Thread: Root of (Evil)² {HeavenSundered & darjeeling}

Three calls later and Valerie was already feeling a prickle of an ache at the very forefront of her scalp. She rubbed her temple tersely in slow, circular motions as yet another man, this time of a more frantic breed, chattered away. It mostly consisted of excuses she cared not to hear, much less waste her precious time for. The clock and time didn't stop for anyone, the small hand ticking away with every word and syllable spewing from the nervous male's runny mouth. She allowed him to finish, or at least interrupt when he caught his breath, with an exaggerated sigh billowing from her own lips like smoke. I do understand your predicament, James. I truly do. Unfortunately, there is little I can do for you... The man revved his engine once more, and she tapped her fingers impatiently on the paper in front of her, with her current patron's name, address and black and white picture clipped on the side. Stamped in the little black box located below that smiling visage was a bright red inked and stamped words of Overdue. Why Valerie called anyone was painfully obvious, and 99 of the time, it was because they were listed as overdue on their payments. Sometimes she called her mutts to action, and other times she paid them a more personal visit via the phone. Listen to me, James. She interrupted finally, her voice losing all cordiality, shoulders tensing. I would appreciate if you could send the amount in full. No, we will no longer be taking payment plans. Valerie pursed her lips. You can't? Well, that's a shame. My boys will be over tomorrow afternoon to pick up what's left. With that not-so-subtle threat, she placed the phone down and scribbled a note down on the man's file, whom she had left squeaking and hyperventilating into the mic piece. The thickness of the pile that remained on her desk had her sighing less sarcastically and in genuine irritation. It was not unusual to stay past midnight, considering she never trusted anyone else to do her job. It was, however, unusual to have so many payments due within a single month. A soft growl escaped her throat as she grasped at her glass of merlot again and took a longer sip, her other hand dialing away at the number pad for her next victim. A woman with false teeth and a large amount of children, by the sounds that picked up the phone. A young female answered it quietly, to which Valerie pleasantly struck up a conversation with just to set the tone. Two minutes passed and she'd learned, already, that they had just finished eating their pot roast dinner and was about to start on bowls of dessert. Before that, could I speak to your mother, please? The girl was happy to oblige, a happiness which told the blonde that the daughter could not have been more than ten years - that sort of positivity was positively difficult to find nowadays. An older woman came to the phone and so began the dance and twirl, wherein eventually, they would all have to fall like dominoes. Yes, you did send in a letter requesting an extension, but unfortunately, there is little I can do... A faint knock rebounded through her spacious office, effectively cutting off whatever she was about to say. Valerie stopped the slight tip and tilt of her glass, her head cocked towards the door like it was a child asking for permission. Despite nothing of the sort being granted, the wood creaked open and gave way to a female boasting hair of multicolor and a shiny stud glinting quite clearly in the office light. The badge she had pinned to her breast indicated that she was yet another intern awaiting induction into their large family. But of the girl herself, she was entirely unfamiliar with, for Valerie most certainly would have remembered a person so highly decorated. Not that she could truthfully claim that she knew every intern by face and name, many of them wore their hair simply and aimed to be heard rather than seen. Nevertheless, she sat up straight, placing her wine on the desk before sliding it off to the side. Regardless of intern or no, the first rule was to never walk in unless told otherwise. The girl was off to a rocky start already, the poor dear. Still on the phone, she continued as if the intern had never entered, the only evidence that Valerie had even noticed was her piercing gaze placed sharply on the extra body in her domain. Yes, you may file for another loan, but understand that it would be counterproductive to pay your current with that... no, I am not implying you are stupid, she smirked, I assure you, Sanctum is here for you and to ensure you and your children's comforts. The strange girl floated about her desk and the smirk slipped off her face in favor of a disapproving frown. She tried to wave the intern away as the frown turned into a scowl, likely directed towards whatever the woman on the other end was trying to say. Please rethink your decision. I will be in contact with you shortly. Valerie ended curtly, placing the phone down for what seemed to be the umpteenth time in her life. One problem after the next. First, more pressing matters must be attended to. Valerie turned her attention finally to the intern she could not remember. I don't recall your name, so whoever you are, do expect a firmly worded letter to whomever recommended you. She said, indicating to the door. If there is a next time, wait until you are allowed in before opening the door. With that bit of scolding out of the way, she laced her fingers together and heaved a soft shrug. What is it you want? As you can see, I am... quite busy tonight.