Recolle Inbox;

[anguinous]

LAURENT

This is Laurent Duvere, leave a message.

VOICE | TEXT | VIDEO | ACTION

Comments

10/02, text

[freeskies]

[you might have read some of his pieces... at the very least, his name is recognizable, for being part of another, famous European newspaper. But...]

Good afternoon. My name is Franklin Brewer, with the Guardian. Since, we're both in Recollé for the forseeable future, Laurent Duvere, I thought we might take a moment to chat.

[anguinous]

Did you? Your specific use of my full name implies I should decline to comment.

[freeskies]

I wonder then, if you must decline for comment... then does that mean there's a comment worth digging into? Or, put more simply, I've a hunch you've something to hide.

I'd be happy to converse in your native language, should it make you feel more comfortable.

[anguinous]

It means that I would prefer not to invite misquoting.

[freeskies]

Misquoting? You've already that little faith in my honor? Then let me reassure you. Perhaps you would prefer only to comment by text, where I've no choice but to quote your written words?

[anguinous]

Mr Brewer, whatever it is that interests you I am afraid you will only find yourself disappointed.

[freeskies]

I think I'd prefer to judge that for myself, Mr. Duvere.

[anguinous]

[ How persistent. Maybe if he bores the man to death in some way he will give up?

Putting him off with outrageous behaviour is an option but also risks an article simply focused on how outrageous Laurent is. Not that he minds personally, but he has no interest in embarrassing his brother by proxy.

Hm.

It needs to be carefully handled. Nothing said that could stand alone to mean anything but equally, arranged carefully to frustrated and irritated Brewer until he loses interest.]

And on what grounds should I be offering you this chance? I have no story to tell nor any interest in engaging in journalistic advertising at this time.

[freeskies]

[he's aware that he might not be amenable to an immediate comment... but Franklin is a journalist. And a dogged one at that. Taking no for an answer just simply was not acceptable, especially after the email he'd sent his editor earlier about the potential opportunity.

And this was slightly more interesting than the police corruption scheme he was trailing in the meantime.]

Then, surely, meeting for a chat to confirm such would be entirely acceptable, would it not? I've only a few questions...

We do not need to consider ourselves rivals.

[anguinous]

So you do have questions?

[ It was obvious he would have, but Laurent likes to pick at people and make them specify things when anything has been vague. ]

[freeskies]

What role, specifically, does your uncle play? It seems much improved... and also unbearably vague.

[freeskies]

In the company, should you chose to take my question obtusely.

[anguinous]

[ That's a terribly specific question.

One which Laurent is quite sure is leading somewhere.

One he really would be interested to know more of the answer to himself, and yet not one he is quite sure he wants to explore with an unknown reporter. ]

For a reporter you are poorly informed, Mr Brewer. I have no part in the running of CableCorp and thus no information for you on what anyone's role might be. I am sure if you request a press release through the right channels someone else will be able to help you.

[freeskies]

[it's definitely leading somewhere.]

Then, you are that uninterested in your parents' legacy, that you would rather turn a blind eye?

Or else, is this how you rid yourself of meddlesome reporters?

[anguinous]

Oh dear. Do you consider yourself meddlesome?

[freeskies]

It's a point of pride, unfortunately.

In fact, I would still much prefer this conversation be over drinks. It makes it much more interesting.

[anguinous]

Over drinks? I do hope you're not planning to get me drunk.

[freeskies]

Has the French constitution become such that a glass of wine is impossible to stomach?

I'd certainly hope not, or I predict the country shall soon fall into chaos.

[anguinous]

Not at all, but I fear Americans are horrified by anyone younger than twenty one even daring to think about alcohol. It is no wonder their country falls into chaos.

[freeskies]

Then it is a good thing I'm not American.

[anguinous]

So you ply the underage with wine? My, what a bad man you are.

[freeskies]

You're French.

You were drinking long before I was.

[anguinous]

[ I mean, true... But still!

But Laurent will partially give way -- ]

Do you have a preferred day?

[freeskies]

I've plans on Friday. But other than that, I shall endeavor to make time for our lawbreaking affair.

[anguinous]

Next week? I can give you my address, so we can break the law more privately.

[ And so Laurent can control the environment. He has a concierge, even knowing his address it isn't as if Balthier can just waltz in at any time.

It's one of those buildings with its own gym, painfully high security and equally painful rent.]