Lyfers OLD VERSION

Chapter 5 - Tightrope

 – Leto!

Screaming her name, Ishael rushed, crouching next to her. Blood was dripping from her shoulder, staining her white shirt.

– Are you okay?! He exclaimed, worryingly examining her wounds.

– I'm... I'm fine, no worries. Get the fucking weapons in the car.

He helped her wake up, waving at the other men to move the boxes while he accompanied her to her seat. When she sat, she took her phone out of her pockets, dialing a number.

– I hope you've got one hell of a pay raise for me, Soohun.

Their footsteps resonated against the high walls of the large, luxurious corridor, as much as the knock on the wooden door. Leto pushed it, entering her father's office, the three men following her, carrying the cargo. As usual, the Downtown Chief was sitting on the red couch, silently watching them.

– Here you go, declared the young woman, a hand pressing on her bleeding shoulder.

– So you did it, after all, nodded Soohun. You've impressed me, Leto.

He left the couch to come towards them, while Gesh and Siali put down the boxes. The brown-haired man opened one of them, taking a quick look at the weapons before closing it and going back to his seat, a satisfied look on his face as he eyed the Lieutenants.

– Can you please leave us for a while? I need to talk to my daughter.

The three left the room without a word, closing behind them. Leto took some steps forward, waiting for her father to talk.

– I am really proud of you, Leto, he softly said. Siali texted me about what you did. You put your own life in the line for your gang's honor, and that's exactly what I was waiting for you to do.

– No one has the right to disrespect Downtown, she added, strongly.

He smiled.

– Congratulations, you are now one of its Lieutenant.

– Thanks, Soohun.

– The weapons you brought me will help us, but it will have another cost. You killed one of the Skinners' most important Lieutenant, they'll want revenge.

– Everyone of us is ready to fight these liars.

– Even you?

He pointed at her wounds.

– What I am trying to say is, get some bodyguards, Leto. You'll be their first target, and you used too much energy today to defend yourself.

– But-...

She shut her mouth closed before saying anything else: he was right. She was not fit for another fight.

– I'll do.

– And considering all of this, do not throw one of these extravagant parties you younger Lieutenants usually throw whenever you get the title. At least not now.

She smiled a bit, remembering Ishael and Gesh nomination parties: it sure was too much.

– Okay. Now, excuse me, but I should get my shoulder treated.

– Sure. I'll call you when I'll have another mission for you.

She nodded then turned back, leaving his office. Outside of it waited her two best friends, and they shared a smile.

– You've got the job? Asked Gesh.

– Of course I did, joyfully answered Leto.

– We're gonna do the biggest par-... started Ishael.

– Eh, nope, giggled the pink-haired girl. Soohun already said no. Sorry, guys.

The blonde pouted, while they headed towards the elevator.

– That deeply sucks, he grumbled. Anyways, let's drive you to a doctor.

– Yeah, that's starting to hurt.

– You high-ranked Lyfers are immune to pain or what?

Both Leto and Gesh chuckled.

– You dumbass, she just said it hurt, told the green-haired man. But we sure aren't crybabies.

– Was it aimed at me, huh?

His friends started to laugh harder, as they got out of Weckam Corporation's building.

The day went on faster than she expected: as soon as she got out of the doctor's office, Soohun texted her to do today's street patrol with her best friends. Although everything went smoothly, she could feel the Downtowners attitude towards her changed: did they respect her, or did they fear her? Could it be both? She did not know.

Eventually, night started to fall on Dufferdale, as exhaustion fell on their shoulders while they stopped at their favorite pub, the Serenade. Everything there had a memory tied on it: the old door, the badly designed neon sign over it, the green velvet sofas, the dusty wooden floor, the arcades games... The three of them had so much good experiences in this place that getting a drink at this pub was enough for them to feel refreshed. They took their usual seats, in the back of the pub, where they could see the entrance and still be next to the arcades. Leto threw herself on the couch, stretching her arms, the two boys sitting in front of her.

– Huh, what a day, she said, after yawning.

– Fuck yeah, added Gesh. But the important part is that we succeeded, right?

– Right, cheered Ishael. Should we order something to eat, by the way?

– I want sandwiches, told the green-haired man. With like, a shit load of cheese.

– I respect and share your disastrous tastes, bro, giggled the young woman. Get me one, too.

On the other hand, the blonde made a disgusted face.

– Y'all are heathens. Go get your crap yourself.

– Except you're blocking the way, shrugged Gesh, who was leaning against the wall.

– No worries, cookies, I've got you both.

The pink-haired girl woke up, walking up to the counter and waving at the guy behind it.

– Oh, Leto! Didn't see ya, he happily said.

– 'Sup, dude? That's been a while.

– Indeed! Aren't yer friends with ya?

– They do, they're just arguing over sandwiches. Could you make us two cheese and one peanut butter, please?

– Sure! Just some secs.

He turned around, while Leto rested against the bar, looking around her. A conversation between two older men caught her attention when she heard her name:

– Man, did you hear the news? The boss' daughter, Leto... She fucking destroyed these Skinners.

– Yeah, I did. Dudes keep saying she let'em no chances. No mercy. A true freak.

– A savage. But don't you know the whole story?

– Eh? Which one?

– Sounds like she's the exact same as her mother. Y'know, the witch.