The Aurian Chronicles chapter 7: Lunch, Love, Dessert

 "AH! THERE SHE IS! Ms. Amanda Cross!" Said Mr Capryse as he met Amanda while she was admiring the lobby. She had to admit she was slightly taken aback by how beautiful the lobby was. It featured custom engravings that read 'Capryse' along the walls, exquisite paintings, and a golden water fountain. to say she felt overwhelmed was an understatement, and Seeing the man and place together had her swooning quite a bit.

After collecting her thoughts, Amanda eyed the gentleman in front of her and grunted. He was as well dressed as his photo made him look, but she couldn't help but be mesmerized by the piercing look in his crystal blue eyes. She stepped back and blushed before clearing her throat. "Mr. Capryse, allow me to introduce my self, I am-" But she stopped when he nodded in her direction and smiled.

"Lieutenant Amanda Cross of the NYPD! I'd recognize you anywhere! I've seen you on the news quite a few times, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance!" He said as he bowed at a perfect Forty-five-degree angle and kissed her knuckles. Amanda honestly didn't know which to be more caught off guard by, his charm or his manners. "My darling daughter has prepared lunch and snacks... I DO hope you like coffee with your dessert!" He told her while escorting her to the dining room. Autumn happily dashed off to set everything up.

Amanda sat at a small table reserved for casual conversation in the dining room as she and Mr Capryse waited. "Now then, to what do I owe this pleasure?" He finally asked. Amanda nodded and pulled out some files. "Right, we DID get off topic with introductions, didn't we? Well as it just so happens, Your financial restoration has been documented after multiple counts of crime-related property damage... I believe I can guess why Zach Farley showed up, seeing as you paid for the damages caused after his son was murdered." She said while Narrowing her eyes.

Mr Capryse nodded and let out a soft chuckle. "Yes, he was hoping I'd have some knowledge on the killer... Sadly I'm trying to invest in the restoration of the community, not encourage ruthless bloodshed! As for Albert, considering his rap sheet, if I had to wager a guess as to who said killer might be, I'd start with victims... there were quite a few if rumors are to be believed" He responded while a large pepperoni brick oven pizza was served, Autumn casually garnished it with fresh ground red pepper, then parmesan cheese before bowing and taking her leave.

Amanda studied him carefully before nodding and taking a bite. All of her focus evaporated as she took her first bite. "Wow... That... is amazing!" She said as she looked at Mr Capryse who ate happily. "Perks of having the world's greatest chef for a daughter! Ever since I immigrated from Italy, New York Pizza has been there for my ups and downs, Autumn's been a dear about it ever since!" He explained.

"Did you ever find out who her parents are?" Asked Amanda,. Mr Capryse smiled wide, "Why, Myself and Saryn of course!" He answered. Amanda just leaned in closer. "No, I mean who are her real-" But she was cut off by an unnerving Dark laugh from Mr Capryse, she didn't even notice the crystals forming on the floor beneath them. "Please... That's hardly important right now... Let's just enjoy a nice meal and dessert shall we?" He asked. Amanda sensed the closeness he shared with his daughter and decided to drop it.

"So... You really don't have any idea who Albert's killer could be?" She asked. MR. Capryse simply chuckled. "Even if I WANTED to have the man killed, I'm a high-profile CEO! I'd be sniffed out in an instant! You found me just by investing in an area rife with gun violence... Imagine what it takes to stage a murder! No... Organized crime is not for me, my family and my work are too important to give up! I'm not losing sleep over a Child molesting serial killer though I will admit." He said frankly. Amand had to agree with that last part heavily.

After the pizza was finished, Autumn wriggled her cat-like tail and served fresh Cannolis. It was right about there that Amanda noticed the stripes on Autumn and noted she had to be the hybrid of a Tiger and a bunny. She had to admit it was odd considering how rare Anthros were in big cities, but she once again lost focus after tasting her Cannoli. "So... DELICIOUS!" She admitted, causing Autumn to giggle.

After Dessert, she casually sipped her coffee while being escorted to the door. "I just came on a hunch... But I can see I was wrong, I'll have to visit again some time,,, maybe meet your wife?" She asked, though there was some bitterness at the end. "I'd be delighted, Saryn and I are usually apart due to our conflicting schedules, but if the opportunity arises, I'll let you know!" He said as he kissed her cheek and walked her to her car. Amanda just giggled and bit her lip as she drove off, Even running a stop sign on her way home.

About a hundred miles away from Mr. Capryse's home 'Pure Mind Solutions" CEO Saryn Capryse sat at her desk with her feet propped up on her desk. She was busy looking over her files on her latest product when her phone vibrated with a text message. "Ah, so the fabled 'Hound of Justice' is more of a 'Bitch in heat.' Good Tony... I like my stepping stones finely paved BEFORE I walk all over them." She said with a giggle as she made dinner reservations for her new friend and foolish husband.