Claire nodded, knowing that look well, but knowing also not to disturb Leo's thought process when he was pondering something.

She then walked outside, seeing that lunch was in the midst of being delivered.

He got up and followed her and helped get his portion of the food and placed it on his desk and went and poured himself some coffee at the coffee pot.

"Well the food smells excellent"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:15, Mon 25 July 2011.

"Indeed it does, sir," Claire replied. "I'll make some phone calls first and get your mask ready for you."

She then went to work calling a few assorted costume stores until she was able to find a masquerade mask at one of the obscure stores in downtown. A place known as The Weston Costume Emporium.

When she informed him they would deliver the mask to his office he smiled and gave her his appreciative wink that stated your the best and expect a big bonus in your next pay check. He picked up his food and went back to his office and made a phone call for his butler and assistant and jack of all trades Jericho Fernando his right hand man the person that has saved his life double that of punch out and lightstrike he hired this person ages ago due to his great resume of skills in just about everything. The one reason he hired this man he was a retired Navy Seal, and swat. Leo still pondered why the guy was happy with cleaning a pent house this confused him greatly but he speed dialed Jericho's number.

"Hey Fernando its Leo i need my best tux for a ball i am going to attend tonight so you have the house to yourself please bring by the tux as soon as you can and make preperations for guests i want you to call Punch-out and lightstrike inform them they are welcome to move in." Leo said this in a more casual tone like talking to a war buddy or brother

"Of course Mr. Black....it sounds like you're not expecting action for one tonight, eh?" he said with a slight chuckle. "And don't worry...I'll tell Punch-Out and Lightstrike they have the place to themselves. Though you DO know how they like to party sometimes."

Leo smiled a rare sight but he laughed a little bit and new he would say this and with the little inside joke he replied.
"That is why you are my main man Jericho keep them in line for me while i see whats up but keep the noise to a minimum i will have you on speed dial i dont like this ball thats why i need you three together." he said in a slight serious tone

"Cynical as always, Mr. Black," the butler replied with a slight chuckle. "Even so, you be careful and watch your ass all right? I'll make sure that your two friends don't rough up the place."

"Okay old friend i'll keep you updated and maybe i'll bring back a lady friend for your troubles." he said this last bit with a grin and hung up the phone

he went back to his meal and loved it when she ordered she always new what he liked to eat and how he wanted it made. He missed this feeling like anyone would it made him feel like he had a mother or grandmother. It was these rare moments he hated being immortal.

Claire sat down to eat as well. She had missed breakfast, so lunch was a welcome...and necessary...addition to the day's activities.

She looked at Leo and smiled for a moment. Subtly she said "I work for a night-prowling vigilante....a good-hearted one at that."

Leo finished eating and glanced at the paper work he had closer by reading it casual as he browsed his emails and glanced over previous cases. He enjoyed the work he had and saw his day time job as a way to relax he never stressed over cases nor put his personal feelings into cases he loved his work and used it as means to block out his night life he did what he did because it was the right thing to do to protect everyone

Leo's email had a few clarifications on different laws and rulings. In the meantime, Claire was doing paperwork, getting the bills taken care of for the office.

Soon the mask is delivered, and Claire signed for the package.

Leo got up and took the package and opened it and pulled out the mask he stared at it in awe and had to just wait for his tux to arrive.

Soon the tuxedo arrived as well.

Leo closed his office doors and closed the blinds on of his office windows and changed into his tux and tried on the black gothic looking mask and glanced at himself in the mirror and smiled a bit and opened the door and walked in front of Claire's desk.

"Well how do I look Claire?" he asked

and with his typical question asked he played the waiting game for the ball

"Dashing as ever, Mr. Black," Claire replied jubilantly as she saw Leo in his masquerade outfit.

then they talked and waited for the time for leo to leave for the ball

The day seemed to drag on, but eventually came around to quitting time. And time for Leo to make his way to the Ball.

Claire gave him her customary warm good-bye and then left the building, and soon Leo was ready to head to the restaurant where it was being held, at Versuezzi's.

<<<<<Left for Versuezzi's>>>>>.

<<< from lair of the shadow>>>

It had seemed like months since he was last here when it was only been a days worth of being away. Leo glanced around the office and slowly made his way to his room.

Surprisingly, the office seems to be relatively untouched, everything in the place where it was before.

The only thing out of place was a piece of paper with a hand painted on it in black ink.

Leo walked over to the desk staring at the paper with the black hand print on it he slowly lifted up piece of paper and went to his office leaving the door opened incase Claire needed something

There was writing on the paper.

"So begins the endgame, my student. All of your hopes....all of your dreams...will be snatched away from you. Then...and only then, will you face me...and this will be our FINAL battle.."

Leo soon saw a spark, as if something had ignited in the other room where Claire was.

Leo rushed through the door looking left and right for signs of a fire or anything that could be a sign of danger.

As he burst in he yelled Claire.

"Claire!!!"

Before Leo could even get into the same room, the spark ignited into a miniature explosion, which covered the room which Claire was in.

The explosion threw Leo through a window out into the street.

blown out to the streets
<<<<<streets>>>>>