//M Rated // Witch, Please!

Cherry surveyed the scene around her and smiled. After the taping of her show, with a few deft feats of magic, the studio where it was filmed was transformed into a suitable setting for the annual joint Halloween Party with The Global Voice. Spooktinis were being mixed at the bar, along with almost any other drink you could think of. Finger foods (including a few that looked like real fingers) were arrayed on trays and platters and soon the room would be filled with costumed party goers. A few familiar faces had already arrived and she waved to Meg. Cherry liked both her and her ex, BJay, and often wondered how he had ended up working for the likes of Dunena Reid.

Speaking of Dunena Reid, Cherry wondered if he was going to show up tonight at all. She hadn't seen him around the offices since the rally. Word was out that the head of WWBN was looking for him and was not the least bit happy about what had gone down. He had requested a copy of Cherry's filmed footage of that night to review the incident.

On a more cheerful note, Cherry had owled an invite to Fifi and guest, hoping she'd bring that cute dude with her. Cherry did not have any designs on him but it was just so awesome to Cherry that someone would stand up for a woman like that nowadays. Fifi was lucky to have him for a friend, at least in Cherry's mind. Focusing back on the party, she wandered around, looking to see who had arrived already.

Nathan had never really thought about Halloween, it was just 'there' another night of work for DJ Noiseworks or filling in with one band or another. Had it really been so long since the ball last year? Nathan had been surprised when the Owl had arrived with a letter, mortified when he'd read it, and petrified when it started to sink in that he, Nathan Wright, would either have to face up, find a costume and go to this party with Greta.. or worse! Find a way to say no without upsetting her or making her think that he didn't at all like her.. because he really did! It was just a pity that she didn't know that a: he hated parties b: he hated dressing up and c: he was more then a little afraid of what it would mean and d: a lasting fear of seeing a girl in well.. interesting clothes..

So he did what Nathan always did when things where over his head. He asked for advice. He asked Beanpole, who had meowed and smooched the letter happily. He'd owled his brothers and Mel who where the 'backup in case Beanpole said yes' Rick had told him to go naked because 'hey' it saved on a costume and always made a impression, Mel had told him to just be himself and not to worry (that had made him worry more then all) and Luke had been worse of all for suggesting half a dozen ideas and wiring him enough money to cover the night and find a costume. Even that hadn't been enough though, the costume shops in New York where a dazzling selection of everything you could ever think of.. plus a whole lot of costumes you just had to wonder why anyone would want to wear. Freaked out he'd found a payphone and got into the following conversion with Luke (who'd been rather kind considering the hour):
Do you know what Greta is going as?
Nathan : Um no?
Well just go as anything.. girls don't really care that much...
Nathan : ...
*sigh* Okay, well what about a musician..?
Nathan : Um.. like what?
You know like Hendrix, Keith Richard.. Kurt Cobain.. I'm sure the costume shop would have those..
Nathan: ... well Greta does kind of like Nirvana
There you go!

Having a target had made it no less easier, sure it made it a bit cheaper to go rummaging though the thrift stores and one of the guys at the school had lent him a suitably ugly Cardigan. There was other issues to consider as well such as 'do I wear my old torn jeans and be historically accurate' vs 'Ma always said to look your best' eventually he managed to compromise and had everything organized for the day.. which had gone well except for him being naturally a bit more distracted then usual during his afternoon tutorial class. He'd even done his hair thanks to one of his students being a part time hairdresser who insisted on charming his hair after class for that 'authentic' look. It was all very strange but with his blond mane, Beanpole too having been scruffed up for a 'grunge kitteh' look the pair caught a cab to the magical quarter before walking the rest of the way to the WWBN-New York Studio's where Luke had said the party was happening. Little did he know that this party was being thrown then none other then Cherry Clinger herself! Had he known Nathan might well have run screaming in the opposite direction!

Greta had figured Nathan would just meet her at the party though she was a bit nervous considering no reply had come from him. But she quickly floo'd home and changed to her costume before then flooing to the studio where Cherry's show was filmed. Once there, it was not hard to spot the WWBN hostess and she made her way over to greet Cherry. "Good to see you again," Greta told her with a smile, "And definitely much nicer circumstances," she added, still smiling. The two women chatted a while as Greta kept an eye on the door hoping to spot Nathan and Beanie.

And she did!

And her eyes lit up when she saw his costume. Excusing herself from Cherry, she quickly made her way over. "Hi Nathan.. Or should I say Kurt?" she asked, grinning widely. "I love your costume!" Of course she would since she was definitely a fan of Nirvana. "I'm glad you came," she told him, a bit shy now that he was there though she reached over and petted Beanie in greeting.

Benjamin had always dreaded the yearly work Party thrown for the local wizarding press organizations. The infighting, bitterness and ego's where made only worse after the split and the knowledge that he was going to have to spend the night watching Meg no doubt having a wonderful time in the dress he'd paid for. Well okay to be perfectly honest it had been Marty's money. Benjamin still didn't know what had come over him that night when he'd gone all out to go to the other guys house. He hadn't spoken about it either but left it on the down low and said he'd put it away from his paychecks over the past few months. Meg was kind enough on the occasion not to point out that he never saved money and wouldn't do so for something as throw away as a few Halloween costumes and toys. The kids of course where easy to please, it made him laugh and feel happier then he'd been in weeks to see little Krystal showing off in her dress and of course Jackson being to be tough like his old man... or so he thought. Now however Benjamin was worn out, the kids insisting that he go with them to see the Parade before dropping the pair and Mom off at Meg's house since Mom had insisted on babysitting so that he and Meg could go out.

Awkward yes, but he as always did his best to be civil and keep the talk to safe areas away from work, relationships and money before taking the local Floo connection to the studio where the party looked to be just getting started. Of course the first thing on Benjamin's mind was getting rid of Meg, a easy enough task with so many people mingling about. The harder one for Benjamin would be to avoid Cherry and the 'Big Man' both of whom he'd heard though the grapevine where not all that pleased with his boss and the whole protest stunt thing that had ended up way over their head. Benjamin just had to hope and prey that they didn't get it in their head to take it out on the messenger instead. Grabbing a spooktini he saluted the barman before ducking though the crowd to where he was sure he'd spotted that cute brunette reporter from The Global Voice standing around with a guy who's costume seemed to include a cat and a guitar. "Hey dudes!" Benjamin was all too enthusiastic to get with the mingling, a glance back at the others had spotted Meg talking with the Big Man.. that was never going to turn out any good for him what so ever.

Victoria McQueen was not an employee of the Media. Nor was she desiring to be so. She was, however, a woman with a mission and currently, that mission had received a few nasty detours in the last few days, beginning with Dunena Reid's screwing up her plans at the rally with some further unplanned help from her employee. Correction, her former employee because she had fired him the next day, which ended up only adding to her consternation (read that: really pissed off mood) when she found out that the woman he had been defending was the woman in the photos which was because he apparently knew her. McQueen had shot herself in her own foot by letting her temper get the best of her and firing him.

For now, however, she was simply wandering and mingling with other party guests as if she did not have a care in the world as the invited guest of Sloane Wingsley, executive producer of the long running Magical Masterpiece Theatre on WWBN's educational programming which showcased classical magical plays and performances. Sloane was off chatting it up with a writer who's work he wanted to do a program on so she was wandering, seemingly aimlessly though she had her eyes open for someone she expected to see there.

Which was not the devil, himself, literally and figuratively, WWBN owner and CEO Daniel Davenport "Well, well, Victoria McQueen. I'd say I'm surprised to see you here but then you always accompany Sloane to events like this." Daniel had just been chatting to Meg Jefferson when he turned to find McQueen wandering his way.

"Good evening, Daniel," she said in her normally icy tone. "No, costume tonight?" she asked with a hint of sarcasm.

Daniel gave her his inaffable grin and laughed. "Was going to ask the same of you, Ice McQueen." Not many people could call her that and live. Really, Daniel was not one of them either but there were currently way too many witnesses. However, that did not stop Daniel who preferred to call things as they were with as much manners as possible. After a few more minutes of polite conversation, McQueen excused herself on having spotted a friend and moved over to talk to the grim reaper, leaving Daniel to wish her well aloud and under his breath, comment, "Perfect match, those two" as he moved toward where another of his employees stood talking to a reporter from The Global Voice that he recognized and her guest, who he wasn't sure if he did because of the costume.

"Benjamin!" Daniel greeted his employee, warmly. He made an effort to visit with each employee at events and even during the workday, stopping by to check in with a few each day, keeping in touch and a feel on how it was all going, plus he cared about them. "Glad you made it. Sorry about what Reid put you through the other night. Everything okay since then?" he asked, wanting to make sure that Dunena Reid's stunt or whatever it was, he had yet to confront Reid about it, had not gotten Benjamin into any trouble or related problems.

"Greta? Greta Greenwich, isn't it?" he turned to the woman dressed as Poison Ivy, shaking hands with her. "Excellent story on the rally, by the way. Sure I can't entice you to a position with our nightly news team?" he asked her, only half joking. Looking at Kurt Cobain next to her, he realized who it actually was. "And you are... DJ Noiseworks?" He asked, waiting for confirmation. "Glad you could join us. "

Meanwhile back at the Ice McQueen's section of the room. She was wearing a frown as she conversed with the grim reaper. No, he/she was not informing her of her impending death. Whoever it was beneath that costume, had just informed McQueen that her ex-employee could not be found anywhere in the city. "He can't be left to wander around!" she hissed, loud enough that anyone could hear if they wanted to.

"McQueen," the costumed figure said, the voice indistinguishable as male or female through the mask, "You are not telling me anything I do not know. He must be dealt with before he can go running to her with anything he may have figured out. You should never have allowed him to leave the office... Alive." The figure reminded her firmly.

"I thought he'd give in and tell me what I wanted to now. How was I to know he'd clam up and leave?" she defended her actions. It was at this point, a house elf employed by WWBN popped in and handed her a message that had arrived for her. Taking it from the elf, she read it and a cold smile appeared.

Fifi was not happy as she stepped out of the automobile the department had provided. She didn't wish to be in America, indeed she did not wish to be anywhere but the furthest side of the moon or far out in space where she would not have to deal with such people. Curse Dominic! Curse his face and curse him to hell and back for meddling in her affairs. Somehow he had come to a name, McQueen, a purest by their records but Dominic wanted Fifi to find out more. Just to make matters that much worse it meant that she would have to spend the night amid such people as Reid and Cherry. While Fifi did not blame Cherry for falling for Dominic's graces the fact that he'd rubbed it in her face in such a crude way was awkward indeed. But that was Dominic in a nutshell, always about affect and rarely caring for the women he used to spite her. With a sigh Fifi picked up LaFonz, her dress charmed against any dirt, stains or unwanted creases as she fussed over the pampered poodle. Because Fifi LaRoux never showed up for a occasion minus a date. Alas short notice and her general ill temper towards the world at large meant that she'd had to go for the one man Fifi truly did trust to never hurt her.

Yep, the dog.

No doubt it wouldn't be hard to find someone though, with all the cream of the Wizarding Social Scene turned out for the 'small' party Fifi was already eying off the crowd. A girl in a green dress covered in foliage was hardly a splendid outfit and whatever the man with her was wearing.. horrible she guessed it must have been some kind of horror costume of exactly what not to wear. Stringy blond hair and plaid did not go well together in any season. But of course that man from the protest was talking to them so Fifi stayed well away, instead she picked up a drink from the bar and casually sidled over to greet Cherry, black of course but at least here was someone she could stand to have her photograph taken with. "Ah Cheery.. how wonderful to see you again...." BARK! "Oh yes and do meet my dear LaFonz.. he is a most excitable one tonight" Fifi joked as she held her dog up, well trained the pooch offered Cherry a paw to shake even in it's eyes was the sadness of all dogs forced into costume to do their owners bidding. Of course she was tempted to state something about Dominic and Cherry sleeping together but Fifi did not feel it quite the right scene.

She had taken a potion of awareness before leaving the consulate, it normally left her giddy with the effect of hearing so much all at once and took quite a bit of concentration to focus on one thing at a time. Like the fact that LaFounz was whining to go down. "Oh yes.. there you go.." Fifi said putting the dog on the ground where he immediately scuttled off.. he'd smelt DJ Woof and did not like the smell of the werewolf one bit. Fifi tried not to feel downheartened about that until she looked up to see a flash of red. Immediately she stiffened. That... that.. there was no words to describe that man who seemed to have gotten his costume from the refuse of the WWBN-Costume department. Fifi was annoyed, she had as always taken great care with her costume not to have it ruined by some fool of a man who dared to dress as the same thing! He was going down. "Excuse moi Cherry..." Fifi said as she stepped away from the woman and back to mingle with the crowd. To one side she glanced to find a thin crone-like woman speaking to someone dressed as death himself. Her target? Fifi went in the opposite direction and into the arms of DJ Woof instead who had as far as Fifi could tell.. come as himself. "Ah Mr Woof... it has been too long" Fifi said as he offered her a dance. Fifi smirked as he joked about no bruises this time. It hadn't been one of Fifi's more subtle attempts to get information from the radio host but the pair had made up after by a exclusive radio show and a party. Fifi was working again, her ears picking up the cold voice of McQueen as she talked, it wasn't hard to guess that it was Marty on her mind. Fifi sighed she had little clue of where the man was either. Nicci had just stated that he was 'safe' and well and she'd been forced to take that on trust.

It was easy to grow bored however as she caught another glance of the man in red. That did it! Fifi gave Mr Woof a polite peck on a rather furry cheek before swishing her way across the floor to 'accidentally' come up against the man in red conversing. "My.. Ai did not know that it was the fashion for men to strap a penis to ones arse.." Fifi said loud enough for those around her to hear quite clearly thank you so very much. Turning to offer the man a polite hand she sized him up "Fifi LaRoux.. and who.. are you?" You could almost taste the venom in those words, nobody copied Fifi LaRoux and lived. Especially nobody in a fake tan with equally fake white teeth and a face made for selling cleaning products. Anyone would think that it would be love at first sight. But not for Fifi LaRoux, no it spelled competition, and Fifi was never one to allow anyone to dare outdo her.

Cherry spotted her boss talking to some woman dressed as a gangster. Cherry did not recognize her from around the WWBN studios at all and thought maybe she was with the newspaper. It did not see as if they were getting along at all. BJay seemed to be okay talking to the reporter, Greta, who had been there the night of the Rally. Cherry was surprised and grateful at being included in the byline of the story and Greta had gotten her input an the parts of the article she had not been there for. Sure, it was obvious that it should have been there but Cherry knew there were reporters with less ethics then Greta had.

And then Cherry heard her name and turned to see Fifi with... a dog? Not the cute dude but a dog. However that did not lessen the happiness Cherry felt at the fact Fifi had indeed come to the affair. "Fifi! I'm so glad you and ... La Fonz came!" Accepting the offered paw, Cherry indeed shook it because anything else would be offending to the poodle. Cherry wondered if she should bring up, perhaps apologize for having taken off with Dominic that night. Cherry knew he had no desire for anything more than a fling that night. Maybe he'd show up unexpectedly one day and maybe she'd never see him again but that night had been fun until she woke up the next morning and he was gone with no sign as if he'd been there at all.

However, before she could decide whether to bring it up or not, it appeared Fifi was distracted by someone else and headed off, stopping to chat to DJ Wolf before heading for her victim. Cherry could only stare as she made a beeline for Cherry's boss. Looking down at La Fonz, she told him, "This cannot be going to end well" and watched, choking on her drink as she heard the way Fifi greeted Daniel.

Daniel, on the other hand, had been fortunate enough to have already swallowed his drink as Fifi remarked on what was the tail of his devil's costume. Turning to see who was making the comment, he found her hand being presented. Taking it in his, he bent at the waist in a small bow as he brushed his lips on the back of his hand. "Yes, I would recognize you anywhere, Ms. La Roux," he replied with a smile. "Daniel Davenport, owner of WWBN National and I guess that would make me the host of this party," he replied to her demand for his identity. Taking in the sight of her female version of the costume, he smiled, "It seems great minds thought alike this evening." With a grin, he added, "And I'm honored that you consider my penis to be of such length."

Nathan wasn't quite sure what to do when he got to the studios, there was a worryingly large amount of people around and of the few that he recognized he was sure to have seen them on a tv screen rather then in the flesh so to speak. He hadn't caught sight of Greta yet, you'd think that impossible considering the green outfit but to Nathan it all seemed a rather brownish hue as she came up to talk to him. Beanpole of course was quick with his greetings but Nathan just blinked "Um no.. it's just Nathan.. Nathan Wright.." he'd forgotten all about the fact that he was in costume due to the fact that Greta seemed to be wearing a skirt and a top that was rather tight. So it came to a bit of a shock when Greta mentioned costume and of course Nathan had to glance down to remind himself that yes, he was in costume. "Um yours is eh.. very nice too.. " Nathan said with a nod "very.. natural?" Frankly he had no idea who Greta was dressed up as. Mostly because he'd never really been into the comic's as a kid due to their rather ahem.. interesting costumes. That and Rick tended to hoard them all in his room.. Nathan wasn't brave enough to get them back after that.

"Um really.. " Nathan asked when Greta said she was glad he was there. Nathan didn't know why, it wasn't like she had expected him not to come right? Well unless she had hoped for that and now she was just being polite? Nathan wished life was simpler, it always got more complicated when people said things they didn't really mean. While Beanpole was making a good deal of falling all over Greta's feet in joy Nathan scratched his head.. blinking as he felt his longer.. more blond hair.. that was very weird. His hair hadn't been that long since before he'd returned to Australia last time thanks to his sister-in-law's habit of forcing him into the haircut chair every time she thought it was getting out of hand. Nathan was about to make a great-leap-forward in conversation when another person came over. He seemed kind of familiar as Nathan just said "Hi". Now more people where heading towards them! Nathan was trying very hard not to flee and freak out at the attention. You'd think he'd have gotten used to it by now due to his career but normally it was just a case of him doing one of his famous disappearing acts at the beginning of the night, or sneaking off to a quiet corner somewhere where he could have a couple of beers and pretend to be interested by the stories of those around him.

It didn't help that the man who had come over appeared to be dressed like Hot Stuff the little Devil from the Devil Kids comics. Because of course while women in underwear was frowned upon at the dinner table stories of ghosts, witches and devils was just considered perfectly normal for a young wizard boy to read of. Nathan couldn't help but be reminded a bit of his oldest brother Rick and just nodded "Um yeah.. " that he was DJ Noiseworks.. of course today he rather wished he was just Djing, it was forever the perfect excuse not to mingle. "Ehthanks?" Nathan just said looking to Greta for help. Beanpole meanwhile was eying around... there was a big red swingything.. Beanpole didn't understand the symbolic relationship that the others might have been talking about.. instead he tracked it with his eyes. Butt down.. tail wiggle.. POUNCE! If it was a symbol for ones manhood said manhood would probably be soon requiring the assistance of a doctor for the teeth currently lodged in it. "Oh dear.. Um.. Beanie.. " Nathan was quickly turning a rather embarrassed shade of pink at the sight of his cat chasing the man's tail, how embarrassing!

Dunena Reid was running late as he had just woken up after a rather big day of doing nothing. Daniel, the press whore, had made a big show of blocking his show when Dunena had tried to broadcast after the Fght the Darkness fiasco and had made no attempted to talk with him to get his Dunena Reid, No1 radio host and silent partner of the WWBN-NY and marjority owner. At that he was just the happy smile face of the company. Now, if not for Dunena, the WWBN -NY would not exist at all in it current state. Dunena had busted rating and revenue.

And he was cut off well that was not on and tonight Dunena knew were to find the 'the BOSS' at HIs party for the work force.

Dunena has seen to it That Bjay had been payed for the enforced off air time.

Dunena had received many owls of support for what he had tried to do that day at the MOM but also it had lead to a visit from daddy dearest, not a pleasant on at that. Daddy had gone on and on about family and our name and what it end to be a REID.

Dunena had taken no time to select a costume he simply put a glamour over his suit and now he looked like Dracula.

Dunena was now awake and helped a long way by his consent companion of drugs. He was now entering the Party and looking for Mr. Big Daniel Davenport to sort out his company and his show. Dunena had never used his stake in the WWBN-NY to get his own way. He really did not care one way or atnouer but it was matter of having the change to defend one's self from the things that were being said of him and that must be addressed and Dunena was going to do just that.

He found see that Bjay and his ex- wife Meg, Cherry as all was alot of people he'd did not know or care to know right now he mumbled as he passed someone on his search for Daniel as he spotted him in the company of none other than to woman in the frump photos and the woman he was sure was following him as she was everywhere he went even the Australias.

Greta smiled at Nathan's response, finding it absolutely darling that he would forget he's in costume. "Well, I am very happy that you did come Nathan. I'm glad to see you.." she managed to say before she had a shoulder full of purring kitteh! "And you as well, of course, Beanie," she added to the cat, now standing slightly stooped with Beanie wrapped around the back of her neck. The cat jumped to the floor after a few neck scratches and was content with curling around Greta's ankles purring until such time as better entertainment presented itself. "Yes really," she assured Nathan when he seemed to doubt that she was glad he came. Greta found herself blushing a bit at his compliment. "Thanks. Ginny Olsen, our copy girl at the paper helped me with it. She's a big fan of the Muggle Batman comics and came up with the Poison Ivy idea." Greta mentally smacked herself for babbling like that but she never stopped smiling at the fact that Nathan had indeed met her there.

It was then BJay joined them and Greta offered him a smile. She wondered how he survived working for Dunena Reid. "BJay, how's your evening?" she asked, before introducing the pair. "Nathan, this is Benjamin Jefferson, known as BJay on air. He's a producer for WWBN radio," Turning to BJay, she smiled, "And I suspect you know Nathan as DJNoiseworks, BJay?" she asked, giving the two men a moment to meet each. A moment in which another person joined them. "Good evening, Mr. Davenport," she greeted the new arrival, who only happened to be the owner of WWBN National.

Daniel joined the trio, smiling and shaking his head. "Now, Greta, I've told you before, just call me Daniel," he reminded her and turned his smile to her guest. "Glad you joined us tonight, Mr. Wright," Daniel greeted Nathan by his name, being quite familiar with who he was. "Leave it to DJ Noiseworks to find one of the best catches at the party," he added, smirking at the blush it caused in Greta. Daniel was a big flirt and loved to see the reactions he got from people but only in a friendly and non-hurtful way.

Smiling at BJay, he offered his hand to the producer. "Hope things are going well for you here BJay," he told the man, knowing that it could not be easy working for the one and only Dunena Reid. "If you need any help, call. Glad you made it out of there the other night okay." He truly was. BJay was a damn good producer and half the reason Dunena's show was popular at all. As far as Daniel could tell, Reid would not be where he was at all without Benjamin, even though that appeared not be the radio host's thoughts from what Daniel was hearing around WWBN-NY since he had returned to the city from a business trip the previous week.

It was then yet another joined their group and Greta recognized her as the woman in the so called proof used at the Rally as well as the woman she had been researching just days before the ill-fated rally. It seemed she was not please with Daniel and Greta winced at the direction the conversation was taking, a bit surprised at Daniel's calmness especially as the cat formerly content with curling around Greta's ankles had found something infinitely more amusing and

POUNCE!

Fortunately, it was a costume attachment and not really a penis tail or the force with which the cat latched on would have caused screaming heard miles away. Instead, the penis tail simply detached itself from Daniel's trousers and surrendered itself to a life as a cat toy for the rest of the evening. Of course, Daniel felt the pull and looked around to see what had happened. Grinning, he did not miss a beat as he replied, "Well, I guess that ends my chances for a double tonight."

Greta barely managed to keep from spewing out the sip of her spooktini she had just taken.

Taking a sip of his spooktini Benjamin gave Greta a wide smile "Not bad.. not bad at all" ..well okay the sight of Meg and The Big Man chatting was enough to put him on edge but if there was one way to get revenge it was to have a perfectly good time himself. "In the flesh.. " Benjamin added to Greta's introduction to the blond man, though he looked more then a bit shocked when Greta went on to introduce her date as DJNoiseworks "Well shit.. man I didn't recognize you with that hair" Benjamin laughed for a bit. "DJ Noiseworks.. man I remember the first time I saw you play it was like wack man.." there was a element of giddiness that may have been the spooktini's or the spliff that he'd managed to sneak in the bathroom before the show.. because only a fool would bother to go to a party without getting a bit smashed first. "This guy.. I know what they say about Kirley Duke but this guy best fucking guitarist in the entire magical world I'm tellingya.." Meg might have been the one to get to meet the famous names but Benjamin considered meeting the true 'artists' of the musical world far more important then yet another piece of Justin Bieber. Yes, even the magical world was not immune to the fanatical followers of the pre-teen Muggle icon.

"So what are you upto these days man?" Benjamin asked, unaware as he did about the devil about to invade their midst. "Yo..?" Benjamin asked as his name was spoken. Man! He couldn't catch a break. "Hey man I'm just fine, chillin' you know" Benjamin didn't like Daniel very much, the fact that they guy liked sausages..if you know what I mean, had always put Benjamin a bit on edge. That and he preferred to be left alone with his work and not have 'management' come down to visit. It was why he enjoyed working with Dunena, the guy knew how to have a laugh and just kick back. Daniel expected you to actually take things seriously, Benjamin knew that at the end of the day folks just listened to WWBN half the time because there wasn't anything better on. He did his job well but that was about it. It wasn't rocket science to know what button to press or how to set up the mic's just right. That said Benjamin didn't much like what Daniel was implying, "Dude, no offense but I was there because I wanted to be there alright?" Dunena had been the best boss Benjamin had ever had, he'd even paid him while the show had been off air for much of the weeks after, no question asked. Not many folks would have done that these days.

Speaking of which, it looked like he'd come to join the party. Benjamin was a bit relieved as he farewelled the others and made a beeline towards Dunena "Hey wassup man?" Benjamin asked Dunena as he tried to shake off the feeling that bad stuff was heading their way. Benjamin had noticed that amongst the crowd a red woman had appeared.. the crazy bint from the protest. "Don't look now man but sounds like your girlfriends here.." Benjamin said to Dunena, nodding his head towards the pair in red. Just what was with that women anyway that she kept showing up all the time? It seemed Meg had moved her targets to DJ Woof while Benjamin missed the comments going on with Fifi and the others. At least until he saw a cat jump on The Big Man's costume.. Benjamin cracked up laughing, it had to be the funniest thing all night.. even if he'd been unable to hear the punchline with it. "So c'mon Dunena.. what's the plain? I mean fuck man The Big Guys here.. and youknow what he's like at busting heads?" Had Benjamin known that Dunena was in fact the owner of the WWBN-New York radio operations he might not have been so concerned at the fact that the Big Guy had been talking. Instead he was more then a bit worried that despite the ratings the owner would step in and downsize them all together. It would have been bad enough for him to lose his job but for Meg as well? Let alone the fact that somehow she would no doubt turn around to blame the whole damn thing on him.. well it wasn't good at all.

McQueen was not happy at all and in reality, she was angry that she was being considered at fault because her employee had caused the rally to end up being a disaster that night, at least not they kind of disaster that it was supposed to have been. However, she also knew better than to try to waste her breathe defending all that she had done that had gone right and, instead, listened. Occasionally, she'd glance around the room, keeping an eye on who was arriving and who was talking to who.

So McQueen was rather aware when Dunena Reid arrived. Having never publicly met the man, she remained as if engrossed in her conversation with the Grim Reaper. In a way she was because to not be, well the result would not be pleasant for her. At least, she did until her phone signaled an incoming call which both she and the Reaper knew would be from her employees 'in the field'. "Yes?" was all she said as she answered it.

"Nous l'avons trouvé. Que souhaitez-vous fait ?"

"Bon. Dites-lui que je n'ai pas vraiment eu l'intention de lui mettre le feu mais étiez bouleversé et il peut avoir son dos du travail." she replied after a pause in a very low voice, looking up at the Grim Reaper and mouthing 'they found him' silently.

"Oui, il est seul."

There was another short pause and when she spoke again, her face bore no expression. "Il est simple, le tuent." With that, she ended the call and with an ice cold smile that had helped her earn her nickname, McQueen lifted the glass she held toward the reaper in a toast. "To success."

Giving Cherry a demure smile Fifi then laughed a little as the woman shook her dogs paw. Guessing that the pause was about Dominic Fifi figured simply stated "Ai am afraid Dominic was caught up, something about the eurozone and Greece looking to bankrupt the entire Muggle world.. so boring.." Politics did not hold a interest for Fifi, only the people in it. "Ai hear he gave you a most enjoyable night, but do not worry we have an... understanding". It just wasn't often that Fifi had to say such about Dominic. Before Cherry Fifi had almost come to think that Dominic did not take pleasure of any others at all. It seemed though that he still had a few surprises up his sleeve. While Fifi hunted LaFonz gave a bark in agreement that things did indeed not look well as Fifi made eyes..(read glares) at the head of WWBN. All the while she was picking up snippets of other conversations going on around her. Dunena Reid, the conversation between Bjay, one DJ Noiseworks and the young reporter from the Global Voice.. most important of all of course was the one between McQueen and her associate.

Alas that no amount of potions could discern the other side of the telephone conversation McQueen was involved in, Fifi frowned slightly. French, that was a concern, as was the half conversation she had been able to catch between distractions. Nicci would need to know immediately if McQueen was operating in France. Lucky it was that Marty would have flown out days ago so he was most certainly safe... or so Fifi thought. Just thinking about Marty annoyed Fifi, and so she took it out on whoever was around and tried to resist the temptation to meet McQueens toast with a punch in the face. Had she not been distracted by the red man Fifi might have put more into trailing the mysterious figure with McQueen but with Dominic having treated her worse then usual Fifi was only half-hearted about her mission and more interested in making this Daniel pay.

"No doubt.." Fifi just said holding her hand stiffly as he was to introduce himself and made a overzealous gesture of airkissing her hand. "Indeed.. unlike yourself who seems most forgettable indeed.." Yes it was no holds bar rudeness from Miss LaRoux tonight. Someone was going to pay and it might as well be this hunk of meat before her. "Ai think not, Misure Davenport.. Ai was invited by Cherry if my recollection does not fail moi. Had it not been then hardly would Ai have bothered for someone of such.. low.. breeding." Because of course just being American was enough to be downclassed as a 'lesser' purest for leaving the old world in the first place. "While it is possible indeed that great thinkers could think alike Ai do not believe you are one to be in their company" Yes, like Beanie the cat Fifi was all for getting her claws out tonight. Coldly she glanced down at Daniel's penistail as said penistail fell off under the weight of a unexpected kitten. "long and removable.. why it seems there's no end to it's tricks" Fifi just said as the cat rolled around on the floor utterly unaware of the innuendo it was in the middle of fighting with. "Ai believe you had better go fetch your tail.. it seems to be the only one likely to get any action from a pussy" one fine thing about being Fifi was that she'd so often brushed with the crude side of language that it simply rolled off the tongue like it was nothing at all.

Cherry continued to watch, along with La Fonz as Fifi sparred with the owner of WWBN Global. She was glad he continued to smile and thankful the man had a reputation for letting some things roll off his back, such as barbs and stings and ok, well in Fifi's case, Cherry thought perhaps pitchforks, in keeping with their costumes. As a server passed by, she told him, "One large filet mignon for my friend here, please," indicating La Fonz who was now wagging his tail in delight at her request for him. She had already set down a glass of champagne which the dog lazily lapped at while he too watched the entertainment.

She saw the Grim Reaper and the Mobster chatting somewhat privately to themselves and wondered who they were but found herself distracted by the entertainment that Fifi and Daniel were providing which included the quite 'delightful' pun that Fifi had just delivered which resulted in not only Cherry doing a bit of a spit take with her drink but, yes folks, even dogs can do that as La Fonz made the mistake of going to lap at his champagne just as Fifi made her comment.

And just to make things more interesting, the American Minister, Ronald Frump arrived with a curvy blond on his arm, both a picture of the Old West. Cherry watched as Frump scanned the crowd and spotted Dunena Reid.

"You know La Fonz, we should open a betting window right now," she said to the dog who looked up as if he were considering the idea.

"It's nice to see you too.. I mean really nice" Nathan replied to Greta, the look of slight panic in thinking that maybe he needed to sound more enthusiastic, but he was also far too afraid of coming out sounding like Rick that he was forever trying to be polite, just polite. It was a sad fact that Nathan was utterly terrified of girls, his last two relationships had not ended well, and he was all too aware of being in New York where he and Mel had broken up for the first time. Nathan didn't want to upset anyone and so he'd come to think that the only way to go on was to put his music before all else and just be friends. Because that had worked perfectly well last time right? (Everybody just nod along with it). "Poison.. Ivy.. oh yes.. from Batman.." Nathan just stared really trying hard not to remember the portrayal of that character from the film.. it wasn't really the best thing to be thinking about while trying to avoid said thoughts of well women and kissing and all that kind of stuff.

It was starting to unnerve him that Greta was smiling so much, maybe it was just because he looked funny? Nathan didn't know what to say but looked a little relieved as another man appeared and Greta introduced him "Oh.. you did the Inferi Shift? My brother was a big fan of the show" Nathan explained before looking utterly mortified as BJay went on about him to Greta. "Wack... um sorry?" Nathan apologized, assuming of course that Bjay was complaining about a bad set. This was all feeling rather like one of those after parties that he tended to get dragged to with the 'guys' while on tour. Right down to the guy raving about how he was the next best thing to Kirley Duke. "I'm sure that's not entirely true.. Kirley Duke is you know.. a legend and it was really just filling in and.. " Nathan glanced at Greta, what on earth was going though her mind he didn't know but he was quite sure that it wasn't good. It was enough to distract him and make him miss the start of Bjay's next statement, that and 'Hot Stuff' coming over "Um well.. I'm Djing here and there and was able to get onto the teaching circuit at...." however Daniel then said something that left Nathan feeling like the first time he'd ever gone anywhere with Mel only to have his brother Rick spy on him and start shouting the moment he thought they where alone.

It seemed that no matter how far you traveled there was always going to be someone to play the Right Royal Prick. Nathan just mumbled something about 'she invited me..' while looking down at his feet. Beanpole however plotted revenge on the big red man for scaring away all his owners confidence in one foul swoop. To make matters worse Nathan was sure he'd caught sight of his last 'friend who wasn't just a friend' heading right towards them. Sweat broke out on the back of his neck.. even though of course Greta was just a friend. Instead it was someone familiar for entirely different reasons. "Um Greta?" Nathan's memory wasn't good with events but it did happen to latch onto detail "Wasn't that the lady you showed me all the photos of?" Nathan had been more then a bit weirded out by that. But not half as much as seeing the same person in the flesh as Bjay had put it. It was just then that Beanie went for his revenge, alas only to find that Daniel's tail wasn't a real one. "I'm sorry.. um Beanie.. that isn't nice.." Nathan said first to Daniel and then trying to catch and pick up Beanie who was busy batting the tail across the floor and chasing it as if there was no greater entertainment in the world.

Dunena was walking at the WWBN Big wig when he Bjay broke away from the conversation he was having and made his way over to him and greeted him in the usual way with a 'whats up man'
"Not a lot" Dunena was going to say more when Bjay pointed out that the blond was here not that dunena had not already noted that and calling here his girlfriend seamed to work she was all ways under foot like one.
"yes i can see that and with out lovely boss" dunena said the last part with no love for Daniel
Bjay asked after his plan what plan he was going to demand that he be put back on air simple.
"well Bjay i am just going to persuade our boss that it with his best interest to put you and me back to work" Dunena said with a half smile well more of a smirk
" i mean really we are the best he has and i know things so be ready to go to air later ok " Dunena winked at Bjay as he mad he way over to the boss just a a cat knocked his tail off dunena gave a small laugh and heard the crazy bit comment.
"Pussy not his thing" Dunena said as he approached with a smile on his face that he know implied more that he was saying
" we should talk" dunena pointed to a conner as the smile fled his face letting daniel know he was serious.
Dunena turned back to the other in the group and the straight to crazy bit.
"You may what to call to the show later i would like to here what you think again now that i know who you are miss LaRoux we can have a chat" Dunena wanted to let her know he knew she was after him and that he know it too and that he was going to keep going on his hit for justices with in the MOM. and this one sent ace he hope conveyed that.
"Daniel it now over there or we can do this here with an audiences it make no difference to me i like audiences" Dunena waited for daniel.

Daniel had learned early in the business to not sweat the small stuff. Someone's cat playing with the tail of his costume? Minor costume malfunction and small stuff. After all, they were not televised live to several million households right now nor was it resulting in revealing any anatomical treasures. So at her comment, he grinned and laughed. "Touche!" he conceded to her. At Nathan's apology, Daniel shook his head. "Don't worry about it," he assured the concerned cat parent. "At least your cat is having a good time at the party."

In the meantime, Greta had looked to where Nathan indicated and nodded. She debated going over and introducing herself to the woman figuring that the way Ms LaRoux had defended the mystery man that night she might know where Mr Harper was since he had never replied to her letters nor did it seem he was home when she finally, having tracked down an address several days ago, made several attempts to call on him, even as late as this afternoon. A neighbor said he had gone on a trip days ago and not returned yet. But she was off work and with Nathan and nothing was going to interrupt that.

First Dunena and then Frump walked in with a date on his arm and Greta added a silent, I hope! And then Dunena opened his mouth and Greta could feel her hopes sliding down hill. Unconciously, but instinctively, her hand found Nathan's and she held it, finding security in having him there and hoping another riot wasn't about to break out.

"Oh but it is, dear Mr. Reid," Daniel assured him. "Variety is the spice of life." Giving Dunena's costume a once over, he smiled. "Nice Dracula but the cape hides your cute ass," Daniel complimented him, with a flirtateous smile. Personally, Daniel had nothing against Dunena Reid though he did not like the man's addictions and habits when it came to self-medication. Professionally, he could and often was a damn good radio host. What Daniel did have a problem with was when Dunena didn't think things though and came damn close to setting any part of WWBN or any of it's affliate stations for major lawsuits. Fortunately, Daniel had the network's attorneys meet with the American Wizengamot and smooth over that. He had no idea what Frump had in mind for Reid though and Reid was on his own with that.

"You do like attention, Dunena," Daniel commented. "If you bothered reading your mail, you'd see you were to be in my office here tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. However, if you'd like to see what you have to say in the Global Voice and on our nightly witching hour news, I can oblige you now. I'm sure many here would love to find out exactly how much work you went through once that fake photo was in your hands to verifiy it's authenticity before broadcasting it around like you did?"

Another voice spoke up about that time. Calm but in a cold, sharp way. "Yes, that is the burning question, Mr. Reid," Frump had walked over and heard the direction the conversation took. "My attorneys and the Wizengamot are quite interested in the answer to that one. " Bowing politely, his arm linked with his date's, he greeted the other two. "Daniel, thank you for the invite. Ms LaRoux, it is good to see you again. I hope that young man is well? My staff has been unable to contact him to make sure he suffered no ill effects from the events of that night but, well it seems he cannot be found." Frump finished.

Working with Dunena was crazy enough that Benjamin sometimes forgot the years he'd spent slaving away on the Graveyard shift, so it was a compliment to hear that DJ Noiseworks had heard of it "Yeah man.. didn't think anyone listened to that junk.. but I'm mostly working on Dunena's Weird Weird World these days" Benjamin cast a quick glare at Daniel "That's when the Big Guy says we're allowed back on air that is" Benjamin took a long sip of his drink, he didn't like being forced off air. Far as Benjamin saw it nobody knew that the NYPD where gonna do a bust like that, so it was hardly their fault that things had gotten messed up. It wasn't like anyone had been hurt or anything.. well apart from that Muggle but nobody had seen him since so it all worked out right? Somewhere in the back of his mind there was the niggling feeling that Marty's disappearance could be linked back to the last person who'd seen him.... shit.

Was he a murder suspect now? Great that was just the last thing he needed. Benjamin couldn't remember what had put the idea of going to visit the guy in his head but now with the cold hard hit of reality Benjamin realized that if anyone went looking for Marty the first thing they'd be after was the dark skinned individual who'd visited out of the blue on the night he disappeared. Man he really needed to play it cool.. pity that everything seemed to be against him. For a moment he was able to breath a sigh of relief that Dunena wasn't planning anything.. right up until he stated that he was going to talk to the Big Man.. this was surely not going to go well. "Good luck man.." Benjamin said backing away slightly as he looked for a safe place to hide. Oh look Cherry was alone.. well apart from a dog who'd been forced into a suit. Benjamin knew that feeling as he went over to join Cherry "Yo Cherry! You wouldn't happen to have any job openings would you?" Benjamin joked, it had to be the worst pick up line ever, but he wasn't going to give Meg the satisfaction of flirting with anyone she wanted without him getting some payback. It had been meant as a joke however the prospect became frighteningly real quite quickly as Benjamin had to cover his face as the conversation going on. Shit, fucking Frump had turned up and from the bits he could hear it sounded like they where well and truly up shit creek without a paddle.

Fifi allowed herself a small smirk of satisfaction, it looked like the party was going to turn into one of those nights. Fifi averted her eyes of the poorly dressed man, had Daniel not been in listening room she might have added a 'unlike some' to the comment about the cat enjoying the party. Fifi most certainly was not, but if the best she could get was to have a few drinks and insult this fool in the red suit.. well it would be good enough for a quiet night she guessed. But then who would appear but Dunena Reid and Ronald Frump (oh not together of course for it didn't take a international superspy to figure that the two where very much at odds) it seemed this party was just getting started. Clicking her finger to summon a glass of champagne she raised a eyebrow at the young woman on Frumps arm.. my he did like them soft didn't he? If the woman had been a cheese no doubt she'd have been a brie.

"Ai see.. well it is hardly surprising" Fifi replied as Dunena came over, to a American such a fact might have been controversial but in France well.. they liked to consider themselves rather more enlightened to the ways of the world. Of course while she drunk she was keeping a keen eye on Daniel.. oh how cute, flirting with Reid well that just opened a interesting possibility. "Oh Misure Reid Ai would love to have a 'little chat' with you" oh yes, because two could play at that game as Fifi gave Dunena a flutter of false eyelashes. It was incidental then that she happened to take a step closer to Dunena, casing a tepid look at Daniel as she did. "Why that is most early appointment.. but one must guess you wouldn't have any plans to stay in late.." she let the sentence do it's work as she sussed out Dunena Reid. Of course she wouldn't.. of course she would.. if she was that annoyed with the world to want to make everyone in it hate her. It wasn't like she hadn't crossed enough lines as it was, but Dunena Reid.. yes, it was possible.

"Mister Frump" Fifi cast him the slightest nod after intentionally using the less honorific English title for the American Minister. Seeing the Minister and Daniel ganging up on the radio presenter Fifi of course had to step in "l'amour de Dieu!* Really gentlemen it is hardly a matter if Mister Frump would find it necessary to charm my face onto one of his.. " Fifi gave Frump's 'date' the look over "..prostituée" Fifi paused for the word to do it's work "Really Ai guess one must consider it.. flattering or else surely it would be in the rights of the one most wronged in said allegations to take offense." Fifi put a arm around Dunena as she moved in for the kill.. so to speak. "Ai do not know how the man is, Ai have not seen or heard of him since we where arrested, outside of your Minister of Magic." Of course she was lying. "Tell me, why is it that the disappearance of the man who helped me is pushed to page three of The Global Voice and yet the burning issue is nothing more then who is to blame for a photograph of myself in your arms. Had you wished for such a souvenir you could have simply arranged with my publicist" Who would of course had found that Fifi's schedule was full, but she was hardly going to share that piece of information. "Surely you should be spending your time organizing a search for this missing man before meetings to discredit a man who only wished to do what was needed to be done in order to get the Ministry to focus on the fact that many Wizards in America are unhappy with the way things are being run". Because of course nothing was more so the right of being foreign then to insult and pick at the policy of someone elses country entirely.

*for Gods Sake

Cherry and LaFonz watched from a distance, occasionally, as things went on the dog would whimper. When she saw Dunena heading into the fray, Cherry groaned and downed her drink, grabbing another off a passing waiter's tray and downing that, too, while holding his arm so she could replace the glass and pick up another one. It was about that time, BJay headed her way and she nodded. "Any time, Bjay!" she called to him. "LaFonz and I were just considering where the safest place to hide from impending fallout might be, want to join us?" she asked him, not one to let a co-worker die abandoned. The dog whimpered again and crawled under the table to hide. Cherry slid the plate of liver pate under for the poodle.

Meanwhile back at ground zero, Daniel was less then impressed with the venerable Fifi LaRoux's attitude but it really did not matter, except when it affected the livelihood of his station. He kept the same calm, collected tone and never raised his voice. One would have thought it was still a casual relaxed converation, if it were not for his words. "Valid point, Ms. LaRoux but since the Minister did not fake the photo himself, the reputation of WWBN was also at stake, as well as yours and I really don't need any lawsuits from Mr. Frump or the American Ministry, even if you don't care how you lack reputation."

Frump basically ignored the French woman until she tried to say they had not done anything to locate the mystery man. "But that's where you are wrong, Fifi. My aurors have been searching for him but to no avail. His firm terminated his employment. His neighbors have not seen him for days, not since he had one last visitor, a black male. No one has seen him since." Of course, the visa paperwork would not have traveled from the French consulate to the State Department to the Wizarding Section this fast. That would probably be received by maybe Christmas?

"The show about the sky falling?" Nathan said, rather proud of himself for remembering.. even if it had been rather embarrassing having Luke correct him that the sky wasn't actually falling. With Bjay leaving Nathan was left with Greta, a small blush creeping across his face at that realization that they where well.. slightly more alone then they where before. However Beanpole just had to make a scene and leave his owner stammering apologize.. it was lucky that nobody had let informed him of the fact that Daniel Davenport was not only the owner of WWBN, but one of the richest Wizards in the entire Magical World. Picking up Beanie the kitten insisted on keeping a strong grasp of the 'cat toy' leaving Nathan in the case of holding both cat and tail. Now what was he supposed to do with that? In the meantime satisfied with both attention and retribution Beanpole clung to Nathan's shirt and purred constant in his own superiority to all red evil people who made fun of his owner.

It seemed that there was more people arriving, some where vaguely familiar in the 'you saw them in the paper every day yet never read the stories to go with the photos' style. Had Nathan taken any interest in politics or well anything beyond his own comfortable little bubbleuniverse he might have made some sense of what was going on. But all he knew was that there where people talking and the guy over with the others had to be that Dunena Reid from the radio. Nathan wondered if he should go over and ask about the whole sky falling thing, it seemed prudent that if the sky did have a possibility falling it would be right to ask the one in the know right? That was what reporters kind of did? Well okay maybe Greta would know better. With one of the staff offering to take away the tail Nathan nodded unsure of what exactly to say, he was caught up in his own thoughts of how everyone seemed to know each other and how he felt rather out of place as the token Australian musician who never really went to these kind of parties. But then he felt someone take his hand.. where had that come from? Nathan looked down at it only to look up at Greta.

Oh.

Nathan was fretting as he feared one of those 'and then they stared into each others eyes' moments.. but that was averted due to the fact that Greta was looking somewhere else entirely. Mainly at some conversation going on between the blond woman and some men. "Um.. is everything okay?" Nathan asked Greta, unsure of what to do with himself he just did the classic 'stand there and let her hold your hand idiot' but no doubt she was just holding his hand as a friend would right? There was totally nothing wrong with that... or so he hoped because he had no idea how to get his hand back from her. It wasn't like you could say 'um excuse me but I can't help but notice that you've taken possession of my hand and I'd rather like it back now thanks.. no offense or anything' well okay you probably could but Nathan would never in a million years dare try.

Dunena reid was not as happy with the way things were going at this very moment first the crazy bint was draped over him Frump and davenport were on the same side and he was having a really hard time constrating after the cute ass comment.
"well yes " Dunena flicked the cape gave Daniel a smirk " well i needed your full attention on what i was saying not may ass, we all know how bad or good it can get when your distracted. altho fun not what I was looking for tonight " he looked at frump and his new play thing which Laroux had vex quite well.
"And you know me i hate to wait" Dunena took a moment before answering Frump and daniel question about the photos and desided that if he didn't have a show he could still stick it to frump and co. "the photos said they were from a source i had had many dealings with and was alway relabel in case he was not i would apologise to you" Dunena said as he tured his head to look at Laroux only to find her closer that he thought. He took a sec on to recover from that. "as for you Frump we all know that you are" what word to use here "a man that like to use women most of whom are using you to get favours from The ministry. " Dunena made to looked around the turned back to Frump "I do love to be seen but there are thing you don't want seen I know most of those thing Ronald as i can do more to distory you that you can ever do to me" Dunena was tired of clocked threats he knew he was a mark man and right now he didn't care. Dunena looked around the group
"Daniel both you and i know that Frump could no sue with out risking well stories getting out and making him look worse that he already dose face it his government is one scandal away from carlaps and the it just look even worse from him and frump far to image driven to let that happen" Dunena turned to LaRoux " as for our chat it looks like it will be more privet that i thought" dunena wanted to see how far she would go for her mark.

Daniel didn't have any plans for this particular evening but Daniel was also flexible... Uhm for this particular moment, let's just leave that at for his evening plans. However, Daniel also never let his off work activities affect his working hours, unlike some NYC silent partners/popular radio program star hosts who shall remain nameless to protect the usually drug-hazed Dunena Reid. He really was not concerned what the currently 'well on her way to getting trashed' young woman thought. Instead, he simply looked at her and commented, conversationally "Yes, well, I'm sure it won't keep you up worrying about it."

It didn't matter though as she railed on some tripe about Frump having charmed the photo to have her image on it which the Minister immediately addressed. "Well, that would be wonderful," Frump told her, smirking, "But if I were to have charmed that photo, I would have chosen someone with a kinder countenance than yours to put on there." Too bad, no one had bothered to ask for his date's name and an introduction before the name calling started. It wasn't bad enough that Fifi just called her a prostitute. Frump felt her grip on his arm tighten a bit and he covered her hand with his for support.

Instead, Frump addressed her other questions. "Actually, if you bothered to ask first, I'd have been glad to provide you with complete copies of our search attempts since he was released from jail, or you could, you know just ask his ex-employer if she's seen him. She's right over there talking to the guest dressed as the Grim Reaper." As an aside, Frump commented to the others, "Though I have to say he is an amazing person to so gallantly defend the honor of someone as shrewish as her."

As one of the staff tried to take the tail/prize/toy from Beanie, Greta shook her head and told him, "I'm not sure wizarding workman's comp would cover you trying to take it." The server considered it for a very quick moment and agreed, heading off to find a dish of tuna for the victorious kitty.

It was hard for Greta not to hear any of this as some of the voices carried. She wasn't too sure about what the Network owner was saying as his seemed to be the only voice currently at a conversational volume but the others she could hear. At Nathan's question, she gently squeezed his hand a bit, more for reassuring herself she was with him then to reassure him. "I think so," she told him. Deciding to forget the drama going on, she looked at Nathan and smiled. "I'm not sure about that group but, yes, I am okay and I'm with you which makes it even better. Hungry?" she asked realizing she was definitely hungry and indicating the food table, the one with a whimpering LaFonz hiding underneath hoping he was safe from the possible nuclear fallout that was occuring.

Although said fallout was very near occurring when Dunena replied to Daniel's question about the photos. "Well, that's reasonable logic," Daniel admitted, continuing on with, "Perhaps though you might now consider the reverse of that which is, "If the photo is phony, as the wizarding photography department here has proven, are you sure your source's previous information was as right as you thought it was? Just something to consider but I'm not the one you owe an apology to. It would be these two people as well as your audience who you relayed the information to," pausing Daniel added, "And the gentleman who was willing to go to jail because he believed in this young woman and was proven right. So when are you going to get your show back on the air? Or have you quit?" Daniel was unaware that Dunena thought they had been pulled off the air.

As for you Frump we all know that you are, a man that likes to use women most of whom are using you to get favours from The Ministry.

Remember that nuclear fallout coming soon... Yeah.. How about in 3.. 2..

SLAAAAAAAAAAAAP*

The sound of Frump's date's hand hitting Dunena's cheek for his comment was the last straw after Fifi's comment. She glared at the French woman as if she was next but Frump had restrained her, not wishing to have the conversation (using the term loosely by now) degenerate any further than it had. "I guess I should have introduced you to Bridgette Mahoney," Frump said to Dunena. Though, I believe you know her father, James. Aren't you partners with him in WWBN-NYC?" Frump asked. Shame that Dunena hadn't had a chance to meet James Mahoney's family yet.

(*permission granted from Dunena's Muggle)

Well at least she wasn't about to get bored.. unless the men insisted upon talking politics all night where she was liable to fall asleep on her feet.. or go to even greater lengths to cause a fight. "..and you know that it was not the Minister how? Surely you know that it is not the first time allegations about myself have been made that have traced back to the Minister's office" Fifi raised a single perfectly manicured eyebrow. Everyone knew now about the incident of the not-so-golden earring. "Ai am sorry if Ai did jump to conclusions but whether or not the women in the photo was myself is hardly a pressing affair to the fact that someone was in his embrace that night, and if not myself then clearly it was someone ... lesser" of course she just had to smirk at Frumps oh so typical response. Fifi wasn't Fifi LaRoux if she wasn't hard to handle.

Fifi hadn't picked Dunena Reid for a swinger but it seemed she had been wrong. Hardly a matter but that little bit of information added to the rest of the picture just pushed him over the line of 'not even while drunk' a pity because it seemed there truly was a lack of ones to take her home tonight. Even the man who worked for Dunena it seemed had disappeared. It seemed that while she had not gotten all the information on McQueen that Dominic had wanted she was getting a bit too much information from one Dunena Reid, he had always been reliable for that. "What a interesting source they must be" Fifi stated as her hand slipped a bit lower.. "it seems quite unfair that they should know so much and you.. so little" patting Dunena twice she smiled for a passing camera before letting go of the foolish man. It seemed that the entire affair was turning into the argumentative equivalent of working out who had the biggest saucisson*

This was getting boreing, Frump was talking again, that was boarding with a capital B, no wonder she'd turned out to half of what he'd said earlier. "Your Auror's must not be very good then" she simply stated. After all Fifi had had next to no trouble tracking down Marty, and it seemed Dominic had a even easier time of it. Fifi sighed, she didn't want to think about that tonight. "I'm sure that will not be necessary" Fifi stated as Frump played the 'I'll show you mine' card. Noting the rest of his statements Fifi couldn't help but open her mouth "Of course, because we all know that the honorable action to take is to abuse a young reporter live on air, at least some of us made a effort to defend the young man, a pity your Auror's had other ideas" Fifi of course was speaking about the poor soul who had gotten a high heel to a rather sensitive place.

Then well.. there was THE SLAP!

..no not the one being constantly advertised on Australian tv. Fifi being the compassionate soul that she was simply burst out in wild laughter, oh that was just priceless. Yes, best event of the night for sure. "Alas Monsieur Reid but I do not go for ones who swing both way.. you never know where they have been" yes, Fifi didn't have many limits but even the magical world had heard of STD's. "..unlike some no doubt" she added casting a lazy eye at Daniel as if daring him to comment.

* a type of sausage (honestly just sausage!)

Eventually, there was no choice but to see the scene going on with the American Minister and others including...........

McQueen raised an eyebrow at the sight of the woman in red. She was fairly sure, from the screen captures she had studied of that night that this was the woman that Harper tossed his career away for. Apparently, her compatriot in the Grim Reaper costume recognized that woman as well and watched the events unfurl in front of them with feigned disinterest and a dose of amusement.

That is until one of the television monitors located around the studio turned party area caught both their attention as the all news station of WWBN went to international news.

Our Paris news desk reports that police in Paris have begun searching the Seine River for the body of a man who is believed to have jumped from one of the bridges in a possible suicide attempt. Reported by a party on one of the barges docked along the Seine, this raw footage shot by one of the party goers shows the man plunging into the river. No sign of his exit from the river has been found and they believe that he died on impact.

Next up is....

As the anchor read the story, a video was shown of a tuxedo clad man with longish hair plummeting downward toward the water. Apparently the raw footage was not properly lighted considering a green flash of light at the top of the screen that appeared for barely a second.

The Grim Reaper and McQueen looked at each other and the smile of satisfaction on her face could be termed frightening as she made her way to the exit. Apparently, she had a position to fill for sure.