Log in

The exchange between one Marty Harper and the 'soon to be departed if Cherry Clinger gets her hands on him' Dunena Reid and his program director, BJay, was coming across loud and clear in the conference room turned studio as BJay asked

"Boss will probably wanna have a few words with ya man.. what the hell made you wanna run out like that anyway? Didn't anyone ever tell you not to mess with folks who could smash ya face in?".

With Marty clearly and concisely informing BJay that his boss shouldn't have thrown up a photo if he wasn't sure the people involved were really involved and that he had been trying to tell them that Miss LaRoux would never associate with someone like that and that, and here Marty pointed to the very well dressed woman in question, as BJay could clearly see, had much better taste than whoever that was in the photo when it came to clothing.

Cherry couldn't help grinning at that and nodding her head in agreement at the comments the cute dude was making about Fifi LaRoux. "You tell it to them!" she cried out to the monitor

What many may not have expected was hearing Marty call out to Dunena Reid and inform the guy that he was nothing but a gloryhound and ego feeding, attention seeking, shock jock who took a serious movement like Occupy *insert locations here* and used it for his own gains. Cherry couldn't help giggle as the dude who she had learned was named Martin or Marty, informed Frump's two aurors that apparently they also had to "compensate for the size of their nightsticks" when they tried to come at him.

It was at this point the door burst open and Frump charged in screaming at her guest, Dominic Benoit. Cherry had had it. Not even giving anyone else a chance to answer, she strode over and planted herself in front of Frump, one hand on her hip, the other using a sharp nail to poke his chest with every word she told him, ensuring he got her point. "Ronald Frump, don't you ever come into my studio with your goat awful combover or cat's ass toupee or whatever it is and treat my guest like that again!" Glaring at him in anger. At the moment, it didn't matter to her that it was also going out over live television. If she had realized it she probably would have said more.

However, it was also then that Greta charged into the room and added a few more bombshell to the fast accruing information....

.... as Muggle police began showing up and the arrest of Martin Harper occurred.

"Ai do think there are events in motion today that are a little bit more important then your radio show Monsieur Reid!" Fifi called back in annoyance, while it wasn't quite a 'no comment' to the allegations she was hardly in the mood to play 20 questions with Dunena Reid.. that and it would be unfair to Cherry who had organised the exclusive interview days before after all. This was a mess, she was on the street amongst a mob and leaving Nicci alone. Anything could happen, it was public perception that part of what made Nicci 'bulletproof' in the press eyes was his 'bodyguard', lover and favourite companion, a role Fifi took quite seriously. "Shh.. Marty just close your eyes.." Cursing in French she fussed over Marty, she had been trained in defensive magic but tried what little healing spells she knew "..just think of moi as a good dream" Blinking she was surprised to find tears in her eyes. Fifi didn't like to be emotional like this, not when people could see her anyway. "What is this.. Novacaine?" Fifi asked Marty, unaware that for the numbing spells wizards used Muggles where forced to use medicines instead.

Helping Marty she nodded torn when he said they should go. On one hand there was nothing she wanted more then to get away from the chaos, the temptation to simply walk away with Marty was caught against her own duty, both to the laws of the Wizarding World that would have insisted on Marty having his memory modified lest he recall any of the wizarding battle, and to Nicci who she owed everything she had to. He needed her as well, who knew this entire demonstration could simply be a plan to get to Nicci.. Fifi didn't know what to do, even as she uncharacteristicly blushed and turned to Marty when he went about defending her to some man who apparently worked for Dunena Reid. "Marty.. you are so sweet but you do not have to worry about moi." Fifi had not yet seen the pictures in question but had they been false or true honestly didn't matter. She was Fifi LaRoux, her reputation would hardly take a battering either way. Unlike Frump who had been trying hard to dodge the reports of his less then honest dealings.

All though this Fifi had been ignorant of what was going on around her, it was a mistake as two policemen appeared and grabbed Marty. Fifi was enraged. "Let him go!" Pushing though she grabbed one of the police officers only to have a third grab her with enough force that she snapped the wand she had been using. "Ne joue pas avec moi!" she screamed at the officer as he pulled her away from Marty. "Ai have diplomatic protection.. you must let go of moi and my companion now!" she insisted which only made the officer laugh. "Yeah right.. show us some ID then" it was obvious that the Police Officers where not in the best mood, unsurprising since protesters just like this lot had been putting them all on overtime over overtime for the past two weeks. It was bound to make anyone cranky.

"Ov course Ai do not have it on me.. does this look like Ai have any pockets to which to carry such a thing?" Fifi insisted, that was the problem with being fabulous, it didn't always leave room for the more important things such as wands and ID. "Connard! Nicci is going to kick all of salaud Va te faire foutre.." while her mother might have warned her to wash her mouth out with soap the effect on the officers was rather less then impressive as Fifi gasped as her arms where wrenched behind her and another quickly rushed over her rights. Glaring at the officers she glanced over to Marty who too was in much the same situation. Oh what had she done? Where was Nicci? Surely he would sort all this out? Fifi just had to hope as a pair of cuffs where clicked over her wrists and she was shoved towards a area where more officers where waiting. Fifi hadn't had time to process events but had she no doubt there would have been a question as to how the Muggle Police had arrived so quickly and managed to single out Marty and her in such a crowd.

---

Dominic Benoit of course had his own problems.. of a sort. While he was for the camera quite relaxed as he sneakily slipped a arm around the shoulders of Cherry Clinger after summoning a fresh glass of champagne for the 'hostess with the mostest' as the pair giggled and clapped along the man who had taken it onto himself to put himself forward as Fifi's saviour. Dominic was intrigued by such events and made a mental note to find a way to learn more about this man along with a discussion with Fifi as to why such a event was not forewarned. There was no doubt tension was in the air as the door slammed open and the American Minister for Magic himself roared into the room in much the manner of a wounded bear. Abet a wounded bear with a combover and dogged by the young reporter from The Global Voice. What a interesting turn of events.

The best part was that Dominic didn't have to do a single thing as he let Cherry slip from his grasp and stood up (for politeness) as Cherry stepped forward to accost Ronald Frump. with so many distractions going on it Dominic for the moment had no idea what was going on outside the room as he gave a polite goodmorning to the reporter. "Now just what was this about some photos and a crime may I ask?" Dominic asked the young reporter, Frump could wait in his mind, seeing the man stew was one of the finer pleasures found to one in his position after all. Playing the innocent foreigner he nodded at Frump "I must apologise for Cherry here, you see we where right in the middle of a interview and it is awfully bad timing... perhaps we should discuss this matter at a latter date?" ''Like when hades froze over' Dominic added to himself as he eyed off the other Minister, it was obvious that there was no love lost between the pair.

Cherry Clinger's 'taking down of the Minister' as it would be referred to on WWBN newscasts as well as the article Greta would be writing when she got back to the office from the Ministry, led to an immediate surge in ratings for Cherry as her program director quickly arranged for two other WWBN stations to pick up the live feed. This was better than the night the Malfoys appeared and Frump was beginning to look like he was going to lose it. What none of them expected was the French Minister bringing the reporter into the spotlight with simple questions, ones she now was quite happy to respond to.

Greta nodded in greeting to the Hostess of the event and raised an eyebrow. Cherry looked at Dominic, then at Greta and realizing things might just become uncomfortable for the American minister smiled and nodded, giving permission for the two to continue the questions, giving Dominic an even bigger smile as he took Frump down a notch with his standing up for her interview.

"Minister Benoit," Greta began. "It seems there has been work going on to discredit one of your wizarding community, a woman named Fifi LaRoux." With that, she gave a fast but concise explanation of Dunena's 'attacks' on Frump's reputation, the fire at his apartment and what she believed phony evidence that was planted, explaining why she thought it was planted on purpose. "Whoever really arranged the purchase of the earrings left there had them picked up by a staff member here, perhaps telling her it was a gift for his," with that Greta raised and eyebrow and looked at Frump, "Wife? or perhaps one of his girlfriends? But whoever left it never paid attention to the fact that Miss LaRoux never wore anything but gold. Just like that photo that started the trouble outside. I'm pretty sure if we got it from Mr. Reid, we'd find it was faked as well."

Frump began turning various shades of red, then sickly green and eventually white and began trying to speak out though every time he tried, Cherry would put her spiked heel on his instep and apply pressure. "You wait your turn," she'd tell him and when Greta finished, turned to see what Dominic had to say only to view the cute dude and Fifi being led off in handcuffs. "Oh dear."

Greta stared in horror at the sight and quickly made a call to her editor. "Are you watching? Good, can you send someone to help them? Great." Ending the call, she turned to the others. "Mr Benoit?" wondering what he thought of all of her conclusions, most of which had viable proof.

Frump finally sputtered "I had no idea..... I'll find whoever did this....... Surely you don't believe I'd ...... Really, Benoit? Never..........."

Marty Couldn't help but smile as Fifi told off Dunena Reid. "She's right. This movement started weeks ago because people were tired of a select few having all the benefits. You can't expect to just jump on the bandwagon now," Marty added, "Whether you believe in what they've been doing or not." As Fifi suggested he close his eyes, Marty gave her a wry grin and told her, "Got that half done. When we get out of here, I think it's time for a cab to Gallagher's for us and steak for three -- you, me and the eye," he half joked though when she asked what 'novacaine' was, he had no idea what the French word or it would be to explain to her.

It was his turn to blush a bit, though whether anyone could tell for the bruising around the swollen shut eye he didn't know, as Fifi said he did not have to defend her. "Maybe I don't have to but I want to especially since he's wrong about that .... What the hell? Oh sorry, Fifi," he quickly apologized for his language. However, Marty had been caught off guard by suddenly having some of New York's finest grab his arms and begin handcuffing him as another read him his rights. He sighed in what could have been despair and was going to try to get Fifi to calm down and have her call his employer but before he could, she had apparently upset the officers who were now arresting her as well while she spoke rapidly in French. While Marty was not fluent in the language, he recognized enough words to realize that a) his use of 'hell' had been minor and b) depending on what the 'missing' translations were, what Fifi was instructing the officers to do may not have been either anatomically or physically possible.

It didn't matter though because they were soon directed to a waiting squad car and both ushered into the back seat before the doors were shut. Had it not been for the slamming of the doors, they might have heard the angry scream from a nearby rooftop as someone received the live feed from inside the Ministry courtesy of The Cherry Clinger Show with special Guest French Minister Dominic Benoit and WWBN.

"Hey man chill.." Benjamin said holding up his hands to the angry guy who'd caused all the trouble. He didn't much care about woman's cloths nor whether or not any of the allegations where true. Right now the only thing he cared about was his own personal survival and ensuring he still had a job to go to tomorrow. He didn't want to be joining the unemployed bums down at the square anytime soon. He'd probably have had more to say except that suddenly there was shouts and screams coming from behind him, Benjamin turned to find people running in all directions as the protesters started to be dispersed by mounted police offers armed with batons and riot gear. "OHSHIT.... OHSHIT..." Benjamin could only scramble to his feet and head off running "DUNENA GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE IT'S THE COPS!" Benjamin couldn't get arrested.. he had kids to take care of and a job and had heard all the horror stories growing up of how the cops just loved guys that looked like him.

It didn't help that he had a bag of green in his pocket, three ounces of the damn stuff since he'd been meaning to half it with Dunena after the whole protest thing. Benjamin had never though that it would go this way, he'd really expected just a couple of folks to show up and them to kick it and chill with a spliff over the whole thing. "Dunena... man I know you don't read the papers but the cops are pissed.. they don't care if your peaceful or not they arrested seven hundred folks just the other day for walking on the road" Benjamin said, he'd had it. Unlike Dunena he didn't have a ton of money on hand to bail or bribe himself out of the courts.. worse he'd have to deal with Meg who was already going to be furious with him as it was. "I'm outta here man.. if you got any brains you'd be hallin' ya ass too" and with that Benjamin was off and running.. disappearing into the shadows he stopped a block up from the street to catch his breath before putting his hood up and walking away as the sound of a squad car made it's way up the street.

Dunena was fast becoming up set with the way this protest was going. There were MOM aurors around, that was not unexpected, but the use of magic was one thing he had not planned on and now there were Muggle cops showing up causing Bjay squib boy to yell for his boss to run. But Dunena was trapped in the middle of a group of followers and MOM personnel. "People, please, this does not have to become any worse"

Dunena was going to put his wand away but now it was just not a good idea. Dunena held his wand at the ready as the Muggle police came at the group. He really could not get arrested. He had a stash on him that would only lead to many question and a need for his father to bail him out again as his connection could not make this go a way like he used to h. He was no longer police laison officer at the MOM .

A cry come from the group "Idon't care if he's an idoit Stop the Muggles. this is our world."

"YEAH, STOP MUGGLES! GET OUT OF HERE" the cry echoed through the group it seemed like the police had brought forward an anti-Muggle feeling and that was a very bad thing. Within minutes, the crowd was throwing spells at the mounted police and Muggle officers. "Shit" Dunena yelled as he deflected a spell.

"Please stop this. " Dunena said to the Aurors " We cannot let this become a Muggle/magic incident. Get your men down here and put a line between the wizards and the police NOW" Dunena fell back into ministry worker persona.

The auror looked at Dunena like he was stupid.

"Do you what an international incident to happen here because this is getting out of control?" Dunena asked to the front of the group. "Everyone, please back up. Let's not do this. We are here to stop our government from using us not distorting the link between us and the Muggles" Dunena hoped this would work but held out little hope. It was then a cop grabbed him and then a spell hit the cop. Dunena backed up into the group of wizards, hoping the aurors had follow his instructions and more were on the way. If they did not arrive soon, Dunena was making a run for it, too, like some of the other wizards had done. Though it would be fun to see who came out on top Muggles or wizards.

Victoria McQueen sat back in her chair, a cold smile showing her reaction to the arrest of her employee and only a slight rise of the eyebrow as Miss Fifi LaRoux managed to get herself arrested along with him. However, Victoria McQueen did not have much time to enjoy her small success for just as the officers were closing the doors to the squad car holding the two detainees, Cherry Clinger's live broadcast was dropping more than a bombshell or two. The scream that came from the top of the roof was bloodcurdling to any that heard it, moreso to poor Maurice who happened to be pouring more brandy for her at that particular moment. He backed away slowly, waiting to see if he had time to run or jumping might prove safer.

McQueen paid him no mind as she began, once again, giving orders to unseen minions on the other end of her conference call. "Get that Reid inside, out of sight and deal with him," she commanded, the icy tone of her voice making it clear what her definition of deal with him was, watching as the two aurors closest to Reid, the two aurors who were on more than just the Ministry's payroll began to subtly cast stupefy and immobile spells at Reid, hoping at least one would take before grabbing him by the arms and dragging him into the Ministry.

In the meantime, regular Magical Law Enforcement officers under the direction of the head of MLE and not McQueen joined forces with Muggle police and began to sift through separating wizards from Muggles and defusing the situation enough so that it was nothing more than another Occupy that got a bit heated but calmed down. Thankfully, a few minor memory charms were all that were needed on a few Muggles who had heard the first cries from the rowdy few.

By this time, McQueen had stormed off from what was supposed to have been a quiet dinner with a bit of light entertainment and turned instead into somewhat of a fiasco for her.

"Marty.." Fifi just said not quite sure of what to think of his rather undashing invitation to share something called Gallaghers for steak. The idea of such a large American style lump of meat was nauseating and as to what it had to do with his eye Fifi did not know. Fifi couldn't help but feel wistful for the cuts of onglet her mother would prepare when she was younger. Sighing in frustration she shook her head at Marty's insistence that the photos where wrong "Maybe they where but it is of no matter.. you do not know what it is you are getting yourself into Marty Harper". She was trying to play tough, but right now she was torn in all directions between sympathy for this Muggle and her own duties and reputation that meant so much to her as well.

Maybe she would have told him the truth but we'd never know as the police came down on them. Fifi was not pleased at all as she was forced away from the scene and into the back of a automobile.. her mood however changed when she realised Marty too was in the machine. Was it not for the two officers in the front they would have been alone. Fifi sighed "Marty Ai do not think it would be wise for us to be seen together again" Fifi explained as she stared out the window, a hooded man looking away as the car raced past and into traffic. "My boss.. he is a very powerful man and most secretive so you know while Ai am sure he will see that we are released it may be of some time... it is what you call a delicate situation" The handcuffs where really quite uncomfortable. Fifi had done many crazy things in her life but of all of them this had been the first to land her in such trouble with the Muggle authorities.

There was however one question on her mind that Fifi could not shift, it was there, staring her in the face like one of those puppies you couldn't help but feel something for even as you where preparing to give it a kick. "Marty.. one thing about this does not make sense.." Fifi started as she ran her hands over her shirt and skirt in hope of finding a cigarette.. instead it just managed to make one of the Officers watching her get rather hot and bothered. ".. how was it that you came to be at the protest today.. it was.. not for people of your kind". Fifi stated bluntly as back in the studio her boss was making his own investigations.

---

"I apologise Cherry, but no doubt you and I can finish our discussion later in more.. appropriate surroundings?" There was something to be said for a woman with such bountiful assets after all, and with Fifi's performance today, putting at risk both herself and the 'master plan' so to speak with such a outlandish display. Worse was the fact that Dominic was sure Fifi was hiding intelligence from her about the man who had come forward about the photos. "Now.." Dominic offered Cherry his arm as he stepped beside her to better look at this young reporter, the eager look on her face making it clear that she was one of the 'believers' who no doubt wished to uphold the finer traditions of the press and not just dog famous names like himself around for quick soundbites.

Dominic hated those kinds of reporters, they where prone to dig where they where not wanted and yet today it seemed that such was exactly what they where in need of. "I see.." Dominic just said as the young reporter outlined the events of the rather well played game that had been going on between WWBN and the Ministers office. "Now there is no need to be putting out such pointed allegations Miss?" Dominic stated as the young reporter clearly sensed blood on the American Minister. Dominic was playing a dangerous game of balancing the opinion polls of both the American, local and European ministries in his treatment of Frump. While it might have been a ideal case that the 'truth' would reign supreme in truth politics was a rather more..convoluted system. Until Frump was ousted Dominic would forever be loyal to him.. well when there was cameras and members of the press around.

"I must say that these claims seem quite serious indeed" of course nothing was as telling as the look on Frump's face. There was however something not quite right about all of this, something on the edge that Dominic could feel but not put a name to. Frump wasn't smart enough to pull off a plan of this complexity, and he certainly didn't like Reid enough to be handing him fuel to spark the fire. This was going to require investigation. "I must say Cherry.. should you ever wish to decide to broaden your horizons I'm sure we could always use one of your.. skills" Dominic said giving a slight turn of the head at the sight of the woman threatening the American Minister with a well placed spiked boot.

Even Dominic however was shocked to find that somehow while they had been talking the protest outside had brought the attention of the local police force and before their very eyes they where witness to Fifi and her companion being arrested. "Miss Greta I am very glad that you are here to witness a member of my staff being taken away.. had I not just mentioned but half a hour ago that this incident should have involved Ministry protection to ensure that no members of the public, nor of the magical population would be put at risk by the overwhelmingly negative political climate currently at the heart of American politics at this present moment" Dominic was talking faster then his relaxed banter from before, in effect making a statement as he straightened his tie and turned to look Frump dead in the face. "Right now I have no idea what to believe but that your men had better do something now before you have a full blown race riot on your hands". Dominic was speaking plainly, whatever had happened today was spiralling out of control. "Now if you might excuse me I must go see about my people" Dominic stated as he adjusted his suit and made his farewells.

Greta resisted the urge to raise an eyebrow at the French Minister's comment but instead, simply nodded in agreement. "Though if I was planning to put those allegations out there, sir, I'd be at home reading the published article rather than here trying to find out what is fact or fiction. I have no desire to tar and feather anyone but especially those who have committed no offense," she responded. "I agree the claims are serious." He was going to quash the entire story, Greta was almost sure of it by now but she had been through this before and there was no sense trying to argue with the Minister.

However, at the sight of Cherry keeping Frump from going off the handle, even Greta could not resist grinning. Cherry smiled at Dominic's offer of employment and agreed they would have to find time to discuss it if he wished. It was under the pressure of Dominic's glare, the scenes coming over the monitor from outside and the idea of his foot, or worse, impaled by Cherry's heel that led Frump to speak in a calmer manner. "I assure both of you, and the listening audience," Frump began, well aware he had to speak the truth (or as close as he ever got) right now or he was going to sink fast, "That I had no idea of any of this going on. I admit there is friction and difference of opinion between Mr. Reid and myself but I am just as anxious to see this situation under control and find out who's behind the events this reporter has uncove...."

It was the scene on the monitor that caused him to go silent as they watched the arrest of Marty and Fifi. Greta quickly clicked her recorder on as Dominic began speaking in that familiar Minister voice of 'yes this is a statement for the record'. However, as the Minister was straightening his tie, Greta did manage to tell him that she would send him a preview of the article. She had no desire to either turn public opinion against or become an enemy of one of the fairer and good Ministers in the wizarding world. Benoit was to be respected.

Frump was immediately giving orders that were being implemented by Magical Law Enforcement almost as fast as he spoke them. Finally the situation was diffusing as two aurors 'escorted' Dunena Reid into the Ministry and others in the room began working to consider how to free the 'Fight the Dark Two' for apparently they were the only ones actually arrested and carted off. As Cherry's live broadcast was now ending, she looked to see if Dominic wished assistance in freeing Fifi from custody.

Marty really would not have minded if Fifi had agreed to leave the rally with him. As for the steaks, he was mostly joking, a result of nervous tension building thanks to the situation he was now in prior to his being arrested. Settled in the back of the squad car, he shifted to try to ease the pressure on his wrists from the cuffs. Marty almost laughed at Fifi's comment that he had no idea what he had gotten into considering he felt that way from the time he had received the assignment from McQueen.

And then came what to some men would have been the bombshell. To Marty, it was more of a dull thud that he had come to expect more often than not in his life. "Right, understand," he replied quietly, almost a dull quality to his voice as he just stared out the side window. "Sure, don't want to get you in trouble with your boss. Well, anymore than I already have now that I've gotten you arrested. Sorry, Fifi." At that point, Marty simply went quiet and stared out the window at the city going by as the car made its way to headquarters.

Marty even remained quiet as Fifi asked the question, unaware of the issues she was causing for one of the officers up front. Not that he didn't want to answer it but rather that he didn't know himself. "Well, first these rallys going on around Manhattan and everywhere else are for 'my kind' as you put it. Those of us not involved in the 'corporate ladders' or the high income brackets. It's for the average person... like me..." his voice going quieter, remembering her telling him he shouldn't see her anymore. Yep, he was part of the unseen ninety nine percent, that was for sure. "Not that I planned to or have been getting involved. Tonight, my boss sent me to observe and really, I'm not sure why. Nothing to research or look into. She made it clear, just observe. Which, as you saw, I managed to screw up." With that, he went silent again, never taking his eyes off the outside world passing by.

Until they pulled into the back area of the precinct and were assisted from the car and taken inside where the officers began to book them. When asked if there was anyone he wanted to call, Marty started to give his boss' phone number and then stopped, shaking his head. "No... no one..... " With that, an officer escorted him to begin the booking process.

Dunena struggled against his captors well as best a man could when partly stunned and mostly High could he was dragged passed the security check point and in to the depths of corrupted MOM building knowing he was about to face his former boss.
Dunena wondered if frump was high to day or still on the wagon witch was was neither here nor there to Dunena right now as he had to come up with a way not get get arrested by the MOM and to get to the bottom of what had happened to his quite protest.
Dunena was very worried about seeing how frump now felt about him after his shock resignation and his most resent news shows about Frumps high jinks with his mistress and the papers that smoking joe had presented to him but after the photos he was not so sure that smoking joe did not have his own agenda.
Dunena hated being played and first thing after getting out of here was to find this smoking Joe and Kill him or just get the truth of the matter.
"Hay fellas let me go i have done nothing wrong" dunena pleaded know that, that was not interlay true but he was not going to admit that to them.
Dunena struggle as they forced him in to the lift to take him to the upper levels of the MOM.
as the forced him in to a room with a camera crew. Cherry greta and the man him self MR Frump and as Dunena suspected he was off the wagon.
the two men let him go and he fell forward on to the ground.
Dunena pulled him self up to full high and looked at Frump "Is this how you deal with dissidence call the Muggle police?" Dunena asked him. " drag me in front of the cameras as if this is my fault" dunena stood toe to toe with the Minister hoping for him to say some thing any thing that he could use to start telling the Minster to his face just what a jerk he really was and not make him self look like a jerk.

What was it about this man? He was uncoth, American, utterly without a single trace of class or style and yet had shown a loyalty to her that she was wholly undeserving to. Fifi was used to being admired, but under it all she forever held herself apart from the world, hidden behind the public persona that everyone knew or hated and hiding herself deep within so that nobody could ever hurt her. Now here she was, watching the city of New York though the glass of a police car window, avoiding the gaze of the man who she had openly broken the highest wizarding law to defend. From what she could tell so far he seemed non responsive and didn't seem to even understand what had happened.. a wonder considering the number of wands and spells that had been cast, and of course the ill informed over the top ranting of Dunena Reid.

Somewhere deep down she was hurting when Marty misunderstood her words. "Marty that was not what Ai meant..this arrest.. it is no bother it is just people.. what Ai am trying to say is that you are not safe with one such as Ai". Fifi cursed a little under her breath, how could she explain to Marty that she'd never even meant to associate with a Muggle like him in the first place? Now of course Nicci would want to know everything and she'd have to tell him. Something about that boiled her blood although for what reason she couldn't quite put a finger on it. She knew Nicci so well, loved him but he too could infuriate her like no other man, no other man knew what buttons to push and Nicci seemed to take such pleasure in playing with her. Fifi sighed and wished for a cigarette, today had been a confusing mess of a day and now that she was starting to come down from the high of the camera and all those people Fifi was starting to wonder just how it was that a simple gathering by the fool Dunena Reid had turned into such a big deal.

"Ai did read of those rallies.." Fifi admitted feeling embarrised in how limited her knowledge of the Muggle world really was "It did not sound very well organised" she admitted with a shrug. She was trying to block out the fact that once upon a time she too had been working class, living in a small but cosy little apartment above the magical antique shop that had been in her family for generations.
Until the fire of course. Fifi almost missed the next thing Marty said from being caught up in reminiscing, but when the word 'She' fell from Marty's lips Fifi immediately felt like she was onto something. Marty mentioned a boss, someone who had sent him to the rally? But for what purpose? Of course Nicci would want to know everything but it didn't feel right to Fifi to pass on anything that could get Marty into more trouble then he was already.

Instead she turned to look out the opposite window, until the police car pulled up at the station and the pair where separated as they where taken inside. Fifi wasn't sure but there was one officer who elbowed one beside him. Magical or Muggle? It didn't matter as when she had her turn to speak she promptly gave Nicci's phone number and demanded a cigarette. Only to be told that she wasn't allowed to smoke inside. With a sigh Fifi was getting a strong dose of reality as the police went though the motions and she was left to go along, waiting for Nicci to come and rescue her. Surely it would not take him long to get her message and pull the required strings to get her out?

---

Dominic meanwhile simply gave Greta a approving nod "A skill that few of your trade seem to consider of importance these days..." and while Dominic didn't name him it was obvious that his mind was on Dunena Reid's radio broadcasts that had come to ruffle more then a few feathers about how such a man had managed to get into a position of being a intelligence risk yet nobody so far had managed to find a way to task Mr Reid to heel. Instead the man was clearly a maverick and the detailed dossier Fifi had put together over the months had found only a few key points on which Dunena Reid might be put to use. That was of course if nobody else got to him first.

Would it have been possible? He'd put Fifi on the case to keep Dunena moving forward with his investigations in order to see where they might lead but the events of the past few hours had brought the man well into question. He'd assumed that the reports of the fire had been correct and that Fifi had most certainly been the one behind it and yet here was a young reporter ready to hang her career on the fact.. and facts that it was not so after all. Dominic would have rubbed his head had the camera not been focused on it. He thought he had a consensus with Fifi, that whatever she did or went he would know, but it was clear that it was no longer working. First there had been the incident with the fire and then her unscheduled trip to Australia. It had just been a piece of luck that the two governments where currently getting along quite well that they'd managed to cover over the trip as 'planned' despite no ministry personal in either countries being forewarned about it.

Meanwhile Frump was speaking on camera, he did not come off well and even Dominic had to pity him for the moment. The man's toupee was really in quite poor shape. He did have to smile and shake his head at the young miss Greta Greenwitch's offering to send him a early copy of the piece she would be writing for the newspaper. "That would not at all be necessary, I am sure you would agree that it is of the upmost importance that the press is free to publish without the interference of those one percent as the Muggle protesters seem so fond of calling them" Because with the accusations he'd had in the past of putting pressure on newspapers that didn't toe the correct line the last thing he needed was a piece accusing him of trying to pressure The Global Voice.

With Frump left to deal with the cleanup of the situation Dominic was momentarily amused by the discussions raging around the room as to how to free the pair who had been arrested. Assuring the others that all was quite well and in his hands he promised Cherry to pick her up for dinner (if she did so chose of course) and went to see to calls to his staff to ensure a bag with a change of clothes, American Muggle Money and of course Fifi's passport and papers would be delivered to the station tomorrow morning. Dominic could of course have called himself and insured their immediate release, but he needed Fifi out of the way for the time being, and what safer place was there for her to cool down then amongst the NYPD's finest after all?

Greta nodded when Dominic Benoit refused the need to view an advanced copy of the article with his statement in it. Really, that was a policy with your magazines, right of approval. However, with the extreme balance and realizing a need to keep Benoit's respect for her as a reporter, she made the offer. "Thank you for your faith in my writing, sir," she told him, as Cherry then accepted the invitation to dinner and slipped her business card to Dominic with a smile.

Meanwhile, as everything was going on at Cherry's show area, the two aurors were 'inviting' (read: dragging him whether he wanted to or not) to join the group. At his protest, one of them, the senior one simply raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Really? Well, then good. That means you have nothing to worry about, don't it?" and continued escorting the prisoner guest to the others.

At his immediate aggressive tone, Frump held up both hands, palm outward and glared at Dunena. "Understand something right now, Mr. Reid. I did not call in the Muggle law enforcement. You can ask Ms.... Greenrich..." he looked at Greta hoping he did recall the name correctly. Greta decided it was close enough. "She has been interviewing and with me since this thing began and when the Muggle police showed up, I was here with all of these people. Did any of you see me summon them while I was here?" he asked looking around and everyone had to agree that no, he had not called anyone while he was in their company. Considering no one really knew how events would get out of hand or what exact time the Muggle police had to be brought in without watching it happen, that meant that if Frump did not make the call while with them, he could not have made it at all.

Nodding to the others, Frump said, "And none of them did either. So maybe you should talk to your so called source?" Frump asked him and then indicated the photos that Reid still had in his possession. "Speaking of irresponsible acts, did you verify the authenticity of those photos before making your grand and might I add, defaming, remarks? I believe you have slandered not only myself in your broadcasts, but a visiting member of France's ministry as well. Do you still insist this mess is not any part your fault, Mr. Dunena Reid?"

Had Marty been looking for strange and odd things happening, he might have noticed the one or two or twenty spells that got thrown back and forth by various participants in the rally/riot around him. He wasn't and, considering he had no idea magic existed or even thought it was possible, he wasn't looking for it either. But the real reason he didn't see it was because when he saw the injustice being done to someone he had thought of as a friend, granted they'd only seen each other that one time in Australia but when you find someone buried up to their neck in mud, it does tend to offer a bit of a connection there.

By the time the magic had been obvious enough even to Marty, he could have cared less. All that mattered was that whoever this guy was, he was telling lies about someone Marty knew that did not deserve such treatment. Even though she had just made it very clear that it was best they never had any contact again. As she tried to explain it wasn't the arrest that was the reason, Marty did his best to bury the dull pain that had hit him at her words and shook his head. "Oh... I know it's not the getting arrested.... that's not what you meant...." he managed to get out without his voice cracking too badly. "It's okay. Really. Just... well........" If his voice was any quieter, he'd have been whispering. "You ever need anything... " Normally, this is where the dull, common, boring, man pulls out a card with their number on it and hands it to the beautiful woman who's walking out of their life with no further contact, even if they know she'll never use it. Marty even did have business cards in his pocket from work. But it's a little hard to pull one out and hand it to someone when your hands are handcuffed behind your back and your sitting on them. Well, unless your genealogy includes Harry Houdini and his didn't.

It didn't matter because soon they were at the station and going through the motions. It took a while before the paperwork was fully processed for Marty's bond so he was put in a holding cell, wincing at the sound of the door slamming shut and locking behind him. Fortunately, he was the only one in this particular one at the time and one of the bailiffs was kind enough to hand an ice pack through the bars for his eye. Marty went over to the bench, taking a seat in a corner and leaned back, holding the ice to his eye. He had no idea how much time had passed when another bailiff yelled in and asked, "Hey buddy... You know a lady named McQueen? Says she's your boss. Says show up in her office soon as you get outta here."

"Thanks," he replied, the only word he said once he had finished answering their questions until after several hours, they came to let him out, his bond processed. "The woman that was brought in with me?" he asked, "She need bond paid?" At which the desk sergeant assured Marty that someone was taking care of it for her apparently. "Oh, ok." and with that he walked out into the dark hours of the early morning with no particular destination in mind for now. McQueen could wait.

Dunena could not believe this not only had his protest gotten so out of control now Frump was trying to pin the whole this on him not likely Dunena shrugged him self free of his captors. As he was question about those photos that had started all of this craziness.
"I don't think that really required as we all know you sleep around I mean come on that I have all ready proved that many times you could not lie straight in bed and my source is very reliable I have received many documents from him." Dunena handed the photos to Frump
"you have done so many things that are wrong and although this protest did not go the way it was meant to and by that I mean peacefully" Dunena turned to nod to the camera " and for that I am very sorry for I feel that some of the blame how ever must fall to you for not having to right people in place to insure Muggles did not get involved in our world politics. I gave you fair waring of my intentions for this day to be vocal and here to tell you what the people want so minster I ask you why was that where you busy some place else, to busy to make the right arrangements for security of our world" Dunena was making a point or so he thought that the minster was neglect even though he to was all so neglect it was more the minster problem that his.
"I do regret what has happen but you have had my home destroyed, which you tried to blame on me to discredit me when all I did was tell the truth as you know and i have not told all i know hopping that what i ha reveld would make you step down and bring about the change that we so try much need for the future of the magical world" Dunena turned to the camera "I ask that the people will forgive me for the unruliness that has marred this day, I am truly sorry for this and I ask that you believe I did not intend for it to happen that way" Dunena hopped that by admitting his wrong doing that the people would forgive him.

Cherry had not paid much attention to the photo everyone was talking about until Dunena Reid showed up in the room and she saw the photo up close. Yes, up close because as Frump was lecturing Dunena and vice versa, Cherry walked over and took hold of the photo as Dunena was waving it around, effectively keeping that arm of his still. She literally dropped her jaw when she saw who the woman was supposed to be in the photo and remembered the fact that the cute dude was insisting the woman would never do that. She smiled to herself and muttered a quiet "Go Fifi", silently encouraging her new friend in whatever was going on with the cute dude.

However, Dunena's words of whether the photo was fake or not not mattering took the fuse that had been slowly burning when it all hit and ran it out of cord. "Don't matter?" she shrieked in shock, her focus turning on Dunena and glad she had signaled her crew to cut live feed a while ago so that it was only going on tape. "So what if he's sleeping around and it don't matter if he's shown in the photo but what about if the woman is not and is innocent? So it's okay to destroy her character to get what you want done? How dare you. Dunena Reid!"

By this time, the crew from her show was packing up and Cherry looked at him, angrily. "The camera's not live so you can just do your own groveling to your fans from your own show!" With that she turned on her heel and stalked out of the room as her crew followed.

Greta was rather astonished at Dunena's words as well. Sure the American Minister could have had Magical Law Enforcement prepared but then Dunena's accusation that it didn't matter if the photo was phony or not since everyone knew Frump was guilty anyway chilled her to the bone. This was the kind of reporting that turned her stomach and made her work more difficult. She silently cheered as Cherry lit into him and stormed out with her crew, glad Dunena's comments had not gone out over live television but were only taped and the tape in Cherry's producer's control. She could tell by the look on the man's face that those words would never see the light of broadcast.

She shook her head sadly, "She's right, Reid. Whether the Minister is guilty or not, you had no right to just show that photo all around without knowing if it was real or fake. Now you've destroyed some poor women's reputation over your vendetta against Minister Frump. Sure, Frump could have been better prepared but no wonder that man called you out over the photo if it is a fake. " She was about to step away when she heard Dunena accuse Frump of destroying his apartment. "I'd not make unproven accusations, Reid. I told you I'd check into it and I have. I don't think Frump's had anything to do with it." With that, she turned and left as well.

Which left Ronald Frump and the two aurors as the only ones there. Frump shook his head. "You are unbelievable Reid. Hiding your own addictions and getting moved from place to place by your rich daddy to protect you and then having the nerve to condemn me. Maybe you should take a better look in the mirror before you wildly accuse everyone else. See Mr. Reid back out of here, safely," Frump instructed the aurors before leaving himself and returning to his private offices. The aurors indicated the door and waited for Dunena to head toward it and the exit from the Ministry.