It was astonishing the sort of mood firing an incompetent idiot on his birthday could put one in. She had waited too, it was one of her favourite games, and it left her employees worried about their special day rather than excited. Christmas was another good one, but giving them their bonus first didn't sit well with her. They had to work for their pay! Unlike her. Her ability to subtly delegate was amazing, the boss didn't notice, and after all she still did make the actual decisions personally, like that universal pay rise to all in the field employees in exchange for 2 extra non overtime hours a day. That pay raise really hadn't been worth it for them, but it was a curse disguised as a blessing, and the board thought she was Jesus for suggesting it. Shula Nasser was dressed in her usual, a nice ladies business suit, black, traditional, yet somehow flattering. Yes, with the autumn sun out and the wind low, trees beginning their cycle of death that brought such vibrant colours to the city, and one vacant position to fill with someone who could do their job, the woman smiled.

Ah the park, always glass here.

Central park was directly across the road from her, although given its size it was pretty much directly across the road of half the city. The lights changed and she stepped onto the road with a pace and presence that made others steer clear of her. Ahead she saw an employee, who she only recognised because he did his job exceptionally well. He had just performed a 180 and was briskly walking the other way. Unfortunately for her, as well as being good at his job he was also smart. The same couldn't be said for the female who approached her. "Miss Nasser, what a surprise to run into you today!" The girl couldn't have tried harder to kiss her ass without getting down on her hands and knees. "Yes, hello, how are you? I'm very sorry that we appear to be going opposite directions, we should do lunch some time to discuss your promising future in your department." She took a picture of the girl on her phone and put it into a journal entry, making a point of reading what she typed very falsely "Lunch, Tuesday." What it really said was 'get file on her Monday' but the girl didn't need to know that. Shula continued across the road and made it to the other side as the light changed on her.

Pathetic kiss up, I should make sure she gets a mountain of paper on her desk on Tuesday.

Shula strode with an outward confidence that was mirrored on the inside, as it tended to be when she ruined someone's entire year. It meant she didn't feel like she constantly had to constantly watch her back, which she did anyway, because she didn't trust anyone. She entered the park by the main road traffic inlet and started a beeline for the centre of absolutely no where, not that she was wearing appropriate footwear for the cross country work, so her bee line was more of just following the side walk. It would take her where she intended to be anyway. She liked the feeling as the crowd sensed her status and moved apart for her subconsciously or consciously, it didn't matter, it made her feel superior.

Yes, I'm better than all of you, aren't I you pathetic human vermin.

The door lock clicked shut as he stepped out of the squad car. Ashton leaned against the driver's side door, surveying all he saw. It was a nice day out today. The sun was shining. From his spot parked by the path, he could see it all. Nice days attracted all sorts. Joggers, muggers, murderers, costumed superheroes, hoping to catch the previous two... women...

He was on-duty. That didn't mean Ashton couldn't watch.

His eyes settled on one in-particular as she made her way through the crowd. She looked strong, confident, and beautiful... also, rich. He shifted where he stood, uncrossing his arms. His officer senses were tingling.

Officer senses are a strange thing. Work the beat long enough, you get good at predicting certain crimes. Crowded areas, well-to-do individuals, plenty of space to run... it screamed broad daylight mugging. Just one of the many things one could predict. Criminals were predictable... and as he shifted, and the woman passed ahead of him a short distance away, one brave soul chose to prove him right.

Obviously, he hadn't seen the black and white vehicle. He must have been blind, or stupid. Foolhardy was another good term to use for him; one could not call the man bold. As he brushed past the woman's side, his hands darted clumsily towards her purse. He snatched it, and took off running.

Ashton had seen it. He was already in motion. A hand went up in front of the nice lady. Ashton aimed a confident smile her way. "Let me handle this. You, stay. Be prepared to catch something..." With that, he turned, eyes locking on the handbag. A mental image sprang up in his mind. His power went to work.

There one second, gone the next. The woman's purse dropped through the air, in Ashton's place. Ahead of her, the criminal lay, floored. Ashton was already cuffing him. One clean elbow to the face upon appearance was all it had took. He rattled off the rights in a second, just because he could, then rose, turning back towards the woman. He brushed his hands together, dusting them off.

"You're fine?" He asked. It was almost a statement.

Shula was not used to being told what to do, especially not by police. She had been about to roast the little thief too, make him nice and dead. Luckily she had not. It was a bit crowded anyway, she didn't approve of her own clouded judgement. His confident remark about catching did not go unnoticed. "By the sound of it, I'd say syphilis." However he had a point. Shula had grabbed the purse from mid air, right where the overconfident officer had been standing. The criminal was also impressively forced to ground with an elbow and handcuffed. Now there was a person who could do their job well. He was a mutant though, so it was to be expected. Perhaps he wasn't a mongoloid like most of the people around her daily. It was a welcome discovery. The competent few among her network of interaction could always do with a bolstering in numbers.

Perhaps he is worth my time.

When the officer approached, his tone was noticeably a statement. "A keen observation officer. Thank you for your help." Shula smiled, perhaps a little bit forced, however she had just been robbed so it should not surprise the officer if she wasn't 100% okay. The man in handcuffs did not look pleased past the blood on his face. The smile Shula gave him, now that was 100% genuine. 100% genuine evil. "Now now, you're lucky, after all, he didn't shoot you."

Unfortunately.

Shula didn't add that, but she implied it with her tone. Reaching into her purse she retrieved a slip of paper she carried. It was for just the type of occasion where she met someone but it didn't seem like they would have time to finish their business. She only ever gave these slips to people she felt worth her time. It had three numbers on it, in order of preference; mobile, work and home. Holding it subtly in one hand she extended the hand to the officer. "I'm Shula Nasser, thank you so much officer, I'm not sure what I'd have done without you here." Her expression switched to slightly flirty, mostly gratitude. The paper would be transferred when they shook hands. After all, he was fast, mutant, good at his job, and judging by the uniform, fit as hell. What wasn't to like?

>>"A keen observation officer. Thank you for your help."

Ashton nodded slightly, then glanced back over his shoulder at the mugger when she made her comment. He didn't say anything, only smiled smugly. Her comment had been enough. The mugger stopped struggling, ego crushed.

He turned his focus back to better people. The woman reached into her purse for something. Ashton watched curiously. Something small, a piece of paper? She held out her hand to him and introduced herself. He met the handshake-paper-pass confidently. "Detective Ashton Drake. Glad to be of service."

Detective Drake. He would be a fine addition to her social web, if he turned out to be the man he appeared to be in first impressions. Shula smiled and retracted her hand empty. She looked at the broken criminal, probably a first time criminal, a complete amateur. He would learn the hard way the price of incompetence. Shula stepped slightly closer to Drake, breaching the acquaintance bubble, in preference for the flirty bubble. "Make sure you use those, Detective. Don't disappoint me." Shula stepped slightly back again and winked. After all, a girl couldn't think about work all the time. "So are there any formalities I should be informed of Detective? I have to be plan accordingly, you understand, between meetings and work."

Be careful with him, you do not want him knowing too much about you, you know how men abuse that sort of thing.

Shula was disappointed with her own lack of attention in regards to the near theft. However she would have to deal with herself later. For now she had a deal to seal. Likely papers to sign. Would she need to make some form of report, or was that reserved for more major crimes. So few dealings with police had left her with a lack of knowledge on the matter. She would have to deal with that swiftly as well. She observed the detective carefully in the mean time; she wanted to know what he would do in advance. Perhaps he was close to being off duty? That would be convenient, as she had no more work for the day. Not that couldn't be pushed to someone else’s desk anyway.

She got close. Real close.

>>"Make sure you use those, Detective. Don't disappoint me."

Ashton smirked. Today was turning out to be an okay day.

She asked if there were any other formalities. Ashton nodded an affirmative. "I take it you're pressing charges on your mugger? You'll need to come down to the station and file a report. Now or later. My squad car is parked nearby," he said. "We could get the report out of the way now. I get off at 5." That wasn't too long from what time it was currently. By the time they'd finished dealing with that report... "What do you think about Italian?"

Would she be pressing charges? Yes, yes she would. It was the only way he would learn from his mistakes, and not be so stupid the next time. Humans really did have a special level of stupid reserved for them. His gender was not helping him at all either, clumsy, inattentive, and generally all too eager to target what they perceived to be the weaker gender. There were exceptions of course. Not many, but they were out there. She nodded in an altogether more business like way, this being a serious matter. "Yes I believe I will be pressing charges, and there is no time like the present, so I will be taking you up on the offer to drive me."

I believe Assault and theft are both reasonable.

Oh the police officer got off at five did he? Well, it wasn't too far away, and she had no other plans for the night. A restock of glass would have to wait. The urge was there though, so it would be a little bit of a challenge. Shula smiled once more, getting her way tended to have that effect. "Italian sounds lovely, detective. I will need to get changed however, before going out. This suit is not eveningwear after all." Shula looked to the police vehicle. It didn't look overly comfortable. It would have to do however. She wished the police force would invest in a few Mercedes cars, or perhaps Aston Martins, after all what police officer did NOT want to be James Bond?

"Alright," Ashton said. He got the mugger to his feet and led them all to the car.

Five-o-clock came around. Business done, Ashton led Shula to his real car. "Give you a ride home," He offered. "Or wherever it is you wanted to go for your evening wear." He held the door open for her politely.

The car was Tuxedo Black, a 2011 Ford Taurus Sedan. It was nice. Brand new. Ashton liked the thing. He looked good in black.

Speaking of black...

He'd changed out of what he'd been wearing before, and into something far more suitable. He'd had it in his locker. How convenient. Now, he was wearing a black suit jacket with matching slacks, white-collared shirt, and a tie.

Shula was not pleased by the amount of paperwork, had she not already been to work for one day? Firing someone, even from her level, took lots of paper. Having finished with it she was escorted by a much less policeman looking detective Drake to a vehicle. His vehicle it seemed. The black was very modest yet attention grabbing, in the same way government cars are, they're designed to stand out without standing out. It wasn't European, but all that told her was that Drake wasn't an arrogant fool. "My place would be perfect, 1120 5th avenue, Manhattan." Quick to the address, she'd let the address speak for itself, it had more power if she didn't over emphasise it.

I wonder if those cleaners finally manage to find time to do their jobs. I ought to fire them.

Miss Shula Nasser seated herself in the car through the open door. It was comfortable enough. Very gentlemanly to hold the door open for her, he at least knew how to treat a woman. Perhaps the night would prove fruitful after all. That, and he was good looking and down to earth. It was a rare mix in a man. She liked rare things; she found they showed off her salary nicely.

Now now, it is only early, he may prove quite unlikable later.

He took note of the location.

Classy. Upscale area.

Shula got in, and he followed, buckling himself into the driver's seat. They pulled out of the garage, and onto a New York street. Ashton navigated smoothly through traffic. He made smalltalk as they went.

"So. What do you do for a living?" That sort of thing. Not too probing, but generally interested. Women liked it when thoughtful men were interested in them, didn't they? Yeah.

They reached the address a short while later. Ashton parked near the building, and looked to Shula. Now, it was her turn to get ready. "I'll wait," He said.

Hopefully, she wouldn't take too long. He did have a CD player for these such occasions, thankfully. And a paperback in the glove box. Like a boy scout, he was prepared.

What did she do for a living? Boring question, but what was one to do when they had only met the questionee a few hours prior? "I'm Chief Operating Officer or All Purpose Construction International." She answered the rest of the small talk. They were all very surface questions, but it was nice when someone took an interest in you that didn't involve a promotion or finding out any secrets Shula may have.

He will wait? Well I might as well attempt to be polite, he doesn't seem stupid, and he isn't human, so he's doing better than any I've met recently.

"Are you sure? You're welcome to come up to wait if you like." Shula didn't honestly mean for him to come up, but the offer was presented with all the sincerity she could muster outside of genuinely being sincere. Exiting the vehicle Ms. Nasser approached the door, which was opened for her, and moved to the elevator, pressing the button marked penthouse and inserting her key.

Not too long later a showered and changed Shula walked out of the building, her makeup only light, the lipstick a shade of red she rarely wore. Mostly because the dark red wasn't what one would call a 'work shade'. Her dress was of course one of her favourite new items, having never worn it before, direct from the designer too. She had to admit she liked it. Getting back into the car she smiled at the detective. "Much better than work clothes, would you not agree?

>>"Are you sure? You're welcome to come up to wait if you like."

"I'm fine," Ashton smiled, and left her to her preparations.

A short while later, she returned.

She asked him what he thought.

Ashton slipped the bookmark in place and closed his book. "You look amazing," He complimented her. He tossed the book back into the glove compartment, then started the car. The Taurus pulled out of the parking spot, rejoining traffic. It didn't take long to find the restaurant he was looking for. Once again, Ashton parked it, got out, and opened Shula's door. He led her into the restaurant, and got them a table. A short while later, they were seated.

The restaurant was nice, and the table well-situated. It was private, non-smoking. The hostess and the waitresses were all well-dressed. Not too high-cost, but classy. Ashton opened his menu and looked things over. "The seafood pasta salad with roasted peppers sounds good," He commented. "Or maybe the Cajun variation? What are you considering?" He looked to Shula.

Ah, he had a way with words, a way to make her ego ever so slightly larger, which was a task, as, given physical dimensions, her outward persona's (who she occasionally fooled herself into believing was who she actually was, not the insecure, distrustful person she was) ego would have easily dwarfed Manhattan. She smiled in way of thanks.

Ah, even opens my door to get out, who's a good puppy.

Shula, who felt in a good mood, decided not to bankrupt Ashton. After all, he seemed nice enough, even if he did seem to be acting a little too perfectly, almost as if he knew exactly what to say and when. Regardless, she would tolerate him, though he did seem to be more than tolerable. He currently had a very good chance of a second date. Not many men made it that far. "Ravioli di Portobello sound's wonderful." She would allow him to pick drinks, check his taste.

Ashton's eyes shifted to Shula. He took note of her choice. Ravioli, a pasta with a tomato sauce? He briefly pondered what he was trying to choose between, and cast those choices aside, in favor of something that would go with the wine he picked. What was it again? With pastas that had tomato sauces, you went with a nice Chianti? It went well with them? Yeah, that seemed about right.

"I think I'll have what you're having, actually. It sounds good right about now, with a nice Chianti." Now, where was that waiter...? Ah, there. Like a ninja, he'd arrived at their table before Ashton had noticed him. With his stiff upper lip and his penguin waddle outfit, that somehow seemed a stretch. Ashton repeated his order. The waiter took notes, 'hmm'ing throatily now and then.

"And you, madam?" He turned to address Shula.

When he had received all his orders, he left politely, sweeping away from their table much in the way penguins don't, with that same shuffling grace.

Ashton smiled at Shula, shrugging the tiniest bit at the waiter. "Interesting place," he said in one breath, communicating more than just the surface value of his words. "So. Tell me about yourself." Hobbies, lifelong dreams, career plan. Whatever. He was listening.

When the waiter left the conversation returned, and with such a broad question, how could he possibly hope to not receive an answer. She had to hand it to him; he knew his way around a date. "I'm the Chief Operating Officer for All Purpose Construction International, perhaps you've heard of us? That consumes most of my time I must admit, today was a rare treat, a short day, although we both know how well that went." Shula was forcing the friendly 'not going to kill you' attitude, although to his credit Ashton was turning out to be well worth her time. His knowledge of wine wasn't bad either. So full of surprises the detective. She would have to be careful around him. "Obviously you already know where I live detective, I've got a masters from Harvard in Corporate management, and I've always preferred the company of men to women, I find men are far less prone to irrational hatred." There, that was all she would say on the subject.

I wonder where he's intending for all this to go?

"What of yourself Ashton, how do you spend your time, of course, outside of work" Shula put on her best interested face as the wine arrived. She took a sip and resisted the urge to take a chunk of glass with it. It wasn't bad, though certainly wasn't the best she had ever tasted. She was, however, a millionaire, and he was a police officer, so this was to be expected, regardless his charms made up for any small issues she had with the food and wine.