~ Valkyrie Falls, downtown ~

"Sir, Mr. Lorne just called. He regrets to inform you that he can't make it to the meeting tomorrow."

Elain Silvestri looked up from his papers, his face betraying slight annoyance. "Did he say when he will have time, Conroy?" he asked.

His secretary shook his head. "No, sir. But he promised to call you at his earliest convenience."

"His convenience? He seems to forget it's him who wants a deal with me, not the other way around. If he calls back, tell him I'm busy," Elain replied and moved a pile of sheets to the "done" stack at the other side of his huge office desk. "Anything else?"

"No, sir. Just Mr. Ashton calling again, but that's hardly something new. He hopes to see you tomorrow after the concert. And Miss Marithia tried to reach you. She'd like you to come downstairs and take a look at the preparations. Seems she's too busy so she can't come up here to tell you herself."

Elain rose from his chair and went around his desk. His office was huge and only sparsely decorated with white-washed walls and chrome-plated furniture, which was practical for him and intimidating for every visitor. But Elain didn't like any distractions during his work, so it was perfect in every way.

"Thanks, Conroy. I think you can take the rest of the day off," he dismissed his secretary.

After Conroy had left, Elain pulled on the black suit jacket he had discarded during the afternoon and allowed himself some stretches to ease the tension in his back. The accounting work had taken most of his time today, and he hadn't even paused for his lunch, instead ordering it to his office.

Before Elain left his office, he took a quick look at the mirror in his adjecent bathroom. His auburn hair was a bit disheveled, and he took the time to smooth it down again. His glasses received a thorough polishing, too.

After that, Elain was ready to show himself to this employees downstairs. He took the lift down to the first floor, where the great disco floor of the Velvet Shadow was located. The club had several V.I.P. levels that only invited guests or those with a gold membership card had access to, but the first floor was for everyone willing to pay and pass the critical eyes of the bouncers. This evening it was closed, however, because the stage needed to be set up for the big concert of Bowzer.

Elain himself was no big fan of rock music, but it was a very prestigious event, so everything had to be perfect. The disco floor already had a small stage, but it had to be expanded for the concert, and a lot of extra lights and the whole audio engineering needed to be set up.

Lots of workers milled about in the now brightly lit room. Usually the lights at the Velvet Shadow were toned down, matching the crimson walls and the dark floor. Along the walls were several niches where the guests could sit and relax from dancing. Here the dominant color was red, too: fire-engine red seats with little tables that glowed from within in warm ember tones.

"Hey, boss!" a female voice called, and Elain spotted Marithia struggling through the workers to get to him. The female lashran was a sight to behold: a curvaceous body that moved with the sensual grace of a dancer, impossibly long, dark hair and a pair of forest-green eyes that could bring a man to his knees with just one look. Today she was just wearing jeans and a tanktop with a scarf wrapped around her head instead of her usual elegant dresses, but even in that outfit she outshone every model.

Elain smiled slightly. "You seem to have organized this chaos already."

"Well, I try. First the lights didn't work, and then one of the workers almost fell down the ladder! But everything will be ready tomorrow." Marithia had finally reached Elain and planted a kiss on his cheek, a gesture he allowed only her.

"So, why do you need me here now?" he asked.

"Didn't Conroy mention inspecting the preparations already? No, nevermind, that doesn't matter. That's not the real reason I asked for you. The band's manager, Mr. Kessler, called an hour ago. He decided he wants to inspect the venue and see how our preparations are coming along. I thought you might try to weasel out of the unexpected social schmoozing and stay behind your desk if I explained the situation, so I didn't." Marithia shrugged unapologetically, and a mischievous twinkle lit up her eyes. "And, perfect timing, boss; Mr. Kessler is supposed to arrive in a few minutes!"

Elain's violet-blue eyes narrowed behind his glasses. "Don't push it, Marithia. And I wouldn't have weasled out, as you call it. Of course I want the band's manager to be happy with our preparations."

Marithia made a soft noncommittal "hmm" sound, and her eyes still sparkled at him with amusement despite his gentle warning. But she did indeed avoid pushing the issue. "You are a sterling host. Anyway, you're here, I'm here, and Mr. Kessler is almost here. While we're waiting, do you want to take a look around and see if there's anything you want to change?"

"Why not? But I'm sure you kept everything in order so far," Elain replied, a bit mollified.

He followed Marithia across the dance floor; the workers gave them a wide berth now. Most of the lights were already attached, and the lighting engineers were testing a few adjustments. Huge loudspeakers stood on either side of the stage, and the back wall was decorated with a glittering, stylized wolf head - the band's logo.

"So, what do you think?" Marithia asked.

"Not bad," Elain admitted. "Don't tell me you like this kind of music?"

Marithia grinned. "Like it? What's not to like? It's got a great dance beat." Marithia put her hands together high in the air and swayed her body gracefully as if to prove her point. She didn't need the music to keep a beat. "I may not dance on the floor professionally any more, but I'm still a dancer from my head to my toes." She made a sultry little twirl. "Plus, even you have to agree that all of the band members are hotties. I'm really looking forward to the VIP after party this time — I've heard the band is as entertaining offstage as onstage."

"The music may have a great beat, I agree, but the voices sound like a wolf pack howling. I still prefer classical music in private," Elain said, silently amused with the fact that most of the workers had stopped in their tracks and now gaped at Marithia. "And you're welcome to flirt with any of the band members afterwards. I content my self with looking, as usual."

Marithia narrowed her eyes at him briefly, but then she shrugged. "Suit yourself. I still say we'd make a lethal combination if we ever flirted as a team and played off each other's charms."

Elain was saved from any further speculation on Marithia's part by one of his security staff calling out to them from across the room. The staff member, Jordy, was guiding a man toward them. The man in question wore slacks, an untucked button-down shirt, and a deliberately mismatched, unbuttoned vest. He also wore pale yellow sunglasses on his nose, and his dark hair was close-cut and thinning at the temples.

"Mr. Silvestri, it's so nice to meet you in person!" Mr. Kessler offered a hand which Elain couldn't refuse, and he cringed a bit at the touch of a sweaty palm. "And Miss Marithia, from what I've seen so far, you've outdone yourself. My boys will be delighted to play their concert in such a lovely environment!"

Elain inwardly measured the expenses for the preparations and the band's fee against the income from the decidedly prohibitive ticket prices. It wasn't much gain for the club, all in all, but the advertising value was immeasurable.

Marithia gave him one of her courteous smiles, which was only a hair less devastating than one of her genuine smiles. "Thank you so much, Mr. Kessler. I'm truly flattered. I definitely plan to meet their expectations and needs tomorrow. We're looking forward to a command performance. As you can see, our people are working very hard to make sure everything is working smoothly." Marithia gestured around her, and Mr. Kessler obligingly took in the scene of dedicated employees going about their assigned tasks. "So, Mr. Kessler, is there anything we can help you with? Everything is going well on Bowzer's end?"

Mr. Kessler smiled and pushed up his yellow glasses. "No worries, babe, no worries. The band is pacing like a bunch of wild creatures for the concert. We're all set. I'm just here, being a good manager and scoping out the territory. My job's to see their needs are met, and I can't do that as well if I don't know the venue, right?" He tilted his head and shrugged at them in what was likely supposed to be a helpless gesture. "I want to get to know Velvet Shadow. It's especially important that I take a look around the backstage area. Hair, makeup, and all that glam, friends." He laughed, and the low-pitched sound of it lacked rhythm.

Now Elain had to butt in; he very much liked to know exactly where the manager was going to sniff around. In his experience, people not usually working at the Velvet Shadow tended to get lost in the most unlikely areas - and that was something he didn't like at all.

"Of course, Mr. Kessler. If you would follow me? We have very spacious dressing rooms for the band, an excellent catering service and several make up artist in case they don't bring their own," he said in his most polite tone and gestured towards the backstage area.

"I'd be delighted. Please, lead the way." As they began to walk, Mr. Kessler continued. "I'm glad to get a chance to finally visit the Velvet Shadow. It has quite a reputation, you know, even in other cities."

"I certainly hope so." Elain was not in the mood for any idle chatter, but knowing about the reputation of his club was another matter. He glanced at Marithia, hoping she would take over. It was her job after all.

Marithia caught his glance and gave him a fleeting half-smirk. "This way, Mr. Kessler. It's fastest to get backstage if we get onstage first. Otherwise we have to go around the long way." They got on stage and dodged between a few energetic workers here and there before Marithia continued. She waited just long enough to make Elain nervous that she was going to drop the conversation. "Pardon my asking, but I'm very curious. What sorts of things have you heard about the Velvet Shadow?"

"Well, certainly you know your own reputation?" Mr. Kessler paused for effect. "The Velvet Shadow is undoubtedly the most elegant and distinguished club in Valkyrie Falls. And I talked to a lot of people during the concerts in Silverhills and Brethin. They all bemoan the fact that they don't have a club there that is even half as great."

Elain overheard that flattery, but he allowed himself to believe that some of it was true after all. His club was popular with all the usual party-goers, but he also had a huge clientele of distinguished and wealthy guests who came to the Velvet Shadow for business meetings and relaxation alike.

The corners of in Marithia's business smile kicked up a fraction higher, but the warmth still didn't quite reach her eyes. "That's extremely gratifying to hear, Mr. Kessler. A club of this size requires a lot of time and causes a lot of headaches, but knowing that makes the effort extremely rewarding. Of course, I'm sure you understand: Your band is very well known for selling out show after show, and people talk about how the band members are all fiercely dedicated to creating quality music."

Give and take, tit for tat, step forward and back. Marithia truly was skilled at dancing.

Mr. Kessler laughed his halting laugh again as Marithia led them backstage. "If only those were the only things my boys had a reputation for! Ahh, here we are. Incredible. I've never seen such a clean backstage area. Which way are the dressing rooms? I'd like to take a peek, if that's all right."

"Of course." Marithia led him down a hallway with four separate dressing rooms. Each was big enough to accommodate at least five or six people, furnished with big make-up tables under illuminated mirrors, clothes stands for the costumes, and a comfortable couch for relaxing.

"Three of these rooms are usually used by our dancers," she explained. "This one is exclusively for artists who give guest performances."

With a dramatic flourish, she opened the last dressing room. It was a sight straight out of an old movie with deep red walls, a chandelier, an enormous velvet couch, and gold-framed mirrors hanging over the dressing tables.

Elain allowed himself a slight smile as the bedazzled manager stepped into the room. Marithia's idea to decorate the guest dressing room this way was once again paying off. Catering to the guest artists' vanity was a very important factor in getting them to come back.

Mr. Kessler let out a low whistle. "Wow, pretty fancy digs back here, my friends. This is like some four-star hotel suite. How do you keep it clean with all the hotshot musicians who parade through here?" He took a quick glance at Marithia and Elain and then shook his head. "Wait, forget I asked. I can see what sort of standards you keep. Anyway, I'll remind my boys that they're house-trained and they're expected to behave that way." He laughed.

Marithia smiled. "I'm sure we'll be able to handle whatever comes up."

Mr. Kessler began walking along the dressing tables. "Could you do me a couple of favors, babe? First of all, could you see to it that there are fresh flowers at Istaris's table? Lilies would be best. Also, is there a shower down here somewhere? Kale always works up a nasty sweat on the drums, and he's going to want to clean up before the after party."

Marithia nodded. "I'll see to the flowers. And yes, there are two bathrooms, each with a half shower, through those doors there." Marithia pointed to doors on the opposite side of the room. "Is there anything else you or the band require?"

Mr. Kessler put on a fake thoughtful expression for a moment, then he shook his head. "No, that would be all. There are the security measures during the concert and especially afterward at the party, but I don't think I have to remind you with all the creme parading through these halls."

"I'll see to it personally," Elain said, now a bit miffed at the veiled accusation of not mentioning the security. It was always the top priority when they had big events at the Velvet Shadow.

Marithia jumped in. "So, since you're satisfied with the dressing rooms, would you care to visit the VIP room where we'll be hosting the main after party? There's a private elevator in the backstage area that serves as a way to take our guest artists upstairs to the parties we host. It's electronically secured, but our security will buzz the Bowzer members through to the right floor whenever they're ready."

Mr. Kessler grinned. "Lead the way, lovely. You folks really have thought of everything, haven't you?"

"That's our job, Mr. Kessler."

Marithia took out a keycard and opened the elevator doors with it. In seconds they reached the fifth floor - the main VIP floor, as it was called. Here the dominant colors were black and white, with a touch of silver and chrome here and there. A polished marble floor in checker-board pattern, black overstuffed leather couches and seats, asymmetric little tables made of chrome and glass, crystal chandeliers, and a huge bar gleaming like the cockpit of a starship gave the room a decidedly luxurious look.

Unlike downstairs, everything was already in order. Only a few maids were polishing the tables and decorating fresh flowers on them.

Mr. Kessler didn't react immediately. He wandered into the room and took in its furnishings and layout. Slowly he made his way to the bar, and he turned and leaned against it to look at them. "So this is where the creme of Valkyrie Falls come to play. Someone has impeccable taste. Tell me, Mr. Silvestri, did you have any hand in the design?"

"Yes, I did," he admitted. "This room was one of the first things I redecorated when I took over the club years ago. Marithia, however, suggested adding some flowers, and it is indeed the icing on the cake," he gave some credit back.

Truth was, he still was proud of this room even after all the decades of owning the Velvet Shadow. It was classic, timeless, and although the other rooms were refurnished often, the main VIP lounge stayed the same.

Mr. Kessler nodded slowly. "I thought so. This room reminds me of you somehow." He gestured to the many drinks decorating the showcase behind the bar. "Do you mind if I...?"

Marithia smoothly moved behind the bar. "What'll be your poison, sir?"

"Gin and tonic on the rocks, please." Mr. Kessler gave her a salacious smile and then turned his attention back to Elain. "So, Mr. Silvestri, how long have you owned this ritzy joint?"

Without asking, Marithia pulled out a bottle of mineral water before she started mixing the drink for Mr. Kessler. Elain opened the bottle and poured himself a glass.

"I took it over from the previous owner forty-two years ago," he told the manager. "It was a renowned club already, but I expanded it to two more floors."

It was no secret, and although Elain wasn't one for small talk, he had to indulge Mr. Kessler for the moment.

"So, I take it your band's tour has been successful?"

"Ha ha, yes indeed! Quite the success." Mr. Kessler gave a relaxed sigh. "The crowds have been phenomenal, and one of the most difficult parts of my jobs has been tearing the Bowzers away from signing autographs when we're on a tight schedule. I do think the tour is starting to wear on them, though, and I know Jaydin's got some new material that he's itching to work on in the studio." He took a seat on one of the barstools. "But we'll have plenty of time to talk about Bowzer and their achievements tomorrow at the party. I still want to know more about you, Mr. Silvestri. You're quite the mysterious character. For being such an important person, people seem to know very little about you."

That was the question Elain always sought to evade. He took a sip of his mineral water and smiled slightly.

"For me the main focus has to be on the club itself and on his guests. I'm just the humble proprietor and don't want to hog the limelight. That I leave to stars like your band, Mr. Kessler. My work mostly consists of very boring paperwork."

Mr. Kessler waved his hand in the air dismissively. "Doesn't matter if you don't want to hog it. You're wealthy, good looking, and you spend your time catering to the stars and supposed pillars of society. You own what is arguably the most popular club on the continent. You should be a sort of minor star in your own right, but somehow you've managed to keep the spotlight from truly reaching you. I think I can sort of understand why you'd do that, but how can you do that? The spotlight can be damn hard to deter when the public is curious."

Marithia set a heavy-bottomed glass down in front of Mr. Kessler on a monogrammed napkin. He nodded his thanks to her and lifted it to take a drink. His calculating eyes focused on Elain from behind the yellow glasses.

Elain's smile froze a bit. "Now that, Mr. Kessler would be telling. And what horrible businessman I would be if I spilled all the secrets of my trade." He held up his glass in a mock toast. "And I'm afraid I have to leave you now in Marithia's capable hands. There are some important calls I have to make. Would you please excuse me?"

Mr. Kessler gave Elain a wry half grin. He tilted his glass toward Elain in a small salute. "Of course, and I promise not to take up to much more of her time. Thank you for the tour, Mr. Silvestri, and goodnight."

"Good night, Mr. Kessler."

They shook hands briefly, and after a last look at Marithia, who could barely hide her grin, Elain left the VIP room. Of course there were some calls he still had to make, but those could wait until tomorrow. Now Elain just wanted to call it a day.

Elain's apartment was on the top floor of the building. When he opened the door with his keycard, Elain was greeted with a demanding meow. Velvet, Elain's only roommate, had been waiting for him as usual. Elain scooped the beautiful white cat up and stroked her impossibly soft fur.

"So, what does milady want for dinner?" he asked while he went to the kitchen, getting another meow in response. Marithia had presented him the cat on his birthday two years ago, arguing that he needed another living being in his hermitage, as she liked to call his apartment. At first Elain had been skeptical, but the capricious yet cuddly animal had soon won him over.

Elain pulled out some cat food for Velvet, and after she was happily tucking in, he made some dinner for himself. It was something he only had to heat up, because he was no fan of cooking at all. But since Elain had to join his business partners for fancy dinners frequently, he didn't mind.

Elain's apartment was spacious and sparsely furnished like his office, but with a bit more color here and there. White leather couches, bookcases made of dark wood, and huge printings showing abstract yet colorful pictures dominated the living room. A big window front allowed an incredible view over Valkyrie Falls.

Elain sat down on his favorite couch in direct viewing line to the window and ate his dinner. After a few minutes, Velvet joined him there, purring loudly. This was one of the advantages of her presence: She didn't talk back at him.

Elain finally leaned back, stroking Velvet behind her ears as he looked out of the window. Tomorrow would be a strenuous day, especially since he was responsible for everything that happened. Elain just hoped the concert and the following party would pass according to plan. He was absolutely not in the mood for any nasty surprises.

To be continued...