had the honor of winning her heart. Beautiful, bold, rich and powerful; who wouldn't want to claim a woman like that as their wife? To be married into the Tarkin dynasty would be the ultimate coup!

"Miranda?"

She hadn't realized that she was staring off into space, bored with Haen's tiresome stories. They were just one failed attempt after another to try and woo her. Miranda would have to have a lengthy talk with Dialessce about setting her up on 'business' dinners. Her most trusted advisor to the Ministry of Propaganda had sold her the story that Admiral Dyres wanted a simple conference to discuss how to encourage more enrollment into the military. Little did she know it was a red herring for an actual date. She should have smelled a trap the moment the invitation mentioned The Manarai.

"I'm sorry." She smiled apologetically and picked up her wine glass with a swirl. "Just my mind is distracted with the anniversary of my father's death looming so near."

A lie, mostly.

"Ah, of course." The Commander wasn't horrid to the eyes. His sandy blonde hair was cut short but kept a lengthier portion up top to give him a little spike to his hair. His face was chiseled and handsome, with grey eyes as stormy as his father's. The only decent thing coming out of this dinner date was that Haen was only five years older then her, instead of the usual ten. "I'm sorry that I didn't notice your distress before."

"You didn't know. Don't fret over it, really." She consoled the oaf and pushed out her chair to stand. He did as well as was proper. "I'll return shortly. I just need a moment to freshen up."

"Shall I order dessert?" They were done with the main course even though Miranda had barely touched her scampi.

"Please, do." Again she smiled but once she turned around, her face fell into complacency as much as she wanted to scream in absolute horror. Not quite the scene she wanted to have here at the Manarai.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha spied her lover while Bambi was lost in bliss over the establishment. She subtly excused herself, leaving the woman as she gazed in wonder at the menu ::

[Miranda Tarkin]

Upon entering the fresher, Miranda took a moment’s look around to see if she was alone. Relieved that she was, Miranda leaned over the sink, gripping at the end of the marbled basin. Her elbows locked tightly while she sighed in anger, "I'm going to frelling kill Dialessce."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Hello, pretty pretty."

:: Sorsha's reflection appeared in the mirror, grinning in amusement ::

[Miranda Tarkin]

She was startled for a moment but when the sound of her lover's voice registered, Miranda smiled in absolute glee. Dramatically, she wrapped her arms around Sorsha's neck, "Tell me you've come like an angel from the heavens to save me from my 'date'."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha indulged in a sweet kiss before freeing herself ::

"It grieves me to say no, but I'm with a potential recruit."

[Miranda Tarkin]

Her eyes perked up. Something was salvageable from this evening after all. "Oh? They must be worth something to you to bring them here."

Then she glowered. "Which is what the Commander thought. He's probably wondering where I ran off to."

She grinned, "Pity."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"She has unlimited potential, Mira. I just need to tap it."

:: Sorsha stole another kiss before they exited the fresher. She paused in thought, glancing at the officer at the far table ::

"Isn't that Dyres the Younger? You could do worse. It could be Viscera fawning at you."

[Bambi Maddox]

Maddox looked up from perusing the menu, finger pressed on the page to keep her place, and addressed Mato,

"You ever had Gizka legs?"

[Miranda Tarkin]

"Actually, they're quite delicious." Miranda looked down the menu towards Bambi with a pleasant smile on her face.

[Bambi Maddox]

Looking up surprised - Bambi had not noticed Miranda and Sorsha approach - she returned the smile.

"Then I'm gonna try some" she said, taking the woman before her at face value. Miranda had the look of someone who knew what she was about.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Miranda Tarkin, meet Bambi Maddox."

:: Sorsha bowed with a flourish as she introduced Mira ::

"Bambi Maddox, meet Miranda Tarkin."

[Bambi Maddox]

Maddox extended her hand to Miranda in greeting, one eyebrow arched in piqued interest.

"A pleasure to meet you, Miranda..Interesting family name you have."

[Miranda Tarkin]

She cocked her head to the side in curiosity. Miranda wasn't offended. Yet. "Oh? And why is that interesting?"

[Bambi Maddox]

"Well," Bambi said in a slow drawl, her tone remaining friendly, "I'd have thought that'd be obvious"

She looked to Sorsha and then back to Miranda, not quite sure what the relationship was.

"You be joining us, then?"

[Miranda Tarkin]

Oh how she wanted to plop down between Mato and Bambi and say yes, but ignoring a High Admiral's son is career suicide.

"I wish I could but I must return to my ... date." Miranda didn't mean for the pause but quickly covered up the possible dislike with a smile. "I hope you all continue to have a wonderful evening."

She stole one last glance behind her, offering a tiny wave to Sorsha before returning to her table where her dessert will surely consist of more metaphors to her beauty ...

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha waved back and then took her seat. She ordered a mixed plate of exotic seafood and some fruit ::

[Bambi Maddox]

Bambi followed the exchange between the two women, but did not remark on it. She eyed Mato for a lead, but he was just sitting there like a hulk, much as he had since they'd arrived.

"I'll have the garlic Gizka legs with rice and some of those little samosa things if you have 'em"

They did, as it happens.

Maddox leaned back in her chair and looked at Sorsha. She nodded over in the direction of Miranda and her date's table.

"Who's the suit she's with?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Dyres the Younger. He's a Commander in the Imperial Navy."

[Bambi Maddox]

"Huh"

Maddox continued to casually review the pair.

"Miranda's a good friend of yours, then? That could be handy if she has some sway with the top notch soldier boys should we ever get into a pinch"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"We grew up together yes, but we have different career goals. "

:: The first course came to the table as was set before them ::

"I understand you had something of an accident a while back?"

[Bambi Maddox]

Bambi touched a quick finger to the broad patch across her right eye - a constant reminder to herself of her greatest folly and her greatest lesson so far, "get them 'fore they get you" - and squirmed slightly in her chair.

"I was stupid" she replied candidly. "Lucky for me, stupid doesn't always kill ya"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Murder is an art, my dear. I can teach you, if you let me."

:: Sorsha gazed intensely into Bambi's left eye as she savored a bite of shellfish ::

"Another accident would be unfortunate."

:: She smiled sweetly and sipped her wine ::

[Bambi Maddox]

"Another accident wont happen" she assured Sorsha with bitter resolution.

Maddox had lost a lot as a result of her own ineptitude, her former partner in crime and previous mentor, Grym Kandel, being a part of the fallout. Where he was now, she had no idea. Sorsha might eventually be able to shed some light on that topic, given her long reaching influence, but first things first..


"I can only hope you'd take me under your wing. Let me learn from you"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"It would be my pleasure."

[Bambi Maddox]

Bambi's grin was broad and sincere. Sorsha's statement brought an excitement to her that she made no attempt to hide.

Picking up a plump Gizka leg, which looked akin to the limb of a large tree frog, Maddox sucked the flesh from bone with relish.

"I cant believe my luck in getting nabbed by your rodian, Vigo Kasijian. I promise to make good on your generosity"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha frowned slightly ::

"That imbecile was out of line. Once again, I apologize."

[Bambi Maddox]

Maddox didn't really know what to say. She certainly didn't feel it necessary for Sorsha to apologize.

"Well, he wont be makin' anymore mistakes" she said with a grim laugh.

A lesson Bambi had not overlooked. One to tuck away in the ol' gray cells.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"If you wish it, I can have his head mounted for you."

:: She stated it with such a casual grace that Bambi realized it wasn't in jest, but a sincere offer ::

[Bambi Maddox]

A peice of Gizka suddenly got stuck in Bambi's throat at that statement, and an enthusiastic cough was needed to dislodge it.

"No, er, no I think I'd rather not have something like that around.

But thanks for the offer"

Bambi began to chuckle, her surprise at Sorsha's brutal-mindedness giving way to amusement. And also a certain amount of relief that she was currently in Sorsha's good graces. This night, she thought yet again to herself, could have ended for herself so horribly.

But here she was eating a fabulous meal with one of the most powerful women in the galaxy, and rubbing shoulders with her equally powerful friend, Miranda Tarkin.

"Can you tell me a little bit about your operation in the Black Sun. What I can expect in the way of working for you?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"There are some who would say that I'm an usurper, because of my position in the Tenloss Syndicate. However, we enjoyed a close affiliation with the Prince before his loss. Some also say that Black Sun itself perished with him. In that, they are correct. There's much to rebuild."

:: she paused for a bite of food ::

"Unfortunately, Sasseeri Reeouurra has decided to work against me."

[Bambi Maddox]

"I met her once. Sasseeri."

A spicy samosa disappeared into Bambi's mouth.

"It was on some fancy Casino Barge about a year ago. A big wing-ding party with lots of Imps. And lots of speeches. She's a short little thing."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"The Nabooian Queen. Yes, I remember. It's unfortunate how her people have treated her. She has a wonderful mind."

[Bambi Maddox]

"Her people? You mean the cats?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Yes. The Cizerack are, shall we say, a bit racist in their outlook towards other species. They treat those of mixed blood especially badly."

[Bambi Maddox]

"Ah" Maddox didn' t really care about that side of the Cizerack character. They were what they were. The galaxy was just like that.

"From the brief conversation I had with her, she seems completely at ease with who she is. Very confident. Very in charge. If anything, that treatment has probably made her more determined in her life.

The males on the other hand. I hear they are pretty submissive. Ever wonder what it'd be like, you know?"

Maddox shrugged, obviously she herself had wondered.

"Anyway - Sasseeri then is not on our "invite to parties" list I take it?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"I'm trying my best to be patient with her, but the truth is, she's a competitor. Therefore I cannot assure her protection."

[Bambi Maddox]

Well...that was an interesting way to put things.

"Are you suggesting she has an accident?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Not at all. She hasn't crossed that line yet. But Belryn has."

[Bambi Maddox]

"And Belryn would be...?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"... a minor crimeboss who worked for my late godfather. He conspired to sell me to a Hutt named Gravis in return for a section of Mos Eisley."

[Bambi Maddox]

"Well that's a pretty daft thing to try"

Bambi pushed away her now empty plate.

The next step was obvious.

"There will retribution of course"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"In two solar days, I'll be arriving on Tatooine. Would you like to come?"

[Bambi Maddox]

"Most definitly. It will feel good to get back in the saddle again"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Splendid. Shall we go?

[Bambi Maddox]

Maddox stood up from the table.

She did not need to be asked twice.