Hi guys this is my first story. I thought of this a couple of weeks ago so hopefully i've been able to remember it correctly. Please read and leave a comment if you wish. I welcome constructive criticism or any thoughts or tips you may have, and i hope you enjoy the story.

Chapter 1

The tower of the lucky 38 casino shone in the distance. A glowing beacon of hope in the chaotic danger of the Mojave wasteland. Cole smiled as the familiar site grew closer and closer. He had not been to New Vegas in over a year. He had spent a lot of his time there during his regular trips from DC, enjoying the casinos and bars. He had met some good people in this seedy town, some bad ones too. The cool night air sent a chill down Coles neck and he pulled his jacket tighter around him. It was a beat up brown leather jacket he'd bought from Crazy Wolfgang a couple of years ago in Megaton. It had served him well during his many wasteland expeditions. The large metal gate to Freeside scraped against the concrete as it slid open. He stepped forward into freeside, waving off the gang of "Body guards" offering him their services. Cole had been around, the only protection he needed was Lucky. Coles trusty 357 magnum revolver hung comfortably on his belt. Lucky was a beautiful gun, jet black barrel with ornate gold etchings, as well as a polished ivory handle imprinted with a black playing card club. The word "LUCKY" was imprinted on the silver plate on the ejector tube. Lucky had gotten Cole out of more difficult situations than he could remember. The revolver had put an end to numerous raider scumbags and mutant abominations. Cole stroked the gun, out of habit, before pulling his jacket tighter and setting off towards his goal. The Kings school of impersonation.

Cole nodded to the Kings gang members leaning against the building. It had been a while, but the older members still recognised him. He had done a lot of work for the King back in the day and he had gained him a lot of respect in the gang. After all, respect is what the Kings are all about.

Pacer lounged languidly behind the desk in the school of impersonations reception area. As he saw Cole enter a smile spread across his face. "Hey look who it is! Long time no see my man." Cole smiled at pacer "Pace man its good to see you" Pacer stood from his seat and gave Cole a traditionally manly bear hug. Cole patted his back, trying to stop his ribs from being crushed. "So what brings you back to New Vegas man? Business or pleasure?" Pace asked, finally letting Cole go from his bear hug. "Erm both" Cole replied, "Is he in?" Pacer winked at Cole "Sure man he's in, go right on through, ill get your stuff ready"

Cole nodded and carried on through the reception doors into the main hall. The king sat in his usual place in the middle of the room, with a perfect view of the stage. Some ghoul comedian was performing and seemed to be going down well. "Hey King " Cole said, announcing himself to the seated man. The king turned his gel slicked head towards Cole before breaking into a grin just as Pacer had. "Cole baby good to see ya" The king exclaimed, standing to give Cole a less oppressive hug then Pace had. " Take a seat man enjoy the show"

Cole sat with the King, reaching out to stroke Rex, the Kings trusty Robot Dog. The dog licked Coles hand affectionately, the static causing his hair to stand on end. " So baby what brings you back to freeside?" The King asked, turning back towards Cole. "Unfortunately im not here on a social call King" Cole replied, still stroking Rex. "Im working a case, im here for information"

"Well spit it out baby, I know everyone around freeside" Cole exhaled slowly before explaining. " A guy back in DC upset some powerful people, im here to take him down and I know he passed through freeside a couple of days ago.

"Who's the guy and what did he do?" The King asked, intrigued at his friends predicament." His names Freddy the Bat, he murdered the wife of Frank Delaney" The King sighed and leaned back in his chair. Frank Delaney was a big time crime boss back in DC. He'd organised several protection rackets and drug operations, from Megaton all the way to Rivet City. Anyone on the wrong side of him was in some serious trouble. Freddy the bat was a small time weapons dealer with aspirations above his station. He was notorious for his short temper, and his tendency to beat people with a baseball bat, hence the name.

"Yeah I know Freddy, bought some guns from him in the past" The King replied, a solemn look on his face. "But I cant help ya Cole, im sorry. Freddie's moved up in the world, he's a powerful guy now and I cant afford to help take him down. It'd ruffle a lot of feathers around the Strip, and what with the second battle of Hoover Dam just finishing and stuff. Freeside needs to focus its energies on keeping the NCR happy. Im sorry man" Cole looked at the King, surprised at his friends lack of help. He knew freeside was unstable after the NCR kicked the Legions ass at the Dam, but this was important. "King man, you gotta help, this shits important" The king stood up, Rex standing obediently at his side "Im Sorry Cole, I cant help ya. Listen, drinks are on the house and there's always a bed here your welcome to, but apart from that your on your own buddy." The king turned to walk away up to his room before Cole blurted out behind him. "She was pregnant you know. Delaney's wife. She was pregnant and Freddy caved her skull in with a bat. Now if that aint worth ruffling a few feathers for then…then maybe your not the guy I knew all those years ago." At that the Kings head sank, he was an honourable man and he felt guilty for being so callous with his friend. "Rad Roach Mickey" He called over his shoulder. "He plays cards over at the wrangler, he'll know where Mickey is" "Thanks King" Cole called after him as he walked away, the King stopped for a second, before walking out of the door.

Cole sat in silence for a second before making his way out of the school of impersonation. Pacer stopped him before he got to the exit. " Hey Cole, I got your stuff" Pace handed Cole a vault boy lunchbox, Cole passed Pace a small bag of caps. "Thanks pace" He said, before leaving. "No problem" Pace said, as he watched his friend leave with a sad look on his face