#nik; [corrupt]

[kazifatagar]

No Corruption in Flood Mitigation Projects: Nik Nazmi Now Says

Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad refutes corruption allegations in flood mitigation projects, countering Bersatu leader’s claims of inflated costs. Nik Nazmi clarifies that the government reviewed high-priority projects with a set Finance Ministry ceiling of RM11.8 billion, not RM16.6 billion as alleged. Social Media Links Follow us…

[mrsparrasblog]

I just listened to "My Tears Ricochet" and had an idea.

TW: Angst *laughs in free therapy*

So, imagine the boys need to fake their deaths. How macabre it is that they attend their own funerals, wanting to watch their loved ones. (These are standalone scenarios they don't fake their death together)

Price: You were his wife for all these years, always waiting for him to return. The funny thing was you could clearly remember the last argument before he left.

"Love, just one more tour, and I'm coming back to you. Then we can start a family and all that, but the boys need me."

"It's always the last tour with you. When is it really the last?"

"This time, I promise."

To some extent, he was right. You thought it was his last tour, but it wasn’t fair. You knew it was over when you got the call from General Shepard. Your husband was dead. You lost the love of your life, and all you got were his dog tags and a check large enough to end world hunger. You slapped your friend after she said at least you were financially secure now.

Price watched you from behind a tree. He saw how you clung to his grave, hugging it tightly and lying on it as you always used to with him. Your dress was dirty, and the tears wouldn’t come anymore.

When Laswell and Nik approached you, you screamed at them, blaming them for not protecting your husband. You trusted them, and now you couldn't bear to let anyone else near his grave. John wished he could comfort you, tell you he would come back to protect you, but he couldn’t. Instead, he sent Simon, who endured all your insults, screams, and even a punch to his crooked nose until you were ready to move on.

Kyle: You and Kyle were born on the same day, in the same room, in the same hospital. It was like a movie; he was your best friend since forever, your first everything, and you were his. It was a love like in all those movies. The only thing separating you was the military, but you stayed home waiting for him. Not even war could separate you. Last year, he brought you that ring. You remember lying in bed, cuddling him as he promised you that you were allowed to die first. He knew you wouldn’t survive his death. So he made the silly promise that you would die first. He thought it was the first promise he ever broke to you.

Kyle had to be held back when he saw you crying at his grave. “Guess I’ll find you in the next one, love. Sleep well.”

Ghost: He was never good at love, and he was sure no one would come to his funeral. No one knew "Ghost," and Simon Riley had been buried since 2009. But then he saw you, the cute medic he always tried to push away. He was afraid of hurting you or corrupting you. How could he have known that pushing you away wouldn’t stop you from loving a dead man?

All the conversations came flooding back:

"Here, Lt. I made you red velvet cookies, your favorite."

"You're going to sit down and let me fix that, idiot."

"You're beautiful, Ghost."

"You're enough."

"It's kind of silly to be in love with someone whose name you didn’t even know. I hope you find your peace, big boy." You placed lilies on his grave and left. In that moment, Simon Riley realized he was loved, and he would burn the world down to come back from the dead just to return to you.

Johnny: Contrary to popular belief among the team, Johnny wasn’t a whore. He was a loving husband and father. That was written above "Sergeant" on his grave, at least.

His funeral was crowded with people who wanted to pay their last respects. Most of them were blue-eyed MacTavishes. Then there was you, holding your three-year-old in your arms. He didn’t understand why everyone was crying or why Dad wasn’t there anymore.

Johnny watched you sit at his grave, sighing as you talked to your husband. "James doesn’t understand what’s going on, but he misses you. He wanted me to give him a mohawk. It looks ridiculous, just like you. I know you’re rocking it in heaven. Just please wait for me, okay? Don’t want you to hoe around in heaven," you chuckled, holding back the tears. "You watch us from there, right? Can’t miss the birth of your princess, can you?"

[celestialprincesse]

𝐒𝐚𝐲 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐧 𝐆𝐨 - 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞

More Nik just 4 you🫵😚 Trying to make this reasonably slow burn but I just want them to fuck😔

Pts 1 & 2 here!

Nikto is shitting himself. In his enthusiasm to make amends with you, to spend time with you, he completely disregarded his greatest issue. He can't eat with his mask on. He can't very well show you his face when you look like the human embodiment of Tinkerbell, and he looks like - he doesn't really know what he looks like.

Whilst your neighbour is in crisis, you're perfectly happy to flit about your house, debating whether to wear your favourite pink miniskirt or a lacy white dress. The white would compliment the pretty satin kitten heels you're wedded on, and the virginal, snow coloured lingerie set you hope is finally seen by someone who's not you, or your mirror. Your hair is perfectly styled, lipgloss applied with meticulous precision. The outfit is the only spanner in your otherwise beautifully constructed works. You're so giddy that you feel sick.

Your neighbour shares a similar struggle in selecting his outfit, realising that he hasn't taken a woman on a date in a long time, and since then, his muscles have outgrown the sleeves of the suit in the back of his closet, and the pants to match are as moth eaten and neglected as his heart. Of course he wants to look as though he's making an effort - doesn't want to make you feel anymore unwanted by him than you already do, and yet most of his clothes make him look more monolith than man, no decent fit for a woman so soft and feminine as you.

You'd never have expected him to turn up on your doorstep with flowers. Peonies with fluffy pink petals, gently wrapped in a sheet of brown paper, tied up with blush lace. Kind of like you. He would never have dreamed of the way you fling your arms around his neck, tits straining against the thin alabaster fabric of your little dress. "You like them?" He rumbles thickly into your ear, flowers hanging at his side as he wraps his free arm loosely around your back, pushing the thoughts of how the plush skin of your ass would feel in his hands. "They're wonderful." You breathe, taking a sudden step back at the realisation that you've just entirely invaded his precious personal space.

"I need to tell you something." He murmurs, words coming thick from his throat, his confession trapped down in his chest, safe where no one can find it. "Of course, anything." The gentleness in your tone only makes him hesitate further. Why should he corrupt such a soft thing like you? Tie you down to a beast like him? "I am - I need to tell you something, and I understand if you do not want to spend time with me anymore. I am deformed."

Biting your tongue feels practically impossible. You so desperately want to reassure him. How do you tell him that you can see his laundry room window perfectly from your kitchen where you spend most of your time. How do you tell him that you've seen the scars he hides when he puts his mask in the washing machine.

"That's okay." You nod reassuringly. Why is there so much care in your eyes?

"You're sure? I am not handsome." You just want him to let you in. So desperately.

"I promise."

I'm so sorry for writing such short chapters but I need these two to get down and dirty rn💕

[st-el-la-luna]

El's COD Kinktober 2024

I figured this would be a good way to keep my blog alive. Expect short pieces, and missed days. But I will do my best

NSFW Minors DNI

1. SOMNOPHILIA: JOHNNY "SOAP" MACTAVISH

Soap wakes up to you moaning in your sleep. He helps you make your dreams a reality.

➳ gnlafab!reader, wet dreams, somnophilia, dry humping, fingering, premature ejaculation, use of "pup" once

2. Sensory Deprivation/Blindfolds: John Price x Reader

Somehow it's better when you don't know it's coming

3. Double Penetration: Alejandro Vargas and Rodolfo Parra x Reader

Your Colonel and Sergeant comfort you the day after a bad date

4. Lingerie: Simon "Ghost" Riley x Reader

You want to surprise Ghost for his birthday. Things go wrong, in perhaps the best way.

5. Mommy Kink: Philip Graves x Reader

After a particularly long mission and several bad months at the company, Graves' spirits are low. He needs someone to take care of him, to tell him he's good

6. Threesome: Kyle "Gaz" Garrick and König x Reader

KorTac has been working alongside Task Force 141 for a while now. Kyle has always had his eye on you, but it becomes clear that the Austrian giant feels the same. Tensions rise between the two until they decide to prove which of them is best once and for all

7. Restraints: Kim "Horangi" Hon-jin x Reader

Horangi is in debt to you and your going to teach him a lesson: either he pays you back monetarily or...

8. Body Worship: Alex Keller x Reader 

Alex thinks every inch of your body is perfect. And he won't stop telling you until he's sure you believe it too.

9. Face Sitting: Kyle "Gaz" Garrick x Reader

Gaz overhears you telling Soap you've never enjoyed receiving oral. He decides to change that

10. Exhibitionism: Nikolai x Reader

Nik likes to show you off whenever he can. The Task Force has been eyeing you too much as of late. He reminds them who you belong to.

11. Thigh Fucking: König x Reader

König is just too big

12. Breeding: Simon "Ghost" Riley x Reader

Mid-fuck, Ghost let's slip that he wants to be a mommy.

13. Overstimulation: Rodolfo Parra x Reader

After everything that happened with the Shadow Company, you're just glad to have him back. Your relief at his wellbeing quickly becomes more and, well, you have a lot of stress to work off. But he can take it.

14. Free Use: Kyle "Gaz" Garrick x Reader 

You and Kyle have an agreement. Whatever either of you want to do, whenever you want to do it. You both enjoy your agreement.

15. Blood Kink: Nikto x Reader

Nikto comes to your door, desperate. You tell him you can't, you're on your period. Blood has never bothered him before, why would it now?

16. Dry Humping: John "Soap" MacTavish x Reader 

You can't, it's a sin... Luckily even God leaves loopholes.

17. Uniform Kink: Philip Graves x Reader

He can't get enough of the way you look, all dressed up for this event. And you can't get enough of him in his dress uniform.

18. Cockwarming: Alejandro Vargas x Reader 

There's nothing Alejandro likes more than coming home to you. And to his second home, between your legs.

19. Pegging: Alex Keller x Reader

One of his friends bought it as a gag gift. You laughed. Alex didn't.

20. Oral Fixation: Kyle "Gaz" Garrick x Reader

Gaz notices how you've always got something in your mouth; a pencil, gum, a lollipop. He can tell it calms you. At a formal event, he senses your stress and gives you something to help ground yourself.

21. Corruption Kink/Loss of Virginity: Johnny "Soap" MacTavish x Reader

After months of dating and never doing more than make out, you ask Soap when you're going to, well, do it. His answer surprises you, and you learn something about yourself that's even more surprising.

22. Spit: König x Reader 

In the heat of an argument you spit at your Colonel's feet.

23. Choking: Simon "Ghost" Riley x Reader

An accidental training misshap leaves Ghost reeling, you help pull him in.

24. Werewolf: Keegan P Russ x Reader

Little Red Riding Hood, you should know better than to wander the woods at night alone. Especially tonight.

25. Spanking: John Price x Reader

John decides to get you back for slapping his ass in front of his men.

26. Predator/Prey: Valeria Garza x Reader

You and Valeria play a game of hide and seek with a twist...

27. Praise: John Price x Reader

Joyn worries he isn't good enough, that he's gone too often. That he's a bad person. You assure him none of its true.

28. Boot Worship: Simon "Ghost" Riley x Reader

You show Simon your new boots. He reacts unexpectedly.

29. Hair Pulling: John "Soap" MacTavish x Reader

You accidentally grab his hair during a spar. He moans like a whore.

30. Cumplay: Poly!141 x Reader

Soap had an idea for a fun game. You're just surprised he was able to rope the others into it too.

31. Wild Card

[c-rowlesdraws]

The thrilling follow-up to The Magnus Archives But Make It 80's, hot and fresh for this Halloween season! 15 Entities, 30 top hits from the 80’s— two songs per Entity. I've been listening to Protocol and selectively re-listening to TMA lately, and felt inspired. Track list and key below the cut:

(some songs fit their entities lyrically, and some just have titles that made me laugh)

The Buried

Take My Breath Away - Berlin

Locked In - Judas Priest

The Corruption

Poison - Alice Cooper

Tainted Love - Soft Cell

The Dark

Dim All The Lights - Donna Summer

Rhythm Of The Night - DeBarge

The Desolation

I'm On Fire - Bruce Springsteen

Burnin' For You - Blue Öyster Cult

The End

You Dropped A Bomb On Me - The Gap Band

Rhythm Is Gonna Get You - Gloria Estefan And Miami Sound Machine

The Eye

Eye In The Sky - The Alan Parsons Project

Talking In Your Sleep - The Romantics

The Flesh

Stop Draggin' My Heart Around - Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Footloose - Kenny Loggins

The Hunt

Hungry Eyes - Eric Carmen

Eaten Alive - Diana Ross

The Lonely

Forget Me Nots - Patrice Rushen

Alone - Heart

The Slaughter

Toy Soldiers - Martika

Sledgehammer - Peter Gabriel

The Spiral

She Drives Me Crazy - Fine Young Cannibals

Where Is My Mind? - Pixies

The Stranger

Don't Talk To Strangers - Rick Springfield

Somebody's Knockin' - Terri Gibbs

The Void

Up Where We Belong - Joe Cocker, Jennifer Warnes

Higher Love - Steve Winwood

The Web

Who's Zoomin' Who? - Aretha Franklin

Sunglasses At Night - Corey Hart

The Extinction

I Won't Let The Sun Go Down On Me - Nik Kershaw

1999 - Prince

[urlocalwormtoday]

i was rewatching the first time the albatrio met Nik and when Gillian first made the deal with him, and I just wanted to point out/bring attention back to some things regarding all of their deals :D

the specific phase of the moon used in the NK tattoo represents corruption, as opposed to the sun, which represents freedom and life. Griz said they were similar to the yin and yang, and we see this again later with the sun and the moon temple

mayor Rolin said that, before he was overcome with the black ooze, the number of voices in his head had multiplied and he wasn't able to properly function, SO LOOK OUT FOR THAT Y'ALL IN FUTURE EPISODES ‼️‼️ (I also do want to point out that when chip first entered the hole in the sea he did hear whispers, sooo.. 🤨)

since Jay is off attempting to warn Lizzie before the Grandberry Pirates all get ambushed, Chip, Gill, Drey, and Gryffon are all alone in the hole. Chips deal rules that he cannot interfere with Gillions favor, meaning that no one except Gryffon and Drey can stop whatever Niklaus orders of him. and also considering the point where we left off Drey was missing, I don't have high hopes T-T

the wording behind Chips deal is very vague, I've noticed. it simply says he cannot interfere, but it was never elaborated on whether or not it would magically keep him from interfering, or if it would compel him not to, or if he did there would be repercussions, it's all very confusing. intentionally confusing, I assume, bc it's confusing but in the smart way

Jay's deal essentially gives Niklaus the ability to order her to do anything to anyone, excluding Chip and Gill. this could very well mean she could be ordered to kill Lizzie or Edyn or Caspian or even her own dad @_@

on the flipside, it ALSO means Jay could be ordered to release someone she was about to kill, or protect someone who's naturally her enemy

[urlocalrambler]

devils night: unpopular opinion: michael crist edition.

michael was actually such a bad friend if you really think about it. this is so ironic because his character is built off the fact that he's diehard for his friends to the point of having insane loyalty to them. he's supposed to be loyal to the point where he chooses to torment rika for that friendship's sake, to the level where he struggles with choosing love/rika over the guys in corrupt.

but like,, he was also so rubbish as a friend and person. it may have been due to oversight and PD not thinking about the overarching relationships that clearly, but c'mon, michael escaped prison while his friends were sent in and has huge guilt over this...

yet, he never once thinks to help damon's sister, who he KNOWS exists and who he knows would be SUFFERING in a house run by big, bad gabriel torrance. he knows his best friend is in jail, that she was the only family damon cared about to the point of keeping her under wraps and hidden away from everyone, and yet, michael never reaches out or tries to help banks??

and michael also knows kai is agonising over her in hideaway, they're actively against damon at this time and he has this top secret info to his name, yet he never thinks to tell kai who banks really is. everyone (including PD) uses the argument michael minds his own business, but no he fucking doesn't, if he did then he never would've messed with nik back during devils night or threatened her at the hotel.

the fact is that we should've either gotten a humanising moment/mention of michael actually being sweet for once in his life, and see him at least keeping an eye on banks if not reaching out while damon was in prison (although, i think it would've been a great platonic bonding scene if he had sought her out before the events of hideaway even if it's just to offer her an out that she may not take, or to simply ask how she is). OR, michael perving on banks that one night, him discovering she's damon's sister– that whole thread should've been omitted because it honestly made no sense to me and just made me dislike michael even more.

[nrdmssgs]

Is it just me

or are some episodes in the CoD franchise actually absolutely hilarious if you watch them with some in-depth knowledge of modern Russia?

Ok, this is not a critique, I'm not saying, the following scenes are bad/lazy. They make sense, ok? I'm just giggling every time I stumble upon them.

Nikolai looking at this place and commenting 'parking here sucks'.

If it was Price or Gaz - no further questions, because they assess the current situation.

But Nik saying that? Nik, darling, it's the good old Saint Petersburg, the very heart of it. You don't need to be local to know, that parking sucks not only here, but also 15 km around this area. This city was not built for cars, it changes, yes. But the historical part is anything but a parking lot. Imagine if an Italian told you that there are parking problems in the tourist part of Venice. No shit, darling?

This scene. Soap, Laswell and Ghost speedrunning Alexey Navalnys work.

So we have the ACF group in Russia. Long story short: they are investigating cases of illegal enrichment of Russian elites (oligarchs, politicians, terrorists, etc.). Each investigation involves dozens of people and takes months (sometimes years) to accomplish. Here is an example of such a case (there are English subtitles available).

The ACF is the biggest organization, specializing in such investigations in Russia now (i`m not counting the Belling Cat, because they investigate a wide variety of themes and cases, not only corruption in Ru).

One of the reasons, why each investigation takes so much energy and time is because the suspect does everything possible to ensure that his property and money are not associated with his name. All financial assets are divided, they are stored in banks and assigned not to the oligarch himself, but to dozens of companies and front people. This is done just so that one day a tall Scottish guy with his British friend does not show up to you and transfer all your personal savings with the click of one button.

And do I need to say, that a transfer of a significant sum of money is never done just online and the bank would always demand an offline confirmation of your will? Because at the end of the day, it wont be Milenas problem - it will be her banks headache, when she sues them for having a kindergarten level of security.

So when I see, as Soap and Laswell trace all Milenas fundings in mere days, as they clear her bank accounts in seconds - I just lose it. Because even the most stupid politician in real Ru looks smarter than poor Milena. But again, it's not bad, its artistic allowance necessary for the pacing of the narrative.

[mariemarieohcontrary]

Choices MCs (Filipino Edition lol)

《Next》

Finally drew four of my Choices MCs inspired by @cassiopeiacorvus and her wonderfully done OC compilations (how do you have the patience to draw all of em omg)

I'm thinking of doing the same for my Romance Club MCs too (background would be the purple of the homescreen there)

Interested in commissioning me? Click the source! 💗

Evangeline Marie G. (Guzman) Lakandula - Ah yes, my soft, anxious babie with self-worth issues. She comes from a messy background with a horrible father. She was close to her late (paternal) grandparents and had a very complicated relationship with her late mother. One of her relatives shes v close to is her older cousin, Ethan.

She's a college dropout thanks to her father's bad choices and worked the moment she had a chance to.

After her mother passed, that was it for Evangeline. She kinda needed to go away from her dad and his loud voice and other issues. So she left home and Ethan helped her out before he left for a business trip abroad.

He had her go to a house he owned in Laguna where she could live in provided she just do the cleaning in there. She found simple work that she was qualified for and that was her life for the next few years until a certain bachelor party came into her life.

Diwa Kalangitan M. (Masangga) del Rosario - My chaotic good and very protective MC who definitely rabbleroused in the school she works in.

She was raised in a household that follows some precolonial beliefs and traditions. She has a stepfather who's an albularyo and two half-siblings. One is studying in college, the other is still in high school. She has a close relationship to both her parents.

And she is rather happy with her job as a teacher in a private school. Sure she sometimes goes against curriculum to make sure the kids enjoy her lessons. She's a class advisor also so when she found out their math teacher humiliated one of her students, she confronted said teacher.

Her trip to America is really just a birthday trip until the events of the book started. In the end she ends up in a poly relationship with Nik and Cal. (She does end up pointing out to the boys that she'll have to go back to her work and family at least just to properly resign and find work near them and also to assure her family she's safe.)

Maya Chelidonia C. (Caacbay) dela Rosa - The local tired detective who had to move abroad for their own safety. Love them SM.

Maya is the child of Jaime dela Rosa, a cop in the Philippines who does not follow in corrupt practices and tries to do right by the community. He was killed after coincidentally seeing signs of corruption in the force and wanting to expose it.

After their father's death, Maya also followed in his footsteps. On their end, they wanted to try and do some good in their job but ended up experiencing some discrimination in the work force. Enter them finding the same evidence of corruption that their father found as well. This time they managed to expose the corruption but in the end, one of their few friends in the force warned them that they'll have to flee the country due to some v angry officials.

So they fled with their mother and younger sister.

Their sister became a fashion designer. Maya found work as a private detective and the two teamed up to be able to live a decent life. Their sister travels with their mom on fashion shows. They're fine living nearby their maternal uncle with their dog, Spudge. (He's a scaredy cat and a lil crybaby who doesn't like strangers and by that I mean he starts crying when the strangers notice him. It's not out of trauma, he just likes Maya and their fam more than anyone else and is v shy with others. He's also scared of the dark and loud noises.)

Inocencia Honorata G. (Galang) Valenciano - and finally, my love's embarrassing bby. My Rafael Aveiro romancer. Love her sm.

She and her mom, older brother and little sister ran away from their father when they were a kid. Her parents annulled their marriage after a few years.

Her older brother became the youngest lawyer in the country and had a firm in New York seek him out. This led to him helping Inocencia and her sister (who had skipped grades and managed to enter college the same year as Inocencia).

Inocencia is v non-competitive that she chose De La Salle University while her sister went to their grandfather’s alma mater, University of the Philippines. At college, Inocencia got dubbed as SiaSia because of the repeated -cia in her first name and surname.

The two got accepted into Edenbrook when they were gonna start. Inocencia being 27 and her sister being 25. By then, Inocencia still isn't competitive and didn't sign up for the competition for the diagnostics team but her little sister shoved her to try it out.

[cod-dump]

https://www.tumblr.com/nowhen-but-now/718457890981183488/having-lived-in-bucharest-i-can-tell-you-he-would?source=share

So Nik is literally Not Allowed to drive any vehicle on the ground unless the goal is to run down a target as fast as inhumanly possible (see CoD:MW 2019). Literally everyone except Price would rather get in a car with Ghost behind the wheel than Nik. Price just got used to it and he's ruined.

Rumor has it Price used to drive fairly well, then he spent too much time with Nik and just forgot how to be a decent driver. This lead to Price 'corrupting' Ghost and now 141 has three grown men who are not allowed to drive because they refuse to follow basic road safety and break every law imaginable. Laswell has countlessly had to cover up the damage the three have done while behind the wheel.

One time Laswell, Soap, and Gaz were waiting for Price, Ghost, and Nik to show up at the safe house and they just see this massive (very stolen) truck come crashing through a field beside the safe house. The truck jumps a ditch, swerves through the yard (tire marks are everywhere), and slides to a stop in front of the house. The three are staring, jaws dropped, as Nik climbs out of the driver's side, Price out of the passenger, and Ghost out of the back.

All three men are unbothered by their entrance and just ask Laswell if they need to run to the store to grab anything. Price and Ghost ignore Laswell when she asks what happened to the small, unmarked car they originally left with and Nik just shrugs while saying "It couldn't handle it".

[away-ward]

A list of things we know to be true about the Horsemen's parents:

In no particular order - Not an exhaustive list - Feel free to add

Evans Crist had Schrader Fane killed, and paid Martin Scott to do it.

Schrader Fane knew the truth of Damon's birth and, knowing how cruel Gabriel Torrance could be, gave Damon the key to the Carfax room.

Gabriel was also involved in Schrader's death when he learned that the Fanes intended to tell Damon the truth after he turned 18.

Katsu Mori did not inherit his wealth, but built it himself. Worked full time while going to school so his wife could stay home and raise Kai.

Katsu hated Gabriel and Evans, but did not hold that against their sons.

Vittoria did come from a wealthy family but gave it up to be with Katsu. Her family refuses to acknowledge Kai.

(dropped after Corrupt: Katsu has a brother who owns a construction company in Thunder Bay.)

Christiane Alder Fane married her husband at 18, and moved away from her extensive family in South Africa (who are apparently close enough for Rika to leverage to convince Damon his children can have a large family, but not close enough to know that something was wrong with Christiane).

Gabriel originally owned the Delcour and sold it to Evans.

Will's father, Will (Jr?) had two sons before he decided to pass on the family name (risky move, bro)

Caroline Grayson likes movie marathons, and the actress Doris Day.

Will Jr (?) has at least one younger brother, Matthew. (actually wanna call Will's dad Aaron. Do we know what he goes by?)

A.P. (may have) murdered his best friend.

A.P. (may have) shipped Evans off to Blackchurch and had him killed.

A.P. looked like he was in his 50s when he was in his 80s (he's either vain and had surgery, or has got some darn good genetics. Based on what Emory said about Will, I'm guessing the latter).

A.P.'s personality is more similar to Misha's, but Will is his favorite (Will is everyone's favorite according to Will).

Griffin Ashby cut Schrader out of a few business deals (and this was apparently enough for Rika to give Damon information to take him down over a decade after his death, despite not wanting to hurt Winter.(How do you send your attack dog at some one and then be surprised when they attack?))

Adam Scott moved into his wife's childhood home to raise their family. Presumably, his in-laws never left.

Adam and Paige Scott died during a hurricane.

Emory's grandmother moved from France to New England in the 1930s, when she was a toddler. Her father built the house Emory grew up in.

Emory's grandmother was wild as a teenager. She'd been hurt somehow. Her husband was a patient man.

Margot Ashby had an affair with Gabriel.

Natalya Delova Torrance was Winter's first ballet teacher.

Lucinda Evers sold her daughter to Damon for $9462, a Rolex, and emerald earrings.

Lucinda tried to get Damon to give Nik back.

[rere-the-writer]

My two faves (other than Elijah) need more love but let's goooooo

Warnings: Fluff, a bit of NSFW, threats, Soft Vampires, Innocent!Reader

Small innocent human and two Original vampires? What is the worst that could happen?

Threats and death is what mostly from Kol to men that flirt with you

Finn threatening Klaus to stay away from you

Kol and Finn does everything they can to keep you out of their family drama

Freya is a little jealous that Finn spends so much time with you but is mostly happy that Finn is happy

Davina is jealous of the relationship you have with Kol and the witch has no problem voicing it

"I'm surprised that Kol is with such a boring girl." "Better than being with the witch that tried killing his family."

Kol having to excuse hisself from the room when ever you do something cute

"Kol, Finn? What is BDSM?" "Where did you hear that from?!" "Nik?" Cue Kol and Finn trying to dagger Klaus and Elijah trying to stop them

These two believe that Klaus is trying to corrupt you but Klaus is just telling you things for lols

Elijah finding Finn in the kitchen learning to cook for you by watching the Food Channel

Kol getting jealous when Rebekah would take from him or Finn to go shopping

"Have you two even fucked her yet?" Cue Elijah stepping in before Finn could strangle Klaus

These two are protective to where you had moved into the Mikaelsons home without realizing it

You sleeping between the two after many fights of who's bed you should sleep in

You wearing their sweaters when it gets colder which leads to you being cuddled by them

"Why are you two up at 3am?" "Making brownies Finn. Help us?"

Being shorter than them leads to Kol or Finn helping you reach for things

Finn and Kol love picking you up and just carrying you around

"Weird that you share a girlfriend with Kol." "Why? Elijah and Klaus are sharing a girlfriend Hayley."

Shy kisses from you because Kol and Finn let's you make the first move

Finn and Kol taking you out for hours, one time your drive turned into a road trip

Both love spoiling you, you have many many gifts from them both

Both learning all about your interests so they could talk and do them with you

Both are very gentle with you when it is your first time

Kol loves peppering you with kisses and makes some jokes to make sure you are comfortable

While Finn let's you make the first move and follows your lead

"Can we try using toys?" You asked so innocently both vampires choked on their drinks

Both have the biggest innocent kink because of you

You don't have to do much to get them going

Both aren't afraid to kill for you. In fact Elijah is always stopping them from murdering men that hit on you

These two can't say no to you. They tried once and hated it

You have a thing of reminding the two vampires of how much you love them

"Have I told you both how much I love you?" "Everyday darling but I would love it if you reminded us."

Cute movie dates of you showing them your favorite movies

You tried pulling pranks on Kol but you are so terrible at it that he finds too adorable

Coffee dates with Finn while you have cute lunch dates with Kol

Finn caught you trying to climb the counter to get to your cookies once and now you have to get him if you want one

Late night talks of having kids and marriage

These two are loyal to you to a fault, it really annoys Klaus that Kol and Finn would choose you over their siblings

Kol will take hot baths with you if you are stressed while Finn gives you a massage

You falling asleep listening to Finn read to you if you are having trouble sleeping along with Kol

Waking up tangled up between Finn and Kol

[celestialprincesse]

you're so real for your response to the anon that wanted nikto and fem reader to hurry up and bangalang nasty style

i want them to have the most deep, delicious, heart-healing, back arching, desperate, trusting, nasty bangalang EVER

imo that man WOULD be rough no doubt, but not on the first time

Thank you!! I very much am foaming at the mouth thinking about them doing the nasty, but I need to do Nik justice because he deserves EVERYTHING💕🫶 He's literally scared to be in the same room as my soft fem reader angel baby - he's that concerned about his appearance, and scaring her with it. When they do eventually have sex, it'll be when they're both comfortable around each other, and he finally trusts her enough to show her all the painful parts of him. I think also he still doesn't trust himself to a certain extent, not used to having such lovely, beautiful things, and he's genuinely terrified that he'll hurt or corrupt her. She's so much stronger than he thinks, but is also the most patient, understanding and non-judgemental person there is.

Some kind of higher being must've put them together, because they're just so right for each other.💕🎀

Sorry for ranting!! I'm so!! so!! invested in them!!🫶💖

[ode2shay]

Cod x Dnd Nikolai

I love the idea of Nikolai being afflicted with Lycanthropy(the werebear variety) and being a Firbolg. Firbolgs are usually displayed as kind of hippie-y tree huggers due to their connection to nature and their more laid back demeanor. Nik has a calmness about him that I think would fit a Firbolg really well, their natural magical abilities coming in handy with the work that he does. The Lycanthropy gives him an edge, we mostly see him working alone so this would also offer extra protection (I like the excuse to make him more bear coded too). I wish Nikolai got more canon content, I love that he is this smug motherfucker that has everything when it's needed and never gets caught because “you can’t prove it was me”. His type of character is fun to have as a supporting role in any campaign, the perfect “I know a guy” for fun or for a deus ex machina moment. 

Assuming what we may about Nik and Price’s past they met young, and maybe they weren’t even on the same side of the conflict. Nik grew up a little rough and rugged, mixed with the wrong crowd for a sense of community and shelter. The city he’s from is rough, guild infighting runs rampant and royal guards rarely lift a finger given they have their own hands in the pockets funding the underground guilds. It’s corrupt, many of the less fortunate turn to working for the guilds and the righteous few that think they can make a difference join the guard, they end up worse for it. When a diplomatic envoy is sent from the neighboring kingdom Nikolai see’s it for what it really is, a test. Something for them to judge relations, to measure strengths. The two kingdoms had been more and more at odds in recent years, small fights break out along the boards often now, they were on the verge of war. Watching the small group of Crowns guard be escorted through the city streets from one of the guilds upper nests, Nik catches the glance of one of the marching men. The half orc is on the outer edge of the procession, a spot usually occupied by young inexperienced members. He shouldn’t have known where to look to see him. This was gonna be interesting.  (I would love to see how Nik and Price met and whatever hijinks they got up to in canon, I’ll just day dream for now)

[callsign-bunnie]

Some Gaz and Alex fluff. They meet as teenagers at a beach and Gaz watches Alex surfing/playing beach volleyball and they have a cute summer romance.

I'm not really good at writing teen romances. However, I thought this was a funnier idea.

--

Gaz was having a conundrum. Of course, between falling out of two helicopters, having just gotten rid of a corrupted American General, and then constantly having to deal with a cartel leader who couldn’t quite decide if she was the group Vodka Aunt or their worst nightmare…

When was Gaz not having a conundrum?

Whatever, Gaz was having a massive conundrum. The biggest conundrum. The worst conundrum. What was the origin of the word conundrum, anyway?

Focus, Gaz. The conundrum. 

(The origin is unknown, but it was recorded as early as the 1600s so it’s an old word. It sounds like something that Shakespeare would make up.)

He and Alex had been dating for a while and the fact that he had only just put the pieces together, now, was honestly embarrassing. So embarrassing, in fact, that he just had to tell Price about it. Price was close enough to his dad and Laswell was currently with the aforementioned CIA agent on a mission for Farah. And, seeing as it was almost Christmas…

Well, it was November, but who fucking cares?

Anyway.

Gaz had waited until it was just him and Price at the ranch house before plopping down on the emerald green couch beside Price. He paused, touching over the material. He knew Rudy had picked all of the furniture and… damn. He had taste. It felt expensive. Fuck, it looked expensive.

Focus, Gaz! The conundrum!

“Sir, I need to talk to you about something.”

Price paused where he’d been reading a book, his reading glasses on, and he looked up at the wall. “Can it wait, Garrick?”

“No it cannot. It is fairly important. I am having a conundrum.” Gaz looked at Price, who didn’t move. He narrowed his eyes at the cover of the book. “The Twin Flames of Desire?” He raised an eyebrow, watching his Captain turn a deep dark shade of red. “Isn’t that- Isn’t that a firefighter erotica? That one that Soap was gushing over about the two firefighters who meet and charm that librarian? It turns out they’re both fucking and they want the librarian to join them as their third?” It was an MLM erotica. Gaz didn’t read many eroticas and, in fact, Soap had mentioned listening to the audiobook.

But, Soap had went over the plot in excruciating detail to Rudy and Gaz and Gaz remembered Price had been in the room, too. He hadn’t thought he was listening, though. 

“Alright, alright!” Price dog-eared the page and put the book down. “You have my attention, Garrick.”

“Nah, nah, the conundrum can wait a minute.” Gaz shook his head. “I didn’t know you had such… proclivities, captain.” He chuckled, leaning back against the couch. “I thought you and Nik were rather… uh…”

“Oh, can it!” Price huffed. “I’m a 37 year old man, of course I have.. proclivities. Don’t be juvenile, sergeant.”

“My apologies, Captain, I’m just taking the piss a little.” Gaz laughed, finding how flustered Price seemed to be getting to be a little amusing. 

Price rolled his eyes. “Don’t get cheeky. Just tell me the damn conundrum.”

“Right,” Gaz nodded and straightened back up. “But first… I have to tell you a story.”

Price groaned. “Gaz, can you just tell me the problem? I don’t have time for a story.”

“My apologies, I’ll just leave you with… what was his name? Damian Flame?” Gaz joked, making a motion as if he was about to stand.

“God, fine, you can tell me whatever story as long as you promise to never bring this up again.” Price rolled his eyes. “I found it in Rodolfo’s library, can’t you go tease him about it?”

“No, because that tracks for Rodolfo.” Gaz shook his head. “I doubt he’d even be ashamed over it. You, on the other hand….”

“The story, Garrick.”

Gaz laughed. “Right.” He nodded and sighed, trying to figure out where to start. “So… when I was 14, my foster family and I went to the states on vacation.”

-

Kyle looked around as his foster family went down to the beach. There were a decent amount of them, but most of them were teenagers at that rate. Well… Kyle was the youngest, so all of them were teenagers. He was 15, in fact, though he was pretty tall for being 15.

“Kyle!” His foster mother called and Kyle quickly jogged over, frowning. 

“Yes?” He asked when he got close, watching her spread out a blanket. Already, his mind was counting his foster siblings nearby, seeing who all had already ditched them for the water.

There were 10 of them, total, but he could only count four, not including himself. Then he could spot the others scattered around the beach, already taking part in activities. It made sense, most of his foster siblings were more social than he was. Kyle was… well, a bit of an introvert. He didn’t mind it, but he definitely wasn’t going to find himself participating in volleyball or anything like that.

Definitely going to swim, though. 

He turned to his foster mother before helping her use the cooler to weigh down the blanket, accepting a popsicle when she offered it. “Did you need anything else?” He asked, assuming she’d just wanted help.

“Yes,” she nodded. “You know how your sister is, I need to talk to the lifeguards about her accommodations.”

Kyle resisted rolling his eyes. One, because he did not think she had to do that, and two because of course she was getting him to do it. She knew he didn’t really like talking to new people, which was probably why she was asking him. He knew it wasn’t out of malicious intent, she just felt it was her duty to prepare him for the real world.

The real world… the mysterious other world that everyone kept telling him to get ready for. As if he was being sent on a rocketship to a mysterious other planet. 

Kyle still nodded and said he would do it, turning and looking around for the little building the lifeguard resided in. Well, he spotted the tower first, before seeing that the building was built into it, and then he spotted the lifeguard.

His mind stuttered as his eyes caught on him. He was tall, quite a bit taller than Kyle, but seeing as he was clearly an adult and Kyle was only 15, that made sense. Blonde and toned and… bloody gorgeous. Oh no. Oh no no no.

Kyle knew he was gay. That… was fairly obvious. His foster family knew, too, and they had stated many times that they didn’t care. He didn’t necessarily just randomly tell other people, but he had the feeling it was fairly obvious. 

He took a deep breath. “Mum, are you sure you can’t get David to do it?”

“Kyle, I asked you to. Just go talk to them and tell them I need to talk to them.”

Kyle did stop to question why she wasn’t just going to the tower and talking to them, herself, but he shrugged that off and took a deep breath. “Alright… I will.” He more mumbled it, doubting she even heard, and he finally took the first step.

His heart quickened as he approached the lifeguard’s tower and he glanced in the building, praying there was another lifeguard who was closer to his age or… not completely gorgeous in the building but… it was empty.

It made sense. He glanced around, noticing that the beach didn’t appear super busy, and so it made sense that they’d only have one Lifeguard. It was also Wednesday… He finally allowed himself to look up, glad to see the Lifeguard was not looking at him.

Instead, he was looking out at the beach through sunglasses. Aviators, he was pretty sure they were called. 

“Um…” Kyle winced at how weak his voice was. “E-Excuse me!” He finally managed, turning dark red at how almost squeaky his voice was. God, this was mortifying.

However, it had worked because then the lifeguard was looking down at him and he was half grinning, dropping down in front of Kyle. Kyle quickly stumbled back, putting some distance between them and trying so very hard not to let his eyes wonder. “You need something?” The lifeguard asked.

Kyle clenched his hands into fists, forcing his eyes to look anywhere else, settling on an umbrella in the distance. “My um… My mum needs to talk to you. My sister, she has these accommodations-”

“Oh, cool.” The lifeguard nodded and then ducked into the building. Kyle leaned into the building, confused.

Kyle frowned and watched him as he sat down at the chair in there, noticing a computer. And that the building had a floor. Huh, he didn’t know they had like… things in them. He just thought they were little buildings for shade. He ducked back as the lifeguard looked at him, blushing dark.

“You can come in, kid.” The lifeguard laughed. “I don’t bite.”

Oh, that statement did embarrassing things to Kyle’s brain. His brother, David, would have likely responded with “not even if I ask nicely?” But Kyle absolutely was not saying that. This was embarrassing. He peeked back in before shaking his head, deciding to go with the safe option and just not. 

The Lifeguard frowned before shrugging and then he was grabbing a clipboard, sticking a paper in it, and coming back out. “Can you take this to your mom and then tell her I’ll come talk to her in like thirty minutes when my shift ends? Braeden should be here to relieve me and I’ll go over details so I can tell everyone else. Cool?”

Kyle blinked, staring at the clipboard. “Yeah, I can.” He took the clipboard, trying not to blush again. God, get it together, Kyle. He hugged the clipboard and backed up, watching the lifeguard go back up the stairs to the top of the tower. “Oh, wait!” He called before he could stop himself. “My mum will want to know your name!”

“Alex!” The lifeguard called back down, leaning against the rail of the tower, again. “I’m the only one on staff with that name!”

“Awesome.” Kyle mumbled and finally ran off to go talk to his mom again. He held out the clipboard when he got close to her, relaxing when she took it. “He’s the only lifeguard, so he’ll come talk to you when his shift ends in thirty minutes.”

His mom looked down at the clipboard and then shrugged. “What’s his name?” She asked as she got out a pen, starting to fill out the paperwork.

Kyle blushed. “Alex.” He liked having the lifeguard’s name. He knew there was no chance in hell but… At least he had a name. Alex. It was simple, likely something he’d find in his sister’s romance books. 

He glanced back over at the lifeguard, seeing he was now talking to another lifeguard who had likely just arrived. Huh, he hadn’t thought it’d been thirty minutes, yet. But, as he watched Alex move, hating that he was able to pick up how his swim shorts hung off his hips a little, revealing a v-line that Kyle had to fight his mind not to take interest in.

God, the fucking sunshine was reflecting off his fucking abs… 

Yeah, Alex was definitely the guy on the cover, too. He hoped Alex wouldn’t have too many shifts or else this summer would be torturous… He quickly looked away, turning dark red as Alex glanced at him. Fuck. Don’t be fucking obvious, you idiot.

He looked at his mum, who was continuing to fill out paperwork. Then he was being shoved, lightly, almost losing his balance. He huffed and turned to look at David, who was laughing. “Kyle’s got a crush.”

“I do not!” Kyle immediately defended.

David just laughed harder. “Yes you do! It’s so obvious! Anyway, I was coming over to ask if you wanted to come with me and these girls I just met to the surf beach tomorrow.”

“You don’t surf.” Kyle made a face. Neither did he, for that matter. They were both on the swim team, but… Kyle was planning to quit and David sucked at it. He narrowed his eyes. “And I’m guessing these are pretty girls?”

“They’re total fucking babes.”

“You’re british!” Kyle exclaimed. “You don’t even use that lingo!” He crossed his arms and then groaned as David put his hands together and made a pleading face. “Prick. Fine. We can go to the surf beach. But I’m not saving your ass if you fall off your board. What did you tell them?”

David winced, looking sheepish. “I may have told them… that I was a surf champion in England…”

“You. Don’t. Surf.” Kyle slapped his forehead, groaning. 

“Well, I don’t plan on getting on a surfboard.” David shrugged. “I’ll charm them with my wit, and then they’ll never even notice that I’m not on a board. Besides, I just want to get with the main one. Look at her.” 

Kyle looked to where David gestured, seeing a girl around their age. Well, David’s age, since he was 16, and seeing a blonde girl. She had obviously permed hair and she was… wearing hoops at the beach. Clearly, she didn’t plan on swimming, regardless, and her swimsuit was rather showy… Of course David went for that one. “You think you have a chance with her?” Well, he looked at David.

David had been adopted from Korea. However, he was as tall as Kyle, and he had a considerable amount of charisma. And a stupid amount of confidence. A dangerous amount of confidence. Kyle had watched him manage to get with girls way out of his league… 

David grinned and puffed out his chest. “No. But I’m gonna try, anyway.”

“Great.” Kyle rolled his eyes. He yelped as he was suddenly shoved over, watching David laugh and run off. “Prick!” He called and brushed sand off himself, groaning. Falling in sand fucking hurt. 

“Hey, you okay?”

Oh no… Fucking David! Kyle winced and looked up at Alex, who was offering his hand to help Kyle up. Kyle blushed dark, knowing David had to have done this on purpose. He hesitantly accepted the hand, letting Alex help him up and then quickly letting go and pulling away. 

Alex smiled at him. “You good?” 

He had his sunglasses off, now, and they were folded on the lanyard which had his whistle on it. Kyle blushed darker and quickly pulled his eyes up before he started to look at the skin around it. Alex looked concerned. “Did you hit your head?”

Kyle quickly shook his head. “No. Just fell on my back. Yeah, I’m fine.” He was not fine, this was embarrassing and he was going to kill David. 

“Hello, you must be Alex.” His mum finally came over, catching Alex’s attention. She offered a hand, which Alex shook, and Kyle glanced around for David, seeing he was over by the girls again.

David grinned when he saw him and waved him over, so Kyle rolled his eyes and went over. “I’m going to kill you.” He muttered when he got close.

David laughed. “The girls,” he gestured around the group of four girls, and Kyle just sort of nodded at them, “said that that lifeguard that’s talking to Mom is a surfer, too.”

Oh no. 

“Oh?” Kyle pinned David with a glare, getting an idea where this was going. “And what about it?”

“They said he should be at the surf beach tomorrow.” David grinned. “Apparently lots of the girls fawn over him, but he’s… you know…” He gestured.

“He’s gay!” One of the girls spoke up. Kyle noticed she looked a lot like Tiffany. Like… uncannily like Tiffany, who was standing right next to her. But, her hair was straight. “It’s horrible.”

Kyle knew they likely weren’t being homophobic, probably just lamenting that this meant he wouldn’t be interested in them, but he still had to fight hard not to say something. He looked at the sky for a moment before taking a deep breath. “Interesting.” He mumbled. “David, can I talk to you?”

“Yeah, sure.” David answered, so Kyle grabbed his arm and yanked him away from the group. “Ouch.”

“I’m going to kill you.” Kyle glared at him. “I need you to know that. Watch your fucking back this entire vacation because when you least expect it, I will be there.”

“Christ, okay, Batman.” David pulled his arm away and rubbed it. “Bloody hell. I was doing you a favor. Clearly you like him.”

“He’s an adult.”

“Ah! He’s just turned 18. Like a week ago.” David defended. “You’re 15 and a half! That’s only like… a two and a half year age difference!”

This was not helping Kyle’s resolve to kill David. “It’s weird.”

“Nah…” David grinned. “I’m just trying to be your wingman. Come on, mate, live a little.” He punched Kyle’s shoulder and Kyle resisted punching him. In fact, he had a very vivid image of it flashing through his head. 

Kyle looked away, seeing Alex was now joking with his mom. Well… maybe it’d be nice to watch him surf. If he was with that group of girls, he’d likely just be able to pass it off as watching because they were. “Fine, fine.” He muttered. “But, on one condition.”

“Oh no.” David winced. “What is it?”

“You have to try to surf in front of everyone.” Kyle grinned, crossing his arms. “Then, I’ll come.”

David groaned. “You’re fucking evil. Fine. Bloody hell… Pure evil, Kyle.”

Kyle stuck his tongue out before shaking his head. God, he was not looking forward to the next day…

-

Gaz jumped as the front door opened and he saw Rudy and Soap were coming back in. They’d been apparently hanging out. They’d invited Gaz along, but he hadn’t wanted to go.

“I’ll tell you the rest, later.” Gaz told Price, who had his head leaned back against the couch, his hat over his face.

“Sure, kid.” Price answered and Gaz got up to go ask Rudy and Soap what they’d done that day.

--

Ask me for PT2 and this is Grape Crush on the Taglist Form

Do you want to be added to this taglist? Reply to this post that you wish to be added to the taglist and I will start to tag you in it every time I post it. You can also use this form!

@the_pluto_828

[chickensarentcheap]

Lost and Found-Chapter 19

Fandom: Extraction

Pairing: Tyler Rake and Esme Drummond (OFC. But you do not have to read the others in the series to understand this fic.)

Warnings: some profanity.

*Includes Extraction 2 canon mentions

Tagging: @tragiclyhip @munstysmind @themaradwrites @youflickedtooharddamnit @secretaryunpaid @karimac @kmc1989 @thebewingedjewelcat @timbradfordsboot @asirensrage @residentdormouse @arrthurpendragon @ocappreciationtag @occommunity @ninjasawakenedmystar

Link to Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/43179357/chapters/126074509

My tag list is open! Please just let me know if you'd like to be added!

*****

He’s the last to arrive; met by Nik at the entrance to the conference room. And they exchange warm embraces and then indulge in non-work related chit-chat; a friendly conversation about his long and draining flight and the dreary, damp, fall weather that had greeted him when he touched down in New York City.

There’s something in the way he carries himself; an abundance of confidence that borders on cockiness and an energetic, almost cheeky bounce to his step. Tall and broad-shouldered and wide-chested, he possesses a charming and almost boyish smile; the perfect companion for the near mischievous glitter to his eyes. Clad in ‘casual business’; charcoal grey trousers, black trench coat, and cream-coloured cable knit sweater that provides a striking contrast against rich, dark skin. And he exchanges one-armed hugs and small talk with those he knows, handshakes and polite greetings with those he doesn’t. Then stands patiently a couple of feet away as Esme and Tyler finish their conversation, his hands stuffed in his pants pockets, as he slowly rocks back and forth on his heels.

Waiting until Tyler releases the diminutive woman from his embrace, he gives the younger mercenary a smile and a nod in greeting before stepping forward. Draping an arm across Esme’s collarbone and pulling her back against him; lips near her ear as he wags a disproving finger in Tyler’s direction.

“Now this one is nothing but trouble.” His English accent is thick; the tone of his voice rich and deep. And easily recognizable. “Didn’t your mother teach you to never speak to strange men?”

“If she had, you and I never would have met.”

“Exactly the answer I expected from you. You always have been too quick for your own good. And everyone else’s for that matter.” Giving her a tight, affectionate squeeze, he drops a kiss on the top of her head and then turns her around to face him; hands resting on her shoulders as he smiles down at her. “Did you miss me?”

“Like a migraine.”

“That’s not friends now, is it. Is that any way to treat your favourite fella?”

“I treat Tyler just fine. I don’t think he has any complaints.”

“You’re just an evil little human, you know that? Always have been. Straight to the core.”

“You seem to bring out the best in me.”

A pregnant pause. Then they both smile and chuckle and he pulls her into a hug; firmly rubbing a palm against the middle of her back before releasing her.

“Surprised?”

“I thought you were in Rome? Last time we talked, you were heading that way. They send you to kill the Pope? How’d that go? Cement your role as the leader of hell yet? Do churches burst into flames if you walk past them?”

“I cemented my place down below a long time ago. And I WAS there; tending to less corrupt and evil things than that old fuck. But a little birdie called me. Said I was needed elsewhere. So, here I am.”

“What are you even doing here? What…?”

“Nik asked me to lend a hand. Help you out of your mess. Heard you got tangled up in some nasty business. With some big-time players. Organized crime, if I do recall correctly.”

“The DiTomasso's. This generation's version of Capone. Probably even worse.”

Releasing a long, low whistle, Alcott gives a slow shake of his head. “Boy, when you step in it, you REALLY step in it, don’t ya,”

“You know them?”

“I know OF them. Haven’t had any first-hand experience myself, but I know people who have. And they all say the same thing; that family is as corrupt and as evil as they come. They’ve got a lot of people lining their pockets; everyone from sanitation workers to coppers, to hospital CEOs and top-notch lawyers and even politicians. And we’re not talking the bottom of the barrel either; we’re talking the district attorney and councilmen and even the damn mayor himself. Not to mention they’re very tight with the High Table. They may as well be running this city. Hell, they may as well be running the entire STATE.”

“Sounds like this place’s version of the Radiani boys,” Tyler observes.

“If you thought they were bad…which they WERE, don’t get me wrong… you’re definitely not going to enjoy these fellas. They’re twice as twisted and dirty. If not MORE than that. Their bloodlines are long and run extremely deep and they’re extremely loyal to one another. They will stop at nothing to defend and avenge the family name. Which, from what I heard, you found out firsthand today, yeah? A little incident. Involving a sniper?”

Noticing the way Esme tenses, Tyler lays a comforting hand on the nape of her neck; fingers pressing and digging into the tight muscle. “It was way too close to home. Millie was right there. They didn’t even give a shit. They opened fire anyway.”

“They don’t give a fuck WHO is the room, mate. Your kid, your mother, your grandmother. They’re taking the shot regardless of who is there to see it or who might be standing in the way. Believe me, there’s word out on the street. And a healthy reward. For whoever pulled that trigger. Some of us do have some standards. Some morals left. And when it comes to kids…”

“And Winston didn’t even give a shit,” Esme laments. “He’s the reason we had to pull all of this together so quickly. Because he wants us out. ASAP. He was more worried about the attention we brought to The Continental. And the mess WE made. He didn’t care that Millie could have died.”

Tyler smirks. “He was more disappointed I didn’t.”

“You’re on his shit list too, are ya?” Alcott laughs. You’re in good company. He’s tried to intimidate me many times. He’s even tried to kill me. Off the books. Yet here I am. Still around to burn his ass. I can only imagine what his reaction is going to be when he finds out I’ve checked in. Should be interesting, to say the least.”

“Tyler thinks he might be connected to it,” Esme says. “ The sniper.”

“He threatened me. Hallow shit, mostly. Offered me money to get the job done and then bring Esme and Millie back here. And walk away from them. For good.”

“How much money?” Alcott inquires.

Esme scowls.

“I need the whole picture. Details. They’re important. Even I wouldn’t hand you over for all the money in that man’s vault downstairs. And that’s saying something.” Winking, he reaches out and affectionately ruffles her hair. “Considering I merely tolerate you most days.”

“I told him to fuck the money,” Tyler replies. “Said I wasn’t walking away. I was in their life now and I was staying in it. Didn’t matter what he offered. Or how much.”

“I’m not surprised. You’re one of the few in this game that still has some principles I tell you what though, I lost mine a long time ago. If I come face to face with that old fuck, I’m liable to rip his head off and shove it up his ass. And that won’t end well for me. You can’t even scratch your balls or pick your underwear out of your ass around here without The High Table having some rule against it.”

Esme grins. “Maybe you need a chaperone while you’re here. Someone to keep you out of trouble.”

“Oh, that’s mighty rich coming from the likes of you. Considering how fast trouble manages to find you. Which is how you ended up with this muppet…” Alcott jerks his head in Tyler’s direction. “...in the first place.”

Tyler smirks. “I thought we were friends.”

“You shot a coffee mug clear out of my hand, mate.”

“That was before I got to know you. Once that happened, I figured you were alright.”

Taking Esme by the shoulders, Alcott turns her to face Tyler; a forearm once more draped across her collarbone.. “Now you listen to me and listen to me good. That man? Nothing but a nuisance. A troublemaker. I can maybe see falling for his bullshit one time, but TWO? What’s that saying? Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice…”

“I’ll have you know that he’s a perfect gentleman.”

“Yeah, I bet he is. I bet you wear the pants in the relationship, yeah? Got him on the straight and narrow? Someone has to keep the likes of him in line, am I right? And it’s always the tiniest ones that crack the mightiest whips.” Chuckling, Alcott steps around Esme; clapping Tyler on the shoulder before pulling him into a tight, brief hug. “I’m just fucking with ya. It’s always good to see you. Especially out of prison orange.”

“Feels like a lifetime ago. How you been holding up?”

“Well, my knees crack when I walk, my lower back constantly hurts, and I need glasses to read and drive…”

“Just say it,” Esme teasingly encourages. “Old. You’re getting old.”

“Not to mention I have to get up three times a night to take a piss. Other than that, I’m doing just fine, mate. Still kicking ass and taking names. And most importantly, still on this side of the ground. Much to a lot of people’s dismay, I’m sure.”

“You just make friends wherever you go, don’t ya.”

“What can I say? It’s my devastatingly good looks and my boyish charm. You fell off the radar there for a bit, mate. After that last job for me. Heard something about you trying your hand at a normal life? Became a firefighter, started your own business. I’d ask how that all worked out for you, but you wouldn’t be standing here right now if it’d panned out.”

“I still do those things. And I’m going to go back to them; once this is all over.”

Esme frowns as her cell phone vibrates within the back pocket of her jeans, and quickly checks the message. “Millie forgot her backpack,” she informs the two men. “She’s the one who packed and put it somewhere she said she’d see and not leave it behind. I swear that girl would forget her head if it wasn’t attached.”

“Gets more and more like her mother every day,” Alcott chides.

“It’s all her ‘essentials’. Headphones, all her colouring and drawing stuff, her tablet. I’m just going to run it down to her.”

“You want me to come with you?” Tyler offers. “You shouldn’t be going anywhere alone. You…”

“I’ll be alright,” she assures him. “There’s armed guards everywhere. I’m sure one will tag along. Besides, it’s just at the end of the hall.”

“I come bearing gifts,” Alcott offers a bag he’d carried into the room with him; bubble gum pink with white and purple tissues paper. “For the little one. Wine gums. Right from over the pond.”

“She’ll be ecstatic to find out you’re even here. You guys behave, alright? I know how easily trouble finds BOTH of you. Tyler…” Standing on her tiptoes, she presses a kiss to the underside of his chin, then turns to Alcott and pecks his cheek. “...Russell.”

******

The men stand in silence as they watch her go. And the moment she slips from the room, a grinning Tyler turns to his old friend. “Russell?”

“You didn’t hear her say that.”

“Can I call you Russ?”

“Not unless you want me to rearrange that pretty little face of yours. That is need to-know information. And honestly, you don’t need to know it.”

“Why so secretive? It’s just a first name. There some reason to hide it?”

‘I’m not trying to be secretive or hide anything. I just hate the fucking name. Russell. Who does that to their kid? It’s pure shit. Makes me sound like I should be out there wrestling sharks or fist-fighting kangaroos. And I don’t do either, so…”

“And Esme knows your first name because…”

“Don’t get your panties in a twist now. It’s not what you think. It’s NEVER been what’s going through your head right now. We’ve known each other long before you ever came into the picture. And I was in it when you weren’t around. When she needed someone to be there for her.”

“I would have been had I been given the chance.” The anger returns. The bitterness. And he hates himself for feeling those things. Especially towards her. It’s difficult to accept; the fact it will likely be a long and drawn-out process. A bumpy road on the way to full acceptance and full forgiveness.

“That’s not my business. What went down between the two of you. But for what it’s worth, none of it was your fault. You didn’t do anything wrong. It wasn’t personal; why she took off. She didn’t do it because she didn’t want to be with you. Or because she didn’t love you. She left because she did.”

“Why didn’t you get a hold of me? Let me know she was okay? Let me know about Millie? Why…?”

“With all due respect, mate, my ties to her? My loyalty? They’re a lot stronger and deeper than the ones I have with you. It wasn’t my secret to tell. I was there for her. As a friend. A confidant. And It wasn’t up to me to play peacemaker. It wasn’t my job to bring the two of you back together. That was all on her. She needed to be ready to do it HERSELF.”

“And nothing ever happened? Between the two of you? Nothing…?”

“You’re really not going down this road, are ya? You really don’t think that…”

“I don’t know what to think. This is all new to me. The two of you even knowing each other, let alone being friends. And when I think about your visiting her and being around my kid and…”

“Nothing EVER happened. Not even close. Not once did either of us ever start down that road. And I can’t speak for her, but I never thought about going down it. We’ve known each other a long time. We’re colleagues. Good friends. And that’s it. That’s all it ever was. And it’s all it ever will be. Do I care about her? Do I love her? I do. But not in the way you do. Am I making sense?”

“You’d tell me. If anything ever…”

“I have no reason to lie to you, Rake. And you should be now: I don’t play games. Do you know how many times she’s talked about you? Cried about you? It’s a hell of a lot. There was never going to be anyone else. No matter how hard they tried. You’ve got nothing to worry about, mate. She loves you. Always has. Always will. You and ONLY you.”

“She talked about me? To you?”

“A girl has to open up to someone, yeah? I was that someone. From time to time. So don’t go there in your head. Nothing good will come of it. She’s back in your life. And she’s brought you a hell of a gift. That little girl is something else, isn’t she? Concentrate on THAT. That little girl and her mother. Nothing else matters.”

“You told her. About Georgia. About Mia and her sister and I…”

“She’d caught wind of it. Through Nik. I just filled in the blanks.”

“You were spying on me. Even after that. I know you’ve been filling her in. On what I’ve been up to.”

“She was worried. About how you were doing. So I checked on you from time to time. Put her fears at ease. It was all out of concern. On her part. She needed to know you were okay.”

“I wasn’t okay though. I was FAR from okay.”

“She didn’t need to know THOSE things. Listen, mate. I like you. A lot. You’re damn good at what you do. You’ve been a hell of an asset to me, that’s for sure. And we ARE friends. But let’s make one thing clear. If I had to choose between you and her? It would be her. No questions asked. Now are you going to drop this shit or..?”

“I just want to know if…”

“And I told you everything there is to know. I do have a word of warning, though. She’s special. She’s a rare breed. Especially in this line of work. So if you’re only inserting yourself back in her life and making promises and declarations of love and always and forever just so you can hurt in the end? Out of some need for revenge?If that comes about…”

“I would NEVER do that.”

“IF that comes about, I will come for you. And I will make things very…uncomfortable…for you. Painful, even. So if screwing her around has even crossed your mind, maybe you SHOULD consider taking that money and fucking off. Because you don’t want to piss me off. You hurt her or that little girl…”

“I already said…”

“...I will be your worst nightmare. And you don’t want that, do you. Now…” Clearing his throat, Alcott plasters on a smile and claps Tyler on the shoulder). “...back to being mates, yeah? I will fill you in on some gossip though. When it comes to your girl, though. Remember how I complained about how the tea was at your place?”

“Vaguely. I do remember you drinking all my milk.”

“Well, I learned right quick that the tea at your place may as well have been liquid gold. Because your lady love? She can’t make a decent cuppa to save her life.”

A smirk plays on Tyler’s lips.

“She claims to be a tea lover. A right tea granny, even. But all this time she’s been making herself -and unsuspecting others- utter shit. Complete pig piss, in my opinion. And you think she’d learn; being such close friends with a Brit. But she never does. It never gets any better.”

“I bet you drink it though.”

“I pretend it’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted. Every time. It’s the little things. That makes them happy. And it also spares my balls. I quite like them attached to my body.”

“It’s why I lie about how good the coffee is every time she makes it. And why I spent a year eating food that wasn’t fit for human consumption.”

“Give it at least one more before you drop the truth on her, yeah? Unless you fancy being castrated. Twelve months of getting on her good side should do it. And are you really serious? That this is your last job?”

Tyler nods.

“You know you’ve said that before. A few times. Just since I’ve known you.”

“Maybe if you stopped calling me with offers I can’t resist…”

“Just say no, mate. What do you think will happen if you do? I won’t hold it against you. You owe me nothing. We’ve had this conversation before.”

“Sometimes it’s hard. To say no. To completely walk away.”

“And you’re certain you can do it this time? Walk away and stay away?”

“Now I have a reason to. I have Esme. And Millie. I’ve got a family now. I may not owe you anything, but I owe them a hell of a lot.”

“She deserves a normal life. A partner. A father to her little girl. A husband, even. And if you think you can give her those things…”

“I KNOW I can.”

“She’s got a lot of faith in you. So do I, for that matter. I see the way you look at her. Your whole face just lights right up; whenever she’s even within five feet of you. You’re a different man. If I see it, you know she does too.”

“I hope she does. All I’ve ever wanted was to be with her. Have a life with her. Make her happy. Be the man she wants and needs. Deserves.”

“It won't be easy. It never is for guys like us. Trying to give up this life for a different one.”

“You speaking from experience?”

“Sadly, yeah. I’ve tried. Many times over the last couple of years. Can’t seem to do it. Pull the trigger. Totally commit.”

“So you and you and Mia aren’t…”

“We are. Off and on. Every so often I make promises I never seem to keep and she takes me at my word. It’s a vicious circle. One I can’t seem to break. Not for lack of trying. Mind you. She deserves better than that; someone who just can’t seem to put her first. And I want to. Believe me, I want to.”

“Seems to be her type. Men that can’t give her their all.”

“She never speaks ill of you, for what it’s worth. I know there’s a lot of hurt still there. But I think that’s more to do with losing her only child than it is what you did leading up to it. You gave her closure on that front. And I appreciate that by the way.”

“It’s the least I could do. After all the hurt I caused. And she gave me that, too. Closure. Not that I really deserved it.”

“Did you love her?”

“I did. In a way that was directed solely to her. She was my wife. The mother of my son. And things weren’t always great between us and we both take responsibility for that. It wasn’t just my boy getting sick. Things were rough before that ever happened. We thought we could get through them but…”

“But you did. Love her.”

“It’s what I thought love was, anyway. I was certain she was my one and only. The person I’d spend the rest of my life with. At the time we called it quits for good, I didn’t think I’d ever get over her.”

“But…”

“But then I met Esme. And everything changed. I changed. The way I felt about her…FEEL about her…nothing can even come close to touching it. It took me until I was thirty-five; to find the love of my life. And losing her broke me in ways I never thought possible. I didn’t think I had anything left TO break.”

Alcott nods in understanding.

“She’s everything. My entire world. Even when she was gone, it all revolved around her. I spent every second of every day wanting her back. Trying to find a way to make that happen. I never moved on. Not really. I probably never would have.”

“Like I said, she’s a special sort. A breed all her own.”

“I can’t fuck it up. Now that I have her back. Now that I have a daughter. I can’t lose my family. I’d never survive that. If something happened to Esme…”

“Nothing will. That’s why we’re all here. To make sure nothing DOES happen.”

“And none of this is a slight on Mia. In any way. She’s a good woman in her own right. She deserved a lot better than what I gave her. And I’ll regret it for the rest of my life; leaving her when she needed the most. But I don’t regret that things fell apart. Because if they didn’t, I never would have met Esme. And a life without her is not one I like to think about. Five years? That was long enough.”

“If you fuck this up…”

“I won’t. I won’t make the same mistakes twice. You know, maybe I should be making some threats of my own. When it comes to Mia. She deserves a good man. Someone who loves her and ONLY her. That can put her above their work. And if you can’t do that and YOU hurt HER…”

Alcott chuckles. “You’re the last one that should be threatening me when it comes to Mia. Considering…”

They find themselves interrupted by Esme’s return; bashful and apologetic as Millie rushes into the room ahead of her. Her pigtails swinging from side to side and her brilliant blue eyes sparkling; her giggles and squeals filling the room.

******

“Uncle Duey!”

Alcott catches her the moment she leaps off the ground, giving that rich, deep chuckle as he throws her high over his head. Once…twice…three times, before expertly catching her and showering her face with kisses; eyes briefly closing as he gathers her close to his chest and squeezes as tight as her tiny body will allow.

Tyler notices the remarkable change in the man. The softness to his face, the glitter in his eyes, and the gentleness to his smile; one of his large, scarred hands cradling the back of Millie’s head as he presses his lips to her temple. And it’s bittersweet; the knowledge that so many people got the chance to meet and love on his daughter before he did.

“I missed you!” Millie presses a noisy kiss to Alcott’s lips, then pulls back to look at him; pouting as she holds his face in her tiny hands. “It’s been forever Since I last saw you!”

“It’s only been two months.”

“Two months is wayyy too long! It felt like two forevers! Where have you been?!”

“Working. In different countries. I couldn’t come see you and mum until I was finished. Some bad guys needed taken care of.”

“And did you? Take care of them?”

“Of course.”

“You killed ‘em, didn’t you.”

“Amelia!” Esme scolds. “What in the…?”

“Uncle Duey kills bad guys just like Auntie Nik and Uncle Yaz do. And just like Tyler does. It’s not exactly a secret, mom.”

Grinning, Tyler nudges Alcott with his elbow. “Uncle Duey?”

“Tyler?”

“We can talk about THAT later.”

“He’s Uncle Duey ‘cause when he visits, there’s THREE of us,” Millie explains, holding up the exact number of fingers. “There’s him, momma, and me. Like in the cartoon. Huey. Duey, and Louie. I came up with it! All my myself!”

“That’s because you are very smart,” Alcott praises. “Like your mum. And you also let me pick which I wanted, didn’t ya. And do you remember why I chose what I did? Why I picked Duey?”

Millie let’s loose a near-perfect English accent. “‘Cause the other two sounded like right wankers.”

Laughing, her ‘uncle’ presses a kiss to her forehead. “That’s exactly right. Did you like your surprise?”

Millie nods enthusiastically. “I love wine gums! They’re my favourite! Especially the ones you bring!”

“That’s ‘cause those are the real deal. Straight from over the pond. Right from England. You know how hard those were to actually get here? The issues I had getting them through customs? Short of having to smuggle them up my a…”

“Uncle Duey needs to learn to watch what he says around little ears,” Esme gently scolds.

“Mom, he was only going to ‘ass’. You say ‘fuck’ around me all the time.”

“She’s a chip off the old block, I see. The apple truly doesn’t fall far from the tree. So what’s this I hear? About this Tyler bloke being your mum’s new boyfriend? What do you think of him? You like him?”

“I love him! He’s nice to momma. And to be. We have lots of fun together. He takes me swimming and lets me watch Coco Melon and Bluey on his phone and he put games on there for me. And he takes me for pancakes!”

“That’s quite the five-star review.”

“And he protected me from the bad guys. When they tried to get to us today. He made sure that I was safe and sound and I didn’t end up getting hurt AT ALL. He did though; ‘cause he lied on top of me and kept me under him so nothing could get me.”

“Just a few cuts,” Tyler assures her. “Nothing serious.”

“And I was really scared and he calmed me down. He didn’t leave me alone to go after the bad guys. He just sat there with me and hugged me and rubbed my back and played with my hair and made me feel better. And he didn’t even get mad. When I peed my pants. I didn’t mean to, but…”

“That happens when we’re scared,” her uncle sympathizes. “I used to do it as a wee lad. All the time. Nothing for you to be sorry for or for anyone to get mad about. So you like this guy? He’s good to you? And your mum?”

“Like I said, I love him.”

“There’s nothing else I need to know then. Now, you need to go and get what you need and then go with Abeula,” he nods in the woman’s direction as she lingers nearby. “‘Cause the adults really need to talk. It’s time to figure some stuff out. When it comes to bad guys.”

“That’s why you’re here? The bad guys? You’re gonna help?”

“That’s why I’m here.”

“The bad guys REALLY don’t stand a chance now. We got you and Tyler and Uncle John and Auntie Nik and Uncle Yaz…”

“The best of the best. Now come on.” He pecks each of her cheeks as her ‘nanny’ steps forward to collect her). “I’ll see you in a little while, ya?”

“Maybe we can get ice cream?”

“I’m sure I could manage to steal you away for a bit. You be good, ya? I don’t want to hear any different.”

“I’m always good!” Millie declares, and shrugs into the backpack that Abuella over her; rushing through the room and over to the armed guard that stands by the door. “Frank! You wanna play ‘Go Fish’? When we get back to the room? I brought my cards!”

“She’s going to hustle him. Gonna take him for a few large for sure. Last time we played, she cheated the entire time and took me for every jelly bean I had to my name. Then had to bloody nerve to say ‘don’t hate the player, hate the game’.” Laughing, he turns to Tyler and claps a hand down onto the back of his neck. “You better buckle up, mate. ‘Cause you’re in for a treat with that one.”

******

“We don’t have a lot of time,” Nik addresses the group gathered around in the conference room. “We’ve been given less than thirty-six hours to be checked out of here. And we have to do it peacefully or quietly or…and this is a direct quote…’we will be subjected to the full weight and wrath of The High Table.”

Alcott gives a derisive snort. “The old fuck making his usual threats. I’d like to see him try. I won’t think twice about putting him in the ground.”

Wick sighs from across the table; his scarred hands raking through his hair and down his weary, unshaven face. “I just want to go on record and say that while Winston and I are…WERE…friends, I don’t support ANY of this. The things he’s doing, the things he’s saying. I’m just as disappointed and pissed as everyone else. Believe me.”

“We do,” Nik assures him. “We ALL do. And eventually, when this is all handled and things calm down, Winston WILL pay the price. I can promise you that.”

Alcott cheekily raises his hand. “If you don’t mind, I’d love to be there when it happens. AND take part.”

Nik tries to suppress a grin. “I will be sure to include you. Now before we get down to business, I want to assure everyone that this is a secure room. Yaz did a complete security sweep; both manually and electronically. While he didn’t find anything, he’s put measures in place to block any of kind of ‘spyware’ from listening in and recording. We’re trying to keep Winston in the dark. And I’d appreciate if nothing to do with this mission is talked about outside of this room. Because if he catches wind, he WILL try and stop us and he will try and stop us and will do whatever it takes to prevent Tyler from removing Esme and Millie from the building. Is everyone on board?”

A collection of nods spreads from one end of the table to the other.

“Everything goes down at one am, Thursday morning,” Nik launches into her ‘sell’. “John Wick will create a distraction by throwing lit matches down the ninth-floor garbage chute; waiting precisely two minutes before proceeding to pull the alarm and call the fire department. From a Continental extension. The call however will be diverted to our tech people; acting as nine-one-one operators who will respond by sending out two units. John, if you want to explain further…”

“Pretending to the first on the scene will be a friend of mine. Aureilo. He owns a mechanic place in town and has always been on our side. He’s helped me more times than I can count. And I know Nik you’ve had contact with him in the past and have had no complaints with his work.”

She nods in agreement.

“With him will be three of his men from his shop; two of them have firefighter experience. They will come into The Continental and ‘asses’ the situation. They’ll make themselves look legit, then call the actual nine-one-one from their cell phones and report what’s happening.”

“It enables us to clear the building,” Nik adds. “It creates a big enough distraction, but one that’s completely plausible. There’s nothing suspicious about it. It won’t raise eyebrows.”

“I have a question,” Alcott speaks up, then turns to Wick. “Where are these guys getting a fire truck?”

A grin tugs at the Wick’s mouth. “That’s ‘need to know’ information. And no one really needs to know that.”

“While guests are leaving the building as per the instructions of the first responding unit, Tyler will start the extraction, Using a key to the service elevator that Charon has given us…”

Esme arches a brow. “Charon’s in on this too?”

“He’s just as pissed as we are,” Wick explains. “He offered his assistance. In any way. So far, we’ve just taken him up on this small thing.”

“Tyler will use the service elevator to take Esme and Millie to the loading dock. Yaz has arranged for three armoured SUVs to be waiting. Tyler, Esme, and Millie will be on one, Yaz and I will use the other to serve as a decoy, and the final one will be driven by Alcott who will follow Tyler at a safe and unnoticeable distance.”

“Once they’re in the service elevator, I’ll head across the street and take up a sniper position on the roof,” Wick chimes in. “Nik has small teams of her own men on roofs of adjacent buildings.”

“Better to be safe than sorry,” she explains.

“You’re going to extract both together?” Alcott sounds wary. “Mother and child at the same time?”

“It makes the most sense. It…”

“It makes the least sense,” he interrupts. “For what I think are very obvious reasons.”

Nik sighs. “You don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“To be quite honest…and with all due respect…I think it’s a shit idea. And I’m actually appalled you couldn’t do better.”

Sighing, Nik leans back in her chair; chewing on the inside of her cheek as she struggles to maintain her patience. She’s been on edge since the incident that morning; unnerved by the extremely close call, Winston’s possible involvement, and his heartless response to the fact that two lives had been threatened. Especially that of a child he supposedly loved as if they shared the same blood. “I’m interested in hearing why you think that.”

“The little one isn’t the main target. It’s not her they want.” He holds up his hand in a plea for silence when Nik opens her mouth to object. “I think most of us…IF not ALL of us…realize that what happened this morning? It’s not connected to any of this. It has nothing to do with the DiTomasso’s. That wasn’t their doing. That isn’t how they operate.”

“You can’t be sure of that. You have no experience with them. You…”

“But I know people who do. Who’ve gone face to face with them and lived to tell about it. Minus a couple of somewhat non-essential body parts, mind you.”

Shifting uncomfortably in her seat, Esme reaches for her glass of ice water and takes a sip.

Tyler frowns; noticing the distinct tremble to her hand. And he reaches out and lays one of his hands on the nape of her neck; fingers softly and comfortingly massaging at the tense muscles.

“ They’re up close and personal,” Alcott continues. “They showed that the other night, yeah? At the house?”

“They weren’t afraid to make some noise,” Wick informs the group. “I’ve seen police SWAT teams with less bodies and firepower.”

“They’re not cowards,” Alcott adds. “They don’t attack from far away. Not their style. They like to get blood on their hands, and I mean that quite literally. What happened this morning is NOT related to that family. I am one hundred percent sure of that.”

Nik reaches for her mug of coffee. “So now we have two things to worry about.”

“No need to worry about the shooting. I’ve got people out there. On the ground. They’ll find out who it was and they’ll take care of it. It’s none of your concern now. It’s out of your hands. My boys will fish ‘em out and take ‘em out.”

“And I’m just supposed to take your word for that?”

“When have I not been good on my word?”

She relents; briefly blowing on the steaming, black brew before taking a sip.

“Our main concern right now is this plan of yours,” Alcott says. “Now for the most part, it’s solid. It’s workable. It’s all clean, fairly easy. Until the actual extraction. Then it all goes to shit. It’s a mess. And it’s just begging for trouble.”

“Because…”

“You’re out of your bloody mind if you honestly think extracting and transporting both…together… is a good idea. You’re putting the child in harm’s way if you do that. These people want Esme. And they won’t care who's with her when they go after her. Extra bodies are nothing but collateral damage. Regardless of age. Do you really want to risk that? Them getting ugly and trying something and the little one paying the price?”

“Extracting both at the same time saves manpower. It…”

“To hell with the manpower. Look at all the people here! At your disposal. Instead of wasting what we bring to the table by just having us ‘keep an eye out’, use us to your advantage. Two extraction teams. One for Esme, one for the child. This isn’t rocket science.”

“Tyler…” Nik observes him from across the table, making note of the furrowed brow, tight jaw, and lips set in a thin, firm line. And while one hand continues to lightly and lovingly rub at the back of Esme’s neck, the other repeatedly taps a pen against a pad paper that sits in front of him “...you’re the lead operative on this. It really comes down to what YOU feel comfortable with.”

“As a whole, I’m fine with the way things are.”

“But…”

“Alcott’s right. It IS a bad idea; to transport them at the same time. It’s not…”

The man in question grins. “Did it hurt to admit that? That I’m right? Was it physically painful? The worst agony you’ve ever known?”

“... getting out of the building I’m worried about; I’ve got lots of help close by if I need it. Not to mention Esme isn’t a rookie. She isn’t a normal client; she knows how quickly things can go bad. She knows what to expect.”

“Again, I ask. But?”

“Even she has her limitations. And I’m sure she’s the first one to admit that.”

Beside him, a silent Esme nods in agreement.

“Two teams makes the most sense,” Tyler continues. “If we want to get them out of here quietly, quickly, AND safely, doing it separately is the most logical thing. If things go wrong, I can’t be taking care of that and worrying about Esme getting hurt and someone grabbing Millie or her taking off because she’s scared. Had she been a bit older…”

“It’s very personal,” Alcott adds. “For all of us. Everyone’s emotions are running high. But Tyler has the most to lose. If things go wrong…and I mean horribly wrong…he’s the one that ends up suffering long term for it. I’m thinking of EVERYONE here. I want what’s safest and easiest for all of us. But especially for him and his family.”

“And you feel that two separate teams…”

“I have a lot of experience. When it comes to the job. More than you and your brother and Tyler put together. I’ve been at it a hell of a lot longer. And I’ve known some damn good mercenaries. Guys that could handle their shit. And this man…” He wags a finger in Tyler's direction. “...is one of the best. If not THE best. But not even the best can do it all on their own. They need backup. And with all these extra bodies you’ve got at the ready…”

“I think there’s a few things we can all agree on,” Wick speaks up. “The first is that we didn’t come here to just sit around. To just ‘watch and wait’. We came here to be useful. To get our hands dirty.”

Alcott nods in agreement.

“We’re all here because this IS personal,” he continues. “Because this time it’s our friends that need help. Our family. It’s why we agreed to all this. Why we’re sticking around. This isn’t a normal job. It’s about as far from it as you can get. And if we can shed all the blood, sweat, and tears for people we don’t know? Then we’re prepared to shed twice as much for people we do. Alcott’s right; this is the last job where we should be thinking about sparing manpower.”

“Now THIS man,” Alcott nods in Wick’s direction. “Is MY kind of people.”

“Having Esme and Millie together IS foolish,” Wick continues. “It’s putting Millie even more at risk than she already is. And I think that’s the last thing her mother….or her father…want.”

“I don’t feel comfortable taking them together,” Tyler admits. “IF it was a normal job and people I didn’t know? I wouldn’t hesitate. But I have way too much to lose, Nik. These people are going to come for Esme; they won’t give a shit who is with her. And that’s why I’d rather it just be me. Because at least I can fight back. Millie is the most innocent in all of this. Maybe the ONLY innocent one. I don’t want her in the line of fire.”

Nik nods slowly as she considers everyone’s thoughts and opinions. “Sounds like the main players are all on the same page. Does everyone else agree? That we should change things up?”

“Just the extraction part,” Alcott stresses. “Everything else can stay the same. Just need an extra team. To get Millie out. I’m more than willing. She’s known me for a long time. Considers me her uncle. I used to feed her and change her dirty nappies. Take naps with her on the couch. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her. And that includes making sure nothing happens to her.”

“Other than Nik or Yaz, You’re probably the only person she WILL go with,” Esme says. “At least peacefully. It’s still going to be hard; convincing her to leave me behind. We’ve never really been separated. And we’ve definitely never gone through anything like this together. But, I can’t make that decision alone. When it comes to just handing her over to you.” Laying a hand on Tyler’s knee, she tightly squeezes. “WE need to decide that. Together. Her mom and dad.”

A smile tugs at the corner of Tyler’s mouth and he leans sideways in his chair; pressing a brief kiss to her temple before pushing his fingers through hers and placing their joined hands on his thigh. “If you think it’s or the best…”

“I trust him, Tyler. I’m not one to just hand Millie over. And I wouldn’t do it if I wasn’t certain that he could take care of her. He really WOULD do anything to keep her safe. I don’t question that at all.”

“And you know she’d be okay with it?”

“It’s going to take some convincing regardless of who I choose. But he’s been there since she was just a tiny baby. She’s known him all her life. And I know she loves him and trusts him.”

“I just want what’s best for her. WHO is best for her.”

“I wouldn’t try to sell Alcott to you if I didn’t trust him. Completely.”

Sighing, he briefly chews on his bottom lip; thumb continuously brushing against the top of her hand. “I trust Esme more than I trust anyone. And if she thinks you’re the right guy for the job, I have no reason to doubt it. I’m good with it. If you’re willing to take her on…”

“More than willing.”

“But I warn you, mate. If anyone gets a hold of her and hurts her…”

“You don’t have to finish that threat. If that happened, I’d off myself before you had the chance to get to me.”

“Then that’s what we’ll go with,” Nik says. “Alcott will be in charge of extracting Millie and Abeula and getting them to the airport. Once you’ve successfully gotten her out of The Continental, you’ll call Wick on his secure phone; he’ll abandon his post on the roof of the building across the street and meet up with you. It’s up to the both of you to come up with a preferred pick-up spot outside of the hot zone.”

“We’re gonna have to grab a drink later,” Alcott addresses Wick. “And make sure to bring a big map. ‘Cause I don’t know fuck all where anything is in this city.”

“It’s up to the two of you to sort that out and make a firm plan,” Nik informs him. “For now, we call it a night. We all sleep on the game plan. We meet again…same place…at noon tomorrow. To see if there’s any other concerns or if we’re all comfortable and on board with things. If we are, we run through everything. This is as personal as it gets. We can’t have any issues. We can’t have things go wrong. We can’t have any fuck ups.”

“What about Winston?” Esme inquires. “I’m usually not one that’s hell-bent on revenge, but when he didn’t show any concern for what happened to Millie and I can’t let that lie. I can’t…”

Nik smirks, then aggressively snaps the lid of her laptop closed. “Don’t you worry about that. He’ll get what’s coming to him.”