Chapter Text
Dawn was creeping slowly above the horizon, shining over the colourful islands of Sabaody Archipelago. The air was painted a warming shade of orange, and bubbles were swelling and rising from the ground as they always had. The little clouds scattered across the sky began to break and fade from sight, signalling a clear day ahead.
The islands' people, too, began to rise and stir along with the beckoning sun. Stores were preparing to open, and bars were kicking the last of their late-night drunks out for closing. The amusement parks and concert stages remained barren and empty until the gates would open and soon fill with hundreds of smiling and excited patrons of all ages.
As the sun began to blare through the windows of one of the largest inns in Grove 24, a young woman was sitting on the edge of a bed, running a comb lazily through her neck-length layered hair. The jet-black colour of her locks soaked in the sunlight shining through the windows. She wore only the lower half of her dark, lacey underwear as she placed the small comb into a bag that lay open at her feet. Her olive skin was smooth, but the areas around her hips and shoulders were suggestively red with signs of incoming bruises.
Standing, she reached her arms over her head and stretched, a delightful whine escaping her as she did. The dyed sapphire blue streaks in her hair fell over her eyes before she brushed them to the side. The young woman watched out the window momentarily, seeing the familiar bubbles rising and popping, a look of oddly placed determination shifting on her sharp features.
Turning back around, the woman reached for her bag and began pulling out many objects. Clean underwear even more lacey than her current worn pair, a sports bra, shorts, some leather stockings, and then a variety of cosmetics.
She grabbed the pile of cosmetics she pulled out and began working on her face as she entered the bathroom at the other end of the room. She spent a healthy amount of time adding layers of ointments and moisturises before covering up the dark rings under her strikingly blue eyes. Adding matching blue glittering eyeshadow and a generous amount of mascara, she finished with a final touch of pink powder and lip gloss.
She inspected herself. Twisting and stretching to see every angle she couldn't see without a mirror; she scrunched up her nose when she saw a very clear hand shaped red mark developing on her ass cheek. Memories of the night before becoming clearer in her mind and the unwelcomed regret that came along with it.
Tutting to herself she went back to the bedroom. In the large bed still laid an even larger form that nearly took up the entire piece of furniture. A man, broad and built, red hair spiking out in every direction laid quietly, seemingly asleep.
The woman glanced over at the man's eccentric clothes laid thrown about. The black and yellow lizard-print pants, motorcycle boots and dark brown coat adorned with spikes lined with maroon fur had the woman rolling her eyes.
She had begun to wonder what had inspired her to make the choice to spend the night with such clash of colour, and attitude for that matter. But those cocktails last night made the man's muscles and rough voice seem far more tempting than they would be sober. But now her aching ass and shoulders were reprimanding for her terrible taste. Remembering how rough the man was when he was drunk, she did not want to think about what that might entail for when he’s hungover.
So, with practically silent footsteps, she went to grab her clothes laying over the side of the bed to get dressed. The sleeping man showed no signs of waking as the woman began to dress, but she was barely able to get her bra secure before she felt a large hand wrap her waist and yank her to the bed. With very little resistance the woman was found now straddling the man's lap as he sat up, hands tightly griping her hip and ass.
"Where do you think you're going little bird?" The man growled at her, mischief laced heavily in his tone.
The woman got a heavy whiff of the man's last night ale on his breath and maybe the smallest hint of something else. A reminder of their activities the night before; those purple lips of his did roam her body quite ravenously. The woman held back her grimace and smirked, her hands going to the man's shoulders, his skin burning hot.
"I never said I was done with you yet." His mouth went to take hers, but she dodged by taking his jaw in her hands.
"After everything we did last night?" She mused. "You pirates must have stamina as deep as the Grand Line if you want to go again after all that."
"I'm not just any pirate, little bird. Those other losers out there can only dream of lasting as long as me." He smirked devilishly, his hips shifting underneath her. "Most women wouldn't be walking when I'm done with them."
The woman felt every part of her body resist rolling her eyes. Oh please, she thought, you're lucky I didn't milk you dry last night Mr. Pirate Man.
"It's cute that you think I'd find that attractive." She pouted before patting the pirate man's cheek. He seemed displeased at her tone, judging by the sudden harsh gripping of her ass, the new bruise there squealed in pain from the pressure, but the woman held her smile.
"I didn't hear you complaining last night." He growled. "And I ain't cute."
Yes, the only redeeming part of that night. How he used his hips and tongue were surprisingly well skilled, if not too aggressive.
"Oh, I know." She chuckled before leaning into him, her chest pressing to his and rolling her hips. "The notorious, terrifying captain of the Kid Pirates, Eustass Captain Kid, isn't a cute man."
Kid barked a laugh while one of his hands went up to grab her chest. "And how does it feel to have fucked Eustass Kid, the future Pirate King, little bird?"
The woman smiled, a hand going to press gently against his throat. Nearly putting her freshly glossed lips to his, she whispered. "Like I need to get back to work."
Then harshly, with a strength and force Kid wasn't expecting, the woman pushed him back by his throat giving her the opening to swiftly climb off his lap and retrieve her clothes. As Kid recovered from the force on his throat, the woman began to dress a healthy two meters away from the bed.
"Oi!" He snapped. "I said I wasn't done."
"Oh, but I am, captain." She said mockingly, pulling up her faux leather stockings to her thighs. “Duty calls and all that. And by that, I mean my clients.”
“You’ve got some nerve to say no to a pirate, little bird.” Kid rolled over to his side, irritated but not hostile.
She barked out a laugh. “Do you think you’re the first pirate captain I’ve taken to bed? Honestly, you’re all the same. You think everything you touch suddenly belongs to you. Then again, I suppose that is the entire point, isn’t it?”
Kid watched her dress as she rambled on while looking out the window. She didn’t talk nearly as much the night before, he thought to himself.
“You make it a habit sleeping with pirate captains?” He asked, the question laced with boredom. The woman stopped as she was adjusting a draw strap over her shoulder. She lifted her head to look out the window again.
“With the amount of you lot showing up in Sabaody nowadays, I could make a career out of it.” She said, a level of distaste coating her tone. “But no.” Kid almost noticed the thousand-yard stare she made out the window before she turned to him again and smirked. “More than one is well enough for me. Thanks for reminding me of that.”
Kid laughed. “What was your name little bird? I think I might like you.”
The woman continued to get dressed; slipping on her combat boots, adding two inches to her height. Scooping up her bag she approached the bed again. “It’s a little late for that now, captain.”
She took his chin in her hand and bent over to take his lips. Kid’s hand went for her hip and pulled her in, the kiss was ravenous and quick, both attempting to steal the other’s breath before the woman parted from him. “This little bird is already flown away.”
“Not yet she hasn’t.” Kid corrected, his hold on her hips tightening. “Like I said, I’m not done with you.”
Her smile did not faulter. Her hands travelled up his face until her fingertips pressed against his temples. “For your stellar performance last night, I’ll at least give you my name; on one condition.”
“I don’t make promises little bird.” Kid grumbled.
“My name is Jay.” She said with a chuckle. “And what I want from you is easy. All you have to do is stay still.”
“What?”
Then a pain like nothing Kid has felt shot through his head. He would’ve yelled but his tongue went numb, and his throat closed. In fact, everything went numb, having to flop to the bed like a dead fish, then darkness embraced him. The last thing he saw was the striking sapphire blue of the woman’s eyes, Jay’s eyes.
***
Jay walked out of the inn without so much as a second glance her way. It was still too early for the rest of Eustass Kid’s crew to be waking up, especially after the havoc they threw the night before. The inn keeper looked close to pulling his hair out when she crept down the stairs. The staff were trying their best to tidy up the mess they left behind and the keeper knew he wasn’t going to get a single beri out of the pirates for it.
Especially now.
She used the stressing inn keeper to her advantage and slipped out of the inn’s front door with barely a whisper. Heading out into the slowly building busy streets of Sabaody, Jay tossed and caught a money pouch while she walked, the worn-out brown leather not matching her own bag.
“Make a career out of it indeed.” She laughed to herself before putting her newly earned cash in her bag. “Now, back to my hotel to take a much-needed shower. Maybe some shopping afterwards too. I think mommy needs a new pair of shoes.”
She was going to need to get off this grove as soon as she could, before Kid decided to come to and realise he was knocked out, and robbed blind by a woman half his size; one that he fucked no less. That’s going to be a hit to his pride no doubt. Good thing too, she thought to herself as she began weaving through people. Jay always found pleasure in humiliating pirates; it was becoming her favourite pastime. It felt like getting back at something she missed the chance to do all those years ago.
Jay was smart enough to know at least that not all the pirates arriving one by one on this archipelago were going to be easy to dupe. Jay was honestly surprised with herself how easy Eustass Kid was. With a bounty of 315 million, she expected him to be a little smarter; even the Supernovas think with their dicks it seems. It was that, or he thought no one would be stupid enough to try steal from such a powerhouse.
Luckily for Jay, stupidity was her second language. She knew how to see it, act it, be it and most importantly, use it to her advantage. Stupidity had her heart broken many a times years ago, so now she would use it as a tool to benefit her own endeavours rather than let it for others.
On the note of stupidity and the Supernovas in the same context, Jay was reminded of a sobering fact. There was a particular nasty in that bunch she did not want run into while she was here. Because if she did run into them, she might do something more than just stupid; she would do something of pure lunacy. Perhaps it would be best to stay away from groves 1 to 29 and stick to other areas of Sabaody. Just until things calmed down and most of the big names moved on.
Jay continued to think to herself as she made it to section #70 where her hotel was located. Suddenly she burst out laughing at her own rational thoughts.
“Where would the fun in that be?” She laughed, earning her some uncertain looks from passing patrons. If I do get to see that walking waste of air, she thought to herself, I’ll make sure he no longer is one.
***
The Heart Pirates had settled into Sabaody surprisingly well. Although the wait felt like an eternity when their captain refused to divulge his plans for their stay in detail, aside from the basic resupply of essentials. For the most part, the twenty odd men of the entire crew wanted to succumb to the call of the theme parks of section #30, but were ordered against it going all together. They argued it was to ‘scope out the area’ as they claimed it, but such foolish reasoning wasn’t getting past their captain.
Their captain, Trafalgar Law, had not been keen on the idea from the start. It was bad enough that eleven Supernovas were in the same area at the same time, but also, they were uncomfortably close the Marine Headquarters. One slip up too big and an entire army could be sent to the islands. Which was why Law was bidding his time, watching and waiting, gathering every little bit of information he could while waiting for the event they came to this island for.
So, the entire crew was lodged up at a severely run down inn grove 21, electing to stay away from the flashy hotels of section #30. It made sense for them to stay in the lawless area of this archipelago.
His men on the other hand had other opinions on the matter. A few hours didn’t go by without hearing a complaint from Penguin, Shachi or Bepo, or any of the others. Although Bepo seemed content enough to always stay by Law’s side if the captain commanded it.
This early morning, the crew was beginning to stir, and their captain was already awake, relaxing against a snoozing polar bear in the bar area of the inn. He sat there, listening into his men wake up and grumble through the thin walls of the inn, counting each of them by the sounds of their voices and footsteps. Half of them had still yet to wake.
“Hey captain.”
Law was roused from his thoughts as a familiar hat with Penguin printed over the front approached him.
“Today is the auction house day ain’t it?”
“That’s right.” He said while crossing his legs. “So, no detours today. We’re gathering the last of our needed supplies this morning. Then we’re out of this place when we get what we need from the auction house.”
“And that is... what again?” Penguin crossed his arms, seemingly irritated from his lack of understanding behind his captain’s thoughts. Law said nothing, only moving his nodachi from one shoulder to the other, he looked up at his crew member through the brim of his spotted fuzzy hat. He was aware of the uncertainty his crew had towards his plans and the fact he refused to give the finer details.
“Get the supplies before noon, then I want everyone in their positions. I want you, Shachi and Bepo with me in there.”
Penguin didn’t flinch at the stern tone, only released his arms and nodded.
“Aye, captain.” It was obvious he wasn’t content with the lack of information, but he was used to it by now. “I’ll have Bepo and Hakugan stock up on fuel, Shachi and I will do the food with Cael.”
Law disregarded the disappointment from the hatted man. “No, you go with Hakugan for fuel, Shachi goes with Cael and Bepo sticks with me, I have some sea course rundowns I need to do with him before we get moving today. And remember Penguin, no detours.” His tone went as cold as ice, heavy warning laced in his order. Finally, Penguin seized up.
“Aye, aye. No detours.” Penguin laughed nervously. “Of course, none at all.”
“That goes for all of you.” He said sternly.
Penguin's shoulders slumped. “Aye captain.”
The hatted pirate then walked off, leaving Law to his thoughts once more. He wanted this departure to be as smooth as possible. No distractions, no marines, bounty hunters and especially broken-hearted women causing a ruckus at the port.
That last one is a particular headache to deal with. The sound of it alone makes his ears ring and then dealing with his men too scared to face the consequences of their choices only adds fuel to the fire.
No women on this stop. That was his final rule when they first landed, and that rule will stay until Sabaody is far from sight. The less messes, the better.
***
Jay left her shower to the sound of her transponder snail ringing beside her bed. Opening up the bathroom door, steam flowed into the bedroom as she tied a towel around her bodice, her freshly washed hair dripping down her shoulders.
The snail continued to cry as she reached for it and then made it’s signature click sound. She said nothing as she held the mic, watching the expression of the creature become grouchy and wrinkled.
“The birds are singing loudly this morning.” An older male voice spoke through the snail.
“They are in season.” She said back.
“For fuck's sake Jay! This is the fourth time I’ve tried to call you this morning!” The voice suddenly snapped. “Where has your skank ass been?! I was ready to write you off and give these contracts to other lads.”
“Always happy to hear you worry about me so much Silves.” Sarcasm laced Jay’s tone as she sat down on her overly cushioned bed, drying her hair with an extra towel.
“It would be far less work for me if you really were compromised, then I wouldn’t have to hold off on all these potential clients.” The man named Silves on the other end of the transponder snail continued to grumble.
“Ah, but it would far less money for you if I was. Just think of that profit margin.”
“Where the fuck were you this morning? Not selling yourself to another unfortunate prick, I hope. I don’t feel like sending someone to ‘clean up’ one of your messes again.”
“I had to find a way to pay for my hotel somehow.” Jay countered. The snail clicked its tongue. “It’ll be fine sleazy geezer; I know how to not make a mess.”
“And I know how to convince my second wife to come back to me.” Silves growled. Jay uncrossed her legs.
“What do you want Silves? You said something about some new contracts.” Jay reached for her cosmetics again. The line was silent for a moment, almost leading Jay to think it went dead.
“I’m at the archipelago for some accounts business.” Silves spoke up with a sudden level tone.
“And that has anything to do with me because?”
“You’re to meet with Benny at the east entrance to grove 24 in two hours; he’ll show you to my office. I have a job here for you that you’ll want to read about in person.”
Jay was a little surprised, she doesn’t often speak to Silves face to face; last time she did was when she first signed on with him two years ago. He didn’t like to move offices much for that matter too. She knew he had a station here in Sabaody due to the amount of work that comes from this place, but he always preferred more discreet locals. This job he had must’ve been a big deal if he didn’t want to talk about it over comms or letter.
“Yeah, no, that doesn’t really work with me. Grove 24 isn’t exactly on my ‘to go’ list right now.” She said while closing the lid on her moisturiser and reaching for another cosmetic.
“Listen, I don’t give a fuck about whatever lovesick loser you’re trying to avoid, you’re going to grove 24 or you’re not getting this job.” Silves snapped, the sound of a lighter ticking coming through the line, the snail then recreated the act of smoking a cigar.
“Hard for me to care about this job when I don’t know what it’s about.” Jay began putting on her concealer, looking into a mirror that sat on the bedside table.
“Just be there in two hours, I’m not taking any more of your bitching.”
“Always a joy chatting with you.” Jay continued with her make up. “Truly the highlight of my day.”
A sound of glass hitting off a table echoed through the line. “Be there.” Then the line closed, and the transponder snail went to sleep.
Jay released a heavy sigh. Silves was one foulmouthed old asshole, but he was damned good at his job. Always able to find the perfect work for Jay’s skillset and with pay that almost seemed unfair. He did take an even more unfair cut of it, but he always kept the work flowing.
This job he has for her though, it does have her worried. The only possible reason why he’d want to give this job rundown to her in person is because if she said no, she couldn’t just hang up. Jay wouldn’t trust that man with anything, especially not with her safety. This was clearly some sort of set up. But running wouldn’t be any better. He’d have people on her tail within 12 hours for running out on him, so she didn’t have much of a choice.
Jay harshly snapped shut her blusher case, the dread of this meeting now sinking into her stomach.
“Better get to shopping.”
***
By this time of the day, everything was finally in full swing. All the shops and restaurants were open, and the theme park was bursting with energy. All the noise and hustle of each grove gave Jay the much-needed concealment she wanted as she went about her business. She ate breakfast at probably one of the most expensive places she came across and then made a beeline for section #40 with all the shops she wanted to scour before work beckoned her.
Jay was always fascinated by the different energies each section held itself. The lawless area always felt like you were walking on eggshells; one little crack and you might draw in every unwanted pair of eyes on you. The hotel section felt like a residential area, only fancier, trying to give a sense of comfort. Then the theme park was pure chaos and joyous energy, some of which Jay didn’t get to see very often in her line of work.
Although Jay has not been there herself, the coating and docking station must feel like a hardware store but on a ridiculously large scale. Then there was the shopping district, it felt a fly trip, the sweet embrace of new clothes and souvenirs beckoning one and all to spend every beri they had. She fit right in.
It didn’t take her long to find the perfect new pair of boots she wanted and was able to haggle a decent price for them, thanks for her ‘feminine wiles’ as she calls it. More like threatening to knock the clerk's teeth in before he thought of ripping her off.
The two pirates in boiler suits certainly did not fit in, however. For the most part, the man with red hair and hat oddly shaped and coloured like an orca lead the way but was just as confused as other tourists. He was accompanied by a rather tall and rather wide man, messy dark brown hair and nasty looking scar over his forehead, he wore his boiler suit half way, the arms tied around his waist and wore a grey tank top.
“God dammit, why was I asked to help stock up on the food?” The orca hat man whined as he looked loosely around the stalls. “I’m a mechanic, not a hecking cook.”
The tall man with him shrugged. “Captain’s orders. We only got spices left to worry about, so quit your whinging Shachi.” The man spoke with lilting brogue, the words hardly forming in his mouth.
“How am I supposed to know where to start looking, you’re the cook Cael?” Shachi groaned. The tall man, Cael, scowled at him before pointing in a general direction.
“Get us salt, 5 kilos of the stuff. It shouldn’t be that hard jackass.”
“Whatever you say, dickwad.” Shachi mockingly saluted to him before parting with the burly man to look at other stalls. With the whining headache gone, Cael looked at his list; oregano, sage, rosemary etc. Basic stuff that could be bought at a single stall if he was smart. But where to start?
He stopped his walking to look at the stalls around him, but when he twisted around to check the stalls he already passed, he nearly tripped over when he heard a yelp below him. When he looked down, there he saw a narrowly missed woman, with black hair and blue streaks. Jay had skipped backwards to narrowly escape his oncoming elbow.
“Wow! Sorry, there miss! Didn’t notice you there.”
The woman had to shake her head to rub of the shock of nearly being taken out by the man’s swift turning speed.
“No worries. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.” She said, adjusting her shopping bag on her arm. She looked up at him, her blue eyes scanning the ruggedness of his face and then the piece of paper in his hands. “You looking for something in particular here?”
Surprised by the woman’s politeness, Cael smiled and showed her the list in his hand. “Well, yes, a shop that would sell all of these together. You familiar with the area?”
Jay smiled, also surprised by the man’s gentle nature despite his intimidating size. Her eyes quickly scanned the list of spices and thought. “Probably more than yourself. I’d say try the next street over, I’ve seen boxes of that kind of stuff lining those stores.”
“I appreciate the help.” He tipped his head to her. Her smiled widened. What a lovely smile it was too, Cael had thought to himself. She was a pretty little thing, gorgeous even, with high cheekbones and tanned olive skin, her sapphire eyes were as sharp as razors but bright and full of life.
“You a sailor? Stocking up?” She asked. Cael chuckled.
“Something like that.”
“Well, best of luck, with all these pirates showing up, it might spell trouble for the more honest folk.” She said taking a step back. Cael had to hold down his laughter.
“I’ll be sure to keep my wits about me.”
Jay then looked down at her watch, noticing the time. “That’s my time up. I’ve got to get going.” She looked back up at Cael, her smile not as bright. “Good luck with your spice shopping mister.”
Jay’s eyes moved from Cael and shot to somewhere behind him as she said her goodbyes, her steps backwards suddenly much larger and faster. Cael was about was about to say his goodbyes when he was interrupted. “HEY! I got the salt!”
Shachi came thundering over with a sack sitting on his shoulder. Cael only twisted his head back to look at him but when he looked back in front of him again the woman he was speaking to was gone.
“Don’t tell me you were chatting up some girl?” Shachi said as he came up beside him. “Come on, that was captain’s main rule for today.”
Cael slapped him over the head, his hat nearly falling off. “It’s called asking for directions. Although, she was a beauty, I won’t deny.”
Shachi perked up while fixing his hat. “Really? What was she like?”
“Eyes as blue as sapphires and rich olive skin, a little on the short side.” Cael said, reminiscing on the woman’s appearance. Shachi stopped his excitement, the words used to describe the girl seemingly striking something in his memory.
“Her hair, what was is like?” He inquired, less excited and more, concerned. Cael noticed the shift but answered him anyways.
“Black with blue streaks. Why? One of your sweethearts?” He asked. Shachi shook his head after hearing the description. “She did seem very much like your type.”
“No.” He said curtly, still shaking his head. “There’s no way.”
Cael cocked a brow at his tone. “No way, what?”
“Nothing. Let’s just get this done so we can get back to the captain.” Shachi turned around and headed off in the opposite direction that the woman disappeared, suddenly rushed. Cael looked back to the crowd where had she vanished as if hoping to catch the blue of her hair again, but it seemed like she was long gone.
Jay’s heart was in her throat. No way, she thought, there’s absolutely, one hundred percent no possible way. I was just seeing things, she continued to say to herself while she sped walked through the crowds headed to grove 24.
Red hair, orca hat and a boiler suit. The features were exactly as she remembered them, but she refused to accept them.
“They must be in the back of my mind because of all the pirates around right now.” She said with a shaky laugh, running a hand through her hair. “I was seeing things. It wasn’t him. Because if it was, then that would mean...”
She stopped her thoughts right there. “Work! Focus on work. You imagined it.”
***
If the man Jay ran into at the shopping district was a mountain of a man, then Benny was a mountain range. The burly man easily reached two and half meters when Jay approached him and his lack of greeting, or use of any words didn’t help his intimidating aura. Jay did not baulk though.
As Silves said, Benny was waiting for Jay at the east side entrance of grove 24, making him impossible to miss. There didn’t need to be any words exchanged as he began walking, expecting Jay to follow.
Wordlessly she did, always keeping an eye out for a particular mess of red hair and lizard print pants, but thankfully there seemed to be no sign of the pirate captain. But as they walked, Jay took note of every possible landmark, memorising every turn and counting the number of buildings and doors they passed. If Benny was trying to lead her astray, he showed no sign of it. He wasn’t doing any unnecessary turns or circling back to confuse her, he seemed to be making a mostly straight line.
The more they walked, the more the area became run down and the streets became barren. Silves did love hiding in the darkest corners of the world.
After another five minutes of walking, they finally arrived at a rundown shack style building. The door itself was barely holding onto the hinges as Benny opened it. He had to crouch down to fit through as Jay followed in after him. She took one final look outside, scanning possible escape paths before stepping inside and Benny closed the door.
The smell of tobacco flooded her nostrils, the air being thick with smoke and humidity. She gagged at the smell.
“You’re late.”
At the end of the room sat a desk, old and chipped, covered in paperwork and large transponder snail snoozing at the corner. There Silves sat, his grey slick back hair and messy sideburns framing his wrinkled, liver spotted face holding a constant scowl.
“Two minutes.” Jay crossed her arms while checking her watch. “Should’ve told Benny to walk faster then.”
Benny made move to sign taking offense, he merely stood by the door.
“I’m not in the mood to take your sass woman.” Silves sat back in his chair, lighting his cigar.
“Then hop to it old man. I’ve got shopping to do. I’m also still waiting for payment from my last job, as I recall.”
The old man downright growled as he reached for a drawer and pulled out a piece of paper, shoving it to the edge of his desk.
“Got a special request from a very important customer. Asking specifically for you.” He tapped the paper. Jay didn’t seem impressed.
“Flattered. What’s the job?” She shifted her weight. Silves pushed the paper forward. Stepping up to the desk Jay took the paper and quickly skimmed through the contents. Formally requesting… weapon shipments… would find it in our best interest that…
Jay put the paper down. “No.”
“You’re not in any position to refuse.”
“I don’t care how important this guy is, it’s my one rule, so no.” She sneered while looking back down at the handwritten words of the letter.
“You don’t just refuse a job request from Joker. You take it or you never take another job again. His network is even bigger than mine. Be a smart girl and take it.”
“My one condition when I signed on with you was, I don’t do assassinations. I’m not killing for anyone.”
Silves took a heavy swig of his drink. “You’re a mercenary. Whether you like it or not, when you signed up for this life, this kind of work was going fall into your lap eventually.”
Jay braced her hands on his desk. “Ask someone else to do it.”
“The asshole asked for you specifically, I’d be stabbing myself in the neck sending someone else.” He took another puff of his cigar, blowing the smoke into Jay’s face. “All you’re doing is taking out the mayor of a small island here on the Grand Line. His refusal to open his ports to Joker’s passing weapon shipments has thrown a wrench into one of his current contracts. The replacement mayor is a business partner of his. You’re clearing the way, simple. Your reputation has shown him you’re quick, quiet and good at planting necessary information, it’s why he chose you. The pay is also double your highest rate, it’s a steal in all honesty.”
Jay had to resist slamming her hands on the desk. “The request alone tells me what I need to know about this Joker guy. I’m not killing anyone.”
“I already said you’re in no position to refuse. You take this job, or you can kiss your career goodbye, and I’m not planning on losing profit on this.”
Jay felt her stomach churn up to her throat. An assassination job; it made her sick to her stomach. She’ll steal, dupe, capture or even beat the living shit out of people. But she’d never take a life, it was her one condition she’d always be adamant about. She wasn’t some lawless bandit, or pirate.
That wasn’t about to change now.
“Then you better start looking for another femme fatale mercenary in her early twenties willing to deal with your verbal beratements.” Jay took up the request paper and tore it. “Because I’m done.”
Jay watched as Silves’ hand clenched on his cigar and snapped it in two. “You’re about to lose me a lot of money Jay. Think carefully about this.”
“Of course, you’re about to lose a lot of money. Too bad I don’t give a shit about your extra 30% profit from my work.” Jay spat, tossing the torn-up paper to the side. “Jokes on you, now I can go ahead and earn the actual amount I’m worth, rather than underselling myself because you think I’m undesirable. You just say all that because I’m not easily replaced.”
Silves went quiet as Jay began to make her way to the door. “I’ve told you girl; I’m not losing profit on this. If you don’t take this job then- “
“Then what? You’ll somehow force me to take it? I’m quitting old geezer; you can’t force me to do anything anymore.” Jay laughed as her hand went for the doorknob.
It was then the wind was knocked out of her. One solid blow to her temple and her world was flipping and she was stumbling to the ground. She hit it hard, barely able to catch herself and hit her head again.
Well, that was a stupid move. So blinded by her anger she forgot about Benny standing right by the door and his large fist coming down to her head.
“I warned you.” Silves got up from his desk and rounded it to crouch in front of her. “Joker doesn’t take kindly to people telling him no. You’d be giving up not just your career, but your life. So, if that’s the case, I might as well make an extra few beri off you while I have the chance.”
“You…” Jay choked, seeing spots. “… backstabbing, slimy cunt…”
“I’m sure Joker wouldn’t mind throwing you up for auction this afternoon if you’re refusing his job offer.” Silves used his bony, wrinkled finger to tilt her chin up. “A pretty young thing like you with your strength and skill could easily go for at least 5 million as a starting bid. And who knows, I heard Celestial Dragons are going to be present at today’s auction. Maybe they’d buy you for a pretty penny.”
“You won’t get away… with this.” Jay swallowed down the vomit threatening to surface as the image of Silves began to spin along with the rest of the room.
“Sweetheart. I already have.” This was the first time he’d ever used a sweet-sounding name toward her. Jay was about to utter another string of curses, but Silves looked up to Benny and gave him a swift nod. Not a second later, another blow came crashing onto her head, and just like that, all there was was darkness.