The Underworld

Chapter 2 - The Bar

After my descent down the creaky steps, which slightly unnerved me as I didn't fancy falling through them, I make my way down the dreary street. The huge concrete slabs beneath my feet are cracked allowing a few weeds to grow through the crevices. The buildings don't look much different. Just countless rows of flats or bordered up warehouses and buildings that look like they would collapse at any minute. The murky weather isn't helping the mood much either, the air smells damp like the heavens are about to open and 'bless' us with yet another downpour.

Surprisingly, the street is desolate, apart from the occasional soul coming or going from wherever they came from. It's not like this area is normally packed with people or anything, just more than this. Other than acknowledging their presence, I go on my way. No nods or uttered words, we just blank each other out. In our minds, we don't exist. I don't care about them, they don't care about me. That's how it goes. In my mind, the fewer the friends, the better. Less chance of getting stabbed in the back. Then again, having a few...allies is helpful from time to time, especially if you know the right people. It also makes some of those impossible missions a little easier if you have someone to cover your rear.

About fifteen minutes later, I reach my location, the bar. I can already smell the sweet, sickening yet warming smell of alcohol from behind the closed doors. With a big shove, I open the huge wooden doors and walk inside. I'm greeted with a bar full to the brim with people: men, women, even children. At least I now know where most of the district disappeared to. As I took a couple of steps inside, a few lift their heads up to see who their new visitor is. Once they realise it's only me, they go back to their drinks and conversations. I take this opportunity to scope the many tables occupied by people, most of which are regulars. I should know, I'm quite the regular here myself. I see a couple of fresh faces dotted around here and there as well, they stick out like a sore thumb, just sat there minding their own business among the regulars. They look terrified. Oh well, they'll get used to it eventually, we all do.

I approach the bar, where the bartender is, and stand next to a stool but I don't bother sitting down. After a while, he notices my presence and walks over with a warm smile on his face. He's a relatively tall man in his mid-forties, has black slicked back hair with a few streaks of grey here and there. He has a formal kept beard on his aged face and eyes as black as night. His toned body shows slightly from his red button up shirt from his fighting days which have long since passed. You'd think him intimidating if it weren't for the fact he's wearing a black dicky-bow on the collar of his shirt.

"Ah, Eva. What can I do for a little lady on this fine morning."

"Don't flatter yourself Harrison." I wave off with a slight smile before my face falls serious again. "Has any new jobs shown up yet?"

"Yes actually, and I'm guessing you want the one that pays the highest?"

I smirk "You know me too well."

"Dangerously so." he smiles. "Here." He grabs a data stick (like a memory stick for computers) from under the bar and hands it to me. I plug it into my phone and all the various jobs light up my screen. I scroll down to the highest paying one,

ELIMINATION - 10 Notes reward

Jesus, only ten? That won't last very long, not long at all for that matter. Well, if that's the highest pay, I have no choice but to accept. Hopefully, the job should be easy considering the ridiculously low pay. Either that, or the bosses have decided to lower our pay for their sheer amusement. Unfortunately, that's highly likely. I release yet another tired sigh and give Harrison back the data stick,

"Tough morning?" he chuckles.

I run a hand through my hair "Oh you wouldn't believe."

"Does it call for a strong drink?"