Bloodlust (John Wick) *COMPLETED*

Chapter Two

LYDIA

New York New York it's a hell of a town. As I leave the airport terminal and head directly towards the nearest subway, I fire off a quick message to an old acquaintance William, stating I was back in town and needed some supplies. I couldn't bring any weapons on the plane, and I felt naked and vulnerable without so much as a knife to slit a curious throat. I'd made sure to bring enough currency with me, gold coins used in our circle as a form of payment. Not that I couldn't pay real money, but the gold coins were discrete and didn't leave a money trail.

'Spare some change,' a homeless guy begs, shaking an old coffee cup.

I smile and throw some loose change into the cup, 'thank you miss,' he replies, seeming surprised someone had gone out of their way to give up some money to help someone in need.

William ran an antique shop by day, weaponry by night. Dad had introduced us years ago, and I'd gotten all of my weapons from him because he went out of his way to find me unique weapons to intrigue me. Today I was in the market for something simple, just enough to get me by until I could get to dads house and his emergency safe box.

'Lydia, long time no see old friend. Come in,' William chuckles, a little too enthusiastically considering it was close to midnight.

'Hello William, I don't need anything fancy, just a gun and a knife will do,' I speak up, following after him as he rushes around the smallish shop.

I wait by the counter until William returns holding two boxes and a little out of breath from running around, 'one blade and a Glock 22, are these simple enough for you, Lydia?'

I nod, 'yes they will do nicely William,' and slide a single gold coin across the counter.

He pockets the coin, 'sorry to hear about your father, he was a good man, and he'll be missed by a lot of people. Are you here to avenge him?'

'Yes, do you know who did it?' I ask.

He shakes his head, 'no, I don't. But you'll find out I'm sure of it. Be careful, Lydia.'

I smile warmly, 'thanks, I'll try and be careful. Goodnight.'

I slip the knife into my waistband and the gun into the holster William had also provided. Thankfully my coat covered the weapon so no one would be suspicious on the street.

'You've literally just gotten off a long flight Lydia, maybe your hunt can wait until the morning. The Continental is pretty much the same from when you were here last.'

Of course, this was William's way of politely saying I looked like shit and should clean up. I could do with a good night's sleep in a comfy bed instead of a plane seat. The Continental was infamous around the world, each major city having one with the same set of rules to keep its clients comfortable and keep assassins coming back for more.

'Will you get me a cab then?' I ask nicely.

He nods, 'I already called one, I knew you'd come around.'

I roll my eyes, of course, he already had. I had more friends here in New York then I did in London, more people who cared about me. Maybe after I was done dealing with dads drama, I could extend my stay. I grab my bag and suitcase handle and make for the front door, dreaming of a hot bubble bath and a decent meal.

~Time Skip~

The cab pulls up outside The Continental, a rather luxurious building from the outside. After I pay the driver, my door is opened by a bellhop holding an umbrella because it had started to rain cats and dogs outside. Another bellboy grabs my bags, and I'm escorted up the stairs, I slip them both a coin and enter the hotel.

The lobby was empty this time of night, but the same concierge stood behind the marble desk just like he did every time I'd visited previously. He was a permanent feature at this point and a good man who went above and beyond for the guests. I drag my suitcase towards the desk and wait for him to look up.

'Welcome back, Lydia, I have you down for a week long stay. Is that correct?' he asks.

I nod, 'that's right, it's good to be back.'

He bows his head and types away, 'I'm sorry to hear about your father, and on behalf of The Continental, we offer our condolences. I have you in room 618.'

I bite my lip and accept the key card, 'thank you, now I need some sleep before jetlag kicks in.'

I slide a coin towards him, and he accepts it, slipping it into his jacket pocket, 'if you need anything during your stay, don't hesitate to ask. Enjoy your stay at The Continental.'

I grab my suitcase and make my way towards the bank of lifts. At least now I had a headquarters of sorts to plan out my next move. Dad taught me to prepare for the hunt, to always be two steps ahead of the enemy, while I got my impatience from my mum who preferred to go in all guns blazing.