What We Do In the Shadows: "Jen..."

What We Do In The Shadows: "Jen..." Part XX...

Summary: There are unexpected consequences when Laszlo seeks a new human familiar...

Part XX...

Colin Robinson's cell...Colin in trademark beige sweater and khakis...Seated on his cot.

"Well, I don't know why they ever had a doubt my paperwork wouldn't hold up as to the financial end, I've been working on it for years with a nice little bunch of enthralled or hypnotized public servants, a few tax lawyers, and a couple of bankers, one of whom even warned me of the coming stock market crash in 1929, thanks to Nandor's mind control. Heck, we even own two oil wells in Saudi Arabia, well, at least, sixty-five percent control. Of course we could actually handle the purchase price here...Not that we'll probably pay eight million outright, though we'll have to see a lot of that paid out to keep things looking legal. I think the guys can persuade the owners to forego some follow up transfers, it'll probably be about five million that has to change hands."

Slight sigh...

"Of course now Nandor and Laszlo think they're real estate tycoons and are already looking to buy up some more properties. Heck, we don't want to attract attention much, eh, guys?" rolling eyes.

"Well, Nadja will probably talk some sense into them or get the lady minions to. Or it may all end in tears and more burned vampires when the police or the IRS or both show up. Oh, well...Lets hope I get to use that pool again, I really enjoyed it. And it would be fun to see Nandor in his official general's uniform at the reception he wants to give for the new house. I think even Nadja's going a little gaga there, talking about inviting some of the vampires who disrespected her and Laszlo, to let them see they're making out well, redecorating, showing off the daylight-allowing windows to some of us daywalkers. Sweetie? We just got you away from the death sentence of the Vampiric Council? Though, it would be nice to see some of the Council and others come and stew and feed off their wrath. And they can't try a vampire for the same crime twice. You cheat Death, you're pretty much good under the Code. They hate the bother and fuss of a second trial." shrug. "You would think near-Immortals would have more patience but..."

"I hafta say, I admire the way that new one, the agency owner, Ginny, gets around Nadja a bit, more and more each time. See with enthrallment or mind control, depending on the character of the subject there are three ways to go. A strong-minded person tries to resist, then breaks...And either becomes a bug-eating Renfield looney or tells themselves, oh I always secretly wanted this and I was already sexually attracted to my master/mistress at sight to the point of abject slavery. You know, like Stockholm Syndrome. Then there are the people of either weak or maybe better to say, 'flexible' character...These are folks who shift their morals for a living or are have lived with lies to survive all their lives...Say a con artist, or a good spy, or an abused wife. They know how to bend with the wind so even though they may seem to grovel more, they manage to keep some independence. 'Yeah, Master I'll kill my boyfriend but wouldn't it be better if...?' That sort of thing. I can see Ginny doing it already. Not that she wouldn't kill her own daughters if Nadja commanded it but she'd squirm and dodge and suggest all kinds of reasons why it would really be better not to do it." shrug.

"Still, a lot of those types make the best minions, they can still think for themselves and warn you if you're getting a little power mad... You know, like telling Hitler, 'Really dude, invading Russia is a bad idea.' Which as a matter of fact I did when I was working for a few months in the Statistics Office of the Abwehr for a bit when I wanted to get away from Depression America for a bit in the late 30s. Given I immediately came back here after that memo, you can guess what 'der Fuehrer's' attitude was..." wry smile.

...

Laszlo, in the fancy room...Looking as regal as possible...Nadja beside him...Likewise...

Nandor beside them, also attempting regal stance... Guillermo watching from side, pleased to see his new friend and...Well, she tries to let him feel that way...Assistant, Jennifer, being honored...