Lyfers OLD VERSION

Chapter 1 - This Time for Sure

– What is your excuse for being this late, Leto?

Sitting on the large, red velvet couch in the center of his office, the forty-years old brown-haired man was frowning, annoyingly getting a sip out of his alcohol's glass.

– Please, Soohun, let's not pull a fight now, sighed Leto. I've had... A quick incident on my way here, it's all.

– A quick incident, huh? That's what you're calling killing a stray Lyfer?

– Well, look, we have nothing to talk about then, since your dogs already told you everything.

The young woman took off her sweat-shirt's hood: hiding her brand-new bright pink hair lock was useless since he knew what she had done tonight. Soohun put his glass on the low table in front of him, before crossing his arms.

– Your bratty mood is starting to annoy everyone here.

– And who's that everyone? Your dogs? Your doll?

Her aggressive tone irritated him.

– If you weren't my daughter, you would be lying dead on this tile floor.

She was about to talk, to tell him if he raised her differently years ago, this situation would not happen today, but she shut her mouth closed, clenching her fists into her pockets. Her resignation made him grin.

– Good, you seem willing to learn. Anyways let's put apart this unfortunate event. I made you come here tonight because I want you on tomorrow's transaction.

– Which role? Guard dog, defense dog, attack dog? Don't look at me this way, I'm genuinely asking.

– Defense. You'll check the delivery we'll be getting from the Skinners.

Leto smirked at this name, shaking her head.

– That'll obviously end up in blood. Didn't you hear how they cheated on Menkveld's trade? That's the Skinners' fault Menkveld's illegal shit got public.

Her father crossed his arms.

– Since when do you pay interest to these things? You're the first one saying you only do what you're asked to do.

– Had time to kill. Always good to know your neighbors.

He smiled.

– You're finally investing yourself in Downtown's business, that's good. Well, you're taking the lead tomorrow.

Her eyes went wide in surprise: she always followed others' orders, no matter if she was actually the Chief's daughter. It would be her first time ever directing a mission.

– Are you-...

– Yes, I am serious, Leto. Choose who you're taking with you, you'll receive the exact location an hour before. I'm counting on you, Leto. Don't deceive me.

– Yeah. Anything else I should know?

– I want the weapons they promised me. If they don't bring you them, snap them all and find a way to get them anyway. No limits.

– Understood.

She turned around, starting to leave.

– Wait a bit.

– Mh?

Soohun put some cash on the table, pushing it towards her.

– Pay raise.

– What for?

– If you succeed tomorrow, you'll become a Lieutenant. That's only a bonus.

She walked back, grabbing it before shoving it in her jeans' pocket.

– Thanks. 'Night.

– Goodnight, Leto.

When she closed his office's door, her heart was beating faster: given how rude he treated her, she lost every hope of becoming a Downtown's Lieutenant, but it was finally happening. Soohun finally let her the chance to show she was worth it, that she wasn't just the bratty girl most of the gang said she was.

As soon as she got into the elevator, Leto took her phone out, dialing a number on it excitedly.

– Ishael? I have some huge news! Care to grab me at Weckam Corp? Oh, take Gesh with you too. Gotta talk business.

She left the building, and while waiting for her best friends, she took some time to watch it: the high, modern tower where Weckam Corporation was written in huge, neon pink letters could not be ignored. Downtown's legal side was one of the most powerful of the entire city, and in Dufferdale, it did not count for nothing. Weckam Corp was specialized in engineering, and having a part in every other organizations in the city was sure a huge point for the gang, although few people knew the two were ruled by the same people. It was a well-kept secret, and the young woman often worked on maintaining it that way.

Some minutes later, a flashy red sport car appeared, stopping right in front of the edifice's glass door next to which Leto was waiting. She could not help but smile, seeing how bad her friend was at parking his car. On the other side, the security agent was not amused, rushing towards it and knocking on the driver's window.

– You can not park it there, you punk! Go away before I call the police!

A young, blonde man whose short, curly hair was messily done got his head out of it.

– Die mad about it, loser! Are ya new here, to not know who the hell I am?!

The poor guy recognized him, of course, but too late.

– O-oh, Mister Zeharia, I'm-...

– Yeah, you're fired.

He jumped back, at loss of words, before Leto came.

– It's okay, Mister, Ishael was just kidding, she said, reassuringly.

– I was not-... started the blonde.

– Shut up, you were.

He pouted, but did not add anything.

– Th-thank Miss...

The security agent bowed a bit then ran back to where he came from. The brunette got into the back of the car, waving at the other man sitting in front, with a vivid green undercut.

– 'Sup, Gesh? She asked him, smiling.

– Hey Leto! Long time no see, he told her, smiling back.

Ishael started to drive off, while Leto leaned against their seats.

– Oh my God, sis, put your belt on, I'm tired of paying fines because of that, moaned the blonde, without getting his eyes off the road.

– C'm'on, the windows are tinted, if there's cops I'll put it on. You perfectly know that's not the reason you're paying fines.

– Well I don't want to pay more! Get your freaking belt on!

Reluctantly, she did, sighing.

– Anyways, don't you two wanna know the news? She asked, eagerly.

– Of course we want to, said Gesh, but we thought you'd rather tell us about it with a drink?

– Well, in that case, sure, cheered the brunette.

– Whose place, though? Demanded Ishael. Because I'm kinda driving without knowing where to.

– Yours, Gesh and Leto both answered.

– Damn, you two should get a stylish place too, rather than just sticking to mine.

He grumbled while they laughed, but they could see he was rather amused, too.