Post by Mikaela Holden on Jun 11, 2016 10:17:12 GMT
Location: The Dive
Characters: Tomas Esteban, Molly Byrne, Sam Thompson, Ernesto Morales, Caesar de la Cruz, Mikaela Holden, and special guest star Cadence Fox in a brief cameo appearance!
in walks death: Days ago, after hearing about the hullabaloo at the stupid bonfire, and ensuing conversations and things happening in the weeks preceding, Tomas decided: fuck this, it's time for a family meeting. He was NOT going to run this show like Max ran it, which, at the end there (obviously) was not at all. Tomas was not exactly known for being super laid back. He didn't come from Marathon; and while, in easy-going times, he may have adopted a little bit of that laid-back beachy feel, he was not a laid-back beachy person... he just liked the added warmth the sun gave his already olive complexion. So the mass text was sent to the burner phones under his preview to meet up at the Dive on Friday evening. The dealers and kids lower on the rank of command weren't required to show, they could have the information passed down from their supervisors, but, at minimum, he needed Kae, Ernesto, Caesar, random NPC kid who took over Tomas's team, and he half expected Adam to show, but who knows. There was a table set up in the back for the group to have their meeting, but, at present, Tomas was sitting at the bar nursing whatever dark brewed beer Ben had given him. The way his last, brief conversation with Mederos had gone was something to the effect of get tighter reigns on your people. A week, week and a half in and he's already being lectured. Ugh. The man at least kind of looked the part of drug dealer kingpin of the area -- or at least a Miami Vice version, with gray slacks in a light fabric and a white dress shirt buttoned halfway with an undershirt underneath, dark hair a tumultuous mess atop his head, as per usual. God forbid he ever comb his hair.
Spots on a Peach: ~Friday couldn't have come soon enough, it signaled the end of a very long week that left Sam eager to blow off a bit of steam and with a paycheck in hand...it really only meant one place, the Reef! Sam had gone with every intention of grinding the night away on some table, in spite of Kae's words of advice 'Trust me, be there.' but it just sounded down right boring. Alas, the way she had her night planned simply wasn't in the cards...It all had started so well for her, she'd managed to pick up a third base seat at a fifty dollar table and while the shoe initially was nothing but shit...had turned around to the point where the stack was much more in her favor, which was about the time it all had begun its down hill slide. Splitting eights with the dealer showing a seven had been just enough to catch the Pit Boss's eye and within minutes of winning the hand, poor Sam found herself being dragged off the table...off the floor entirely! Into one of those little back rooms you heard about in casino movies...it was there that she had a very unpleasant talk with some meathead who didn't seem phased in the least by her defense, apparently "Don't you know who I am!" doesn't mean shit when you didn't have the clout to back it up. Counting cards was a serious offense, and while Sam absolutely had not been, and adamantly denied it, they just didn't care.The results at the end of their little closed door meeting left Sam with a split lower lip that had already started to puff up, nearly a broken nose that bled like a sieve and more than likely a bruised rib or two before she was tossed out on her ass. An already long jaunt back to the dive was made that much longer thanks to the fact that the long board that had been brought with her to the casino was now broken in pieces. But eventually, she did manage to find her way back to the sanctity of south Marathon, and eventually the Dive itself. While common sense would have dictated she head upstairs to at least get herself cleaned up, she had every intention of getting a damn drink first. Attire for the day had been on the nicer side, at least as far as Sam went...Black slacks as opposed to denim and even a long sleeve buttoned up white shirt that now sported a fair bit of blood around the color from the smashed face...but fuck it, she was alive. And went right on up to the far end of the bar, for the most part oblivious to the traffic already there~(D)
balanced shores: He looked sullen. All the time. And, as we should know by now, for some reason that just did not sit well with the pixie. Ben basically had told her there was going to be a group coming in, and to not ask questions while leaving whomever might be meeting alone. Sure thing! had been Molly's response, but she wasn't reeeaallly the best at following directions. Unless they came from her brother. So, here she was, standin' right in front of Mr. Grumpy McGrumperpants with hands on her hips and a titl of her head. Narrowed brown hues played over his form for a second before her lips parted to speak. "Y'alright, Tomas? Yeh always look like someone hit yer pup..." She was trying to be light, breezy, but that dancing sing-song tone was still present in her voice. "Yeh 'ungry or any'tin?" There was a shift in her eyes to the figure that just sat at the bar, then back to Tomas, as though she did not yet register who was in the white button down. Stained with blood. Blood. Arms fell to her sides and she blinked as her head snapped in Sam's direction now. SAVED BY SAMANTHA, TOMAS! "Oi! What t'e 'appened?! Are y'alright? What 'appened t'yer lip?" And then she snatched up some bev naps and was down the other end of the bar to help Sam clean her face up a bit. [d]
deviI inside me: Aside from a few texts and even fewer calls, Caesar had been a complete ghost ever since what transpired at the bonfire. But, he was required to attend tonight's meeting and so, he made an effort to show up. He decided to leave most of his crew out of this, and chose instead to arrive by himself. That '66 Buick Riviera lowrider peeled into the Dive's parking lot and into a parking space nearest to the front. Smoke came pouring out just as soon as the driver side door flew open, but before closing the door behind him, he was reaching back inside the hazy cabin and pulling out his Mossberg 500 shotty from the passenger side. Caesar then removed himself altogether, straightening his posture once more and shutting the door behind him. It seems Captain Bloodshot had been smoking too much of the ganja; all paranoid and shit. Pirate dreads were shaken from his vision to fall down around his face. Dressed in a white 'beater and stonewashed slouch jeans. A pair of thin suspenders anchored his jeans to broad, heavily tattooed shoulders. After a few more moments, Caesar was making his entrance. Pushing open the door and stepping across the threshold. Raking black polished fingertips through his scraggly beard the same color of pitch as his hair. Already his eyes were bouncing around the interior. Just to get a feel for everyone in attendance. Then, and only then did he start making his way to the bar. Keeping his shotgun pointed at a downward angle for safety purposes obviously. /d
malos mares: Running the charter business wasn't really that much different than what he'd already been doing. He was a fastidious worker, had been picking up the slack left by the first runners to go missing and then Max himself. He didn't want to be in charge of things, didn't want to be higher up on the totem pole--Hell he didn't want to be on the totem pole at all. He's coming to the painful realization that he's never going to get out of this pit. Like an obedient dog, Ernesto came when called and thus was filing into the Dive just about the same time as everyone else. He was dressed plainly, though by all accounts he wasn't the sort of man to stick out in a crowd anyway. His charcoal gray button up concealed the Ruger SR45 holstered under his arm. Ordinarily he didn't carry a weapon on him, but the times they are a changin'. He walked on in, spotted the one who'd called him here at the bar and made his way over to him. "Tomas," He greeted the man with a nod, attention straying only briefly to the others in acknowledgement. [d]
in walks death: Tomas glanced up at Molly and her inquiry, and the man actually laughed -- HE LAUGHED!! But it was a short lived sound, a quick chuff. "Ninita, if you only knew," He was just lost in thought in those moments, sitting there at the bar quietly, getting his thoughts together for the meeting. His replacement supervisor wandered in and Tomas nodded for him to go wait in the back, having missed Sam as much as she missed him, because, honestly, he hadn't been expecting her to show. He stood, dark eyes flickering, first to Ernesto who came up on his right and he offered the new charter captain a nod. "Que --" Was as far as he got in asking him how he was when he spotted Cez walking in with the Mossberg at his side. "... are you fucking kidding me..." The words were spoken under his breath, perhaps, at best, heard by Ernesto who was standing right beside him, flickering a look to the Belizian who he sometimes got along well with and didn't get along with at all. He moved, quick, tried to plug the hole in the sinking ship before too much water got in. Cez didn't even get a hello, just a swift, harsh whispered. "Shotgun back in the car, now We're having a meeting, not a shoot off. This is still a public place, Caesar." With people who didn't know better, like cute pixie Molly Byrne over there.
Spots on a Peach: ~Shit was gonna hurt like hell in the morning for sure, thankfully Sam was still hopped up on Adrenaline..which meant all she was feeling aside from the slight burning sensation in her lip, was numb. Only a handful of seconds had passed before the sound of Molly's voice snapped her back to reality...shit, that was right...Adam was finally letting her out again. A little grimace waned with a forced smile, but that ended rather quickly since it stung like a bitch from the slightest movement. Sea green eyes drifted up from the spot on the bar she'd been trying to bore a hole into only to find Molly standing in front of her holding out napkins.~ "It-Its nothing, I just fell off my skateboard...hit a stupid little fucking pebble." ~A lie, of course...blinders for Molly, even on things not concerning her brother. One of the napkins was taken, and in vain dabbed at the dried blood just beneath her nose and on her cheek.~ "Got any ice?" ~It would at least help with the unsightly bit of swelling. Still so lost in her own little world that she didn't see Caesar totting in the gun, which was probably for the best.~(D)
balanced shores: THE MAN CAN LAUGH! Well look at that! Isn't that something? She would have managed a grin or a smile, even a witty comeback about him knowing how to laugh, but Sam had caught her attention and thus she was distracted. "Musta been a big pebble..." She muttered quietly, lips straight on her face.. No smile this time. Grabbing a rocks glass, Molly filled it with ice and set it on the bar before Sam. Sometimes even Molly couldn't keep her blinders tight in place, and thus she did see the shotgun as she moved back down towards Tomas. Stopping in her tracks, there was a squeak in her shoes as she turned on the rubber mats. First she eyed Ben and then just shook her head. "Swear t'God it feels like I never left Irelan'..." Those words were muttered mostly to herself before she focused on who she assumed to be in charge.. Grumpypants. "I already cleaned up t'back table.. Ifin yer little meetin' gets outta hand, I kindly suggest yeh put it back to rights." The pixie's tone a touch more sarcastic and temper laden than usual. [d]
deviI inside me: Cez just kept staring straight ahead when Tomas whispered in such a harsh tone. Taking another toke before he decided to reply. "Tch. It's not even loaded." He confessed, confirming further by a telling pat to his pants pocket. That's where he was keeping his ammunition for it. "But, I guess that's not good enough for ya, huh?" And so, he just did as requested. Running back out to his car, he just haphazardly threw his shotty into the backseat, and returned to inside the dive. "See? All gone. We good now?" He asked, flashing his hands just to prove he was telling the truth. It's probably a good thing that Sam was laying low. Otherwise he would've left her to run his gun back out to his car. On second thought. Maybe not. /d
malos mares: His relationship with Tomas was strained on the best of days. They could see eye to eye on certain things, might even have gotten along in another place or time, but as it were, the man was part of the reason (in Ernesto's mind) for why things were the way they were. The man has also broken his bones and beaten the ever loving piss out of him on occasion. Ernesto keeps what he believes to be a relatively safe distance from Tomas Esteban. He can be cordial, but he was not the man's friend. The same went for just about everyone in the Network. It was business, they were work associates and no more. He had been prepared to answer the question Tomas had started to pose when Caesar walked in bold as brass with that shotgun in his hand. At least Ernesto had the sense to conceal his piece. A brow arched above a two-toned eye as he watched the brief exchange. "Voy a estar en la parte de atrás," He told Tomas before leaving the bar and wandering over to the spot that Molly had prepared for the meeting, taking a seat with Tomas' replacement supervisor and waiting patiently.[d]
paradise and sin: Webster's defines irony simply as this: a situation that is strange or funny because things happen in a way that seems to be the opposite of what you expected. Trust me, it does. I just looked it up. See, Mikaela was having a day positively fucking drenched in irony. We won't get into too many details, but it involved two trips to the ER, a dog, Tomas, a unicorn, a junkie, a racist Dr McDreamy, thirteen stitches, a totaled Woody, and a lengthy meeting with Mederos on how they can boost security surrounding the Dive and the drugs that were kept there. That's the biggest piece of irony right there, don't forget that. It was the meeting that had her running late for another meeting -- and don't want to make anyone worry .. the best way to come inside the bar you owned was not like this. No sooner than Caesar had dropped his shotgun off in his car and came back inside so they could begin, Mikaela came in too. But she wasn't alone. A biting grip clenched around her upper arm to keep her pressed against the front of a tall guy in all black, mask included. She might have struggled a bit more to get free, but the barrel of the 9mm at her temple was doing a damn good job in keeping her in line. The masked man wasn't alone -- four more flanked him and spread out in the bar, each armed with semi-automatic weapons; one of which was shot off into the ceiling to say hello. The surrounded the open tiki at various points to keep their sights on the patrons of the bar, and blocked any escape. The one with Kae in tow seemed to be in charge, waiting until they had everyone's attention. "Who's it gonna be, sweetheart? Since you won't tell the truth, who's willing to do so?" His voice rose higher then, almost a bellow. "WHERE. ARE. THE. DRUGS?"
in walks death: Tomas had nodded to Ernesto, let the other man wander back to where the group ought to be congregating. He knew already that Mikaela was going to be late, having dropped her off with Mederos himself earlier in the day. As soon as de la Cruz was wandering back in, Tomas leveled a kind of half irritated look upon the man. "Knock off the attitude," He told the other man quickly. "This is exactly what this shit is about," Tomas waved for Caesar ahead of him and he started back towards the area that was set up for them, nodding to Molly's wishes to clean up when someone ELSE started making a mess. The reposes of the semi-automatic him jump and his ears ring, whipping about at the sound instinct dictated COVER! COVER! COVER! Tomas darted a foot or two, scrambled and knocked the first table he got to over and slid behind it like he was a Yankee stealing third, and the Glock he wore under the white outer shirt was yanked. "NO HABLO INGLÉS!!" He snapped before popping up behind the table and firing off a round without question.
Spots on a Peach: "It was...fucking huge, like a rock." ~It had been meant mostly as a joke, but seriously...the guy was huge. Napkin still in hand was folded over to a clean side and a little more pointless rubbing in order before the rocks glass now filled with Ice was plopped down in front of her.~ "Thanks Mol." ~The napkin was crumpled up and set off to the side, taking a new one from the pile while simultaneously fishing a cube of ice out from the Pile It was then wrapped in the napkin and held tightly in a balled fist, hoping the heat would at least melt up a bit of it to make her work a touch easier. Another few seconds and she at least had enough to work with the cube was shook free and now wet napkin brought back to her face. Quick work cleared away most of the crusty blood, ending with a final few wipes on her chin before the second napkin was balled up and discarded to join the first in an ever growing pile.At least most of the blood was now gone, even if her shirt was still covered around its collar...her one nice shirt!~ "How bout a little whiskey to help me mourn my loss?" ~Mostly the drink was just to help calm frayed nerves, but as long as they were still lying. Could things get worse? Of course they could...this was Florida. The gunshot into the ceiling was more than enough to get her attention, complete with the startled gasp it was due. Head whipped around to see Kae and company...then the shouting, guess she wasn't getting that drink. There was also no speedy reaction like Tomas, it was more deer in the headlights, frozen on the stool.~(D)
balanced shores: She had already turned. About ready to grab a pitcher to fill with beer for the 'meeting' of such upstanding young individuals. Just as she pulled open the tap, the shot rang out and she dropped to her knees and covered her ears. With a quick rock back and forth, thanks in part to the shot fired off by Tomas, Molly was mumbling the Lord's prayer in Latin. Eyes were open, darting back and forth from her hidden little spot behind the bar - THANK GOD for that moment of privacy - trying in that instant to get her head back on straight. Would it shock any of them to know this was not the first time she had been in this very position? Or that, upon spotting it under the bar, Molly was instantly crawling to and tugging out the shotgun from its hidden spot beneath the wood. Part of her hoped it was loaded, because she didn't exactly have the time to check as the pixie was popping up with perfect gun form, and aim at the guy to the leader's left. "OI! Be thinkin' yeh 'ave t'e wrong bar, yeh dimwits. Put yer little toys away er else t'is takes off yer man parts." [d]
deviI inside me: Well, shitballs. It sure would've been nice to have that shotgun right about now. Fortunately, he was just a few steps away from the back room where everyone was supposed to meet. He just hustled doubletime in between that single gunshot and Tomas overturned a table. When I said he hustled double time, he flat out Usain Bolted to the back area, then rounded the corner so he was out of sight. It was unclear as to whether or not they'd seen him or not. After all, those masks they wore must've thrown off their depth perception. Caesar immediately went for his Glock he kept tucked away inside the waist of his jeans. He turned and made eye contact with Ernesto, raising his forefinger to his lips. At least they didn't know he was back there. He knew that much, because he'd watched him head back before anyone else. "Is there a back way out of here? If so, we, or you could circle around behind 'em." He whispered as softly as he could. Hearing Molly beginning to threaten the five assailants just then. "Molly has 'em distracted." To him, it seemed the only viable option given their circumstances. Of course, that's if Cez managed not to get shot in the ass on his way to the back. /d
malos mares: He had only just settled himself down in a seat further back into the bar when the rapport of gunfire called his attention back sharply. Without hesitation he got down, off his chair and crouching sought cover behind one of the big wooden support beams. He popped open a couple of buttons on his shirt and reached in under his arm for his handgun. Leaning just enough to peek around the edge of the pole, his eyes narowed at the shot Tomas popped off. Careful, jefe, don't you see they've got a hostage? His gaze settled on Mikaela for a moment before he took stock of the other men with her. His attention strayed briefly to Caesar and he weighed his options. He knew were the drugs were and a human life had more value than those in his estimation but Tomas had taken the shoot first, negotiate never route. "Can't git dere from here widdout dem seein' us," Ernesto informed him, though his eyes were still on the masked intruders. "Mebbe draw 'em out near d'boats," He suggested, seeings how they weren't far from the patio and peer. [d]
paradise and sin: Perhaps this dumb blonde bitch wasn't the only stupid one. Outside she'd been pretty damn adamant that there were no drugs, but the guy in charge knew better. The shot fired off, and he shoved the blonde further in front of him to use her as a human shield. { mikala right now } No one else had fired off, but there was some tiny foreign bitch with balls bigger than her tits, raising up a shotgun. He figured though, she probably didn't want to ruin the pretty face he held. His arm went from holding Kae's bicep to folding against her throat, and he put her in the line of the shotgun's sight. "Don't be the hero, little girl. Someone here is going to give us what we want, or I'm going to pull the trigger." The gun in his hand pushed hard against Kae's temple. Meanwhile, one of his guys had moved to the opening of the bar, his own gun aimed at Molly. Pick one, Pixie! "WHERE. ARE. THE. DRUGS?" Another gun trained it's aim on the table that had been overturned, and that left two more blocking escape routes -- near the front entrance, and the open side of the tiki. They didn't seem too concerned about the water route though. -d-
in walks death: "NINITA!!" Tomas snapped in Molly's direction. "GET DOWN!!" This was ridiculous. He couldn't necessarily feel Ernesto's glare on him, but he knew, had aimed wide, just trying to draw attention. He swung a glance back at Ernesto, rather than shouting the other man's name and spoke rapidly at him in... well, his native-ish tongue and Tomas's second-ish language. I'm just going to put it in Italics because Google translate isn't working right THIS IS ALL SPANISH!: "Think you can get to her? I'll cover you and draw fire," Why? Because Tomas was a straight fucking crazy person, that's why. He waited for any kind of affirmative from Ernesto. The kid was good at following directions. Tomas slung a hand around one of the nearest chairs and shoved it as far as he could in the direction he had originally come from, to draw eye and beads of weapons before he popped out the other side, darting to cover the guy who was at least covering the table he was behind and trying to draw more attention. His Glock barked in the bar, and Tomas was a fucking hell of a shot -- the familiar voice making demands with the gun to Kae's head was avoided, but the fuck who had shot the ceiling caught a bullet to that pretty masked head of his before he was skidding under another table for cover again.
Spots on a Peach: ~At first, everything happened in slow motion...the initial gun shot had sent her into a bit of a tailspin that she didn't rightly shake herself out of it. It wasn't until Tomas began to make his moves that the world started spinning again...fucking bravado was going to get people killed, and while Kae was likely going to be the first to die for his antics, Sam found right along there with the rest of the collateral damage. But it was to worry about that now...pieces were in motion. Still seated at the bar at its far end just a stool or so away from the guy currently pointing a gun at Molly..it was a damn good thing Adam wasn't here. Just fractions of a second after the gunshot from Tomas that left someone heaped in a pile, Sam spun about on the stool, fingers curled around the rocks glass full of ice that was sitting in front of her and whipped it at the guys head as hard as she could. Mostly empty meant it was liable to break upon impact, and while it might not have killed the guy, it could have at least bought Molly a second or two to make the transition of where the barrel was pointed.~(D)
balanced shores: Oh, decisions, decisions. She could not get just the right angle on the man holding Kae, which bothered the piss out of her because she was a fairly decent shot when she had the angle. Barrel of the gun dipped just a second, distracted in her own thought about how to not get Kae killed. The whipping of the rocks glass had her shifting her weight and turning to one side. "Really do nae t'ink yeh wanna t'ake up t'is fight..." And she may not have take a shot, but she did, in fact, shift the gun in her grasp to where she could swing the stock of the gun right into his man parts. All she wanted at this moment was to knock the breath out of him long enough to completely subdue him.. then it'd be a hell of a more even fight! [d]
deviI inside me: Okay so, the marina side escape route leading to the boats was currently unmonitored? If so, he was making his way through the kitchen while maintaining a low center of gravity. Caesar had his gun drawn, his free hand against the floor aided him in moving quicker towards the kitchen exit that fed into the parking lot. That's where he was wanting to get anyways. Where he laid his shotgun down in the back seat of his lowrider; along with several other guns he owned. Just before he ducked out through the exit, he still maintained a lower center of gravity as he weaved through a few of the parked cars. Until finally he made it to his ride, where he was grabbing his shotty from the backseat almost immediately. Several of those shells from his pants pocket were then fed into the chamber. He didn't have time to strap a bulletproof vest on, so he just had to not get shot. That seemed easy enough, when he heard gunshots ring out, he hurried to the nearest exit route; aside from the one he had just taken. Pumping his shotgun during mid stride, then raised, took a quick aim, and hope he blasted anyone guarding that spot from behind. He hoped the element of surprise was on his side. If proven successful, he was diving behind any cover nearby, or even using a corpse as a shield if necessary. Just so long as he had someplace to take shelter following his blind side attack. /d
malos mares: The man with Mikaela struck him as vaguely familiar, though he couldn't quite place it with all the commotion. His contemplation was broken by Tomas' orders, to which he gave but a nod before springing into action. Hopefully Tomas or someone could dispatch at least one more, he didn't want to draw attention to himself by firing as yet. Hunkered down low, he darted from one table to the next making his way towards the front where they were. The man covering the tiki area was facing the bar, not him and so Ernesto was quick to draw a bead on him and take a shot while kneeling down. Not a fatal one, but enough incapacitate him should they need to ask questions later. He fell, clutching his belly with one hand, the other trying to lift his cannon but Ernesto disarmed him by slamming his hand against the floor until he relinquished the weapon, which he took with him and stowed in the back of his belt. Then it was onwards towards Mikaela while Tomas hopefully had her captor distracted in some capacity. Quick and quiet as the jaguars back home, he stealthily crept up from the side. It'll be a fraction of a second too late when the man notices him, but just in time to receive a hearty pistol whip in the temple. That...usually does the trick.[d]
paradise and sin: For all the months he worked at Valentine Charters, it looked like he underestimated these fuckers loyalty to the Network. From this bitches flat out refusal to even admit the drugs he'd brought here on occasion were even stored to the flat out violence that came with his demands. Who are these people?! Guy behind the bar was distracted enough by the glass hitting his head, that he half turned -- only to take the full brunt of the shotgun's butt to his own front butt, but he wasn't going down without a fight. He swung wild with his pistol, clipping Molly on the side of the head cause Pax said I could as he went down in pain on the ground. Tomas' cover fire drew fire his way, and the HBIC yelled out just one thing "LIGHT 'EM UP BOYS", and he began to fire, while ball shot guy did the same from his place on his knees behind the bar. Ernesto managed to take the one off to the side out out, a gut shot will do that. Nasty things. And as for Caesar, his own shot rang true into the middle of the fella near the front entrance and sent buckshot raining all over the immediate area, raining on a poor scared patron who'd only wanted beer, not to be shot. So focused now on trying to kill Tomas, Kae's captor did not indeed take notice of his would be assassin, and neither did Mikaela. The blow to his head did the trick it was supposed to do, and the guy went limp -- letting Kae go on his crumple down to the floor. Which just left the one behind the bar! Freeeddomm! Well, sorta. There was still bullets raining all over the place. Kae fell to her hands at knees when she was released, unsure of where all the shit was coming from; and scrambled to turn and see if the guy behind her had been hit at all, and found Ernesto instead. Relief writ it's way into her expression as she rose, even with the words that escaped her. "There's two more, searching the property. We can't let them find it." -d-
in walks death: Tomas absolutely covered Ernesto, just as he said he was going to. Tucked behind another over turned table, he fired rapid, precise shots.. until the guy holding Mikaela yelled LIGHT EM UP BOYS! "Fuck!" Tomas ducked, fast and his hands came up to cover his head at the table he was using for cover started to splinter and falter. Not working all that well anymore, is it? Nope. The distinct sound of a shotgun rang out, and that was good enough for Esteban, throwing himself to his feet and firing as he scrambled close to the ground. Everything happened then in Sam's slow motion she mentioned earlier, the Glock clicked empty on him as he was 1980's Miami Vice'ing over the first table he had used for cover when one of those many bullets being fired at him and his movement, now, bit him in the shoulder, and rather than a graceful landing, Tomas landed on his back, hard with a string of curses as time sped up. He scrambled to put his back to the table again, dropped his clip to the ground and reached under his now white and red shirt to pull a new one, gritting his teeth. The clip was slammed back into place and the slide yanked hard. He had to count to three, that's all he gave himself to be affected by the wound or wounds -- he wasn't sure -- littering his shoulder before he popped back up and fired again, but he was at an awful angle to the bar. "CAESER! GET 'EM!"
Spots on a Peach: ~The glass had been about all she had up her sleeve, but it left her in a position to watch it not only hit its target, who was then promptly bashed in with the butt of the shotgun...it also meant she got to watch poor pixie get Molly-whopped! The fuck if Sam was gonna let that slide...especially since it had already been a doozy of a day. Ball shot guy was on the floor, on his back firing his pistol out from around the side of the bar he was...probably at Tomas. Who'd have ever thought free running was about to pay off? Feet were up on the wrung of the bar stool and with one fluid motion Sam threw herself over the bar top, and onto the other side with her left knee out to add insult to injury. The jump left her right on top of the guy with her full weight into that knee...it might not have popped, but he wasn't having kids anytime soon. In the same movement, her right hand raced along the ground to find the fallen shotgun Molly had been wielding. Success! Fingers curled around the stock and the barrel was brought up just beneath the guys chin.~ "For the last time...there isn't any coke here! how bout Pepsi?" (D)
deviI inside me: It seems his tactic paid off in the end; regardless of any bystanders caught in the crossfire. Caesar felt they should be thankful that they were going to come out of this still breathing. Standing at the ready in case he needed to deal with anymore gunmen. When four assailants were handled, he turned Kae's confirmation that there were two more searching the property, Caesar responded already on his way out to the parking lot. "I got 'em." Then, he turned his gaze back to Tomas; who had been shot. Returning his attention back to Kae. "How do ya want 'em? Dead or alive?" He was asking them both. Seeing as Tomas had just been shot while Kae, well, she had just been held against her will and threatened. Caesar waited for their judgment, then made strides back to his lowrider. Opening the trunk, he was grabbing a bulletproof vest, threading both of his arms through, and strapping it in place. Then whether he exchanged his shotgun for an AR-15 instead depended entirely on what their collective judgment may have been. /d
malos mares: No sooner than the man was in a heap on the floor did he snatch one of Mikaela's skinny wrists and pull her down into a crouch to hide from the bullets still flying elsewhere. He gave her a quick once over to be certain she was all right, as all right as one can be at a time like this, nodding when she told him there were more. "Can yah shoot?" Before she had time to answer he was handing her the 9mm that had been previously pressed against her temple and giving her a crash course. "Here, both hands," He set his Ruger down for a second to put her right hand around the grip and her left on the butt to steady. "Keep off dis till yah sure," Said while flicking her index finger out and away from the trigger guard. Craning his neck up some he glanced around at what was going on, Tomas no where to be seen. "Dead." Ernesto answered, for the sake of everyone left whether he'd been asked or not. He didn't have time to wait for Caesar running back and forth to his car. "C'mon, keep yah head down an' don' shoot me." Accidents happen, after all. His handgun was picked up again and he lead Mikaela (if she was inclined to follow) back through the bar as close to the walls as possible. If they could get to where the drugs were hidden first, they could defend them.[d]
paradise and sin: And suddenly a wild flying monkey appeared! Guy behind the bar didn't see Sam coming, as he was too busy trying to shoot Tomas, so her surprise attack -- though dumb, since Tomas had just yelled for the dude to be shot by Caesar, but I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER YOU PEOPLE or Caesar's bat like hearing over gunfire to know that there were still two out there. The second abuse to his balls proved fertile ( while rendering him sterile, see what I did there? ) and his hands came up in surrender with the shotgun barrel beneath his chin. "No, no -- I," trembling fingers wrapped around the gun pushed into her hands, and she nodded along to the instructions Ernesto's accent was giving her; watching where he'd put her fingers and heeding the warning of what not to do with them too. Caesar's question was met with wide eyed confusion, that Neto filled in with an answer. There was too much going on, and her head was just at making sure the hidden vault was kept that way. So, she did indeed follow; practically on the Belizean's heel -- keeping close to him on their way out of the side of the tiki that was surrounded by trees -- which happened to be the wrong direction to go if you're looking for two guys in a bush, Cez, sorry. Kae and Ernesto knew exactly where to go, even in the dark. Tomas would know too, but no one else knew where they were hidden. Security purposes and all! "Left up here, they moved the trail." Which was a thing they did often; soft touch meeting his shoulder when they got to the left he needed to take to find the small clearing in the thicket of fauna. -d-
in walks death: "Lo segundo es que el movimiento," Tomas's voice sounded from behind the table, rough sounding, but alive. Kill the bastards. He was totally okay with that. He climbed up with some rough sounds escaping his jaw and he glanced around at the state of the Dive. That's when he heard them... the sirens in the distance. Somebody had to of called the cops -- not surprising given the rifle fire in the bar not long ago. "Fuck," Were Ernesto and Kae still there or close at least? "KEEP GOING! I'LL DEAL WITH THE COPS!" He snapped, loud towards the back, in case they weren't right there. Sam got the benefit of his dark gaze then. "Get to your room, now. You were hiding there all night. Go." It wasn't a suggestion, wasn't one of those things he said to her that she ignored. This was a fucking order, Samantha, and you better fucking follow. This wasn't going down without SOMEBODY getting arrested, even if it was just for the night, just for show. Tomas shouldered his piece with a little bit of a wince, his white shirt gone red and he stopped on his way to the Dive's parking lot and ripped the hood off of the prick that had been holding Mikaela at gunpoint. He recognized that prick. He didn't know the guy by name, but he had worked for Max doing smuggling. "You fucking --" If it wasn't for the blue and reds outside, Tomas might have dropped a round in the guy's forehead, instead he swung a swift kick into his head and started back for the parking lot. Cez got the benefit of dark eyes then, and as if he knew the drill, he pulled his piece, put it on the ground in front of him lowered to one knee, then the other, fingers lacing behind his head with a visible wince while cops yelled GET ON THE GROUND, GET ON THE GROUND!! Two seconds later, the lady cop he'd beat the fuck out of a week ago was shoving him to his chest and yanking his arms to his back and he winced and growled a sharp, "Nice to see you too, Zorrita," In about as condescending a tone as he could muster. She wasn't easy with those cuffs. He wouldn't have been either.
Spots on a Peach: ~Sam was absolutely pleased with herself, so much so that the ear to ear smile was back despite the twinge of pain thanks to the split lip. But thankfully the guy was smart and opted not to make a go with his gun..very slowly, with her finger still precariously on the trigger of the shotgun, she reached for his pistol and tossed it off to the side, a quick glance to Molly who was still out cold the sea greens narrowed and turned back to the man.~ "If you're lucky...I'll kill you before he gets his hands on you." ~There was no elaborating on who 'he' was, but Sam had every intention of letting Adam know that this piece of shit hit his sister.. But like all her plans today, it wasn't in the cards. Eyes whipped over to Tomas when he barked his order...the kind of order that didn't leave any room for her typical sass, though there was a bit of a pouty bottom lip before gaze shifted back to the man.~ "...Maybe next time."~Ever so slowly she pushed herself up to her knees, shotgun was spun around so her grip was on the barrel...then as hard as she could, the guy was clubbed across the face with the hopes of knocking him out. The gun was then dropped as she stood and hurried over towards the stairs, just as the flashing lights were pouring into the parking lot. And on up the stairs to her room...mostly so she could hide some stuff.~(D)
deviI inside me: Shit. That's really all he could think of when sirens came within earshot. Coupled with Tomas reaction from what he could hear, it didn't bode well. Caesar knew he was fucked the moment sirens were heard. The least he could do was stay where he was, allow himself to get arrested, and hopefully everyone else could make it out safely. Just as he thought that, he was joined by Tomas. Yeah, he knew the drill by now, so in following Tomas example, he laid his assault weapon down, then lowered to his knees with his hands behind his back. Caesar was met with much the same rough treatment from the cop cuffing his wrists behind his back. "Easy now, pendejo. I'm walkin'." He responded just as his arm was wrenched against the grain of his shoulder. Being led to one of the patrol cars, then loaded into the back where he was left waiting. Probably for a detective to lay into him with a whole line of questioning in regards to the recently shot up dive. /d
malos mares: He had just stepped left onto the new trail when he heard the sirens approaching. Some unintelligible curse fell from his lips in a hushed tone, not hushed enough to keep from drawing the attention of one of those masked scouts out there searching the place. He had been closer than Ernesto had realized and the immigrant had to move fast to block his arm from swinging towards them with his gun. Getting a hold of his wrist, he twisted it sharply back to strain the shoulder socket and kicked the side of his knee with such force it made a sickening crunch. The man let loose a guttural lamentation. Who knew the quiet little worker bee was capable of such brutality? It didn't end there. Red and blue lights were now flashing through the trees. He didn't want to call the fuzz to them with gun fire and so he quietly remedied the situation. The man's cohort did not, apparently, want to stick around for the fight or the possibility of getting arrested. He bolted. Ernesto had started hitting the man full in the face with the butt of his Ruger, once to fell him, another to silence him, and about five or six more for good measure. At the end of this battering the face beneath the mask with a squelching pulp. With that done he got up, rolled the unfortunate bastard over with his foot over and over until he could kick the unconscious, probably dying, assailant down the slope of sand that fed into the water. Nice night for a swim. "C'mon," He said thereafter offering Mikaela his free, unbloodied hand so that, if she weren't too frightened to take it, they could get the Hell out of Dodge.[d]
paradise and sin: Sirens. Took them long enough. Dark blonde head whipped in the direction they were coming from, and since she wasn't paying attention to what was going on in front of her in that moment, she nearly slammed into the back of Ernesto when he stopped to fend off the attack from the darkness. Heart leapt it's way into her throat and strangled the cry that wouldn't make it to the surface. The other one, where was the other one? Mikaela turned, this way and that, searching in the moon-lit darkness for any sign of him -- but there was just the one, and by the time she realized that, that one was down on the ground with Ernesto over him, hitting him over and over again to give him a face full of Ruger. Shock registered unseen across her face, for the second time in a pair of weeks she was witnessing a man get beaten to death, or close to it, and it kept her rooted in her spot; unable to tear her eyes away for a second. Red and blue flashed it's way through the trees and over Ernesto's sweat-sheened face when he offered that hand, and Kae took it without hesitation so they could beat feet away from here. "This way," it was her turn to tug on him though and take the lead. The thick wooded area provided more safety than just for the drugs the Network stored here in it's transit. Couldn't even see the trailer that she kept as her home through the heaviness of the palm fronds and other trees. They'd go there, wash the blood off his hands, turn the music up real loud and feign surprise if a knock came on the door -- but that was doubtful. -d-
Characters: Tomas Esteban, Molly Byrne, Sam Thompson, Ernesto Morales, Caesar de la Cruz, Mikaela Holden, and special guest star Cadence Fox in a brief cameo appearance!
in walks death: Days ago, after hearing about the hullabaloo at the stupid bonfire, and ensuing conversations and things happening in the weeks preceding, Tomas decided: fuck this, it's time for a family meeting. He was NOT going to run this show like Max ran it, which, at the end there (obviously) was not at all. Tomas was not exactly known for being super laid back. He didn't come from Marathon; and while, in easy-going times, he may have adopted a little bit of that laid-back beachy feel, he was not a laid-back beachy person... he just liked the added warmth the sun gave his already olive complexion. So the mass text was sent to the burner phones under his preview to meet up at the Dive on Friday evening. The dealers and kids lower on the rank of command weren't required to show, they could have the information passed down from their supervisors, but, at minimum, he needed Kae, Ernesto, Caesar, random NPC kid who took over Tomas's team, and he half expected Adam to show, but who knows. There was a table set up in the back for the group to have their meeting, but, at present, Tomas was sitting at the bar nursing whatever dark brewed beer Ben had given him. The way his last, brief conversation with Mederos had gone was something to the effect of get tighter reigns on your people. A week, week and a half in and he's already being lectured. Ugh. The man at least kind of looked the part of drug dealer kingpin of the area -- or at least a Miami Vice version, with gray slacks in a light fabric and a white dress shirt buttoned halfway with an undershirt underneath, dark hair a tumultuous mess atop his head, as per usual. God forbid he ever comb his hair.
Spots on a Peach: ~Friday couldn't have come soon enough, it signaled the end of a very long week that left Sam eager to blow off a bit of steam and with a paycheck in hand...it really only meant one place, the Reef! Sam had gone with every intention of grinding the night away on some table, in spite of Kae's words of advice 'Trust me, be there.' but it just sounded down right boring. Alas, the way she had her night planned simply wasn't in the cards...It all had started so well for her, she'd managed to pick up a third base seat at a fifty dollar table and while the shoe initially was nothing but shit...had turned around to the point where the stack was much more in her favor, which was about the time it all had begun its down hill slide. Splitting eights with the dealer showing a seven had been just enough to catch the Pit Boss's eye and within minutes of winning the hand, poor Sam found herself being dragged off the table...off the floor entirely! Into one of those little back rooms you heard about in casino movies...it was there that she had a very unpleasant talk with some meathead who didn't seem phased in the least by her defense, apparently "Don't you know who I am!" doesn't mean shit when you didn't have the clout to back it up. Counting cards was a serious offense, and while Sam absolutely had not been, and adamantly denied it, they just didn't care.The results at the end of their little closed door meeting left Sam with a split lower lip that had already started to puff up, nearly a broken nose that bled like a sieve and more than likely a bruised rib or two before she was tossed out on her ass. An already long jaunt back to the dive was made that much longer thanks to the fact that the long board that had been brought with her to the casino was now broken in pieces. But eventually, she did manage to find her way back to the sanctity of south Marathon, and eventually the Dive itself. While common sense would have dictated she head upstairs to at least get herself cleaned up, she had every intention of getting a damn drink first. Attire for the day had been on the nicer side, at least as far as Sam went...Black slacks as opposed to denim and even a long sleeve buttoned up white shirt that now sported a fair bit of blood around the color from the smashed face...but fuck it, she was alive. And went right on up to the far end of the bar, for the most part oblivious to the traffic already there~(D)
balanced shores: He looked sullen. All the time. And, as we should know by now, for some reason that just did not sit well with the pixie. Ben basically had told her there was going to be a group coming in, and to not ask questions while leaving whomever might be meeting alone. Sure thing! had been Molly's response, but she wasn't reeeaallly the best at following directions. Unless they came from her brother. So, here she was, standin' right in front of Mr. Grumpy McGrumperpants with hands on her hips and a titl of her head. Narrowed brown hues played over his form for a second before her lips parted to speak. "Y'alright, Tomas? Yeh always look like someone hit yer pup..." She was trying to be light, breezy, but that dancing sing-song tone was still present in her voice. "Yeh 'ungry or any'tin?" There was a shift in her eyes to the figure that just sat at the bar, then back to Tomas, as though she did not yet register who was in the white button down. Stained with blood. Blood. Arms fell to her sides and she blinked as her head snapped in Sam's direction now. SAVED BY SAMANTHA, TOMAS! "Oi! What t'e 'appened?! Are y'alright? What 'appened t'yer lip?" And then she snatched up some bev naps and was down the other end of the bar to help Sam clean her face up a bit. [d]
deviI inside me: Aside from a few texts and even fewer calls, Caesar had been a complete ghost ever since what transpired at the bonfire. But, he was required to attend tonight's meeting and so, he made an effort to show up. He decided to leave most of his crew out of this, and chose instead to arrive by himself. That '66 Buick Riviera lowrider peeled into the Dive's parking lot and into a parking space nearest to the front. Smoke came pouring out just as soon as the driver side door flew open, but before closing the door behind him, he was reaching back inside the hazy cabin and pulling out his Mossberg 500 shotty from the passenger side. Caesar then removed himself altogether, straightening his posture once more and shutting the door behind him. It seems Captain Bloodshot had been smoking too much of the ganja; all paranoid and shit. Pirate dreads were shaken from his vision to fall down around his face. Dressed in a white 'beater and stonewashed slouch jeans. A pair of thin suspenders anchored his jeans to broad, heavily tattooed shoulders. After a few more moments, Caesar was making his entrance. Pushing open the door and stepping across the threshold. Raking black polished fingertips through his scraggly beard the same color of pitch as his hair. Already his eyes were bouncing around the interior. Just to get a feel for everyone in attendance. Then, and only then did he start making his way to the bar. Keeping his shotgun pointed at a downward angle for safety purposes obviously. /d
malos mares: Running the charter business wasn't really that much different than what he'd already been doing. He was a fastidious worker, had been picking up the slack left by the first runners to go missing and then Max himself. He didn't want to be in charge of things, didn't want to be higher up on the totem pole--Hell he didn't want to be on the totem pole at all. He's coming to the painful realization that he's never going to get out of this pit. Like an obedient dog, Ernesto came when called and thus was filing into the Dive just about the same time as everyone else. He was dressed plainly, though by all accounts he wasn't the sort of man to stick out in a crowd anyway. His charcoal gray button up concealed the Ruger SR45 holstered under his arm. Ordinarily he didn't carry a weapon on him, but the times they are a changin'. He walked on in, spotted the one who'd called him here at the bar and made his way over to him. "Tomas," He greeted the man with a nod, attention straying only briefly to the others in acknowledgement. [d]
in walks death: Tomas glanced up at Molly and her inquiry, and the man actually laughed -- HE LAUGHED!! But it was a short lived sound, a quick chuff. "Ninita, if you only knew," He was just lost in thought in those moments, sitting there at the bar quietly, getting his thoughts together for the meeting. His replacement supervisor wandered in and Tomas nodded for him to go wait in the back, having missed Sam as much as she missed him, because, honestly, he hadn't been expecting her to show. He stood, dark eyes flickering, first to Ernesto who came up on his right and he offered the new charter captain a nod. "Que --" Was as far as he got in asking him how he was when he spotted Cez walking in with the Mossberg at his side. "... are you fucking kidding me..." The words were spoken under his breath, perhaps, at best, heard by Ernesto who was standing right beside him, flickering a look to the Belizian who he sometimes got along well with and didn't get along with at all. He moved, quick, tried to plug the hole in the sinking ship before too much water got in. Cez didn't even get a hello, just a swift, harsh whispered. "Shotgun back in the car, now We're having a meeting, not a shoot off. This is still a public place, Caesar." With people who didn't know better, like cute pixie Molly Byrne over there.
Spots on a Peach: ~Shit was gonna hurt like hell in the morning for sure, thankfully Sam was still hopped up on Adrenaline..which meant all she was feeling aside from the slight burning sensation in her lip, was numb. Only a handful of seconds had passed before the sound of Molly's voice snapped her back to reality...shit, that was right...Adam was finally letting her out again. A little grimace waned with a forced smile, but that ended rather quickly since it stung like a bitch from the slightest movement. Sea green eyes drifted up from the spot on the bar she'd been trying to bore a hole into only to find Molly standing in front of her holding out napkins.~ "It-Its nothing, I just fell off my skateboard...hit a stupid little fucking pebble." ~A lie, of course...blinders for Molly, even on things not concerning her brother. One of the napkins was taken, and in vain dabbed at the dried blood just beneath her nose and on her cheek.~ "Got any ice?" ~It would at least help with the unsightly bit of swelling. Still so lost in her own little world that she didn't see Caesar totting in the gun, which was probably for the best.~(D)
balanced shores: THE MAN CAN LAUGH! Well look at that! Isn't that something? She would have managed a grin or a smile, even a witty comeback about him knowing how to laugh, but Sam had caught her attention and thus she was distracted. "Musta been a big pebble..." She muttered quietly, lips straight on her face.. No smile this time. Grabbing a rocks glass, Molly filled it with ice and set it on the bar before Sam. Sometimes even Molly couldn't keep her blinders tight in place, and thus she did see the shotgun as she moved back down towards Tomas. Stopping in her tracks, there was a squeak in her shoes as she turned on the rubber mats. First she eyed Ben and then just shook her head. "Swear t'God it feels like I never left Irelan'..." Those words were muttered mostly to herself before she focused on who she assumed to be in charge.. Grumpypants. "I already cleaned up t'back table.. Ifin yer little meetin' gets outta hand, I kindly suggest yeh put it back to rights." The pixie's tone a touch more sarcastic and temper laden than usual. [d]
deviI inside me: Cez just kept staring straight ahead when Tomas whispered in such a harsh tone. Taking another toke before he decided to reply. "Tch. It's not even loaded." He confessed, confirming further by a telling pat to his pants pocket. That's where he was keeping his ammunition for it. "But, I guess that's not good enough for ya, huh?" And so, he just did as requested. Running back out to his car, he just haphazardly threw his shotty into the backseat, and returned to inside the dive. "See? All gone. We good now?" He asked, flashing his hands just to prove he was telling the truth. It's probably a good thing that Sam was laying low. Otherwise he would've left her to run his gun back out to his car. On second thought. Maybe not. /d
malos mares: His relationship with Tomas was strained on the best of days. They could see eye to eye on certain things, might even have gotten along in another place or time, but as it were, the man was part of the reason (in Ernesto's mind) for why things were the way they were. The man has also broken his bones and beaten the ever loving piss out of him on occasion. Ernesto keeps what he believes to be a relatively safe distance from Tomas Esteban. He can be cordial, but he was not the man's friend. The same went for just about everyone in the Network. It was business, they were work associates and no more. He had been prepared to answer the question Tomas had started to pose when Caesar walked in bold as brass with that shotgun in his hand. At least Ernesto had the sense to conceal his piece. A brow arched above a two-toned eye as he watched the brief exchange. "Voy a estar en la parte de atrás," He told Tomas before leaving the bar and wandering over to the spot that Molly had prepared for the meeting, taking a seat with Tomas' replacement supervisor and waiting patiently.[d]
paradise and sin: Webster's defines irony simply as this: a situation that is strange or funny because things happen in a way that seems to be the opposite of what you expected. Trust me, it does. I just looked it up. See, Mikaela was having a day positively fucking drenched in irony. We won't get into too many details, but it involved two trips to the ER, a dog, Tomas, a unicorn, a junkie, a racist Dr McDreamy, thirteen stitches, a totaled Woody, and a lengthy meeting with Mederos on how they can boost security surrounding the Dive and the drugs that were kept there. That's the biggest piece of irony right there, don't forget that. It was the meeting that had her running late for another meeting -- and don't want to make anyone worry .. the best way to come inside the bar you owned was not like this. No sooner than Caesar had dropped his shotgun off in his car and came back inside so they could begin, Mikaela came in too. But she wasn't alone. A biting grip clenched around her upper arm to keep her pressed against the front of a tall guy in all black, mask included. She might have struggled a bit more to get free, but the barrel of the 9mm at her temple was doing a damn good job in keeping her in line. The masked man wasn't alone -- four more flanked him and spread out in the bar, each armed with semi-automatic weapons; one of which was shot off into the ceiling to say hello. The surrounded the open tiki at various points to keep their sights on the patrons of the bar, and blocked any escape. The one with Kae in tow seemed to be in charge, waiting until they had everyone's attention. "Who's it gonna be, sweetheart? Since you won't tell the truth, who's willing to do so?" His voice rose higher then, almost a bellow. "WHERE. ARE. THE. DRUGS?"
in walks death: Tomas had nodded to Ernesto, let the other man wander back to where the group ought to be congregating. He knew already that Mikaela was going to be late, having dropped her off with Mederos himself earlier in the day. As soon as de la Cruz was wandering back in, Tomas leveled a kind of half irritated look upon the man. "Knock off the attitude," He told the other man quickly. "This is exactly what this shit is about," Tomas waved for Caesar ahead of him and he started back towards the area that was set up for them, nodding to Molly's wishes to clean up when someone ELSE started making a mess. The reposes of the semi-automatic him jump and his ears ring, whipping about at the sound instinct dictated COVER! COVER! COVER! Tomas darted a foot or two, scrambled and knocked the first table he got to over and slid behind it like he was a Yankee stealing third, and the Glock he wore under the white outer shirt was yanked. "NO HABLO INGLÉS!!" He snapped before popping up behind the table and firing off a round without question.
Spots on a Peach: "It was...fucking huge, like a rock." ~It had been meant mostly as a joke, but seriously...the guy was huge. Napkin still in hand was folded over to a clean side and a little more pointless rubbing in order before the rocks glass now filled with Ice was plopped down in front of her.~ "Thanks Mol." ~The napkin was crumpled up and set off to the side, taking a new one from the pile while simultaneously fishing a cube of ice out from the Pile It was then wrapped in the napkin and held tightly in a balled fist, hoping the heat would at least melt up a bit of it to make her work a touch easier. Another few seconds and she at least had enough to work with the cube was shook free and now wet napkin brought back to her face. Quick work cleared away most of the crusty blood, ending with a final few wipes on her chin before the second napkin was balled up and discarded to join the first in an ever growing pile.At least most of the blood was now gone, even if her shirt was still covered around its collar...her one nice shirt!~ "How bout a little whiskey to help me mourn my loss?" ~Mostly the drink was just to help calm frayed nerves, but as long as they were still lying. Could things get worse? Of course they could...this was Florida. The gunshot into the ceiling was more than enough to get her attention, complete with the startled gasp it was due. Head whipped around to see Kae and company...then the shouting, guess she wasn't getting that drink. There was also no speedy reaction like Tomas, it was more deer in the headlights, frozen on the stool.~(D)
balanced shores: She had already turned. About ready to grab a pitcher to fill with beer for the 'meeting' of such upstanding young individuals. Just as she pulled open the tap, the shot rang out and she dropped to her knees and covered her ears. With a quick rock back and forth, thanks in part to the shot fired off by Tomas, Molly was mumbling the Lord's prayer in Latin. Eyes were open, darting back and forth from her hidden little spot behind the bar - THANK GOD for that moment of privacy - trying in that instant to get her head back on straight. Would it shock any of them to know this was not the first time she had been in this very position? Or that, upon spotting it under the bar, Molly was instantly crawling to and tugging out the shotgun from its hidden spot beneath the wood. Part of her hoped it was loaded, because she didn't exactly have the time to check as the pixie was popping up with perfect gun form, and aim at the guy to the leader's left. "OI! Be thinkin' yeh 'ave t'e wrong bar, yeh dimwits. Put yer little toys away er else t'is takes off yer man parts." [d]
deviI inside me: Well, shitballs. It sure would've been nice to have that shotgun right about now. Fortunately, he was just a few steps away from the back room where everyone was supposed to meet. He just hustled doubletime in between that single gunshot and Tomas overturned a table. When I said he hustled double time, he flat out Usain Bolted to the back area, then rounded the corner so he was out of sight. It was unclear as to whether or not they'd seen him or not. After all, those masks they wore must've thrown off their depth perception. Caesar immediately went for his Glock he kept tucked away inside the waist of his jeans. He turned and made eye contact with Ernesto, raising his forefinger to his lips. At least they didn't know he was back there. He knew that much, because he'd watched him head back before anyone else. "Is there a back way out of here? If so, we, or you could circle around behind 'em." He whispered as softly as he could. Hearing Molly beginning to threaten the five assailants just then. "Molly has 'em distracted." To him, it seemed the only viable option given their circumstances. Of course, that's if Cez managed not to get shot in the ass on his way to the back. /d
malos mares: He had only just settled himself down in a seat further back into the bar when the rapport of gunfire called his attention back sharply. Without hesitation he got down, off his chair and crouching sought cover behind one of the big wooden support beams. He popped open a couple of buttons on his shirt and reached in under his arm for his handgun. Leaning just enough to peek around the edge of the pole, his eyes narowed at the shot Tomas popped off. Careful, jefe, don't you see they've got a hostage? His gaze settled on Mikaela for a moment before he took stock of the other men with her. His attention strayed briefly to Caesar and he weighed his options. He knew were the drugs were and a human life had more value than those in his estimation but Tomas had taken the shoot first, negotiate never route. "Can't git dere from here widdout dem seein' us," Ernesto informed him, though his eyes were still on the masked intruders. "Mebbe draw 'em out near d'boats," He suggested, seeings how they weren't far from the patio and peer. [d]
paradise and sin: Perhaps this dumb blonde bitch wasn't the only stupid one. Outside she'd been pretty damn adamant that there were no drugs, but the guy in charge knew better. The shot fired off, and he shoved the blonde further in front of him to use her as a human shield. { mikala right now } No one else had fired off, but there was some tiny foreign bitch with balls bigger than her tits, raising up a shotgun. He figured though, she probably didn't want to ruin the pretty face he held. His arm went from holding Kae's bicep to folding against her throat, and he put her in the line of the shotgun's sight. "Don't be the hero, little girl. Someone here is going to give us what we want, or I'm going to pull the trigger." The gun in his hand pushed hard against Kae's temple. Meanwhile, one of his guys had moved to the opening of the bar, his own gun aimed at Molly. Pick one, Pixie! "WHERE. ARE. THE. DRUGS?" Another gun trained it's aim on the table that had been overturned, and that left two more blocking escape routes -- near the front entrance, and the open side of the tiki. They didn't seem too concerned about the water route though. -d-
in walks death: "NINITA!!" Tomas snapped in Molly's direction. "GET DOWN!!" This was ridiculous. He couldn't necessarily feel Ernesto's glare on him, but he knew, had aimed wide, just trying to draw attention. He swung a glance back at Ernesto, rather than shouting the other man's name and spoke rapidly at him in... well, his native-ish tongue and Tomas's second-ish language. I'm just going to put it in Italics because Google translate isn't working right THIS IS ALL SPANISH!: "Think you can get to her? I'll cover you and draw fire," Why? Because Tomas was a straight fucking crazy person, that's why. He waited for any kind of affirmative from Ernesto. The kid was good at following directions. Tomas slung a hand around one of the nearest chairs and shoved it as far as he could in the direction he had originally come from, to draw eye and beads of weapons before he popped out the other side, darting to cover the guy who was at least covering the table he was behind and trying to draw more attention. His Glock barked in the bar, and Tomas was a fucking hell of a shot -- the familiar voice making demands with the gun to Kae's head was avoided, but the fuck who had shot the ceiling caught a bullet to that pretty masked head of his before he was skidding under another table for cover again.
Spots on a Peach: ~At first, everything happened in slow motion...the initial gun shot had sent her into a bit of a tailspin that she didn't rightly shake herself out of it. It wasn't until Tomas began to make his moves that the world started spinning again...fucking bravado was going to get people killed, and while Kae was likely going to be the first to die for his antics, Sam found right along there with the rest of the collateral damage. But it was to worry about that now...pieces were in motion. Still seated at the bar at its far end just a stool or so away from the guy currently pointing a gun at Molly..it was a damn good thing Adam wasn't here. Just fractions of a second after the gunshot from Tomas that left someone heaped in a pile, Sam spun about on the stool, fingers curled around the rocks glass full of ice that was sitting in front of her and whipped it at the guys head as hard as she could. Mostly empty meant it was liable to break upon impact, and while it might not have killed the guy, it could have at least bought Molly a second or two to make the transition of where the barrel was pointed.~(D)
balanced shores: Oh, decisions, decisions. She could not get just the right angle on the man holding Kae, which bothered the piss out of her because she was a fairly decent shot when she had the angle. Barrel of the gun dipped just a second, distracted in her own thought about how to not get Kae killed. The whipping of the rocks glass had her shifting her weight and turning to one side. "Really do nae t'ink yeh wanna t'ake up t'is fight..." And she may not have take a shot, but she did, in fact, shift the gun in her grasp to where she could swing the stock of the gun right into his man parts. All she wanted at this moment was to knock the breath out of him long enough to completely subdue him.. then it'd be a hell of a more even fight! [d]
deviI inside me: Okay so, the marina side escape route leading to the boats was currently unmonitored? If so, he was making his way through the kitchen while maintaining a low center of gravity. Caesar had his gun drawn, his free hand against the floor aided him in moving quicker towards the kitchen exit that fed into the parking lot. That's where he was wanting to get anyways. Where he laid his shotgun down in the back seat of his lowrider; along with several other guns he owned. Just before he ducked out through the exit, he still maintained a lower center of gravity as he weaved through a few of the parked cars. Until finally he made it to his ride, where he was grabbing his shotty from the backseat almost immediately. Several of those shells from his pants pocket were then fed into the chamber. He didn't have time to strap a bulletproof vest on, so he just had to not get shot. That seemed easy enough, when he heard gunshots ring out, he hurried to the nearest exit route; aside from the one he had just taken. Pumping his shotgun during mid stride, then raised, took a quick aim, and hope he blasted anyone guarding that spot from behind. He hoped the element of surprise was on his side. If proven successful, he was diving behind any cover nearby, or even using a corpse as a shield if necessary. Just so long as he had someplace to take shelter following his blind side attack. /d
malos mares: The man with Mikaela struck him as vaguely familiar, though he couldn't quite place it with all the commotion. His contemplation was broken by Tomas' orders, to which he gave but a nod before springing into action. Hopefully Tomas or someone could dispatch at least one more, he didn't want to draw attention to himself by firing as yet. Hunkered down low, he darted from one table to the next making his way towards the front where they were. The man covering the tiki area was facing the bar, not him and so Ernesto was quick to draw a bead on him and take a shot while kneeling down. Not a fatal one, but enough incapacitate him should they need to ask questions later. He fell, clutching his belly with one hand, the other trying to lift his cannon but Ernesto disarmed him by slamming his hand against the floor until he relinquished the weapon, which he took with him and stowed in the back of his belt. Then it was onwards towards Mikaela while Tomas hopefully had her captor distracted in some capacity. Quick and quiet as the jaguars back home, he stealthily crept up from the side. It'll be a fraction of a second too late when the man notices him, but just in time to receive a hearty pistol whip in the temple. That...usually does the trick.[d]
paradise and sin: For all the months he worked at Valentine Charters, it looked like he underestimated these fuckers loyalty to the Network. From this bitches flat out refusal to even admit the drugs he'd brought here on occasion were even stored to the flat out violence that came with his demands. Who are these people?! Guy behind the bar was distracted enough by the glass hitting his head, that he half turned -- only to take the full brunt of the shotgun's butt to his own front butt, but he wasn't going down without a fight. He swung wild with his pistol, clipping Molly on the side of the head cause Pax said I could as he went down in pain on the ground. Tomas' cover fire drew fire his way, and the HBIC yelled out just one thing "LIGHT 'EM UP BOYS", and he began to fire, while ball shot guy did the same from his place on his knees behind the bar. Ernesto managed to take the one off to the side out out, a gut shot will do that. Nasty things. And as for Caesar, his own shot rang true into the middle of the fella near the front entrance and sent buckshot raining all over the immediate area, raining on a poor scared patron who'd only wanted beer, not to be shot. So focused now on trying to kill Tomas, Kae's captor did not indeed take notice of his would be assassin, and neither did Mikaela. The blow to his head did the trick it was supposed to do, and the guy went limp -- letting Kae go on his crumple down to the floor. Which just left the one behind the bar! Freeeddomm! Well, sorta. There was still bullets raining all over the place. Kae fell to her hands at knees when she was released, unsure of where all the shit was coming from; and scrambled to turn and see if the guy behind her had been hit at all, and found Ernesto instead. Relief writ it's way into her expression as she rose, even with the words that escaped her. "There's two more, searching the property. We can't let them find it." -d-
in walks death: Tomas absolutely covered Ernesto, just as he said he was going to. Tucked behind another over turned table, he fired rapid, precise shots.. until the guy holding Mikaela yelled LIGHT EM UP BOYS! "Fuck!" Tomas ducked, fast and his hands came up to cover his head at the table he was using for cover started to splinter and falter. Not working all that well anymore, is it? Nope. The distinct sound of a shotgun rang out, and that was good enough for Esteban, throwing himself to his feet and firing as he scrambled close to the ground. Everything happened then in Sam's slow motion she mentioned earlier, the Glock clicked empty on him as he was 1980's Miami Vice'ing over the first table he had used for cover when one of those many bullets being fired at him and his movement, now, bit him in the shoulder, and rather than a graceful landing, Tomas landed on his back, hard with a string of curses as time sped up. He scrambled to put his back to the table again, dropped his clip to the ground and reached under his now white and red shirt to pull a new one, gritting his teeth. The clip was slammed back into place and the slide yanked hard. He had to count to three, that's all he gave himself to be affected by the wound or wounds -- he wasn't sure -- littering his shoulder before he popped back up and fired again, but he was at an awful angle to the bar. "CAESER! GET 'EM!"
Spots on a Peach: ~The glass had been about all she had up her sleeve, but it left her in a position to watch it not only hit its target, who was then promptly bashed in with the butt of the shotgun...it also meant she got to watch poor pixie get Molly-whopped! The fuck if Sam was gonna let that slide...especially since it had already been a doozy of a day. Ball shot guy was on the floor, on his back firing his pistol out from around the side of the bar he was...probably at Tomas. Who'd have ever thought free running was about to pay off? Feet were up on the wrung of the bar stool and with one fluid motion Sam threw herself over the bar top, and onto the other side with her left knee out to add insult to injury. The jump left her right on top of the guy with her full weight into that knee...it might not have popped, but he wasn't having kids anytime soon. In the same movement, her right hand raced along the ground to find the fallen shotgun Molly had been wielding. Success! Fingers curled around the stock and the barrel was brought up just beneath the guys chin.~ "For the last time...there isn't any coke here! how bout Pepsi?" (D)
deviI inside me: It seems his tactic paid off in the end; regardless of any bystanders caught in the crossfire. Caesar felt they should be thankful that they were going to come out of this still breathing. Standing at the ready in case he needed to deal with anymore gunmen. When four assailants were handled, he turned Kae's confirmation that there were two more searching the property, Caesar responded already on his way out to the parking lot. "I got 'em." Then, he turned his gaze back to Tomas; who had been shot. Returning his attention back to Kae. "How do ya want 'em? Dead or alive?" He was asking them both. Seeing as Tomas had just been shot while Kae, well, she had just been held against her will and threatened. Caesar waited for their judgment, then made strides back to his lowrider. Opening the trunk, he was grabbing a bulletproof vest, threading both of his arms through, and strapping it in place. Then whether he exchanged his shotgun for an AR-15 instead depended entirely on what their collective judgment may have been. /d
malos mares: No sooner than the man was in a heap on the floor did he snatch one of Mikaela's skinny wrists and pull her down into a crouch to hide from the bullets still flying elsewhere. He gave her a quick once over to be certain she was all right, as all right as one can be at a time like this, nodding when she told him there were more. "Can yah shoot?" Before she had time to answer he was handing her the 9mm that had been previously pressed against her temple and giving her a crash course. "Here, both hands," He set his Ruger down for a second to put her right hand around the grip and her left on the butt to steady. "Keep off dis till yah sure," Said while flicking her index finger out and away from the trigger guard. Craning his neck up some he glanced around at what was going on, Tomas no where to be seen. "Dead." Ernesto answered, for the sake of everyone left whether he'd been asked or not. He didn't have time to wait for Caesar running back and forth to his car. "C'mon, keep yah head down an' don' shoot me." Accidents happen, after all. His handgun was picked up again and he lead Mikaela (if she was inclined to follow) back through the bar as close to the walls as possible. If they could get to where the drugs were hidden first, they could defend them.[d]
paradise and sin: And suddenly a wild flying monkey appeared! Guy behind the bar didn't see Sam coming, as he was too busy trying to shoot Tomas, so her surprise attack -- though dumb, since Tomas had just yelled for the dude to be shot by Caesar, but I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER YOU PEOPLE or Caesar's bat like hearing over gunfire to know that there were still two out there. The second abuse to his balls proved fertile ( while rendering him sterile, see what I did there? ) and his hands came up in surrender with the shotgun barrel beneath his chin. "No, no -- I," trembling fingers wrapped around the gun pushed into her hands, and she nodded along to the instructions Ernesto's accent was giving her; watching where he'd put her fingers and heeding the warning of what not to do with them too. Caesar's question was met with wide eyed confusion, that Neto filled in with an answer. There was too much going on, and her head was just at making sure the hidden vault was kept that way. So, she did indeed follow; practically on the Belizean's heel -- keeping close to him on their way out of the side of the tiki that was surrounded by trees -- which happened to be the wrong direction to go if you're looking for two guys in a bush, Cez, sorry. Kae and Ernesto knew exactly where to go, even in the dark. Tomas would know too, but no one else knew where they were hidden. Security purposes and all! "Left up here, they moved the trail." Which was a thing they did often; soft touch meeting his shoulder when they got to the left he needed to take to find the small clearing in the thicket of fauna. -d-
in walks death: "Lo segundo es que el movimiento," Tomas's voice sounded from behind the table, rough sounding, but alive. Kill the bastards. He was totally okay with that. He climbed up with some rough sounds escaping his jaw and he glanced around at the state of the Dive. That's when he heard them... the sirens in the distance. Somebody had to of called the cops -- not surprising given the rifle fire in the bar not long ago. "Fuck," Were Ernesto and Kae still there or close at least? "KEEP GOING! I'LL DEAL WITH THE COPS!" He snapped, loud towards the back, in case they weren't right there. Sam got the benefit of his dark gaze then. "Get to your room, now. You were hiding there all night. Go." It wasn't a suggestion, wasn't one of those things he said to her that she ignored. This was a fucking order, Samantha, and you better fucking follow. This wasn't going down without SOMEBODY getting arrested, even if it was just for the night, just for show. Tomas shouldered his piece with a little bit of a wince, his white shirt gone red and he stopped on his way to the Dive's parking lot and ripped the hood off of the prick that had been holding Mikaela at gunpoint. He recognized that prick. He didn't know the guy by name, but he had worked for Max doing smuggling. "You fucking --" If it wasn't for the blue and reds outside, Tomas might have dropped a round in the guy's forehead, instead he swung a swift kick into his head and started back for the parking lot. Cez got the benefit of dark eyes then, and as if he knew the drill, he pulled his piece, put it on the ground in front of him lowered to one knee, then the other, fingers lacing behind his head with a visible wince while cops yelled GET ON THE GROUND, GET ON THE GROUND!! Two seconds later, the lady cop he'd beat the fuck out of a week ago was shoving him to his chest and yanking his arms to his back and he winced and growled a sharp, "Nice to see you too, Zorrita," In about as condescending a tone as he could muster. She wasn't easy with those cuffs. He wouldn't have been either.
Spots on a Peach: ~Sam was absolutely pleased with herself, so much so that the ear to ear smile was back despite the twinge of pain thanks to the split lip. But thankfully the guy was smart and opted not to make a go with his gun..very slowly, with her finger still precariously on the trigger of the shotgun, she reached for his pistol and tossed it off to the side, a quick glance to Molly who was still out cold the sea greens narrowed and turned back to the man.~ "If you're lucky...I'll kill you before he gets his hands on you." ~There was no elaborating on who 'he' was, but Sam had every intention of letting Adam know that this piece of shit hit his sister.. But like all her plans today, it wasn't in the cards. Eyes whipped over to Tomas when he barked his order...the kind of order that didn't leave any room for her typical sass, though there was a bit of a pouty bottom lip before gaze shifted back to the man.~ "...Maybe next time."~Ever so slowly she pushed herself up to her knees, shotgun was spun around so her grip was on the barrel...then as hard as she could, the guy was clubbed across the face with the hopes of knocking him out. The gun was then dropped as she stood and hurried over towards the stairs, just as the flashing lights were pouring into the parking lot. And on up the stairs to her room...mostly so she could hide some stuff.~(D)
deviI inside me: Shit. That's really all he could think of when sirens came within earshot. Coupled with Tomas reaction from what he could hear, it didn't bode well. Caesar knew he was fucked the moment sirens were heard. The least he could do was stay where he was, allow himself to get arrested, and hopefully everyone else could make it out safely. Just as he thought that, he was joined by Tomas. Yeah, he knew the drill by now, so in following Tomas example, he laid his assault weapon down, then lowered to his knees with his hands behind his back. Caesar was met with much the same rough treatment from the cop cuffing his wrists behind his back. "Easy now, pendejo. I'm walkin'." He responded just as his arm was wrenched against the grain of his shoulder. Being led to one of the patrol cars, then loaded into the back where he was left waiting. Probably for a detective to lay into him with a whole line of questioning in regards to the recently shot up dive. /d
malos mares: He had just stepped left onto the new trail when he heard the sirens approaching. Some unintelligible curse fell from his lips in a hushed tone, not hushed enough to keep from drawing the attention of one of those masked scouts out there searching the place. He had been closer than Ernesto had realized and the immigrant had to move fast to block his arm from swinging towards them with his gun. Getting a hold of his wrist, he twisted it sharply back to strain the shoulder socket and kicked the side of his knee with such force it made a sickening crunch. The man let loose a guttural lamentation. Who knew the quiet little worker bee was capable of such brutality? It didn't end there. Red and blue lights were now flashing through the trees. He didn't want to call the fuzz to them with gun fire and so he quietly remedied the situation. The man's cohort did not, apparently, want to stick around for the fight or the possibility of getting arrested. He bolted. Ernesto had started hitting the man full in the face with the butt of his Ruger, once to fell him, another to silence him, and about five or six more for good measure. At the end of this battering the face beneath the mask with a squelching pulp. With that done he got up, rolled the unfortunate bastard over with his foot over and over until he could kick the unconscious, probably dying, assailant down the slope of sand that fed into the water. Nice night for a swim. "C'mon," He said thereafter offering Mikaela his free, unbloodied hand so that, if she weren't too frightened to take it, they could get the Hell out of Dodge.[d]
paradise and sin: Sirens. Took them long enough. Dark blonde head whipped in the direction they were coming from, and since she wasn't paying attention to what was going on in front of her in that moment, she nearly slammed into the back of Ernesto when he stopped to fend off the attack from the darkness. Heart leapt it's way into her throat and strangled the cry that wouldn't make it to the surface. The other one, where was the other one? Mikaela turned, this way and that, searching in the moon-lit darkness for any sign of him -- but there was just the one, and by the time she realized that, that one was down on the ground with Ernesto over him, hitting him over and over again to give him a face full of Ruger. Shock registered unseen across her face, for the second time in a pair of weeks she was witnessing a man get beaten to death, or close to it, and it kept her rooted in her spot; unable to tear her eyes away for a second. Red and blue flashed it's way through the trees and over Ernesto's sweat-sheened face when he offered that hand, and Kae took it without hesitation so they could beat feet away from here. "This way," it was her turn to tug on him though and take the lead. The thick wooded area provided more safety than just for the drugs the Network stored here in it's transit. Couldn't even see the trailer that she kept as her home through the heaviness of the palm fronds and other trees. They'd go there, wash the blood off his hands, turn the music up real loud and feign surprise if a knock came on the door -- but that was doubtful. -d-
