| The Proposal (Andrew Cutting, Closed) | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jan 11 2014, 11:30 PM (190 Views) | |
| Rachel Milliner | Jan 11 2014, 11:30 PM Post #1 |
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It had been almost a week since the startling revelation Don Giovanni had given her, along with a task that helped distract herself from most of the screaming realization: Meet with Sir Andrew Cutting, work out a business deal to open a wine bar in his building, cater to both mortal and immortal customers, make big money and the Don happy. Aside from working with the immortals, this was exactly Rachel's arena. She'd been far from idle this past week, making numerous calls to friends in the business, eating at local places, befriending local vendors and tradesmen, and getting herself up to her elbows in research on the area. Market reports, surveys, there were files upon files she'd gone through. And now most of it was neatly condensed into a tan leather portfolio, a clean dossier on what she had in mind and how she could make it happen. Stepping out of her car and onto the curb, Rachel straightened her tailored brown suede jacket and took a slow, deep breath. It was the same thing she did when in the middle of an all-out slam rush, to help slow the world down. She was well-dressed without being formal, just a touch of makeup and with her dark brown hair pulled back into a neat ponytail. Little silvery earrings dangled from her ears, and around her neck she wore an olive-green scarf with a few gold threads shot through it. Rachel opened the main door and approached the lobby secretary, informing her that she had an appointment with Mr. Cutting. Now all that was left to do was wait, and remain calm and confident as possible. |
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| Andrew Cutting | Jan 12 2014, 12:05 AM Post #2 |
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Toreador Primogen
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Andrew was sat in his receiving room, watching the fire gently burning to low embers; the room lit only dimly by the light cast from the fireplace for the moment. He was reading through financial reports and business statements, carefully scrutinising the figures placed in front of him as well as the reports and summaries which had been attached at various points along the line by his managers and advisors. Though he tried to keep himself appraised of every aspect of his and the Family's business interests it was simply impossible to do so while also keeping track of the movements, myriad schemes and politics of kindred in the city; he liked to keep himself just ahead of the rumour mill maintaining his place through a combination of careful liaison with the Nosferatu and ongoing deals with various Anarchs and Independent kindred. So it was that he had advisors and managers working below him compile these reports, all the while unaware that other reports were being compiled on the same subject so that the ever meticulous Toreador could cross reference them to inconsistencies. A knock at the door roused him from his deep thoughts and careful consideration, it was one of his office attendants who politely bowed as he entered, handing Sir Andrew a small file with one hand while waiting for a signal from Andrew to proceed with other business. Andrew nodded to the man and a pair of porters came through the door with a wing backed chair and a low table; he stood as they rearranged the furniture to facilitate the meeting he was about to have with the mortal chef. The lights were turned on and adjusted somewhat to comfortable ambiance and refreshments for his guest were brought it; time to get to work then, his staff knew the protocol for meetings like this all too well. Checking the file he took his seat facing the door, so he would be meeting with Rachel Milliner; the file contained a cursory glance at her background and career as well as a couple of summarised reports on her involvement with the local Giovanni, so far as was publicly known. It made for quick reading by the end of which time Ms Milliner would have arrived; ushered from the lift through security to the receiving room where one of the attendants pulled up the chair for her to sit and waited on her, while Andrew sat and watched with cold, analytical eyes. |
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| Rachel Milliner | Jan 12 2014, 12:53 AM Post #3 |
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The petite figure that entered the room behind the ushering assistant wasn't what one immediately expected in an experienced chef with credentials. But the confidence Rachel exuded helped to explain how she'd come into that experience. When her quick, intelligent green eyes settled on Mr. Cutting, she smiled a pleasant smile that was not overly friendly. Best to keep things more professional until she knew what he was like. "Mr. Cutting, it's a pleasure to finally meet you," she said, not to fast or slow, crossing the room to extend a hand towards what she hoped would be a future business partner. Her hands, while clean, showed the telltale white scars of many assorted nicks, cuts, and burns from her years in the kitchen. Even the nails were kept short, since manicures didn't last very long under the beating her work gave them. The dossier was tucked safely under her other arm, with the details of the proposal inside. Essentially the Reader's Digest version of the homework she'd done. Safe to say Mr. Cutting was a busy man, and didn't have time to listen to a laundry list of statistics and analysis. Plenty of time to discuss the nuts and bolts, first she had to convince him that it was a good idea to let her do this in his building. "Thank you for meeting with me, I know you must be very busy." Once the handshake part was over (Not to firm, not too soft, and brief.), Rachel accepted the offered seat and took a brief glance at her surroundings. Very expensive, but comfortable. Gave her a vague idea of who Mr. Cutting was from a business perspective. |
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| Andrew Cutting | Jan 12 2014, 01:34 AM Post #4 |
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Toreador Primogen
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"Sir Andrew, if you please." He reached out and shook her hand with the firm but measured grip of an experienced swordsman who knew the value of no holding on too tightly; the brief nature of the handshake perhaps indicative of the fact that he was still used to the old days when a gentleman kissed the back of a lady's hand in place of the formal handshake. That being done he motioned with an almost flippant wave of his hand for her to sit - so far it was hard to tell if the meeting was going well or not for Andrew was letting little on; her minor, but infuriatingly common stumble over the correct form of address to use when referring to him would be forgiven - few Americans understood the British honours system - nor the fact that these days to gain a 'Sir' in front of one's name required a great deal of hard work and effort rather than an accident of birth (by right of birth he was actually a man of greater standing, being a Baron, however when he had been embraced such hereditary titles had to be set aside). In his speech was the powerful, confident charisma upon which the British Empire had been built; one of the greatest edifices of the illusion of power in human history and one of the Cutting Family's greatest achievements (well they had a bit of help along the way but nobody like to admit to that apart from the help, damned Ventrue). For decades the world had been enthralled by the power and majesty of an empire which only existed because of the illusory power and majesty it portrayed; a wonderful accomplishment indeed and one which bred men like Andrew, with their soft, smooth voices which seemed at once; diplomatic yet bored, charismatic and yet lazy. He placed subtle emphasis on the 'Sir' at the beginning of the conversation to correct her politely without hint of malice or offence; he might not be a Ventrue but he'd worked bloody hard to earn that bloody knighthood so he'd be damned if people forgot about it. Having taken her seat one of Andrew attendants came around and offered her refreshments, tea, scotch or brandy - coffee was a drink for philosophical discussion over art or music, not business and was therefore omitted from the selection. Andrew took a glass and poured himself a measure of scotch and waited for Rachel to make her selection before continuing. "I am quite busy yes, however I have received reliable assurances that you are worth my time; I hear you have a valuable business opportunity for me, something to do with a prospective wine bar or so I have been told. You being a chef of enough skill to retain employ with Mr Giovanni and his associates adds weight to the estimated value of the proposal, and myself being a businessman looking for new investments I think we may come to some arrangement." "However, before we get ahead of ourselves, tell me more about your plans for this establishment and why you feel that it will add a something that cannot already be found elsewhere in my little business empire on the ground floor?" Edited by Andrew Cutting, Jan 12 2014, 01:34 AM.
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| Rachel Milliner | Jan 12 2014, 02:05 AM Post #5 |
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Clearly Rachel hadn't spent much time interacting with British nobility during her years in London, but quickly and politely corrected her faux pas with an acknowledging nod. "Of course, Sir Andrew," . Settling herself on the edge of the chair, she had a straight but relaxed posture, boot-clad ankles lightly crossed. When refreshment was offered, she almost went for tea, but then couldn't resist the offer of scotch. Not something she drank very often, but when a fine one came her way, it was a shame not to try it. "Scotch, please. Single-malt would be lovely." she said, giving the attendant a warm smile. In the beginning, she'd often had to do similar tasks, and knew how demanding it could be. Turning her attention back to Sir Andrew, she listened with careful attentiveness, and thought it over before forming an answer of her own. "I'm pleased to hear you've had good reports," Rachel smiled, laying the portfolio on the table between them for him to peruse at his leisure. "I'll get straight to the heart of it, then. I must admit, I was surprised when Don Giovanni suggested a wine bar in Detroit. From a professional standpoint, this city doesn't have a strong food and wine culture. But, since I arrived I've been making the rounds with local markets, restaurants, cafes, and learning all I can. And I was pleasantly surprised, again." When the scotch was brought, she took two careful, small sips to taste it, then couldn't help an elated smile of pleasure. It was excellent, not that she expected anything less. "My contacts and my own findings both tell me that the market for these establishments is small here, but growing. When the economy took its hit on Detroit, a lot of the finer restaurants disappeared with their owners. It's a challenge, but by no means impossible with the right tools and marketing." "There are places in the city gaining reputations. One thing the best all have in common, is investments in local products, which gives a sense of Detroit pride to locals and visitors alike. Along with that is the slow introduction of cuisine and wine from across the globe, and demand is growing steadily. As you can see in this file, the concept I've come up with for this wine bar is both professional and comfortable, a place where you can have a glass of Bordeaux after work or bring the wife for an anniversary. The only way to make enough sales will be to appeal to a wider range of customer, so prices will not be exorbitant. With a wine bar, you can count on sale of alcoholic beverages to make up that difference." Rachel paused there, to take another appreciative sip of scotch and to allow for any questions Sir Andrew may have had. "As for the 'private' section catering to Kindred clientele, I've had an architect sketch up a concept for a back lounge, private and safe, with multiple exits should an emergency arise. However, this particular part of the venture I've had to mostly speculate upon, since I don't have much practical experience for it...yet. Which is why I would appreciate your input at this point, to fill in any angles I may have overlooked." |
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| Andrew Cutting | Jan 12 2014, 04:58 PM Post #6 |
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Toreador Primogen
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Andrew took the folio from Rachel and skimmed through it with his cold, analytical gaze; checking the facts and figures, making sure that they all tallied with what he already knew and making his own assessment of the proposal. She had her facts in the right place and financially there was a positive correlation; he trusted these figures and liked the homework she'd done on local suppliers. One slight issue remained, where it would fit in with the rest of the venues he had on the ground floor of the building; the only spot available which was suitable to his mind was an L shaped section on the corner which was also the corner of the block. The issue was that this space was bigger than the one she'd allowed for in her plans and would have a prominent place on the corner of the biggest crossroads in Downtown Detroit's nightlife. He wondered for a moment if she was suited to such a powerful and demanding undertaking. "Culture is something I have been working hard to build here since I moved in and had this building built from the ground up. Many thought me mad, but the brilliant thing about a city like this is that everyone expects the worst - when you present them with the best the only way they know how to respond is with amazement and that will be what draws people into your establishment." He snapped the folio closed and passed it back to her having read it and absorbed the information far more quickly than anyone living could have done. "I have a place for you here, on the corner; the space is bigger than what you've allowed for, the shape of the space brings its own unique challenges, but the benefits are equally unique. As for arrangements specialised for Kindred you need not worry overmuch; you will be operating in my domain, that means that no-one but a fool would dare to cause trouble there. So would you like to see the space, and perhaps go over how you intend to use it?" |
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| Rachel Milliner | Jan 12 2014, 08:05 PM Post #7 |
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Rachel listened carefully again, quietly sipping the Scotch and letting the smokiness of it roll down her tongue. She liked that Sir Andrew had invested so much in the local culture and community, and clearly he knew the city well. It was still kind of hard to believe that she was in a meeting with yet another freaking vampire, but the initial shock of their existence was subsiding a little. Enough for her to keep her composure and focus, at least. "That's good to know," she replied, feeling a little better about her ability to cater to Kindred clients. All that was left now was the smaller nuts and bolts. That, and she had to learn more about the stocks of vitae Don Giovanni wanted her to keep for them. Wines she knew, but blood? Nope. Thankfully there was time yet to solve that little problem, and the more Sir Andrew talked about the space, the more intrigued Rachel was. "Absolutely. While we're on the subject, I was hoping you could recommend a good consultant for the vitae stock. I trust my palate on wine, but I don't think it's sharp enough for that. It's hard to sell something I don't know much about." Having long been known for her fearlessness in tasting new things, Rachel still wasn't sure she could do justice to the vitae. She'd nicked her finger a few nights ago and tried tasting as she would wine, but all she could taste was copper and salt. Probably best to leave that one to the experts, and stick with what she did best, eh? |
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| Andrew Cutting | Jan 12 2014, 10:08 PM Post #8 |
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Toreador Primogen
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"Initially I think I can be of some assistance with regards to the kindred end of business, but ultimately we shall have to arrange a more permanent point of reference, and I believe I know just the people for the task." Andrew stood as he spoke, motioning for her to follow and bring her scotch with her he strode out of the room and over to the express elevator which swiftly arrived - it was reserved for his own use and the use of his guests so it came swiftly and traveled just as quickly down the building. Without much hesitation he lead Rachel through the central atrium over to the corner space, accessing it through a secured door. The space he lead her into was large, the reinforced glass fronting of the building was dark tinted so those outside could only just see in and their was plenty of room for the bar and kitchen. "What do you think; you'll have complete creative freedom over the inside, so long as the venue remains a respectable and quality one." |
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| Rachel Milliner | Jan 13 2014, 02:41 AM Post #9 |
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"Excellent," Rachel said, rising with a genuine smile to collect her Scotch and follow Sir Andrew to the elevator. It was becoming harder to conceal her enthusiasm, but she managed to keep a professional face. She was beginning to see it happen, and it was better than she'd hoped for. As for the space itself, Rachel would waste no time in walking through it, taking note of any outlets or other fixtures already in place. It would take quite a bit of work, but it had serious potential. "I think the location is excellent, should bring in plenty of walking traffic. As for the creative concept, we shouldn't have any problems fitting it to this space. I was thinking on the rustic side with a contemporary elegance. Something that includes a sense of culture and local community, while featuring wines from around the world. The concept for the menu focuses on using local, seasonal ingredients in dishes that compliment the wine selections. Rather than doing small portions of more obscure cuisine, I want to bring in flavorful, rustic dishes from France, Italy, Spain, and of course the States. But that will have to wait, at least until we finish construction," Rachel finished with a smile, finally reining in her creative thought process. Of course her passion lay in the culinary arts, but there were other priorities, such as appliances, decor, furnishings, and a million other details. "About the only thing I'm having trouble visualizing is a name," she admitted with a sigh, but a happy one. Sipping at the last of her Scotch, Rachel continued to sweep the place with keen eyes. Eyes that were already seeing what needed to be done, from the ground up. It would be elegant, efficient, and profitable. And she could hardly wait to get started. |
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| Andrew Cutting | Jan 13 2014, 04:49 PM Post #10 |
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Toreador Primogen
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He picked up on her enthusiasm; watching other people of an artistic mindset and respectable upbringing show enthusiasm for a new project of merit was something Andrew quite enjoyed. Many older kindred had something of a sadistic streak but he tried to remember the rules of gentlemanly conduct and respectability; besides there really was only limited satisfaction to be drawn from watching other people suffer for no reason - much better to save any hint of sadism he had for when he had to deal with his enemies, an increasingly rare occurrence as he had had outlived most of those he'd made and simply avoided making new ones with but a few rare exceptions. It was plain to see that Ms Milliner was enjoying herself and allowing her creative spark to run away with her as she viewed the space, what self respecting Toreador wouldn't want to encourage just that? "I can tell you've put a great deal of thought into your proposal, certainly more thought than I had invested before meeting with you. Tell me if you would, what sort of rustic feel are you aiming for? My own thoughts run more along a sort of 'industrial' style, reflecting Detroit's manufacturing history; however I am interested to find out what someone such as yourself would like to see done with this space." He waved a hand expansively, before it had been stripped it had been an up market jeweler's shop, taking advantage of the considerable window space for impressive displays; but all the designer veneer and solid cabinets were gone now, replaced with dust covers and bared cabling. "As for a name I think we should work from the bottom up, flesh out the concept, get a feel for how the end result will look and then we'll have a better idea of what sort of name it deserves. As for the menu ideas I can quite honestly say that your proposal does not replicate anything else that can be found in this building, or in Detroit to my knowledge; it would certainly fill a specific market, without being so specific so as to deter casual custom. Are you familiar with the other eating establishments that are set up in and around the Cutting Building?" |
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| Rachel Milliner | Jan 14 2014, 02:57 AM Post #11 |
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It wasn't hard to understand. Wasn't that the dream of almost every young chef, opening their own place? Of course, it wasn't technically Rachel's place, but close enough. The more she walked through the space, turning this way and that to get a look at one wall, or an angled view of the corner windows, the more she could see what Sir Andrew was talking about. Not something out of Tuscany or Provence, as she'd originally thought, but something that was uniquely Detroit. "Yes," she nodded, "that's much better than the country style I'd thought about. We could contact local craftsmen and designers, artists, get bids on some unique elements. Off the top of my head, I'm seeing polished woods alongside brushed steel, industrial meets the natural. Naked brick or stone on the walls, maybe, give it the feeling of a wine cellar. Oh, and local artists could display their work for sale on them, with the appropriate lighting of course." Rachel stopped herself for a second, then smiled a bit sheepishly. Ambitious and intelligent though she was, she couldn't help enjoying this most thoroughly. "Sorry for rambling. Since funds won't be much of an issue, I'd also like to make it very energy-efficient, maybe even try for a green certification. It'll be a challenge outfitting the kitchen for that, but nowhere near impossible." She almost didn't realize what he'd asked her, but was quick to answer. "I'm familiar with them, yes. Unfortunately, I haven't yet had the chance to try any of them. Something I'll definitely remedy so I can be sure to outdo them." |
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| Andrew Cutting | Jan 16 2014, 05:40 PM Post #12 |
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Toreador Primogen
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The more he watched her and listened to her creative process and discussed the ideas the more he relished this chance to live artistry of a fashion through another; kindred seldom enjoyed that spark of creativity that mortals found so easy by comparison and it had been some time since he'd directly felt such creative passion in another. He fed off of it similarly to how he fed off of blood, except he was constantly drinking it in and renewing his humanity and his will by doing so; blood could only see to his physical needs. "A very clear idea of what you want to achieve indeed; very well I would be happy to invest in and host this business here, shall we say a 25% investment on my part leaving the remaining 75% to be divided between yourself and your own, ah, resources." "I like your ideas, I like your drive and I like your flair. As for outdoing your competitors, all that I ask from my investment is that you compete in a friendly manner, they are competitors yes, but not rivals. Let there be competition, it keeps business fresh, but putting them out of business or attacking them is bad for my investments. I like to keep a healthy balance to ensure exclusivity and quality." |
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| Rachel Milliner | Jan 20 2014, 02:07 AM Post #13 |
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Rachel couldn't have hidden that triumphant grin if she'd tried. This was the big one, the goal she'd had her sights set on from the beginning. And she'd earned it with every double shift in a stifling hot kitchen, every burn, every scrape, every struggle. It was in her reach, all she had to do was make it happen. The terms sounded good, but she'd be sure and clear it with Don Giovanni later. No doubt he had an accountant on speed-dial who could sort out the numbers. "Excellent, I'll pass the news along to Signore Giovanni. I'm sure he'll be very pleased." Lord, she couldn't wait to tell the Don about this one. Hell, she couldn't wait to see the look on her parents' faces at the next family reunion when she told them she was finally running her own place, pulling in big bucks. For now, Rachel was going to be the proverbial kid in a candy store and go bananas making this place the hottest place to be in the city. Thankfully, she reined in that thought just long enough to acknowledge Sir Andrew's request for professionalism. "Absolutely, I can promise you it won't get out of hand. This will be the place to be in Detroit." |
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| Andrew Cutting | Jan 21 2014, 10:37 PM Post #14 |
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Toreador Primogen
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Andrew smiled that danger, thin lipped smile of his and drew a small card out of his pocket; printed on fine, expensive looking textured card and beautifully embossed with the name of Andrew's holding company and his own name underneath. With another gesture he drew out a pen and quickly scribbled on a phone number before passing it to Rachel. "I admire your passion. Pass this on to Mr Giovanni when you see him; that's a direct line to the office which will sort everything else out. I expect we'll be seeing a lot more of each other in the coming months." |
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| Rachel Milliner | Jan 22 2014, 03:22 AM Post #15 |
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Rachel accepted the card, but not without noticing the smile Sir Andrew had. Dangerous, a man accustomed to power and getting things done. She knew the type, had worked for plenty. Some she would've followed into Hell, others she wouldn't have followed into a mud puddle. It was too early to tell which Sir Andrew was, but she was certainly looking forward to finding out. "I'll do that right away, and give him the good news. Thank you again, Sir Andrew." She really was grateful for the opportunity, and wouldn't waste time in making sure this investment paid off, both for him and for Don Giovanni. If there was one thing Rachel knew how to do, it was work. |
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