[attr="class","beck"]"make it two."

call him adventurous, or whatever. he downs the rest of his whiskey before sliding the glass away.

"black tells me you want in. why?"

[attr="class","noodles"]nina larson // [x]

[attr="class","beck"]"there are better places to find money."

where she leaves her drink untouched, he reaches for his not long after it's placed. he raises the cocktail to his lips, sipping.

"it's not as glamorous as one might think."

[attr="class","noodles"]nina larson // [x]

[attr="class","beck"]"i try and talk everyone out of it."

the negroni is lowered back down after. the orange garnish is nice; adds a little flavor that's otherwise missing.

"because there's no turning back once you're in."

[attr="class","noodles"]nina larson // [x]

[attr="class","beck"]so be it.

with an exhale, beckett raises the drink back up and downs it in one. the burn washes down his throat, lingering.

after a moment, he asks:

"what's black offering you?"

[attr="class","noodles"]nina larson // [x]

[attr="class","beck"]"how will it work with two people offering you the same things?"

a quick gesture to the barkeep calls for a refill. the empty glass is slid away.

"double the money? double the protection?"

[attr="class","noodles"]nina larson // [x]

[attr="class","beck"]"somewhat."

not really; not in the traditional sense of the word, anyway.

reaching into his pocket, he pulls out an old flip phone about the same time as when the barkeep returns with his drink. it's another negroni; perhaps he likes it more than he lets on.

the phone's placed on the counter.

"you'll deal with me directly. keep the phone on you at all times and if it ever rings, pick up."

[attr="class","noodles"]nina larson // [x]