#ccsemberclub

He relates these to Callidora for her thoughts.

"Caesar knows the Verbreks, but not well... might a slim chance of cross over, but then, he probably wouldn't think it a bad thing if new changelings came in," SHe paces "The Pridewoods have the least money but are still up there, and have influence in the local health and medical industries. THe Jouvessac family are probably the most pretentious of the lot, and they've parlayed old money into investments from advisors then patted themselves on the back for their 'hard work' but they're so established they'll need an excuse for the behavior changes... a vacation maybe. But all three would do and all three , if they become ouur allies ,would give us resources on the mortal side. If they're as anti noble as we hope, that could pay off regardless. Is there one you'd prefer over the others? Assuming any appeal?"

"Or did you want to see if that Bridal party has some trustfund brides maids?" A grin

"I can see use, in some way, for all three family groups." He paces a bit, thinking.

"I think... we might approach the Verbecks first. The number is correct, there are five of them. The money is right. They are generally fit and in good health, apparently. All wilder-age or older, so less issues with missing children and all that."

"Hm. I wonder if we should speak with Kyle and Brenda on this...."

"I'm not sure, they didn't get replaced, just altered. Then again, Brenda has taken to it well, Kyle ..surprisingly, working more on mesaging. "

She notes the comment about missing children "You softie"

An eyebrow "Hiding Changling Childlings is time-consuming and costly, Dearest."

"Uh huh. They might appreciate being younger longer, but no one can say we grumps are helpless" She nods "Okay, the Verbreks. How do we set them up? " She seems to be delighted to be doing something that didn't involve a vampire "Invite them for dinner? Visit them while they're practicing ?"

"We want all the family together at the same time, and it might e wise to enchant them, to make the transfer easier." thinking "The souls have been imprisoned for so long, they might need Glamour to survive and make the transfer. I would say here or Firnost, but it would be easiest to invite them here to the Club rather than an abandoned warehouse."

"A private showing then? It might help the hold" She ponders

"Enchanting them might be easy enough. Drinks and such. They may freak out., It would be their first time"

"So a closed, private event here at the Club. We could tell them they've won some kind of contest or sweepstakes?"

"IDEAL" She says "I'll make the call. I bet we could set them up tomorrow night" Her eyes light up happily

Tomorrow night is typically an off night.

He nods. "Excellent."

"Shall I call or did you want to?"

"You are the talent, the reason people are drawn to the Club. I'm the business
manager... I suppose it makes best sense for me to call."

"Really sell it. Play to their egos and.. oh I'm teaching an expert how to suck eggs" A smile

He has their number, few do.

He's off to make the call, then.

He is surprised to hear a young woman's voice "Why do we even have a landline in this house? " Then "Hello, Verbeck Residence. Angela speaking"

"Hello, this is Mr Stodgepole from CC's Ember Club. May I speak with Mr or Mrs Verbeck?"

"One moment please" She's polite enough. And she apparently leaves the phone. He believes Angela is the quiet non athletic girl in the family of athletes

And then the phone picks up, "Daphne Vebrek here. Mister Stodgepoole? I remember you. How is your club doing?" She takes on a slight tone of 'you sweet old man' which can either be seen as condescending or well intentioned

"Oh, very well, very well indeed! In fact, we recently held a bit of a fundraiser, did a bit of research on our customer demographics and ... well, we'd like to invite you and your entire family to the Club for a private dinner event!"

"Oh Mister Stodgepole, that's very flattering. But if this is a charity event at some five hundred a plate, well Ethan would normally just as soon direct deposit , no offense." Ah, she maybe assuming this is a high class attempt to get donations

An avuncular chuckle. "I understand entirely, but no. This was part of a fundraiser, true, but the private dinner event is not a fundraiser itself. This simply recognizes a valued client family; yours!"

"Oh!" Daphne's tone changes "Well, this IS flattering" Yup. Ego appealed to "I don't mean to be pushy, but would it be all right if my sister came long as well as the rest of us? She IS family"

"We assumed it would be the whole family, yes, of course! Would tomorrow work for your plans?"

"You know what, taht would be ideal. I am very tired of that Argentinian steak house. It was nice, but lately it's just gotten so mainstream . What time should I have the crew ready by?"

"or rather, what time do we need to be there?"

"Why don't you come by at 7? This is an event, after all; drinks, dinner, and an exclusive performance by Miss CC, followed by a meet and greet."

"We'll look forward to it. Ethan may bounce some merchandise samples by you. You know how he is. Painting the town in Franchise logos"

And like that, the deal is done. The Verbecks have no idea that tomorrow will be their last night as owners of their own bodies

"I would be -delighted- to see them, and we can certainly discuss a business relationship!" He makes the right noises, and the call is done.

CC says "So, how did it go?" She has no doubt if he didn't hook them then they really have plans already they can't abandon

"Oh, easily. The entire family is supposed to come along, private dinner event with an exclusive performance by Miss CC."

"ALl five .. delighted" She says "Well make preperations"

Preparations go smoothly!

The closing for the next night, a 'private' showing , only adds to the club's mystique. Emerson has plenty of time to make sure the food is top notch, making much of it himself

The staff is as large or small as Emerson wants it to be

And it's a great day

The staff is as small as possible; help in the kitchen before the event, but he will serve the table himself. Just Emerson, CC, and the Vebreks.

Everything prepped, ready, the hour approaches.

And a bit before Seven, the Verbecks arrive.

He welcomes them warmly, takes coats, so on. There's a table clearly set for seven (the five Verbecks and the two from the Club). He takes drink orders.... and makes sure the doors are locked, discretely.

Ethan the Patriarch says "Not sure how yo're gonna make money giving these freebies, Emerson" A grin "But it works" He shakes his hand, then pats the guy on the back. He's used to folks ooing over him due to his past victories.