Bloodlust (John Wick) *COMPLETED*

Chapter Three

LYDIA

William was right, I did feel better after a good night's sleep. I didn't have a bubble bath, instead taking a long shower to wash away the travel grime. I ordered a classic full English breakfast with all the trimmings just to remind me of England. Now I was ready to face the day and the trials which lay in front of me.

A knock on my door startles me since the room service had already taken my dishes away. Knowing no 'business' could be conducted on site, I don't arm myself and open the door casually. Charon, the concierge, stands on the other side.

'I hope your night was restful Lydia, Winston wants to talk to you downstairs.'

I sigh, 'of course, he does, I wouldn't expect anything less. I'll grab my things and make my way down, thank you.'

Charon nods, 'have a nice day.'

I shut the door and finish getting ready. I holster the gun and conceal the knife before heading out to the secret bar beneath The Continental where assassins could drink and mingle, set up like an old speakeasy which was rather charming and one of my favourite places to unwind.

A jazz band was playing on the stage as I approach the bar and order a whiskey, despite the time of the morning it was never too early in this line of work. The place wasn't too full, and it wasn't hard to locate Winston, who was sat at his usual table scribbling away in a notebook just like he always did.

'Good morning Winston,' I say, and sit down opposite him.

He glances up and shuts the notebook, 'my dear Lydia it has been a while. I see you've picked up a slight accent while away.'

I chuckle, 'I guess I have, but that can always be remedied. You wanted to see me, and I think I know why.'

'Your father's death was unnecessary, and he will be missed by a lot of his associates, myself included,' he replies, with an undertone that stated he had much more to say.

'Don't dance around what you really want to say Winston, it always did annoy me. I'd rather you be blunt,' I state, tapping my nails on the table.

He bows his head, 'forgive me, Lydia. I know why you're in town, and I'll tell you what I told Jonathan, be sure this is the path you want to take. Unlike John, who got out you remained in this life, but stayed away from affairs within this country and city.'

'I'll be careful, Winston, someone has to carry on the family legacy.'

Winston leans back, 'be careful around John, he is the reason you left New York after all.'

I gulp, 'what did my father tell you?'

'You liked him, got close, but his feelings weren't mutual, so when he announced he was leaving to be with someone else you tried to move on. Am I correct?'

I bite my lip, 'he can never know Winston.'

Winston laughs, 'I won't tell him, it's not my place to get involved in anyone's life but my own. All I can ask is that you take my concerns into account, Lydia.'

'I will try; now enjoy the rest of your day. I have some affairs to wrap up,' I reply, a smirk on my lips.

He raises his glass, and I raise mine before we clink and finish our drinks. I put my empty glass down on the table and stand up, straightening my jacket and saluting the old man before making my exit.

The lobby was a lot more bustling in the morning, a mixture of people, some dressed in expensive attire, while others wore bruises and limped in covered in blood. I'd come through this door bloodied and bruised on many an occasion and got fixed up by the best doctors a gold coin could buy. Passing by a man and woman who looked to be in love, it was clear they were both work and personal partners covered in dried blood obviously just coming back from a job. It reminded me of one job, John, and I took without my father. We played the most dazzling couple at a party and slaughtered half the guests who belonged to some gang. We'd come back here a little worse for wear before going our separate ways, me blissfully unaware about Helen. I shake the memory from my mind and head out of the hotel. I needed to get to my father's safety deposit box before someone else did.