Initiative /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ (n)
1. [mass noun] the ability to assess and initiate things independently.
2. [in singular] the power or opportunity to act or take charge before others do.
3. an act or strategy intended to resolve a difficulty, or improve a situation;
a fresh approach to something.
Lyon, Le Grand Palais Central Hotel
Nico and Faye entered the ravaged lobby of Le Grand Palais Central Hotel, their footsteps echoing against the eerie silence left in the aftermath of the mob attack. Just a week had passed since the chaos tore through the grand space, and now the lobby was a haunting shadow of its former elegance. Bullet holes scarred the once-pristine walls, faint smears of blood stained the marble floor, and overturned furniture lay strewn around, silent reminders of the violence. Police tape crisscrossed the area, and faint traces of smoke and gunpowder still lingered in the air.
"The building engineer cleared it," Nico said, walking a step behind Faye, his gaze moving over the devastation with a hint of admiration for the structure's resilience. "No major structural damage to the foundations."
"Good," Faye replied, her voice calm and commanding as she assessed the damage with a detached gaze. "Have the staff moved back by this evening," she instructed, her tone leaving no room for negotiation. Nico nodded, understanding she meant every personal staff member she had stationed there to ensure the hotel ran with precision.
Ahead, the hotel manager was speaking with an officer, his voice filled with nervous energy. "I... I didn't see what happened," he was explaining, his gaze darting nervously between the officer and the damaged lobby.
"Right," the officer replied, a skeptical edge to his voice. "And the security footage?"
"Compromised, I'm afraid," the manager said, his fingers fidgeting as sweat beaded on his forehead. "Something must have short-circuited during the explosion. Erased everything."
The officer smirked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "What a shame."
His gaze shifted, noticing Faye and Nico as they approached, and his eyes narrowed. "Malisorn!" he called out, his voice echoing through the vast lobby.
Faye paused, exchanging a quick, knowing glance with Nico before turning her attention to the officer. Her face softened into a polite smile as she acknowledged him. "It is Faye Malisorn, isn't it?" he asked, his gaze sharp.
"That would be me," Faye answered smoothly, her voice laced with an air of innocent amusement.
"I understand you're a guest of the hotel," the officer said, his tone probing.
"I am," Faye responded, her smile not faltering, her expression a picture of unruffled calm.
"Were you the target of this attack?" the officer pressed, his eyes narrowing as he waited for a slip-up.
"How could I know such a thing?" Faye asked, her voice airy and innocent, eyes widening in feigned surprise.
The officer's jaw tightened, frustration simmering beneath his suspicious gaze. "Are you saying you don't know anything about this tragedy?" His words held an edge, a quiet accusation.
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The Nanny // Faye Yoko AU
FanfictionI have now realised that this is the most slow burn story ever. Therefore, I am putting a disclaimer 😅 WARNING: SLOW BURN...slower than a snail I used to think the world was magic. My life was one long party that seems to never end. My parents gav...
