Odette

Odette Ward, 30, Paralegal

[labyrinthinesyndicatex]

Vera took another slice of pizza while considering Odette's points. "You know what's strange about that video ... the timing of it all. Like someone wanted to wrap everything up too neatly," she said, brushing crumbs from her fingers. "The whole thing reads like bad theater ... too perfect, too clean. And you're right about the investigation - seems weird to just close the book on something this big." She paused to fold her napkin into precise triangles, an old habit from art school. "The explosion itself raised enough questions ... this confession video just adds more. I'm not sure what to think, but I can tell you Thomas isn't exactly happy and I can’t blame him. His dad was killed in that explosion."

[odette-ward]

"Exactly!" Odette nodded, dabbing her lips with her napkin. The mention of Thomas Kang made her raise her brows just slightly. "That's very understandable. I saw him shortly after the day of the explosion. He seemed...in thought. No wonder he's upset," she said grimmly. "Are you close with him?" she asked, noting she referred to the guy by his name like a friend.

[labyrinthinesyndicatex]

OPEN STARTER

LOCATION: the park CAPPING: 03/04

Vera grabbed a seat and placed the box of pizza she’d been juggling. Her skin still felt warm from Key West. She’d spend a few mornings with Thomas on the beach during their trip. That vacation timing couldn't have been better - right before this Mercer video came out and threw everything off. Something about that confession video didn’t sit right with her. Like when a forgery tries too hard to look authentic. She flipped open the box and the steam hit her face. Food first, conspiracy theories later. "Got this from Lucky Crumb's new pizza setup," she said, pushing a slice across the table. "The owner swears his nonna's recipe is unbeatable. Figure we could use something good with all this Mercer business making everyone jumpy. Still can't believe I was swimming in the ocean three days ago."

[odette-ward]

"Agreed, sister," Odette sighed, taking the pizza slice and biting into it. She completely got it, given she was on vacation just a couple of days ago herself. "I think people are exaggerating the Mercer video... It's not like he blew it up again. It had already happened. The explosion itself should people on edge, not the admission to it." She shrugged and took another bite. "I mean, I think it's still up to debate if he was really the one, it looks too... too easy? So what now? No more investigation on this?" She shook her head. "Doesn't make sense."

[c0exiist]

❛ ☾ ◟━ LOCATION: prohibition pete's

❛ ☾ ◟━ TIME: evening

❛ ☾ ◟━ STATUS: open to everyone — CAPPING IT AT 3/4

Mercer's confession was not how Cynthia wanted to ring in another year of living, but why complain when the heat was off of the Onyx Circuit. Truthfully, it would have been a perfect gift if she had been the one to pull the trigger for their fuck up, but that would have been impulsive and messy...Plus she didn't want to cause any more headaches for Zelie given what she had gone through. Currently at her brother's establishment, she was enjoying a night out of drinking and more so snooping around as she did find this to be the perfect spot for people watching and figuring out who's been spewing her name out of their mouths. But again, she was supposed to be on her best behaviour and so she focused more on celebrating than causing trouble. Pouring a shot of one of the top shelf vodka which she gifted to herself, she handed it to the person next to her and said, "Birthday shot? Before you take it, I need to make a wish...It beats the blowing of the candles if you ask me and since I'm generous, you can make a wish too!"

[odette-ward]

Odette had taken a vacation and being back to cold and rain had put her in a mood. She was zoned out watching people, her apple martini forgotten in front of her when someone snapped her out of her trance. "Oh. Yes, definitely," she smiled, taking the shot that was not offered to her, but the lady was planning to drink herself. "Sorry, didn't see it being poured, can't be too careful," she winked. "Now, make a wish, birthday girl," she raised her shot in the air.

[siennaxcastillo]

Sienna smirked, glancing over her shoulder at her laptop. “Trusting? More like calculated risk. If someone tries to run off with it, they’ll have to deal with an alarm, a tracker, and the fact that I can lock it down remotely before they even reach the door.” She tapped the side of her head with a knowing look. “Genius has its perks.”

She leaned against the counter, watching as the barista got to work on the order. “Hiking, coffee, charming women—sounds like you’ve got your priorities in order.” Her voice carried a teasing edge, but there was warmth behind it.

“As for me?” She exhaled, stretching her arms over her head before letting them drop. “Same old—keeping the Kang systems airtight, making sure their money doesn’t mysteriously vanish, and occasionally poking around where I probably shouldn’t.” A half-smile tugged at her lips. “Oh, and apparently, I’m adding ‘accomplice to coffee dates’ to my résumé now.”

[odette-ward]

Odette gave an impressed nod, "You are indeed smart, my friend," she smiled knowingly. "Of course I do, I'm smart in my own way," she chuckled.

"I hope the Kangs are paying you enough for all the safekeeping you provide," she rolled her eyes before Sienna admitted to look into things she probably shouldn't. "That's my girl," she grinned. "The best information is the one you shouldn't know," she shrugged.

"That's the most important one. You can erase everything else from that resume of yours," she giggled.

[nazlixelmas]

Nazli tilted her head, watching Odette carefully. There was a certain kind of comfort in her bluntness, the way she didn’t dress things up to make them easier to swallow. Maybe that was just how people like her survived in Devil’s Junction—by accepting the ugly truths as they were instead of trying to soften them.

“Yeah, well,” Nazli exhaled, stretching her fingers along the curve of her coffee cup. “Ignorance might be bliss, but it doesn’t stop people from showing up at my store asking cryptic questions about things I don’t even know I’m supposed to be worried about.” She let out a short laugh, shaking her head. “And I don’t know if that makes me relieved or just even more paranoid.” She leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on the table. “I get what you’re saying. We’re not important enough to be targets.” A small smirk tugged at her lips, though there was no real amusement behind it. “But people like us? We’re just important enough to be caught in the crossfire.” Nazli swirled her cup absently, watching the liquid move. “So yeah, I’ll try to be safe.” She met Odette’s gaze, something unreadable in her expression. “But I don’t think being at the wrong place at the wrong time is something I can afford to risk happening again.”

[odette-ward]

Odette raised a suspicious brow at the new information. Nazlı being proposed questions didn't make sense unless her family's business had any dealings with these crime families. But she would let the girl figure it out on her own - it wasn't her business to meddle with that can of worms. "Paranoia doesn't help anyone. Being prepared and being cautious might be better," she offered with a smile. Odette may choose not to be the one to break the news to Nazlı directly, but she wouldn't want her to be caught by a surpise either. "Yeah, see, now you're starting to get it," she winked, trying to keep the mood light. This was not the first nor the last crossfire Odette would be in, she knew. She couldn't dwell on each of these occasions if she was to survive. "That's true..." she nodded finally, looking out the window, zoning out watching people walk on the street.

[labyrinthinesyndicatex]

Cian stared at the contraption, trying to make sense of the blinking lights and odd mechanical parts. The thing looked completely out of place in the square. Someone had clearly spent a lot of time building it, but for what purpose? He scratched his head, wondering if this was some city council initiative nobody bothered announcing. "Probably some tech startup's idea of community engagement," he said, circling the machine cautiously. "It's probably supposed to dispense something trendy like artisanal water or digital fortunes." He response earned her a laugh. "You sure about that? You're a tiny little thing. Might hurt yourself." He teased.

[odette-ward]

"I'm all for tech start ups but honestly - they need to invest a bit more into their marketing departments," she shook her head. She then made a very muxh exagerrated and incorrect slashing moves with sound effects for good measure, "Don't underestimate me by my size. I know all the martial arts!" she declared valiantly. Although her movement may have been cartoonish, she was actually already a red belt in Kung-Fu.

[blackbcxwarning]

ace let out a laugh at the woman next to him, "you're not wrong about that. not unless they consume way more than a normal person would." he replied. one of his hands rested in his pocket and he glanced over at her, "i suppose not but there's nothing wrong with treating yourself with something enjoyable either. i'm thinking of grabbing myself some rum, if i'm being honest."

[odette-ward]

"True, true," she nodded, downing the rest of her champagne. "Rum does sound good, she said, her lips pursed to the side with a slow nod, as if she is thinking about doing the same herself. "More of a tequila person myself," she shrugged. "Or coffee, of course," she waved a dismissive hand as if that her love of coffee was a well known fact. "So what do you say? Should we treat ourselves to something enjoyable then?" she asked with a small grin.

[blackbcxwarning]

CLOSED STARTER FOR @odette-ward FT. GIOVANNA & ODETTE

a smile managed to appear on the woman's lips as she noticed the woman walk into the club. she'd allowed pretty much all of her staff off for the evening due to the fact that the majority of devil's junction wanted to attend the charity event and if they didn't, they wanted to be home and so she didn't mind running things on her own. "so," he started and took a sip of the glass of wine she'd poured herself. "two questions: do you want something to drink? and did i miss anything at this supposed charity event?"

[odette-ward]

"Yes. No." Odette sat on one of the bar stools and rested her elbows on the counter, her head in her palms. "Can I get...uh..." She thought for a moment. "Coffee?" she decided on finally. "When confused, always go for coffee," she dictated, to neither of them in particular, but more so to herself. "It was mostly boring. Regular stuff. The rich donate more, the middle class feels ashamed if they don't - awkward if they do." She shrugged.

[ofemeralds]

“i suppose nothing, but everything is so greasy. no?” he asks watching the steak soak in its marinade. to be honest, he was not much of a steak eater type of guy anyways. he mostly ate marinade tofu at home. “i have already donated for the night as well.” he says as he glances over at the other woman. “the name is seong, by the way, seong baek. i don’t usually come to these things. but the needy best friend needed me to be here.” he says holding out a hand for her to shake as he took a sip of his signature old fashioned.

[odette-ward]

"That's what makes it delicious," she grinned. Odette did enjoy a fine dining every once in a while but she had come from nothing once upon a time. Greasy food was not really below her standards. "What did you donate?" she asked casually before taking another bite of her fries. "Odette. Odette Ward," she said, repeating his style of naming himself. She extended a hand over the table to shake. "I certainly do know I haven't really seen you around, yes," she nodded, noting that he wasn't a character she would or should run into when it comes to crime families. She frowned inquisitively, "Who is the best friend?"

[poisonvdhonvy]

"A mediator. That makes sense. I've been doing a lot of that lately." He takes her hand with a firm grip and wonders if she has any idea how much "mediating" he's actually been doing since the explosion, between family factions, frightened employees, and vultures trying to pick at his father's empire while it's still warm. Her handshake is surprisingly firm for someone who looks like they spend most of their time with legal pads rather than dealing with the messier side of negotiations. The "commoners" comment catches his attention. She's definitely positioning herself as someone in the know about Devil's Junction's real power structure. "Thomas Kang. But I guess you already knew that. Should I be worried about why a mediator knows who I am? Or is this just a professional courtesy call?" He's too tired for games, but he can respect someone who gets straight to the point.

[odette-ward]

Odette wasn't surprised that he made a note of her words. Afterall, every syllable uttered matters, especially when you're dealing with power. She gave a small, knowing smile, bordering on a smirk. "You should not be worried, no," she shook her head, her words genuine. "I'm on neutral grounds - no affiliation. Except for my own name, I guess," she gave a shrug. "I help people deal with their issues in a more... civilized manner. To avoid more violent options...like a well calculated explosion," she said pointedly. She reached for her purse and took out two business cards. One stating her as a paralegal, one empty aside from a phone number and the initials O.W. "In case you're tired of mediating yourself," she said as she gave the second one then pointed at the first one she handed. "This one is rather useless I guess, I don't think you're any short of legal help," she smiled.

[ofemeralds]

closed for odette! @odette-ward seong x odette

Location: Sanchez Charity Event

“this food is… quite extensive, why is it from the winner’s circle of all places?” seong asks, glancing at the laminated menu in front of them. making conversations with strangers was something he was never good at. it was hard enough that he actually made an appearance here. He thought he would do some good and participate in the silent auction. “are you participating in the silent auction?” he asks, glancing over at the woman as he leans back in his seat.

[odette-ward]

"Why what's wrong with Winner's Circle?" Odette asked, taking a bite of her truffle fries. She shrugged at his question. "I guess I am, felt mandatory. Donating a watch," she mused. Afterall, she was one of the injured victims but also she did make quite good of a sum that night when she was hired on the spot. It felt fitting that she'd be one of the donating. "You?"

[blackbcxwarning]

CLOSED STARTER FOR @odette-ward FT. ACE & ODETTE!!

"you know," ace smiled slightly. he wasn't a fan of these sorts of events and that was because he didn't particularly like stuffy events like these but there was one thing that made them tolerable. "i've gotta say, i'm a fan of the open bar. i'll have to make a mental note to thank the sanchez's. are you a drinker or are you sticking with being sober for the evening?"

[odette-ward]

"Two things can be true at once," she grinned as she sipped on her champagne. "No one gets drunk on champagne," she rolled her eyes. "And I might switch to something stronger depending how this night goes," she sighed. "But I do think keeping it sober is the logical thing to do here. It's not a night club, now, is it?" she chuckled.

[blackbcxwarning]

CLOSED STARTER FOR @odette-ward FT. MILLIE & ODETTE!!

"odette," she cooed as she approached the woman. it'd been a little while since she'd seen the woman but it was always a pleasure to see her as far as millie was concerned, "you look lovely! i love your dress. where did you get it?" she asked, tilting her head at the woman. "if i didn't know any better then i'd think you were showing off for someone. do you have a date for the evening?"

[odette-ward]

"Millie," Odette said with a smile. "You look even better yourself, darling," she complimented leaning in for a kiss on the cheek. "Oh, I know better than to attend events like this with a date," she winked. "It's always more fun to leave with one, wouldn't you agree?"

[poisonvdhonvy]

Sterling nearly laughs at her confident flower declaration. "Dante, not Dave," he corrects. The peonies look alright, but they're hardly suitable for a bloke who just got his face rearranged at Cedric's warehouse fight club. That place is proper rough with its broken windows and dodgy reputation. The "Get Well Soon" card makes him snort. "Bit basic for someone who nearly got killed during the explosion, innit? He's not down with the flu." This whole flower mission feels daft now. Dante's probably at home with a whisky and some frozen peas on his face. “Maybe something less garden party and more 'cheers for not dying'? Something that won't make him think I've gone soft in the head."

[odette-ward]

Odette's expression changed a little, getting more serious. "Well, I don't think that was the first time Dante Castenada faced a fatal incident. You can get him whatever you got the last few times, if you don't like my suggestions," she shrugged but there was a little smirk. "Soft in the head isn't so bad. As long as you're not letting people use you like a soft punching bag," she pointed out. "Look, in all honesty, I think the flowers and the card could be funny. But if you want to act all tough, get some whiskey or whatever he likes, stop by for a shared glass and leave. That's what I'd do," she shrugged.

[blackbcxwarning]

jasmine couldn't help but to smile in response to her friend's words, her elbow nudging the other gently. "that goes for you too, you know? i think it would be great if we could be each other's wing women." she hoped that odette could manage to find someone to settle down with. after all, she thought she was sweet. "well, you better start making time because you deserve better than that."

[odette-ward]

"Well, it's settled then," she grinned, giving a look around to see if there were anyone fitting. "Oh, I totally agree," she nodded, turning back again to face Jasmine. "I do deserve better," she chuckled, sipping her drink. "But I'm not quite the type to... settle down with," she scrunched her nose. Technically, she was also not the type to settle down herself either. "... or the type to settle down," she added, knowing Jasmine was close of a friend now to know the truth.

[labyrinthinesyndicatex]

CLOSED STARTER

LOCATION: waypoint haven FOR: @odette-ward

Elisa twisted the wrench against the stubborn pipe, her knuckles turning white with effort. The kitchen sink at Waypoint Haven had picked the worst possible moment to leak - right before five new families were due to arrive. Numbers and logistics filled her mind: five beds to prepare, groceries to stock, paperwork to complete. The pipe gave another defiant squeak. "Hey, would you mind holding this while I tighten the connection?" she asked, glancing up. This wasn't how she'd planned to spend time with Odette, but emergencies never consulted her calendar first. "Sorry about this ... I promise we'll still make it to brunch at Sunrise Social. Their eggs benedict menu is worth a little plumbing drama." Water dripped onto her shirt. "Though maybe I should have changed first."

[odette-ward]

Odette was dressed in jeans and a nice shirt with heels - tldr; plumbing was the last thing she thought she'd be doing instead of being at a nice restaurant sipping a cocktail before noon. "Uh...sure, Elisa," she sighed, making her way to the sink, trying to stay as far away as possible from the crime scene. "Aren't you supposed to have someone handling these things for you? Or at least couldn't you have hired if there's no one in house doing all... this?" she asked, gesturing vaguely to the space where water was everywhere and tools were scattered around.

[ofemeralds]

“I don’t drink coffee.” luke says a bit truthfully. He knows he sounds like a sin but to be quite honest luke hasn’t drank coffee in years. He mostly just drinks black tea which was very english of him to do so. “But i am heading to sweet fortune if you care to join. They do have brilliant chocolate croissants there, the wife told me to cut back, but i don’t?”

[odette-ward]

"Alright, then..." Odette muttered shifting on her feet awkwardly. She almost offered to give something from the wallet, which felt even more awkward, before he offered to go to the sweet fortune. "Ah, yeah, sure," she shook her head then nodded. "You're married?" she asked, brows raised. He looked... barely above a teen to her. Not that she looked like her age to be really honest.