"Lilly Dachner, yes, I know. I've met your mother before. Let me see if I can work out the rest of you...Philion Quilos, I believe." She gives Phil a small, cool smile. "Not personally acquainted, but I'm familiar with your work. You - " She turns to Leo, briskly thrusting another glass of the dark red substance into his hands. It smells vaguely fruity and spicy. "I confess I have no idea who you are, but you do keep interesting company. My name is Therese Skavis. Have some plum wine, and perhaps you'll grace me with your name later." She winks at him, the friendly gesture vanishing an instant later as she glances at the last member of his group.
A thought seems to occur to her, and she reaches behind the desk. There's a soft click, and she says briskly "Reiter, call off the search, and for god's sake put the guns away. I'll be on the phone for weeks as it is." Shifting back around again, she crosses her legs impatiently. "Which, of course, leaves you," she adds crossly to Alexei. "Why is it that when something happens it's always you?"
Despite her no-nonsense demeanor, however, Kitty gets the impression that Therese appreciates her composure.
