"Dewitt, get up." Booker didn't move. His friends attempted to get him moving since they were leaving, but as they suspected, he wouldn't get up easily. So, they had to drag him out of the bar much to their annoyance and back to his apartment. This drew attention from most of the city folks. Once they got to the apartment and reached the door of his room, they knocked, hoping someone was there to help settle him down in bed. To their surprise, it was Elizabeth.
"Let me guess, he got drunk and wouldn't get up, did he?" The guys answered her question, much to her dismay. She and the guys helped him get to the bed. Once they were done, they decided to go back to their lives in New York, leaving Elizabeth. Once he waked up, he was going to see an angry, ticked off Elizabeth. She basically grabbed a chair and decided to sit near him until he waked up. Time and time went on until it had finally reached morning. Booker finally waked up, hoping he would be greeted to at least a happy Elizabeth. Instead, it was the complete opposite.
"Did I do something wrong?" He asked. "Yes, yes you did. You had to go and get drunk." She said sternly
"Elizabeth, it was just one night."
"Did you over gambled?"
"No, of course not."
"Oh really, because I think you did."
"Elizabeth, I didn't. I swear."
"Why should I believe you?"
"What's wrong of you? You're acting paranoid now."
"Paranoid. I'm not being paranoid, Booker. I'm questioning what you did."
"I told you, I didn't do anything."
"Are you sure? Are you absolutely sure?"
"Yes! For the last time. Now calm down already."
"Calm down? You do not tell a woman who's upset to calm down, Booker. I'm upset. This is the 5th time you had to be drag here. I'm upset because you always end up getting drunk and I'm tired of having to carry you to bed. It just annoys me that I have to do it. I just wish you could learn how to do it yourself. I feel.. used. I don't just want to be a servant." A single tear rolled down off Elizabeth's cheeks. Booker approaches her.
"Elizabeth, it's okay. I'm sorry for doing that to you. The reason why I just go out and drink is because... well...you ever feel you want to forget the horrible things that you done. That is why most us men drink. To soothe and numb the pain. It is also what keeps us from killing ourselves with a bullet in the head." This sends some shock to Elizabeth, who still barely knows what happens in the world unlike her fantasy world. One that probably doesn't even exist.
"You wouldn't kill yourself, would you Booker?" Booker looks at Elizabeth to see that there was worry on her face. He wouldn't just break it to her. It would destroy her innocence and even her heart.
"Of course not. I wouldn't leave you alone." This sent Elizabeth a smile. Booker dodge the bullet on that one.
"I know the things you have gone through, but I'm here for you, okay?"
"I know. You know, that's what I like about you. You and that smart brain of yours." Elizabeth giggled and pushed him a little bit. "Elizabeth, you mind turning on the radio?"
"Sure." The radio is turned on and Elizabeth goes to make Breakfast. One addition they got was an stove. Cheap, but at least still works. Mainly on Booker's salary, which Elizabeth complains about. Even thought it was annoying, he got used to it.
"Hello listeners of New York. Today is a great day. Why you asked? Because today we are offering a special gift for two young couples. I mean, any couple. Young and old. We will have a special event held at Fink Factories, the best place to work if you're low on cash. This event will be held by Benjamin Fink, and this event will help get new upgrades to machinery wearing out already. So be there to support our cause." The radio continues to talk about other news. Nothing too important.
"Hey Elizabeth, can we-" Before he could finish, Elizabeth spoke up. "No. We're not gambling for some prize they have."
"Come on. Just one time."
"No, and I will stick to my choice. There is nothing else that would want me to go to those factories."
"Also, rumor has it that the prize for today's lotteries include 10,000 dollars and a special view of the most finest apartment in New York City." After the radio has stated the rumor, Booker looked back at Elizabeth.
"Okay, fine. We will go to the raffle but just this one time, Booker."
"Alright. So things are going my way."
"If things go wrong, I'll hit you with a pan."
"If you say so."
After the talk, the two went out. Elizabeth had already explored New York before, so she knew most of the place by now. Usually when she was doing that, many guys look at a girl like her and in their minds wanted to sleep with her. Of course, Booker was not going to let them take advantage of her like that. She was still young. Fink Factories have been seen before, but it was not the best. Basically, the factories were not well clean even though they have cleaners. What's surprising is that children work there. They were lucky they didn't die, but some did injured. Elizabeth once met a boy from the factories who lost his arm to the machinery. Booker does not understand how come this Fink person isn't getting a lawsuit. Maybe he got away with it somehow, but how. Another concerning matter is the smoke it is producing. When she first visited, Elizabeth cough at least most of the time. Probably not good for her health. Booker, alarmed by this, told her to steer away from the area. Of course, when he said that, she got upset because it was like she was a child, but she lost steam when it had reached the weekend thankfully. This is the day they made a exception. Since they couldn't a car, again Booker, they had to take a walk there. It was only miles away. Bad for Booker but Good for Elizabeth. Booker had seen her be hyperactive. He wonders if something could even slow her down. They walked down the sidewalks and ended up in the city, filled with life and thriving with businesses. As they are walking, some of the men stopped and took a good look at Elizabeth. Somehow, this made them smirk and Booker did not like it. They're probably imagining something dirty in their mind. So, he gives them his best death glare, which made them feared him. No way they were getting off that easy. Elizabeth, however, did not see this and this was good. She needed to live her life the way she wanted. Not the life she was forced into in Columbia, filled with darkness and evil, nothing but a beast that swallows the innocence below. Let her live in her fantasy world. It's probably better than the one in Columbia. It didn't take long until they have reached the gate of Fink Factories. Outside the gates seem to be a stage set up for this event. Another thing that is astonishing is that many people were there also. Man, these people must be desperate.
"Ladies and gentleman, my name is Benjamin Fink, brother of Albert Fink and Jeremiah Fink, who's soul now linger in the skies, as they chose to leave on that city in the sky instead of staying in our union. What do I say to them? Shame on them for abandoning their own country like that. Shame on Columbia for turning their back on our proud country and seceding. Whatever happened, I still honor my brothers no matter the cost. I now introduce you my fellow supporters the 1912 New York Raffle." The crowd cheered. The raffle had just began. One thing that made Booker nervous were the balls. When he came across The Raffle in Columbia, he chose the number 77 and it got him almost caught by the police. Something tells him that the number could appear again as a second chance. He did not like that.
"Mister, mister." Booker looked at the center to see a young woman in suggestive clothing shouting his name. It looked like she was handing out the balls for the raffle. He and Elizabeth approached her.
"Yeah, what is it?" Booker asked. "Why don't you know silly, you have to pick a ball. Remember, I'm rooting for you." The woman said. Booker noticed what she was trying to do.
"I have no interest with you, you know."
"Really? You would pick this regular, boring girl over a woman seeking excitement and thrills." She said, pointing at Elizabeth and even berating her.
"Excuse me?!" Elizabeth said, questioning the woman. "Sorry dear, but you're are just lacking spirit and adventure."
"Oh, I'll show you spirit." Before she could do anything to the woman making fun of her, Booker stepped in and stopped her before it all broke loose. The two of them picked a ball and went to see who would win the raffle. Elizabeth hoped they would win, because she wanted a nice fancy house instead of one that is not even decent. Booker hoped this would make Elizabeth happy. He knew Elizabeth wanted something better than a man who owned a decaying room with only a few things added. All there is is two beds that are only mattresses, a desk with other items on it, and windows that didn't even have windows, but wooden boards covering it. He hoped that this would get them better living conditions.
"Booker?" Booker turned around to see that it was one of his war buddies. It was Nathan and with him, his wife, Martha.
"Nathan, what brings you here."
"Same as you."
"You want to win some money?"
"Yep. I also in it to get that apartment."
"Why?"
"We could use it for when our kids need a place to crash when he's at college."
"No way. You're not getting it."
"Why?"
"Because I'm getting it."
"For who? You or your little girlfriend right there."
"Elizabeth's not my... She's a friend, got it?"
"Whatever you say, corporal. I'm still winning. 25 has been my lucky number since I started playing cards the first time. What's yours and Elizabeth's" Booker and Elizabeth first take a look at the number. Let's just say, Booker did not like the number he got since it brought back memories he wished he had forgotten.
"77. I got 77."
"What's wrong with 77?"
"I rather not talk about it."
"If you say so, brother. Come on Martha, let's go find some of the guys here." The two couple walked away, leaving Booker and Elizabeth. Elizabeth decides to get an answer from Dewitt. Why didn't he like the number he got.
"77? What's wrong with it?" She asked. "Elizabeth, you remember the 1912 raffle? At least heard of it?"
"I did. Why?"
"When I got the number 77, the prize for it was to throw a ball at those interracial couple. The Raffle was hosted by Jeremiah Fink himself."
"I remember. We met those two at Battleship Bay."
"Yeah. Anyway, when I try to throw the ball at that Fink bastard, a cop saw the mark of the False Shepherd."
"And so began your crazy adventure."
"You got it right. Let's just hope something like that doesn't happen again."
"Getting arrested by the cops?"
"No, something bad happening."
"The winner of the 1912 New York Raffle is... number 77!" Shouted Benjamin Fink. "Great. What are the odds." Booker said with great disappointment. He and Elizabeth walked up to the stage to be greeted by the great Fink himself.
"My, looks like this gentleman and his fellow lady friend won this year's raffle. Why else would this young, pretty lady win the raffle. Isn't this the prettiest young girl in New York." The men in the crowd cheered. This reaction cause Elizabeth to blush, completely feeling embarrassed from all of this. Benjamin even gave her a kiss on the hand, even making her both blush more and even giggle. Of course, Booker did not like this and was going to have to whack Benjamin's jaw if he had to. All was going fine until one man in the crowd angrily shouted.
"Hey guys, how come we're cheering for this girl and her man. They are taking our money and apartment away from us. Are we going to let them do that?" In the matter of seconds, the crowd suddenly started to become hostile. Not good. It's a good thing Benjamin hired cops to make sure not all hell broke loose. At least for now. The two attempt to try and sneak away to avoid stirring up the hornet's nest, but a man who notices them rats them out almost immediately. The crowd unleash themselves and tries to grab the ball away from them. Booker and Elizabeth ran while the angry crowd chased them. However, the police force came in time and stopped the crowd. Though it may work temporarily, it could give the two enough time to escape. They ran into an alley and went in, hopefully losing the mob.
"That was close." Elizabeth said panting, trying to at least catch her breath. "You're right about that."
"Is this the type of mob you had to deal with in the agency with the Pinks."
"Har har. Very funny, Elizabeth." Elizabeth herself giggled. Booker gazed at her beautiful face while trying to ignore her cute giggling. She looked into her beautiful blue eyes, her bright ruby rips, and that angelic, creamy, white skin. They both move in close to each other, almost reaching the surface of their lips when something interrupts the their moment. A phone call. Booker looks to his left to see a wall phone. He goes to answer the call.
"Hello?"
"Why hello, Mr. Dewitt."
"How do you know my name?"
"Allow me to introduce myself. I believe you know me as Benjamin Fink, founder of Fink Factories."
"Yeah. I saw you up on stage a minute ago before the crowd turned into a frenzy. How do you know my name though? I never told you."
"A friend went up to me and asked where you were. He mentioned your name."
"Is his name by the chance Nate?"
"Yes, my dear sir. Short for Nathan."
"Great. Now, what about the prize we were promised?"
"Oh, that. Let's discuss it over some coffee, shall we?"
"You have got to be kidding me?"
"Well, Dewitt, if you don't want your prize, I can always give it to the fellow who mentioned your name." Booker sighed. He knew he wanted the prize. "Fine. Me and Elizabeth will meet you at the cafe, but which one?
"Look up a cafe called Uncle Sam's Patriot Cafe."
"That is a fine name for Americans, right?"
"You darn right, my dear boy. See you soon." The phone hanged up and Booker immediately turns back to Elizabeth, who seems to be smiling.
"What are you smiling about?" He asked her. "Are we going to a cafe? For real?"
"Yeah. Why are you excited about it?"
"I always wanted to visit a cafe. You know, have a cup of coffee or two?"
"You sure you don't want to stick with tea?"
"Booker, I only drink it to relieve my stress."
"From what?"
"From your annoyance by gambling and drinking."
"Okay, now I regret asking."
"One thing though."
"What?"
"I don't mean to intrude in your discussion, but when you were talking with Nathan, why did you say I was not your girlfriend?" This question flustered Booker. Now he found himself stuck in an awkward position. Not a great place to be in, and it was all his fault for that.
"Aren't we a couple?" Elizabeth asking Booker once again. "Well... I..." Booker tries to get an answer out, but he couldn't. It was stuck inside him.
"Did you and Nathan made a bet or what?"
"Kind of."
"Wait, what?!"
"Okay, after well my life was going down after the gambling and I became a widower, Nathan made a bet with me. He said if I managed to find a girl who would eventually become my girlfriend, well I would owe him 40 dollars, and now looks like I lost the bet. What do you think?' Elizabeth slaps Booker .
"Ow! Okay, I deserved that."
"You took advantage of me!"
"Elizabeth, look, I did not."
"I am just some kind of bargaining chip you can use?!"
"Of course not. To be honest, I forgot the bet when I came to Columbia for you. Even if I did win or lose the bet, I still care about you. I'm not considering you some kind of chip."
"You promise that?"
"I do. Now, don't we have a cafe to go to?"
"Sure. Mind escorting me, Mr. Dewitt?"
"Why sure, miss Elizabeth." The two giggled as they walk into the busy streets of New York with hand in hand. This provides Booker with an advantage, as this would tell every stalker who wants Elizabeth that she was already with someone else. He couldn't just do it with Nathan. As much as he loved Elizabeth, he was not giving that guy money, especially 40 dollars. The pair walked through the city life in New York. Pretty impressive, but Elizabeth's mind, she thinks Paris was better. It probably doesn't have dirty places like in New York.
Elizabeth at one time came across a part of New York that was all filled with trash and garbage, not nice and clean. The people there pretty much ignored the young girl. One point, she found her skirt being tugged by a little boy who was hungry. She gave him some bread that she had leftover. Although, feelings like that could make her an easy target. When she tries to leave the area, two hungry man stopped and marvel in her beauty. They asked if she had any money or food. She said no and tries to move on when the two pull a gun on her. When she tries to run, a third man grabs her from behind. The trio dragged her into a dark alley.
"Well boys, look likes we found ourselves an entertainment." At first, Elizabeth did not know what they meant until one of the man reaches her skirt. She struggles to get out, but the guy holding her had strong, buff muscles. Elizabeth had to resort to kicking the guy in the testies and hit the guy holding her hostage with her elbow, hurting his eye. She ran out the alley and just in case, grabbed the gun before she did. The young girl ran to get out, trying to avoid their sight, but then she had ran into a wall. No way out now. The trio were closing in on her. Only way to escape is the way back.
"Oh you got to be kidding! A cliché now. This can't be happening." The trio has finally came across her. Now there was no where to run now. She aims the gun at the thugs who want to have their way with her.
"Oh right, girly. Just drop the gun and nobody gets hurt much." One of the men said, his companion was also aiming a gun at her. The brute did nothing but just watched as the events are about to unfold.
"Don't worry, Chris, this lad wouldn't bother to shoot us. She's too scrawny and innocent to murder someone. Game's over, lass. Hand me friend back the gun and I won't be afraid to shoot you in those precious knees of yours."
"No, I won't. You men are animals." Elizabeth stated in anger. "Fine then. Well Chris, feel like necrophilia?" Elizabeth was a book worm and she knew what that word meant. There is no way she would let them have sex with her dead corpse. She finally decided to shoot him, but it was gruesome. She had shot him in the neck and the armed man fell to the ground.
"Scott! Scott! Stay with me!" Chris and the brute ran over to his body to see if he was alright. He was still alive and breathing, but not for long. To escape the horrors, Elizabeth ran off to find a safe haven or even Booker. She did it and carried the gun with her. To make sure she did not get any looks, she concealed the gun in her arms to make sure no police would wonder why a girl like her had herself armed. She didn't want to go back to the apartment since she worried that they might find her there and she would be all alone. She ran to the bar where Booker had decided to stop for a drink. When she had entered the bar, it was loud and made some of the fellas look. She looked to see Booker was there sitting in a chair, still drinking. Elizabeth ran to his side, shaking his shoulder, making him almost choke on the alcohol.
"Elizabeth, what's going on?" Booker looked to see that Elizabeth had a gun wrapped in her arms, alarming the ex Pinkerton.
"Are you okay? Did someone try to hurt you?"
"I'm okay, Booker. I was just walking around and then these three men dragged me into an alley and they tried to have their way with me. Then, I tried to escape, but they cornered me. They wanted to even do me when I was dead. I didn't know what happened."
"What happened?"
"I... I shot him. I didn't want to. He wanted to kill me."
"Elizabeth, sit down. Let's just talk about it." Booker, in their chat, tried to console her. This reminded them about what she had done to Daisy Fitzroy. Elizabeth's hand was covered in her blood, like Booker's with the many Indians he had killed at Wounded Knee. He didn't know if it was possible for a innocent girl like her to have her past erase with a dunk in a water. Maybe it could be. Maybe the lord can give her a chance. It was already too late for a soldier like him. After their little chat, Booker brought Elizabeth home where she could have some comfort and forgot about the day she had just had. He just hope next week would be better for her. Looks like he was right about that.
The two had finally made it to the cafe, where it was a well fit place. Seems to be a rush hour for the day. The cafe seemed almost full. Wonder if it had to do with the day today? Booker and Elizabeth saw Benjamin Fink, already sat down and drinking some fine Joe.
"Ah, Mr. Dewitt, I see you and your companion had finally accepted the response."
"Okay, so where's our prize you promise us?" Booker said while the both of them get seated. "Ah, dear boy, don't rush to things too soon. I just want to have a little chat first. First thing is how did the two of you met? You look like a fine couple."
"Can we please skip the question, Fink?"
"Sorry, but you have to answer it."
"Fine, but don't expect me to be happy about it. It all started as a job to retrieve her."
"Retrieve her? So she was some kind of bargaining chip or what?"
"Let me finish. Anyway, when I first came to Columbia, I had a short adventure with the locals. By that, I shot them before they shot me. When I did get myself to a Zeppelin, this man named Comstock showed up and then a woman burned herself, which is crazy. Thankfully, I got off safe and landed in Monument Island, where she was being held. When I had free her, our relationship did not go off to a good start."
"Yeah, because you said we were going to Paris, but then I found out you have lied. So, I knocked him out with a wrench and abandoned him." Fink bursts into laughter. His laugh almost awoke some of the sleepy customers.
"Why, I say, Dewitt here did deserved it."
"You're right, Mr. Fink." Elizabeth said. "Elizabeth, please." Booker, begging her to stop there.
"Okay, Dewitt, let's continue your story."
"After I got knocked out by a wrench, I helped a revolutionary who wanted equality for everyone including the colors. She gave me a task and I did it. Of course, after finishing the task, we had to get rid of her. She became mad with power and she was about to kill the boy. She was killed before she could even finish the job. One thing you should know is that Elizabeth did it, and she was shocked. She never killed anyone before. She ran and changed her clothes. While she did that, I know what she was going through. I wanted to get her out of there. So, I wanted to take her to where she wanted to go first: Paris. Better there than at Finkton. We were lucky to get out of the city alive from the blood thirsty revolutionaries, a giant bird, and a crazy prophet just before the city had collapse. We don't know what happened to the city afterward. I hope that city had sank to the ground."
"That is a remarkable story, Mr. Dewitt. One question, what happened to my dear brothers."
"I hate to be a bearer of bad news but-" Before Booker could finish his sentence, Fink knew what had happened.
"Stop there, son. I think I already know what you're about to say."
"I'm sorry for your loss."
"I don't know what to do now. I'm an only child now and my parents never even talk to me. What do I do?"
"Calm down, Fink. Don't worry about it."
"Okay, okay, okay. Now, other questions I wonder is where did you learn to shoot people when you entered Columbia?"
"Back then, I was part of the 7th Calvary Regiment."
"The 7th Calvary Regiment? I know that regiment. I heard they have fought at Little Bighorn and Wounded Knee. Tell me, what was it like?"
"Why are you asking me?"
"So maybe I can make a hero out of you yet son."
"I'm not a hero. All I am is a murderer. I opened fired on innocent men, women, and even children. I remember opening fire on this little Indian boy. After I fired on him, he just lay there dead. I at first didn't care, but when I look at his body now covered in blood and dirt, he seemed like one of those kids you would see coming home all dirtied up from playing with friends or in the fields. I even looked into his eyes to see the soul have been sucked out of them. The more I looked into it, all I could say is that he was just innocent. He shouldn't have been involved in the tragedy.. Those terrible memories stay at Wounded Knee. You call it a fight, I call it a massacre." Elizabeth only sat there shocked and even gasping while covering her mouth.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Dewitt. I shouldn't have brought that up."
"It's okay, Fink. Let's just answer more of the questions and get some more coffee."
"You sure you two don't want some now?"
"I'm sure."
"Booker, can we get some now?" Elizabeth asked, touching his hand. "Not now Elizabeth. We can-"
"Booker please." Booker try to ignore her, but then she brought out the puppy eyes. He didn't really like it when she did that. He try to ignore her and the look, but he didn't have the heart to ignore something like that. It was like a puppy wanting a bone or a ball.
"Fine. Come on." The two walked to the counter and asked the man at the counter to get them some nice hot cup of Joe. It took at least a couple minutes before they had finally received the coffee. After that, the two walked back to Fink to continue answering the questions. The apartment and money better be worth it.
"Next question, why should you two get this apartment?"
"Me and Elizabeth are living pretty much in my cruddy apartment."
"Ouch. I feel sorry for you, Ms. Elizabeth. Pretty painful to see a woman like you living with a dirty man in his dirty apartment."
"Excuse me?"
"Nothing, Mr. Dewitt."
"You better be right, or you will use your head."
"What do you two even plan to do after you get the apartment and money?"
"We thought we could settle down."
"Are you sure Dewitt? Maybe you can settle down and have a 'initiative' moment with your lady here."
"What?! Whoa, I don't want to do that!"
"Oh come on, Dewitt. Surely you can't resist a girl like her. I mean, look at that beauty. You could look at that when you're on top of her."
"Fink, stop it. Just stop right there. No more or I will throw steaming coffee down your throat and at your face."
"Calm down, calm down. Fine. Now that I think of it, you two seemed to be a fine couple of people I have met. I could give you two a job at the factory."
"No thanks. We rather stay in a clean environment."
"Fine, but I'm offering till the end. You can get the job whenever you like. Here you go." Fink hands Booker a check and a key.
"I say, you two can sure make a man like me laugh. I'll stay in touch." The man simply gave the duo a bow and walked out the cafe casually. The duo followed, but did not follow him. Now they had to find the apartment they were looking for. Looks like the two are going to have a great life with each other now. Hopefully, to forget the awful things that has happened. It was a chance for the both of them. To forget the past like it was a nightmare. Turning back on it seems like to be the only thing to do now. At least until things took to the worst.
That ends another chapter of my story. Sorry I didn't update in a while. I worked on another story and now I finally finished this. Hope you enjoyed this so far. More chapters to come.