#2
Things had been really quiet this past few days. Playboy X did send a text but no work so far. And none was heard from Elizabeta, probably laying low from the cops.
At least he could sell the Comet he got from a race with Brucie. Sports car gave some easy money if you found the perfect buyer. Gladly Niko found one and sold for a good amount.
But before the deal's done, he decided to take one-night last ride around town.
The town Algonquin was packed with a lot of things. Neighborhood, financial district, landmarks; it was what made people wanted to visit Liberty City. Back at home, Niko could only imagine from Roman's emails. Pictures of the tallest building, the Rotterdam Tower, The Triangle, so much more. He remembered showing to mother, she was ecstatic to see them, mesmerized with all of its concretes and lights glory. And now he was here, driving between the tall skyscrapers. Perhaps he should email some new pictures to mother, she would be very glad to see, to let her know he was doing great in the city.
The central district was fun but Niko's favorite place to go now would be Pier 45, though not for shopping nor seafood dining. Oversaw the water beyond, late night in here was quiet and calming; a good place to clear heavy minds away.
Niko thought back about his life now in the State. Former war hero now working his ass of just to earn money, which didn't look as bad as it sounded to be honest. Besides he had done numerous of things, dirtier as it went. A part of him wanted to get away from this criminal track, it's pretty damn tiring, physically and mentally. Boy, even great men had episodes too. But he got attached, a little too much, that he couldn't possibly imagine a life without chasing and killing. After all, it's what grew him to be the man he was now. Sounds pretty fair.
Just then he received a text from Elizabeta's associates, inviting him to come over tomorrow. Tch. So much for going back on the right side of the track.
Soon enough the next day by the time Niko arrived, Elizabeta was having really loud jokes with a couple of people. She noticed him, though, raising glass to him.
"Funny that few days ago she was freaking out after the whole cop thing. Now she drinks herself to heaven, laughing her ass off to die." Sidney leaned over the bar next to him.
"It was taken care of then?"
"Just a misfortune we had to deal with. You might realize we lay really low these past days. Sheesh, Johnny had his way towards us, but everything is under control now."
"Johnny's dead?"
"Naw, reckless as is, him and his biker bitches, he is a potential source for a deal. We just tell 'em to stay away."
Niko pointed out. "New look. Got a date?"
Sidney instinctively reached out to her now auburn hair she recently dyed. "It didn't go too well. Tough punk started disrespecting, tough punk's gotta go." she shrugged. "What's cooking, dude?"
"You tell me. Elizabeta says to be here, so I am."
"Hungry for a kill, huh? Ice!" Sid offered a bottle beer, which he waved off. "She might have something for you tho, for real."
"Nikooo! I see you've met my gal here, Sidney!" Elizabeta had swung by the bar to them. "Ey, Doncha dare mess with my gal Niko, or she'll return the favor. She's pretty good at it. Sidney here, she's the best of the best. And most importantly, she is my best."
"I'm so flattered. You sumbitch." Sidney laughed and pecked Elizabeta in the cheek. "Aight, Gotta ride, dude. Next time, yeah babe?"
"Always baby, thank you so much." Elizabeta took a sit at the stool nearby, waving Niko to come. "Ey, she might look soft but you really don't wanna mess with her."
"She looks fierce enough."
"Lemme tell you one something, man. With Sidney, I've come a long rocky road with her. Her life ain't so easy. That's what makes her strong. I mean that gal has some balls, man. More than most men." Elizabeta said. "You can say I'm very lucky to have her on my good side. Else, I be a walking dead."
"Such a lovely girl. How you two meet?"
"Some parties. Freaky party if you must know. I didn't know her at that time but I knew she was planning. So I reached out. Best decision yet."
"You know, she doesn't seem like the type to get dirty with this business?" Niko blurted out.
"Thats cuz she wasn't s'posed to. Unlike me, she was a clean canvas got tainted. But that's an advantage, right? Looks to fool." She told him. "So anyways, man. A bit of business here, Niko. Hear me out."
A simple drug deal took place downtown Dukes, which relatively a clean hood. Still, Elizabeta wanted an insurance Niko could give.
And he delivered. Easy piece.
…
"You dickhead. I said, stop gambling! Stop wasting money."
"I'm sorry NB. But I know I can win this bit. It's so close. B'sides we'll be fine. I have saved some of our money."
Niko couldn't help but groaned. "You mean my money? Shit. Selling that car was one time opportunity. Or you want me to sell you fat ass to some sex trade instead."
"Ah heh, Niko come on now. Alright I promise I won't be betting of big number."
"I want you to bet no more."
"Mallorie, baby, do you need help in the kitchen? What? Alright I'm coming."
"She is not saying anything. Don't you walk away - Roman! You such a dickhead!"
Mallorie and Roman had invited Niko to have dinner together. Ever since few days ago, Roman had moved in with Mallorie even though Niko didn't mind to share the room. Perhaps Roman had enough of constant babysitting. The feelings were mutual actually; Niko got tired of him. Mallorie could have his fat ass.
"So Niko, how's things?" Mallorie asked one all were set dining on the couch. "Honestly I rarely seen you anymore."
"Yeah, trying to get busy here and there. Unlike someone else in here," Roman only rolled his eyes. "But things are going great."
"Glad to hear. Good to know you boys are doing okay," Mallorie took a sip on the cream soup.
"Hey Mal, what you know about this woman, Sid?"
"Sidney? Oh one fierce bitch. She is awesome. Sidney is like Elizabeta's trusted commander, so to speak. Her orders strong as herself. Not many people were aware of this though. Rookies might only see her as Lizzy's pet."
"Thought so too."
"See? Yeah. She plays in the shadows, watching over everything - aye I should call her, I haven't hung out with her for a while now." Mallorie exclaimed excitedly.
"Lots of history, two of them?"
"For sure. Prison bonded them together."
"Prison? Lizzy said they met at some party?"
"Noooo. But I mean, prisoners are also up for parties, right? So you could say that. They met inside, hook up and et cetera. When out, they saw each other again and started to run the business - why you interested all the sudden?"
"Niko needs someone to warm the bed, ey NB?" Roman bantered. Instead of a laugh, he got smacked with rolled napkins.
"I've been warned about her. Playboy, Lizzy, even that muscle dimwit Brucie knows about her. So I want to make sure."
"Oh chillax about that. Sure she has a rep but guarantee she isn't a threat or a setback. I mean you could watch out, she could be a ticking time bomb. So don't rub her off. But honestly she is cool when you're cool." Mallorie said. "Hmm 's not my place to say this, she has been through a lot in the past. I mean til this day I'm not sure myself. I guess when you know, you know."
"By the way Niko, call Michelle. She misses you," Mallorie reminded him. "Or there's something going on between you two? You know you can talk to me."
"Or me." Roman piped in.
Niko shook his head. "Ey, nothing's wrong with us. Just, I don't think I can prioritize her more than I have now. But I'll make time."