Peterson’s POV.
“I think I just need to go and clear my head for now, okay? You can go back in there and act like everything is super fine and you are not also bothered about who the killer is and why they killed Liam and Pedro.” I snapped as I walked away.
I drove down to Tropicana as I walked inside their bar.
“Are you okay?” Flora walked up to me from the other side of the bar where she was attending to the few customers that were in the bar.
“Don’t you ever get tired of working?” I smiled as I looked at her.
“Why would I?” She chuckled. “I get to pay my bills from here, Peterson!!” She said in a light voice as she walked across, entering behind the counter.
“So, what should I get for you? You don’t seem to be in a good mood?” She pointed out as she turned around, passing through different wine bottles.
“Just get me some strong wine. Or maybe, why don’t we stick to Budweiser?” I said with a broad smile as I looked at her flowing hair.
She turned around as she smiled before pulling out the Budweiser beer from its set in the cabinet.
“Here we go!!” She muttered as she dropped it on the counter alongside a shot glass.
I poured the beer inside the cup as I drank. I finished the beer within a few minutes as I ordered another bottle of Budweiser beer.
“Heyy, come on, Peterson. The sun is still up and you want to get drunk? Don’t be pathetic.” She whined as she stared at me.
“What is wrong? I know you, Peterson. You are trying to get something off your mind. What is it?” She asked as she leaned on the counter.
“I am fine!!” I shrugged as I dragged the other bottle from her hand. “You can just take a break and drive me home if I get drunk, okay?” I chuckled softly as I continued with my Budweiser beer.
“Hello!!”
I heard a husky voice by my side and what followed next was a light thud on the counter.
“Where’s our bill?” The voice echoed again.
Flora quickly gave him their bill and he dropped a hundred dollar note on the counter.
“My boss said you can keep the change!! Just a tip for your good service!!”
The man said with so much aura and arrogance in his voice but then, I just couldn’t turn around to see who it was.
And before I could finally turn around, all I could see were their back and the cap they wore on their head.
And the moment they stepped out of the bar, one of the men opened the umbrella, shielding the man in the middle as they walked him down to the Maybach, which was parked outside Tropicana.
“Who was that?” I turned to Flora.
“Who?” She asked.
“Those men? Are they from here?” I asked again as I turned to the car which was already leaving.
“No. First time seeing those faces.” She chuckled softly as she looked at me.
“Anything?” She questioned as she raised her eyebrows.
“No! Nothing at all!” I muttered convincingly as I forced out a broad smile.
She excused herself, leaving me alone as I turned back again as I watched their car leaving.
I was still seated at the bar till Helen walked in.
“Are you being serious right now, Peterson?” Helen snapped as she walked into the bar.
“How did you know I was here?” I furrowed my eyebrows as I got up from where I was seated but then, I staggered backwards as I fell down back on the chair, supporting myself with the counter.
I smiled sheepishly as I looked at her. “I am fine, okay?” I shrugged as I looked at her.
“Yeah, it’s obvious, you are fine.” She said too.
I could sense the sarcasm in her voice. “Come on, Helen. No need to be sarcastic about that. I am serious. I am fine.” I shrugged as I looked at her.
I got up again this time around as I held the counter.
“You didn’t answer my question.” I smirked as I looked at her. “How did you find me here?” I asked again as I wore a straight face now.
“Flora of course. She called me. Said you were drunk and also, might cause a little trouble if no one comes to your rescue.” She scoffed as she walked closer to me.
“Now, can we go!!” She asked as she forced out a smile.
“I will kill her for that!!” I cursed as I looked at Flora who kept staring at us with a broad smile.
“Goodnight, Peterson!” Flora said in a whisper as she winked at me.
I rolled my eyes as she was trying to get on my nerves. I allowed Helen to support me as we walked out.
“I didn’t drive, so we are using your car!” She snapped as she stretched out her right hand. “Car keys?” She sneered as she stared at me.
I reluctantly pulled it out of my coat as I handed it over to her. I rolled my eyes as I sat down in the passenger’s front seat while she drove.
“So, how did the meeting go? Anything reasonable?” I asked as I raised my eyebrows.
“Well, nothing for now!” She responded as she continued driving.
“Nothing for now? What do you mean by nothing for now?” I sneered as I rolled my eyes.
“Yeah. They want a peace talk with Collins.” She said in a calm voice as she finally looked at me.
“Are they insane?” I cursed angrily. “They want what? A fucking peace talk with someone who wants us dead? Who wants the faction destroyed? Don’t they know this? Don’t tell me you guys hid that part from them, Helen?” I scowled angrily and disappointedly as I glared at her.
“Come on, Peterson. Can we not do this now!?” She snapped as she rolled her eyes.