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| The Durden Chronicles | Started by: Ruby26 on Sep 30, '26 15:04 |
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While sitting with Sid my attention was drawn away by the approaching bartender. He was carrying what looked to be an expensive bottle of whiskey. He placed it on the table and slipped an envelope down next to it. I was mildly curious. However the bartender didn't say a word and returned to the bar promptly. I reached for the envelope temporarily ignoring Sid. Opening it, I found in the low lighting it was almost impossible to read. So I slipped the letter back inside. I never noticed anything else inside. But there was something stuck to the back wall of the envelope. Then I heard quick walking towards the table. Tornado had begun thumping his tail wagging it. So I looked up to see yet another distraction. It was Pavlo26 looking like and angel of death. He glanced suspiciously at Sid, sizing him up. I pushed the Whiskey towards him, and Pavlo26 caught it before it crashed on the floor. He passed it to Hiro26, who apparently came along silently behind him. "You guys can figure out who wins that over poker," I gave a hardy laugh. Pavlo26 stepped closely into my space reaching for my arm. He whispered in my ear, "Ruby who is this guy?" Pulling my arm back, "Not your business." Pavlo26 pressed closer, "Ruby your not in a good frame of mind for whatever this is." "Ruby is it now," I said loudly not heeding my normal business mode. "State plainly why your here." I was growing angry with Pavlo26 repeated overstepping. Whispering Pavlo26 said, " We have gathered up the right you wanted. Let us handle this for you. There happens to be two women in this group." I was taken back for a moment. How had I not known. Than I got a second wind of clarity. "Pavlo26 just keep them for now. Do me a favor and go read this," I said sliding the envelope into his hand. Pavlo26 looked down and then he turned walking completely out of the bar. Outside zda3baby26 was leaning against the brick wall. Pavlo26 opened the envelope and a photo came loose floating to the ground. Zda3baby26 reached down for the picture. Pavlo26 face grew dark with a storm of anger. " Zda3baby26 give me your lighter!" The lighter was swiftly handed over. Pavlo26 lit the envelope and note with the lighter's flame. They both watched it turn to ash. Then Zda3baby26 handed over the photo. "When are we going to tell Ruby the truth? Right now your letting her think one of us is a traitor." Pavlo26 covered his hand over his face for a moment after seeing the photo. His jaw tightened with annoyance. Then he tucked the photo inside his inner jacket pocket. "We are doing our job protecting her." "Will that be how she sees it? We are sheltering her from a truth she will need to face soon enough." Zda3baby26 said shaking his head, but keeping alignment with his immediate leader. "Ruby will need us, when she discovers the leak is the last person she would ever suspect. We act as her family now. We are her brothers, father and if necessary acting husband. Whatever role we need to be for our Boss." Pavlo26 looked around briefly. " Now let's get back in there and save her, if necessary even from herself." Meanwhile Ruby26 was completely unaware of the interaction on the sidewalk. She motioned for Pavlo26 to approach when he returned. "So what was in the envelope?" " Just a recruit looking to be hired as part of your bodyguard team Boss." Pavlo26 smoothly lied to Ruby26. Though in a drunken state he wasn't too worried she would read through his lie. Then he stepped away to the bar, not giving her a chance to ask more questions. Ruby26 was briefly puzzled, but then turned back to continue her conversation with Sid. Some questions would have to wait for the sober light of day. |
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| Reply by: Ruby26 at Oct 12, '26 01:51 | |
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Sid settled into the booth, placing his bourbon on the table before easing back against the seat. A slight smile touched his lips as he listened to her questions about Tornado. “Luccini, you say?” he replied, a quiet amusement in his voice. “No, sweetheart, you can put your mind at ease. I haven’t been paying off any gambling debts with dogs.” He chuckled softly, his eyes meeting hers. “Though I suppose that’s one way to settle an account. Not one I’d recommend.” He glanced down at Tornado, who remained quietly at her feet, and then back to her. “I came across him at the Swag stand. Luccini told me a little about how he’d come to be there, and I figured the dog deserved a better turn of luck than his previous owner.” He lifted his bourbon for a small sip. “Never thought I’d run into him again so soon, let alone in such pleasant company.” When the waitress brought the extra shot glass, Sid thanked her with a nod. He watched the woman pour and slide the drink across the table, then accepted it with a courteous lift of his glass. “To good company,” he said, before taking the shot. He set the empty glass down and returned to his bourbon, savoring it rather than rushing to finish. He’d always preferred to enjoy a drink at his own pace. At her question about his story, he turned a little more toward her, resting one arm along the back of the booth. There was something inviting in his manner, a relaxed confidence that never quite crossed into familiarity. “My story? Now, that’s a mighty broad question.” His smile deepened a shade. “You’ll have to forgive me if I don’t give away all my secrets in the first five minutes. A man ought to leave a little for the next time.” He let the remark settle with a faint, playful look before continuing. “I keep busy with business around New York. Meet people, make arrangements, try to keep my word, and expect the same from the folks I deal with. Nothing terribly romantic about it, I’m afraid.” He paused, turning his glass slowly between his fingers. “Though the company can make an ordinary evening considerably more interesting.” His gaze lingered on hers for a moment, warm and unhurried, before he glanced toward Tornado again. “And you seem to have made quite an impression on the fellow. I don’t think I’ve seen him looking any worse for wear.” He smiled. “Tell me, does he always keep such a close eye on you, or am I getting special treatment tonight?” He took another sip of bourbon, giving her a moment to answer before his curiosity returned to the matter she’d raised earlier. “You mentioned getting him from Luccini. Do you know him well, or was it simply a matter of being in the right place at the right time?” His tone remained light, genuinely interested rather than probing. “I have to admit, I’m curious how you two came to be acquainted. And I’d be happy to hear a little about you, too, if you’re of a mind to tell me.” Sid leaned back comfortably, his expression open and his smile lingering. He had no need to press her for answers. The evening was young, the bourbon was good, and for the moment, he was enjoying the company. |
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| Reply by: Obsidian at Oct 12, '26 18:54 | |
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I found Sid had a relaxed confidence and ease with flirting I lacked. I didn't have my sister's experience in this area. When I was reaching the age when dating became a possibility, my parents were killed in a terrible car accident. So I found that certain situation were awkward for me to deal with. Such as when Pavlo26 kissed me out of the blue. Not how I expected my first kiss to be. Drinking my shot I considered the pressures weighing on my mind about the up coming appointment with death. Plus the arrogance of my most trusted bodyguard. Still I can't say I didn't feel a rush of excitement. But as a Boss I needed to put distance to this potential problem that was growing. Sid presented an opportunity. Slightly nervous I placed my shot glass down. The alcohol giving me courage to test this situation. I knew Sid was holding back secrets. However I had quite a few myself. I reached across the table touching his hand. "Actually," I smiled sweetly, " I only recently met Luccini. I discovered his Swag stand one day while checking out the new neighborhood. I'm not from around here. Tornado I found to be interesting. I have had big dogs before and know how to handle them. So it didn't take much to assert my role as his alpha. I signal to Pavlo26 to come over. Let him see me holding a man's hand. I laughed silently to myself. He came over without hesitation. He noted that Sid was enjoying my company. A flash of anger crossed for a brief second before Pavlo26 locking it down under a mask. " Take Tornado for a walk. I moved my legs for Tornado to exit from under the table. With a brief delay Pavlo26 reached for Tornado. He gave a sharp look at Sid before departing. I never released my hold on Sid's hand. Then I reached for his bourbon glass. " Mind if I taste that? I've never touched bourbon before so I'm curious." I gave him a shy smile as I gently slipped his glass away. I wondered if it was a mistake. Still I could always wash it away with another shot of tequila. I waited for him to deny me or just smile and allow my bold move. |
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| Reply by: Ruby26 at Oct 13, '26 02:27 | |
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As I waited for Sid's decision regarding the bourbon, my mind slipped into an old memory. Perhaps because I was wondering if Sid had any Durden secrets. Failure. You failed to WACK! Cordia-Knabjian. I recalled it clearly as if it were today. A critical miss! Something went terribly wrong with your attempt! As you draw your weapon and aim at Cordia-Knabjian, a loud voice from behind screams "STOP! PUT THE GUN DOWN!" Your hand wavers in fright and you miss your hit; the bullet firmly planting itself into the garbage can next to where you were aiming. With widened eyes your target takes off running as you are grabbed roughly from behind. A policeman forces your arms behind your back, your gun clattering loudly to the cement as he begins to recite your rights. His partner walks in front of you as you are being cuffed and shakes his head with a laugh. "Attempting murder? You're gonna be in the slammer a looooong time for this one. Once in the slammer I was allowed a phone call. After making my one phone call I noticed Las Vegas Jail. In loving memory of Tom Tanzini. You have 17 minutes and 39 seconds remaining in your sentence. Almost 18 minutes can feel like forever when your are confined in prison. But I wasn't alone. I read the prison board of residence: dennisstewart | Carri_Dahm | Carleo | CharlesSupino | StevenPastrana | Karner_Bobby | Celia_Brock | ScottVega | Kirstie_Corona | conwell | jorge_mendelson | Anthony_Pollard | Earl_andrews | rita_hamrick | James_Kelley | RobertEllison | John_Deremer | Baba_Yaga | Philip_Tipton | Jessie_Wright | Mary_Carboy | JosephKellogg | Gordon_Wilson | Ruby26 | No it didn't exactly read like a fairytale story. You have already made your allowed call. The prison guard said as she pushed me out to the yard. In the prison yard, I somehow came across a hidden spray paint can. Hmm was the home improvement team here somewhere too? Then I sprayed the wall -Ruby26-was here. Darn Durdens I was relieved when a CleverlyDisguisedMan came to rescue me from the prison yard. Hmm was that his spray paint? Then my memories faded as I looked at Sid, while I held his bourbon glass waiting. |
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| Reply by: Ruby26 at Oct 14, '26 06:08 | |
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Pavlo26 came to the table at a fast pace. I didn't see Tornado with him. Moving in close he whispered in my ear, " We have to go. The Durdens are back and they just shot at Tornado and I. Plus did you forget about the execution of the 8 CAs tonight?" I looked across at Sid and then my hand still touching his glass. What was I doing? I came here just to think and ended up sitting across from a man with secrets. Secrets Sid clearly wasn't planning to spill to me anytime soon. I released his glass. "Sorry Sid business waits for no one. I have to go. Maybe we will meet up again at some point." With that I got up to leave the bar. Once outside I saw two of my bodyguards with Tornado. "Let's get going, " I said heading towards the car. " Oh no, " Pavlo26 grabbed my arm. " Your passenger princess after that little bar stunt." I pulled my arm free, " Fine," I wasn't going to start an argument with him in the middle of the street. Pavlo26 probably knew it too. But we had to leave the area now. |
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| Reply by: Ruby26 at Oct 16, '26 20:45 | |
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After leaving Sid at the bar, we went to an all night diner. Pavlo26 wanted to sober me up first. I was too tired to object. It had been a long day. Negotiating a new business with Sal Rossi at the Saw Mill Paper warehouse among other things. So by the time we closed in on the pier, fog was already rolling in to greet us. The scent of the sea air was strong when we arrived. At the dock warehouse 8 corrupt officers were awaiting their fate. Ruby didn't want to create a problem with being able to hire future agents. Still they are all under investigation by their department. So if the bodies were ditched, where they wouldn't be found, it would look as if they merely went on the lam. So Ruby would have Pavlo26 handle the cleanup details. Two and a half cups later Ruby was ready by the time they arrived to dispatch the problem agents. However one thing Ruby still had to ponder. Two of them were women and she hadn't even met with them personally. "We have the ladies in a separate area," Pavlo26 advised Ruby. "Let's start with the ladies." Ruby said waiting for directions in the warehouse. They walked to a guarded office. Two women were bound to metal chairs. Closing her eyes briefly Ruby said under her breath, "they choose this life! " As Ruby stepped up to the confined women, she motioned for the hood to be removed from the first one. " So you are under investigation with your department! I think we both know where that leads." The woman already had red eyes from crying and started again. She was desperate to live, " Please you can't kill me I'm pregnant." Ruby stepped back. One of her crew covered the head of the crying woman again. Then the other one had her head uncovered. " I suppose you're pregnant too?" Ruby asked. The woman let out a strange laugh. "As if I would keep some unwanted brat. Fat chance. Now we can make a deal. I could relocate and still be useful. She was bargaining with Ruby. It always came down to a night like this when things went bad. People either cried endlessly, looked to escape or negotiate their way out of the end. It wasn't a part Ruby enjoyed. But she had learned quickly what needed to be done. Her sister was a ruthless example to her. Only she broke away to build her own empire. But Ruby wondered what she would think of her progress? Turning Ruby had heard enough for one night. She had 6 men waiting to be shot. Pavlo26 followed her out of earshot of the women, as they stepped out of the office. " Boss?" A few other guys from her crew were waiting orders nearby. " We need to get a doctor to test them for pregnancy.' "Boss," Pavlo26 said. " This is clearly a delay tactic. Even if one of them is pregnant it doesn't matter." " Pavlo26 I have rules. I don't kill the innocent." "So what you will hold them until they deliver a baby. Then kill them? Who raises the kids? Besides, they very well could be future enemies! It's not a wise move Ruby!" Ruby ignored Pavlo26 and turned. " Hiro26 go fetch a doctor." Ruby said firmly. Immediately Hiro26 exits at her order. Turning Ruby said," now where are the guys?" " Ruby26, you have already had a long night. You need to get some rest with the Durdens being in town. You need to be sharp tomorrow," Pavlo26 said. " Let me handle the executions. You get some rest. You know we can handle this for you." " I should do it," Ruby said. " You have already proven yourself Ruby. You hired me for my experience with my uncle the Don. Take some advice. It's time you delegate. Grow the business with your negotiating skills and social connections." For a moment Ruby stopped to consider everything. She had many loose strings. The biggest were the Durdens, who were back in town causing untold chaos. Pavlo26 was right she hired men to handle business. She needed to trust them to do their jobs. Plus it may help her discover the traitor faster. " Fine Pavlo26! I'll go rest. Then when you wrap this up come by my place. We can plot the next move together." " Ruby the driver's waiting by the car. I'll have Fat Ass Matthias and the new guy Orzo go back with you." " No Orzo needs to learn the ropes. I'll take Fat Ass Matthias and Chucky." Pavlo26 wasn't pleased, but watched as Ruby left things in his hands. Once she was in the car on her way Zda3baby26 stepped over to Pavlo26. " She doesn't know your uncle is the Godfather. " "For the record I do have a Don as my cousin. I'm being tested by my Uncle. I will pass his test and be his heir. And I believe I found a wife in the process," he said with a smile. " Ruby? You think she will just settle for being the little woman?" Pavlo26 chuckled," Just watch and learn. I think I know my woman pretty well at this point " " Don't get too confident Pavlo26," zda3baby26 warned. "Now let's go we have 8 people to execute," Pavlo26 said walking back towards the warehouse. "The doctor isn't here yet, Zda3baby26 reminded him. " We don't need a doctor. Ruby has rules but we have a duty to protect her. Even if It means from herself. No loose ends!" "That's a major violation of Ruby's trust, not simply a practical disagreement. This could bite you in the ass." Zda3baby26, "I'll do the job and apologize later if she finds out." Pavlo26 went in with the air of an enforcer. He didn't blink or sweat a drop as he shot all 8 corrupt officers. "Clean this up, " he ordered! The crew quickly stepped up to handle the bodies. After Pavlo26 made the arrangements for the bodies. All Pavlo26 left behind was cold air in his wake. Pavlo26 left the warehouse without a backward glance. In a few minutes, he would be standing before Ruby, ready to discuss their next move. She would never know what had happened here tonight. At least, that was what he intended. If she discovered the truth later he would deal with it. |
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| Reply by: Ruby26 at Oct 16, '26 23:50 | |
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Pavlo26 arrived at Ruby's place, a guard standing outside her door. "Boss," the other bodyguard acknowledged him. "Ruby's inside?" Pavlo26 adjusted his sleeve. "Yes sir, she arrived about a half an hour ago." The guard stepped aside so Pavlo26 could reach the door. Pavlo26 knocked on the door. He waited but heard nothing. He knocked again and heard the dog behind it. Pavlo26 reached into his pocket and withdrew a key from his wallet. He unlocked the door, returned the key to its place, and pushed the door open. Pavlo26 didn't rush inside. He didn't seem to be worried for a second as Tornado was calm. From the door, Pavlo26 heard the snowy static of a television channel already off the air for the night. He glanced around until his eyes found Ruby. Tornado padded over to the sofa. Ruby was slumped over a pencil in hand. A notebook that had slipped from her grasp lay on the floor. Pavlo26 took off his jacket and loosened his tie. He turned off the glaring television before approaching the sleeping Ruby. Pavlo26 bent down picking up the notepad. Then he caught sight of a photo that had slid under the sofa edge. It was the Durden photo in front of the warehouse. Pavlo26 placed it on the nearby table. Then he briefly flipped through the notes without hesitation. Investigate Sid top priority. Possibly return to Durdens turf while they are here. Find Bodyguard leak and deliver a token gift to Mr. Rossi for his time. It read like a laundry list. The last item Pavlo26 couldn't make out as it must have been written as Ruby was falling asleep. After putting everything on the table Pavlo26 reached for Ruby. He scooped her up in his arms. He kissed her forehead gently and carried her towards the bedroom. Pavlo26 knew her place like the back of his hand. Tornado followed closely behind them. Moonlight shined through a window casting a shadow on the bed. Pavlo26 placed Ruby down on the bed. Then he took the quilt from the foot of her bed to cover her up. "Sleep Ruby, your going to need it," he said with a smile. Then Pavlo26 made his way over to the window and looked around. After satisfying himself that everything was secure, Pavlo26 closed the curtains. In the dim light spilling in from the other room, he removed his belt and carefully set it aside before settling into the chair to rest. Tornado jumped on the bed to sleep near Ruby. Briefly she mumbled and rolled over grabbing a pillow. Pavlo26 sighed and closed his eyes. His view of the evenings events wasn't the same as Ruby's perspective and he knew it. But they both found sleep. Tomorrow would bring its own challenges. |
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| Reply by: Ruby26 at Oct 17, '26 07:00 | |
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Ruby wakes with a pounding headache. She was still dressed in yesterday's clothes. She looks around and finds a bottle of aspirin and a glass of water by the bedside. Sitting up Ruby takes some aspirin to relieve her headache. " I don't even remember going to bed," Ruby said to herself standing up. Then Ruby hear talking from inside her apartment. Tornado was gone. But as Ruby moved towards the dog her dog walked into the room. Ruby reach down to pet Tornado and rub his ears. "Good morning," she said reaching down to pat Tornado. It was then Ruby made out brief arguing. She moved to her doorway. From the door Ruby found guys in various places talking in her living room. Pavlo26 was on the telephone arguing. " I don't care what it costs, get the flowers from another shop and deliver them to the funeral parlor." Ruby was puzzled. Why would Pavlo26 be handling flower arrangements? She could see the day began without her. It was a late start to her day. One of the men looked up, " good morning Boss." Pavlo26 turned around to see her and quickly finished the call. Fat Ass Matthias was wearing Ruby's cooking apron. " I can have breakfast ready for you in a jiffy," he said from the kitchen. "Pavlo26 what's that about funeral arrangements?" Ruby said making her way towards him. "It's nothing. There was just a mixup at the shop yesterday. Apparently the flowers needed for an arrangement weren't ordered. So I took care of it." "That's odd," Ruby said taking the coffee Pavlo26 handed her. "Grandma is meticulous with details like that. Hmm I guess mistakes happen." With that she started to drink the coffee. Pleased that Pavlo26 knew just how she liked her coffee. "I guess we should start the meeting for today's schedule." Ruby said as she reached for the morning newspaper. " I've already handled that. Why don't you go get changed and I'll head out to the flower shop for the interview you had scheduled for 11 o'clock." " I overslept," Ruby said in frustration shaking her heads. " It's all right Boss, I have your back, Pavlo26 said gently rubbing her shoulders. "Now let me get these guys out of here." " How is it you are already fresh as a daisy?". Ruby said slightly annoyed. " I didn't have tequila shots like someone I know. I've been up for hours already hustling through the morning." Pavlo26 was in a fresh suit with his hair perfect. Ruby just rolled her eyes still tired. "Tornado probably needs a walk," she said heading back towards her bedroom. "Already done Boss," Chuck said flipping through numbers with another bodyguard. " I fed him as well." " I guess I could have stayed in bed longer," Ruby laughed. Later in the day Ruby found Pavlo26 leaving with Hiro26 and zda3baby26. They appeared to be in a hurry not noticing her arrive at the flower shop. They went in the opposite direction with what appeared to be several floral pieces. Ruby stepped in the shop to see her grandma drinking tea at the counter. Flowers mid arrangement in a vase she was working on at the counter. " Good morning Ruby," her grandma greeted her. "Was that my guys leaving with flowers?" "Yes Ruby, the new delivery guy didn't work out. Pavlo26 fired him earlier today. He said he would get me someone else." "Wait Pavlo26 didn't tell me there was a problem with the delivery guy." Ruby said puzzled. "It just came up Sweetie. I'm sure he will tell you later. Now I have to get these flowers ready, " the grandma said getting back to work. Ruby walked passed her grandma into the back. Her office was neat as a pin. Not a paper out of place. She sat down to review the ledger. It was then she noticed some potting soil spilled on the floor near her desk. Getting up Ruby quickly cleaned up the mess. Not sure why the guys had done anything plant related in her office, but let it slide. Opening the book she found everything in order. The page already reviewed and checked off. So she put the ledger away. " I guess today will be easier than I thought," Ruby said to herself. Then she pulled out a legal pad to plan her next steps for the day. |
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| Reply by: Ruby26 at Oct 17, '26 15:47 | |
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