Mastermind

[madimpossibledreamer]

Main Points:
Dresden Files AU, M is for Marcone Series
Chapter Summary: Marcone asks Dresden for some advice.
Word Count: 300
Rating: Teen

          “Harry.”  My smile is cordial, though I’m sure my eyes twinkle with a little amusement as he actually jumps.  My disguise, it appears, was effective.
          “Dresden to scumbags,” he pants, trying to hide any trace of panic.  Rather unsuccessfully, might I add.  Once he has his wits about him, he glances around and frowns.  “No guard dogs?”
          I am annoyed he won’t drop the slight against one of my oldest friends, more than any aspersions against myself, but impressed at his persistence all the same.  I am not confident that I have taken every precaution should he act with characteristic lack of foresight and decide to remove me from existence, but events are moving quickly and I must move with them.  “Are you insinuating I need a chaperone in your presence, Mr. Dresden?”  His spluttering is amusing, though I reluctantly must move on.  “I require advice on an urgent matter.  I will pay you from my legal ventures.”  Now, he’s simply gaping at me.  Not a very flattering expression.
          “I’ve told you, I’m not for sale!”  Hopefully, too, he never notices my reactions to the fire and fury he wields are hardly ones he would have chosen.  “And why can’t your consultant do that thing you pay her for and consult?”
          “I am under no illusions she will be biased on this topic.”  She’d demonstrated as much while still barely in my employ.  “As, I’d guess, will you, though in a different direction.  I need perspective.”  As he stares at me, calculating, I add, “I can certainly obtain results elsewhere, though I cannot guarantee you will enjoy the results.  This way you can shape the knowledge I obtain.”
          I am not the only one who enjoys control.
          “Damn it, Marcone.”  The concession is bitter, but he’s still intrigued.  A start.