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apratments · 11 months ago

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Luxury Apartment: Sobha Neopolis in Bangalore

Sobha Neopolis in Bangalore

Sobha Neopolis in Bangalore apartments are on Panathur Road in Whitefield, Bangalore. It is a testament to luxury and modern living. Offering a range of 3 and 4 BHK apartments, it is poised to redefine the urban living experience. This ambitious project by Sobha Limited blends cutting-edge architecture, world-class amenities, and a strategic location to create a residential haven that caters to the needs and aspirations of discerning homeowners.

This pre-launch apartment enjoys a prime location in the bustling neighborhood of Whitefield, Bangalore. Whitefield is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, IT hubs, top-notch educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and many entertainment options. Sobha Neopolis offers a perfect blend of urban convenience and serenity with easy access to major roads and highways.

Luxury at a Glance Sobha Neopolis in Bangalore:

This pre-launch Apartment boasts meticulously designed apartments that combine aesthetics and functionality:

Spacious 3 and 4 BHK apartments exuding elegance.

Well-thought-out layouts maximize space and natural light.

Modern kitchens with high-quality appliances and ample storage.

Lavish bathrooms with premium fixtures and fittings.

Private balconies offer panoramic views of lush surroundings.

Unparalleled Amenities:

It offers world-class amenities:

A state-of-the-art fitness center.

Resort-style swimming pools.

A community clubhouse for socializing and entertainment.

Secure package lockers for hassle-free deliveries.

Dedicated areas for pets.

Ample-covered parking and bike storage.

Safety and Security:

Sobha Neopolis places paramount importance on the safety and security of its residents. The latest security measures and technologies have been implemented to provide residents peace of mind and comfort.

Stay Informed and Be Part of the Journey:

The pre-launch apartment is nearing completion, and we can’t wait to welcome you to your new home. Stay updated on our official launch date and exclusive pre-launch offers by following us on social media and subscribing to our newsletter. Prepare to embark on an unmatched luxury and comfort journey at Sobha Neopolis, where every day promises an extraordinary living experience.

The theme completely inspires the amenities and architectural designs of the project. The three grand clubhouses spanning 77,850 sq. ft are designed with vibrant, Santorini-inspired blue and white hues of elegance and distinctive domes. Natural stone paving, rustic patterns, and colorful and dense foliage give this sprawling community an enchanting aura. The residents will get a Mediterranean vacation vibe in these clubhouses.

The Entrance Plaza itself assures the Greek world’s magnificence by imposing a Grecian clock tower. This high-altitude clock tower will provide a mesmerizing view of the nearby surroundings while ascending the tower’s spiral staircase. To the delight of stargazers, the zenith of the tower is equipped with a telescope.

The Olympus Plaza in the project mirrors the grandeur and elegance of the medieval Grecian period. The imposing columns of this building are in a graceful arc inspired by the Parthenon of Acropolis. It is a centrally-located space to enable socializing with neighbors and reveling in the Greek paradise. Each minute detail in the project is carefully handled to provide nothing less than a Greek world.

Advantages of investing in Sobha Neopolis in Bangalore

Thriving job market: The place offers easy access to Bangalore’s major IT hubs. This job market attracts professionals nationwide, creating a constant demand for investment in real estate.

Robust rental market: Panathur has a strong rental market driven by the nature of the workforce, including students, IT professionals, and expatriates. It can also provide steady rental income for property owners.

Steady appreciation: From time to time, Panathur’s real estate market has shown a constant increase in property values, providing investors with long-term capital gains.

Well-established with all the essential facilities and infrastructure. It is one of the perfect locations for real estate development. The uptick in real estate activity along Panathur Road is underpinned by the efforts of renowned builders actively shaping the local landscape.

Perks of living in Sobha Neopolis in Bangalore:

Infrastructure Development: The city has seen significant investment in several infrastructure projects, including metro expansions, road widening, and new flyovers. These infrastructure developments enhanced connectivity and accessibility, positively increasing property rates.

Quality of life: Bangalore offers a high quality of life with good healthcare facilities, a pleasant climate, and green spaces. These specific factors make it a perfect choice for people looking to settle in Bangalore.

Employment hub: The city will provide greater employment opportunities to the residents, and there is a rapid increase in Tech and IT companies.

Premium lifestyle: The residents can have a carefree life in this city. Here, everything is created to make life comfortable and easy for people.

Bangalore is a dream city where everybody wishes to live, and Sobha Neopolis will help to make this dream come true by providing a state-of-the-art living experience.

Why do you need to select Sobha Neopolis in Bangalore?

Sobha Neopolis in Bangalore is a testament to a luxurious dwelling in the heart of Bangalore. With number 2 and three-bedroom apartments designed to cater to various preferences, the venture offers a perfect combination of comfort, aesthetics, and present-day facilities. While the price of residing in Sobha Neopolis in Bangalore reflects the top-rate nature of the improvement, the investment potential and the first-rate existence it guarantees make it a compelling preference for the ones seeking to make extended-term funding in Bangalore’s real property marketplace.

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wylanvnneck · 4 years ago

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This 2 part fic was written for the Secret Snusband Gift Giveaway hosted by @jurdannet and @jurdannetrevels for my lovely Knife Wife @lilacs-with-lavender.

Rating: T for Tyrannosaurus

Summary: Inspired by an episode of my favourite Cop TV show, ‘Castle’, in which a bet takes place with pretty high stakes, although the plotline has been tweaked to fit this fandom. My Knife Wife said she loved the Enemies to Lovers trope so that’s what I’ve (tried to) write here and I hope you enjoy the story of Homicide Detectives Jude Duarte and Cardan Greenbriar and their mutual enmity.

Warnings: Not so graphic descriptions of murder and mention of drugs. (Really not sure what I need to tag, so please let me know if I’ve missed something.)

Posted as a Gift on AO3 | Part 2 | Masterlist

Part 1

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“Victim’s name is Taryn Santorini, a metal sculptor by trade, she was found by her doorman fifteen minutes before we traced the address in Chloe’s hand back to her.”

Detective Jude Duarte looks down at the motionless face of a scared looking brunette, a crimson splatter painting the tiled floor around her lifeless body. The room around her is a mess, clothes scattered everywhere, bed ruffled and unmade and metal figurines placed haphazardly throughout the little apartment.

“Lil, talk to me, what are we looking at?”

Before the white-blonde haired medical examiner crouched on the floor by the body can answer, a smooth dark voice that Jude so detests cuts through the air behind her.

“Why, Duarte, I’d say that the fact that Tara What’s-her-name was shot and killed is rather obvious.” The despicable excuse of a detective steps forward, a smug grin pasted to his face. Cardan Greenbriar, entitled little rich boy, over-confident bastard and sadly, her partner.

Patience, Jude reminds herself, patience was a virtue.

“I meant, as I’m sure Lil knows, with what model was she killed and when?”

Liliver shoots her an amused sympathetic look before turning her gaze back to the victim.

“Looks to be a gun with a 45 caliber, same as the one used to kill Chloe Tatterfell. I’d say Taryn here has been dead for about 12 hours so pretty close to Chloe’s time of death, maybe just a half hour or so afterwards.”

“So chances are it’s the same killer.” Cardan interjects, the smug smile a little less vibrant now.

“Yep. I’ll have to get her back to the morgue so I can do a full inspection, see if I can find anything helpful.”

Jude steps back from the crime scene to give her some space, almost bumping in to the officer taking pictures of the area for later use.

“Thanks, Lil.”

“Just doing my job, sweetie.”

“This doesn’t make any sense,” Jude clips a glossy picture of their latest victim onto the precinct’s murder board. “Garrett and Van questioned practically all known associates of both Chloe and Taryn and none of them could recognise the other victim. There’s no obvious connection between the two and yet, for some reason they were both killed on the same day, by the same person.”

“And with the same gun.” Cardan is leaning back in his chair, his posture insouciant and his curly black hair falling lazily over his forehead. Surely that was a violation of precinct dress codes? Not that he’d care either way, rule breaker that he was. God knew it was only because of his daddy’s clout that he’d even graduated from the academy in the first place, whilst people like Jude had to work hard and save every penny and fight to get anywhere in the field of Law Enforcement.

“Ok, I’m going to head to the morgue whilst Van and Gare check through the victim’s phones and financials, see if Lil has anything for us.”

“I suppose, being the dutiful partner that I am, I should come with you?” Cardan’s drawl is as irritating as usual and Jude can hardly wait to get out of the proximity of his stupid raven locks and smoldering eyes.

“Please, you’d be doing us both a favour if you didn’t.”

“Aw, come now Jude you know you’d miss me.” He lets out a dramatic sigh as he half heartedly stands from his chair to join her as she speeds by towards the exit and she just barely resists the urge to throttle him.

Lil bustles around her examining room as she adjusts the fluorescent lamps shining down on both the victim’s bodies’.

“So, apart from the type of bullets that killed them, the only similarity that I could find between the two victims is the fact that they both have tattoos.”

Jude raises a brow. “Everyone has tattoos.”

From across the autopsy table Cardan’s eyes gleam as he smirks.

“Oh really? You got some ink on you, Duarte?”

His tone is disbelieving and Jude can’t resist messing with him a little.

She pastes an obviously fake flirtatious smile on her face and drawls in a sugar sweet voice, “Guess you’d have to find that out on your own, Greenbriar.”

She bites at her lip for good measure and thinks once more of how bad she would be at flirting in earnest. Lil certainly couldn’t keep the laughter out of her gray eyes. Cardan, however, has a strange look on his face, one that Jude can’t quite decipher, but she’s pretty sure she’s just one-upped him and she can’t deny the slight sense of triumph that the thought gives her.

She turns her attention back to the victims. “You were saying, Lil?”

“I’m saying that these tattoos seem to have been done by the same artist. Look,” she pulls back the white cloth covering the body of Chloe Tatterfell, gently pushing a strand of brown hair off of her shoulder to reveal the cartoonish character of a rose, inked in with dark black ink.

She then turns to Taryn’s body to reveal a similarly styled tattoo of a mermaid on her wrist. Just as she’s pulling back the cover Jude’s back pocket vibrates and the sound of her plain ringtone travels through the air. Quickly she swipes upwards to answer the call and it’s Garrett.

“Yo, so we looked through the victims’ phone records and found a connection. Both Chloe and Taryn made a phone call on the day that they were killed to the same number, belonging to a Locke McCutchins, he’s got priors including robberies and domestic assault.”

By the time he’s finished speaking she’s already waved a quick goodbye to Lil and turned to walk out the door, not bothering to check if her partner was behind her.

“Alright, text me his address, let’s go pick him up.”

“Locke McCutchins, open up, it’s the NYPD!” Garrett bangs on the door and the force is so strong that the wood vibrates as Jude clutches her pistol in her hand, body flat against the wall of Locke’s apartment with Cardan right beside her.

There’s no answer and the door is broken down as she, Cardan, Garrett and Van file into the room in a practiced motion that’s as familiar to her as breathing.

Right in front of them, sprawled across his couch, lies the dead body of Locke McCutchin, his tawny eyes still open and gazing unseeingly up at his ceiling, a dried red patch visible on his shirt.

Garret drops to the floor beside the couch, his sandy hair falling over his face as he leans over to check Locke’s pulse whilst the rest of them look on after having taken note that the apartment was clear.

“Body’s cold, he’s been dead for hours, entry wound looks to be about the same size as the other victims.”

Jude scrunches her eyebrows as she stands in front of the murderboard for the second time that day.

“So, Chloe Tatterfell, Taryn Santorini and Locke McCuchins were all killed within the span of 24 hours, all with the same gun, presumably by the same killer and yet so far the only connections we’ve found are Taryn’s address that was found written on Chloe’s hand, the phone call from both women to Locke and the similar tattoos on both Chloe and Taryn, but not on Locke.”

“Hmm.” Cardan seems to materialise out of nowhere, carrying a paper cup of what smells like freshly brewed coffee. Jude was convinced that he took his coffee with added alcohol but she had yet to prove it.

“What’s with the glare?” he asks.

“It automatically deploys itself when you're around.”

He scoffs. Twirls his coffee around. Takes a long, slurping sip.

“Hey, Duarte? Don’t get me wrong, I mean, the feeling is mutual, but what exactly is it that makes you despise me so much? I’d like to know so I can make sure to keep doing it.”

Jude barely deliberates over her answer before she responds.

“Being an overly cocky, obnoxious jerk who has only managed to get this far thanks to his Daddy’s fat purse will definitely be the best way to make me hate you, trust me.”

He grins but there’s no humour in the curve of his sensual lips, his eyes are cold metal.

“You think that the only reason I’m a detective is because of my father?”

“Yup.” She makes sure to add plenty of emphasis to that one word.

Cardan opens his mouth as if to speak, stops, presses his lips together so hard that they turn pale before the colour returns to them when a slow smile spreads across his face, this time full of humour, but the decidedly darker kind.

“Let’s make a bet. If you can figure out what the connection between our three victims is before I do, I’ll go right up to Captain Madoc myself and request a change of partners so you can be rid of my ‘overly cocky, obnoxious’ self. Deal?”

He was extending a challenge and Jude was never one to back down from those. Besides, the chance to be rid of him with no cost to herself or her reputation was too good to pass up on. Still, there had to be a catch, with Cardan, there was always a catch.

“And on the complete off-chance that you figure it out first? What happens then?”

“If I figure it out first...you have to come with me as my date to this party that my dad’s having in a couple days.”

Those last few words come out in a rush and Jude has to take a moment to decipher their meaning. Followed by another moment to wonder if she’d somehow completely misunderstood what he’d said.

“You want me to what?”

“Be my date to a party. Honestly Duarte, do you have any idea how many women would jump at this opportunity?” His tone is disgustingly nonchalant.

“I-” she struggles to find the words. “Take one of them then! Don’t you have a girlfriend, Nicasia or something like that? Blue hair and eyes? High pitched voice? Talks a lot about how much she gets seasick?”

“You know, for someone who’s only met Nicasia once you do remember quite a bit about her.” His steady gaze on her is intense.

For some incorrigible reason Jude has to resist the urge to flush.

“I’m a detective. It’s my job to study people.”

“Right. Sadly, Nicasia and I are no longer together, if we ever were. I got bored. Hence, why I need a date.”

“I’m sure you could just take one of your scores of female admirers, you don’t need me.”

“Is that jealousy that I detect in your voice?”

“Cardan.”

“Look, the point is, I can’t be bothered having to deal with yet another simpering female who thinks that one night on my arm means a promise to a life-long relationship complete with marriage, a fancy mansion and exactly 2.5 kids. All I want is a companion for one night so I don’t get hounded by my mother for not having a girlfriend by which she can procure some grandchildren.”

“Oh so now you want me to be your fake girlfriend?”

He rolls his eyes up at the ceiling and she fights the urge to slap him.

“It’s just for one night! Besides, I thought me winning was barely even a possibility to you.”

She makes a noise at the back of her throat. “It is.”

“Then I don’t see what the problem is. Do we have a deal, or not?” He holds out his hand, sculpted eyebrows raised in confrontation.

She doesn’t really think he has much of a chance of figuring it out before her, but he had admittedly also proven adept at figuring certain things out in previous cases so there was definitely no certainty that he wouldn’t win, for all her bravado. Yet, her competitive nature couldn’t bear the thought of surrendering, so she pushes her unease aside and grips his hand in a firm shake.

“Deal.”

There’s an awkward moment when he takes a little too long to release her hand from his grip. Once he finally does, the rather pointy tips of his ears reddening, they both turn back to the murder board and the view of their murder time line and crime scene pictures, furiously trying to connect the dots in their heads.

A random thought intrudes in her brain.

"Wait, what if Garrett and Van figure it out before we do?”

As one, she and Cardan both turn towards the opposite side of the office where the two officers in question sat in front of their computers.

Van was typing in data on his computer, eyes glazing over and the tuft of black hair atop his head trembling whilst Garrett, or, The Ghost - as he was sometimes called thanks to his tendency to take months before answering non-work related messages - stood eating glazed donuts with one hand and speaking to someone on the phone held in the other. Jude loved the both of them but she had to admit that they didn’t exactly paint the most inspiring picture.

Once again she and Cardan are in sync when they promptly turn back towards the murderboard and proclaim, “Nah.”

Van’s excitement is clearly written on his face when he walks straight up to Jude’s desk the moment she arrives at the precinct the next morning, slamming down a manila folder with the NYPD crest printed on it onto her neatly arranged table top.

Immediately she reaches out to open it, desperate for a break in the case that would not only put a three time killer behind bars but also ensure that she herelf wouldn’t commit murder if she lost the bet and had to pretend to be Cardan’s girlfriend for a night. The thought makes her want to shudder.

“So, I was looking into all of our victim’s financials and I noticed an anomaly. Two weeks ago on the 7th they each deposited 95 hundred dollars into their savings accounts, but we’ve got no way of tracing the money back because the amount is under the IRS’s investigative limit” Van takes a quick pause before continuing, “but that’s not all, both Taryn and Chloe have credit card charges for small amounts at a tattoo place called Fair Folk Inks down in Queens.”

“Great, that’d be the place where they both got tattoos, I’ll go down there and ask the owner a couple questions, thanks Van.” She puts the sheaf of financial accounts back into the folder and takes a quick swig of her usual morning coffee, black, no sugar before preparing to head out once more.

“Going somewhere, partner?”

She’d bumped straight into Cardan when stepping into the elevator and she lets out a small groan of frustration as she steps back from his sturdy form. He looks annoyingly chipper, usual cocky smile in place and laughter in his tone as he looks down at her slightly shorter self. His cologne is strong and emanates the scent of the woods and sunlight in the small elevator. The woods and sunlight? Clearly foregoing the rest of her morning coffee hadn’t been a good idea.

She’d thought she could make it out of the building before he finally arrived, necessitating in having to take him along as well, but clearly fate had other ideas.

“Tattoo parlour. Queens,” she grits out.

“Let’s go then,” his tone is sickly sweet.

“Hi there, you guys lookin’ to get inked?” asks the pink haired girl behind the counter in fishnet tights and a tank top, looking up from where she is perched on a stool behind the counter when she hears them enter.

The parlour itself is shiny and white, the smooth metal counter and two spaced out black leather tattoo chairs complete with wheeled stools are the only pieces of furniture in the small space. Mounted on the walls are designs, each of them evoking a sense of fantasy. A pixie there, a selkie here, an ornate dragon, all staring right back at Jude as she takes in their surroundings. She takes note of the fact that the pictures staring back at her were very reminiscent of Chloe and Taryn’s tattoos, solidifying her suspicion that this was where they had got them done.

Before she has time to explain the reason for their visit, Cardan pipes up.

“You know, I’ve been thinking of getting one of a slithering snake, maybe across my back? I believe it would add to my already abundant sex appea-”

“Actually,” Jude cuts him off with her most scathing glare, to which he irritatingly responds with a grin. “We’re here on official business, NYPD, we need to speak with the owner of this establishment.” She holds up the badge that she’s just extracted from her plain black wallet as she speaks.

“That would be Vivi, hang tight a sec I’ll go get her.” With a sway of her hips Heather trounces off behind a curtained section at the back of the parlour.

Unable to stand still for even a few moments, her partner has already wandered over to the corner of the room, pointing at a pinned up design, ““That goblin over there reminds me of Van.”

She ignores him.

“Oh come on Duarte, you have to admit, there’s a definite resemblance.”

She spares the quickest of glances at the design and it’s true, there’s a striking similarity, but she isn’t about to give him the satisfaction of agreeing so she simply makes a non-committal grunt of recognition.

“Tell me, are you always this tightly wound or is it just for the majority of your day?”

“Excuse me?” Her eyebrows have inadvertently traveled upwards on her face and she can’t believe he has the audacity to say what he just did, although really, she shouldn’t be so surprised.

“Come on Duarte, we’ve been partners for quite a while now and I don’t think I’ve ever even seen you laugh.” He’s standing a few feet away from her, his expression serious, not backing down.

“It’s called being professional.” She can feel the muscles working in her face as she hisses out the words through gritted teeth, blood pounding furiously.

“Ahem.” She whirls around to find a tall bronze haired woman with striking cat-like eyes that were currently meeting her gaze wearing a lazy look of amusement.

“Heather said there were some policemen who wanted to ask me some questions?”

Jude cannot believe that she had just gotten so sidetracked by her insolent partner that she’d forgotten why she was currently standing in the middle of a Tattoo parlour in Queens, clutching a set of regular sized close ups of three now dead people. She tamps down the irritation at her own actions as she thrusts out the photos in front of the woman facing her, Vivi, the pink haired girl had said.

“Yes, ma’am, do you recognize these people?”

She watches intently as Vivi carefully peruses the pictures before answering, “I know the two girls, Taryn and Chloe, we’re friends, I’ve even tattooed the both of them. I’m not really sure who he is.”

“Are you sure you don’t know him? Look carefully.” Cardan is all business now, stepping up to Vivi.

“I’m sure.” Vivi’s tone is almost defiant, daring him to question her again.

“You said that you were friends with the girls, how close were you?”

“They came into the tattoo parlour at the same time about a month ago and we started up a conversation, we exchanged numbers and would meet up for a drink from time to time.”

“Did they ever meet up with just each other?”

“Not that I’m aware of.”

“Can you think of any reason as to why they’d both be killed by the same person?”

“They’re...they’re dead?”

Jude had intentionally asked the question in a way that would require a reaction and she wasn’t sure that she was entirely convinced by the shocked undertone of Vivi’s voice.

“I’m afraid so, ma’am.”

“She’s hiding something.” Once again Jude is back in front of the murderboard, furiously capping and uncapping a whiteboard marker as her mind whirls. She’s full of nervous energy, on the brink of a precipice and she wants nothing more than to be able to push herself off of it.

“Agreed.” Cardan is pacing the floor between her and the murder board and his posture indicates that he’s just as worked up as she is.

“But what I can’t understand is why she would kill two of her acquaintances plus a random vending machine operator, I mean, there’s no clear motive.” She’s barely conscious of the slight pain that tingles as she worries at her bottom lip.

Cardan halts in front of the board, takes a hard look at the scrawled timeline on it before once more resuming his brisk walk.

“And what the hell is the connection between these three victims? They lived in opposite neighbourhoods, worked in completely different areas and fields, never seemed to have been in the same place at the same time and yet somehow they were killed by the same hand. Also, where did all that money come from?”

His phone chooses precisely that moment to start ringing and the sound of ‘Horns’ by Bryce Fox cuts through the tension.

“It’s Liliver,” he mouths as he swipes upwards to answer and puts the medical examiner on speaker phone.

“You got something for us Lil?’

“You bet I do. I had scraps from the victims’ clothings tested to try and find a common link. What I found were traces of bleach, acetone, sodium chloride and ammonia.”

“Drugs. They were making drugs. That would explain all the money.” Jude is burning and luminescent with victory, until Lili’s next words cut her down.

“It’s not drugs.”

“How can you tell?”

“Because of what isn’t there. If your vics were making drugs, there’d need to be a couple more ingredients. That being said, they were definitely up to something.”

She lets out a sigh of defeat. “Thanks, Lil.”

Cardan hangs up before bringing his fingers up to his temples, massaging the sides of his head as he burns a hole into the board in front of him.

Jude bites back a scream. “This is like the start of a bad joke, a teacher, a sculptor and a vending machine operator walk into a tattoo parlour…”

He scoffs, “Yeah, except we don’t really have a punchline.”

“Other than ‘they made a bunch of money and got themselves killed.’”

There’s a lull in the air and the frustration is palpable. There was so much more than just their bet at stake here, there was the need for justice for these three victims, who regardless of their crimes likely didn’t deserve what had befallen them. Besides, there was no way that they could let a ruthless killer roam the streets freely.

Suddenly, Cardan whirls around to face her, once again bringing his pacing to an abrupt stop, with a speed to rival that of the animal that was his tattoo inspiration.

“Made a bunch of money,” he repeats.

He sounds like he’s just jumped off of the precipice. She, on the other hand, remained firmly mounted to the ground.

“What?”

“A sculptor who works with metal, a chemist and a vending machine operator...I know what they were up to.”

Slowly, the light starts to dawn on her and her pulse speeds up. Yes, she thinks.

“Think about it, when counterfeiting money, what’s the biggest problem you face? Finding the paper,” he continues.

“And a vending machine operator would have an endless supply of one dollar billls!”

“Exactly, then the chemist would come in, using the chemicals that were found on the vic’s bodies to white wash those bills.”

“And then the sculptor would be able to fashion a set of metal plates with which to type in fake serial numbers’ so they can get larger denominations of money…”

“Right! So, plates, paper, there’s just one missing ingredient.”

Beaming smiles break out on both their faces when, in unison they reach the same conclusion.

The 12th Precinct’s interrogation room had contained many suspects from the time it was built. Some were innocent and some were guilty, but there was no doubt in both Jude and Cardan’s minds that the feline woman currently seated across from them with her legs up on the table was one hundred percent guilty.

“So you think you’ve figured it all out, huh?” Vivi’s drawl is deceptively flippant.

“I think so.” Jude answers calmly. “For instance, we’ve figured out that you were involved in and likely the mastermind behind a counterfeiting operation that raked in a substantial amount of money. You provided the last ingredient needed, the ink from your tattoo parlour stocks that was used to print on the bills.”

Cardan leans forward. “We’ve also surmised that you killed your partners in said operation; Taryn Santorini and Chloe Tatterfell, both of whom you met through your tattoo parlour, just like you said.”

“And our third victim, Locke McCutchins? Yeah, we know he was your cousin, once removed on your mother’s side wasn’t it? A distant enough relationship for you to not be flagged when checking his family, but close enough for you to enlist him in your scheme so you had access to vending machine bills.” Jude continues, she and Cardan having perfected the art of interrogating together ages ago, their tactics working smoothly together alongside each other.

Vivienne sneers. “So what? You have no proof.”

“On the contrary, ma’am, we do. You neglected to hide the metal plates that you got Taryn to make for you in a place that wasn’t under a loose floorboard of your room, easily found with the aid of a search warrant.” Cardan smiles.

“You also tripped up when you stored your used gun with matching ballistics to the weapon that killed our victims in the same place as the plates.” Cardan’s smile is copied on Jude’s face.

Vivi’s skin pales and her cat’s eyes narrow into slits as she bangs the table, hard, before slouching back in the metal chair, the fight leaving her.

“Well, I suppose the jig is up, as they say,” she drawls.

Satisfied, Jude stands up and gathers the notepad and pen that she’d left on the desk and then bends over the interrogation table to meet Vivi’s gaze.

“What I can’t understand, though, is why? Why would you kill them if you’d already paid them?”

The Accused smirks. “It was all that idiot Lockes’s fault. He’d gotten himself into debt with some mob shark and needed more dough to bail his sorry self out. I wasn’t about to give it, he had his cut and that was all. But then, he threatened to go to the cops and tell them about what we did. Couldn’t let that happen, so I figured I’d kill ‘em all of. Just to be safe.”

The casual way in which she speaks of her deeds chills Jude to the bone. Wordlessly, she turns her back on yet another cold hearted murderer and exits the room with Cardan right behind her.

They come to a stop in front of the now empty murderboard, its surface shiny and white, devoid of words, but not for long. There was always a murder happening somewhere or the other, Jude had been a detective long enough to know that.

“So, now that Vivienne Insmire, tattoo artist, mastermind and ink supplier of counterfeiting operations and killer of ‘friends’ and distant male cousins is safely behind bars, I think you and I have a certain matter to settle, Duarte.”

She’d been trying hard to avoid this moment all day, pushing back thoughts of her close defeat and what its consequences would be. It seemed like now, she'd run out of time. She gulps.

“I suppose-” she almost can’t bring herself to say the words, “I suppose you won our bet, then.”

“Yup.” He’s not even trying to hide his gloating, “and you know what that means.”

The noise she emits is one that is resigned. She knows what’s coming.

“I’ll pick you up at eight tomorrow.”

“Or I could just take a ca-”

“Don’t be late, Duarte,” he calls over his shoulder as he leisurely strolls towards the precinct exit, slinging his leather jacket over his shoulder.

--------------------------------------------------------------

If you’ve made it all the way down here, congrats! Here’s a link for part 2.

Tagging the lovely people on my short but treasured TFOTA taglist; @cupcakesandkittens (who helped immensely during the writing of this fic and who suggested adding in the interrogation scene❤) and my very own talented Secret Snusband, @aelinfeyreeleven945tbln

Please let me know if you’d like to be added to or taken off of my taglist💕

#anyways Liles I hope you enjoyed!#dd writes #secretsnusband #tfota fanfic #the folk of the air fanfiction #the folk of the air #jude duarte #cardan greenbriar #castle #cop au #enemies to lovers #i would also like to say #that i absolutely love vivienne duarte #but she was also badass enough to make a murderer #and i couldn't resist #hopefully this first part was intriguing #and the second part is cheesy in all the right ways #jurdannet #jurdannet revels

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samuelfields · 7 years ago

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Happiness By Age: Stay Away From 35-60 Year Olds

Would you rather be perpetually happy for the rest of your life with no guarantee of great fortune? Or would you rather have great fortune for the rest of your life with no guarantee of ever being perpetually happy? Choosing money is obviously the answer! Just kidding.

Today if I were to rate my happiness on a scale of 1 – 10, 10 being deliriously happy, I would give myself an 8. Historically, I’d say my happiness probably fluctuated between a 5-7 during my high school years, a 7-9 in my college years, and a 6-8 in my 20s and early 30s.

High school was stressful because I knew so much of my future was riding on getting good grades and SAT scores. Combine academic pressure with athletic demands and peer pressure to be “cool,” I wonder why more kids don’t fall into the deep end, especially with absentee parents working all the time.

College was pretty exhilarating due to all the sudden freedom. Food was plentiful and the parties outrageously fun. Being able to date so many people was a blast. Oh yeah, and learning new subjects was a nice benefit too. The only real pressure came from the expectation of finding a good job. Spending four years of time and lots of money only to end up with nothing would be a great disappointment.

The relief of actually getting a full-time job catapulted my happiness to a 9. But the happiness didn’t last due to the 70+ hour work weeks. Getting in before sunrise and leaving after sunset got depressing after a while. My happiness tumbled to a 6 when I realized all my work in college had led to one big endless grind.

Even a generous promotion at age 27 only made me a 9 level happy for a couple months. Then it was back to being a whipping boy for clients and playing corporate politics. By 2011, my happiness again dropped to a 6. The financial crisis had taken its toll and I was tired of doing the same crap.

It was in October 2011 while drinking an overpriced Mythos beer at the top of Santorini, Greece that my happiness rocketed to a 10. I was overlooking the crater on a sunny 78 degree day and had just earned $1,200 via Paypal from an advertising client in the span of 30 minutes. It wasn’t the money that made me happy, it was the realization that I found a way out from prison.

Then Happiness Came Tumbling Down

Ever since I engineered my layoff in 2012 at the age of 34, my happiness level has stayed between 7-8, with only brief moments of 9-10. I attribute my happiness to an incredible wife, the growth of Financial Samurai, good health, and a bull market. But one day my happiness took a tumble, and it stayed around a 5 for about three weeks.

What happened?

During these three weeks, I experienced tremendous lower back pain – pain I hadn’t suffered in over 15 years. Online, I was being judged by non-parents regarding my insurance plan for my son’s future. Offline, I was tired because I stubbornly kept a rigorous posting schedule despite now being a full-time dad between 8am – 10pm every day since birth. Heck, even in the United States working parents get 1-3 months of parental leave.

As any rational person would do, I began to researching whether something was wrong with me. Here are some interesting charts on happiness and age I found. Can you see any patterns?

American Survey

Well what do you know. At the age of 40, I’m in the beginning stages of “the trough of unhappiness.” In America, we experience a dip in happiness between the ages of 35 – 60. Even in the European Union, where many of the happiest countries in the world are located, there’s a trough of happiness between 35 – 60. If you can live past 60, the good thing is that happiness generally improves until death.

The only country where you don’t want to live is Russia, where from birth happiness is on a continuous decline! No wonder why the Russians meddled with the election and now control American politics. They wanted out of the motherland after realizing how good we’ve got it.

What Happens Between The Age Of 35 – 60 To Cause Unhappiness?

You would think that being financially independent at 40, owning a sustainable lifestyle business, receiving regular positive feedback from readers, and having a family would give me maximum happiness. But it has not due to three main reasons:

1) Hedonic adaptation. The beautiful thing about the human spirit is that even in dire situations, we have the ability to keep hope alive. At the same time, even if you have every thing you want, the happiness boost never lasts long. We always revert back to our steady state of happiness over the long term.

Think about all the good things that have happened to you: getting into college, getting a job, getting a promotion, getting a raise, finding a partner, finally feeling rich, buying your dream home, having a baby, making a best friend etc. Each event might give you a 1 or 2 point boost, but sooner or later, the boost will fade as responsibility kicks in. It’s kind of sad really.

2) Sandwiched in the middle. As a new father, I feel the strains of taking care of my little one. His mom and I are his guardian, physical therapist, educator, and caretaker all-in-one. At the same time, our parents are over 70, and they can no longer walk, climb stairs, drive, remember, and think as they once did. Folks between the age of 35 – 60 are dealing with the responsibility of caring for two generations, while usually also managing their careers. Financial strain may come into play due to the cost of healthcare, day care, and assisted-living care.

Our stress comes from being 5+ hours away by plane from both sets of parents. We worry about basic things like whether they’ll be able to safely maneuver the stairs without falling. It would be amazing if they all came to the Bay Area so we can check in on them every week. But they are set in their ways, so it’s up to us to move as soon as our son can become a little more independent.

3) Health. After turning 40 I suffered back pain for the first time since my 20s, sprained my left ankle playing tennis, and tore muscles in both quadriceps playing softball. What the hell? The left ankle sprain happened even though I was wearing an ankle brace. We were 2 hours, 10 minutes into a match when I went the wrong way guessing for an overhead smash. Both quads were strained because I had not properly warmed up. I hadn’t gone from a standing position to a full sprint after hitting a ball in over a decade.

Our bodies rarely keep up with our minds because most of us are no longer manual laborers. My mind is strong because I exercise it every day thanks to this site. But my body is weak because I don’t work out, don’t stretch, and only play a sport at most three times a week. Nothing is worse than being injured or sick, especially when it rarely happens.

Money Is Just One Part Of Happiness

To be a truly holistic site that helps people, going forward, it’s important Financial Samurai focuses more on Relationships and Health instead of just wealth creation. After all, we can have all the money in the world and it will mean nothing if we don’t feel good and have nobody to share it with.

Let’s optimize for happiness by building incredible friendships, staying in great shape, and building passive income so we have the freedom to choose our lives.

The next time a 35 – 60 year old makes you feel bad, give them a pass, including myself. And if you want to really get a happiness boost, find some 70+ year olds to hang out with. They might even teach you a thing or two about living a wonderful life.

Readers, what is your happiness level between 1-10? When were you the happiest and least happiest in your life? For those over the age of 60, has your happiness level improved? Why do you think happiness levels improve the closer we come to death? Thanks to hedonic adaptation, I’ve recovered back to an 8. If you’re interested in audio versions, you can subscribe to my iTunes channel here.

https://www.financialsamurai.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Happiness-By-Age_-Stay-Away-From-35-60-Year-Olds.m4a

The post Happiness By Age: Stay Away From 35-60 Year Olds appeared first on Financial Samurai.

from Finance https://www.financialsamurai.com/happiness-age-stay-away-people-ages-35-60/ via http://www.rssmix.com/

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ronaldmrashid · 7 years ago

Text

Happiness By Age: Stay Away From 35-60 Year Olds

Then Happiness Came Tumbling Down

What happened?

As any rational person would do, I began researching whether something was wrong with me. Here are some interesting charts on happiness and age I found. Can you see any patterns?

American Survey

What Happens Between The Age Of 35 – 60 To Cause Unhappiness?

Money Is Just One Part Of Happiness

Let’s optimize for happiness by building incredible friendships, staying in great shape, and building passive income so we have the freedom to choose our lives.

https://www.financialsamurai.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Happiness-By-Age_-Stay-Away-From-35-60-Year-Olds.m4a

The post Happiness By Age: Stay Away From 35-60 Year Olds appeared first on Financial Samurai.

from https://www.financialsamurai.com/happiness-age-stay-away-people-ages-35-60/

#Financial Samurai

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iliassb2018 · 7 years ago

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The Castles of Santorini

Santorini

During the Byzantine periods and later during the Venetian Empire (1207-1580 AD), the Aegean coast suffered from constant attacks by pirates. The only solution for the islanders was to move to higher ground and steep and fortify them. As a result, they built castles with fully equipped observation posts so that they could be notified at the time of the invasion. These are the famous castles (kastelia) of Santorini. Built and ruled by the Venetians under the feudal system. They have not only been safe places of life, but also places of prosperity, religious tolerance and freedom. The feudal lords lived in "Goulas", which were fortified buildings that served as defensive fortresses and deposits. A church was built at the entrance of each castle (kasteli). The 5 castles (Kastelia) Santorini are: the rock of Skaros, the castle (Kasteli) of Pyrgos, the tower (Pyrgos) Niborio of the castle and the tower of Akrotiri and Kasteli of Oia. The rock of Skaros: the fortress Skaros was originally known as "the upper fortress" or "the Roka". It was built in Byzantine times by the Venetians and was undoubtedly the most important of the 5 castles on the island. It was settled in the Middle Ages and enclosed a large colony. Skaros was the capital of Santorini until the early eighteenth century. Today, even if the rock of Skaros is not populated, you can find a small picturesque church with a breathtaking view. Some ruins of old houses are still standing. If you visit the area, try to quietly observe the surroundings and for a few seconds, you will feel as if you have been transported in time for the glory days of the old Skaros routing. The castle of Pyrgos It is another important castle of the island with an extraordinary past and a magnificent view. Underneath this castle, underground galleries were built. Their goal was to be used by locals if they needed to hide or escape in case of invasion. Pyrgos became the capital of Santorini in the mid-18th century. The tower of Niborio - the "Goulas" It is constituted by a building that probably was constructed in century XV and is located in the north part of the island. Today, there are still some sections of the old building that proudly overlook the sublime view of the area. The castle and tower (Pyrgos) of Akrotiri - the "Goulas" This castle also flourished in the Middle Ages. It was named "La Ponta". In the middle of the colony were the "Goulas" of Akrotiri. The "Goulas" was in excellent condition until the earthquake of 1956 during which it suffered great damage. His strong defensive position allowed the Venetian family who directed him to keep him under his protection for a long time blocking any kind of invasion. The castle of Oia In the Middle Ages, one of the largest castles on the island was in Oia. At that time it was called the kasteli of Agios Nikolaos (the castle of St. Nicholas). Unfortunately, this castle has also suffered significant damage during the 1956 earthquake and many of the buildings have been submerged in the sea. Today, Oia Quarter Castle is probably the favorite place of all visitors who come to admire the most beautiful show on earth. The famous Santorini sunset.

http://ift.tt/2lrzRht Castles of Santorini Travels from hellolife17 http://ift.tt/2zPxHdS via IFTTT

#Travels

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topthingz · 7 years ago

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New Post has been published on TopThingz

New Post has been published on http://www.topthingz.com/top-10-most-beautiful-countries-to-visit-in-europe/

Top 10 Most Beautiful Countries to Visit in Europe

Europe – The most Beautiful Countries to visit in the world in Europe no other place like it, its fabulous monuments reveal one layer of history after another and its breathtaking natural scenery couldn’t be more diverse from wild to elegant and more.

10- Austria.

Austria, the land of Mozart and waltz, is a medley of sparkling alpine lakes, majestic mountains, and elegant cities, with a rich cultural heritage and one of the highest living standards in the world And while the capital steals the show with its imperial grandeur, world-class art, and Alluring café culture, there’s much more to this small landlocked country than Vienna. Fantastic skiing awaits in Innsbruck, Kitzbühel , and St Anton; dozens of fairy-tale castles dot the wonderful mountainous landscape, and twinkling blue lakes make for memorable outdoor pursuits And then, of course, there’s the beautiful baroque city of Salzburg, set against a glorious backdrop and still under the magic of The Sound of Music.

9- Scotland.

Scotland’s dramatic scenery spans lush woodlands, stunning lochs, rugged coastlines, and green rolling hills topped with crumbling castles Home to the famous Eilean Donan Castle and one of Europe’s greatest wilderness areas, the Scottish Highlands are probably the country’s most evocative region, one characterized by an amazing history and even more amazing landscapes The fabled Loch Ness and Scotland’s largest national park are also here, and so are epic battlefields, breathtaking beaches, and misty, magical mountains, Equally spectacular, the Isle of Skye is famous for its astounding sea cliffs and dramatic Cuillin mountain range; Edinburgh celebrates its rich past with remarkable monuments, inspiring architecture, and a calendar chock-full of cultural festivals, and Glasgow pairs its vibrant music scene with award-winning museums and Victorian splendor like no other city in Britain.

8- Turkey.

An insane mix of cultures and colors, sandy beaches and vibrant bazaars, whimsical mountains and marvelous ancient ruins – this is Turkey, a country you’ll never forget Here, at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Roman theaters coexist with mosques and modern shopping malls, and some of the best historic sites in the world share the landscape with natural wonders such as the blue terraced pools of Pamukkale or the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, Brimming with art, culture, and history, Istanbul is one of the planet’s greatest cities, and the Turquoise Coast, with its fine sands and stunning blue lagoons, is a paradise for sailors, swimmers, and sun worshippers, Locals are friendly, the food is to die for, and whatever type of vacation you’re looking for possibilities are endless in Turkey.

7- Iceland.

Iceland’s blue bubbling geysers, rugged lava fields, and spectacular glaciers create a visual spectacle that seems out of this world, Natural splendor aside, the Land of Fire and Ice is also home to one of the world’s quirkiest nations, with warm, creative, and forward-thinking residents with a strong sense of national pride, This is particularly reflected in Reykjavik’s thriving cultural scene and buzzing nightlife, Iceland’s funky capital is bursting with festivals, art galleries, and stylish bars, while off shore, whale watching excursions are offered year-round, Don’t leave the country without taking a tour around the Golden Circle or bathing in the famous Blue Lagoon, a gigantic geothermal spa on the south-west coast of Iceland.

6- Greece.

Whether it’s the grandeur of its ancient sites, the sublime sunsets of Santorini, or the astonishing cliff top monasteries of Meteora, Greece leaves a long-lasting impression on its visitors. Athens is teeming with remarkable ancient monuments; the country’s mountainous interior is dotted with charming, unspoilt villages and archaeological treasures that span four millennia, and the islands speckled in the surrounding seas range from the culture-rich Dodecanese to the postcard-perfect Cyclades, with their cubic, whitewashed villages and dramatic Aegean views For nature lovers, Olympus National Park offers a plethora of outdoor activities and is home to Greece’s highest mountain, where the ancient Gods once lived, according to the Greek Mythology.

5- Croatia.

From ancient walled towns to gorgeous beaches framed by sparkling blue waters, there’s nothing you can’t find in Croatia, a land of great natural beauty and astounding cultural heritage Although modest in size, the small Central European country abounds in notable historic sites and national parks packed with dense forests, striking waterfalls, and unbelievably beautiful lakes Two such places are the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes and the unique Kornati archipelago, with its 140 pristine islands surrounded by crystal-clear azure seas Split and Dubrovnik, Croatia’s main cities, are overflowing with cultural treasures and architectural splendor, while the chic Adriatic town of Hvar on the Dalmatian island with the same name attracts well-heeled fashionistas and celebrities from around the world with its mix of marble streets, Gothic palaces, sleek restaurants, and cool party vibe Don’t miss the majestic Diocletian’s Palace in the heart of Split or the ancient city walls of Dubrovnik.

4- France.

Seductive, melodious France has something for everyone, from the glitzy resorts along the sun-drenched Cote d’Azur to charming bistros and priceless art in Paris, pretty hilltop villages in Provence, and fabulous skiing in the Alps And then there’s the wine and cheese, the art de vivre, and the rich history that surrounds you here Much of the country’s beauty comes from the diversity of its landscape, but it also derives from its exclusive haute couture scene and remarkable architectural heritage, which includes everything from stunning Gothic cathedrals and Romanesque churches to splendid Renaissance chateaux and striking Art Nouveau jewels.

3- Norway.

Deep, striking fjords, rugged coastal mountains, and glaciers that take your breath away – all contribute to the epic natural beauty of Norway The nation’s unique landscape and wildlife are protected by spectacular national parks, and its handful of cities are teeming with Scandinavian sophistication The northern part of Norway lies within the Arctic Circle, so the midnight sun and aurora borealis add to the drama of this remote and magnificent country, Here and there, a quaint wooden village brings a touch of life to the wild scenery, while reindeers and polar bears roam the staggering ice fields of the Svalbard archipelago.

2- Italy.

Maybe it’s the sweeping romance of the Tuscan countryside, the haunting beauty of the Amalfi Coast, or the excitement of being surrounded by so much art, culture, and history, but there’s something about Italy that just warms your soul and puts a smile on your face. It could, of course, be the divine food, the courteous, well-dressed Italians, or the pleasure of doing nothing, but this country looks and feels so damn good it’s impossible not to fall for its charms, Rome celebrates its magnificent past with stunning museums and ruins of the world’s greatest empire; Venice enchants visitors with its meandering canals and fabulous marble palazzos; Florence is brimming with inestimable Renaissance art, and the Italian lakes ooze timeless sophistication with their postcard-perfect landscapes, pastel-colored waterfront towns, and sumptuous villas surrounded by immaculately groomed gardens.

1- Spain.

During my travels throughout Europe, I had the opportunity to discover some truly amazing places, but no other country made me feel more alive and inspired than Spain, with its monumental cities, dazzling costas, and gloriously laid-back way of life And it’s not just vibrant, colorful Barcelona or the royal splendor of Madrid that keep calling me back over and over again, but also the irresistible charm of sunny Seville, the Moorish grandeur of the Alhambra in Granada and the frozen-in-time villages of Spain’s lesser-known autonomous communities Some countries are full of character and man-made architectural wonders, others have nature on their side, Spain excels in each and every one of them offering travelers a wealth of natural beauty along with a fascinating history and a cultural scene that’s both deep and authentic as well as creative and innovative.

Quirky festivals keep the old traditions alive; Gaudi’s masterpieces stand side by side with contemporary art galleries on the charismatic streets of Barcelona, and Romanesque churches dot the green north of the country, there are 44 World Heritage Sites in Spain, including astonishing Roman ruins, gorgeously preserved old towns, and unique national parks resplendent with rare flora and fauna. Add to all these the soul-stirring scenery of Mallorca, the otherworldly volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands, the rugged beauty of the Pyrenees, and Ibiza’s exquisite mix of quaintness, blue waters, and high-end hedonism and you have the most passionate, captivating and beautiful country in Europe.

#Beautiful Europe #Most Beautiful Countries in Europe #Visit Austria #Visit Croatia #Visit France #Visit Greece #Visit Iceland #Visit Italy #Visit Norway #Visit Scotland #Visit Spain #Visit to Europe #Visit Turkey

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