Rag-A-Muffin
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People usually assume that I'm daddy's helpless little girl, but I can handle myself.
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Post by Asami Sato on Jul 17, 2017 12:38:12 GMT -6
Asami's father Hiroshi had gotten himself into debt before he died. Serious massive debt that was absolutely crippling. Perhaps he thought he would have won his way out of it by gambling or that the family speakeasy would have made big bucks. Only he never bet right and always lost big. That didn't stop him from wagering even more the next time, when he could have taken the safe bet that would assure his winning. Instead, he got an early grave. The debt then went to Asami to pay off. Once a month she came into Sykes' office to pay the two men.
It left her with a nervous jitter and a tendency to look over her shoulder for days after because what if they decided she wasn't paying back the money fast enough or that they decided to up the cost. Cruella paid well. Under normal circumstances, she might have even have been living in a better part of town. Instead, she was in the worst, barely able to get by, living off the cheapest of things and wearing old hand-me-downs and praying her shoes lasted through the winter.
She took a deep breath and knocked on the office door. She had learned a long time ago she couldn't let people see how they hurt her. An impassive expression was drawn on her face. If she were lucky, she could get in and get out just as quickly. She had to drop off the money, let them count it and go. Unfortunately, things were never simple, not for her. She hated the fact that her father owed so much money. Even worst he kept it secret so when the debt did fall to her, it caught her entirely off guard.
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Rag-A-Muffin
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"Handsome fighters never lose battles."
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Post by Jackson Reed on Jul 17, 2017 14:20:56 GMT -6
Jack would be lying if he said he did not enjoy coming around to Sykes' office. Thaddeus Sykes was not a man to be trifled with at all, and with a reputation like he had, it was completely understandable. He lured people into a fake guise of security and comfort with a friendly smile and a playful demeanor, but all too soon people were bound to find out he was not really kidding when he said he really respected the payment deadlines. Not only was he incredibly big, but Sykes was fast for a guy of his body mass. Having witnessed him handle a particularly weak client, Jack learned Sykes could snap one's neck as fast as the eye could blink. If that failed, there were always Roscoe and DeSoto, the two dobermen that never left their master's sight. Yes, truly, Thaddeus Sykes was anything but a guy to play around with. That was probably why Jack liked working with him so much.
Jackson Reed was not particularly brilliant in terms of his long term plans. If anything, the boxing celebrity liked to live on the edge and act on his gut and survival instict, as it was what got him far in life. From a runt on the streets to the rich man he was now, he had fought his way through life, often with his fists and forehead. When it came to business, however, he needed someone to think for him, and boy, did Sykes do wonders for him. The guy was as ruthless as Jack was, but had this aura of control and intelligence that allowed him to conduct the paperwork and the more detailed aspects of his life. Jack did the fighting, Sykes brought the money in, and boy; it had worked out gloriously.
Their professions were tied to one another, even when it transitioned from the ring to the alleys. Sykes did such a good job managing Jack's image and keeping him away from trouble that Jack could not help repaying the favor in his own, special way. Whenever his good old manager had a particularly poor client who could not bring himself to show up, Jack was allowed to have his fair share of fun. Much like a hunting dog, Jack felt excited when he was sent to intimidate, extort or even take out the poor fools who did not pay up or ended up aggravating Sykes. He could say it was 'just good business', but in truth, it was just exciting for him to do so. Most of the times, he barely bothered about concealing his identity, for he knew the law in Gatsberry was practically a charade. Sykes would keep him safe, and if that failed, he could always ask Korso for a little favor. The Don was a friend of his friends, and Jack knew he liked what he could give him.
He was sitting on the desk of Sykes, rubbing the back of the head of Roscoe with a mischievous grin as he enjoyed the large dog's reactions to his petting. These little beasts were so like him in many ways, raised to fight and kill and always waiting to be unleashed. When the order was given, hell would break loose for sure. With Sykes close to him, Jack was having his fun reporting about his day, even if it was mainly irrelevant for the time being. "...so then the guy comes back and says he wants another go. And I don't really mind and just flat out give it to him. The guy ends up lying on the floor twitching and shit, you can even spot some teeth lying around. Looks like a freak, I mean what the hell, right?" he asked with a grin before his focus was broken by the door to the office opening.
Turning his gaze to the office's entrance, Jack's curiosity was quickly replaced by a look of amusement and excitement when he saw who had come in. He had seen this one before, her face being one he would not forget. Asami Sato was a pretty lady indeed, a gorgeous asian beauty he would not pass up an opportunity to play with when he had the chance. Heavens knew he had his own fair share of fun with two particular people responsible for her predicament. Truly, owing money to someone like Sykes was not something Jack would recomend to anyone who hoped to live a long and happy life. If anything, Asami seemed to have nothing to work with and barely kept up with her debts. Such dramatic irony was one that Jack should empathize with, having grown in misery, and yet...the empathy never came. He felt only...amused at having someone at their mercy like this.
The short instances of silence were broken by a whistle escaping Jack's lips, as he eyed the girl up and down as if stalking a prey with his eyes. Yes, this was going to be fun. "Well look who it is. I haven't seen you for a while, babe. Came to pay up, or are you just missing me?"
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Rag-A-Muffin
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If you want to earn my loyalty, then you have to offer yours in return.
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Post by Thaddeus Sykes on Jul 17, 2017 18:14:12 GMT -6
Sykes was a serious business man, if you needed something from him, you'd have to pay in return. If you could not keep your promise to him, then, you're shit out of luck. When money was due to him, he expected you to come with it that day. He didn't care if you had a family or a wife or you just had personal problems. He was brutal but, hey, it's just business, right? He was sitting in his office as he usually does with the company of his good friend, Jackson Reed. You could say he took the guy under his wing and made him a star. Jack was a funny guy, didn't give a shit about nothin', wouldn't even think twice about hurting your feelings. Man, god help the next guy who pisses him off. That's what Sykes liked about him. He was so blunt and headstrong. Sykes knew he would make a great client, and he hasn't been disappointed.
" ...so then the guy comes back and says he wants another go. And I don't really mind and just flat out give it to him. The guy ends up lying on the floor twitching and shit, you can even spot some teeth lying around. Looks like a freak, I mean what the hell, right? "
Sykes smirked some. Jack would always talk about the fights he had or what he did to the clients that had disappointed him. He enjoyed it and found entertainment from it. He gently started to pet DeSoto who was sitting beside his chair and peaked at him, " Poor fucker, should have just took the loss and went home. You're the best, Jack. I don't think anyone could beat you, honestly. " He snorted and shook his head. The men who face Jack did not come out without something being fucked up. He was a pro at what he was and always made him proud.
There was a knock at the door and his attention went straight to it. He was expecting the girl named, Asami Soto. He's had some trouble with her father and ever since he died, she was stuck with his debt to him. He saw here there and smirked, hearing Jack of course try to tease with her, which caused a slight chuckle. " Glad you made it, to think I didn't expect you to come. " He reached in his pocket and grabbed a cigar, lighting it and puffed some. He smirked at the girl and motioned her to come in, " Come on, sit. Have something to drink. " He gave a look to a guard standing there and he immediately got them a couple glasses and a bottle of Scotch. He leaned closer to the desk some, folding his hands together as his cigar was between his teeth. " So, doll... Do you have my money? "
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Rag-A-Muffin
25
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People usually assume that I'm daddy's helpless little girl, but I can handle myself.
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Post by Asami Sato on Jul 17, 2017 20:46:49 GMT -6
Asami slowly stepped into the room. She felt like a lamb being led into the slaughter. She held her bag a little tighter, but did as Sykes asked and took a seat. She hadn't had much of a choice in coming. She might have voiced it, but the men were dangerous. Even she knew better to give into Jackson's taunts or to smart off about how she would rather be anywhere else than in that office. It was like playing with fire. She preferred life too much to taunt these two devils wearing human skins.
"I have the money."
She had to sell the house to do it. And the car, almost every piece of furniture she had except for a bed which was now in her rat hole apartment and whatever else that wasn't nailed to the floorboards of her old life. Including the title to her father's speakeasy to some idiot who then ran it into the ground or was run out of business. She hadn't bothered to pay attention to that. Even the family dog was given up to a new home - on a farm (really, he was working on a farm and not killed). She had still come up a little short, but had enough to cover most of the debt. She only hoped it would be enough to satisfy the loan shark enough to buy her time to get more money.
She set the bag in her lap, keeping both hands on it. The only way it was leaving her was if it went straight to Sykes, not to Jackson. He might try and 'take his cut' or something equally ridiculous. These men lived off of her debt to Sykes. They would do anything to keep her under their thumb as long as she kept coming back with more and more cash. She took slow, controlled breaths to ease her nerves. Two dangerous men, along with two equally vicious dogs. And here Cruella thought she was a boring little mouse.
If she were truly honest, she hated her father for what he had done. Hated that he never thought to tell her or her mother. Hated that he got killed for stupid pride. If he had only stopped to think instead of gambled everything the family had, then he might still have been there. Instead, she was in with two loan sharks, holding a bag of cash, jewels and golden heirlooms. The gold and jewels were too hard for her to try and fence all at once. The pawn shop owners never would have given her true market value for diamonds or gold. But it could be easier for someone like Sykes. No one would bat an eye if he did it.
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Rag-A-Muffin
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"Handsome fighters never lose battles."
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Post by Jackson Reed on Jul 18, 2017 3:47:18 GMT -6
Jack placed one of his legs above the other, his hands now gripping the edges of the table while he eyed the young lady motioning closer to him and Sykes, the bag of money immediately getting his attention. Lord knew he adored getting paid, and the sight of the green was probably his favorite thing in the world, second only to actually holding it and spending it. There was an aura of hesitance and tension plastered in each and every one of Asami's actions, from her tense facial expression to how stiff she moved towards them, even to how her breathing seemed artificial. She was scared alright, which was entirely understandable. It didn't take a bright one to figure out that Jackson Reed and Thaddeus Sykes were not people to take lightly. The seemingly affable words thrown at her were in fact taunts, and she had been paying them for long enough to figure out that there were no amicable feelings among them. She was a poor soul who owed Sykes money, which, in a way, made her Sykes' property; a fact that Jack had his fair share of fun reminding her of.
"Would you look at that, Teddy?" he asked to his old colleague, a grin now slitting his lips while he tilted his head to the side to eye Sykes, mischief in his stare while he now talked about the girl as if she was not even there. "I think someone's feeling a little defensive tonight. The pet didn't even say anything to me...probably thinks I bite..." he then continued, turning his glance back at Asami at this last part of his words, his eyes now narrowed as if he was staring at a little lamb that had flocked its way too far away from its herd. "Do you think I bite, pretty?"
Tapping his fingers on the desk, Jack eventually hopped off the wooden structure, standing tall right next to the girl as he leaned in closer to her. He had a particular fascination about this one, her oriental traits standing out and making her feel particularly pretty next to most females he usually played with. He liked difference and diversity, and this one was pretty in how different she looked. By now, he was sure she could feel his breath right next to her ear, even if she could not spot the large grin that was now plastered on his lips. "How about you show us what you got, eh?" he whispered right next to her ear, standing there for a short ammount of seconds before chuckling softly and taking a step so he'd be behind her, his hands now slowly moving up her arms until they held her shoulders. "Oh...and take a seat, please." he finished with a malicious tone as he applied just a small ounce of pressure to force her down on the chair in front of Sykes' desk. "We don't want you running off. You're our guest."
Grinning, Jack finally moved back, hands on his pockets when he made his way around Sykes' desk so that he'd be standing right next to his associate, his gaze still focused on Asami while the low growls of the doberman only heightened his sense of hunting.
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Rag-A-Muffin
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If you want to earn my loyalty, then you have to offer yours in return.
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Post by Thaddeus Sykes on Jul 18, 2017 13:38:54 GMT -6
Sykes always was aggressive when it came to his money. If someone walked into his office and tried to tell him some boring story about how they couldn't do it, he would immediately turn hostile. He didn't mess around when it came to his money. He didn't have a lot of it but, he made lots from these deals.. He couldn't on the money that came to him and if he had to kill you to get it. He wouldn't think twice on it. He would also send Jack to do his dirty work for him, sometimes. Jack was brutal, which he needed him to be. Asami always had the money for him, no problems have came up with her. Which pleased him. Why wasn't everyone like this girl?
Sykes stared at the bag the girl had in her lap, holding on it for dear life. A chuckle slipped through his teeth as he puffed on the cigar, blowing the smoke towards her. " Would you look at that, Teddy? I think someone's feeling a little defensive tonight. The pet didn't even say anything to me...probably thinks I bite... Do you think I bite, pretty? " Jack was a flirt but, he was also somewhat defensive. His guard was always up even, especially in these kind of situations. Sykes peaked at him and a small grin came to his face, " Now, Now, Jack. She is just a little tense, she needs to loosen up a bit. " Jack was being touchy, pushing her down into her chair. He watched as he walked around to his side of the desk. DeSoto slowly went to her and his eyes were glued to her. He was studying her, his teeth were out, ready to attack when he needed. Sykes leaned in closer to the desk and smirked, " Let me see the bag, Asami. " Putting out a hand for the bag to go in.
He let his dogs growl at her, their hackles coming up. He wanted to make her scared, he enjoyed it. He liked seeing people scared, to the point of crying. He smirked, starting to pour himself a glass of scotch. He grabbed Jack's cup and handed it to him. He peaked at her and grabbed hers and poured some in hers, " Loosen up a little, doll. You seem tense. Is something wrong? "
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Rag-A-Muffin
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People usually assume that I'm daddy's helpless little girl, but I can handle myself.
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Post by Asami Sato on Jul 18, 2017 14:08:48 GMT -6
Asami had to bite her tongue to keep from smarting off to Jack. She might have said something to Sykes about taking his 'dog' (Jack) outside or send him off to obedience school because he was pissing everywhere to mark territory and he was humping the furniture to assert dominance. Or an off handed comment about how the real dogs were better behaved despite the fact they seemed to have a perpetual snarl. Except Jack's bravado wasn't just over confidence (though that was there as well) but because there was nothing Asami could do if she wanted to walk away with her life. She was their little puppet whose strings they could pull as they wished.
She couldn't have fled the country, though it was a nice thought. Go back to her parents' home and try to start anew, but she had no family there. None that would welcome her anyways. She didn’t even speak the language. Not to mention, who knew if Sykes had friends in travel who would report to him if he had a debt jumper. She had nothing in her parents' home country and she had nothing in the city. She was stuck between a rock and a hard place surrounded by fire. Either way, she wasn’t coming out of this ordeal unscathed.
Not like she could go to the police. Who would listen to her? Even if she found a cop who wasn't in Korso's pocket? No one would listen, that's what would happen. She might have been a citizen of the country but to any officer, she was just a hysterical (foreign) woman crying wolf against two 'model' citizens - men at that. There was a chance that if she tried to speak out, she would be institutionalized with female hysteria or strong armed into silence. No thank you. She was made of stronger things than that.
She was forced into the chair by Jack, though he hadn’t needed to be so handsy about it. One good thing about working with Cruella was that she built up a tolerance for ignoring behaviors in people she didn't like. Ignoring Jack took more work, but she could still ignore him if she really tried. Not like she could have Sykes reign him in. The men liked knowing she was scared. She took a deep breath and set the bag out on the desk for Sykes to look through. The man's dogs were growling at her. One order and he could have them tear her throat out. One click of the fingers and she would be dead. Just like that.
"I just want to get this over with. May we get on with this?"
This had – ironically – become as much of an annoyance as going to see a doctor. The wait was painful. The visit was excruciating. Even leaving was a drag. It was always best to limit exposure to the two men as much as possible, especially if she wanted to keep her sanity or more importantly, her life intact.
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Rag-A-Muffin
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"Handsome fighters never lose battles."
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Post by Jackson Reed on Jul 19, 2017 4:16:14 GMT -6
Jack narrowed his eyes with a mischievous grin towards Asami, slowly nodding at her before taking a long, drawn out breath and shaking his head while trying not to burst out in pure laughter. If anything, the entire situation surrounding them was incredibly interesting. Here she was, in the most hostile turf she could have possibly dragged herself into, and yet she was trying to play it cool as if nothing was happening. If there was something that seemed to irritate Jackson Reed to no end, it was feeling left out or ignored. Everything about him was flashy and cried out for attention and for others to be in awe towards him, all part of a big spectacle he worked for. How dare this little asian born come and try to ruin his momentum?
His fists clenching slightly as he folded his arms over his chest, Jack raised an eyebrow at the girl before looking at Sykes in curiosity, wanting to know if she was on schedule and had everything in order. In truth, he mainly found himself looking for an excuse to play a bit with her, being aware just how uncomfortable he made her feel each time he made an advance towards her. He could not really blame her, all things considered, even if it would not stop him. She did feel like such a lovely little lamb...
"Gee, little girl, it's almost as if you don't like your hosts. Kind of rude if you ask me." he mentioned with a slow shrug, smirking slightly as the growling sounds coming from the two doberman grew louder and more agressive, Jack's tone seemingly agitating them further. Walking over to them, the boxer crouched and wrapped his arm around the neck of DeSoto, making the beast calm down for a split second as it was pet by the equally savage male. "Are you sure you don't want to change your attitude? It does wonders for the pups here." he mentioned, rubbing the back of DeSoto's ears.
He was waiting for her to slip, to make one tiny, little mistake. Would this be quite enough? Perhaps. All he knew was that he was not taking his eyes off of Asami any time soon. She was a hard one to read, always putting on mask after mask. He usually detected fear, but now it seemed to be choked out with some despair and maybe...anger? Oh, anger was good. Would she get the nerve to react sometime?
"Anyway...how do you keep being on schedule? You don't look like someone who'd get paid that well." he mentioned, looking at Sykes with a smirk. "Do you think she does a few...extra jobs?" he asked, mischief in his tone as he bit his bottom lip.
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Rag-A-Muffin
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If you want to earn my loyalty, then you have to offer yours in return.
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Post by Thaddeus Sykes on Aug 2, 2017 16:53:18 GMT -6
Sykes enjoyed when fear came into the multiple people that came to him. He could sense it right away, he even knew if they lied to him. Lying about the situation or about his money that they ' just didn't have yet. ' It was humorous, and it meant he could dispose of them. Either by his pooches, his friend Jack or even by himself if they piss him off enough. One thing you don't do, is get him to that point that he has to do it. God help the people who do.
Sykes sat there in his chair, watching Asami being teased by the boxer. It caused him to chuckle, seeing her get tense as she sat there. " I just want this over with. Can we get on with this? " He tilted his head and leaned back in his chair, " Where's the fun in that? Don't you want to talk to us for a while? " He peaked at Jack, seeing him calm down DeSoto before he got closer to the girl. She probably would have lost a finger, if he didn't.
" Anyway... how do you keep being on schedule? You don't look like someone who'd get paid well. Do you think she does a few... extra jobs? " That question made him smirk. He knew why she was on schedule, because she didn't want to get hunted down by him. She didn't want to see what would happen if she didn't give him what her father didn't.
Sykes stood up, walking around his desk, patting Roscoe softly on the head, to calm him down. He got to her and bent down, " She is on schedule because she knows what would happen to her if she wasn't. " He peaked at Jack, smirking big. He puffed on his cigar and peaked back at her, blowing the smoke in her face, " Isn't that right, Asami? " He chuckled deeply, standing back up and grabbed the bag, opening up to examine what she brought him.
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Rag-A-Muffin
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People usually assume that I'm daddy's helpless little girl, but I can handle myself.
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Post by Asami Sato on Aug 2, 2017 17:13:59 GMT -6
A slow and steady breath left her. She made sure to curl her hands into her lap to make sure they didn't try anything funny. But didn't wild dogs normally go for the fleshy bits like ears and noses? She quickly cast that thought aside. Sykes dogs were about as friendly as any wolf you found in the wild. They would have no qualms eating a person if Sykes gave them the permission. It was sad to see two such beautiful dogs so vicious.
"All due respect, but I doubt we have much to talk about." she said. "It's just business."
She had nothing in common with low life thugs and criminals with nothing better to do with their time than lean on people who are down on their luck. She wasn't like them. She would never be like them if she had her way. Asami had to reign in any hateful remarks towards the men. She had no death wish. And these two loved to be vague about what they would do to her if she stepped even a toe out of line.
He blew smoke in her face. It took a lot not to flinch. Perhaps being around Cruella so often when woman waved about her cigarettes helped. But that didn't mean she could prevent herself from coughing over the smoke. Between Sykes trying to break her down physically and Jackson trying to make her crack over his lewd suggestions, she was fighting a mental battle with them. One that she wasn't entirely sure she would come out of unscathed.
"The money is on time." she said.
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Rag-A-Muffin
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"Handsome fighters never lose battles."
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Post by Jackson Reed on Aug 3, 2017 4:32:22 GMT -6
He tilted his head to the side and let his lips curve up into what soon turned out to be a rather malicious little grin, amusement plastered across the boxer's face. This young girl probably was not deserving of any of the things being thrown at her by both men, yet it was undeniably amusing to keep hurling jokes and insults at the young lady to see if she'd crack. There was a small ounce of a fire inside Asami Sato, and he was more than sure that it would not be particularly hard to awaken it, should he press and push her well enough about it. Perhaps she really did have some sort of fighting spirit under that meek and withdrawn exterior. Oh, he would definitely kill to see what lurked beneath those beautiful features.
The mention of her reffering to these little meetings as nothing more than business was no doubt amusing for Jack, seeing how he viewed these little trades of quips and witty remarks. He would definitely have to open her eyes, one way or the other, would he not? She sure seemed to need a little push from him or Sykes.
"Well, then..." he murmured to himself with a bored shrug, slamming both his hands on the edge of the desk before getting up, which seemed to rile up both the dogs again, seeing how their ears immediately found themselves pointed towards the asian female. She was really a fun piece of flesh for both men. "...maybe you should be getting on your merry way, then?"
His question was not harmless. There was a hint of a suggestion of malice in it, but he was waiting to see if she would bite his hint in any way, shape or form. "I can think of a couple of ways these little visits have to become much less frequent."
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