*Her replacement vehicle ground to a stop a short distance from the Hellhole Bar. She'd made a quick stop back at the safehouse to bandage up her stomach slice as well as her shoulder, but she hadn't bothered to wipe away the spray of Yoshida's blood that hit her in the face. She figured it would make it quicker to get past the bouncer, and a lot fewer questions that showing him what was in her backpack. Ignoring the line entirely, she stomped up to the door.* Lemme in. I'm here to see Ray. *The bouncer turned to face her, but his smart-ass remark died on his lips when he took a closer look. He simply pointed a thumb at the door and went back to holding the line. Gillian's mouth curled into a smirk as she entered the club. It was loud, dark, and smoky. With a brief pause, she scanned the crowd, and noticed Uncle Ray wasn't tending bar. With her bag hoisted to her aching shoulder, she opened the door and let herself into his office.* Hi, Ray..
---
Ray was sitting behind his desk with his old Pittsburg ball cap pulled down over his eyes, as he lay back in his worn out beat up leather chair. His feet were kicked up onto the desk, but he didn't even move from what seemed like sleep when Gillian came in. After a moment, he grunted and shifted a bit, before stretching his arms out to the side and yawning. He used a single finger to slightly pushe his cap up before he realized who was there. He grinned wide when he saw the spray patern on her face, "Well, well, howdy, honey. Seems I's right n' pickin' ya' fer 'at job. 'Ave a seat."
He gestured towards the chair opposite him with his ley hand, then continued speaking, "Shut n' lock a' door too."
---
*With a nod, she turned around, closed, and locked the door. Placing the backpack on the ground before her, she sat down and opened it up. She was tired, but pleased with herself.* I hope you didn't sleep through the show, Ray, it was quite spectacular. *Reaching into the bag, she extracted the first sheet, and laid it carefully upon his desk. When she opened the sheet, there stood Yoshida's katana and tanto blades, both still red with Gillian's and Yoshida's own blood.* I've also got his head, but I'm pretty sure you remember what he looks like.
----
Ray nodded twice before he took a cigarette from the pack of Camels he always kept in his shirt pocket. He flicked his zippo open and lit it, inhaling deeply, before saying anything, "Yeah, I 'member 'im well. I seen it all, dun'cha' worry, honey. Jus' felt like takin' a nap s'all. Well, ya can leave 'em blades n' 'is head in here. Figure I'll give 'im a burial later."
Ray reached down and pulled open the large bottom left drawer of his desk. He pulled a rather well filled old green backpack from it and sat it on the desk. He waved a hand at it then took another drag from his smoke, "It looks like alot more n' it is, honey. Small bills, ya' see. But, I reckon there's at leas' twenty gran' in there. Common place bounty on a Syndicate fucker. Ya' did good, kid. So 'at makes ya' okay in m'book. Ya' need anythin'? Any other stuff ya' wan' fer the job?" Ray grinned wide afterwards.
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*She nods to Ray.* I'll leave the bag behind. *She carefully removes the golden skull and crossbone pin from her shirt, placing it on the sheet with the bloody blades.* You might need this again. *She was going to say something else, but he stopped. He watched the fight, saw everything she did. He even thought she did well, which was quite a source of pride for Gillian, although her outward expression barely changed.* Before he died, he said the blood would continue to flow. *She leaned back in her chair, drawing a flask from her pocket and taking a long pull from the contents.* Guess that means those Syndicate fuckers will come looking for me too, now..*Tipping the flask to Uncle Ray, she started to grin.* Let 'em come. There's more tricks where those came from...
----
Ray nodded again, as he exhaled a large cloud of smoke into the air. He tilted his head back to watch it linger, " Well, I figured 'ey would, honey. Blood will continue ta' flow, fer death is who we are. 'Ats what m'brother used ta' say all a' time, back when 'e was alive. 'Ats where Yoshi got it from, though, I dun' know how. He never met Tim."
Ray shook his head, dispelling his thoughts for the moment. He then flashed her a wink and a smile, "Well, honey, 'is ol' man is right happy ta' have ya' on our side. I'm sure the Lady'll be happy wit' ya' services ta' boot. But, if 'em Syndicate assholes come fer ya', ya' be sure n' let us know. 'Cuase we'll be there in full force."
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*She smiled back at Uncle Ray* I'm glad to be here...you and Ms. Dever, I mean Lilith, seem to have some honor, unlike those fuckers I used to work for. I'll be sure to let you know of those Syndicate boys move me up on their list of things to do. *She was sure they would, but for now, she found herself at peace. She had been forced to abandon her family to protect them when she made killing her full-time job. It was kind of nice to think that she might have found people who would watch her back.* Well, Ray..you have anything you need help with, just let me know. *She took another drink from her flask and a deep breath. She was going to be quite sore in the morning, but at least she'd know she got something accomplished.*
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Ray nodded again, finaly taking his feet off the desk. Indeed, this one he was really taking a liking to. He shoved his Pittsburg cap up further, "Well, I believe ya' gotta' have some honor ta' get by in life. I mighta' killed alotta' folks, honey, but hell, 'at was on the field o' battle. Jus' like a samurai, back in the day. Ya go on over ta' Ascension Hospital, they'll fix ya' up. They're on the take over 'ere, so 'y won't give ya' no hassle."
He extended his hand, over the large green backpack that still lay there on the desk, "Ya' gonna' forget ya' pay er whut, honey? I'll see ya' soon, ya' go on now. If yer lookin' fer any work, ya' jus' come n' see ol' Ray Ray." He grinned extra wide this time. He was thoroughly pleased.
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*She chuckled at that...should have known that the Devereux family would have a doctor, but a whole hospital? She was suitably impressed. Extending her hand, she shook Uncle Ray's hand and winked.* Forget my money? This ain't my first day on the job...*She tapped the bag before hoisting it up to her shoulder.* Although I'm sure you'd do an -excellent- job of keeping it safe for me. Next time I need work, I'l come see you..just keep me in mind if you or Lilith need any help either, you hear?. *With that, she stood up, and headed toward the door.* You want me to lock it so you can take another nap? *She winked again, staying in New Orleans was becoming a better and better idea..*
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" Oh, ya' know it, honey. Ol' Uncle Ray'ld keep it all safe fer ya'.", he said, then chuckled a bit as he settled back into his chair, kicking his feet back up onto his desk. He shoved the Pittsburg cap back down over his eyes, before waving a hand towards the door, "Yeah, go on n' do 'at, honey. I ain't fealin' t'good today. If anybody out 'ere wants my ass, if ya' could do me a favor n' tell 'em ta' go over ta' Dog Man's Slaughterhouse, I'ld be mighty thankful. Take it easy, honey."
With that, he settled himself into his old worn out chair, wiggling his old body to get a more comfortable position. He grunted once or twice before he clasped his hands over hi stomach and lowered his chin to his chest.
~*~Back~*~
