"Hey Maren, glad you could make it" Jimmy replied, happily abandoning his planning "Yeah I'm okay and the payment was fine, quite generous really given the job, though I think we have very different ideas of seedy work" he said flashing a grin. "Still I ain't gonna complain what with sales bein' down and all, who knows I might be doin' that kinda job more often if business doesn't pick up."
Jimmy relaxed back into his seat "Yeah these joints ain't exactly wholesome, we used to call 'em speakeasies back in Parkchester and they were filled wall to wall with crooks. Home sweet home." he said with a laugh "So what about you, been keepin' busy?"
"Well, in case you've been bored by what I dredged up, I'm sure I know other people who'd be quite interested in procuring some of those weapons that Ted mentioned," she replied at his first comment, finding it rather humorous, given that he didn't know and didn't want to know, likely, what those materials were actually being used for. She placed her handbag on her lap and folded her hands on top of it. "It is nice to hear that certain people still pay living wages, as it were. Saves me the effort of complaining on your behalf."
There was a particularly nasty cloud of smoke coming her way and she couldn't help but cough. "Bloody hell," she muttered, trying to calm her breathing. "I've been really well, actually. Business is well, lovelife, too. We're planning on a first child, now that I mention it." Throwing a look at the bar, she hummed. "Reckon you can cajole someone into bringing me a drink? I don't really feel like moving right now."
A woman clad in a black dress, fur mantle and dark hair up in a bun approaches the table. She rests a hand gently on Maren's shoulder. "Vitayu my friends." Taking a cigarette out from the fold of her ear and leaning down to light it on the table candle, Pimakhova looks up at them both with a soft smile. "It is a pleasure to see you both visiting the Temna Roza. I see you are becoming more acquainted?" Standing back up, she readjusts her dress and looks between the two of them. She gave a sly look at Jimmy, before looking back to Maren. "Mishtar Rat loves this place it seems, and you are not so out of place yourself my dear. I hope you do enjoy the club. If there is anything I can provide you with, please let me know." She takes a long smoke of her cigarette waiting for an answer.
Startled at the suddenness with which the woman had placed her hand on Maren's shoulder, she turned around, trying to not seem as spooked as she actually was. "Miss Pimakhova," she said, glad that this hadn't been some random person from the bar looking to talk to a girl. "Don't do things like that, please. I almost suffered cardiac arrest." Taking a deep breath, she took a closer look at the woman that she had so far only seem over comm channels, and had to admit that she was pretty much exactly like she had imagined her to be. Idly wondering whether that fur mantle was warm to her, Maren's eyes came to a rest on her cigarette for a moment — just like always. "I have actually just arrived. We haven't progressed farther than opening pleasantries, but I'd gladly take you up on your offer, ma'am. I'd like a drink, if you would, and leave it in your capable hands what exactly it is. I'd like to stay hydrated, though, and preferably not go blind due to excessive alcohol." She couldn't help but chuckle at the last words. "It's good to hear your smokey voice after such a long time. We still have those crates of tobacco on the Corvo, by the way."
"Ah, they are still there? My apologies Mish Vertiga. I shall pick them up shortly." She looked between the two of them once again, and then nodded. "Very well my dear. A velvet Martini for you. Drago behind the bar makes some the best cocktails, and the velvet Martini is one of his finest pieces. It is like art." She looked up at the bar and grinned over to the barman. "Mishtar Rat, may I indulge you in anything? It is on the house; you are two of my most important patrons afterall."
"Always a pleasure Katya" he said smiling back "if it's on the house I'll take a large gin and tonic please. This one needs backup." He drained his glass in one pull and set it back on the table. "Why don't you join us? Maren was just telling me about her plans for a first kid and some possible work in the arms trade, you can't pass that up." He added with a grin. "And call me Jimmy, or James, whichever. Mister Rat makes me sound like a character in a kids book."
"Childrens book's have their charm, Mi...James." She had to force the word out, so used to her way of calling people that she was. She waved over to the bar, and communicated two numbers to the barman with her fingers. "You are having a child, Mish Vertiga? Congratulations, I do hope she turns out as adorable as her mother." Pulling out a chair, so moved the ashtray closer to her and deposits some ash from her cigarette. She gave Maren a discerning look, hard eyes taking her in. "... what is a woman such as yourself doing looking for work in the arms trade?" Looking between the two of them, she took a long smoke as she waited there answer.
Those words made Maren shift a little uncomfortably, not really knowing how to respond. Pimakhova had a weird way of phrasing things where it was an actual compliment, or flattery, while still sounding so flat. "Not yet having a child," she corrected her, feeling like it was necessary to mention. "It's a long-term goal, since Cardamine makes it a little difficult. Needs time, I guess." It was a little irritating that Pimakhova apparently didn't intend to sit down. "And as for arms: I never said I actively partook or anything. All I said is that I might know one or two people who'd be interested in working something out. That, and the acquisition of, well, live cargo, if you know what I mean."
"Well at least you'll have one good bed time story to tell the little bambino, the adventures of Mister Rat." Jimmy remarked with a grin "It'll be a classic collection; Mister Rat and the Double-Cross, Mister Rat goes to Sugarland and the utter delight, Mister Rat goes for a Joy Ride. I'll even...even throw in" he snorted, failing to not laugh at his own joke "a cuddly rat...with...with a cig...cigarette...and a tommy gun!" finally losing it and howling with laughter.
His antics were amicable, Maren found. "Well, I'm not really sure if those stories are really aimed at the audience you speak of." She was pretty sure that Jimmy probably wasn't the type of guy she'd give her child to hold. Stretching her back slightly, she gave him a demure smile. "That aside, I don't see why you couldn't tell those stories yourself. Once a certain age has been reached, of course." Looking over to Pimakhova, who was still standing, she frowned inwardly. "Would you mind sitting down, Miss Pimakhova? This whole standing behind me makes me crazy."