RP:Line Of Succession

Part of the Hour of Wolves Arc

Part of the The Dust Up In Cenril Arc

Part of the Larketian Fault Lines Arc

Summary: Hudson meets with Meri and Callum to tell them that he wants Meri to take over running mob operations in Larket -- once the criminal element in Larket is put under "new management," i.e., they assist the existing mob boss in, ahem, retiring. The theory is that Meri will be a palatable replacement because of Callum's connections to the crown.

The Witch-Run Nail Salon in Larket

Hudson had done a little research on Meri's guy, and liked what he'd learned. He'd asked her for a meeting, bring your man, the note had said. He'd set the meeting in the nail salon, actually, upstairs. After hours. No sense in forcing them to schlep all the way to Cenril if they live in Larket. The lab up there is tidy, and he's got a six pack out on the counter with five beers (Hudson has the sixth). When Callum and Meri arrive on site, they'll be shown upstairs by Joanie, an older woman with red hair and a kindly smile and the affair of someone who runs a tight ship. Hudson's nursing his beer and flipping through a sports magazine on the couch - yeah, that couch - but there's empty armchairs on the other side of the coffee table.

Meri and Callum would not have minded getting out of Larket, they have a couple of horses that do appreciate getting out and stretching their legs. It may be after hours but that does not stop Meri from gabbing to Cal about that one time that she actually got her nails done - Valrae had done them for her. They do enchanted nails here and for a brief period of time, after she was pretty badly electrocuted by spider (yes, a spider), Valrae had actually made her electric-proof. Yes, electric-proof, that is the term that she has chosen to use during this explanation. Up the stairs they would go with Joanie leading the way even though Meri is familiar enough, she has been up here a time or two. The subject shifts from Valrae to Hudson right before they enter the lab that is above the nail salon. "Have you met Hudson yet? I can't remember if you have met him yet." Meri has mentioned that he works for him, yes, during that time that she enlisted Cal to help track down some secrets on Sterling Townsend. "He's alright. Like a brother from another mother. Except I think I am glad I don't have his mother. She made him..." Oh the door was opening, but she was going to tell Cal about that one time Hudson's mom made him stop partying to go unclog her toilet. She stops short of telling that embarrassing mom story lest Hudson overhear it, surely he was up in the lab. Why else would they be here?

Electric-proof? Hm. Maybe Meri should do that again, just in case Cal gets all static-y like he had that day it rained. You know, so she doesn’t have another shocking experience. Cal couldn’t remember either if he’d met Hudson, but he’d definitely heard about him. Thankfully not this mom story Meri was about to tell him. They’d get up the stairs, and while Cal had no idea about the state of that couch, he opted to stand for a bit, or at least until Meri sat down. He’s kind of awkward, especially around dudebros like Huds and Sarge; they make him really uncomfortable because he’s not ‘one of them’. The faux-Cenrilian would nod to Huds, say “Hey” and eyed the lab. Thankfully, it didn’t seem to be the mad scientist type of lab, or else Cal might have to seriously question Meri’s choice in friends--then again, some of her other friends are much worse than Hudson or Sarge or Eleanor or anyone like that.

Hudson is less dudebro than Sargaso, he went to the fancy private school and does alchemy after all, it's more like he's a chameleon whose inner dudebro nature surfaces when he's surrounded by His People (fellow dudebros). He's the jock who is also on student council, whose girl isn't on the cheerleading squad but is a 'theatre person.' The guy who throws end of year ragers and invites more than just the popular kids. Anyway, high school metaphor over, point is for most people, especially Meri and Callum, he can and does tone the dudebro down. His lab isn't mad scientist-y, it's just sleek and clean and the latest in Lithrydel lab tech. The Tesla of labs. Anyway, he offers them both beers and bids that they be seated, couch, chairs, whatever. "Yo," he says to the two of them. He steeples his fingers, considering them. "Say hypothetically there's going to be a change in management where the Larket mob is concerned," he says. "We'd need the crown to not crack down on said new management. It helps to have an in, say, a man who works for the crown." He points at Callum.

Meri ushers Cal into one of the armchairs, but she does not find a seat for herself. She does not try and claim his lap either though. Naw, the woman finds herself seating on the arm of the armchair that she has steered Cal to. Really with how Hudson has started the conversation, Meri does not have too much to say? Not yet. Her reaction is entirely nonverbal, responding with little more than a lift of the brow and a glance to Cal. The guy was rather particular about his job, it afforded him the luxury of a lovely sum of gold on the monthly and doing something he actually likes doing. So Meri will simply look to Cal, letting him wheel and deal with Hudson. She was fine being with being seen but not heard, for now, and only because it is her own decision to do so (that that Hudson and Cal have this expectation from her.)

Cal’s own brow lifted, much like Meri’s had, but he didn’t side-eye her back. He considered this for a moment, then just kinda shrugged, “What’s in it for me? I mean, I’m already going so far as to help a witch.” Namely, Valbae. “That’s because she’s one of us and a friend of Meri’s. I can only dig my hands so deep into these messes though before they start getting suspicious of me. I’ve honestly not been to see the Queen in some time, but I can do what I can. She’s pregnant at the moment so I’ve heard and I’ve taken careful steps to avoid her for obvious reasons. I imagine she’ll get back to dealing with her duties once that kid’s born, however. Especially considering they’ve got servants and whatnot.” He leaned back against the back of the chair, sinking down into it somewhat, his fingers lacing together as his hands rested on his stomach lazily. “How are you going to ensure that I don’t lose my nice cushy job? I may not care for the monarchy much either, but I damn well love my stuff.” It took him a long time to get the money for that stuff, thankyouverymuch, and he doesn’t want to lose it.

Hudson should maybe have led with the headline. He realizes that they're having a miscommunication when Callum asks what's in it for him and starts talking about his job security. There's a twinge of curiosity about this witch that they're helping, but Hudson does himself a favor and doesn't ask. With the Sudden Vanishing in Cenril, things are a little frayed at home. He's never been more self-aware of his impulses where hot witches are concerned. "My bad, hold on, back up," he says to the both of them. He drinks from his beer, draws his palm out in a flat line as if to level set. He points at Callum. "So. Your job stays the same. You keep on keeping on. No need to go all gangster on anybody, man, we literally just met, so just be cool and keep your girl happy. Speaking of: Meri." He turns up a smiles at the blond woman seated on the arm of the chair. "I want you to be in charge of operations in Larket." Yeah, whoops. He explains further, his hand stirring the air to punctuate the natural conclusion that they probably all have drawn by now: "Callum's connection will make you a friendly face to the King."

Meri thought she saw where this conversation was going, that she would just be able to sit around and drink a beer letting Cal and Hudson talk this out. Hudson was going to take out some mobsters and put someone new in place. He wanted Cal to help him out by keeping whoever he put into power off of the Royal Radar. Cal wanted to make sure he was compensated for these efforts because otherwise what incentive does he have? But oh wait, back up there, Hudson says. And wait, does Meri need to get her hearing checked? He wants -her- to hold down the fort on the crime scene in Larket? Meri almost chokes on a mouthful of that beer Hudson offered to her at this surprise revelation. There is a split-second look for Cal to once more see how he is processing all of this but it's not like Meri is going to hit pause on this conversation so that she can have a sidebar with bae, that's not very gangsta now is it? Excuse me, I must first ask permission of my boyfriend to make sure he won't put me in the doghouse for agreeing with this. Meri is feeling slightly put on the spot, so there is a little bit of hesitance to her answer. Surely though the Cal must suspect what the she-devil is going to say to this, it is going to be some form of a yes. Oh well, we're about to find out what Cal thinks of all this, because words of agreement slip right past Meri's lips, "So what do I need to know about my new gig?"

Callum had maybe not had the entire story with regards to Hudson. Operation? The whole Larket operation? As in, there’s more than one operation going on here. Just… how frakking deep did this rabbit hole go? -Now- there actually is a bit of side-eye at Meri because, well, he just assumed this was some small thing; sell some drugs, get some cash, meddle in the affairs of idiotic politicians that can’t keep their pants on. That really sounded super low-key to Cal. But… Hudson had -several- operations. There’s a furrowing of dark brows in mild concern, but otherwise, he says nothing. Hudson has made it clear that Cal is just supposed to continue existing and not have much else to do with it besides keeping his woman from getting burned alive--because, you know, that’s what they do to people they hate here.

Hudson watches their faces as they process the new plan of action. Meri has a question, which makes sense, he bobs his head. "Well for starters, you don't need to decide anything now, I expect you guys will want to talk it over," he gestures between them. He drinks from his beer, taps a finger on the bottle, and then continues, "It's an easy gig. You can do it all from the comfort of your new place. I hired a guy to work the lab here, he's on autopilot. Basically, you'll be greasing palms in town so that there's no disruption in shipments, product or money or else wise. I'll support our interests in Cenril, with Fitz, assuming he gets the gig." He pauses, rubs his face, eyeing Callum. "I think with the management change, we won't be seeing red dirt anymore, so this is a growth opportunity in terms of market share. Plus now, anything that happens in Larket, they have to pay us off there too. Previously, we were the ones paying. This is better, obviously." He opens his hand, gesturing to the two of them. "Anyway, all depends on that management change happening. So you've a bit to consider."

Meri clears her throat, as if this is somehow going to dispel the tension in the room. Was there tension? Was Meri just misreading things? Frankly it was hard to read that the moment which is at the very least causing her to shift around a fidgety sort of fashion. "I mean..." Meri opts to get to her feet at this point so that she can have a better view of the beau's facade as well as Hudson. She is trying to read them both here, especially Cal. "That management change needs to happen one way or another. So one way or another I would like to assist, if you need it." No disappearing acts this time. "We to put a stop to that market of red dust." Meri definitely has an invested interest in seeing that end, for reasons she likes to pretend never happened. She smuggled what into Frostmaw in what sort zoinked out state again? Meri does not want to see a repeat of that and Valrae has not found a permanent fix yet. "So Cal?" Discuss now? Discuss in private? Meri had no qualms with agreeing, but she does not want to be in the dog house either. It's not pimped out, Huds.

Callum let the two speak, but when things were directed at him, he’d blink a few times, then shrugged. “Ultimately, this is your decision, Meri. You know more about all of this stuff than I do. Obviously, I’m going to do what I can to protect you, but you just need to be careful. I haven’t exactly been keeping up on things with the royals. It’s kind of hard to now that they’ve put that Witch Research Department into place. At this rate, they’ll likely call anyone a witch regardless of whether they actually are or not.” He took her hand for a moment, giving it a squeeze before releasing it, as if to say ‘don’t worry about things; I’m fine’. “Just be as frakking careful as you can. I imagine Hudson’s been doing this for awhile, but regardless, doing anything out of the ordinary in Larket is playing with fire.” Callum doesn’t like fire, for the record. Meri knows why. “But, I trust you though. You know that.” Or she should at least. She does know -all- of his secrets now. Literally. All of them. Sheesh. “I know you’ll make the best decisions you can and if something comes up that you don’t know how to handle, you know where to go for help.” The Catalian jerked a thumb in Hudson’s direction, indicating Meri’s bossman is the ‘help’.

Hudson isn't so sure he'll talk about the details of the management change in front of Callum. The less conspirators in the know there the better, but he nods just slightly. He isn't protecting himself, he's protecting Lionel, but Meri has a certain skill set that will prove handy. "We can talk about the management change another time," he tells her, his gaze darting to Callum as the other man begins talking about the current Larket administration's issues with witches. "For what it's worth, the plan is to put pressure on them to back away from this witch garbage if and when Fitz is elected," he says, falling silent and nursing his beer for the time it takes the couple to confer. He waits until Callum is finished speaking to gesture once more between them. "So... you want to confer more in private, or we good?"

Meri might have motioned between herself and Cal, except Cal has one of her hands claimed and the other is holding onto a beer. "We're good," she states with confidence, for she was certain that Cal wouldn't be informing her that it was her decision if he did not mean it. This was not some 'do what you want' test that actually had a right answer. Or maybe it did? And Meri was just being as oblivious as those dudebro's that Cal gets along so well with? Hrm. Another glance to Cal briefly. "So whenever you're ready to make this move?" The rest of that statement goes unfinished, by now it was obvious. "Like I said, this is something that need to be dealt with one way or another." And it seemed that everyone had their own motives for participating. Hudson protecting Lionel? Meri protecting Meri. Both of them trying to protect Valrae. Cal trying to keep both blondes from being burned at the stake. Oh lovely. "Well wasn't this a lovely little meet and greet. Oh hey, nice to meet you, your chick works for me and heeeey. I've got this idea....Try not to get her killed." Meri smirks to both of the men, each in turn. "We're clearly good at making friends."

Callum raised a brow at both Meri and Hudson. Yes, he gets it. It’s rather obvious he’s not going to be made privy to this information. The constant skirting around the issue isn’t really doing either of them any favors, though he doesn’t seem particularly offended by it. “You know, I -can- leave if you guys want to talk this over. It’s not like home’s that far of a walk and I’ve got things I could tend to in my greenhouse anyway. If this shift in management is that important, then you might as well get it over and done with now.” The storm mage released Meri’s hand and stood up from his chair, eyeing the both of them for a moment as if to say ‘Yeah? Is this okay?’.

Hudson would have waved off the notion of dismissing Callum to continue the conspiring, but Callum's dismissing himself. Alright then. Hudson waits for the two to exchange their meaningful glance to stand and shake Callum's hand. "Thanks, man," he says, holding up a hand to see the other guy out. He kills the rest of his beer after that and sits, canting his head at Meri in a sort of playful lead up to what he's got to say. "So... Newspaper man Santiago runs the Larket mob," he tells her. He cracks his knuckles. It's very personally satisfying to him to play this all out. He's had a bone to pick with Santiago for a long time. He continues: "And Lionel's on the sly agreed to be bait to get him in the room with us, provided that we minimize any connection to Frostmaw, which, easy. Santiago'll probably have a guy or two with him. I have a warehouse in Cenril where we arrange the meet. You can still do that stuff with your mind? You think you can untie our hostage when the time comes?"

Meri, needless to say, is mildly baffled by how how this encounter is unfolding. Did Meri want Cal to leave? No, of course not, she would have been rather inclined to leave with him. The change in subject was not an attempt to skirt around the issue but a sincere want for Hudson and Cal to perhaps have a little bit of small talk to build that trust. Part of Meri feels like she should probably follow after Cal? Check to make sure everything was okay? The other part feels like she should just spend the extra few minutes hashing this plan out with Hudson since they are right here together. Cal releases her hand, Meri nods because if he wants to go then okay, Hudson shows Cal to the door while Meri kills her beer and shoves both of her hands into her pockets. Hudson's playful demeanor does not do much to pull Meri out of her confused state. The woman is more serious than smiles now and answers his question with a firm nod, "Yeah. Easy. No problem."

That's really all Hudson needed to know. He scratches a day's worth of stubble and offers Meri a cheeky grin. "Getting the band back together. I'm sure he'll appreciate you being in the room, you're the buffer," he comments, somewhat enigmatically, that smile in his tone. No further elaboration follows as to why she's buffering. He gets up from his sofa, goes over to help himself to a fresh beer, which he opens. "I'll send you a note for the when and where this is going down, literally all you do is free Lionel and maybe beat up a guy or two with us. If even necessary." He gestures at the six pack, which hasn't been depleted. "Go catch your man. Take one for the road," he urges her, holding out a fist for her to bump on her way out.

Meri nods in the affirmative to Hudson with a bit of a smirk, if only because she is never going to forget that time in da club with Lionel. Poor guy was beyond out of his element, not that Meri usually hangs out at those places. Neither here nor there. There is that fistbump for Hudson, a beer for the road, and the parting words of, "Sounds good." Would Meri be able to catch up to Cal? Surely the guy could not have gotten far. Only one way to find out. "I'll show myself out." As per the norm. "Be hearing from you."