Liv asks for information, Vilbuck makes an offer

"What a coincidence that you would ask that." Liv said, stepping back form the building she had been looking at and just up to the edge of the alley Vilbuck was seated in. The man was dangerous, never the brightest, but not outright stupid either. Liv remembered a few times she had been **** to pay his 'fee'. The memories she had of him weren't fond ones, but he still might have his uses, especially now that she had come into her own a bit more and he seemed... less capable than he had once been.

"See, some friends of mine are looking for something that was stolen from us," Liv said, leaning against the wall. The distance was a bit awkward, but getting too close would feel like walking into a trap. "It's a book, some weird old tome, writing I doubt anyone alive could read, dark cover, very old."

"I might've heard something." Vilbuck said, his mouth spreading into a smile. Liv couldn't say for certain if he was telling the truth or just wanted something from her, so she pressed.

"I have enough coin for however much it costs." Liv said. In days gone by, that might have been a bluff, so she kept her coin purse hidden. Besides, a man like him would take her for all she was worth if she gave him the chance.

"To ask for gold from a pretty girl like yourself?" Vilbucks grin stayed stuck, Liv felt something predatory about it and immediately tensed up. She knew exactly what was coming. "No, no, Liv. You're a friend. I could never ask money from a friend. Lets call it a favor for a favor... just like old times, right?"

Liv grimaced. 'Just like old times'... a series of images flashed through her head, herself on her knees in the filth of an alley not unlike this one, Vilbuck's body looming over her, smirking that same smirk. Only then, she had been powerless to do anything but give in to his demands. Now... Liv's thoughts turned to her rifle.

"Well? What'll it be, Liv?" Vilbuck was already rising to his feet, the answer he expected was obvious. "You want to learn about your book or not?"

****

This chapter was a collaboration with gamer.1171(https://chyoa.com/user/gamer.1171) please check out her other writing!