Mysterious call of Barbados [Kozue | Saga]

Honestly, he was just hanging out at a bar, enjoying his drink while enjoying the company of his peers. Not a bad day, not a bad day at all, especially since they had a live performance that took him by surprise. At first, he thought it was going to be a real trashy, boring, talent-less band, but he wasn't about to knock em' off the stage with a series of boo's if these guys were any good. They were actually talented as hell and knew their stuff, a true breath of fresh air if you asked him! As he was on the verge of getting lost with the vocals and sweet tunes, he heard his phone go off and saw exactly who was calling him.

It was loud enough to have his conversation obscured if anything, but when he swiped the phone to turn it on...before he could so much as get out a hello, he heard her voice. Of all the conversations they had, various inflections and cues...he knew this was urgent as hell. Whatever it was, shit was about to get real. "You got it, see ya in a bit." Keep it short, keep it sweet, discuss this shit in person and get all the details then.

Disconnecting the call, he made arrangements to get himself at a convenient place near the airport where they could walk if they so wished. Sending her the location of their meeting place, it was a hella sketchy cafe that was definitely tied to some criminal activity for damn sure. Knowing Cissy, she probably had connections with some of the folks or at least the owner. Finding a table, he plugged in an order for drinks and a pair of bagels, nothing too big since he wasn't sure if they'd be in a rush or not. Then when she arrived, he motioned his hand toward a seat just for for her "So, what's shakin'..."

Well holy shit! It sounded like his partner was having it rough...something definitely didn't sit well with him the more she spoke. Yeah, sure, he didn't know her whole life story, but her body language, the words she chose and tone? Not good, none of it was anything that would end well and he wasn't going to let her head to that goddamn airport by herself. Especially since if he took her words for the absolute truth, whoever was there probably wanted her as dead as she thought. Good thing he always carried a freaking flute to dodge the suspicion bullet and self defense. They could try luring this suspicious bastard away and figure out what their deal was and axe em' if needed.

"Ya shouldn't trust this, not one bit...I'll join ya since ya know, buddy system works. 'Specially if ya got people who want you dead." There was no sugar coating that turd of truth he had to drop just then. Crossing his arms, he tilt his head while leaning back into the couch. Resting his gaze upon the table where the fresh scratches upon the table reside, he was pretty sure she'd be keen on the idea. Yet, there was always the chance that she'd also want to handle it on her own and merely wanted to vent her frustrations first. Hopefully she would just agree with him and make things way easier...

Taking in a deep breath, he wasn't sure what to do or how to help her exactly since god fucking damn it...she had a solid point. If she were to cross both aspects of her lives together, she was going to raise red flags and screw herself over big time. Plus, it's not like he could go ahead and disguise himself with ease to avoid getting her in trouble. One look in the mirror and a challenging effort and attempt to make himself blend in easily was a rough task...namely in regards to her political seat among the crowd.

There had to be something he could do...but the question was what?

High security and all that jazz wasn't his main dance floor, that's for damn sure! Though admittedly...its been feeling like he has an easier time navigating through his phone and computer. That shit was kinda freaky, but he tried not to pay much mind to it. Well for sure he knew he could cause a blackout in a pinch...but would that be enough to sneak by? Eh, normally he was more cautious, but fuck it, she was in danger and she could also buy this place up and shut any eaves droppers right on up. "How 'bout I cause the power to go out? Even if they got a generator, we'll have a window of time for me to sneak in and be right around the corner if ya need me...hell, if we're lucky, might even fry some devices.

That was the only thing he could really think of at the top of his head...

With a slight nod, simply affirmed that he got what she was gearing toward...at least he was vague enough about what they were talking about rather than talking about an entire airport or something. The unfortunate thing is he'd have to be quick, no...they would have to be quick. Taking off his gloves for a moment to make it look like he was airing them out before reaching into his pocket, he focused his mind on any and all cameras within the proper radius around the pair. Keeping it locked in his head, cameras, any and all of those would shut off the moment he pulled some coins out of his pocket, counting them out on his palm for a moment. Almost like he was checking if he had enough yen to hit up a vending machine or some such nonsense.

Maybe that's what she meant for here, who knows, but it was such a small detail that people wouldn't notice until later. "There we go...so I ain't gonna make you no guarantees on such a high demand...that might be outta my league depending on how much I gotta tweak...but ey...I can try." Sliding his change right back into his pocket with a sigh, this really wasn't an ideal predicament on such short notice. It wasn't the answer he wanted to give, but it was the one he had... "My speed's more grab n' go...so best I can offer ya is I do just that, grab the recordings an' mess around with it here n' there so it makes you look good." There was one more thing of concern...

"Ya got at least one more person we can count on in a pinch that won't raise any'ah them red flags?" It was worth asking since if they had one other person, he was thinking they could stick near Narcissa while he handles the video evidence...

Listening to her fall and flutter into a sense of panic, he needed to figure things out, a different plan. Preferrable something that wasn't as convoluted or--wait...he had some contracts with the airport open, didn't he? Taking out his phone and turning it on, he was quick to unlock the screen and immediately brought up a few things, checking his schedules for open contracts and accounts. "Bingo." Muttering that single word beneath his breath as though it was the introduction to a sense of victory. Locking the screen and sliding the phone back into his pocket, he brought out his wallet and sifted through a few cards.

Perfect...he had his credentials to get through to do his record work, and they did highlight in the fine print of the agreed contract that he could come at his leisure every few months to maintain and manage records. Who would have thought the day would come where he could finally use one or two of the legitimate jobs he had over here at the airport? "Ya know what? Being a contractor comes in handy...I'll just go with ya..." To think he was gonna check on his airport jobs earlier on this month, but decided to put it off!

Everything worked out nicely thanks to a dash of procrastination right then and there, that's for sure! "I got some jobs waitin' for me over there an' I gotta go through the security check point anyway..." The layout would allow him to walk with her, then if something happened...his card had access to the security room since that's where they kept some of the files. Hard to do your job if you don't have access to the area you're supposed to work in, right? "I have enough access t'make things a little easier, good thing I put it off due to the whole zombie invasion thing...so now...we got ourselves a plan that works out in your favor."

Throwing some money on the table, he put his wallet away and figured things were gonna work out smooth enough. It wasn't the perfect plan, he wasn't that cocky, but it sure as hell was a step up from what he thought of before!

Nodding to affirm that it was definitely the plan, that he'd just follow along to be another set of eyes and at least either help her himself, or get help as long as he was around. That was all he could do in a pinch...sucked like hell, but he normally preferred more prep time than just a spin on the dime like this. "I gotta waltz through security when I work there, just like erryone else. Heh, save for the fact my body gives em' some trouble with th'quipment, so it takes a hot second n' all that crap." With a half shrug he truly hoped that things would work out, even a little. Whoever was doing something so last minute was hella suspicious tot he man constantly mistaken for a robot, nothing sit well with him...not a damn thing. When Narcissa unloaded a truckload of thanks, he actually had a thoughtful grin across his lips.

"Ey, what kinda partner would I be if I didn't use my resources t'help ya in a pinch? A bad one, that's what!" Finishing those words with a wink, a soft chuckle rumbled about in his throat as the left soon after she was all set and ready to roll.

Due to their two very different positions in society, he needed to make sure that he kept a casual distance from her, not too close but not too far away. Keeping her in his sights as casually as possible. Thankfully, his pupils weren't easy to see, so it was hard for folks to tell what he was looking at. Like a man playing poker to win with the right bluff, he had to sell the way he carried himself too. Some of the security folks working recognized him and he just casually chit chatted away as they went through the motions of pain in the ass security checks. Of course, he got a faster line since he flashed his badge for showing he had all the proper approvals and okays to get in certain areas for his jobs here. Protocol and what not, same ol' song and dance if ya asked him!

Thank goodness he was so damn friendly with everyone since he was able to just chat with some of the workers since...yeeeaaah she seemed to be going in an area that might be a bit suspicious if he showed up, but he needed to stick around. In case shit the fan, at least he'd have an alibi for being so close by and someone else who was in the area, all about the long con, so to speak. Real casual stuff like how the guy's kids were and what his one college kid was lining up for themselves after getting their diploma or whatever. Thankfully, damn, everyone knew he was a chatterbox at any given opportunity!

Being on his own schedule and time for these jobs worked out nicely, this meant he had flexibility and that was clear as day in the contract without any effort to conceal them in fine print. Kozue Ito may not have had a reputation in the realm and roads of villainy outside of developing suits that work with quirks better than normal clothes while looking good, but he did have a reputation when it came to records management. Accurate, efficient, friendly to work with and essentially a dream come true to those who would employ him. So it wasn't remotely suspicious when a guy as friendly and chatty as himself was hanging out and talking to the security guard. "So ya got a new puppy for the kids too, Suzuki-san?"

"Yeah, the girls were getting sad about their brother not visiting during break this year, so we figured it was about time we get them a puppy..." Tai Suzuki over here had been around the block for a while, a family man who did his best to keep things together and have a salary to make the wife happy. Though the metallic man was disappointed as Narcissa took herself out of the picture, yet he kept his composure...he needed to keep himself around during her entire meeting or whatever it was going on there. "That so? What kinda puppy?" "A corgi, the girls were always such a huge fan of them so we figured why not!" Shiiiiiiit, what the hell was going on in that damn room?! No matter how chummy he was with people, there was no way he could bullshit his way into the area where she was!

Especially because, you know, she had government ties and all that good crap...so of course there would be extra security...fuckin' hell. "I hear they're pretty damn smart! 'Bet it was real easy ta pad train the lil' guy!" Grinning as he crossed his arms over his chest, Suzuki-san couldn't help but laugh and fan his hand, "Oh no no, we got a spunky little thing! Knows how to use the pad, but thinks he runs the place since no one's seen as the alpha yet!" "Pfff! Well ya guys'll fi--ey, ya good?" There was something that caught the two off guard as Suzuki-san touched his ear piece and looked directly toward the direction of the very room as the friendliness washed away from the guard's features. "I got a situation, Ito-san, we'll talk more later after work."

Before he could say good bye, the man rushed off to do his job and Kozue looked worried as hell...a genuine concern because what the hell was going on. There was no way he could intervene and with the security piling up, he figured it was better to clear the area since it wouldn't help Narcissa one bit if he chased after her. She wanted him to prep the evidence if things went south...so that's exactly what he would do. Heading off to the security room at the usual pace, doing his best to blend in with the crowd by following his usual path and routine. Once he got into the room, he glanced over the cameras and goddamn he was lucky today since there was another familiar face here that enjoyed his company. "...Ey, can ya check on Suzuki-san, Kondo-san? Didn't get good vibes 'bout his tone...and some real sketchy stuff seemed to be going on..."

Suzuki was known for being such a positive and warm guy, so when Izumi Kondo heard about that, he looked a bit grim... "What? Shit...yeah, I'll be back in a bit..." With how long they'd known each other, he knew it'd be fine to leave him in the room for a bit to do his job. The guy had security clearance to get in here and had permission to be without supervision, so it was fine in Kondo's book. Without missing another beat, he got up and headed on out...almost like he saw a ghost since on the cameras, he caught a glimpse of something that didn't sit well with him. The problem was they didn't have good audio quality...so it was hard to make out what the two in that room were talking about to begin with! Stupid ass people not fixing this shit, go figure it's all messed up when something bad happens, right?!

Kozue took a deep breath and acted as though he was doing his job, keeping his mind focused on the cameras in his room, he knew where they were...he'd walked in here dozens of times...so he didn't have to look around for them. But as he began carefully organizing files and taking care of business, he lightly tapped against the metal cabinet discretely as the cameras within the room he was in fizzled out, carrying on just long enough so that it would look like he was just doing his work. Nothing suspicious here! Or at least that's what the evidence would say, especially since it was a good while after the guy left and on top of that, they were trying to get their equipment updated and replaced, so there was evidence of that as well.

Another thing he was damn well aware of because guess who had to file those receipts and documents?

This guuuuuuuuuuuy, Kozue Ito!

So he quickly spun on his heel and headed over to the control panel...it...it was fucking weird because it was feeling a little...easier to navigate through the computer? It felt a bit easier than usual to handle this objective which was fuck with the evidence to tilt things in Narcissa's favor. Moving quickly, he modified the footage, corrupting or removing whatever made her look guilty, fixing it up so that she'd look more like a victim! Once that was all done, he set everything back to make it look like nothing had been touched or fussed with paying close attention to detail, then headed back to his files and got back to his contracted work, picking up the pace so that his side of the story was going to match up.

Fuck...hopefully the security team had Narcissa's back, cause he sure as hell couldn't right now...