Offices of Savoy and Savoy, Attorneys at Law
The law offices of Savoy & Savoy are the epitome of taste and class in a refined business atmosphere. Shades of white and silver and eggshell are accented by modern works of glass and sculptural art. A creme-coloured marble-topped reception desk leads out into a comfortable, spacious reception area, the furniture clean, modern and elegant. A large set of double doors set directly behind the reception area leads into the managing partner's office, and a hallway that runs parallel to the business front leads off to a series of other offices as well as to the private law library housed within.
It's early evening and a well placed call to Savoy and Savoy to make a evening meeting with the firm has found Dietrich walking through the doors of the firm. He has traded his usual 'street' look for a more refined one of a casual business suit as he gives a smile to the receptionist and he addresses her, "Excuse me, miss, but I believe I have an appointment this evening to meet with one of the firm's representatives?"
—-
Its Leslie again, who's seated at the reception desk, but her smile is as friendly as ever as she sees the man walk in, "Oh, it's Leslie. And yes, just one moment, let me let Miss Savoy know that you're here. If you'd like to wait a moment, she should be right out." That done, the small blonde woman keys the intercom, "Miss Savoy, your appointment is here." "I'll be right out," is the answer, and a few moments later, the door to the main rear office opens, and Mignonette steps out, moving towards reception, "Mr. Eberle. I hope you haven't been waiting long." As a point of common courtesy, she does offer her hand, though, whether you take it or not, well…
—-
Dietrich does indeed accept the offered hand, although he brings it to his lips to press a kiss to the woman's hand the gesture given with a hint of grace and without a moment's hesitation, "I have not, Miss Savoy. Thank you for seeing me this evening." Releasing Mig's hand, Dietrich's other hand moves, revealing a briefcase that was surreptitiously hidden by the man's body. He glances back to Leslie as they are about to step out, "Thank you for the prompt attention, Miss Leslie."
—-
Mignonette doesn't seem at all surprised, at the kiss, instead, accepting it with a gracious smile, and the slightest nod of her head. Finishing school certainly is a perk in at least this respect, "Thank you, Leslie," she offers to the receptionist, as she steps aside, a hand rising to gesture towards her office, "It was no trouble. We're glad to be able to accommodate any of the needs of our potential clients."
—-
Dietrich starts towards Mignonette's office, glancing to the side to look at her. "Most fortunate then… there are some businesses that regrettably resist trying to accommodate those of us that are sunlight-allergic. Even by appointment." He looks to Mignonette and says, "There are two matters which I would desire your firm's assistance on. One financial, another directly related to law. I trust your firm handles both?"
—-
"I think you will find that Savoy and Savoy are not among that number." Mignonette allows you to walk slightly ahead of her, though she'll pause once you step into the office itself to close the door, "Yes, our firm has the ability to handle both financial matters and those related to the law. May I offer you something to drink, Mr. Eberle?"
—-
Dietrich glances again over his shoulder as he sets the briefcase on the edge of the desk. "No thank you, Miss Savoy." A click of the locks on the briefcase and the vampire pulls a set of vanilla folders from it, the first flipping open and his eyes examine it's contents before he sets that one aside, placing the other two face down. He waits for Mignonette to approach the desk. "I've decided to take the step of safeguarding my assets against hostile seizure by parties both known and unknown. To explain my reasoning, I lived in Florida up to the American Civil War during which all of my assets I had acquired over the years were seized by the Confederate government. Since then I have slowly rebuilt a modest portfolio, but under different aliases."
—-
"As you like, Mr. Eberle." Mignonette continues into the room, moving to settle behind her desk, hands lightly folded on top, giving only a passing glance to the paperwork you're pulling out of the briefcase, "I can see why that would have been quite a blow to your financial situation. And you're concerned that the political climate following the revelation will make such a situation a strong possibility?"
—-
Dietrich settles into an available chair within reach of the paperwork. "I believe it makes it not only a possibility, but a eventuality. A vampire without money does have some serious limitations. If the Vampire Rights Amendment fails to pass, the law guarantees no protection for vampiric citizens, especially from government interference. It's a precarious situation." He allows the folder to slide in front of Mignonette, nothing entirely special, just lots of small investments, bonds, and properties, but all listed under different names.
—-
"It makes one wonder why vampires chose to make themselves know at this juncture. It does not seem as if the majority of your race made preparations before the revelation to protect themselves." Mignonette accepts the folder, taking her time to go through each piece of paperwork, thorough as she always is, "So you wish for my firm to provide protection for your investments, to monitor who might or might not be trying to get involved with them, and to set up a way for you to move your monies quickly and quietly, should that become necessary?"
—-
"At least 3 in 4 vampires were against the revelation, Miss Savoy. We've long held the belief that humans and vampires could not co-exist in peace. While I'm glad to see that it is becoming a possibility, I prefer to not be caught sleeping with the noose around my neck if it should sour." Dietrich nods in agreement, "That would be preferable, Miss Savoy. Now then, the second matter… I have found myself the subject of slanderous comments from a certain individual. Now, we currently have an agreement to leave each other be, however if I should have to resort to the courts to deal with him, I would prefer that his political connections be uncovered beforehand." He flips one of the face down folders over, revealing the face of Ivan Fontane clipped to the folder. "Mr. Fontane currently works in the mayor's office."
—-
"Prey tends not to co-exist in peace with its predator." Mignonette finishes with the first set of paperwork and sets it aside, "We can start on something preliminary for you. See about setting up a few dummy corporations and offshore accounts which should be able to handle your assets should the need arise. I assume you've created complete dossiers on all of your aliases? Birth certificates, drivers licenses, social security numbers, tax records?" As the conversation turns to the next order of business, she accepts the second folder, "And you believe his connections go beyond his employment with the mayor?"
—-
Dietrich nods and replies, "I have those in a safe location." He looks at the folder in front of Mignonette and replies, "If they do, then I need evidence of it and if they don't, then that's ok. Mr. Fontane has previously made threats against the vampiric citizens of Dallas. Wether these were empty or not… it makes me suspicious that any legal action would be deftly brushed aside so I wish to know what he's holding before that becomes a issue." He shifts in the chair, looking at Mignonette and says, "Mr. Fontane is however more a personal annoyance because he views my presence as inconvenient to whatever he's doing."
—-
"Well, we can certainly assist you on the legal front, if he should make slanderous claims against you or commit libel against you in print. And we do have a small cache of private detectives on staff who can look into his private affairs. But I must remind you that that is not our primary function as a law firm. If you wish to retain us, we will do all that we can, but I would also recommend acquiring a dedicated investigative firm to assist you in your acquisition of information." Mignonette looks up from the folder, "Your people have no form of support for instances such as these?"
—-
Dietrich smiles and says, "I am in the process of bringing on a dedicated investigator to look into his matters. And Mr. Fontane has the ear of a prominent vampiric member of our society here." He looks at Mignonette and says, "Until I have some evidence of wrongdoing on Fontane's part… at least slander beyond his immediate family, there is not much that can be done."
—-
"Then we will attempt to assist you in acquiring whatever information you might need, Mr. Eberle." Mignonette moves to gather both of the folders you handed over to her, "Will you be leaving these folders in my care, or would you prefer that I put together our standard retainer contract for you first, before you decide?" with both folders under hand, she now moves to slide them back in your direction.
SCENE FADED DUE TO TIME CONSTRAINTS
