A Grand Soiree [Open to anyone with potential business at the NYC branch of the Hellfire Club]

[ngm_hellfire]

"There hasn't been a party like this in years at this location, has there?" Sebastian turned towards Tessa, or rather, the clone of her that Essex had made for him. It was true, though, there was an energy in the old place that hadn't been seen ever since before he died for the first time. They didn't know yet, that he would take this moment to make his reemegence into the public eye, but there were rumours that there would be a grand surprise.

"No, sir. Attendance at the New York branch's soirees has been declining for some years." Tessa replied crisply. He wondered, vaguely, what the original Tessa would think of this pitch-perfect copy of her. As for Tessa's part, she was aware of Sage's existence and regarded it as nothing more than a vague curiosity.

Sebastian continued to watch guests filing in through the cameras at the command centre he'd installed some years ago beneath the halls of the Hellfire Club.

"What about my would-be heirs?" Sebastian spoke with a faint sneer. Disappointing as they were in many ways, they were his family. His legacy. They would have to do. He couldn't have another Shinobi on his hands.

"I expect they will both attend. I've spotted Stephanie, but but Alistaire as of yet." Tessa replied again.

"Good. And others have been invited too. The Braddock and the Worthington girls." Sebastian turned again towards the monitors. "Keep a close eye on the witch, would you? I won't have her ruining my night."

"Yes, sir."

Sebastian lifted a glass of fine whisky to his lips and took a slow sip, watching the event unfolding before him. A grand collection of the finest of New York society. A fine audience for him to emerge before, like the phoenix.

Comments

[light_as_a_rock]

Eva noticed the change in the timbre and mood of the music, but the identity of the man playing the piano didn't register with her. Of course, she would know his name, but she'd never met Nathaniel Essex in person before.

Perhaps she should have paid closer attention to those classes at Xavier's.

[ngm_hellfire]

The music continued for a few minutes, before Essex stepped off of the podium without piano and the ordinary piano player was allowed to step back up, slightly flustered by all appearances, though it was really terror. He moved down and walked towards Eva.

"It is good to see you here, Miss Worthington." He offered his hand to shake. "The Hellfire Club's name seems to be finally restoring itself. Mr. Shaw's untimely demise was such a blow to New York's fortunes."

Essex spoke with pitch-perfect Received Pronunciation, though there was something slightly archaic about his accent.

[light_as_a_rock]

Eva had her own opinion about Mr. Shaw's untimely demise, but she kept it to herself. Grandma Guthrie always did say 'If you can't say something nice...'

"Yes, his family surely must miss him."

She cut herself off before she could say 'bless his heart'.

She took the proffered hand and shook. "Thank you. Ah don't believe we have met, Mr...?"

[ngm_hellfire]

"Doctor." Essex corrected gently, taking her hand. "Arnold Bocklin. I'm a scientist on the staff at Shaw Industries. Genetics." His grip was firm, but not crushing like it could have been, his flesh cool but not icy cold like it would be if he'd been using his natural form.

"I'm certain that they do. Of course, you probably know Stephanie better than I do. She's always been more interested in the electronics and defence industries."

[light_as_a_rock]

A small, cold shudder ran up Eva's spine at the mention of genetics. She couldn't imagine why, of course Shaw had interests in pharmaceuticals and the medical industry, Worthington did too.

"Ah'm sorry, there must be a draft in here. Pleased to meet you, Dr. Bocklin. Ah believe Ah saw Stephanie earlier, with her fiancee, but Ah haven't had a chance to talk to her tonight. There are so many people here tonight."

[ngm_hellfire]

"Of course. It's quite an impressive guestlist, isn't it?" Essex noted with a faint smile. He laughed slightly dryly. "I should probably leave you to mingle. I've no doubt created enough trouble taking over that piano."

There was something faintly offputting about the laugh.

Sinister, even.