Looking at the phone in her hand, Celia frowned deeply. Drake said he was okay, but was he really? She found it hard to believe that he could be so calm after killing four or five outlaws in Fallen Star City. If she knew what happened after that...

Celia and Drake's mother had been as close as sisters back in the day. Although they went on different paths, they would keep in contact, talking almost every day. After Drake's father died, Celia was a constant presence in his house, both to comfort his mother, and help him get through a difficult period.

"The little guy thinks I can't tell when he is lying... Humph! Mediator, hum? Be careful, Drake..."

---------------------------

Unaware that his lies had been seen through, Drake was now reclining against the counter in the Velvet. In his hand he had a beer, and his eyes were scanning the bar, especially the door. He wasn't sure if Scarlet would come, but he was under the distinct impression that she would, even if it was only to question him regarding the ambush earlier that day.

"Waiting on someone, buddy?"

The sudden question startled him, and he turned around to find the owner of the voice. To his surprise, it was Ikbar, one of the men he met at the emporium. His friendly expression immediately made Drake raise his guard. It was too different from the angry person he had seen before. His reaction made Ikbar scratch his nose, embarrassed.

"Yeah, uhmm... Look, I'm sorry. I was a c*nt earlier. You are just trying to help the Taurons. Even... Even if I think your aid is misplaced on them, I shouldn't have... Well, shouldn't have done everything I did."

The apology left Drake even more shocked, as he had never expected it. He couldn't help but suspect a trick or a trap, but Ikbar would hardly be bold enough to attack him in the middle of the bar.

"Why are you telling me all this?"

"I... I heard about what happened in the police station today, and did a little snooping around. Turns out what you said about the Taurons Ossruzes being poisoned was true, and..."

Ikbar hesitated, shifting his weight from one foot to another. Looking away from Drake, he took a nervous sip of his drink.

"And?"

"And I got some friends around the town, you know? They say they saw who paid those two to attack you. A soldier, they say."

The man had expected Drake to be shocked, but he seemed to know that already. Since he didn't say anything, Ikbar continued.

"I pieced that with what I heard about your discussion with Major Erinster, and... Well, I think you might not be the bad guy here. I'm even willing to bet that there's something fishy in this entire story. So... Yeah. Sorry."

Drake shook his head, then put a hand on Ikbar's shoulder, and smiled. After exchanging a few more words with him, the man went back to his table, where he was sitting with a few friends. Drake, on the other hand, stood on the counter, thinking. Someone who wasn't afraid to admit they might be wrong, and tried to amend their mistakes as soon as possible was someone worth having as a friend. There was no reason for Drake to reject his intentions.

"Dozing off? Did I make you wait too long?"

For the second time in a few minutes, Drake heard someone speaking to him, and lifted his head to find a pair of slender legs wrapped in black stockings. A sleeveless red shirt complemented Scarlet's lovely figure, and he could help but stare at her for a few seconds, earning a giggle. Her red hair was tied up on a ponytail, but one lock of hair was dangling over her eyes, giving her a more down-to-earth look.

Drake could see that she had put on some makeup, but nothing much. Her red lips looked soft and smooth, and her cheeks were slightly red, probably from being stared at. She looked at the same time casual, cute, and fierce. The bulge on her hips didn't escape his eyes. Well, who was he to say anything? He had his two pistols and a knife on his belt, like he had grown used to.

"You look... Beautiful."

It was the truth. She was really stunning. Even though Scarlet wasn't the prettiest woman Drake ever met, she passed a feeling that none other did. Hearing him, the police chief smiled, her blush getting more accentuated, and beckoned him to follow her to a table. He did so gladly.

"You know, for someone who survived an assassination attempt today, you look pretty distracted."

"Haha... I can't help myself, you are just too impactful. Besides, it wasn't really an assassination attempt as much as it was a half-assed tantrum by an angry old man."

Scarlet raised an eyebrow in surprise. Those were grave accusations, as it was very clear who Drake was referring to. She couldn't help but examine his expression, which had turned cold for a moment before regaining it's usual cheerfulness. For some reason, she felt that Major Erinster's life wouldn't last much longer.

"You really are planning on going through with all of this, aren't you? Hahaha... I don't know if I should be terrified or impressed."

"Haha... In time, we will see. But for now, forget about all of this. I take this is still a date, and not work talk, Miss Illoer?"

"Of course, Mister Stronter. Hehehe..."

They both chuckled, and Drake raised his hand to order their drinks. Soon enough, he had a mix of alcohol and... Something, in front of of him. He glanced at Scarlet, who raised her glass in a toast whilst grinning. Drake had a horrible hunch at that moment. Still, he took a sip of the cocktail.

Immediately, a strong flavor assaulted his taste buds. It was at the same time spicy and sweet, and he had no idea how. The drink left a lingering taste, and he hurriedly took another sip. His tongue was numb, but it wasn't a bad feeling.

"What's this? It's really good!"

"It's called Scarlet Kiss. I think you can tell why it is one of my favorites."

Drake choked on his drink when he heard her, and lifted his head to see Scarlet gazing at him. As he held the stare, she eventually diverted her eyes, embarrassed. He too looked away, and let the awkward silence linger for a few seconds before clearing his throat.

"So... Why was Erinster yelling at you today? Did you reject his immortal love or something?"

Drake meant it as a joke, but Scarlet didn't laugh. Her complexion darkened, and she pursed her lips. Obviously, his joke had hit close to home, and his eyes widened in shock.

"No! Seriously?!"

"Uhum... He tried to be nice first, but I have a good nose, per se. I could tell he was a dumb c*nt from miles away. After I rejected him a couple times, he started flaunting his status as a major, and so on. When I told him to f*ck off this morning, he got real pissy."

Drake listened carefully, trying to cover up his embarrassment. He really wasn't expecting his casual joke to be true. Still, he felt slightly happy - and proud - that Scarlet repeatedly rejected an army major, but decided to go out with him, a nobody.

"Well, you don't need to worry too much. After the investigation, Erinster will have other things occupying his head. That is, if he still has it."

"Are your Secret Service friends so reliable?"

Drake chuckled, and downed his drink before asking for another. Throwing a glance at the glass in Scarlet's hand, he ordered one more.

"Reliable? To be honest, I've only known them for about a week or so, but we went through an absolute sh*t show together. Interested? It's a long story."

The police chief shrugged, and Drake caught a glimpse of a tattoo on her left shoulder. He would have time to ask about it later, or so he hoped. He told her the entire story of Scarred Jack and his gang, from how he landed in the midst of it to how he and Anna blocked the canyon for an entire night. Drinks were delivered and emptied, and, when he finally caught a hold of himself, he realized he had been talking for at least an hour.

He hadn't meant to do that, to completely dominate the conversation. More importantly, he hadn't meant to spill all his thoughts and worries at her. Still, surprisingly, Scarlet had a slightly intoxicated smile on her face, and her eyes gleamed with interest.

"You've been through a lot, haven't you?"

"Err... Maybe? I dunno. To be a police chief young as you are, you must have done quite a few outstanding feats too, right?"

Scarlet was about ten years older than Drake, but that wasn't a problem for neither of them. In fact, it only added more to her charm. The cute pout she gave, plus her sparkling eyes, almost made him want to kiss her here and there, but he refrained himself. She was still the police chief of Ricker, after all. Although her private life didn't concern others, it was still better to prevent weird - and possibly damaging to her reputation - rumors to spread.

"I did face some trouble. Convincing those ancient c*nts that used to have high positions that a woman could become the police chief took some effort. But break one or two knees, and arrest a few for corruption, and they suddenly become a lot tamer."

Drake didn't know if he should feel intimidated or aroused. Maybe a little bit of both. But from there on, the conversation wasn't as one-sided anymore, and they diverged from serious topics to jokes and stories. Before either of them noticed, it was already way past midnight, and they were more than a little drunk.

After saying he would be back soon, Drake wobbled his way to the bathroom, and washed his face. The cold water helped clear his mind a little, and he stared at himself in the mirror. He touched the bandage on his cheek, and made sure it was hanging on. After that, he fixed his hair straightened his posture.

"Let's go, Drake. You got this."

After hyping himself up, and preparing to take the next step, Drake returned to the table, and stretched his hand to Scarlet. Understanding what he wanted, she smiled sensually, and took the offered hand. After Drake hastily paid the owner of the Velvet, they left. No sooner than the cold wind hit his face, she kissed him.

It wasn't a soft kiss. Instead, it was passionate, her tongue seeking his with hunger. It was fueled by carnal desire and alcohol. Drake was more than happy to answer Scarlet, and his hands caressed her back. It was only after a few seconds that their lips broke up, but their eyes burned with lust and excitement.

"Your hotel or my place?"

"Your place."

Frainer and Kniivar were still sleeping in the hotel room. Although they were just Iferes, the Spirit Contract still connected them in such a way that having sex in the same room as they would at the very least be weird. He much preferred to go to Scarlet's house, where they wouldn't have this problem.

Walking as fast as she could, the police chief quickly guided Drake to a small building. Compared to the Velvet, the elevator they took was well-lit, allowing Drake to grasp a few more details of her beautiful face that had escaped his eyes earlier. Details such as her freckles, or the small scar behind her ear.

Before he knew it, he had already pulled Scarlet closer to him, and started kissing her neck and cheeks, and proceeded to find her mouth. She responded enthusiastically, and grabbed his shoulders. When the elevator doors opened, they stumbled their way to her apartment, and the police chief fumbled with her keys, trying to open the door. Drake wasn't helping, since he was unwilling to let go of her.

"Bedroom."

Not without some effort, they found their way to her room. It was small, but tidy, not that Drake cared. He only had eyes for Scarlet now. Lifting her by her tights, he brought her to the bed, and laid her down. She pulled him, and started taking off his shirt. For a long time after that, the only noises that could be heard in the apartment were ragged breaths and the bed's springs squeaking.