Acension city

[Rayleonarde]

Ronnie spotted Acon, and forced his huge frame through the crowds. After a few moments, he sat down across from her. "Well, what's up alley-cat?"

[Aconitum]

Acon turned glassy eyes to Ronnie and shook her head. "Why are you doing this to me? We practically grew up together. Ronnie, please just tell me why."

[Rayleonarde]

Ronnie shrugged. "Unlike Ray, I don't trade up family, A.  If Herman pays Ray's bounty, which is pretty damn substantial, we'll return him. Elseways...well...I'll have a new punching bag."

[Aconitum]

"Family? Ronnie, you cut one of his f**king fingers off." Acon ran a paw through her hair. "Ronnie, please. I'll do anything. Just say the word and I'll come home with you. I just don't want you to hurt him anymore."

[Rayleonarde]

Ronnie shook his head. "I'm sorry, Acon.  It's a tempting offer, but unless his price get's paid, my paws are tied."

[Aconitum]

"You know Herman isn't going to pay that bounty. He wouldn't even do it for me. Ronnie just... what are my options? There has to be something else."

[Rayleonarde]

Ronnie shrugged. "I don't know. The Society knows what they want, and right now, they either want Ray, or money." He sighed. "I'm sorry." As he stood to leave, he blinked, and sat back down. "Wait...wait...Look, you didn't hear this from me, but you cold talk to Giovanni. He might help you out, cut you a deal. He's not a big fan of Herman, so don't let him know your his kid, alright." He stood, and patted her shoulder. "I'm sorry, but that's just how it is." Ronnie walked out, and got back in his Mercedes, burned out in the parking lot, and pulled away.

[Aconitum]

When Ronnie pat her shoulder, Acon had taken his wallet and phone right out of his back pocket. She leafed through all his cards and took the money out of it as well. She found a very small crumpled paper jammed into the bottom of one of the wallets many pockets. On it was a faint phone number. She wondered if this was Giovanni. She hacked into Ronnie's phone and found the contact that confirmed her suspicion. She called the number on her own phone and waited for an answer.

[Rayleonarde]

A gruff, older voice spoke up from the other end of the phone. "Speak." Ray could be heard, yelling weakly at his kidnappers.

[Aconitum]

"Hello, Giovanni? This is Aconitum. A little bird told me you have Rayleonarde and is taking bounty for him. Is that correct?" She asked in a business like manner.

[Rayleonarde]

Giovanni chuckled. "That's right, little Aconitum. Why do you ask." He wondered how this no-named woman got a hold of information like that.

[Aconitum]

Acon chuckled in a knowing way. "Well, I'd like to propose a deal with you. A half way point in agreement so to speak."

[Rayleonarde]

Giovanni rubbed his chin. "Mmm...Go on." He wondered what kind of hand this woman held.

[Aconitum]

"I would like to trade Rayleonarde with something equal his value if not better." She proposed.

[Rayleonarde]

Giovanni chuckled. "Hm. And what would that be?" A few voices carry over the phone, and Giovanni spoke. "No. We need him alive, and in a decent condition. Buyers don't want a broken toy, right?"