High Rollers

Women wanted for evening excursion, must be well endowed with good assets, to escort a chosen man without is prior knowledge. Pay will be standard for solo women and triple for duos. No more than two required.

The flyer confused Sara. It was clearly a job, and from what it sounded like an easy one if she could get Rachel on board. “Try outs” were at tonight’s market according to the paired data packet. Sara looked over the job description. It seemed too easy to be true. All she, and Rachel, would need to be would to distract some off world big whig. Sara hoped he wasn’t not attractive. It was probably some womanizing playboy, or their jilted lover trying to catch him in the act. Besides no where in the job did it say she had to go anywhere in private with him. Meaning it was likely he was at one of the parties down town.

Rachel had wanted to go down town for years. Meaning that this may be two birds with a single job. Sara passed the job details to Rachel and got off the subway, heading up to their apartment. When she opened the door Rachel was standing there unamused. “I’m not going.” Racel glared at Sara, “It’s going to be way too risky.”

Sara looked at Rachel, “Look, this would be an easy night out on someone else’s dime, and we would both take home an extra 50% on top of the going rate. Or would you rather find another way to make this month’s rent?” Sara put her fists on her hips and pushed out her comparably small chest. “I may pass for ‘well endowed with good assets’ because I’m on the smaller side of small. Yet you literally could be surmised as ‘brunettes do it better’.” Rachel started to say something, but Sara overran her, “Don’t you start it with me. I have gone clothes shopping with you more than enough times. You want men to look at you, and I know I’m your foil to look even better.”

Rachel put her protesting finger down. “I still think it’s to risky. For all we know it’s a trap.”

“The market in question is over in Skypark around two. The way I see it we go, figure out if it is or isn’t worth the money. No one is dumb enough to screw with a market especially at Skypark.” Sara said, pulling up the note to confirm the location.

This changed Rachel’s demeanor. “I should have looked into that before I got on your case. What should I wear?”

“I’d suggest something that will keep you warm, it’s going to be a cold night tonight.” Sara said glancing at the weather forecast.

“I’ll pick something out for you as well. I know you’ll either freeze or look like a lesbian.” Rachel said clearly running outfits in her head.

“I can think of worse fates.” Sara said.

“If you’re going that route than I’ll stay here. Although it would be amusing to see you get shot down by this job.” Sara knew once Rachel started teasing she had made her mind up. “Regardless Sara I don’t trust you to not go though with this.”

“Right, so what do I wear to this? Remember it’s going to be cold tonight. Bit rainy too.” Sara said as Rachel headed into the bedroom clearly on a mission.

A few hours of dress-up and makeup later Sara and Rachel were on the green line headed to Skypark. Sara was surprised at the looks she was getting, strangers would usually glance at Rachel, yet she always faded into the background. It was unnerving. “Stop fidgeting.” Rachel said giving Sara a disappointed mom look.

“You’re the one who put me in this dress. I feel like it’s too tight and there’s too many eyes.” Sara lent into the whisper. “Besides with what happened Saturday, it’s not unfounded. I wonder if they think I’m that new princess Jack’s been seen with.”

“You’re a blonde, have a foot less hair, none of the tech hairs either, and are good half head taller.” Rachel said, rather thoughtfully. “Annika is a lovely lady though. I don’t think any of us have anything to worry about.”

“You’ve met her?” Sara couldn’t quite believe the implication.

“At George’s once, Jack was setting something up and I asked if she needed anything. It wouldn’t be the first lost woman he’s had me help settle.” Sara didn’t have to think hard on that implication. Rachel hadn’t stopped bailing her out since she moved to Port Ruby.

“I didn’t think he asked you.” Sara pondered if Rachel knew Jack personally.

Next Stop Skypark Plaza the train announced We will be arriving shortly.

Sara led Rachel off of the train and down into the park. The market had started about an hour ago, which meant the park was a buzz with activity. The crowd was a relief from the quiet attention on the subway. Sara had to be careful to not loose Rachel in the crowd. She was less used to night markets and the way the crowds flowed around such events. Yet Rachel seemed to understand that she needed to stay close and stayed near by. “Are they always this busy?” Sara was pleased it was Rachel’s turn to feel out of place.

“Not usually, however with the throw down that happened back in East-Port last weekend, everyone is on edge. I wouldn’t put it past South Bank to worry about catching a few strays. Port Ruby proper has a rather heavy hand when it comes to these kinds of issues. The Mayor was pissed.”

“I thought Jack got that smoothed over?” Rachel had quieted down to a whisper.

“Not really. Yes he sorted the problem with the off worlders. Yet it sounded like it cost him a few favors to prevent it from starting a war on the outer ring. Frankly I don’t know if Big Mike or the Red Lady can pay him back for it.” Sara continued leading Rachel towards the listed meeting spot, Marmalade Jim’s. “Don’t worry about it. Likely there’s a lot of people looking to either hunker down or gear up, and a lot of people trying to settle accounts tonight. Any way you slice it last Saturday night was one to remember.”

Marmalade Jim’s was the kind of oversized hole in the wall bar one would expect semi-illegal heists to be planned in. Sara felt more at ease, although she still felt over dressed. “We are looking for a Walter.” She told Rachel, “Apparently he’s with Little Nick.”

“It’s been a while since I’ve met with Little Nick, will be good to see him again.” Rachel said.

Sara headed up to the bar to both scan the place and to let the barman know who she was looking for. “I see him.” Rachel said gesturing to a corner booth. Little nick was squeezed into it and a rather nerdy yet gruff man was sitting with him they were talking to a rather over augmented woman and seemingly not pleased with what she was saying.

“I’ll check us in with the bar. You want a drink?” Sara said continuing on with her plan.

“Something sweet and not too strong.” Rachel said taking up a spot at the bar. “I’ll stay here.”

Sara went up to Samson, he looked like he could tear cars in half with his bare hands, and probably could. Yet Sara knew he was mostly bark. “Samson, can I get a beach blondie and a mini-kini?” Sara said with just enough of a smirk. “And let Nick know he’s got a duo for the job.”

Samson turned to Sara, “Who cleaned you up? Last I saw you were lookin’ like a middle school boy who lost a fight with his sister and her friends on sleepover night.” He didn’t bother keeping his laugh quiet.

Sara joined him. “Rachel, who is making for a better roommate than I had expected. She’s the one the blondie is for, probably extra sweet and mild.”

“Gotcha, is she the stunner you walked in with?” Samson said starting to put together the drinks.

“Yep, and before you ask yes she’s single. We both are.” Sara said just a touch louder than necessary.

“Well I guess I’ll have to bring her drink over myself.” Samson said, “Oh you’re third in line for Nick. Fair warning lot of duos showing up tonight. Probably would recommend thinking of a pitch else he’s not going to care. Whatever the job is, seems a lot of ladies are interested.”

“Thanks for the heads up. I’ll meet you at Rachel.” Sara said heading back to her fish out of water roommate. “Drinks are in, we should put together a pitch.”

“Other than our tits?” Rachel forced the question into a joke.

“Relax, it isn’t anything serious.” Sara said, attempting to ease Rachel’s nerves.

“You know how I get around, well.” Rachel gestured to one of the visibly armed.

“I do; I have to point out this is probably the safest place in the district.” Sara said.

“Ladies your drinks,” Samson said depositing the drinks in front of the two.

“Thanks Samson.” Sara said lifting the mini-kini, “Still third?”

“Second now. Honestly that overdone bimbo should have washed out faster.” Samson shook his head, “Anyway you must be the legendary Rachel. I’m Samson, usual bar watcher here.” He said offering his hand to Rachel.

Rachel took it, “Legendary? Has Sara been talking about me?”

“Not usually, however she said you’re the one who made her look like a woman. Which is more than enough in my book.” He shot a wink at Sara as Rachel burst out giggling.

“I suppose I did. Do you just watch bar or do you make drinks?” Rachel said taking a sip of her beach blondie.

“That I do, among other things. I have to get back to it, but feel free to come back anytime with or without Sara.” Samson said going back to his rounds.

“You never told me the barkeep was cute.” Rachel said looking genuinely offended, “Plus whatever this is, way better than what I usually order. The color alone is fun.”

“Beach blondie is the drink, with a touch of extra sweet and smooth. And you never ask about what I do so I assumed you didn’t care.” Sara said scanning the room again. It felt like it was close to back to normal.

“I thought you were working as an AI manager. In a call center or something.” Rachel said, looking genuinely confused. “Not hanging out with hunky bartenders in interesting establishments.”

“That’s closer than I would have expected given your level of tech understanding.” Sara said, “No I do cybersecurity generally inbound/outbound testing. Nothing too illegal, technically. Lots of onsite work though so usually this is afterwards, if I’m in South Bank at least. When I’m closer to home I go to Duke’s or George’s.”

“What do you mean, too illegal?” Rachel said, “What does that even mean?”

“Sara you’re up,” Samson said passing buy the two. Sara got up and headed over to Little Nick’s table Rachel following closely behind.

“Sara and Rachel you two ladies are not a pair I would have expected to see for this job. Rachel do you even know what it is you’re signing up for?” Little Nick said with a laugh that shook both his rather large mass and the table. “Got to admit it whoever did up Sara deserves a job for nothing else making her look like someone who got out of bed this morning and not crawled out of a dumpster.”

“Piss off Nick, you’re going to grow another chin with an atitude like that.” Sara joined Little Nick’s laughter.

The significantly slimmer, slightly unkempt buissness man looked down right mortified at the conversation and utterly mesmerized by Rachel who laied into him, “My eyes are up here, Walter? I hope you’re Walter and not some random creep.”

“Nick, Rachel is worth it but her friend isn’t worth the pay.” Walter said after being snapped back to reality.

“My man, my brother you don’t understand. Sara here is the one you’re hiring. Rachel is the plus one. Unless I’ve missed some movements in town. Rachel is just a rather under paid, over worked, under loved, and overlooked diamond in our little back alley.” Little Nick lost most of his friendly tone, “As for Sara, well if you want this to work be glad she’s taking standard rather than her standard. Although,” he turned to Sara, “I’ll give you your standard to come along anyway. Same for Rachel here, add 50 if she can make you fit in at The Waterfall.”

“You’re changing my job? Nick we had a deal.” Walter whisper shouted, “What are you doing?”

“Look man, your plan sucks. And your taste in women is worse. Do you know what this guy is even coming to Oturn for? Or did you miss that memo along with what his chosen flavor of of the finer sex is?” Little Nick had changed into full boss-man fixer, Walter for his part seemed to realize he was getting a lesson. “Now you want pure eye candy, Rachel got you covered. Hell she might, and I’d give you good odds on that might, steal the floor from any of the trophy girls and over augmented dolls that usually walk into The Waterfall. Yet your mark, he likes them short, long blonde hair, and smart as hell. Sara ain’t no pig we pushin into a dress. Yah she ain’t no Rachel, yet if they go up to him hintin at him getting a double then he’s gone. Hell they don’t even need to be that overt. Only wrench is if Princess Lloyd shows up, but if she’s there he’ll be there and then we got other problems.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Walter half stammered, “Sounds like you’ve already picked. What about?”

“Doesn’t matter, the best you got is an above average duo with no brains and no heart. Unless you want to flub this job on your own. You’re taking these, I’ll pick up their fee from my cut.” Little Nick cut in, “And you can ask anyone in this joint, it ain’t from my damn bleeding heart. If you want that score these are the two. Any other set and you’d be burning money. Hell if Sara didn’t show up I was going to call her.”

That shut Walter up. Rachel meekly raised her hand.

“Yes dear,” Little Nick said returning to his sweet voice.

“What, who, I thought Sara was a minimum wage minion?” Rachel said confusion enveloping her.

“Oh she didn’t tell you.” Little Nick said shushing Walter with a hand.

“Not until we got here?” Sara shrunk under Rachel’s glare, “Now it turns out she’s some kind of criminal mastermind?”

“She’s more of the van girl if I’m being honest. That or the control room girl,” Little Nick rubbed his chins looking at Sara to say something.

“Like I said, I mostly do cyberwork. Mostly legal stuff too.” Sara quietly admitted. Rachel was still clearly confused.

“Walter, your call either throw away the game or sign the deal right here.” Little Nick said, then thought a second, “Or you can shoo them off, and call the next group in. I know how to get a hold of Sara.”

“If it matters, I am living in East-Port these days, we both are.” Sara offered, “Everything else still holds.”

“Will the King of Port Ruby will need his cut, otherwise. I don’t think there will be much problem there. You two are going to be worth it. Anyway Mr. Fair shot here will be disappoined in the rest. Good seeing you around Sara, and nice to see you again Rachel.” Little Nick said with a dismissive wave.

Rachel was oddly quiet on the ride back to their apartment. Once the door had shut, “You have a lot of explaining to do Sara.” Sara knew she was in trouble.

The explaining was cut short when Sara’s phone received a wire from Little Nick, “Walter still thinks you’re not going to be worth the money. Prove him wrong. Also don’t be too hard on your friend, you are about as open as a safe most days.” Rachel had gotten a notification on her phone as well her eyes getting as large as saucers.

“How am I going to?” She started.

“Don’t worry about taxes. They will sort it. Always do.” Sara said, “If they don’t tell me when the tax man comes for you and I’ll sort it out.”

“You will tell me everything before we stat this job.” Sara knew when Rachel used that tone it was an order.

“Alright. Tomorrow though, or rather tonight judging by the clock.” Sara said shuffling off to bed. Rachel grumbled but agreed.

Sara was the perfect mix of exhausted and wired. Over the past two days Rachel had taken her to a few dozen clothing stores, most of her wardrobe, sans the few sweaters and a few well worn tees Sara had manage to save from the culling; had been. Sara still didn’t know where they went, and in their place was what Rachel called, ‘human clothing’. It wasn’t too bad even if some of her clients will be expecting a rougher appearance. The complements had been nice, even if Sara felt like a overdressed homeschooler on her way to sneak into one of the college proms. Rachel on the other hand didn’t just look like she belonged in an upscale Midtown club, she looked like she should be making headlines there.

When Little Nick’s limonene arrived to pick them up, Little Nick greeted them personally, “Ladies. Welcome. I must say Lady Harper I was not expecting this level of transformation.” His appraising eye was tracing Sara, not helping Sara’s discomfort. “If you would be willing, I can put together a team would even clear it with the boss man, Red Lady, and King Lloyd. You’d never have to worry about anything ever again if you help us fix up the styles of this town.” Walter unlike Little Nick was dressed in a fine suit, and was shuffling around like a teenager next to his crush at the beach, embarrassed flooding his entire body.

“Aren’t you three technically crime bosses?” Rachel said, a measured amount of caution in her voice.

“On paper. But Lady Harper your employment skills center is apart of a system we all run to make sure the suburbs stay the way they do. Frankly if you’re wondering about pay, and taxes and what not. Triple may be selling it short,” Little Nick turned to Sara waiting for Rachel to get over the shock of that offer, “Did you tuck a deck somewhere in there? Or are you as tech-less as you look?”

“I have the basics of basics. Even convinced ‘Lady Harper’ here to help me hide away a pistol. Poly-six but better than nothing. I didn’t have time to teach her how to shoot.” Sara said glad that her rather rigid dress had been useful for something.

“Fair enough. Lady Harper would platinum be a fitting color for a few enhanced accessories?” Little Nick said with genuine curiosity in his voice.

Rachel looked over her tight red dress and then Sara’s princess dark blue, “Yes, although we are in sliver at the moment. What do you mean by enhanced?”

“I suppose you wouldn’t know. Communications, identification, the kind of things that would help me help get you out of a jam when Walter here fumbles this like the broke kid on prom night with the rich girl who only gives him the time of day to piss of perfect her older sister. Guy would have her out of her panties and still end up cock blocking himself, hell if you keep that up Walter you’ll end up cucking yourself.” Little Nick turned his ire on Walter who clearly wasn’t expecting to be made the center of attention so suddenly.

“I do not.” He started to protest.

“You do, and frankly if you don’t get over the fact you’re with two hot women you’re part of your own plan will end up with you bent over not doing the bending over. You got that?” Little Nick scolded Walter in a way only a seasoned Port Ruby player could. “Now either calm your dick down or I can get someone to cut it off. If we went with my time table we could get one of the Red Lady’s girls over to burn it out but you set the time tables tonight. You’re gig remember, I’m just the guy finding the talent and footing the upfront costs.”

That hit Walter like a freight train. “Alright.” He took a few deep breaths. “I’ll be ready, give me a few.”

“You got till I get out of the car and over to the rest of the crew or I’m taking over the job.” Little Nick said before starting the process of hauling his mass out of the car. Sara and Rachel filed out and gathered up with the rest of the crew. The amount of people surprised Sara, for what had sounded like a sneak and grab job there was a lot of fire power.

Walter waited for Little Nick to get over to the group before he started is lecture. For the most part it was. Sara and Rachel were going to enter The Waterfall and go looking for James Roberts with the sole goal of keeping him at the party as long as possible. Walter was going to be at The Waterfall as well to meet with a contact that would get the other team the code they needed to break into James’s Ship and then get away safely. While Sara preferred simpler plans it was at least fairly straight forward.

Rachel clearly started to get nerves as they were heading to the limo that would take them to The Waterfall Little Nick pulled them aside, “Walter forgot that our mark likes to gamble, and that you two will probably have to do some gambling.” He paused as the first vehicles started to roll out, “Sara you should have a ‘High Rollers’ fund you can see. Use it.” Before leaving himself.

A rather thin woman, Sara knew as ‘Jane’ took his place with the two. “Nicky said you girls needed silver?” Jane presented two sets of earrings. “All the usual stuff. Works how you’d think, mostly.” After Sara and Rachel put them on, she turned to leave. “They are yours. Nicky wanted to give you both a memento and ‘an investment in our future’.” Her impression of Little Nick was so bad it was good.

Sara was impressed with the limo they had been given for their trip onto the city proper. “I can’t believe you talked me into this.” Rachel said taking in the limo, “Now I have to go gambling, what’s my life coming to?”

“Excitement I hope,” Sara said passing Rachel a glass of what might have been wine, “And good adventure. Besides you were the one always going on about how you wanted more, and I quote ‘more more in my life, ya know’. Wish granted.”

Rachel took it and they clinked glasses, “Are you my fairy godmother than?” Rachel laughed at her joke and then the amount of thought Sara was putting into her response.

“In a way yah. You were mine first.” Sara said, “When I finally got into town I had just enough that no one wanted to trust me yet just little that I couldn’t do it on my own.” Rachel thought about that and then laughed. “Laugh all you want. But I think sorting all that out can be for another time.”

“Yes let’s do that another time.” Sara was glad Rachel’s mood had improved, they both needed to be party ready. “You know Sara, we’re down town. Like actually down town down town. And not the transit hubs either. Look at that hologram. I wish we had this much well life in East-Port.”

“It will get there. Right now we are looting a ship.”

Rachel smiled though her second glass, “We aren’t looting anything. We are a pair of high rolling women looking for a particular type of man.” Sara returned her smile and they clinked their second drink.

“Comms check, girls you there?” Little Nick’s voice came though the earrings.

“I have you, Rachel did you hear him?” Rachel nodded, Sara shook her head “They can’t hear nods Rachel.”

“Sorry, Yah I am here too.”

“All good, Jane and I will be the voice in your ears. She’s hookin together everyone else. Stay safe out there ladies.”

As they arrived at the main, street entrance to The Waterfall Sara felt she was underdressed. Every woman she could see, including the paparazzi were dressed like this was their one chance to wear their best and they were going bankrupt to make it count. The air was thick with the buzzing of drones and the clicking of cameras told her she was going to be plastered all over the net. Rachel for her part hit the red carpet surprisingly well. “Put more into that strut.” Rachel whispered, Sara complied but felt even more out of place. “also smile, we’re here to party.”

Sara was pretty sure she had created a monster.

The two made their way past the firing squad of cameras and drones and into The Waterfall. The entry to the mega club was just as impressive as the whispers said. The center of the building was the waterfall It fell six stories though the basement pool floor. It was paired with a tropical theme and overshadowed the pictures. They would be taking one of the elevators up to the casino floor where they’d find James. Then there was a lack of commotion as everyone turned towards the street.

A deep green sedan with dark windows had pulled up, the kind of sedan that often goes unnoticed until it was found out of place here. Getting out of it was Jack Lloyd. Sara was taken back by sight, Jack was generally seen as the grounded street clothes type. Tonight he was dressed head to toe in a void blue uniform styled suit accented in silver, hanging form the epaulets was a cape that was covered in stars. Annika, Sara scrambled to remember her name, got out of the car and was dressed like a warrior queen. The pale silver dress was revealing with the low neckline, and skirt split. Yet the armor pieces provided coverage Sara starting to want for herself. The enameled armor was the same blue as Jack’s suit, yet what captured everyone’s attention was the platinum crown perched on her dark brown braids. Light up by warm starlight.

Everyone seemed to forget what they were doing for a second before the cameras started clattering away like swarming insects. They linked arms and the two simply walked in and straight towards Sara and Rachel. “Look alive, mark can see you two babes.” Jane’s voice shook Sara back to reality.

Sara caught James looking from the third floor taking in the show as much as everyone else. Jack and Annika came right up to Sara and Rachel. “Sara, it’s good to see you in a place like this. I take it this is Rachel?” Jack was the same as he always was.

“Yes I am. Annika, where? How? When?” Rachel covered as Sara started to reboot, “I know you’re new here but amazing.”

“Jack pulled a few strings. Maybe more than a few.” Embarrassment slipped though Annika’s facade. “It is good to see you again Rachel.”

“Yes, likewise. I hope you enjoy the evening.”

“More work than pleasure. Although getting paid to go on a date isn’t all bad. I take it is a similar same situation with you two?” Jack looked at Sara who gave him a nod. “Regardless Annika we have a reservation. Hope to see you two in the after party.” Jack then escorted Annika to the elevators and up to the roof.

“Date on the roof of the waterfall. What a lucky girl.” Rachel said, as things began to return to the way it was before Jack and Annika walked in.

“Your mark has noticed you. Do you think Jack knew about our operation?” Jane asked Sara, judging by Rachel’s lack response on a private line.

“Maybe.” Sara said, starting to feel eyes boring into her.

“I’ve heard the view is beautiful. Couple with that dress. I bet those armor pieces aren’t real.” Rachel said ignoring Sara’s comment. “What floor is ours?”t are

“Third. High stakes tables. I think we will have his attention.” Sara said pushing the button.

“I hope so. Think we will be allowed into whatever that after party is?” Rachel said preening in the reflection of the elevator panel.

“That armor is real.” Little Nick came over the comms, “Don’t know where or how Jack got it made in a week. Above my pay grade. The Mark has noticed both of you. Use it.”

“Cut the chatter.” Walter interjected clearly trying to keep his voice and temper under control, “It’s strange if you all talk to yourself.”

Sara suppressed a laugh at that, as Rachel lead her past a pair of men talking on their own ear pieces, even if they were just rolling high stakes slots. “Mark is back at black jack. Correction red jack.” Jane guided Rachel with Sara in tow towards the right table. Rachel grabbed a drink from one of the drinks bots and went up to the red jack table.

“I’m in next hand.” Rachel said taking up a spot not quite opposite James. The dealer girl nodded and continued playing out the round. Sara took up a position near Rachel who turned to her, “If I win this I get to pick player three, if not you can choose.” Sara wasn’t ready for that implication and turned pink with embarrassment. “You’re the one who asked for a third.” Rachel continued as Sara started to overheat.

“Stop teasing your girlfriend at the table, at least not without letting us join in.” A mostly synthetic man said shooting Sara a concerned look. “Or is she into that?”

“Well if you weren’t all metal I’d think about it shiny.” Rachel said shooting a glare at him, “Saddly unless you’re still meat down there I don’t think that will help in the babies department.” One of the other guys at the table dropped his drink in surprise. The dealer to her credit remained mostly kept together.

“If you want kids,” James said looking up from his cards, “I am the best for that at this table.”

“Donno. Babe, go let me see what you look like next to him.” Rachel said gesturing for Sara to go over to James. Sara did, as while she wasn’t sure what had gotten into Rachel, she didn’t want to make it mad. James was less impressive in person than he was in photo. Generally wiry yet somehow reminding Sara of a desperate teenager more than the kind of man who could put money down at this table. “So donor candidate one,” Rachel said eyes going from her cards to him, “what you can’t even hold her? Babe ignore him and come back. He clearly is afraid of women.” James responded by wrapping his arm around Sara’s waist. “Maybe he does have balls.” Rachel said taking the hand.

“Of course I do, I am.” James started.

“No one cares,” Rachel said, “Unless you think you can make me.” she finished with the dirtiest look Sara had ever seen from Rachel. She started to ponder if Rachel also had a second life. Rachel took the second hand as well. James didn’t seem all that bothered.

The next hand was a strong one for James, he showed her his cards. Sara decided to play into whatever nonsense Rahcel was dealing, “Does this mean he’ll be around, I think we both could use a proper man around the house.” She nuzzled into Jame’s shoulder.

Krack

A gunshot followed up by a half dozen more came from the bar on the far side of the floor. Screaming followed quickly as another volley of gunfire was exchanged. “Walter is dead, everyone out.” Little Nick’s voice came though the comms. For Rachel’s part she didn’t wait grabbing Sara by the hand and heading back towards the elevators.

Sara stopped and pulled Rachel, “Stairs. Elevators will be a death trap.” Sara made sure to send that via the comms as well. Rachel followed, and soon the two were at an employee only door. Pulling a tablet from the back of her dress Sara sliced the door open. The two entered the stairs and shut the door behind them.

“I didn’t think you’d catch on.” Rachel said as they started down the stairs, “I know you’re not a prude but that was a bit,” she pondered for a moment, “Aggressive?”

“I’d call it practical, go out into the parking garage. Car will find you there.” Jane was in full damage control mode.

“How’d the other teams do?” Sara didn’t know if she really wanted to know.

“Walter is the only casualty. Everything else has gone well. You two needed to stall for longer, but I think whatever this is will work as well.” Jane was lying, but clearly didn’t feel like she hand any other choice in the matter.

“Got it. Are we going to ground after this?” Sara said starting to put together a plan.
“Yes. Get out of the city proper and vanish. I’ll get everyone sorted out.” Little Nick took control over the situation.

Rachel froze when another burst of gunfire erupted much closer to the pair. The exchange was a lot longer than the previous and when it stopped both women sprinted for the parking garage. A simple black sedan drove up and opened its doors for them. They jumped in and it headed out into the city.

“That was.” Rachel took a few breaths, “That was a mess. I hope I didn’t push you too far.”

“What?” Sara was lost in figuring out who and what and where. “I don’t think we were apart of that fight. I think.”

“Do you think we are in trouble?”

Rachel’s question lingered in the car. Sara knew they were still in the city, and thus probably in trouble if they were to be found. While the police were responding, the cars weren’t even slowing down as they went by. Yet there were the groups that started a firefight in The Waterfall. “Probably not.” Sara concluded, “I think that we should stay home for a few days. But I don’t think we will have to do anything too drastic.”

“Would going out to Verdant”

“No. Women shouldn’t go there. Not even as a last resort.” Sara didn’t want to think about that chapter in her life, “Little Nick will figure it out. I think Jack will probably reach out at some point we do live in his part of town.” Sara running though what the fallout of this could be. “I think we just spend a few days at the apartment. Have Lizzy bring over some groceries. Wait a week or two.”

“I think we can do that.” Rachel said, collapsing into her seat.

“Don’t think we aren’t going to talk about your play there. It seemed to work, but later.” Sara allowed herself to deflate as well.

It had been two weeks since their trip down town and it had been largely radio silence. The money had came though, and Lizzy supplied them with food, but news was quiet. Sara had gotten into a pattern with Rachel: get up, food, check for updates, and pace the room to avoid talking about Rachel’s moves in The Waterfall. Sara had been surprised when Rachel decided getting dressed in the morning wasn’t worth it.

Then there was a knock at the door.

Neither of them knew what to do. Lizzy had dropped off this week’s groceries yesterday and hadn’t said anything about coming back. Cautiously Sara went to the door and peeked though the hole. She saw Jack and Annika standing on the other side a respectful distance from the door. “It’s Jack, and Annika?” Sara said to the approaching Rachel.

“I’m not dressed to talk with people.” Rachel said starting to panic.

“Neither am I.” Sara said as Jack knocked on the door again. Sara then reflexively opened the door. Jack was standing there seemingly not expecting the door to just open.

“May we come in?” He said looking at the two embarrassed women. “Or we can come back. E.v3a can you leave my number somewhere.”

“Yes come in,” Rachel said pulling her shirt back on. Jack and Annika did, “Why are you here?”

“First there was a high roller who needed their winnings delivered,” Jack put a credit chit on the table, “and I’d like to formalize what Little Nick offered both of you.” He said putting a paper contract, actual paper with pens to sign with, next to the credits. “If you’re in than we can talk more. Otherwise neither of you have anything to worry about anymore.”

“I told you I should be the one who delivered these things.” Annika said, “They are afraid of you.”

Rachel had picked up the contract and was skimming it, “This is oddly mobile. I thought you guys liked to keep people in house.”

“I find that people work better when they get what they want to do what you want.” Jack said, “Regardless I wouldn’t want to overstay my welcome.” He turned to leave.

“My number if either of you need anything.” Annika said dropping her card. Then the two left.

“I think we did it?” Sara said. Rachel’s agreement came with the stroke of a pen.