(One week after Chapter 4)
Mikera showed Drake the tools of his trade. “These sunglasses provide a HUD of the building and area. They also work to help locate the rest of us. Biometrics on the sides of the glasses insure they will only function for us. To anyone else, they function as normal sunglasses.”
“As to your racing car, I made some upgrades to it. I added GPS, a handless communications system, and even a blast shield to go over the windshield in case the bulletproof glass doesn’t cut it. When that is the case, several cameras mounted discreetly on the front activate, allowing you to drive even if the shields are up. I couldn’t upgrade much under the hood. You actually took care of the mechanics pretty well. Interesting license plate device on it. I like how it has several plates on it and it rotates, and I noticed that the stickers can be peeled off on a moment‘s notice. I take it you have had to evade authorities before?”
“Oui, Mikera. I have.” Mikera then gave Drake something else. The watch was golden, with silver plating on the edges of it, expensive, and very, very much top-of-the-line, with a metal watchband. “This watch uses a solar battery with an electric backup. Wear this watch at all times. If you see a moebius strip projecting on the face of the watch, you know what it means. Also keep an eye open on that PDA I gave you. It will show the symbol as well.” Drake pointed at the computer monitor behind her. “Like it is now, Mikera?”
Mikera turned around and saw the moebius symbol light up on the monitor. “Boizhe Moi!” She then got on her phone. “Samantha, Josephine, we got an assignment!”
Josephine had been reviewing the files given to her by that woman. She didn’t see anything special about the two candidates she was being sent. One, a young cougar named Leah Bennington, was a computer programmer/musician who had been assigned with New Zealand’s BAU unit. The other was Timothy Beckinsdale, an African wild dog/hyena hybrid who had served multiple tours with the Marines, and was currently a West Virginia State Trooper.
Why? Why send these two our way? I guess it will have to wait, we have an assignment.
Samantha scrambled inside, wearing a bathrobe, the top sliding halfway down her shoulders. “Why in the hell does this always happen when I am in the shower?!” Drake blushed as he saw her run next to him, pulling up the shoulders of the robe. “Hiya, Drake.” She began to dry off her hair when Mikera’s monitor came on. “That woman” was on again, and once more, it was only her voice.
“Welcome, Task Force Moebius, to the briefing. Your latest assignment is this: In Paris, there has been a massive increase in crimes targeting specifically, immigrants and minorities, along with those who would help them if attacked. The attacks are carried out by members of the community. Most carry little in the way of weapons, and they are usually improvised. However, a suspect has been found. His name is Bertrand St. Quinn, a man known for his prejudices against anyone not native to France. Those he dislikes in his neighborhood have a bad habit of vanishing.“
She continued on. “He is a very wealthy man, so we need to infiltrate his party. Josephine, you and Drake will be going undercover. Your cover? You are Monsieur et Madame Elderon, a newlywed husband and wife looking to get into the wine business. Look at your door, and you will find a manila envelope. In it is enough Euros to acquire the outfits and jewelry to look the part.”
“Of course. We’ll get to work at once,” Josephine replied.
“Also, Samantha, you will be stationed outside his home, bring your best sniper rifle, and some pistols in case things get thick. Mikera, you will be monitoring things from the Land Rover, and this time, pack some heat. Oh, and Josephine?”
“Yeah?”
“You will be paying Regina to get your outfits done once you arrive in Paris.”
Drake noticed that for the first time, all of Josephine’s color had vanished. “Oh no ye don’t. No way, no how!! Ye willnae subject me to-”
“You don’t get a choice,” the voice answered dryly. “She is one of the best in Europe, and frankly, the one person remotely qualified to get you what you need quickly. Custom tailoring will be a MUST, and besides, Regina already has all the raw materials together, and she hasn’t met Drake yet, and we need to get his measurements. She is fast, thorough, and you know you will get quality.”
All of their ears pinned back, as Josephine replied, “Well, we won’t argue about the quality, but the last time you had us see her, she used us as dressup dolls.”
“Just go to her, and remember to wear swimsuits under your clothes. Two pieces, according to her. Regina needs to update your sizes. Directions have been downloaded into your GPS system. You will be going to a fashion show where Regina will be doing your outfits after the show. It will be done at the Further details on the mission will be provided once your trip with Regina is complete. That is all.”
With that, the line went dead. “Drake, looks like we’ll be going to Paris, and to a fashion show.” Josephine walked to the door, and found not just the envelope and the money, but four backstage passes for after the show. “This must have cost ‘that woman’ a fortune on top of the Euros! How did she afford this?” Drake counted up the Euros. “There is 100000 Euros here! Mon dieu! Does she expect us to buy an estate?!”
“We won’t know until we get this mission going. Sam, start getting the weapons you need, and pick some guns for Mikera. Mikera, get whatever tech you need loaded up and follow us in the Rover. Drake, you will be driving me there. We need to look like a married couple, so we need wedding bands of our own.” Josephine blushed at the thought, before she added, “We’ll have to make you look a bit older too. Just to keep anyone from getting suspicious. We‘re masquerading as a rich couple, so the jewelry will have to be fairly expensive.”
Drake nodded, blushing at the thought of it, as Josephine continued. “You need a couple of expensive suits, and I need some expensive dresses. Regina will custom-make them for our sizes. Let‘s get to Paris right away.” Drake started up his car after everything they needed was loaded. “Drake?”
“Oui, Josephine?”
“…there is a real chance we may have to sleep together. At the very least, we may have to share the same bed.”
Drake turned beet red when she mentioned that. “Oui..mais..”
“Hmmm?”
“I would never do anything intimate with you unless you wanted to. I was always raised to believe that if you feel like you had to have sex, instead of wanting to, then it isn’t being done right.”
Josephine paused. “Drake, are you sure? We’ll have to act like a couple in every sense of the word. If they suspect something is off, they will look into it. We’ll sort this out once we get to Regina. Just be careful around her. She is someone who liked dressing up dolls, and found dressing up people more to her liking. And she will be very interested in you, being the first man in the team and all.”
(Meanwhile, near the Rhine River)
Jean-Michael stared at the information Vera had gotten for him. “So, Vera, you are sure then that they are the ones who have been carrying out the attacks?”
“According to our agent in Paris, yes. And he was nearly killed to get this information. The Bloodies are definitely in Paris.”
“Je compris. Inform him to get the best treatment possible, and to rest assured that it will be covered in full, and that he will be rewarded most properly. Good information and good informants are hard to find zes days, and it would not do to have such rare people perish on my watch. To think we have such a cancer in such a lovely city. What else have you found out?”
“…It is about Drake.”
Jean-Michael paused. He had thought about his children throughout, hoping that the vineyard he had left behind would let them live their lives in peace. “Over a week ago, there was an attempt on his life. He left with a snow leopard femme of Israeli descent. He is somewhere in Saint-Jouin-Burneval.” Celestia raised her hand after getting off the phone. “Your old friend just called us, Jean. She says he is heading to Paris with three other women, including the snow leopard. She also says that if we hurry, we can meet with them with a certain seamstress from hell.”
The bat femme grinned when she mentioned that. “I miss Regina. She is fun to be around, and she makes some of the most awesome clothing. We have to go! We HAVE to!”
Jean sighed, knowing all too well what his presence might cause. “Drake isn’t ready yet to see me. Vera, meet with him. He won’t recognize you.”
Vera smiled with a sigh. “You still can’t face him?”
“Non, I don’t think he is ready for that yet. And neither am I.”
“I suppose we’ll see soon enough. From what I understand, your old friend says he looks just like you.”
“Does he, now? Well, I suppose we can find out.”
~~~~
(At a fashion show near the Arc de Triomphe, Paris, two hours later)
Mikera looked through her window in the Land Rover, as they passed the Arc de Triomphe. “We’re in Paris. Boizhe Moi, we’re in PARIS!! FUCK YEAH, oh my god, after the mission, we HAVE to stay for at least a few nights!” Samantha smiled at Mikera. “That will be up to Josephine. I hope we get to stay in Paris for a few days, that would be GREAT. We need to take Drake clothes shopping anyway.”
Meanwhile, Josephine admired the scenery of Paris, before sighing in frustration. “I can’t believe we’re being sent to Regina AGAIN.”
“It sounds like she takes pride in her work.”
“Drake, please understand. Regina is not merely a slave to fashion. Oh no, it is her obsession, her destiny in life. When she was a child, she loved playing with dolls, but when she got older, she decided she liked dressin’ up people a LOT better. She always thinks about how to improve on clothing, or who to get as a model next. On top of that, if she sees someone attractive, guy or girl, she will try to dress them up, no questions asked. She is one of the only people who scares the hell out of me.”
Drake then looked over the GPS tracker. “We are almost there. The badges ensure us front-row seats and a means to get backstage after the fact. But I doubt we’ll be able to carry our weapons inside. Not a good place for them.”
Josephine smiled. “Good. You know then that you can’t always carry your weapons with you. Our cover is a newlywed couple, so we need to make it look good. Regina will help us pick out our clothing for this. It is going to be an upper class party.” They then looked outside. “That is right, the fashion show was going to be near the US consulate to France. Well, we’re here. Drake, park with the VIPs. Sam and Mikera will be coming with us too.”
Soon, they walked into the fashion show, as security waived them through. “Monsieur et Madame Elderon? Regina Dufresne has been expecting you and your friends. Right this way.” Josephine sighed, defeated. “I am not looking forward to this.”
“JOSEPHINE, DAAARRRRLLLIIIINNGGG!!”
Josephine’s ears pinned back as she heard that. “Ach, the bells of hell have rung.“ An attractive cougar, in a daring blue evening dress, ran towards her, slipping off her heels to maintain her balance. Her auburn hair waved in the breeze as her blue eyes looked upon Josephine. “We haven’t seen each other in SO LONG!! Come over here, you!” Regina gave Josephine a hug, as she looked at the other girls. “Mikera, look at you! You are filling in that dress a lot better!! And you, Samantha, you are as well! Yes, I need to take your measurements all over again!!”
She then laid eyes on Drake. “Oh my, who is this handsome young gentleman, and which of you lucky girls landed someone like this?” Drake turned bright red when Regina looked over him. “A very handsome young man indeed. We just HAVE to get him dressed up.”
“Okay, everyone, the fashion show is about to start, so let’s head to the back. Drake, mostly women are modeling tonight, so do let me know if you see anything you like, hmmm?” Regina smiled coyly as she lead them to the back.
“Now, I am going to take everyone’s measurements. Hope you brought your swimsuits this time. And Mikera, yours better be two-piece after what happened last time.”
“Quoi?”
Regina smiled at Drake’s confused look. “Normal clothing means my measurements are off. Two-piece swimsuits are what I will need, and it is either that, or you model in your underwear. And yes, Drake, I need yours too. You are the newest member of the team, right?”
Oui, mademoiselle.”
“Oooohh, and he is French. How did you girls manage to get this one?” Just then, Regina was interrupted by a phone call. “Oh good, Melissa’s back. I need to go to the front.”
“Melissa?”
“Melissa Nightingale, my lead female model. Oh, and Josephine, Drake? Once your measurements are done, I will be getting you two dressed up in wedding garments.”
“WHAT?!”
“QUOI?!”
Regina smiled at them. “Don’t give me that look. You know your money is no good where I am concerned. Instead, my payment for my services will be that you both will model in wedding attire. Drake, there is a GORGEOUS white tuxedo I have waiting, and Josephine, you will be wearing the most RADIANT silver wedding dress. It has gold and bronze trim and it fades into a beautiful shimmering white, and just looks GORGEOUS.”
Samantha grinned. “Good luck, Drake, Jo. We’ll take lots of pictures!!” Mikera chimed in. “Oh yeah, we’ll be sure to get plenty of photos.” Regina looked at them. “Who said I was letting you two off the hook? You will be modeling too.”
“We will?!” Both of them gasped, stunned.
Regina smirked at them, as she got up. “Of course. We have three wedding dresses to model after all. Drake, you will have to be the groom for all three. How quickly can you change into a tuxedo?”
“Tres vite, mademoiselle, except for the bow tie. I can’t tie a bow tie to save my life.”
“Don’t you worry about that. That will be where Melissa will come in. Strangely, she said she is bringing someone in with her.”
“Regina, I need some help here.”
The smell of alcohol was the first thing they noticed, and all three of the girls noticed Drake‘s tail fluff up, before they stared at the curiosity before them. A kangaroo femme was dragging a drunken blue fox with silver hair, a bottle still clutched in her hand.
The kangaroo femme looked at the others with an embarrassed look as she put the woman down on a stool. “Hiya, Regi. She followed me home back at Saint-Jouin-Burneval. Said something about looking for her brother. I guess he is a boozer, because she combed every bar in the place, and a few dives I never even heard of! Someone wanna help me out here?”
That is when the girls noticed that Drake was face palming. “Merde non!” Samantha went to Drake at once, seeing a look of anger mixed with grief. “Drake, is that-?”
“DRAKE, WHERE?!” A drunken Evangeline’s head shot up. “I know he ish here, I heard hish name!” She then noticed Samantha. “You musht be ze bimbo who kidnapped him, and prolly eloped witsh him too.” Samantha thought about it. This is the bitch who gave Drake those cuts to his chest. And she thinks I eloped with him? Samantha smirked at a thought. Well, let’s have some fun with this. I am not exactly kosher myself. “You are drunk. And kidnapped? Hell no, he was WILLING, you stupid broad.”
“Firsht of all, I am not drunk. And Willing?! With some butch girl like you?!”
SLAP!
The slap from Samantha caused Eva to spin off her feet as Samantha pinned her to the floor and took a sniff. “Three shots of Jack Daniels, tequila AND the worm, and at least two cosmopolitans. Try again, you stupid broad.”
“Shay that to me one more time..”
“Stupid. BROAD!”
Eva glared daggers at her. “I’sh takin’ him back…right now…erk…” Samantha stepped back as Eva heaved on the floor, and Regina began to glare crossly at Melissa. “Melissa, take her out of here!”
Melissa sighed, only able to watch Eva throw up her last set of drinks. “I knew she was a drunkard. I mean, I spent my week with this chick, and try as I could, I wasn’t able to stop her drinking. She drinks like a fish. All she‘d tell me about was Drake this, and Drake that. She was angry, saying something about not wanting him to turn into his father.”
Eva tried to get up. “And he already ISH. Look at ‘im. Shurrounded by three women. He hash probably already slept with ‘em too!”
SLAP! This time, the blow sent Eva flying against Regina, who yelled, “Get her away from here, and somewhere she won’t cause any damage, RIGHT NOW, MELISSA!”
None noticed the Mink in the janitor outfit who witnessed the events. She dialed a number. “Jean, it is me. Listen carefully. It is bad. Drake has taken after you, and it would appear Eva has fallen off the wagon in more ways than one. Need me to make some arrangements?”
“Not yet. How is Drake?”
“Hurt, and angry. Jean, leave that to me. I am going to talk to him, and give him something. Don’t worry, it is only what you wanted me to give him. I will be with you as soon as I can.”
With that, she hung up, and headed to the impromptu changing room Regina set up for Drake.
~~~~
(In the dressing room)
Regina guided Drake to the changing room. “Sorry, Drake, this room was the only room big enough to let you change in peace. You have 15 minutes to get ready.
Drake sighed as he got changed into the white tuxedo he would be wearing for the modeling arrangement. As he buttoned up his shirt, he saw a janitor walk in. He noticed blond hair in a ponytail and a mop in her hand. “Pardon, but what are you doing here? I am not done changing yet.”
The figure stepped out of the shadows, and removed the janitor‘s hat, letting her hair unfurl. Before him stood a pretty brunette mink, her age not clear in the shadows. “You are Drake, si?” The voice was feminine, refined, with a Spanish accent.
“I am…mais-”
“Bueno. Let me introduce myself. My name is Vera La Fiero, and I am a friend of your father’s.”
“Mon PERE?! HE sent you?! Is he okay? Where is he now? Can I see him?”
Just like his father. So many questions. I just wish I could answer them all. Sadly, that will have to wait.
“Well, it is very complicated. And I only have a minute, so answers will have to come later. Take this folder, and make sure you inform the other girls. The jewel box is yours. What you need to know is this: Your father and your friends have a common enemy, Drake. When you get back from Paris, there will be a letter drop for you and the girls. Don’t be alarmed, we’re fighting the Bloodies just like you are. Just in a different way. I can‘t stay here, or the lady of the place will get suspicious. We will meet again,” she said, kissing the back of his head softly. “I promise.”
“Wait, what do you know about mon pere?!” But when he turned around, the figure had already left. Drake sighed in frustration, as he carefully tucked away the small manila folder she left for him.
Regina then yelled inside the room. “DRAKE, YOU GOT ONE MINUTE!! Hurry up!” Getting the folder to the girls would have to wait until all this was over. Drake finished getting dressed and headed out, and as he went out, a most beautiful sight greeted him. All three of the women he had worked with were now in wedding dresses.
Josephine wore a silver wedding dress, with a bodice that almost looked like armor, with a skirt cut off at the knee, and silver lacings going down her lower thighs and ankles, culminating to a pair of silver high heels on her feet. Her arms also had similar wrappings leading to a pair of elbow-length gloves. Samantha wore a red wedding dress that formed to her body, with bronze trim around the bodice, silken gold gloves that accentuated her arms, and red heels. Mikera wore a light blue wedding dress with golden trim that faded to purple on the ends.
Regina smiled. “Okay then, now it is time for you to get on that stage. All of you.”
“QUOI?!”
“I said Drake would have to change tuxes. Well I LIED…sort of. All four of you will be modeling on stage together. There was an accident with the other tuxedos. I won’t be able to get them made in time, so you will have to go out with all of them.” Drake closed his eyes a moment, and sighed. “Evangeline happened to them, didn’t she?” Regina’s ears pinned back. “Yes. Don’t you worry about it, I have a rather interesting outfit to make her answer for that. Lots of pink, and lots of frills. Now get out there, you.”
As each walked out, Regina got on the microphone. “And here comes the groom, and his three lovely brides!” Drake couldn’t hear what the materials she used were, or the difficulties there were in making the dresses. All he knew was that he was surrounded by three gorgeous women, and he needed all of his willpower to keep from turning bright red in front of the crowd.
Of course, it didn’t help that all three snugged and cuddled the embarrassed young man as they all walked down the catwalk. Josephine draped herself over one arm, Mikera on the other, and Sam walked with him from behind. The crowd cheered as the four soon reached the end, and modeled individually, before posing for a group picture together. Regina then went to him after they got to the back.
“So, Drake, which of these lovelies would you take to the wedding bed, hmmmm?”
Drake blushed profusely and ducked his head. “Je ne fais pas.” Regina looked at him confused. “Huh?”
“I can’t do it. I can’t choose between the three beautiful souls around me. I just…I just can’t.” Both Melissa and Regina stood there, dumbfounded. Regina noticed that the girls seemed to be okay with that. “Drake has only known us for a short time, Regina. You can’t expect him to choose between us that soon.”
“Fair enough, I guess. Well, time for me to keep a promise. Melissa, is everything ready?”
“Yes, EVERYTHING is ready.”
“Get Eva up and send her onto the catwalk.”
Drake stared wide-eyed in disbelief as Eva stumbled out. She wore white hose, a pink, fluffy dress, with white lace bordering, white gloves, a ton of blush, and a white maid’s cap on her head. Regina grinned as she looked back at Drake. “This, Drake, is Gothic Lolita. And she actually makes a pretty good one, too. Melissa, hand her the umbrella.”
“Right. Here you go, now hurry! The crowd is waiting on you!”
Eva was then pushed out, in that dress, as Regina got on the mike. “Everyone, this lovely vic-errr, volunteer, was nice enough, and drunk enough, to dress up for me. This lovely outfit is my take on the Gothic Lolita fashion style. The dress is made of pink satin, and the white apron and gloves are made of the finest in silk. For the hose and pink shoes, I used white nylon and some fine leather. And lots and lots of lace for the bordering and cap. And, as you can see from the drunk, she is doing a little dance I would like to call the 'Pink Fox Shuffle.'”
Eva drunkenly posed for the cameras as they watched on. Regina then turned to Drake and the others. “Your clothing orders are already in the Rover. Why else do you think I didn’t have time to replace the tuxedos? I am a woman of my word. By the way, do come back next time I am in town. I will be modeling swimsuits and liiiinnnggerrrriiiieeeee.”
Drake turned away, and ducked his head carefully so as not to get any blood on his tuxedo. Regina purred at his reaction. “Well, that is interesting." Regina then gave Drake a flirtatious look. "Y’know, Drake, if these girls don’t claim you, I just might grab you for myself.” It was then that Regina found herself confronted by a wall of fangs.
“Th-then again, *gulp* there are other fish in the sea.” Each of the girls kept growling at her. “Okay, okay, I get it, Drake is off limits already!!”
They then took Drake, and placed him back at his car. Drake then stopped them a moment. “Mademoiselles, wait. Someone snuck into my changing room, and gave me this.” He lifted out from under the tuxedo, a manila envelope. “I don’t know what is in here, but it is important. And the person who approached me insisted we all see it together.”
Josephine nodded in understanding. “For now, leave it in the Rover. We can’t have anything on us that would hint as to our identities. Also, we need to get changed. We‘re already behind as it is.”
As they left, a figure stood in the shadows, as Regina turned to her. “Taunting them like that wasn’t a good idea, Regina.”
“Don’t give me that look, Vera. You know I had to do it. They have feelings for him. Now, is my debt to Jean paid?”
“Of course. In full. He is a man of his word, Regina. As of this moment, we will ask nothing further of you without proper payment.”
“That reminds me, the suits Jean wanted are ready, and so is the lingerie you girls asked me for.”
“Here is payment, in cash as always. Pleasure doing business with you, Regina.” And with that, Vera vanished into the night. Then a second figure appeared. It waved several hand signs in the air. “Oh, it is you. Yeah, Jean’s in the country. And yes, Drake is definitely his son. Make sure the other two women know. Better tell Dee first. She hates surprises like this, and I still owe the dragoness some pain tax for the last time she was here.”
The figure nodded, and gestured some more. Regina nodded in understanding. “Yeah, they have come a long way. Let Dee know I think Drake will be okay. And let her know I want to see those two newbies coming in too. Tim will be reeeeallll thrilled to see Melissa again. And no, I am not thrilled about what went down. But that is why I suggested him by name. But here is to hoping Drake and the girls can take care of the Bloodies the same as Jean can.”
The figure nodded, as her hands gestured as well.
“Oh, you are on vacation? Sorry about that. I will let you go. Say hi to your husband for me.”
The figure nodded as she walked away.
End Act V: Part I
“Okay, everyone, the fashion show is about to start, so let’s head to the back. Drake, mostly women are modeling tonight, so do let me know if you see anything you like, hmmm?” Regina smiled coyly as she lead them to the back.
“Now, I am going to take everyone’s measurements. Hope you brought your swimsuits this time. And Mikera, yours better be two-piece after what happened last time.”
“Quoi?”
Regina smiled at Drake’s confused look. “Normal clothing means my measurements are off. Two-piece swimsuits are what I will need, and it is either that, or you model in your underwear. And yes, Drake, I need yours too. You are the newest member of the team, right?”
Oui, mademoiselle.”
“Oooohh, and he is French. How did you girls manage to get this one?” Just then, Regina was interrupted by a phone call. “Oh good, Melissa’s back. I need to go to the front.”
“Melissa?”
“Melissa Nightingale, my lead female model. Oh, and Josephine, Drake? Once your measurements are done, I will be getting you two dressed up in wedding garments.”
“WHAT?!”
“QUOI?!”
Regina smiled at them. “Don’t give me that look. You know your money is no good where I am concerned. Instead, my payment for my services will be that you both will model in wedding attire. Drake, there is a GORGEOUS white tuxedo I have waiting, and Josephine, you will be wearing the most RADIANT silver wedding dress. It has gold and bronze trim and it fades into a beautiful shimmering white, and just looks GORGEOUS.”
Samantha grinned. “Good luck, Drake, Jo. We’ll take lots of pictures!!” Mikera chimed in. “Oh yeah, we’ll be sure to get plenty of photos.” Regina looked at them. “Who said I was letting you two off the hook? You will be modeling too.”
“We will?!” Both of them gasped, stunned.
Regina smirked at them, as she got up. “Of course. We have three wedding dresses to model after all. Drake, you will have to be the groom for all three. How quickly can you change into a tuxedo?”
“Tres vite, mademoiselle, except for the bow tie. I can’t tie a bow tie to save my life.”
“Don’t you worry about that. That will be where Melissa will come in. Strangely, she said she is bringing someone in with her.”
“Regina, I need some help here.”
The smell of alcohol was the first thing they noticed, and all three of the girls noticed Drake‘s tail fluff up, before they stared at the curiosity before them. A kangaroo femme was dragging a drunken blue fox with silver hair, a bottle still clutched in her hand.
The kangaroo femme looked at the others with an embarrassed look as she put the woman down on a stool. “Hiya, Regi. She followed me home back at Saint-Jouin-Burneval. Said something about looking for her brother. I guess he is a boozer, because she combed every bar in the place, and a few dives I never even heard of! Someone wanna help me out here?”
That is when the girls noticed that Drake was face palming. “Merde non!” Samantha went to Drake at once, seeing a look of anger mixed with grief. “Drake, is that-?”
“DRAKE, WHERE?!” A drunken Evangeline’s head shot up. “I know he ish here, I heard hish name!” She then noticed Samantha. “You musht be ze bimbo who kidnapped him, and prolly eloped witsh him too.” Samantha thought about it. This is the bitch who gave Drake those cuts to his chest. And she thinks I eloped with him? Samantha smirked at a thought. Well, let’s have some fun with this. I am not exactly kosher myself. “You are drunk. And kidnapped? Hell no, he was WILLING, you stupid broad.”
“Firsht of all, I am not drunk. And Willing?! With some butch girl like you?!”
SLAP!
The slap from Samantha caused Eva to spin off her feet as Samantha pinned her to the floor and took a sniff. “Three shots of Jack Daniels, tequila AND the worm, and at least two cosmopolitans. Try again, you stupid broad.”
“Shay that to me one more time..”
“Stupid. BROAD!”
Eva glared daggers at her. “I’sh takin’ him back…right now…erk…” Samantha stepped back as Eva heaved on the floor, and Regina began to glare crossly at Melissa. “Melissa, take her out of here!”
Melissa sighed, only able to watch Eva throw up her last set of drinks. “I knew she was a drunkard. I mean, I spent my week with this chick, and try as I could, I wasn’t able to stop her drinking. She drinks like a fish. All she‘d tell me about was Drake this, and Drake that. She was angry, saying something about not wanting him to turn into his father.”
Eva tried to get up. “And he already ISH. Look at ‘im. Shurrounded by three women. He hash probably already slept with ‘em too!”
SLAP! This time, the blow sent Eva flying against Regina, who yelled, “Get her away from here, and somewhere she won’t cause any damage, RIGHT NOW, MELISSA!”
None noticed the Mink in the janitor outfit who witnessed the events. She dialed a number. “Jean, it is me. Listen carefully. It is bad. Drake has taken after you, and it would appear Eva has fallen off the wagon in more ways than one. Need me to make some arrangements?”
“Not yet. How is Drake?”
“Hurt, and angry. Jean, leave that to me. I am going to talk to him, and give him something. Don’t worry, it is only what you wanted me to give him. I will be with you as soon as I can.”
With that, she hung up, and headed to the impromptu changing room Regina set up for Drake.
~~~~
(In the dressing room)
Regina guided Drake to the changing room. “Sorry, Drake, this room was the only room big enough to let you change in peace. You have 15 minutes to get ready.
Drake sighed as he got changed into the white tuxedo he would be wearing for the modeling arrangement. As he buttoned up his shirt, he saw a janitor walk in. He noticed blond hair in a ponytail and a mop in her hand. “Pardon, but what are you doing here? I am not done changing yet.”
The figure stepped out of the shadows, and removed the janitor‘s hat, letting her hair unfurl. Before him stood a pretty brunette mink, her age not clear in the shadows. “You are Drake, si?” The voice was feminine, refined, with a Spanish accent.
“I am…mais-”
“Bueno. Let me introduce myself. My name is Vera La Fiero, and I am a friend of your father’s.”
“Mon PERE?! HE sent you?! Is he okay? Where is he now? Can I see him?”
Just like his father. So many questions. I just wish I could answer them all. Sadly, that will have to wait.
“Well, it is very complicated. And I only have a minute, so answers will have to come later. Take this folder, and make sure you inform the other girls. The jewel box is yours. What you need to know is this: Your father and your friends have a common enemy, Drake. When you get back from Paris, there will be a letter drop for you and the girls. Don’t be alarmed, we’re fighting the Bloodies just like you are. Just in a different way. I can‘t stay here, or the lady of the place will get suspicious. We will meet again,” she said, kissing the back of his head softly. “I promise.”
“Wait, what do you know about mon pere?!” But when he turned around, the figure had already left. Drake sighed in frustration, as he carefully tucked away the small manila folder she left for him.
Regina then yelled inside the room. “DRAKE, YOU GOT ONE MINUTE!! Hurry up!” Getting the folder to the girls would have to wait until all this was over. Drake finished getting dressed and headed out, and as he went out, a most beautiful sight greeted him. All three of the women he had worked with were now in wedding dresses.
Josephine wore a silver wedding dress, with a bodice that almost looked like armor, with a skirt cut off at the knee, and silver lacings going down her lower thighs and ankles, culminating to a pair of silver high heels on her feet. Her arms also had similar wrappings leading to a pair of elbow-length gloves. Samantha wore a red wedding dress that formed to her body, with bronze trim around the bodice, silken gold gloves that accentuated her arms, and red heels. Mikera wore a light blue wedding dress with golden trim that faded to purple on the ends.
Regina smiled. “Okay then, now it is time for you to get on that stage. All of you.”
“QUOI?!”
“I said Drake would have to change tuxes. Well I LIED…sort of. All four of you will be modeling on stage together. There was an accident with the other tuxedos. I won’t be able to get them made in time, so you will have to go out with all of them.” Drake closed his eyes a moment, and sighed. “Evangeline happened to them, didn’t she?” Regina’s ears pinned back. “Yes. Don’t you worry about it, I have a rather interesting outfit to make her answer for that. Lots of pink, and lots of frills. Now get out there, you.”
As each walked out, Regina got on the microphone. “And here comes the groom, and his three lovely brides!” Drake couldn’t hear what the materials she used were, or the difficulties there were in making the dresses. All he knew was that he was surrounded by three gorgeous women, and he needed all of his willpower to keep from turning bright red in front of the crowd.
Of course, it didn’t help that all three snugged and cuddled the embarrassed young man as they all walked down the catwalk. Josephine draped herself over one arm, Mikera on the other, and Sam walked with him from behind. The crowd cheered as the four soon reached the end, and modeled individually, before posing for a group picture together. Regina then went to him after they got to the back.
“So, Drake, which of these lovelies would you take to the wedding bed, hmmmm?”
Drake blushed profusely and ducked his head. “Je ne fais pas.” Regina looked at him confused. “Huh?”
“I can’t do it. I can’t choose between the three beautiful souls around me. I just…I just can’t.” Both Melissa and Regina stood there, dumbfounded. Regina noticed that the girls seemed to be okay with that. “Drake has only known us for a short time, Regina. You can’t expect him to choose between us that soon.”
“Fair enough, I guess. Well, time for me to keep a promise. Melissa, is everything ready?”
“Yes, EVERYTHING is ready.”
“Get Eva up and send her onto the catwalk.”
Drake stared wide-eyed in disbelief as Eva stumbled out. She wore white hose, a pink, fluffy dress, with white lace bordering, white gloves, a ton of blush, and a white maid’s cap on her head. Regina grinned as she looked back at Drake. “This, Drake, is Gothic Lolita. And she actually makes a pretty good one, too. Melissa, hand her the umbrella.”
“Right. Here you go, now hurry! The crowd is waiting on you!”
Eva was then pushed out, in that dress, as Regina got on the mike. “Everyone, this lovely vic-errr, volunteer, was nice enough, and drunk enough, to dress up for me. This lovely outfit is my take on the Gothic Lolita fashion style. The dress is made of pink satin, and the white apron and gloves are made of the finest in silk. For the hose and pink shoes, I used white nylon and some fine leather. And lots and lots of lace for the bordering and cap. And, as you can see from the drunk, she is doing a little dance I would like to call the 'Pink Fox Shuffle.'”
Eva drunkenly posed for the cameras as they watched on. Regina then turned to Drake and the others. “Your clothing orders are already in the Rover. Why else do you think I didn’t have time to replace the tuxedos? I am a woman of my word. By the way, do come back next time I am in town. I will be modeling swimsuits and liiiinnnggerrrriiiieeeee.”
Drake turned away, and ducked his head carefully so as not to get any blood on his tuxedo. Regina purred at his reaction. “Well, that is interesting." Regina then gave Drake a flirtatious look. "Y’know, Drake, if these girls don’t claim you, I just might grab you for myself.” It was then that Regina found herself confronted by a wall of fangs.
“Th-then again, *gulp* there are other fish in the sea.” Each of the girls kept growling at her. “Okay, okay, I get it, Drake is off limits already!!”
They then took Drake, and placed him back at his car. Drake then stopped them a moment. “Mademoiselles, wait. Someone snuck into my changing room, and gave me this.” He lifted out from under the tuxedo, a manila envelope. “I don’t know what is in here, but it is important. And the person who approached me insisted we all see it together.”
Josephine nodded in understanding. “For now, leave it in the Rover. We can’t have anything on us that would hint as to our identities. Also, we need to get changed. We‘re already behind as it is.”
As they left, a figure stood in the shadows, as Regina turned to her. “Taunting them like that wasn’t a good idea, Regina.”
“Don’t give me that look, Vera. You know I had to do it. They have feelings for him. Now, is my debt to Jean paid?”
“Of course. In full. He is a man of his word, Regina. As of this moment, we will ask nothing further of you without proper payment.”
“That reminds me, the suits Jean wanted are ready, and so is the lingerie you girls asked me for.”
“Here is payment, in cash as always. Pleasure doing business with you, Regina.” And with that, Vera vanished into the night. Then a second figure appeared. It waved several hand signs in the air. “Oh, it is you. Yeah, Jean’s in the country. And yes, Drake is definitely his son. Make sure the other two women know. Better tell Dee first. She hates surprises like this, and I still owe the dragoness some pain tax for the last time she was here.”
The figure nodded, and gestured some more. Regina nodded in understanding. “Yeah, they have come a long way. Let Dee know I think Drake will be okay. And let her know I want to see those two newbies coming in too. Tim will be reeeeallll thrilled to see Melissa again. And no, I am not thrilled about what went down. But that is why I suggested him by name. But here is to hoping Drake and the girls can take care of the Bloodies the same as Jean can.”
The figure nodded, as her hands gestured as well.
“Oh, you are on vacation? Sorry about that. I will let you go. Say hi to your husband for me.”
The figure nodded as she walked away.
End Act V: Part I
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