The Gig [Finished]

[accalia]

"It's either that or start running and never look back. If she gets her version in his ears first it's all over for you." Tony says sadly "Shall we get it over with then? I'll come with you as backup."

[yamikuronue]

Vic shakes his head. "I don't want you getting hurt. I'll go in alone, but... maybe keep the car handy? Just in case?"

[accalia]

"Vic, I wouldn't be your friend if I sent you into the lion's den alone. That's not what friends do."

[yamikuronue]

"Friends don't get friends killed, either."

[accalia]

"So let's not get killed." Tony counters, turning the car towards the speakeasy where he's met the boss before "Besides, i still owe you that milkshake, can't well make good on that debt if we're dead."

[yamikuronue]

This time, Vic does smile, just a little.

Of course, a moment later, the smile is gone as he turns to Tony in almost a panic: "Wait, what do you mean you'd guessed?!"

[accalia]

"Took you long enough. Tony says, pulling the car into a parking spot at the speakeasy and keying the engine off. "You're good, one of the best I've seen in a long time, but you're not perfect, sometimes you slip ever so slightly, I'd seen enough of those to guess you were hiding something, and for you it had to be either your age of your birth sex. I guessed the latter, but i never had proof until you told me."

Huh.... 'birth sex' that's an odd way to phrase that.

[yamikuronue]

"You think everyone can tell?" she asks, chewing her lower lip.

[accalia]

Tony shrugs "I think Kate figured it out, she's observant, would make a better detective than any i've got. Terry might have figured it out eventually too, but you haven't been around him much  so he's probably not picked up on it. anyone else? not a chance, i told you that you were damn good."

[yamikuronue]

At least that's something.

As they walk into the joint, Vic's stomach rolls in dread. This could be the last time I walk into a building under my own power. He jams his hands into his pockets, trying to act casual. This could be the last hour I'm alive.

The Boss is in, sitting in his usual spot in the back, two guards with him. Vic approaches, nervous, and hangs back outside the partition, asking the nearest guard, "Can I... talk to the Boss for a bit? I've got news for him."

[accalia]

Tony follows Vic, slipping into "Brooding Cop" pose easily, he looms behind Vic with an attitude that says "I'm supposed to be her, you want to make an issue of it?"

But for all that he lets Vic do the talking. this is his show. Tony's just there as backup and moral support.

[yamikuronue]

The guard lets Vic through, and Vic steps up to the table, waiting to be acknowledged.

Giovanni takes in the pair, a slight frown creasing his face. "Yes?" he says, after a moment.

"I wanted to..." Vic takes a deep breath. "Melanie asked me to accompany her after my shift. I wanted to make you aware, in case you didn't want me around her." It's a place to start, I suppose.

Giovanni's frown deepens in suspicion. "She wouldn't do anything I disapprove of."

Vic nods. "It seemed she wanted me, in particular. I worry there's some game afoot you may not... be aware of."

The other guard steps up to whisper something in Giovanni's ear and Vic pales. Shit... shit, that's the guy! That guy was there when... oh god. Oh no. I'm dead. It's over.

[accalia]

Tony notices Vic's nervousness and places a hand on his shoulder for support. He's still in full "don't mess with me" glower, but he let's Vic continue knowing that Tony's there to support.

[yamikuronue]

Giovanni's frown turns murderous as he turns his gaze back to Vic, his eyes hardening. "Is this true?"

"Sir, I don't know what--"

"Enough!" he snaps, slamming a fist down on the table. Vic shuts up, every muscle in his body tensing, ready to flee.

"I will not have you disrespecting my family like this." says the Boss, his voice cold. "I trusted you, and this is how you repay me? Get out of my sight. You are dead to me, to the family. Finished. Understand?"

Vic swallows, his mouth dry of spit. Dead... literally? Please be figuratively... Even his mental voice is a whimper.

"Get out!" shouts The Boss, and Vic turns, fleeing for the door.

[accalia]

Tony spares enough time to give Giovanni a "I'm disappointed in you" look before turning to follow Vic. He's not said a word, but that encounter went just about as well as he could have expected. If he was honest with himself he fully expected to have gained weight thanks to all the lead they'd be feeding him.

Once outside he walk back to the car, hoping to find Vic there.