part 17

(continuing from iku and A having a conversation.)

iku: (“Real tempting for sure, but it stinks to high heaven. You call me out by name, save my ass from a lot of trouble, put me on hold while you do your thing, and the second i get rid of Cray you show up.“)

A: (“I know. But I like taking this approach, it shows that I keep my word and that and that I am trusting enough to show up in person. I get how you feel, people haven’t been exactly the nicest to you. But I promise that I will make it worth your while.”)

iku: (“And what about that 60%, You really think that isn’t suspicious?“)

A: (“I know that too, but really, I just don’t need the money. Not in the same way you do. You like spending lavishly on stuff, and you have a whole hotel to take care of, not to mention getting guns. Meanwhile I already spent money on the things I need, and the money that I do spend is for information and local politics.“)

A: (“I thought that since I don’t need all that money, might as well give more to you. Look at it as an incentive, since I can’t tell you about the other thing just yet.”)

iku: (“Right.“)

A: (“… I really like your shades.”)

iku: (“What?“)

A: (“Genuinely, they add a lot to your aggressive style, it’s really nice.”)

iku: (“Thanks but where did that come from?“)

A: (“Oh I just noticed. Say, how do you keep your employees in check? Is it the shades?”)

iku: (“Ahh you’re onto me. Yeah, my eyes are scarier than my shades, I heard the talks that my guys are sayin’: Shades on - she’s fine, shades off - you’re dead.“)

A: (“Well executing someone infront of them is sure going to give you a lot of that. But are they afraid of you or do they respect you?”)

iku: (“I’d like to say both. I have a couple of people I want to hire for the night shift, young people like me. Honestly a bit stressed that the rumors that the current guys have will be told to them, I want them to respect me to the same level and not just be afraid of me, I know what that does to a gang.”)

iku: (“So you know, I’m trying to be a silent nice person, they’ll never have full conversations with me besides the necessary, but they clearly appreciate that I can give them a place to stay, Actually the reason behind the pools, I want them to have a nice time when they’re not working.“)

A: (“That’s a really nice gesture, I’m glad that’s the way you treat your people.”)

iku: (“I’ll give them what I was never given.“)

A: (“Well, I really enjoyed catching up with you, mind walking me out?”)

iku: (“Leaving already?“)

A: (“I do have stuff to take care of, but don’t worry, a couple months and we’ll be working together - a lot. So we’ll have plenty of time to talk.”)

iku walks A out of the hotel.

A: (“You take care of yourself alright?”)

iku: (“I will. Bye!“)

A waves back at iku as she leaves.

iku starts starts walking back to her room.

Receptionist: (“New associate, Boss?”)

iku: (“I consider her a friend.“)

Receptionist: (“Should I add her to the list? I never seen her before.”)

iku: (“Yeah do add her. And I haven’t seen her a lot too.“)