Kelri Irris

The Beginning “When I said you could help me out, I thought you were going to buy some more furniture.” Angel looked up at the stylized sign on the wall behind the reception desk, her expression dubious. “I know, but this is what you need, and it's not a loan or charity. It's a joint business venture. I provide the space and the office, and you provide--” “Alex, I'm not sleeping with you again. It was a one time thing. I told you, I'm not looking for a partner. Of any kind.” “Silent partner. Look, I'm going to keep doing the hero thing, which you think is going to get me and my friends killed--” “It is going to get you kill---” “--AND you're going to keep doing the PI thing alone, which you won't let me help with---” “---BECAUSE I don't need help---” “BUT you're living over that cheap storefront in King's Row, and you're never going to make any money at it the way you're going about it. I saw a business opportunity, and this way, we can both generate leads for each other. There's even an apartment on the top floor, so you can live like a person instead of a...a...squatter.” Angel glared at the younger man. When they'd first met, Alexander Knight had been an idiot rich boy playing hero who was interfering in an investigation into a simple missing persons case. The 'simple' had become complicated when she'd found her client's son had gotten involved with a major smuggling ring that trafficked in some fairly nasty illegal items ranging from high tech weapons to experimental drugs related to unethical 'augmentation' science. She would have been in far over her head had it not been for Alex. She'd since come to think of him as a friend, but a friend with perhaps too much money and nowhere near enough sense. He lacked the experience and seasoning that might come with a decade of experience, and while his heart was in the right place, if he lived long enough to get that experience, she'd be surprised. As far as she was concerned, the good ones always died too young. “Think about it. If you run across something that's out of your league, you can give me a call," he continued, "and if I run across something that doesn't need super-powered help, I can toss it your way so I know it will get handled by someone who won't let it fall through the cracks.” “I suppose that makes a certain amount of sense, but I don't see how that turns into a huge facility with more...” She gestured at their surroundings. “All I need is an office, not a—a---” “A turnkey, state-of-the-art, multitasking operation.” “Tell me you're not quoting that old tv show.” “The security division will generate tons of revenue. Think about it. You can take on all the cases that you won't charge for without having to do the cruddy cheating spouse pictures or wasting time on any of that other crap you use to pay the bills.” “Who's going to work the security division if I'm running around doing those cases?” “I know---” “Don't say you know a guy.” “I was going to say an amazing, tough-as-nails woman with tons of experience in everything from bodyguard work to hostage retrieval and threat elimination. She'd be a great asset, and I'd trust her with my life. She's perfect for something like this. You'll love her.” “Former military? No, nevermind. I'll circle back to the term 'threat elimination' in a moment. I already told you, I don't do partners.” “Not a partner. An employee. You'd be the boss.” “I'd be the boss. Of the whole thing?” “You call the shots, top to bottom. I'm just an investor. Your name is on the business license, and you're listed as the owner.” “Alex, you're a sweet guy, but I can't--” “I swear, it's not about sleeping with you. It's about believing in what you're doing, and it's like you said, heroes have bigger fish to fry. It's why Diego fell through the cracks, and there are plenty more people out there who need someone who isn't the police or bound by certain legal restraints.” Alex could see that he was getting through to the stubborn redhead and began to grin. She saw that grin, knew she was losing her resolve, and just began to shake her head slowly. “I hate that I'm thinking about saying yes, but I admit there are a couple of people I could bring in.”

Something of a combination character list and story thread: https://forums.homecomingservers.com/topic/27761-hi-caliber-solutions/

Sometimes, the heroes are busy with bigger things. Fate of the world things. Sometimes, the police have too much on their hands already. Sometimes, investigations go cold and the bad guys get away. That's when Hi-Caliber Solutions can help! We're a private firm with a highly skilled staff of investigators who care about tracking down your property, finding your missing loved one, or seeking out that key piece of evidence that can aid in securing justice. Our security division can arrange comprehensive home or business protection services or provide discreet protective details. Owner Angelica Timmons Investigations Our Management Team Sheridan Zila Security Division Aittera Timmons Missing Persons Danica Jordan-Irris IT Operations Aliyobi Asset Recovery Support Team Kelri Irris-Jordan We have offices in Paragon City and the Rogue Isles.

This sounds brilliant! I look forward to seeing it!