Finders keepers; losers weepers

It didn’t take long before they were finally over the border and driving towards the street where Elena had asked them to meet her. He could hear how her heart started picking up speed, and he wished there was something he could say or do to make it easier. But he wasn’t really a man who knew how to do that, so he didn’t say anything at all. Because even if you meant good, words that weren’t put together the right way or didn’t have the tone or wording they needed could do more harm than good.
He parked the car, and just like Elena had told, the house looked worse for wear. “One storm and this entire house will be ripped off as it had never been there” something shifted, and then the known smell of Elena penetrated his nose, but how? “Sometimes the things that seem like one thing may be entirely different,” she said with a mysterious smile and walked towards them with a slight nod. Then she turned on her heel and walked inside the house. Linus looked toward Victoria and shrugged as he then proceeded to walk after the blond demon. She walked over, and with her powers, she unmasked a hatch; she then opened it and, with her hand, let them know they should crawl down.

For a moment, everything turned pitch black as Elena closed the hatch. But after a few seconds, a dim light was turned on at the bottom, which followed along a long tunnel where silent chatter could be heard, especially for those with better hearing than others. Elena stepped between the two of them and walked inside a hub central of a few people sitting with computers. “We can talk in my office”, she spoke and walked up a few stairsteps before she could enter a box almost made purely out of glass. “bulletproof and soundproof, welcome to The Paradox, how may I be of surface” Linus blinked a little and then a broad grin formed on his lips “My, my – Elena Clarke, also known as The Jackal, who would have thought little miss blondie had so much power we knew nothing about?” he sat down by the desk, clearly in the chair that was meant for the leader. Not that Atarah minded, she looked towards Victoria. “Whiskey on the rocks?” she asked before walking over to a small table that contained a bottle and four glasses. “Yes, please!” Linus said as he grabbed a figurine standing on the table and started studying with his hands. Atarah walked over, grabbed it, and replaced it with the glass instead. “You and your brother, always had to see with your hands instead of your eyes.” Then she walked over and poured her and Victoria a glass as well. “So, what brings you here?” she asked, letting out a small sigh as Linus took a sip and gave her his signature smile. “Well, what would you say to make a deal that could earn us all a good amount of cash?” Atarah lifted her brow and then looked towards Victoria to wait for her side of the story and why she had come here as well.

Once the car was parked, Victoria stepped out, the air from Southside always had been something else, like it was heavier in some way. Then of course there was the fact that this area they were headed into was the most unsafe part of Southside, seen from outsiders at least. But she was agreeing with the house looking like something that could fall apart within seconds, but she could also feel it in the ground, the vibrations once she payed more attention to it. There was something more, and by the bell Eris showed up saying just that. As Eris once again spun around and headed towards the house, she looked shortly towards Linus, shrugged a little as well before then following Eris. Letting the wonders unfold from what was hiding in the shadows, well not that Eris' powers surprised Victoria at this point. She knew the demon was powerful, she would have expected nothing less. But without complaining she followed Eris even through the darkness, even if it was only for a few seconds it was pitch black.

Victoria narrowed her eyes a little looking at the people who were sitting with the computers. Her eyes moved back to Eris once again, and kept her eyes narrowed just for a second longer. Now, she had always known Eris was doing something, but never really been able to put her finger on it. Victoria then nodded and followed Eris up to the office made of glass, being able to see out the entire space, she shortly looked around with a small chuckle, "so this is where you've been hiding time to time, huh," she shook her head a little, not even surprised at this point if she was being honest. Then, she turned around on her heels looking back at Eris, when Linus sat down by the desk that clearly belonged to Eris, "making yourself home already huh?" She chuckled a little with a teasing smirk, then moving her eyes to Eris when she once again spoke, "yes please." Victoria never said no to a good glass of whisky, and especially not with Eris.

Then watching how Eris walked over and grabbed something that Linus already had tried getting his fingers on. Then taking the glass once given to her, Linus opening in what they were doing here. Well, it was some time since Victoria even had been involved in a matter like this, not that she was regretting getting sucked back into it now that she was standing here. She let out a small light chuckle by Linus explanation or at least part of it, then her eyes met with Eris again while Victoria took a sip of her drink. "We found some interesting goods in one of the houses in the North part of Gaia - something right into your style, paintings from famous painters such as da Vinci,  Van Gogh, and you get the idea -" she then took another sip of her drink. "All we ask for you to take a look at what we got, see if its worth your time."

Atarah leaned against the desk, one foot placed over the other, making her legs lightly crossed. One arm was lying over her chest as the hand with the drink in it made it swirl around. Her eyes did not leave Victoria as she explained this little find they had made. “Interesting”, she mused, then let her eyes glide towards Linus, which nodded to back up the story.
“So what you want is either for me to see what can be duplicated and sold off and what should be sold off not to raise suspicion?” she asked; Linus clicked his tongue and laughed. “That’s the long and short of it”, he added, and Atarah let her fingers glide over her cheek before pushing herself off the desk and walking towards the window, looking out of the handful of people she had working for her. It had been a long time since she had done anything with art; it had mostly been helping people right now, which was why it was called the paradox. Even though they were criminals, most of what they did was help people.
“And you want me to come right away?” Linus nodded, licking her lips. She downed her drink and turned with a big smile on her lips. “Well then, what are we waiting for?” she asked, walking over and changing the cape she had been wearing with a leather jacket. She took her phone, put it in her pocket, and then walked toward the door. “Are you guys coming?” she asked, and Linus got up. “Are we taking the car?” Atarah shrugged “it depends; we can either take the car, or we can take the tunnels” she nodded towards a door on the other side of the oval room that they were in. Linus looked toward Victoria. “Your choice”, he said, taking another sip of the whiskey.

Victoria downed her drink, when the mention of coming right away hit, because it meant they were going soon enough. Letting out a big chuckle as Eris then told them what they were waiting for and nodded a bit. This was the spirit she had missed, the excitement, giving Linus a more flashing smile, as it seemed like things were actually going well, and well she was excited - that was clear to see, even if she then let it dim a little, not to see to overly excited. "On our way," she mused a little then starting walking towards. "Might be easier to lay low in the tunnels, we will come back after the car - because I believe we still have some roads to kill," she placed a hand on Linus upper arm just shortly, well it was the middle of the night it was perfect time to just drive without caring to much about the police - not that she usually payed them much thought any time of day. And with Eris ability to shadow jump, it would make things easier, at least she thought so.

"We should hang out like this more often," she said looking at Linus at first, then moving her eyes to Eris, because even if her comment was meant for Eris, she couldn't really deny how refreshing it had been to see Linus again. And to be fair it had been a long time since Victoria and Eris even had hung out, and beforehand it had always most of the time been with Jack. "So, we take the tunnels?" She knew Linus had said it was her choice, but then again it wasn't like the others didn't have minds of their own. And they would return for the car, one or the other way - unless of course he just wanted to take another one of the ones in the garage for a spin.

Atarah smiled at Victoria, and she couldn’t help the warm feeling spreading in her chest about the fact that they could be in the same room without bickering or arguing.
Her eyes turned towards Linus as he seemed to have the last say in the matter of how they were transporting themselves to the house. “Tunnels it is then,” he said, smiling slightly before getting up from the chair and walking towards the door that Elena now held open for them. “I’ll make sure the car is driven to a more secure location; I’ll text you the coordinates” Linus handed her the keys and looked at them before looking into his eyes. “Please, what am I? The type that hires amateurs” she laughed and pushed both of them out before she walked to the door, and with a giant push, both of them opened and revealed a small cart for them to all sit in. Big enough to have four passengers in total. “Where too?” she asked and nodded as Linus said, North Aston. Putting in the coordinates, she then walked into the card and pressed start, and it started driving.
“So, I didn’t know you were back into this life?” she said with a wondering voice lifting her brow. Last she had heard, she was playing house with Rafael in the woods after she and Cassian had gotten her out.

See now this was something else, making her chuckle a little bit as she sat down in the cart to get through these so called tunnels. Then they started driving in the cart towards where they were headed, North Aston. Victoria turned her head towards Eris when she mentioned that she didn't knew Vic was back in this life, and she exhaled a little bit clicking her tongue. "Well I'm not completely back in it, you should know how much shit I get these days for even looking into it - but well, one should know better than thinking I will just sit still and look pretty," she replied back with a sigh. "Even so, I think I've being holding myself back long enough, wouldn't you reckon?" She gave Eris a little wink followed by a small chuckle. Well, she was for one tired of feeling like she couldn't do anything without Rafael and her arguing about it expect for when she did things the way he wanted. And he was then allowed to go out and drink his brain out and fist fight till the break of dawn, how was that fair? "But tonight I am all yours, and I'm gonna enjoy it - so screw the rest." Even if she knew that no matter what Rafael would be furious with her, but he was always furious with her these days.

Atarah listened to what Victoria said, and she couldn’t help but lift a brow because of all the words that were said with a chuckle or a smile; she didn’t find it very reassuring nor comical that she had found her way back. Not that she had anything against it; actually, she had found it odd that Victoria had even stopped, but it wasn’t really her place now, was it?
But even so, she couldn’t hold her tongue; “You should learn to say that more often”, she said with a crocket smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes “remember, you don’t owe anyone anything; you follow your heart and if people think you are screwing them over, then fuck them, they weren’t even your friends or family, to begin with” she said rather honestly, Linus nodding even though he didn’t say it outright he agreed. But again, it wasn’t his place.

"I know right? It feels good to say too," she chuckled a little bit and shook her head briefly. Then keeping her eyes on Eris as she said something she had said many years ago, but words that still were some of the most important that perhaps had been said to Victoria over the years. Which also meant, she didn't owe Rafael to stay just to make him feel good - and even so, he always complained about her behavior. Victoria wasn't going to give him full credit on it though, she knew once she put her mind into an argument, she was one who didn't hold back once started. It was what happened when you were so loyal and felt like someone just took a piss at it. "You have no idea how much I've missed you," she chuckled looking at Eris, this was indeed a huge confession coming from Victoria - because even if they had been friends again, then angry at each other, Victoria could really recall ever having told Eris it was good to have her back nor that she had missed her. But better late than never, right? "Any chance either of you know any good bar that needs an excellent mixologist?" Victoria then wondered, because maybe she wasn't able to go back to her bar in Southside, but she also just missed the atmosphere, the people all the small things you weren't meant to see. "Not that many things will be able to replace Southside, but - maybe one step in the right direction," she looked from Eris to Linus - if any had the contacts about places that might be more Victoria's style than just a simple bar down town - it would be them.

Linus just leaned back and observed that now, he hadn’t believed his night would end up driving through the underground tunnels of Gaia in some old forgotten smuggle cart. And by the look on Elena and the smile that blossomed over her lips, it was clear she hadn’t thought she would end up here either, less so the compliment that she got from Victoria.
“I’ve really missed you too,” Atarah said with a soft smile, then looking towards Linus when Victoria asked if they knew any good bars there were in need of a new, and as she put it herself, excellent mixologist. “Well,” Linus said and laughed “, if you need a good workplace where you know that people have your back, I’ll go talk with River and Kailani; just say I send you” he licked his lips. “If not, I also know a place, but since you aren’t allowed in Southside, I would go with River,” she said with a softer smile, knowing that her granddaughter had been part of that crew as well.  

Victoria looked towards Linus when he started his sentence, then added a little laugh, she however listened closely because she was rather interested. It was weeks since she had stopped her classes at the academy, she hadn't even told Lucas, but she had told Juniper. To that she had also found someone who could take over for her for now at least. But she listened to the suggestion Linus came up with, River and Kailani - she knew off these people a little bit from whispers in the corner. Everyone who had stayed a little too long in the criminal parts of the supernatural communities knew something about River Turner and his crew. Just like most would be at great mistake not to know off the Phoenix Brothers. "I will try do just that after we are done here then," she nodded a little bit, now she was on a roll she might as well go all the way. And she knew places like the casino never really closed because of the reason it being too late. Despite wanting to listen more in on Eris offer too, they both knew Anthony wouldn't be taking a liking to seeing her in Southside again.

“If you would believe it or not, Timothy, River’s grandson is my great-grandson”, she rolled her eyes “not that I would normally run around saying I’m related to that man, but well, it is insane how small the world suddenly become” mainly because she knew that River had a good eye to her daughter, which she understood, Hanna, or Norah as she liked to be called now, was easy to fall in love with. This was also why she had quickly been recruited to Interpol, which worked with taking down criminal organisations.  
“You can just tell him that Norah Jones’s mother put in a good word for you if the phoenix brother’s backing doesn’t do it”, she teased and winked at Linus, which widened his eyes. “You are shitting me; Norah Jones is your daughter? You had a relationship with Killian Jones?” a low whistle left Linus, and he laughed. “Aw man, and Francis always thought he had a chance with you” he shook his head, knowing that would be another crushed dream for his brother, not that he would take it to heart, but well, Elena had been a soft spot back in the day.
“Yeah, that was never going to happen” she laughed and then looked up as the cart started slowing down “here we are”; she got out and then walked toward the ladder that would take them topside.

"Really?" She blinked a little, not that she yet had had the pleasure of meeting River's grandson. But at the point to where how small the world was, Victoria had yet to learn just how small. It seemed like they both had a foot when it came to speaking to River, she had her own as well - knowing if she asked Dion wouldn't mind putting in a good word for her either. So, what did she have to lose? Then before she really could say more about that, Linus reacted to the fact that this Norah was Eris' daughter. Now, Victoria didn't know much of Eris' life away from the Serpents. "Oh please, Francis will always somewhat thinks he has a chance," she teased a little bit, "if not, then just pretending to get one last death stare from Jack." Oh, she remembered those days, but there had been needed very little at that time for Jack to act, which was really just child's play for someone like Francis to pick up on.

Getting out they were very close to the area her and Linus had entered not many hours ago, looking over her shoulder and let her eyes scan for activity in the area, more or less let the animals within her do the job, before going further inside from the way in she had found earlier. "Here we are, welcome to our treasure shop," she gestured Eris inside, before heading around the way her and Linus had moved earlier towards the hidden area to the basement.

Linus laughed and nodded. “Now that is a valid point” he licked his lips, but somehow he thought things would soon change; his brother just needed to get his act together as to whether he wanted to have his stolen memories back or not. He let out a soft sigh as he followed Elena up the ladder, and as they stood there on the topside, it was easy to navigate their way back to the house where they had been a few hours earlier; it had felt like minutes since they had been in the garage and taken one of the cars.

Atarah followed them, looking around in the shadows as they went inside, making sure nothing would surprise them as they entered the house. She didn’t say anything as they walked down the spiral stone staircase, but when her eyes looked inside the treasure room, she had almost physically to hold her jaw back in place. “How” she whispered; she got goosebumps as she recognised some of the paintings. “This is a painting from Raphael, last time it was seen; it was in Poland at the Princes Czartoryski Museum”, she whispered now. Even though Linus was delighted to see how she reacted, he couldn’t help but notice how she spoke Polish, almost as if it was her native tongue or a slight Russian to the accent how she pronounced it.
“No – this, do you know what this is!?” She pointed toward one of the paintings that looked like garbage compared to the others in Linus's eye, mainly because it looked like a bunch of people mashed together. “This was supposed to have been burned in a fire; this is a Gustav Klimt painting, I, this” she turned and looked at Victoria and Linus “, this is an extraordinary find” she couldn’t even believe they had just stumbled upon this.

Victoria let her tongue run over her front teeth while watching Eris take their findings in, lightly the shapeshifter crossed her arms a little bit as long it took for Eris to observe and scan every single piece and even expressed how and where some of these paintings came from. A smile played across her lips as she enjoyed seeing how passionate Eris became about the matter. "I take it as you are interested?" Victoria chuckled a little, waiting for the final confirmation however. The night was young still, and she had newfound planes for the rest of it, seeking out River's casino. Perhaps she should see if the company would follow?

She let out a small snort when Victoria asked if she was interested, “Yes, I’m very interested” she turned to look at both of them, “now I have the right contacts. Do you trust me to take it off your hands and we split the cost the usual way” now Linus never liked going down in his cut, especially not when he and Victoria had found it. Still, he also knew that Elena needed to put a lot of hours into making money out of this find, and no matter what, the cut would still be excellent, just like back in the days. “Fine by me,” he said and nodded, letting his tongue glide over his teeth. “Well then, maybe you kids should go back to your respected houses and get some sleep; I’ll contact you in a few weeks with a plan”, she said before turning to the treasure that was unfolding in front of her eyes, picking up her phone she started dialling to get the how operation set in motion.

Linus turned and looked at Victoria, “do you need a ride home?” he asked with a small smile, knowing that her boyfriend might not like that idea. But Linus wasn’t really a man that cared about that.

"Sounds great," she let out a small breath and nodded. Truthfully, she had not expected to even find anything of such value as she had done tonight, and she wasn't just talking about the money they could get from their findings. The personal value in how much she had realized just now how far gone she was. And she needed to do something about it. Victoria couldn't help but let out a small laugh when Eris mentioned they should get back and get some sleep. Just nodding a little, but didn't really planned to go back home.

Victoria turned towards Linus and exhaled a bit. "Would be nice, but I don't think I'm done down town yet - but maybe you will drop me off at Rivers'?" If she was going to do anything about the things she felt and said, she might as well take action rather than just sit on her hands. It was time for her to do something for herself.

He nodded when she asked if he could drop her off at the Elysian Casino. “Sure thing, doll” he then turned to the blond demon “are you done here?” she looked over her shoulder with the phone pressed against her ear. “I’ll make sure to get everything out that is of value and then make sure no one ever finds this room,” Atarah said with a wink and then turned to keep talking with whoever was on the phone.  
“Well, she seems busy; come, let's find another car, and I’ll drive you to River, afraid I can’t keep you company; I’m long over my curfew, and I have a brother that tends to get antsy if I stay out way over my bedtime” he teased, not really having to get home. Still, by now, they had already experienced a lot, and he would much rather just find his way home and kick back with a beer in his hand or find a pretty lady down at the local pub; he would see what he fancied when he came closer to his bed.
He grabbed another set of keys, quickly found a working car, and motioned her to get in before he drove off.

She chuckled a little when he said it was over his curfew, to be fair she should have headed back to Rafael a long time ago. But her soul longed for the freedom, and she couldn't really let go just yet. "Can't have Franny go all angsty, that's not a good look on him," she chuckled a little bit, then nodded. Also, she didn't really mind going there by herself, it wasn't like she had expected Linus to just pop up in her life, and make her begin to realize just how much she missed this life. Victoria managed to push the thought down once again, then headed towards the car and got inside, so they could drive towards the Elysian Casino. She knew River was a vampire already a thing that she knew Rafael wouldn't be thrilled about, if anything he hated the bloodsuckers, not that Victoria was their greatest fan either, but it wasn't like she discriminated an entire species based on a few unlucky encounters. The drive wasn't long and she looked out the window towards the casino, "I guess I will see you, when I see you," she chuckled a little looking back at Linus. She had no idea when or if they actually would see each other again.