Morning Coffee [Selina]

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It’s an early Saturday morning in Bludhaven, many party-goers from the previous night are winding down with hangovers and questioning their life choices – several breakfast and coffee places are heavily occupied with people socializing. However, one of the pricier and more luxuries cafes in the city was for reservations only – one of the men who held a reservation here two days a week is Malcolm Fontaine, multi-millionaire owner of his deceased father’s corporation.

Malcolm is seated at a table for two by himself in the smoking area, dressed as usual in a full business suit, coffee in one hand and newspaper in the other, his father’s death not being part of the headlines or even being worthy of articles is still something he needs to get used to. He lets out a short sigh, placing the newspaper back down on the table and taking a sip of his coffee before putting it down onto the coaster. He inspects his surroundings, looking at all the wealthy people, most of them obtaining their money illegally and possibly using it to pay off police officers – disgusting.

Although, there is one particular face that catches his eye as he looks at all the other customers – a woman, very curvy and absolutely stunning. Malcolm swears he’s seen her around, but she’s the one of the few that seems to catch his eye every time he sees her that he hasn’t gotten the name of yet. Today that is going to change, he believes. Taking hold of his coffee mug by the handle, he walks over to her with a little bit of a sway in his step and a charming smirk on his face. “Hi there. I don’t think I’ve gotten your name. I’ve seen you in here a few times.” Extending his free arm with his palm wide open, offering a handshake to the woman with a smirk. “I’m Malcolm Fontaine.”

[Selina Kyle - Catwoman]

Standing in line to order, as this is the sort of place where of course you need a reservation, but still, considering it's a rather nice, yet hole in the wall sort of restaurant, she's more than happy to wait. But after a long, long night of running around, she's tired. And while that may be able to be passed off as a hangover, or even as a late night of partying, she's not one to argue that point. It's easier than plastering a smile on her face and explaining that no, really, she wasn't at whatever club is the 'hip' place to be, but she was out stealing in skin-tight leather and goggles.

So while she's escaped to Bludhaven for the morning, considering her errands last night had taken her out of Gotham proper, she thought she'd stop by. And considering she'd been hitting up this place before it was filled with suits and attitudes larger than the prices on the fabric adorning most of the men here, she's always welcome. Even if she does have to stand in line like the rest of them. There would always be a table, or at least a stool at the counter for her.

So while she's clad in grey leggings along with a black cardigan she'd belted on, and hair that looks like she just rolled out of bed. And if she had even slept, she could claim it was such. But even so, she feels rather groggy, especially when one of the suits stands and heads her way, reminding her of Bruce with his cocksure attitude and that smirk. Her lightly glossed lips do turn up at the corners-a hint of a smile as he approaches her. It's too early for words in her world, but she'll at least try to be pleasant. She's in public, after-all.

Batting thick eyelashes helped out with a hit or two of mascara, and a swipe or two of eyeliner, she offers her own hand to his. She's not quite as sure she's heard of the man, but he seems to know her. Surprising-yes. But considering she's known in Gotham, the overspill and yapping about her in Bludhaven isn't shocking.

"Well, Mr. @fontaine, I'm Selina Kyle. And you'd be correct, when I'm in town, I do enjoy a cappuccino and pastry here." While one hand is neatly interlocked with his, she deftly pulls a simple grey business-card from her clutch, offering it to him between fore and middle fingers. It's a rather nice cardstock, lightly embossed with her name, cell number, fax number and the name of her business: Black Cat Securities. There is also an outline of said cat to adorn the card. It's a lovely mix of business and whimsy, enough to be taken seriously.

"I see you already have a cup. Lucky you to skip the line." She demurs. Money does talk. And while she has enough of her own, it's nice to get out of the limelight and act like everyone else.

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“Ah, yes. I’m looking into acquiring some new property…” Adjusting his tie with his free hand after releasing the handshake and taking the card from her hand, Malcolm gives a quick wink. He’s always been the kind to hang around places before purchasing them, making sure the property he’s acquiring is worth owning before making any decisions. To him, quality is far more important than quantity, and that shows with the kinds of places owned by Fontaine Enterprises. Taking a sip of the coffee, he licks at his lips to make sure none of the contents are left on his face before letting out a short sigh of pleasure. “They do good coffee, that’s for sure. Not sure about the food, though.”

With the card in the palm of his hand, he moves it up, only just now examining the writing on the front with a light squint. “Black Cat Securities, huh? I'm not sure I’ve heard of it.” Slipping the card into the front pocket of his suit jacket, leaving a mental note to save the number on his phone later. “The security I’ve been using has let me down a few times, unfortunately. It’s something I really do need to have upgraded. So I may just keep you in mind.”

Clearing his throat a bit, he moves his arm and signals in the direction of the table he had been sitting at. “Oh, where are my manners? Please, join me, Miss Kyle.” Pausing for a moment, realizing he’s being rather forward to someone he had just met; he tilts his head a little bit. “That is…if you would like. My apologies, I’ve only been awake for around an hour.” Flashing a little bit of a grin, he sips at his coffee again, hoping he’ll get to start this morning off with an interesting conversation.

[Selina Kyle - Catwoman]

Nodding politely to his business, inwardly she is rolling her eyes. Always about acquisitions and trades and all that other crap that Bruce throws around when they're at benefits. She can follow along and understand, but that doesn't mean it's entertaining. As they shift in line, moving closer and closer to her obtaining her own cup of coffee and pastry, she smiles, shifting her purse along her shoulder. She's certainly not dressed as well as he, then again, she wasn't expecting to be noticed in Bludhaven, the least of all by some businessman speaking the speak.

"They have fantastic scones, seasonal, sometimes. They also have almond tarts, and croissants that are to die for. And if I'm being serious, I am betting one of the pastry chefs is from France." Those green eyes light up as she speaks of the delicate, flaky baked goods, another person in line serviced before her. Soon, so soon it will be time place her own order, and she can't be grateful enough for it.

As the name of her company is mentioned, she does a quick scan of the room, as well. Thankfully no heads pop up at the mention, which could honestly be good, or bad. She's known well enough in Gotham, and hell, maybe even expanding to Bludhaven could be fun.

"Mostly Gotham based, as you could tell from the address," she quips, laughing lightly to herself as she turns to the counter. There is something about age and wisdom, and paying attention and all that. "Hold on, let me order, and we can chat about your dissatisfaction with your current man." Reaching her hand to squeeze his forearm, that disarming smile is beamed at him before she places her order: "Cappuccino, extra espresso, wet, but still, with a dash of extra foam, if possible, and ...two of the tarts?" She is then queried if she is goign to stay, or go, and Malclom is polite enough to offer his table to her, with how few are available. The clerk smiles and Selina hands over the proper amount of cash, making sure to leave a decent tip.

And then, to the table. "You're too kind, you know. It's hard as hell to get a table, and even to keep it this early, especially on a weekend!"

Laughing, her hand goes back to his elbow again. "Well, even better to talk business before the day has started to cloud your mind. Let us go sit, and we can talk about this one bloke who has let you down. And what of these upgrades?"

Letting him lead the way back to his table, she's already running through scenarios on who he's using, and just what he may need upgraded for his 'problems.' Thankfully she has her tablet on her, so she could even look a bit more professional than she feels at the moment.

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Malcolm digs into his pocket, pulling out a hundred dollar bill, slipping it onto the counter toward the barista behind it before leading Selina over to his table. “Ah, about that…” pulling out her seat for her, Malcolm lowers himself back down onto his chair, pushing the newspaper aside and gently placing the half full cup of coffee down next to it. “I’m not with any companies; I have many former employees of several of them working for me. Directly. Perhaps that’s why I’ve had so much trouble; I’ve been meaning to…invest in some real security.” Clearing his throat, the billionaire crosses one left over the other and leans back on his chair.

With a sip of his coffee, he continues. “How wide-scale does Black Cat Securities work? Do you charge per building or business, or do you have one overall outstanding fee?” digging into the pocket inside his jacket, Fontaine pulls out a small white card, sliding it across the table. His business card, reading his company name ‘Fontaine Enterprises’ along with several contact details. “I ask because my organization owns many fine establishments across Bludhaven and East Gotham City. I’m looking to expand eventually, but I’ve got some unfinished business here.”

With another sip off his coffee, his mug empties – noticing this immediately, Fontaine raises a hand and curls his index and middle finger a few times, signaling to the barista, who is quick to replace his mug with a fresh cup. He quickly thanks the employee, turning back to Selina with a warm smile and a quick wink. “Really, anything would be an upgrade from what I have now, and if I’m going to go with a company, I’d like it to be consistent across all businesses I own. And judging by first impressions, I’m sure a charming woman such as yourself knows the security thing better than I do.” pausing for a short moment, Malcolm glances down at her cup before his eyes dart back up to focus on hers. “Another cup? On me.”

[Selina Kyle - Catwoman]

Considering he beat her to the punch paying for her own items, she's getting the feeling this man means business. Even from her cursory glance at him she's a few years his senior, but that has done little to deter his interest. She can't help but smile, putting her own cash into the tip jar. Sitting politely, her seat held for her she can feel herself rolling her lips and biting them. When was the last time she had such...eager, attentive advances from anyone, really? It's been a while, and considering she feels like death warmed over, it's a luxury she's not going to turn her nose down at. "Well. That may be one of your major problems, if you don't have a head of security, or are working with anyone." With his emphasis on who he's working with, she can clearly understand what he's doing. Either under the table, mob, or just....something a few shades to the left of 'corrupt' for coverage. All which can be paid or bought off for the right price, usually.

Reaching in to her purse for her tablet, she's quickly turning it on and taking notes with her finger as her coffee and two tarts are delivered. Shuffling the items already on the table, she encourages him to help himself to a tart as she sets the tablet to the side and takes a sip of her own still piping hot cappuccino-which is made correctly, even. "Wide scale? I'm mostly based in Gotham, and by word of mouth, but have been opted for instead of the more impersonal WayneTech endeavors. Considering Bludhaven isn't too far off, and I'm here often enough, I'd certainly be able to accommodate your needs."

As he slips his card out she pushes it to the edge of the table with a forefinger, then picks it up to look over. Flipping it to the backside, it's a quick glance before it's tucked away into her bag. "Well, I usually try to tailor what the client needs, and base fee on that. If it's multiple buildings with differentiating needs, the scale will need to accommodate and fulfill each need and want sufficiently. I try to do both a daytime, working hour assessment as well as an 'after-hours' view of the campuses needing an overhaul. Then, based on what the client-that would be you, in this case, needs, and based on trajectory, I am able to bring in contractors that will install new equipment, or even bring in new bodies for on-site personnel. It really depends on what you are looking for, Mr. Fontaine." With a smile that lights up her eyes, both hands curl around her coffee mug as she sips it again.

He's a consummate businessman, and someone who is used to being catered to. The show of cash at the tender line, and now a mere call to the barista and he's brought over another mug of coffee. Smiling into her own drink, she has to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing. He almost reminds her of how Bruce must have been at a younger age. Driven, educated, and expectant.

"I'd love another cup-but let me first finish this one." She laughs, tilting her mug to him slightly to show it's barely a quarter finished. Some mornings she's mainlining coffee as if her blood was made of it. Considering she hadn't been expecting a business meeting, she'd stopped by the cafe for a leisurely morning. Her body, and her mind not only needed it, but craved it. And being awake for the majority of the night has her moving at a slower pace.

"You'll have to forgive me, Malcolm. I had a late night last night, and was entirely not expecting a business meeting! So you've not only caught me at a disadvantage, but I'm a bit unprepared. Not to say I can't think on my toes, but how about you tell me what you do. Which buildings you have, and what they host. From there, then we can project what possible costs will be across the entirety of your empire, and then go from there. And then, we can set up another meeting. I am highly doubting that all of this will be able to be covered in just this time alone."

She's more sure that this project may take a few months of prep, if she's thorough. Six weeks if she really focuses. But if there is more than one campus, and he's already dealing with low-level rent-a-cops, she's going to need to make a few phonecalls to her contacts for not only new camera and surveillance equipment, but for physical bodies. And here's to crossing his fingers he has the workforce to manage this new system she's already knitting together. Then again, it's his business, and his money. She'll do what she can within the parameters set for her. And even offer he bid for the same coverage with WayneTech, and see who's proposal he'd prefer. Then again, WayneTech's office head didn't have a smile, or a body like her's. Surprisingly, for all the shop talk, she's finding she is genuinely enjoying herself.

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“For having such a late night and not expecting this meeting, I have to say, you’re doing a fine job. Better than I am, certainly.” Malcolm says, stirring at his coffee a few times before raising it to his lips and taking a sip, Selina isn’t the only one who has been caught off guard by this entire thing. Malcolm wasn’t waking up expecting to speak to a woman of beauty who was in charge of one of the exact things he needed for his business, so he’s being forced to think on his feet too. Luckily that’s something he’s very experienced with. “Maybe we can set up another meeting after this session is finished; I always enjoy guests in my estate.”

The billionaire takes a quick glance at his watch before his eyes dart back up to look at Selina, not wanting to seem rude, he runs his tongue across his lips to remove any specs of coffee that may still be there. Fontaine thinks to himself for a few moments, trying to think of a brief way of listing off of his businesses. “Fontaine Enterprises is growing by the day. We mostly have stores that would be considered on the pricey side due to the things we sell.” Pausing for a moment, Malcolm inhales a deep breath and continues. “We own a few big chain stores in Bludhaven, several large warehouses to supply them – we mostly run jewelry stores, suitors and car dealerships.”

“The good thing about owning these kinds of places is that I get to shop in my own stores.” Malcolm gives a light chuckle, taking another sip of his coffee and placing it back on the table. He rests his elbows on the edge of the surface, interlacing his fingers as he maintains eye contact with Selina, if there’s one thing his father always taught him about mingling with new acquaintances, it was that you should always keep eye contact. “We’ve even got a golf course opening soon, but I don’t believe that will need any security outside of what I already have access to.”

[Selina Kyle - Catwoman]

Diligently taking notes, she looks up at him briefly, almost taken aback by the boldness in his compliment. Biting her lower lip, she shakes her head at him. "You're too kind, Malcolm. Honestly. And don't think me rude for taking down so many notes. It will help me get a bit of a headstart on things. I'd certainly love to set up another meeting. I will be a bit more prepared for that one, trust me." A large grin, and she'd clasping her coffee once more, indulging in the familiar aroma and welcome jolt of caffeine.

Keen as he checks his watch, she wonders if he had other business to attend to, and if she is keeping him from something. A few more sips, and she's nearly done with her coffee, thankfully feeling the fog in her head lifting ever so slightly. Estate? Well, of course he'd live in something larger, if his family really does own what he is saying it does.

Carefully jotting down each business he mentions, she hesitates for a second, before he continues. Better to let him speak as much as possible before she asks for more clarification. "I've never owned a place where I could shop. Even though it does sound like most of your locations do cater to a more wealthy clientele. Perhaps if you can email a listing of each location, by the time our second meeting comes around, I'll have a better bid for you. If you are still hoping to cover each building?" It's an awful lot of real estate to be revamping. But she is doubting minute by minute as she learns more of the young mogul that he should be able to afford it. He must've also learned that continued eye contact, while encouraged, can be somewhat unnerving when used a bit too indulgently. Blinking slightly, she raises her coffee cup, before she stands. "I'm going to get that refill. Did you need anything?" After his response, it's a quick walk to the counter where her cup is taken, and she is given a replacement with steaming contents.

Sitting, she is careful to hold her mug above her tablet as to not soil her work. Moving her tablet to her right, she takes a sip of her coffee before turning back to fix those big emerald eyes back on him. "You mentioned a golf course? I've never golfed before in my life. Are you an avid participant?" She's curious at the addition of such an endeavor, when he's mostly been running retail.

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As she stands up and asks him if he’d like anything, Malcolm gives a small smile in her direction and shakes his head left to right, feeling fine how he is. As she makes her way over the to counter, Malcolm takes the time to check his cellphone, sending out a few texts to his employees, and an update to Slade about his progress – just when he puts his cellphone down, she returns to the table. As usual, he greets her with a smile and eye contact, making sure she feels welcome at the table at all times.

“Me? Not exactly. I’ve had a few people who have wanted to do business with me who were really into the sport, so I’ve played a few times, but I’m pretty terrible.” He shakes his cup around a little bit, realizing the coffee inside was almost gone, he glances away from Selina for a moment to look over to the barista, giving the top of his coffee cup a few light taps with his index finger to signal that it’s almost empty. “But I do play a bit of pocket billiards. Takes precision and patience…and doesn’t bore me.” Adjusting his tie and taking a final sip of the coffee, he places the empty cup down on the table, leaning back and crossing one leg over the other.

It doesn’t take too long before the barista hurries over to the table, showing she’s clearly on his payroll as she replaces his empty cup with a steaming hot full cup, he slips a hundred dollar bill into her pocket and nods in her direction. “That reminds me.” Pausing, looking back to Selina as he slips his wallet back into his pocket. “I have a bit of a personal question, if you don’t mind me asking.” With a second pause, he speaks as politely as he can. “I imagine running a security company is rather costly, where did you get your wealth? There must be quite the story.”

[Selina Kyle - Catwoman]

He was a peculiar man. That was one way to put it. Unless he actually owned this café, she had not seen many men that would summon a fresh cup of coffee like he did with such authority. "You wouldn't by chance own this café, do you?" She expected this sort of behavior from someone like Bruce Wayne or Lex Luthor. Not out in Bludhaven in a rather homey café. "Not to detract from our mutual lack of playing of golf, but I have heard often that a business has floated or sank based on a game on the greens. Many libations consumed, as well. More of a social activity that isn't in the boardroom or somewhere stuffy, as well."

She was easily able to take notes, not only on her tablet but as well in her mind. And while the coffee is quite good here, she can't seem to think it's worth $100 each cup. Unless he's using some fine quality beans that are organic and that whole lot. And from the taste of them, they aren't quite as 'fair-trade' as he may be claiming they are.

Settling back in to her own seat, her own mug cradled between her palms, she tilts her head to one side, curious. "Of course! It would be rather stupid to just trust me with something of this magnitude without doing at the very least a cursory google search. But in the case you have me here, in person, ask away." Nodding a slight bit as her sipping her coffee falls in time with his query, she allows a sly grin to blossom on her face. "Are you wanting the legitimate story, what I tell the press, what is on my webpage, or what will get me the job? You are one of a few that gets a choice in this matter, Malcolm." Not that it matters what he asks. She'll tell a pretty undetectable, backed up lie one way or another. Theft to theft doesn't promote well. The art degree from France does, though. Thankfully.