Disregard

I found his charger left in the bathroom. Something oddly normal for someone I noticed over the years. I plugged it in and stood looking at myself in the mirror while calling my best bud. I noticed I still don't look over the age of 26 though technically I would be about 46 by now. Hearing Reggie saying "What's up girl?", pulled me from my face inspection.

"Hey, any word on a safe spot?" She hadn't text me yet so I figured it was still a negative. 

"Nope. I left a message with Carlos, he's a 'placement agent' of sorts. Tricky little guy, but trustworthy. He will get back to me I am sure with in a day or 2. So what's up with you guarding a Were, since when did they become so special?" Reggie had been my backup on a few jobs, so her asking this was no surprise. I guarded mostly exotic, but the occasional average Other was a norm too. It was just odd, to even me, something so dangerous would need a body guard.

"Not sure, and not sure I am even really his body guard, it's more like a fancy chew toy if you ask me. He's got a temper, and the cockiness stereotype rings true. I can't get him to sit down and even have a serious one on one, his pride gets hurt, or what I say gives him the idea I want to sleep with him. I think I've not been serious enough myself, because he even went to work when I told him not to. Anyway, I will get it figured out." I could hear my own frustration pour out, I felt bad but grateful Reggie picked up. What is a best bud for!?

"I hear you, don't worry, you'll get him on the straight and narrow eventually, just don't give up. Tell him you know a sexy witch that can make him turn into a gorilla, see how 'big' his ego is then, hmm?" I laughed at Reggie's suggestion, poor gorilla's, the Almighty wasn't sexually fair to the males. 

"I might just do that, anyway, can you swing by my house and grab some cloths for me? There's a black leather back pack hanging by the door to use. Fillington apartments is where I'm at, door 101. I just need a few pairs of leathers and some sweaters please. I think the door is locked, check the fake poop by the flower pot of Ivy, there's a spare there. You can thank Michael for that one, lol." I know telling her about where I put the new spare might get her riled up. Especially about Michael.

She had it hard for Michael but he found her off putting since she was a witch, he didn't trust her. I however adored her and found her the most trustworthy person I had ever met, so that's all I need.

"Can do! Anything else?" she said this and I remembered I needed underwear. I prepared myself before saying it. 

"Uh, yea, I kinda need some underwear too. Just because I don't have any and will need some to get by staying here." I held my breath knowing after saying that Reggie's mind would run on a dirty track. I heard silence first then the gasp. 

"Ayda!! You didn't? Or did you? Was it any good, did he howl, was it furry? How, er, long, did it last? Oh my gosh, I can't believe you broke your own rule! I'm so proud!" The beaming coming from her voice made my stomach twist. 

"No, I didn't and no, I don't know, and no. No, no, no." It was the only response I could give. I was so trying to avoid any visuals, but she wasn't helping.

"Awe, bummer. I've never been with a Were, even though I find them a bit repulsive, I am still curious." Ending with a giggle I remembered my act purpose for calling her.

"Oh! I almost forgot, you heard of Cash Cornell? That's the Were's name. I need to find out where his work is so I can go and make a fool of myself, but try not to at the same time." I hoped she knew, otherwise I may have to call Michael. 

"Well shit Ayda, if he's THAT Cash Cornell, what is he doing at Fillington apartments?  Cash Cornell is the heir to Cornell Plaza. They are head of the Investment Corp for all 4 direction cities. You got a good one this time. He should be dripping in money!" Reggie sounded more excited than I was. I didn't care if he was the heir to hell, I at least now understood why he acts the way he does.

Saying bye and yes, I will call if I need her, she told me she'd be there in about an hour to drop off some needed items. I'd have to wait, so I decided I would get nosey and snoop around. It would help me get a better idea of who I was truly at odds with over this job.

I found a bunch of receipts to Zins Meat Market, and couple handwritten reminders stuffed in drawers in the kitchen. I knew where he liked to buy his meat now, but still not what I was looking for.

I walked over to bedroom door. It was closed. Debating on how much crap I'd have to take if he finds out I went into his room, I decided crap or no crap, the idiot went to work when he knows his life is in danger. 

I started to turn the handle when I felt something. The nasty aura of a Shifter. Going on the side of caution I turned back towards the apartment door. I was feeling it form that direction, so if it's really out there, was it visiting, or was it hunting? The hit. Did they hire a Shifter for the hit? I scanned the apartment for anything useful. I don't carry weapons as the point of my existence is basically to take a bullet, not give one out. The window had a fire escape and I thought my best option was to flee, but at that moment I smelt flowers. The Pixie next door. I could hear her talking in the foyer. 

Walking slowly to the door I pressed my ear to it cautiously. I could hear the deep muffled tone of a male. He must have asked the Pixie if Cash was home because her reply was a bit strained. "He works during the day, ah, so if you wait, maybe you will catch him coming in?" Coming in? I glanced at the clock hanging in the kitchen, it read 1:30. Damn, how long did talk to Reggie? I decided to take a look through the peep hole to get an idea of who or what I was going to be possibly dealing with. 

He was an average build, wearing an overcoat, pretty normal in this weather. He turned his head to look at the door as if he could sense me there, yet I didn't feel his aura reaching out at me. I caught a glimpse of those eyes though. Almost the color of Cash's, except a very distinct feature, one was green. Something like that only occurs in a Shifter who's shifted so much, they no longer remember their true form. He turned back to the Pixie and mumbled something along the lines of returning later. 

I waited until he was in the elevator and on his way out, then watched out the window. Cash had a great view of the street below, so I watched until I seen it come out, look around and shift into an older lady. It walked around the corner of the building across the street as goose bumps ran along my skin. I may use souls to exist, but I never could imagine using someone else's body. The thought just grossed me out.

I decided I needed to find Cash quick and get him out of here. Reggie was still on her way, so to get the lowdown on Cash I could give the Pixie a visit. She may give me an idea as to who the heck Cash really was.