chavezcatalina

[chavezcatalina]

Catalina was going in for a late night training session. It was a lot more interesting than going to the gym and breaking a sweat on a treadmill machine. Her earphones were loud enough that she couldn't hear her surroundings, eyes on her phone until she found herself slamming into a person. "Fuck," the brunette groaned, pulling her earphones out. "No, you're good. Dropped a bit of my pre-workout but i'll live. I'm good, you?"

what: open starter when: outside uppercut boxing when: midday, after her session

isla was walking out of the boxing gym with her head down. she one, didn't want to really be seen leaving a self defense class considering who her father was in this town. and two, wasn't expecting there to be anyone outside of the gym. her body walked right into their's with a thud. "shit-- i'm sorry." the brunette cursed, as she took a couple steps back to look at the person and distance herself. hopefully they wouldn't be too mad at her. "sorry. i'm out of it today. are you alright?"

[chavezcatalina]

The brunette looked over at him and smirked as he read the paper. "I don't think today's news is the wildest I've read of you." She spoke up, almost eager to push a few buttons or to hear about whether half the things were said were true. Not that she would hold her breath on him telling her the truth. "They say rumours are generally based on some truth."

Lifting her drink at him, she took a sip of hers. "Which would mean you've lived quite a few wild lives. It's impressive." Though politicians and the like were always a little crooked. Certainly not the most pleasant of individuals.

𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑

𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 : THE BLACK RABBIT

The weak shadow of a bitter smirk at the corner of thin lips seemed to be the only split in the meticulously orchestrated composed facade Lachlan always displayed. Icy green eyes fixed on the phone screen, too focused on the material he was reading to notice the environment around him. Placing his phone on the counter, the man took the final sip of his whiskey, being quick to ask for another Macallan shot.

“Ever read a rumor about you - so irrational, that you can’t help but ask yourself who the fuck made it up?” the deputy mayor asks the figure next to him, letting out a faint chuckle, “I wonder when I got this reputation.”

[chavezcatalina]

Cat faked a gag when he mentioned the shot because she'd tried it a few times in her early twenties and it had scarred her enough that the mere idea of it would make her react with a gag. "It's disgusting and it looks even worse than it taste which is shocking." In the past, she'd been notorious at taking multiple drinks and mixing alcohols which never settled well with her. "It's disgusting, I'm in full agreement." She shuddered. The idea of him losing control was one she'd pay to see but she doubted he'd ever let happen because of who he was. It was nice when she had to deal with so many drunken characters behind the bar, most of which were annoying. "Something like that. I guess it's complicated, isn't it?"

"Of course." He nodded graciously. "Nothing wrong with the classics, I'm glad you didn't say something too complicated, though not sure that's the right description. I'm sure there are so many different names for drinks - I think I had an old high school friend that would make this shot, it was called a Brain Hemorrhage." The base was peach schnapps and a layer of Bailey’s that quickly curdles and forms the 'floating brain'. "The aesthetic was nice and all but personally I think some things shouldn't be mixed together." He chuckled slightly. "Though I'm sure you question someone's sanity on their drink of choice. Or should if it's a little out there." His tone still light. "Yeah, I am not one to be that out of control so luckily for me." His party days were long gone, even if he was not old by any stretch. And it was a real miracle that he had stayed on the path of wild and reckless given the strict nature of his household growing up and even now to be honest. Hence his reason of moving into a new town. "I suppose there's that grey area then?"

[chavezcatalina]

"I hope so." The brunette said, knowing she liked to play that she could do no wrong and she remained on her high horse despite being no better than Gonzalo. There had been times where she'd fucked the wrong people and had to keep it a secret. "Because I think there's more to the story, especially if you're asking me." He wouldn't have asked her if it was just some type of friendship where they went out to drink from time to time. Maybe he was interested but she hoped that her reaction deterred him. "You think I'd tell you my secrets? No way." She knew better now. Her eyes rolled at him and she shook her head. "That's cute but we both know that I'd just wait for you to drop me because I'd take you to the ground. Let's not give people the right idea, your girl Esmerelda might get jealous." The name only making her thing of the movie she used to watch as a kid and she couldn't take it too seriously. The brunette nodded her head, knowing he was right and she would have made him dig his own grave. "We both know that you've got a sweet spot for me so I don't know if you can threaten me with the idea of you being pissed off." Cat teased, hitting his chest before she grabbed her jacket. "Let's get out of here."

"I know my priorities." There was no woman who could change that for the male. This life he led started when he was young. The cartel was normal for him, he knew that there had to be certain lines you never crossed and anyone outside that circle must be distanced. Anyone in their right mind knew that. He did. "Yet you're pushing for my secrets. Hypocrite - I think that is means for you to share something." Though, already assuming she wouldn't. He had just put his foot in his mouth with his own question and how it got the wheels spinning in her own mind. But too late now to take it back. However - the details of that dynamic he currently had been sharing with Esmeralda, well - he refused to go into details for that matter. "Ass kicking? Save that feisty nature for someone else. Or I'll just have to throw you over my shoulder. Let's not make a scene." The man teased, but his words weren't exactly the narrative he saw playing out. Violence was a close friend to the one next to him Gonzalo knew. Just like it was to him. Laughter left his lips upon her promise. That wasn't a threat, he knew all too well she would see it through. "Knowing you, you would make me dig my own damn grave. Rest easy I wouldn't dare say that. Well, maybe depending on if you piss me off enough." Another smirk but it wasn't factual. Least him saying that.

[chavezcatalina]

[chavezcatalina]

"I don't think you're dumb but I don't want you to think with the wrong head." She knew he wasn't that type of guy and she hoped that it was strictly a situation where they were drinking and nothing more because it made her feel uneasy that someone had easily cuddled up to them with after just a few drinks. "I rebel enough but I'm smart enough not to tell a soul about those nights." She flashed him a wink before closing off her tab and handing over her credit card for the drinks that she had paid for tonight. Far less than what she'd consumed. "I know you are but you need a bit of a ass kicking sometimes just to remind you from time to time." He actually didn't but she just liked doing it so it was more for her sake than it was for his own. Looking over at the guy, she leaned over the table hit Gonzalo's shoulder. "Then you might need to help me hide a body before I inevitably kill you for witnessing the first murder."

"If I was that dumb, I wouldn't have brought it up." Though, as each minute passed he was regretting such a decision. This is why he kept his private life to himself most times then not. Not that he was unaware of the severity of those types of things, but it was his choice. "I think you're way more strict then mi Madre. Shouldn't you be the one rebelling?" That was sarcasm considering he was the older one here. But Gonzalo knew of her intentions, the well being of their lifestyle and the cartel was the priority. He didn't disagree. "Wrong crowd huh, are you guilty by association?" A brow rose. A small smirk dwindled "I would pick our crowd then whatever fancy shit they have going on. Will you relax? Or I am going to start calling you a buzzkill. My priorities are still in tact." Feeling the need to voice that over. "Just for that, this head is going to tell that guy over there that you want him to drive your motorcycle and you can be the passenger princess." Gonzalo hit the right head of his that she spoke of with in regards to his brain. The small smirk increased at his empty threat. Well, maybe - the temptation was there as he lived for getting the conversation off of him.

[chavezcatalina]

"Catalina. That's a good answer because I would have given you a fake name otherwise." Mainly as to ensure he couldn't track her down for a payment. Looking it over, she shook her head. "Nope. I think it's the engine overheating but it's been hotter than this so I'm kind of leaning towards the battery being dead. I thought it had another year in it but seems like I was wrong. What do you think?"

His hands rub together bringing his attention to the bike, moving around to the side where he kneels down to look over the motor, looking for anything to stick out at him. His head glances up when she mentions her name. "Zeki and we can lean towards generous tonight." He looks down at the motor once more. "Did it make any weird noises when you pulled over?" He asked.

[chavezcatalina]

"I do okay with my self-confidence." Half the time there was some guy who hit on her so she didn't have to give herself much of a talk in the mirror when she was getting ready. Her sexuality and looks had been used many times to lure in someone when she had a job to do so she wasn't naive into thinking that she knew what to do to get the right attention. "But that's very nice of you." The brunette told him with a soft smile. Mainly because it was genuinely an adorable act. "I'll keep that in mind and I often go with a mojito when I'm working because I can keep my whits about me but I do love the classic coke and rum." She was a simple girl at times, even a beer would suffice at times and for those extra bad days, she went directly to the bottom of any strong bottle she could find. "The trash can is gross. I would not recommend and it's worse coming back up." Which if often did for most people. "Depends on the movie or story, but I'd like to believe that most people are nuanced, there isn't all bad and all good."

"You seem the type to hype yourself up but I'll be sure to tell you how important you are every time I come here as a gentle reminder." He smiled with that promise. Quinn was positive that at least someone should tell her, considering the craziness she saw on her shifts and the rude customers that surely followed. "Yikes, well I'm sorry you have to deal with that nonsense. If anyone asks that while I'm here - just know I can reach for things. I am not the tallest person ever but at least I am over 6 feet." 6'2 to be exact. "Can't leave you hanging then. What's your go to drink? I'm pretty sure the last time I was here some guy ordered an Irish Trash Can. Don't ever let me get that okay? I think I drink enough Red Bulls to not add alcohol into the mix with it." That just seemed like it should come with a warning label. Quinn though did chuckle afterwards. "I try to be. We all have our moments. Life's too short to be a bad guy, most of the time the good guys win right?" He joked.

[chavezcatalina]

"It's kind of hard when you're being that dumb." The brunette said as her gaze narrowed slightly. "Do it or I will talk to the both of you." It wasn't like she was their mother and they couldn't do what they wanted but Cat didn't feel like it was safe to do. Men always thought with the wrong head so maybe she had to point out how dangerous this stupid decision of theirs was and how much it could cost them. "They often are and with that comes a lot of publicity which we want to steer clear from. Last thing we need is a tabloid to say mayor's ex-wife is hanging out with the wrong crowd." She took another sip of her drink and let out a sigh. "Don't tell me this type of shit if you don't want to hear the answer. You couldn't expect me to be on board with all of that. Just make sure you're thinking with the right head."

"Will you quit judging me? Look, I'll talk with Camilo myself about it. I shouldn't have even brought it up." He should have expected the kind of reaction, even if was just brought up casually. She wasn't wrong and Gonzalo by no means had let his guard down. Enemies were around every corner, door and window. Their lifestyle had to be guarded by any means necessary. "I didn't at first, hell I don't keep up with all that gossip shit." But he was aware now, well had been. "He is just another scummy political figure. I swear they are all involved in some kind of cheating scandal. It all seems to be a rerun of Jerry Springer." He mused while shaking his head. But Gonzalo was no fool, he knew he was guilty of involving himself in it. "It doesn't matter. You don't have to worry, I know what's at risk. I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize it. You can trust me on that. You shouldn't get involved, I'll do what I have to do."

[chavezcatalina]

The brunette wasn't feeling too good about all of this, folding her arms over her chest while she looked him over. "You would't admit it." She said with a shake of her head before she looked over at him. "It doesn't sound like you and Camilo are." Dancing and drinking with a journalist was just plain stupid, especially when there were a thousand different people in this damn town. "You know who she was married to? The type of trouble that could bring if they reconciled or if she asked for some of his resources." Cat felt like they hadn't thought of anything. She put her drink down and finally pushed it aside when it didn't do anything to solve the irritation that was growing in the pit of her stomach. "How often have you seen her? How often have you hung out with her and Camilo? She could be biding your time until she gets close enough." It could be a matter of waiting until she was let into their home to wait until they slept to go through things. There was no telling what the intent was.

"Could be." He shrugged casually, already feeling the wheels in her head turning. Like she had noted before - she wouldn't tell him who she spent her time with, he wasn't going to elaborate the kind of dynamic that him and the other woman currently were sharing. "When did I ever think you were pretty?" He smirked. Now that was sarcasm. "I am more then aware of what you're capable of. You don't have to preach that to me." It was those traits that made someone. Anyone could be attractive physically but it was her street smarts and her behavior that made her a force to be reckoned with. That was more honorable then anything else. Especially in the dog eat dog world that surrounded them. The weak didn't survive. Her words were reassuring, which made him begin to start to question things. Gonzalo was carefree but not to things that he held dearly to him. And the life of being in the Cartel was just that. Nothing was worth risking that. Or no one. "Nothing, you have my word on that. I'm no fool. She doesn't ask much, usually we just drink Tequila and have fun." Perhaps he shouldn't have used the term fun as that could open up a bunch of doors but it was too late now.

[chavezcatalina]

"That's because I wouldn't tell you to begin with." The brunette said with a shrug of her shoulder. Cat was more the type to meet someone, go home with them, and never see them again. Love wasn't of interest of her so there wasn't much to tell anyone given that they were all faceless. "Would it be interesting?" Her gaze narrowed, feeling more suspicious as the seconds passed on. She wouldn't put it past either of them to be fucking the woman which only served to irritate her that much more. Couldn't they have just found some lone stranger on the street? "I'm not just a pretty face, it's about time that you figure that out." The brunette said, taking another sip of her drink but now she felt like maybe she could use something a little stronger. Tilting her head to observe him while she thought on his question, she finally shrugged her shoulder. "Not to begin with, at least not until I had their trust. It would take time and patience because asking too much would make it suspicious." She watched him carefully. "You seem to know a lot about her. What does she know about you?"

"Don't give me that look, it's not like I ask who you spend your free time with." He quipped back. But the man held off on his sarcasm or at least dampened it a bit, which rarely happened. For the company he would though. "Shit, I hope not - that would be interesting." There was an emphasis on the interesting but Gonzalo laughed it off. He didn't think that was a possibility, but he wasn't clueless in thinking that a woman like Esmeralda wasn't smart enough to use sex to her advantage. Because of this, perhaps he should really create some distance. Now, looking back - it could be odd that she didn't question much about him even if they had that whole carefree vibe going on. Appearances can be deceiving, he knew that all too well. "I'm not going to do anything without talking to him about this - but you know I give you shit most of the time, but you're smarter then most." He valued the other. "If you were going to use someone, wouldn't you ask questions about their personal life? Or would you try to be as subtle as you could?" With all these thoughts he wanted to get her perspective. Yet not giving her the whole story as to why. "Well, she's divorced or in the midst of one but no only with Camilo and not her ex."

[chavezcatalina]

"A few times?" The brunette said as she folded her arms over her chest and waited for him to elaborate. Gonzalo had always been like a big brother to her and she wanted nothing more than to keep him safe so she worried that he was maybe making decisions that would bite him in the ass. "Camilo, huh?" The brunette made a mental note of it and shook her head. "Do you think they're fucking each other?" It wasn't any of her business but she wanted to see the impression that he got and how close the woman may be getting. Maybe it was something to keep an eye on. "I'm telling you that there isn't anything good that could come out of it unless to use her for our advantage, but even then, I doubt she'd be of much use." Perhaps to steer her in another direction but that would mean she'd have a reason to be looking in their to begin with. "You've only seen her with Camilo? No one else?"

"I know better then that, we have hung out a few times." Gonzalo slowly began to admit though his act of coy probably spoke numbers to the other. Since they had known each other way too long for him to start playing that sort of game. "I know what she does but she doesn't know much about me. She's a decent drinking partner." Among other things. "I'm asking you, because Camilo is friends with her or so I assume from their interactions, we were all dancing at a whole in the wall Tequila bar not so long ago- so I figured she wasn't all that bad." Given the hierarchy and all. But Gonzalo knew anyone outside of their circle was a risk. Especially with the job that Esmeralda was involved in. "I'm asking you for an outside opinion, he has enough on his plate."

[chavezcatalina]

"Only so you can then hype me up." The brunette teased and if she was doubting her self-worth, it was mainly because she was a lot better at other things and she knew that. This wasn't her calling at all. Just something she liked to do and maybe was half decent at. "You're not." She assured him with a wink. "You're also a lot prettier than most of them so that also helps. They're more trying to get me to reach up high for bottles to get a good look at my ass so you're refreshing to have at the bar." The brunette said, though most of the guys were charged extra if they were a pain in Cat's ass. "I'll be drinking." Especially now that her shift was coming to an end so she could stick around and drink more once it was over, if he wanted to stick around, that was. "I think you know and embrace and you're genuinely a good guy. Those are hard to find these days so you should take pride in that." Cat was more attracted to the wrong type of guys because it fell in with her work but she knew the good ones were gems.

"Do you think that you aren't? Because I think you're just doubting your self worth if that's the case and I might be tempted to say shame on you." He grinned but nodded upon the musing. The male figured it was a means to an escape, talking to someone about their own problems when no one else would listen. "Give it to me straight, do I really complain like some of those others? If I am bugging you just say the word and I'll take the hint. At least I would be safe from that Al Pacino impersonator we were talking about." Quinn teased with a chuckle. But her company was welcomed, though obviously not wanting to make her job any more strenuous. "That sounds fair, so what will you be drinking then?" Curiosity, that was all. "You know some people might take offense to the whole adorable thing but not me. I get it. I have that golden retriever vibe anyways."

[chavezcatalina]

"Good choice." She said with a nod, knowing she was a few sips away from it being too much for her so it would likely go to waste regardless of whether he took one of not. Mainly because now she was more focused on the question he was asking and why he wanted an intel on some journalist. She couldn't help but smirk when he told her who he wanted to know about, which only intensified the assumptions that were already forming. "I know she's damn good at her job and one of the top journalists that they have which means she's good at fishing for information. I just hope that you've been keeping her at arms length cause it could get us all in a lot of trouble." Not just them but the whole organization. "What I know is all that I need to know, which is that she's dangerous. Now tell me why you want to know."

Hues peered over at her drink, his face scrunched up and shook his head before he could question the idea of what she offered. "Unfortunately our drink tastes are not the same. So lucky you." The man preferred something a little more bitter. All that sweet stuff just wasn't his go-to. Least not in booze form. "I just want to get some intel. There doesn't have to be an exact reason." Clearly not saying the whole truth, but Gonzalo wasn't dumb in thinking she wasn't going to jump to her own conclusions. Might as well give her a name, or it would trigger more paranoia. "Esmeralda Pierce. Do you know her?" And there it was.

[chavezcatalina]

Catalina leaned against it and nodded her head. She was certain she knew the issue but there was no harm in letting someone else take a look to see if he came up with the same diagnosis. "Sure, go ahead." she moved away from it to give him space. "Am I going to be charged for these rapid services or are you just feeling extremely generous tonight?" She paused, looking him over. "I'm Catalina, by the way."

Zeki knew his way around a bike. He liked to think he was a jack of all trades, but knew most of the time he was winging it, but this, he didn't have to wing. "Did you want me to take a look for you?" Amber hues glance down at the bike, catching the smoke. "I don't mind. If it's something simple, I can fix it here." He offered, a smile stretching on his features. He stops on the other side of the bike waiting for him to give her permission.

[chavezcatalina]

Catalina looked down at her phone when the woman confesses not to know of any nearby venues. It wasn't the typical corner of town Catalina visited but she doubted there weren't restaurants or some bars in walking distance. "No, that's okay. I'm sure I'll be able to find something." Cat spoke as she checked the time to ensure that it wasn't too late. "I'm surprised that you don't go out exploring as much. A few minutes in here and I'm suddenly in need of something strong to drink."

Ask her anything about what was inside the building and she could happily explain it all. The second she was asked about what was around her, the woman freezes up. She felt like an idiot for not knowing, berating herself inwardly. "I'm sorry. I don't." Keila may have been in the town for six months now, but for the most part she stuck to what she needed; drinking wasn't something she really did. Maybe a glass of wine here or there, but not since her breakup with her boyfriend years ago. "I can get my phone and look." The Iraqi woman offers.