The car arrived outside the building at ten o’clock sharp. Not one second early, not one second late. Punctuality was something that Marcus Stonehouse did not just like, but insisted on, upon pain of... well, extreme pain.

  The building itself was one of those flashy company headquarters, all glass and shiny metal. One that screamed to everyone who saw it that here was a company that liked to spend money telling people how much money they had.

  It was just the kind of company that Stonehouse liked to deal with. All flash and not a single braincell between the entirety of the ten-man board. Yes, it was that kind of company, no women would ever be considered for the board. It only made money because they had accidentally managed to hire some good people lower down the chain.

  They dealt in tech, and now wanted to expand. This was an issue because, as we have already been told, the board was not the greatest set of negotiators you could possibly wish to have on your side. Amazingly, at this point one of them actually came up with what they thought was a fantastic idea.

  Stonehouse dealt in tech as well, just not the kind of tech most people thought of. Stonehouse dealt in a different kind of tech.

  His driver, Edgar, got out of the car and quickly moved to open the passenger door for him. As he exited, he nodded his thanks. It was not the most difficult job in the world, driving Stonehouse around, but the man did it well and deserved the simple acknowledgement.

  Stonehouse’s tall, lithe figure filled out the tailored dark suit perfectly. His raven black hair framed a narrow face, with high cheekbones and coal black eyes. Perfectly groomed eyebrows spoke of a man that paid a lot of attention to his appearance.

  His driver handed him a small, black leather briefcase, before closing the car door and moving to stand by the driver’s side. There he would stand and wait until Mister Stonehouse returned.

  For his part Stonehouse accepted the briefcase and walked briskly toward the glass sliding doors at the building’s entrance. A bored looking young man sat behind the reception desk, though he perked up when he saw the smart looking businessman enter.

  “Can I help you, sir?”

  “Of course you can,” Stonehouse’s voice had an almost musical quality to it, “I’ve an appointment to see Mister Bannoff.”

  This woke the receptionist up, someone to see the big boss. “One moment.” He picked up the phone from the desk in front of him and quickly dialled. A brief conversation later and he looked back up with a smile.

  “Ms Penistone, Mister Bannoff’s assistant will be here shortly, would you like anything whilst you wait? A coffee perhaps?”

  Stonehouse gave the man a cold look, “I would sincerely hope I will not be waiting that long, young man.”

  The receptionist looked startled, “I didn’t mean...”

  “No matter. I believe the young lady you mentioned is here.” Elevator doors set in the wall past the reception desk had just started to slide open, much to the relief of younger man.

  As a petite looking, bespectacled woman of middling years stepped out the receptionist let out a silent breath. It was indeed Mister Bannoff’s assistant.

  The woman made straight for Stonehouse holding out her hand. “A pleasure to meet you Mister Stonehouse, if you would follow me, Mister Bannoff is waiting.”

  Stonehouse took the offered hand, noting that Ms Penistone made no comment at his own cold hand, something that usually garnered some form of remark. He was impressed.

  Heading into the elevator they stood silently as it rose the twelve stories to where Mister Bannoff had his office. It was only a short distance from the elevator exit, and Stonehouse had to admit that the view from the office was agreeably pleasant.

  They had entered directly from the corridor, and he noted that another door must lead to Ms Penistone’s own office, presumably with its own access from the same corridor. Direct access, not something he would ever have allowed himself.

  Looking about the office he noted that it was one of those that had charts on one wall and a row of certificates and diplomas on another. It screamed I am important. Typical of someone who was not really confident that they were. Oh, there were times when it was appropriate to display such things. He would not trust a doctor, for instance, if they did not have a suitable collection of such things to display. Not that he ever needed a doctor.

  The man just standing from behind the desk confirmed everything Stonehouse was thinking about him. He was overweight, and wore a suit that, although expensive, had not been tailored and therefore looked terrible on him. Slightly thinning hair and a definite pallor to his looks that one could only describe as unhealthy.

  Poor diet, little exercise. Probably too many late nights.

  Inwardly Stonehouse smiled, perfect.

  “Mister Bannoff, a pleasure.” He held his hand out and made sure that the handshake was as brief as possible.

  “You have the item?” Straight to business. Even someone as odious as Bannoff could have some redeeming features, he thought.

  “Right here.” He placed the briefcase on the office desk, pressed his thumbs against a small, rectangular indentation, and upon hearing the click opened it.

  He carefully removed the silver bracelet from inside and held it up for Bannoff to admire. Apart from being silver, it was a rather plain bracelet, more of a chain. Something that did not really draw too much attention.

  “It does as promised?”

  “Mister Bannoff, you came to me because I have a reputation of procuring exactly what a client wants.

  You required some assistance with upcoming business negotiations, and this will provide all the assistance you need. Anyone you make suggestions to will immediately become more pliable, believing whatever you suggest to be their very own clever idea.

  Just make sure you remember to prick your own finger before you start, you will see a small needle in the clasp, and it will work perfectly well for you.”

  Greed gleamed in Bannoff’s eyes. No further questions were required, as he did indeed know about Mister Stonehouse’s reputation. Surprisingly, when he had made inquiries, people that wanted to grumble about him still said he had delivered exactly what they asked for.

  Bannoff had not bothered to ask any further questions. The cost against what he would make out of it was pitiful. He called through to Ms Penistone.

  “Would you please transfer the money to Mister Stonehouse’s account.” He placed the bracelet down carefully and looked back up to the waiting Stonehouse, “Would you like a drink to celebrate?”

  “I do not think so Mister Bannoff. Places to be, things to do, you know how it is for a busy man?”

  “Of course, yes.”

  Stonehouse smiled, “A pleasure doing business with you. Just remember, if you need anything else.”

  “Thank you, yes.” Bannoff could not take his eyes off the bracelet, all but ignoring Stonehouse now.

  Stonehouse closed the briefcase, hearing it click locked again, and looked to where Ms Penistone was stood expectantly.

  “If you would be so kind as to follow me, please.”

  She led him back to the elevator and down to the main entrance. A brief thank you, more for forms sake than because the lady had anything to particularly thank him for, and he made his way back to his car where his driver stood ready to open the passenger door for him.

  Once they had pulled away from the building Edgar glanced into the rear-view mirror.

  “Did everything go as expected sir?”

  “Completely as expected, Edgar. Whilst our esteemed Mister Bannoff will be able to influence people during his negotiations, ultimately, I will be able to completely control Mister Bannoff.

  He never even questioned the blood, the easiest way to gain that control of a person.”

  “I take it we have a use for that company then, sir?”

  “Oh, most definitely. It is always useful to have a quiet ability to dispose of items that may have a way of attracting too much attention. The poor man will not even realise what he is doing.”

  “Very good then, sir.”

  “Yes, very good.”

  Edgar made no mention of the fact that he could not see Stonehouse in the rear-view mirror. It would hardly be polite to mention such a thing because the entire world knew that vampires had no reflection.