#ginger deangelo

Chance turned slowly to find a young girl stood at the top of the stairs. Black dress, long, straight black hair and a blank look on her face.

“Hi..... Scarlett right?”

The girl nodded. “You’re the woman with the gun who visited my Father once.”

“Yeah...... sorry about the swearing....”

“Adults say a lot of things without thinking.”

Truth from the mouth of a child. “So where were you hiding?”

“Upstairs.”

Chance frowned a little. Upstairs. This place had another floor? “Where?”

Scarlett pointed up. “Upstairs, in our bedroom.”

Our..... “Is your sister there now?”

“Yes. She’s sulking because she didn’t get to finish her food.”

No words stressed more than any other. It was still like talking to a person who didn’t feel anything about anything. “Well...... she could finish it now.”

“It will be cold.”

“It can be reheated. You guys have a microwave right?”

Chance watched as confusion broke through the normally expressionless face. “I don’t know.”

Chance made her way up the stairs. “Well guess we find out together. How do you get upstairs to your room?”

Scarlett blinked a little. “I hid the stairs.” She waved a hand and a spiral staircase appeared at the end of the hallway near the door that Chance assumed led to a small bedroom.

“Cool.” Chance grimaced a little. The girl had ghosted an entire floor of a building like it was nothing. “Neat trick.”

Scarlett shrugged. “I will have to fetch my sister. She will still be sulking.”

“Ok. I’ll wait here for you.” She watched the girl climb the stairs and open a hatch then vanish into a room Chance had been completely unaware of. “Pete..... I’d kill you if you weren’t already dead.”

......

Ginger grunted as she watched Lance’s reaction before waving a clawed hand and him and pointing to the van.

“Cloooothes...... rrrrrr...”

“Shit. Sure.” He mumbled before opening the back of the van for her.

She was amused by how this was all playing out. Bet he’d never dealt with a cooperative werewolf before. She clambered into the van and although it wasn’t very comfortable it allowed her the privacy to relax and focus on shifting back to her human self. The door closed with a thunk of the locking mechanism.

A few minutes later and she had pulled on a set of sweatpants and a hoodie both a dull, boring grey color that were in the back for the very reason that changing shape had a tendency to ruin one’s clothes unless you had them bonded to you magically and Ginger didn’t really like that idea, meant you ended up like a cartoon character always wearing the same clothes and ended up using magic to veil yourself so people wouldn’t notice that fact. She leaned against the side of the van. Changing shape always took it out of her. Nothing much more to do other than relax and talk her way out of the situation when they drove her back to wherever they were stationed nowadays. She glanced at the door guessing that the Agency would have only improved such things since she quit so escaping really wasn’t an option anyway. Time to relax, recover and enjoy the ride.

(OK.... yesterday wiped me out so  I didn’t post anything therefore today this is the first of 2 intended Malentendu posts. Short one but..... eh. Writing is writing.

Tag time!

@yuutfa @calyptrastudios @anntarinsanitymaterialized @sleepy-and-anxious and @wordsaremylife

Grigory shook his head and traded his phone with his pocket for a pack of cigarettes and a lighter.

“What? Boyfriend not answering.” came a shaky voice from the alleyway behind him.

“No.” He lit one and took a long drag. “You finished vomiting?”

Ginger stepped onto the street and used the nearby street light as a convenient piece of support. “Yea...... maybe.”

“I did ask for you not to follow me.” He offered her the pack.

“I told you I was coming anyway. Thanks.” She took one and waited for him to light it for her.

“You do not have to be here. This is not part of what the Director asked you to do is it not?”

“Look Sam...”

“Grigory.”

“Hey if you dress like Sam Spade I’m gonna call you Sam.”

“Ok... Blondie.”

Ginger shook her head and rolled her eyes. “I am not that pretty, but thanks I guess.”

“Whatever. Why did you follow me? It is clear that portals are not your friends.”

“That?” she pointed back at the alleyway, then flicked ash off the cigarette. “Nah... that was just breakfast.”

“Breakfast?” Grigory tilted his head and looked thoughtful. “But all you had was vod..... oh... are you drunk?”

“Nope.”

He frowned. “Anyway we’re here and I am not getting an answer. Or a message in return. That is unusual.” He looked around. “No garbage cans?” The frown deepened. “Do you Americans eat your garbage?”

“Nah we mostly just throw it wherever.” said Ginger as she flicked away the cigarette butt.

“But....” He sighed. “Nevermind. That is not going to help us now.”

“Betcha that’s the place.” Ginger pointed towards a restaurant. “The Elysian Fields huh? Someone’s trying to be fancy.”

“How would you know?” asked Grigory.

“Can’t you feel that? Or smell it? Someone’s fucking with that place good style.”

Grigory focused, his eyes briefly becoming reptilian as he did so. “It would appear you are right.”

“Nice eyes.”

He immediately tugged on the brim of his hat and turned away.

Ginger held up her hands. “Sorry. Forget I said anything.”

“It is...... We cannot be sure that is what he wanted me to look into.”

“He? Giving away things there Sam.”

He sighed. “You are not helping.”

“Hey. I noticed the place. Now do you want to have a look around or what?”

He shrugged. “I guess we have nothing better to do.” He pulled out his phone again. “Let me try once more though.”

“Try it again Sam.”

...

Nikolai gave Nancy a kiss on the forehead and gave her a small glass of brandy. “Chance is like being friends with a fire, sometimes you forget she can burn you.”

Nancy smiled a little. “Thanks. I hope I didn’t overstep my bounds. I heard you guys arguing.”

“Nothing we haven’t done before. Just happens more after Pete....” He stopped.

“Yeah. She’s really hurt but doesn’t want to deal with it.”

“And now she’s mixed up in all this...” he waved his hands around. “And now so are you. I’m sorry.”

“It’s ok.”

“If only it were that easy. Still at least I now know what is happening here.”

“Oh really?” came a voice from the doorway. Nikolai looked to see two people come in. One looked like a private detective from a movie while the other was some sort of female punk rocker? Complete with spiked jacket and hair. “Don’t suppose you could tell us, well him that. I’m just here to annoy him really.”

The PI looking guy stopped. “I thought you wanted to help?”

“I did already.”

Nikolai looked confused. “Can I help you? I’m afraid we are closing early tonight, private function.”

PI guy coughed a little. “Sorry for the intrusion. I am Grigory and this is.....” He waited a moment then rolled his eyes. “This is Ginger.”

Nikolai waited. After all they had come in here.

“You would be the owner yes?” asked Grigory.

“Yes. Nikolai Eros. Welcome to The Elysian Fields. Like I said we’re closed.”

“Eros? Like the god of love?” Grigory pulled out a phone and looked at it.

“Yes.... do you have something you want? Otherwise I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

The punk lady smiled. “I want lots of stuff Mr I thought no one would catch that this place is a temple to Pan if I throw a bunch of other Greek statues around the place.”

Nikolai blinked. Nancy smirked. “Really Nik? That’s why you decorated this way?”

He didn’t answer.

“Ginger!” snapped Grigory.

“Oh don’t you get bent out of shape Mr I’m moonlighting for a mystery guy who won’t return my calls and I hope the Director doesn’t find out although he probably already knows and will blackmail my ass into doing off the books work.”

It was Grigory’s turn to be silent.

“Oh my god!” gasped Nancy. “You’re just like Chance!”

“Chance?” Ginger looked curious. “Not Chance Wolf?”

Ginger looked around as she became the center of attention.

“Shit!”

(I just can’t make things easy can I? Nah.... not my style.

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Ginger blinked and looked at the gun in the other woman’s hand. It was sleek, matte and almost all suppressor. She was either going to die or at the very least take a bullet tonight.

“Move.” The order was simple. The gun didn’t waiver.

“You know most people use the gun to point when they say things like that right?” Ginger smiled a little.

Neither the gun nor the woman moved. “Step away from the door.”

“Can’t. Orders. You know how that is right?”

“I am not going to tell you again.”

Ginger tried to control her breathing. Whoever she was she was a professional. She was maintaining distance and the barrel of the gun was trained on her at all times. “Can we talk?”

No answer.

“Come on. I’m here on orders. You’re here on orders.” Ginger hoped and prayed on that one. “Can’t we just talk this out?”

The gun was as quiet as it’s visage would suggest. Ginger felt like she’d been punched in the shoulder as she staggered slightly to her left. The woman remained impassive as she cycled the bolt on the gun. Single shot...... huh.... thought Ginger as she made the decision to fall over and let the Agency sort this mess out.

......

“She shot you!?!” Nancy’s face lost its flushed state in an instant.

“Yeah. It wasn’t personal. To be honest I’m glad she did.” Ginger mused on this for a moment before draining her glass. “I think Levi knew more than he was letting on.”

“Levi?” Nancy might have been pale but she was still enthralled.

“Yeah. He’s the Director of The Agency. You know about that?”

Nancy shook her head.

“Keep it that way. I left for a reason. The Director is fucking with things beyond his comprehension and sure as Hell they were above my pay grade.”

Nancy just blinked and took a sip of her drink.

“Go easy on that. Drunk isn’t a good state to be in.....” Ginger sighed. “Trust me.”

“Are you ok?”

“Never.”

“Can...... can I do anything?”

“Don’t worry about it.”

A voice cut through Nancy’s reply, Grigory’s. “I would worry about it.” He placed a vial of water on the table.

Ginger winced. “No fucking way!”

“Yes fucking way.” said Grigory softly. “We’re knee deep in Rakshasa.”

(And so doth the tale of Malentendu continue..... stay tuned folks.

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Chance briefly contemplated following Davidius into the invertebrate house and spending some time with Carlos and trying to forget what she’d seemingly gotten involved in. But she couldn’t, she knew she couldn’t. Nik was still out there and people weren’t playing around this time. Setan was trying to lure out the Director of The Agency for a rematch and several players were sniffing around for the twins. Better she wasn’t here. Better they weren’t here but Davidius wasn’t going anywhere so that meant nipping this in the bud, or shooting it in the head.

Carlos’s smiled only faltered a little when he spied Chance closing the door and turning away the shout of “Daddy!” from Violet and the lurch as she detached herself from his leg to run and hug the person Chance had ushered inside. Carlos settled into a smirk. He was as much their Dad as he was their Uncle. Skinny, round wire framed glasses, general nervous demeanour. Yeah. Clockmaker fit this guy to a tee. Carlos looked over at Scarlet who was fully engrossed with one of the staff as they talked to her about tarantulas and some of the other things they kept here.

“I hope they haven’t been too much bother.” Came a quiet voice.

Carlos turned to see the guy looking a little worried. He just smiled. “They are both a delight. Now that you’re here how about you take Violet to see the big cats.” He leaned down and ruffled Violet’s hair a little. “She’s not a fan of the bugs are you?”

Violet shook her head. “Uh huh.”

Carlos watched as the idea was considered, really considered. He kinda now half suspected that this guy might be clockwork himself.

“No. I’ll stay with Scarlet. It seems as if you two have been making plans to leave for a bit.”

“If you’re sure. Carlos by the way.”

“Er...... Davidius.”

“Davidius..... cool. Alright. Lets go find us some kittys!” He gave Violet a grin and quite happily led the energetic child out of the bug filled place back out into the zoo proper.

Davidius took a breath then walked over slowly to his other daughter who frowned a little as she spotted him before looking around.”

“Where are Violet and Carlos?”

“Gone to see another exhibit. Big cats I believe.”

She sighed. “Shall we go then?”

He coughed. “Do you want to?”

She tilted her head. “You want to stay here?” she gestured around. “No one wants to stay here.”

“You do.” he said softly. “And the man you were talking to seems happy to stay here.”

“He works here.” she said brusquely

He looked around at the different displays, glass windows to miniature worlds containing various insect species. “I understand. It’s ok. We can stay here as long as you need to Scarlett.”

She gave him a blank look.

He smiled softly and stooped down a little to be more on her level. “I understand why you like it here.”

“It’s hot outside and all the people are noisy!”

“This place is like you.”

She blinked and stood agape.

“People think that things in here are dangerous, like the tarantula you were looking at, or the scorpions. Or maybe they merely think they’re creepy because of how different they are. And there is truth there.” He held up a hand to stop her from speaking. “They are dangerous. The Scorpion has its stinger, the spider its fangs. And they are different. Just like you. People think you are dangerous. People don’t understand you. Miss Wolf told me about how you hid you and your sister from the people who took me away.” He paused but she didn’t interrupt, she was listening. “And different and dangerous scare people. Scared people fear things. They do not try to understand them. Here,” He gestured around. “They try to get people to understand that beauty is everywhere, in everything. In you.” He tapped her lightly on the chest with a finger. “Do I enjoy this place? Not really, but I will be here for you, so that you may enjoy it, enjoy this day out and not be forced to do what your sister wants to do. I’m sorry. I favor her because she is easier to deal with and that is wrong. I hope that you can forgive me one day, but for now let us enjoy the peace inside this place and perhaps move onto something else later. Carlos will take care of Violet and I am here for you.”

He fought back tears as Scarlett hugged him tightly and whispered. “I forgive you, Father.”

...............................

“Are you sure?” Lance gestured at the rather plain looking, rusty metal door in a rather dim alleyway.

“No, I just picked a door at random and hoped for the best.” Ginger sighed. “You’re an Idiot Lancey Boy.”

“Don’t call me that!” He snapped as he knocked on the door.

“Lancelot?” She suggested.

“Who are you and what do you want?” said the door.

“Not that either! You’re not helping Hollywood.” Lance pulled out his ID but the door cut him off.

“Hollywood? As in Ginger Hollywood DeAngelo?”

Ginger grumbled. “Ginger. I was an extra in like 3 movies max.”

“Special Agent Lance” Lance waved his ID at the door which still appeared to be rusty and closed. “I’m here to see.....” He looked back at Ginger. “Who?”

Ginger Laughed. “Nemesis, but I’ll take Zephyr if she’s here.”

Ginger grinned as the door whispered “shit!”

Lance just shook his head. “So they know you?”

“Yeah. Tried to recruit me.”

“Really? Why?”

“Because I fold napkins really well. Why the fuck do you think Agent Can’t Keep up with the Proceedings?”

“Keep your fur on Hollywood.”

“Really? Jokes are a good sign.”

“Look,” said Lance. “I get it. I’m in over my head and the Director dangled me like a piece of bait. If you turned them down do you really expect them to open up?”

Her grin widened as there were a couple of CLUNKS and the door swung outward. “You’re on the list dummy. We were getting in one way or another. This was they don’t have to pay for a new door and you’ve already ruined one suit today.”

“Fair enough.” Lance shrugged and headed inside. “So who’s Zephyr anyway?”

“Me.” came a stern voice. “This better be good.”

(And yay! Writing again! Why am I getting the feeling that we’re heading towards a Chance/Ginger team up at some point??

Anyway Taglist. @yuutfa @sleepy-and-anxious @wordsaremylife @anntarinsanitymaterialized thanks for being fans of the mess of words that I pour out onto the internet at random moments.

AND TO ALL YOU WRITERS!!!!!

Lance looked at the fallen attackers, some dead, some not. “This is about Paris?”

Ginger smirked. “Not this. This is petty revenge disguised as making a statement.”

“Petty? I just killed 3 people.”

“Oh. Were we supposed to be keeping score.” Ginger patted down one of the bodies.

“You’re not going to find ID Hollywood. Can’t believe you were ever part of The Agency.”

Ginger rolled her eyes and came up with a pack of cigarettes. “Don’t need ID Agent Dunce. Werewolf remember.”

Lance just waved her off. “You’ve been following me for how long?”

She shrugged and lit a cigarette, taking a long drag before answering. “Long enough that I need a drink.”

“The Director let you drink on the job?”

“Director only cares about results. Haven’t you figured that out yet?”

Lance tried to adjust his suit and just ended up tossing his jacket away. “He cares. Said he’s burned some bridges to cut off this fire.”

“Levi says a lot of things. You know why he sent you after me?”

“I was the one who picked you up at the restaurant. No sense briefing someone else on the ex agent causing a mess.”

She shook her head and laughed. “You really are ‘the best of us’ aren’t you?” she said making the quotes with her fingers.

“Fuck you Hollywood. At least I take this seriously. I’ve read your file.”

“Cool. I haven’t. Does it say why I quit?”

Lance rubbed his chin. “No. It says you were discharged over failing to follow orders and that considering your past performances there was no disciplinary action taken. You got out clean, sort of.”

“Ha. I left because of Agent Smith.”

“The One word Bandit? What? He talk too much for you?”

“Holy shit!” Ginger flicked away the cigarette and lit another. “Holy fucking shit!”

“What? And those things will kill you, never mind all the drinking.”

“Werewolf.”

“So?”

“You really are all kept in the dark aren’t you? No wonder the Cheshire got out. Probably saw all the same problems I did.”

“What are you talking about Hollywood?”

“Lots of things. The Director sent you after me because you’re on the List.”

“Yeah. So what?”

“So you’re Iron Man and I’m Captain America. Cool.”

Lance threw his hands up into the air. “What the fuck are you on about?”

“Doesn’t read, doesn’t see, just blindly follows the orders. Fuck you Levi. Anyone else. Would have taken anyone else. Especially since it seems the snake is a snake. Fucking stereotype.”

Lance shook his head. “Look, you lost me. Can we start over?”

Ginger shook her head. “Can’t do Tony we go places to go.”

“Tony?”

“Really? Do you even follow the conversation that you’re in or are you so preprogrammed to follow orders nothing else matters?”

“Look. I just got jumped by a half dozen guys. I don’t like using my abilities this way but if I have to, I will. I’m an Agent. I keep people safe from people like me who feel they can just use their power however they want. Life’s gotten harder since New York that is for sure, but I gotta do what I can to keep the peace. IF that means working with you, so be it. What the fuck are we doing?”

“Well I hope you’re up for more cos where I plan to go they’re not going to take kindly to an Agent strolling in.”

“And where is that?”

“Nemesis.”

(Yay Writing! Taglist:

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“You know Chance?” Nancy beamed.

“Yeah.... Although I ain’t gonna be smiling about that fact like you are.” Ginger sighed.

Nikolai waved his hands around. “Out! Leave, both of you!”

Grigory took a step closer to him. “I want to look around.”

“No. I want you gone.”

“Look goat man someone’s fucking up your shrine here. Let us help. Get it cleared up faster.” Ginger snapped.

Nikolai held his hands up defensively. “I don’t want any trouble.”

“Comrade, it has already found you.” said Grigory sadly. “Let us look around together, leave the girls to talk.”

“Girls?” said Ginger. “Watch it Snake man or I’ll tie you in knots.”

Grigory put an arm around Nikolai’s shoulders. “Please. Let us help.”

“You mean you. Your girlfriend doesn’t seem like she wants to help.”

Ginger took a deep breath but decided not to say anything.

Nancy shifted in her seat watching this unfold. “So.... how do you know Chance?”

Ginger watched the two men walk towards the kitchen talking to each other in low tones. “I should...... What? Chance? Any chance I could get a bourbon while I talk?” she grinned.

Nancy looked thoughtful then shrugged and headed to the bar. “Sure, why not? Seems like you don’t like Chance much.”

“Ah... professional differences.”

“Oh?” Nancy put a couple of ice cubes in a glass and poured a generous measure of bourbon on top.

“Yeah. You’re mundane aren’t you?”

Nancy looked down. “Yeah.” she said quietly.

Ginger frowned. “Hey, that’s not a bad thing. You seem like a decent person. That’s what matters.”

“How can you tell? You only just met me.”

“You led with a smile and were uncomfortable with the slight arguing. I bet you want us to help your boyfriend and his restaurant but are maybe just a little too timid to confront someone like me.” Ginger grinned and motioned to her clothing and hair. “I do look intimidating.”

Nancy flushed. “He’s..... a friend.”

Ginger leaned in and whispered. “Werewolf. Supernatural senses.”

Nancy turned even redder.

Ginger grinned. “Hey don’t worry about it. Who you’re sleeping with doesn’t matter as long as you are both being respectful and kind to one another.”

“T-t-thanks.....” Nancy poured herself a neat glass of the bourbon.

Ginger smirked and took a sip of her own. “So you want to know more about Chance Wolf?”

Nancy nodded before downing the bourbon.

“That’s not going to make you look any less red. Oh.... you got a name we never got introduced did we?”

“Nancy.”

“Nancy.... ok. Ginger.”

“So that is your name not just some nickname?”

“Sure is. Named in honor of my dad.”

Nancy looked confused. “Your dad?”

“Ah... now do you want that story or the Chance one?”

It was Nancy’s turn to smirk. “Both.”

Ginger laughed. “I like you. Sure. Bring the bottle. Let’s chat.”

They headed to a corner table and briefly caught sight of Nikolai and Grigory deep in conversation.

“Hope you guys can help.” said Nancy.

“This been going on long?”

“Couple of weeks.”

“Wow... boyfriend just in a funk or something? This whole mess is pretty noticeable to me.”

Nancy shrugged. “So Ginger, because of your Dad?”

“Yeah. So Mom’s Korean and Dad’s Italian American right, so he wants to impress her by learning things. He hears about Ginseng and how it’s good for you so starts to learn about it so he can cook with it and stuff like that.” She paused to take a drink. Nancy just puts her chin in her hand and sits enraptured and slightly flushed. Ginger grins and continues. “And he wants to get like the proper stuff so he goes to a market, bear in mind that his language skills aren’t the best but he tries, plus his accent and he ends up buying ginger and thinking it’s ginseng.”

“Oh....”

“Yeah. He prepares something for Mom and her family and they figure out what went on and they never stop giving him shit about it after that.”

“So you’re called Ginger because?”

“He died shortly after getting Mom pregnant with me. Don’t think it helped her much though.” Ginger sighed. “Thought about getting it changed several times.”

Nancy put a hand over her mouth. “I’m.... I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

Ginger shrugged. “That’s right. You didn’t know, it’s why you asked. If I didn’t want to talk about it I wouldn’t have answered. Don’t feel bad.”

“O-Ok.”

“Now about Chance.”

“Yeah?” Nancy leaned forward after pouring them both more bourbon.

“Well the first time we met she shot me.....”

(And the annoying goat is doing that cliffhanger thing again.....

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