S. Getta

Kudzai scoffed as she shook her head “Don’t call me Kudi. How dark is dark? And how long is a little bit? I have things to do.” 

“What’s wrong with Kudi? We’re looking at two and a half hours at the most. Plus, I can promise that we won’t be covered from head to toe with blood by the end of it.“

“Yes, I do.” She began grabbing each of the pieces he pointed out, setting one on top of the counter before reaching down for the other. “I’ve found limiting it to Birthdays or special occasions to be helpful, especially if they break things.” Jo began winding each clock when Jacob began speaking again. Her heart rate picked up and she felt her stomach drop. After he finished Jo nodded. “I’ll be sure to tell him. Now would you like the packaged with bows or will just the boxes work for you?”

“I spoil everyone around me. Birthdays and special occasions sounds abusive,“ Getta tisked and shook his head. “Boxes will do, Jo. Thank you for listening.“

“Umm,” she thought for a moment, mentally going through what she had planned. It was nothing that couldn’t be pushed back till tomorrow. “I have time now,” the witch nodded, “I was only going to do a little design work so it can wait,”

“I’m on a luck streak, aren’t I?“ Getta gestured toward one of the many car from his collection. Today he was driving the Audi. “Ride with me?“

“I am,” she confirmed. She was beginning to have a feeling those facts would turn out to be the reason for the invitation. Feeling it would be rude to turn down the invitation she continued, “In that case I would be delighted to accept the invitation,” 

“Perfect! Do you have time now or should we set up a time and a date?“ Getta asked, eager to tell her all about what he had planned and wanted from her. “I can also provide proper nourishment is needed.“

“To me?” she asked, sounding a little surprised and wondering if he was in fact looking for her brother. But then she supposed he’d have gone to the bookshop which was still open. 

“Yes, you.“ Getta chuckled at her surprise and shook his head. “Cassandra Askeris. You’re a local ferromancer and a master at that.“

Outside her studio

“I’m afraid I’m just closing for lunch,” she told them, having just finished locking up her studio, “but I suppose five more minuets won’t hurt. What can I do for you?”

“I promise I won’t take much of your time.“ Getta smiled. “I’m actually here to extend an invitation to tour our Groundscraper.“

Jo smiled, knowing the type. “It’s not as well known as a Rolex, but costs as much if not more. It’s a tried and true industry darling.” Jo moved to a different counter and pulled out a selection of Gold and Silver pieces as well as some steel and leather bands. “Patek Philippes have a few lines. Some like the Grand Complications line have more detailed faces with multiple clocks to set for different time zones. There are also some with beautiful painted details on the face. The Calatrava collection is more simple in its design. Very traditional, with easy to read hands and typically a leather band. The Nautilus is very popular. It has a subtle wave on the face as well as a more chunky metal band. The Aquanaut is much more modern, as you can see. I also have some vintage pieces, that I prefer, but they’re not as intricate.”

“Well I’m willing to hear what you have to say.”

“You know money isn’t a problem,“ Getta smirked, looking over the new selections impressed. “I came here for one piece but it’s looking more like I’m going to leave here with several. It’s almost like ‘if you give a mouse a cookie’ story. If I get my son something, I’ll have to get the rest of the kids something. If they get nice expensive watches their mates are going to want some too. God forbid if I get my children something and forget the ones who I sired... Lets see,“ he said pointing out a total of eleven different watches. “And I’ll take the one you showed me before too.“

“Some customers can be pushy.” Jo stood and nodded, going to the back of her shop and its vault. “I have a piece that was never picked up, a special order titanium.” She hummed in response to his commentary on the metal. “All of those are true. The price is high for the majority of customers and it doesn’t have the same brilliance that Silver, Gold, or Steel does. It’s a much more muted look. But obviously there are some people who enjoy the subtlety and the other benefits you mentioned.” Jo walked back towards him and placed the piece down in front of him to examine. “Plus most people who prefer to splash on watches want to brag about the name. Rolex doesn’t make a titanium watch, and Patek Philippe’s are usually more than people can stomach.”

“It’s how I talk to people whose motives at this exact moment I don’t know. You and many other immortals in our community are valued customers and suppliers.”

“That git needs more subtlety in his life. He’s spoiled enough.“ Getta chuckled. He picked up the piece and examined it, only mildly impressed.  “Patek Philippe? I like the name. Show me some of what they got.“

“And would you have gone? Just for my information the next time.” Jo knelt and began looking through the cabinet. “Gold, silver, steel?”

“Well the king has access to these cameras, and no doubt whatever minion is watching them went running. So why would my husband kill, aside from the obvious.”

“Yes. Why wouldn’t I?“ Getta asked, not looking up from her display of watches. “Steel if you don’t have titanium. I Googled that they were the strongest, light weight and most durable watches. But you tell me.“

“How could I turn a customer away?” Jo’s tone wasn’t harsh, but she knew he wouldn’t come up here to her store for a mere present. “What are you looking for? Jewelry or a watch?” Jo slipped behind the counter and walked over towards where he was standing. “And why were you needing the queen?”

“Easy. By telling them to leave,“ Getta joked. “A watch. Something that looks simple but nothing cheap. Do you have anything that can tell the time of two separate locations or time zones?“

“Was I invited?” She asked amused. “If I was, I couldn’t attend unfortunately. I was hosting a welcome dinner for some new members of my clan. It will certainly give us a better cover.”

“Why do you ask?”

“Everyone was princess,“ he replied rolling his eyes. “Its rude not to decline before hand. New members.. I haven’t had a Asian bear or savannah deer in decades. Where are they coming from? Any of them coming down to donate?” 

“Completely fine,” she replied, walking over to his desk, “I wanted to speak to you about something you mentioned the other night. Did you mean it about setting up a dance program, or at least dance classes at the academy?”

“When have I ever bullshitted you? I always come through with all of my ideas.“ Getta chuckled, nodding his head. “Are interested in leading the program?“

“A few. It would be easier if I knew exactly what you were looking specifically? Do you want them to move here? Teleport in and out daily?”

“I want them here permanently. You know I hate teleportation... Speaking of which I need to meet with Minsky and Ronan. Winona would have wanted some type of anti teleportation inside of the hotel. Maybe just the lobby.“

“Another? Who’s the first? You?” Gretchen shrugged, hoping the sigh she let out wasn’t too obvious. “Venus and I aren’t really that much alike. We never saw eye to eye and honestly I’m still not sure that I’ll get the respect she did. But I can’t keep letting what’s been happening happen.”

“I’m more of a diva. You’ll have to find out soon enough,“ Getta smirked. “But out of everyone here she choose you or is that a rumor?“