How Things Are

fifty one

Leaning against the wall, watching my boss win and lose those lotus chips for hours was making me twitch.

Mr. Li and Mr. Roman were playing pretty equally. It seems they all know how to count cards. The dealer belongs to New Vagus so she couldn't be bribed into cheating. This game was based on skill.
Teedo tapped out an hour ago. He's good. I think it had to do with giving Lucas privacy with the others because it was only them at the table now. The rest made excuses to leave.

Teedo is standing by me now watching the game as I am. Li's men went to the bar while Roman's men said they were going to have some fun and left. Whatever fun they were having it couldn't have been more fun then getting one of those chips.

I turn my head when I hear Teedo snickering "The boss said to look after you. Now I know why."

I just look away "I don't know what you're talking about." I mumble

Teedo shakes his head "Mmm Hmm. I'm sure you don't."

I glare at him "I wasn't gonna do anything!" I whisper yell "I just think they're pretty."

He raised both his eyebrows "That's the first time you ever said something was pretty. Should I be worried?"

"Shut up"

He becomes cold "I'm not joking. The moment one of those goes missing you'll regret it."

"I'm not dumb enough to steal from Lucas. Or anyone else in the Mafia."

Teedo nods his head "Good."

"What happens to people who do? I've only heard rumors."

Teedo looks at me then back at the game. "I'm not the one who deals with thieves. That's why Lucas has assassins and bounty hunters. Torture experts and whatnot."

Is he trying to scare me?

As if he can read my mind he answers "What? You think I'm joking? I've worked for Lucas since I was a child. I've still never seen what happened to everyone who betrayed him."

We both watch the game again. "Doesn't he trust you?"

"Of course. But getting rid of traitors and thieves isn't my job."

"What if it's an accident? Or a misunderstanding?"

"Plan on accidentally stealing something Tibby?" Teedo bumps my arm

"No. I'm just being hypothetical." I mumble

He nods "No one accidentally steals something. As far as Betrayal, if they're dumb enough to fall into an enemy trap, they should know what the punishment is."

I nod my head. I'm no longer interested in the lotus chips. I go take a seat on the couch on the other side of the room. Even though Lucas told me to stay here, best to stay away from the temptation.

It wasn't long after that I heard chairs pulling out from the table. I didn't see who won the most nor did I question it. Lucas headed towards the door giving us the sign to follow.

He gave Teedo and me orders to find everyone around New Vagus and meet him at the cars.

His business is his business but he should have at least told them to meet us later so we didn't have to gather them like children. Even Teedo begrudgingly walked into another gambling house for classy gentlemen. He wasn't happy about bringing me along.

Lucas men were drinking with men I didn't recognize. The marks they wore are from the gangs I stayed away from. I stayed hide from everyone but when these guys came where I hid, let's just say, if they turned left then I turned right. It was my time to leave and find another place to stay.

The boss' men however were talking like they were old friends. It was unsettling. There were still half that wasn't here but at least we found some.

Teedo walked up to them while I stood by the door like a coward. My face wasn't giving anything away but the memories of ditching these types of guys before Teedo trained me was impossible. I don't wanna test it.

Lucas is on top so wearing his symbol on my Kitana has nobody coming up to me. Good. What isn't good is now Teedo seems to be joining the conversation. I take a deep breath and walk up to them.

"Are we ready to go? Boss' orders."

There's a silent pause in the conversation. Teedo raises his eyebrow surprised. "You think I forgot?"

I scowl at him. "Seriously Teedo. Out of all people."

He smiles "I'm just messing with you. We just started a game. Join us."

Everyone is silent again, not expecting a woman to be invited to a card game. I take a heavy breath then sit down. I don't want to disrespect Teedo.

Teedo smiles and slaps me on the back "stop looking so grumpy. This is New Vegas. We're here to have fun."

"If you say so. Just don't blame me if Lucas gets mad." I whisper to him

He only takes another drink. The slave woman looks at me like I'm an anomaly as she deals all of us cards.

They gossip about what's going on in who's territory. What's worth the most now, who should be taken care of. All these things I pay attention to yet want to avoid at the same time.
I'm doing good on the game. Teedo Jr and I aready made a few men leave the table. I figured that's the only way getting us out of here. Jr is focused on the game as well so maybe he wants to leave or is just a heavy gambler.

The dealer seems tired. It's a good thing they found a way to control the air in here to keep it cold so we stay awake.

I already know Lucas is mad but he hasn't come looking. That's why he sent me and Teedo here to do. So now that we failed...

I put my cards down and stand up. "Where are you going?" Teedo slures

I look over my shoulder "to do my job"

Teedo looks like he had ice water poured on him. Did he forget? "Hold on." He unsuccessfully tries to stand.

I sigh "you wait here. Me and Jr will go get everyone else."

Jr looks at Teedo then gets up and walks with me to the door "don't worry Teedo, I'll make sure it gets done."

While walking out the door we can here Teedo calling for some water.

Jr is shaking his head "so do you know where the others went?"

"This is my first time in this place." I look around "Where would they go?"

Jr gives a heavy sign and points to another building "some might be in there."

"What is it?"

He looks embarrassed. His cheeks turn pink "Umm. I should just go in."

"And do the same thing Teedo did? No. I'll go with you."

Jr stands stiff "If you say so." Then we both enter the building.