Standards

[Howard Bernstein]

Howard was standing outside the office door like a puppy being let in from the cold.

Just like a dog in the cold Howard didn't knock nor bark, he simply stood in front of the door waiting for acknowledgement. The solid wooden door without a pane of glass to look through wasn't exactly the best use for this approach but it seemed to be more humane than the alternative. To him it was barbaric, smashing on a door to receive some attention and, rather took the patient route. Besides, it's safe to say he didn't want to look anxious.

He was anxious though. How could he not be? In his hands were nuclear launch codes. They were the keys to Pandora's Box. It was a small portfolio with his client's list of demands; it was the contract that would bring his client into EVPW. Nothing too extravagant, really. Okay, sure. The contract dollar demands were a little higher than EVPW could afford and there were some extra little perks tossed in that would make owners balk but it was safe to assume they didn't know what they were getting.

Howard Bernstein was certainly prepared to make Devin Bozz find out.

TBCB Devin Bozz

[Vladimir Strife]

Devin opens the door to his office, a briefcase in hand as he prepares to head off toward where he called home, when he spots the sly Bernstein awaiting him. He's seen the agent about the building and, in fact, the town quite a few times in the recent weeks. It was hard not to notice one walking about the place in a suit that was worth more than most of the stars made in a month. What Devin couldn't see, however, was why the man was hanging around in this particular company. There were many more federations out there more befitting the heir and high class of Howard and few, if any, more savage or less glamorous than EVPW. He greets him nonetheless with a friendly smile.

"How can I help you?"

"Oh, no - Mr. Bozz. This is about how I can help you."

The men step into Devin's office and take a seat, the door closing behind them and leaving the camera crew shut out. Faint whispers can be heard until it opens once more, the main GM of EVPW stepping out with Howard close behind.

"What do you mean 'no'!? This is the biggest opportunity of your career!!"

Bozz turns back toward him and shrugs.

"What did you expect? I don't know what kind of idea you got from us, Mr. Bernstein, but we're a small company. We just don't have the resources for that sort of a deal at this time. I'm afraid you'll just have to try elsewhere.."

Devin adjusted his glasses and looks Howard in the eye, knowing that the answer was far from what he had hoped to hear and would be even moreso unsatisfactory to his client.

TBCB Bernstein

[Howard Bernstein]

Howard Bernstein:
“I don't think you understand the magnitude of the situation, Bozz...

Devin looked unconvincing. In his defense Howard was giving him nothing and he knew it. Start off at the top, Mr. Bernstein thought, so when you give them your real offer they couldn't say no. More curiously, though, Howard couldn't understand why someone of Devin Bozz's stature could be held in EVPW.

He had to have a breaking point somewhere.

Howard Bernstein:
“Listen, Mr. Bozz, I truly understand the concerns you have. I wouldn't be here to waste your time if I didn't consider EVPW a very, very viable option.

My associate was adamant about it.

Perhaps there was a way I could assure you some success..?”

Devin Bozz:
“Bernstein, I already told you-”

Howard cut him off with a calm raise of his hand. It was funny, the contrast between them. Devin looked hardened and weary from his time in the company. Let's be frank; it certainly was a bit of a PR nightmare as it was. Meanwhile, despite a handful of high maintenance clients Bernstein looked fresh as a daisy. Of course, constant pampering and money certainly helps that but his finely groomed finger tips really put more of an emphasis on it than words really could.

Howard Bernstein:
“Allow me to cut to the chase. Mr. Bozz, my client may demand a pretty penny however I can more than guarantee you substantial returns on your investment. Or I'll allow my own wallet to do the talking.”

Not like it would cost him too dearly.

Howard Bernstein:
“... As far the current financial situation allow me to offer a proposition.

Consider you have an old, beat-down dog you'd like to replace with a fresh new pup but the family is so terribly attached to the old mutt. As they should, as he's been so loyal. Suppose you gave them a competition of sorts, where the loser would be put down.

I don't require much of you Mr. Bozz, as I know you such an important, busy man-”

Howard didn't appear to be aware of the unnecessary amount of sarcasm he put on the adjectives.

Howard Bernstein:
“- I simply require an opportunity. Allow me the opportunity to convince one of your more expensive, haggard mutts a contest with that of my client that would officially void their contact and allow mine to take their place. That's it. Your hands are clean of it all Mr. Bozz.

I assume it would be so delightful to finally push out one of these “hardcore heroes” out the door without some lashing back from the driven faithfuls, no?”

Howard seemed confident he had something. The offer was simple really. There were a few overpaid, worn out veterans in EVPW and Howard was giving Devin Bozz the chance to dispose of them through his client. It was mercenary work, through and through, but it was his way in. Mr. Bernstein seemed to be clear on targeting one of the many death match favourites of old.

What Howard didn't explain, however, was how on earth would he convince one of those select individuals to put their career on the lines for nothing. Secret of the trade, really.

TBCB Devin Bozz

[Vladimir Strife]

Devin strokes his chin a moment, mulling over the offer, examining it from every angle in his mind for any signs of a hole or a catch. He couldn't find one. If Bernstein's client were truly good enough to knock off a member of the EVPW roster, ever one he might consider a 'haggard mutt', then he truly belonged there. These were men tied and tested, battle hardened and calloused. It was hard to imagine that any man that would associate with such a polished and high class agent stood much of a chance of beating one of his wrestlers. He slips his hand into Howard's and gives it a firm shake.

"What have I got to lose? You've got your opportunity. Don't come crying if you blow it though."

[Howard Bernstein]

Despite hearing the news he wanted, the news he yearned to hear Howard's face remained that unchanged. The face of a mildly content politician. Devin, now done with his business, had other more important tasks to deal with and walked off without another word.

He didn't allow his pleasure to take over until he was sure Devin was a ways down the hall. It wasn't much but the small raise of the left side of his face was enough recognition of a job well done. He, of course, didn't expect his own admiration, did he?

Howard Bernstein:

"That went well, wouldn't you say?"

Howard's client was privy to the whole conversation, he was listening to it all. The always present Bluetooth earpiece seemed to be the eyes and ears into all of the EVPW happenings for Howard's favourite son. It appeared as though highly confidential meetings were no different.

Howard Bernstein:

"Now, dare I say, it may be time for you to make your presence felt... No?"

It was a dead-end question. It certainly wasn't time for that yet. 

Howard Bernstein:

"Mmm... Mhm, mhm... Listen, baby. Baby we'll deal with that when the time comes... I think we need to get ourselves on straight here...

Now that we have the keys to the dealership, let's pick out a sexy new car, shall we?"

What it was time for, though, was obtaining their target.

End of Thread.