Found

[AUGUST WITT]

"Thanks for the information, Mr. Witt. I'll find some way to keep the police out of this investigation any further. I'd rather not risk their lives if the case is already being handled." He gave a little nod, not wanting to further discuss these private details that should have never come up. He was glad that the pesky police wouldn't get harmed, but he wasn't pleased with this discussion of guardians. August wasn't crazy about this man, or therians in general. He'd never met a therian he really liked. They were often a little wild, probably all that animal in them. That's exactly what they all were, though. Animals. They pretended to be civilized but when the moon was full they were nothing more than vermin in his eyes.

"If you wouldn't mind, though, I'd like to know how this all turns out. Would you be willing to let Detective Taylor know how it goes with the council?" August felt his temper rise a little. The man was asking Maxi because he knew August wouldn't cooperate, but Maxi would. He was slowly becoming more and more infuriated with this entire scenario.

"Sure." She said and August through an icy look, letting her know how much he disapproved of this. "I won't give her details, I promise. I'll only tell her if it goes well or not. I know better than to blab about everything," He was mildly calmed by this, but the whole thing made him want to tear things apart. Preferably Dawson and the woman coming over.

The knock on the door only made him more uncomfortable in his own home. He wanted time alone with his gazelle, not a house full of people. August watched Maxine scamper off to the door. "If you'll excuse me." He grumbled to the man at the table and got up, not wanting to be the fourth wheel on this tricycle. He took a look at the blond that was now in his condo and then escaped to his office leaving the door open a crack. This wasn't a social visit so there was no rule stating he needed to be a good hostess. Besides, Maxine knew where everything was, or at least the essentials. She was more than welcome to offer drinks, because he certainly had no desire to do so.

[REBECCA TAYLOR]

Rebecca had raced to get to Witt's building. Jack had told her the address earlier when they had been at Maxine's since she had wanted it in case she was needed. She knew Jack wouldn't need her, though. She had been a little surprised by his call but assumed that he just had some information for her. She had never expected Maxine to be on the other end sounding so alive and well! It had be a surprise. A pleasant one, but a surprise none the less.

She pulled up and parked her car, moving quickly to the front doors. She flashed her badge at the front desk, the man giving her a funny look and she knew why. She wasn't dressed like she was on the clock, mainly because she wasn't on the clock. She was dressed like she was going to bed in an hour, which she had every intention on doing. It wasn't all that late but Becca had to get up early, so she often went to bed early. Plus, it wasn't like she had anything better to do than maybe play online or watch television. She had no one to talk to and no real hobbies to speak of. Her life was a simple one and she liked it that way.

The elevator took longer than she would have liked for it, but finally it brought her to Witt's floor and she got out, easily finding his door. She knocked and waited anxiously for someone to answer, not sure if she could look that Witt guy in the face and ask for Maxi. But luckily for her, the person who answered was the person she was there to see. Maxi flung her arms around her, hugging her tight, and Becca did the same, her own eyes welling with tears. There were so few people in her world she would allow to do this. Maxine was probably the only one, really. She had hugged others, and would when she saw them, but Maxi was different.

Rebecca was almost startled by the emotion in Maxine, but with her it was utter relief. She was so glad to see her, so glad that she was there, tangible. "I'm so glad you're alive.." She breathed, squeezing her. "I don't know what I would have done..." She gulped, trailing off. "Are you okay?" She asked, pulling back enough to look at her face. "What happened? Where were you? Did you call Dawson yet?"

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

"I'm so glad you're alive..." Maxi was too. A couple times last night she had worried she wouldn't make it out alive or even in one piece. She was still surprised she had no broken bones. She had decided her fingers weren't broken, just sprained badly. "I don't know what I would have done..." Maxi feared Becky would have given up completely. All those years of talking her out of suicide would have gone for naught if she ended up dead. Maxi was well aware of that and it terrified her. When Becky pulled back to look at her face, she lifted it to give her a better view, knowing she would insist on seeing it. "Are you okay?" Maxi nodded with a smile. "What happened? Where were you? Did you call Dawson yet?" Maxi had thought of calling Brett, but there hadn't been any time for that yet. She sighed. "No, I haven't called him. I'll call after I've finished explaining."

She led Becky inside, smiling at Jack as he rose to meet them. He really was such a nice man, what Maxi would now think of as a gentle giant. She and Becky sat on the couch as she recounted the same story for her that she had told Jack. It didn't feel right omitting details, keeping things from Becky, but she did it flawlessly to keep her from getting further involved in this drama. She didn't want the council coming to Becky or for Becky to go seeking more information than she should. "All over some ring. It's a gargoyle thing, I guess. I don't know much about it." That at least was the truth. Maxi still didn't have a detailed idea of what the ring did, even after all of that. She made a mental note to ask August about it after Jack and Becky left. "The gargoyle council is going to handle it, though. I don't want you to get any more involved, Becky. They will handle this much better than the police can. Gargoyles are too strong for humans to apprehend. That was Jack's idea but it's a good one," Maxi said, giving him a glance and a smile. Jack nodded, looking at Becky. Something about the way he was looking at her...it made Maxi curious and a little smug. "The council is better equipped to deal with it than we are." She knew Becky wouldn't like to hear that, but it was the truth, and she was good at swallowing hard truths. She was glad Jack was willing to say it, though.

"Can I borrow your phone Becky? I should call Brett," she said softly. "Then you can ask me all the questions you want, I promise. I just don't want him worrying anymore." When Becky handed off her phone, she found Brett in her contacts and called him up. He answered and she'd never been so glad to hear his voice. "Brett! It's Maxi," she said, again feeling a little choked up. She was just so relieved to put her friends at ease and be able to say she was okay. "I'm okay. I'm at August's. I was kidnapped last night by another gargoyle, but I'm fine and August saved me. It was some silly gargoyle business, but it's being taken care of. I just...I wanted to let you know." She knew she was rambling a little, but she had to get it all out before Brett could interrupt her and tell her for the hundredth time that she shouldn't be hanging around August, that he was bad news. She didn't want to hear that anymore. All she wanted to reassure everyone that it wasn't his fault, he had saved her, and she was okay.

[brettdawson]

(Post-Cheyenne is my sister)

Brett's hand was around a bottle of Jack. A half was empty. And if anyone knew Jack, it didn't take much to get someone plastered. Being a Therian, it took twice as much to get him plastered. Brett was almost there. He was leaning against his island in the kitchen, not bothering with a chair because, yeah he'd fall off. No use in a broken Brett. Well, physically broken. Almost an incest case. Half an incest case. That's what he thought of himself. Luckily he had stopped breaking his furniture. It was either destruction or throw up. First Maxi disappears and then he almost fucks his sister. Great. Brett was a mess. A pitiful sight. He was unshaven and his hair laid flat. He showered so many times in the past few days that he lost the count. He sighed and took another swig of Jack.

He jumped at the sound of his phone. Dropping the bottle, the contents spilling slightly onto the tiled floor, Brett ran (or stumbled) to his bedroom. He hadn't slept in his bedroom since that night. He saw the contact: Rebecca Taylor. But he thought, Maxi. "Hello?" He said quickly after answering it. Simply by the first word he knew who it was, "Brett! It's Maxi," She sounded... well? But that was like her, make others feel better before herself. Stupid, stupid, kind girl. "Are you okay? What did he do to you? Where are you? Do you need help? I'll be there soon. Where are you?" The words rushed out of his mouth. Most were slurred, the alcohol hitting his system hard. She answered his questions, and more, "I'm okay. I'm at August's. I was kidnapped last night by another gargoyle, but I'm fine and August saved me. It was some silly gargoyle business, but it's being taken care of. I just...I wanted to let you know."

A huge sigh escaped him, and he fell back to the floor. He didn't feel his head hit the wall with a smack. "Thank god," he breathed into the phone. Wait... August SAVED her? No... he kidnapped her, tortured her right? Yeah. His brain wasn't very good at sorting information at the moment. It took him awhile to reply next, but he understood now. "Tell him I said thank you." That was an incredible sentence. The old Brett would have been at August's pinning him down while they escorted Maxi out. He was a bad man. Brett still thought he was. But if he saved her... he had some respect of Brett's. Not that he deserved it. That freak was no good for her, of course. But he saved her.... That one statement kept him grounded, not including the amount of alcohol that actually kept him grounded. "I'm just happy you're safe... I love you." She knew what he meant. He did love her, not in August's way. In Brett's way. She was Maxi to Brett, Maxine to August. A cocky smirk came from Brett, a seducing grin from August. Brett did love her, though had no intention of taking her away from August. No intention of taking her to bed or out to dinner. None of that. Though he'd like to share another pizza on her couch one day, watching crappy movies. "I'll let you go now. You've been through enough. Thanks for calling. Bye Maxi."

And he hung up shortly after her farewell.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

"Thank god." Maxi heard a thump and she was worried about Brett. Was he okay? He sounded weird...like he was drunk. After a long moment, she heard him again: "Tell him I said thank you." That almost made her faint. Thank you? Really?! She was so excited, she could hardly control her smile. "I will," she promised softly. Things were looking up! Not that she expected or even wanted Brett and August to be friends, but if they could just agree to disagree, she would be happy. Brett was one of her best friends and August the man she loved--she hated them hating each other. "I'm just happy you're safe...I love you." Maxi felt tears in her eyes. Brett didn't get emotional that often, but when he did, it meant so much to her. She bit her lip to keep it from trembling. "I love you too," she said so quietly she was certain August wouldn't hear. She had glimpsed the office door cracked and figured he had hidden himself in there. The love she felt for Brett was very different from the love she felt for August. Brett was like a little brother to her; August was the man of her dreams. The word love between her and Brett was mutually a strictly platonic word. Her hand came up and wiped a tear away, feeling so cared about. All these people who would have been affected by her disappearance; it made her feel very loved.

"I'm sorry I worried you. I should have called earlier, but I didn't think I had left the door open. I was so tired last night when we got in," she said softly still, but speaking up now. "I'll let you go now. You've been through enough. Thanks for calling. Bye Maxi." She smiled again into the phone. "I'll see you soon, I promise. Bye Brett." With that she hung up and wiped another tear from the corner of her eye. She gave Becky back her phone with a smile, and then rested her head on her shoulder with a sigh. "You guys worrying about me is exhausting," she teased, smiling at Jack and then up at Becky. Jack was being so quiet, she hardly remembered he was there, but he was now standing over by the windows, right in her line of vision.

Sitting back up, she smiled at Becky, giving her hand a squeeze. "I promise I'm okay, but I know you've probably got a million questions. Which one first?" she asked playfully. Becky was always so full of questions. And she hoped August didn't think he was getting off the hook that easily. She was going to introduce him and Becky; there was no question about that. Wasn't she still in PTSD mode where he had to be nice to her?

[REBECCA TAYLOR]

Rebecca came in with Maxi, spotting her coworker there. Dressed. Her cheeks flushed as she realized she was scantily clad, but she had left the house in such a rush she didn't even think to get anything else on. She offered an embarrassed smile in greeting, tucking her hair behind her ears and folding her arms over her chest. She listened to Maxi's story with interest, watching her talk and hardly believing she was there. Safe. Where was August? she'd never met him and as far as she could see it was only the three of them in the lavish apartment. It lacked any real personality and came off cold and standoffish, like she assumed August was, but perhaps she'd been wrong. Was it fair to judge him by his decorating style?

"The gargoyle council is going to handle it, though. I don't want you to get any more involved, Becky. They will handle this much better than the police can. Gargoyles are too strong for humans to apprehend. That was Jack's idea but it's a good one," She opened her mouth to disagree, wanting to be a part of this guys take down but Jack cut her off. "The council is better equipped to deal with it than we are." Rebecca pursed her lips, seriously disliking all of this. How would they know he was being taken care of? That he would rue the day he messed with her Maxi?

"Can I borrow your phone Becky? I should call Brett. Then you can ask me all the questions you want, I promise. I just don't want him worrying anymore." Without having had a chance to put a word in edgewise, she pulled her phone out and slid it into Maxi's hand, leaving her alone with Jack as the redhead went off to call her partner.

"I don't like the sound of leaving his fate to people we don't know." She admitted softly to Jack, her arms folded over her torso, embarrassed that she wasn't wearing a bra even. The shirt was baggy enough that it wouldn't be noticeable, but that didn't stop her from being paranoid about it.

"And where's this August guy?" She asked, her voice hushed. As Maxi talked.

Before she knew it Maxi was hanging up and giving her back her phone, snuggling as only sisters would. She felt self conscious about doing it with Jack there, but the look on her face said very clearly that he would be wise not to mock her. Ever. "You guys worrying about me is exhausting. I promise I'm okay, but I know you've probably got a million questions. Which one first?"

Rebecca was quiet for a moment, having a million questions but not wanting to ask any of them. She didn't want to hear the gory details. She didn't want to think of Maxi getting hurt. "I'm just glad your safe.." She offered softly, her eyes on her lap, and it was the truth. All she wanted was the other woman's safety. "I don't want to ask a million questions, especially since I know you're okay. Right? You're okay?"

[JACK ROCCOGRANDI]

Jack was not going to laugh at Taylor's outfit. Not out loud, anyway. He had never seen her so dressed down before, not that it was surprising; they were coworkers, not friends. Still, he found it endearing that she was so excited about Maxine's reappearance that she had bounded out of the house without changing. He had a pretty good feeling she wouldn't do that for just anybody. It was also nice to see this gentler side of her. She wasn't Taylor, right now; she was Rebecca. He'd been curious about this side of her for a while, and he was trying not to enjoy seeing it so much. Jack had to be professional; he knew he was attracted to Rebecca Taylor, but he didn't want to be. It made working with her that much harder. Not that she would ever go for him, anyway. Rebecca didn't seem the type that dated often, and certainly not with coworkers. The best thing would be to just let it go...right?

He watched Rebecca and Maxine as the redhead recounted her story from the night before, telling Rebecca pretty much the exact same thing that she had told him. She also brought up the council, which Jack was grateful for. The last person he wanted getting involved in apprehending a gargoyle was Rebecca. He couldn't help but be protective of her, even if she was perfectly capable of protecting herself. That was just the way he was. Still, he could see the hesitation in Rebecca's face as Maxi told her this. "The council is better equipped to deal with it than we are," he told her. She didn't like it, that was clear, but Maxine would tell her if and when it was handled. Jack was going to have to keep an eye on Rebecca, though, to make sure she didn't go digging where she shouldn't. Maxine called Dawson and Rebecca voiced her concerns. "I don't like the sound of leaving his fate to people we don't know." Jack nodded. "Believe me, I don't like it either. But Maxine had already said she will tell you when it's handled," he assured. He left out the if. That would only drive her crazy. "Trust me, Rebecca, it's better if you don't involve yourself any further. Gargoyles are old and dangerous in most cases, and they don't like humans or anyone else meddling in their business." Witt was that way as well. He'd barely been able to stomach Jack asking him questions, that much had been clear. But could Jack blame him? Guardians all tended to be secretive as it was, so talking to each other about guardian business...that was always uncomfortable.

"And where's this August guy?" Jack's voice was also hushed as he replied, "He went into another room when you got here. I don't think he's happy about all the company." He gave a shrug. If Witt wanted to act like a child and go hide as people began flooding his house, that was his business. Jack found the air lighter when he wasn't around anyway. When Maxine hung up, coming back over to Rebecca and cuddling up to her, Jack smiled. Rebecca shot him a look and he knew better than to say anything, not that he would have anyway. What was she so worried about? He wasn't going to tell anyone else about this. He didn't even have anybody to tell about this, except maybe his mother or his sisters. But he just smiled, finding it sweet how close they obviously were, and he was reminded of his own sisters. Thick as thieves. Jack didn't know their history, but he was certain their relationship must be similar.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

"I'm just glad you're safe..." Maxi was surprised. No million questions? Nothing to ask? She was certain Becky had them, but she wasn't asking them. Strangely, that was a relief. Maxi didn't want to answer a million questions. She wanted to spend the rest of the evening with August doing whatever he pleased. "I don't want to ask a million questions, especially since I know you're okay. Right? You're okay?" Maxi smiled more, nodding. "I'm fine. A little jumpy whenever someone is at the door, but otherwise okay. I don't think there'll be anymore trouble coming my way, but I'm going to stay with August until this is all taken care of. I feel safer with him around." There was a light pink blush on her cheeks as she said this with a little shrug. It was true; she hated the thought of being without August right now.

"Speaking of which, I'd like you to meet him, if I can get him out of his office," she said cheerfully. She got to her feet, ignoring the fact that Becky was practically in her pajamas. "Just wait here for a second." Whatever protests Becky made, she didn't hear them. She wanted August to meet the woman who was like a little sister to her. She'd been wanting them to meet since she had first told Becky about him, but it also seemed a little odd to just schedule that meeting. August didn't seem entirely keen on meeting anymore of her friends, but Becky wasn't Brett. She had been a part of her life for much longer than Brett had, and this was important to her.

When she reached the office, she pushed the door open gently, sticking her head in with a wary smile. "August?" she said softly to get his attention. "I'm sorry for all the commotion. I think they're leaving soon, but I'd like you to meet Becky before she goes." She stepped into the room, sensing his agitation with everything that had occurred so far this evening. This was too important to her, though. "She's like a little sister to me. It...it would mean a lot to me if you introduced yourself," she requested almost timidly, wringing her hands nervously. Just that simple gesture might make Becky trust August a little more, and she didn't want tension between August and yet another one of her friends. At least, she didn't want a lot of it, though some between him and Becky seemed inevitable.

[AUGUST WITT]

August had zero interest in what was happening in the other room. In a way he was throwing a hissy fit by hiding away in his room like a stubborn teenage boy. He didn't want to talk to the people he didn't know. He was forced to do that for work and frankly he didn't care enough about whatever it was they had to say. His priority was Maxine and he had her back. That was all he cared about. He wanted her alone and he would wait for just that, even if it meant he looked bad in front of her friend.

"August?"

His name made him stop what he was doing and look up at the woman in his door. He hadn't heard the front door shut, but maybe he'd missed it. Were they alone now? His stormy eyes pierced hers, expectantly. "I'm sorry for all the commotion. I think they're leaving soon, but I'd like you to meet Becky before she goes." He frowned. Not only had they not left but she wanted him to come out and meet the woman who had accused him of harming her when she'd never even laid eyes on him before. There were so many things he would prefer to do, like watch paint dry.

"She's like a little sister to me. It...it would mean a lot to me if you introduced yourself," He sat there silently watching her, obviously displeased with her request. He wasn't her boyfriend, at least not as far as titles went. He owed her nothing. He'd come to her aid but it was because it was his fault she was in trouble in the first place. Or so he liked telling himself.. Would it be so difficult to throw her a bone and do what she asked?

"Would it now." He said dryly, not giving away if he'd been swayed yet or not, because he hadn't been either way. She wanted him to, he didn't want to. "I'm not entirely sure I see anything in it for me if I do as you request." He confessed turning in his chair to face her more, watching her straight on. He reclined in his seat and folded his hands in his lap, watching Maxine with predator eyes. "Tell me... what do I have to benefit from by meeting her?" He asked raising a brow, a ghost of a smirk on his lips.

What would Maxi offer for his cooperation?

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

"Would it now...?" Maxi frowned at the dry tone of August's voice. Was it really so hard for him to just meet her friend? It was disappointing, because she felt like he was going to say no. How was Becky ever going to have a different opinion of him if she didn't meet him? Well...meeting him wouldn't really change her mind, but it was a step in the right direction! "I'm not entirely sure I see anything in it for me if I do as you request." Her frown deepened momentarily, though she couldn't deny he looked good leaned back in his chair like that. How about fewer accusations that you're no good for me? She nearly asked the question, but the look in his eyes made her heart skip despite herself.

"Tell me...what do I have to benefit from by meeting her?" Maxi let her smile slowly spread across her lips at the smirk playing on his lips. Negotiation? She could do that. Her hand closed the door, leaving it open only a crack so her voice wouldn't travel out to the living room. She made her way over to August sitting in his chair, a playful look in her eyes. "How about you meet my friend..." she started. When she reached him, she perched her knees precariously on either side of his legs on the chair, crawling into his lap with a flirtatious smile. "...and I'll do anything you ask me for the rest of the night." She knew it was a tempting compromise for him, though it left her wide open for being taken advantage of. It was how their relationship was, though; he gave her an inch, and she gave him a mile.

The fingers of her good hand tangled in his dark cooper locks, her other hand bracing against his shoulder as she leaned in and kissed him. It was much more passionate than their earlier kiss, even though she was smiling against his lips as she kissed him. She knew nobody was going to come into this room without permission, so she was free to kiss him if she wanted. When she pulled away, her lips still hovered over his as her deep sapphire eyes looked into his. "Is that a deal?" she asked sweetly, an amorous smile on her pink lips.

[AUGUST WITT]

"How about you meet my friend....and I'll do anything you ask me for the rest of the night." He watched stoically as she sauntered over to him and climbed onto his lap. Outwardly he didn't show how much her little display was turning him on, but inwardly he was fighting the urge to throw her onto the desk and have his way. Chills seemed to creep up his spine as her fingers buried themselves in his hair where they always did, her lips resting on his. He gave in a little, allowing her to know just how much she could get to him.

"Is that a deal?" She asked when she finally pulled away leaving him starving for me. She could be just as cruel as he, only she was far more underhanded.

"I was under the impression you were going to be doing anything I asked already, Miss McManus." He shot back coyly, his hands sliding up to cup her ass, squeezing lightly before they trailed up and down her behind. He gave her rump a light smack before pulling a hand away and bringing it to her chin, holding it gently between his thumb and pointer. "You do not get to withhold from me what's already mine." He told her his tone a little more dangerous as if he were trying to prove some sort of point. He pulled her chin down so he could kiss her again, this time less probing, more gentle than the others.

"Twenty minutes. I've waited long enough for you, and if they're not gone by then I'm putting you over the arm of the couch and fucking you with them still here." There was a devious look in his eyes, as if this thought was very tempting and in reality it was to August. He didn't mind a show. He kissed her again, this time more gentle, showing he cared, showing she had far more control than he was letting on that she had.

"Is that a deal, Miss McManus?" He breathed against her lips, willing to do what she wanted now.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

"I was under the impression you were going to be doing anything I asked already, Miss McManus." Maxi giggled as August's hands moved over her backside, pinching lightly as they did so. "Did you, Mr. Witt?" she challenged lightly. It was a tease. They both knew damn well he could do whatever he wanted to her and she would enjoy it. He smacked her butt, making her giggle again and move into him more to avoid his hand. That hand came to her chin, forcing her to keep her eyes on him, even though she was already completely focused on him. "You do not get to withhold from me what's already mine." Maxi's heart thumped loudly in her chest at the tone and the look in his eyes. Didn't he know she could never withhold anything from him? He kissed her gently, making her heart squeeze. He knew just how to make her melt.

"Twenty minutes. I've waited long enough for you, and if they're not gone by then I'm putting you over the arm of the couch and fucking you with them still here." She blushed crimson at the thought. That certainly wouldn't get him in Becky's good graces. From the tempted look in his eyes, she knew not to challenge that statement either. It did thrill her that she excited him so much, though. How did she do that? Even now, perched in his lap, she didn't feel like she was that sexy that he could want her even when people were in his house. His kiss was gentle again, and she closed her eyes, knowing he cared a great deal for her. It gave her butterflies, and she returned his kiss gently.

"Is that a deal, Miss McManus?" She smiled weakly against his lips, her whole body electrified by him now. "It's a deal, Mr. Witt," she replied in a whisper, her lips brushing against his. She kissed him again, drawn in by his lips, and she smiled as she did so. There wasn't a world outside of the two of them in that moment. When she pulled away, though, her cheeks flushed, she forced herself to remember the detectives waiting in the living room. She got to her feet with a sigh and then took his hand, pulling on it lightly and playfully. "Come on!" she urged softly, her smile bright. She felt like she had won a battle. When he was on his feet, she let his hand go and left the office. She made sure he was following before walking back out to Becky with a big smile. "Becky, this is August Witt," she introduced before looking back at August. "August, this is Detective Rebecca Taylor."

[AUGUST WITT]

"It's a deal, Mr. Witt," He could see the way his words affected her which only aroused him more. As much as he adored her, he loved they could still play this game. He would always play the powerful pursuer and she would always play the apprehensive but more than willing victim. That was simply how their relationship worked, but they both knew she had far more power than he led on that she did.

Her lips were sweet on his and he softened against her, not wanting to go out and play nice with the cops. He wanted her all to himself, and not necessarily in bed. There was a quiet comfort in enjoying her company that he was almost ashamed to admit. All too quickly she was pulling away and pulling him up. He could see in her eyes she both wanted him to come and wanted to stay right where she was. It was evident that his desire was to only stay.

"Come on!" she urged softly, her smile bright; a huge contrast to his frown. He sighed and allowed her to tug him along, moving slowly out the office with her. He eyed the tall shifter and the blond woman who was practically naked. He cocked a brow at her, wondering how different she would be in bed.

"Becky, this is August Witt, August, this is Detective Rebecca Taylor."

It was clear she was apprehensive about meeting him in the way she looked at him. Was that tiny little woman sizing him up? He nearly scoffed as he extended his had, taking on the cool, professional manner he did while working with the council and all the people he didn't care for. "Pleasure." He greeted dryly. Her handshake was firm as if she had something to prove, like she wasn't a weak little girl which she clearly was. "Please, make yourself at home." He offered, his eyes moving to Maxine. No sense making this easy for her. Nineteen minutes left until she had to get them to leave.

"How is it you know Miss McManus again?" He inquired, offering a mock look of interest.

[REBECCA TAYLOR]

"I'm fine. A little jumpy whenever someone is at the door, but otherwise okay. I don't think there'll be anymore trouble coming my way, but I'm going to stay with August until this is all taken care of. I feel safer with him around." Rebecca shifted a little uneasily but nodded. She didn't want her staying with some guy who wasn't comfortable coming out and meeting her friends, and had no desire to show her off to his own. If he even had any. The guy seemed like trouble even if he had saved her life. It just all seemed suspicious to her somehow. Something didn't sit right with her, but then again nothing ever really did.

"Speaking of which, I'd like you to meet him, if I can get him out of his office, Just wait here for a second." "No, it's o..." She was darting off and Rebecca knew she didn't hear her and wouldn't, so she sighed, defeated. It was probably for the best she did meet him, though. Maybe he wouldn't be so bad?

"Why do I get a bad feeling about this guy?" She muttered to Jack, looking up at him and then shook her head. "I don't even want to meet my best friends... I don't even know what he is. She said he wasn't her boyfriend." She offered softly and shook her head again. Rebecca sighed and leaned against the couch, looking Jack over. He was so big and rugged... she didn't really look at him much. Sure, she saw him often but it was rare she looked at him. "I'd also appreciate if you didn't mention seeing me like this." She grumbled softly, her cheeks flaming slightly.

In no time the door Maxi had disappeared behind was opening once more and she was dragging a handsome man out with her. She definitely saw the physical appeal... The man was well put together, but his eyes were deep and cold. They made her uneasy immediately.

"Becky, this is August Witt, August, this is Detective Rebecca Taylor." He was offering his hand and Becca looked briefly at Maxine before taking it. "Pleasure." He greeted dryly making her frown. "Likewise." She grumbled, giving him a firm handshake to let him know she wasn't some pushover that would be swayed by his good looks like Maxine who was obviously head over heals.

"Please, make yourself at home." Somehow she felt the offer wasn't genuine so she nodded with a soft "Thank you." but didn't make a move towards anything. "How is it you know Miss McManus again?"

His request sounded genuine, but his eyes said otherwise. "She and I grew up together." She offered vaguely not caring to go into the gory details. If Maxi wanted him to know then she could tell him, but she certainly wasn't going to make the effort of giving her background, especially while Jack was present. "And how is it you know Miss McManus?" She shot back coolly. At this point she realized she was likely entering a pissing contest, which would probably upset Maxi, but that was neither here nor there. Becca wanted to know his intentions. Period.

[JACK ROCCOGRANDI]

Jack watched as Maxine went to the office, eventually closing the door behind her. That left him with Rebecca and his wandered over to her as she sighed in defeat. He gave her a smile and looked down at his feet. It occurred to him that Maxine acted like the older of the two, but she looked like the younger of the two. Was Maxine a guardian too? If she were a Therian, she would still age like a human, and if she were an Avisaille, she would have a pronounced hump on her back from her wings. She couldn't be a Gargoyle, otherwise she would have been able to fend off Sebastian on her own. That only left the Blurrs. Was she a Blurr? She had the childlike qualities that most Blurrs had. He wasn't about to touch her to see how soft her skin was, the telltale sign of a Blurr, but the more he considered it, the more likely it seemed. He would have to ask her some time.

"Why do I get a bad feeling about this guy?" Jack turned his eyes to Rebecca as she spoke and noted how bare she looked, dressed in her pajamas. It made his stomach squirm, and he looked away with a smile. "I don't even want to meet my best friend's...I don't even know what he is. She said he wasn't her boyfriend." Not her boyfriend? That didn't mean you couldn't be committed to someone, but it seemed strange to him. Maxine seemed the type that had boyfriends, not lovers. He had been wrong before, though. "He is kind of a dick," he said in a low voice so Witt wouldn't overhear. "I can't blame you for having a bad feeling about him." His eyes looked to the window, watching as the lights of the city started coming to life. This one of his favorite times of the evening. "I'd also appreciate if you didn't mention seeing me like this." Jack looked back at her curiously, saw she was blushing and laughed a little, shaking his head. "Your secret is safe with me," he assured. With that blush...well, she looked cute. There were probably precious few times with a tough woman like Rebecca that you could call her cute.

At last the office door opened again and the two came out, Maxine coaxing Witt along. It was kind of funny, and it was obvious from the reluctance of August's walk that he had been persuaded. Women always knew how to get what they wanted out of their man. In his experience, though, he was only willing to give in to the women he cared about. That was probably true for most people, not just men, and that raised his esteem of Witt just a little bit. Witt and Rebecca shook hands and Witt made a show of being friendly and inquisitive, though his face spoke of his reluctance, and Rebecca met it with equal reluctance. Instance friends, Jack thought to himself, amused.