The Meeting [Smith]

[Tha Nightmare 187]

"Let's get this over with..."

It was Monday. 9:00 A.M. on the dot. Right on time. Tha Infamous One found himself inside of the Smith Financial Building where his meeting with John Smith was supposed to take place. He didn't know what the meeting was going to be about or why Smith even wanted to meet with him in the first place. 187 walked through the lobby and up to the front desk. The clerk at the front desk looked back at 187 with a somewhat startled look on his face. Probably didn't get very many people who looked like the way 187 did in a place like this. Must be used to the usual uptight suits that gathered her on a daily basis. When 187 stopped at the front desk, the clerk gave him a nod and greeted him with...

Desk Clerk: "Can I help you with something, sir?"

"Uhh, yeah. I'm looking for John Smith's office. You know where I can find it?"

Desk Clerk: "Do you have a meeting with Mr. Smith?"

"Yeah. Nine o'clock."

Desk Clerk: "Oh! You're Mr. Taylor! Yes, yes. Mr. Smith is expecting you. Just continue on through and take the elevator to the top floor. It'll be right there when you get out. You can't miss it."

"Thanks."

187 continued through the lobby to the elevators like instructed. Once he got to the elevators, he pushed the 'Up' button and waited for it to arrive. It didn't take long for the elevator to arrive.

*DING*

When the doors opened and the people inside had stepped out, he stepped in and hit the button to get to the top floor. There were a couple of guys in suits with briefcases who stood outside of the elevator, but they were hesitant to get on. Was he really that intimidating to these people? Ugh. Fuck it. The elevator doors closed and proceeded to lift. And wouldn't you know... He wasn't alone.

Murda: "So... How's it going?"

"Oh, great. You're here. What do you want?"

Murda: "Just checking up on my old friend. Noticed you had a little meeting today and figured you might need a little back up. You know... Running defense like I always have to do."

"Always? Pfft... I can fight my own battles."

Murda: "Yeah. I'm sure you can. But you can't keep tabs on everyone like I have to do for you."

"What do you mean?"

Murda: "Well, you'll be interested to know that Lilith has been keeping her nose clean since the meeting you've had with her."

"What?"

Murda: "What? I do have a life of my own to live. How I choose to spend my time is my business. I just figured in between my 'Me Time,' I'd make sure ol' girly wasn't making a mess."

"But, didn't she notice you?"

Murda: "I was incognito. Master of disguise. Like fuckin' Sherlock Holmes. You'd be surprised how easy it is to grab the clothes of some dumb employee and slip on wigs and fake facial hair. Throw on a shaggy wig and slip a full face beard on, and presto-change-o. I'm someone new. Don't you want to know what I found?"

"No. It's better if I don't know. I'm not going to invade her privacy like that."

Murda: "Well, you just need to know that it wasn't anything bad. So, you don't need to worry."

*DING*

The elevator finally arrived at the top floor of the building. He wondered when his dark shadow found the time to do all this spying he did. Probably when he was sleeping or something. That would probably be the best opportunity the dark shadow would have. He certainly didn't remember any of this. He had to get his focus back on the meeting with Smith. 187 stepped out of the elevator, his dark shadow following close behind. He looked to his left, then he looked to his right. There it was. A door with the name "John Smith" across it. He toward the door. A receptionist at her desk looked up from her computer screen when she saw him pass by. She quickly said...

Receptionist: "Sir! Do you have an appointment?"

"Yeah. Nine o'clock. With John Smith. Don't tell me he's not here."

Receptionist: "Oh, no sir. He's in. He should be expecting you. Go right in."

Murda: "Better be here. We didn't come all the way down here for nothing."

...His dark shadow said, a little bit annoyed that they have to keep passing through checkpoints just to talk with this jackass. The receptionist couldn't see nor hear the dark shadow, but 187 didn't react neither. It was better to not cause any suspicion while he was here. That was all he needed right now. His enemy knowing that he saw things that no one else could see. 187 continued for the door and let himself into Smith's office. The dark shadow following close behind. Once inside the office, 187 said...

"So... You wanted to see me about something?"

[Mr. Smith]

Right on time. I do love punctuality in a person. It says a lot about the person's level of commitment.

Smith was at his desk, hands folded together. He had been expecting 187's arrival at the exact point and time has he had relayed to him, and the man didn't disappoint. He smirks, not in a "happy to see you" way though, but a "let's talk business" way. He had a pretty good idea how he was regarded in 187's eyes. Surprisingly enough though, the feeling wasn't mutual. Not entirely anyway.

Let's be clear on one thing first and foremost Mr. Taylor. I know you're not fond of me, and to some extent, I'm not very keen on you either. But I did a bit of research on you the past few days. I'm quite surprised, actually. A lot can be said about you, but one thing that I can say from your past is this...

...you're a professional.

You and I, in some rather eerie and unorthodox ways, are very much alike. We both know what we want, and we'll do whatever it takes to get it.

He leaned back in his chair, adjusting his tie. The blazer to his Burberry suit hung from a pole to the side along with his coat. He unbuttoned the cuffs of his sleeves and began to roll them up one by one.

I know what you want, a least in the immediate. Kenji Katana's head on a silver platter. As the case may be, he's challenged me to a match at XWA's season premiere.

However, there's some complexities regarding Mr. Katana. You see, my contacts have informed me that he's associated himself with individuals who will make it difficult, nigh impossible for you to extract your revenge on him without having to deal with others.

Now...these individuals may also possibly decide they want to get involved in this match. Marking their territory as it were. I can't have my agenda be compromised by someone else's.

He leans forward in his seat.

So, here's the proposal. I'm willing to wipe the slate clean with you, and in exchange Mr. Taylor, I need you to watch my back during that match and ensure that nothing and nobody gets in the way of me dismantling Katana. In exchange, I'll do the same for you when...not if...you get your hands on him.

The circumstances require for "strange bedfellows" to be made, at least for now. If my sources are correct, then not taking me up on this offer will prove things to be difficult on both our ends. We can't have that now, can we?

The lines are blurred, Mr. Taylor. It's not a matter of good vs. evil here. It's a matter of bad vs. worse. In either case, I intend on being the winner.

[Tha Nightmare 187]

"I see. 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend.' Yes?"

...He says, contemplating what exactly his decision would be. So, Katana was actually forming some kind of plot against him and probably Smith too. Typical Katana. Fucking pussy. However, 187 wasn't stupid. He knew going into this war was going to be tough no matter what. If he rejects Smith's offer, he'll be facing both Katana and company and Smith and company. Which leaves him right in the middle all by himself. That was how he preferred it. If you want something done right, you've got to do it yourself. On the other hand, he couldn't exactly run into this head first and hope to come out relatively unscathed in the end. 187 was a lot of thing. Depressed. Pissed off. An alcoholic. Weary. But one thing he wasn't was stupid. No matter what you want to believe about the urban youth of yesterday...

"I'm not surprised. I'm really not. Katana has always been weak. Always has been, always will be. I wouldn't go so far as to say that my revenge would be rendered impossible because Katana has gathered an army around him. I'm sure the information you've recieved me tells a lot about who I am, what I've done, and what I'm capable of... And I think if you've read deeply enough into whatever information you've got... You should know that nothing is impossible for me. Nothing. I know. I may not look like much. But don't let the cover of this book confuse you, I'm quite capable of handling my business."

He says, cracking a smirk at Smith from across the desk. It was true. The man had his connections. He knew people who could touch the untouchables of this world. Hell, he could touch the untouchables himself if he wanted to get his hands dirty. He had cash stockpiled in multiple accounts and locked away in safes in several locations. He had money and lots of it. He just doesn't flaunt it with the newest, most expensive cars or wear the most expensive diamond covered jewelry. It's not that he doesn't have the means to get it. He just doesn't advertise his power. Never let anyone know how much you really have. Whether or not that was in the files that people have on him, he didn't know. Probably not. It was interesting how much he's treated as a lowly thug. Funny even. His dark shadow snickered at the thought.

"But don't think that I'm saying I'm not interested in your offer. No. Not at all. I'm crazy. Yes. I should probably be locked away in a padded room somewhere with the key dipped in acid so I can't be released. I'm batshit insane. However, one thing I'm not is stupid. Katana is raising an army? Cool. I don't need an army to take care of Katana. The way I see it... It's just a bigger piece of cake for me to chew a hole through. But I'm sure I wouldn't be able to make it out on the other end unscathed. I've been in this business for a long time. I'm not stupid, Smith. Just as much, if not more, I intend on coming out on top when all the smoke has cleared and all the dust has settled. As far as I'm concerned, you've got no place in this war. This was between me and Katana. Why you're still involved is beyond me."

He shrugged his shoulders. He didn't know why Smith was still involved. He had no part in the past history 187 and Katana had with each other. Smith wasn't involved in why 187 had such hatred in his heart for Katana. It was Katana and his big mouth that involved Smith. And Smith was still here. It's just another example of Katana involving others because he's afraid of facing the homicidal psychopathic monster that was Tha Infamous 187. He drew a breath and exhaled a sigh...

"But you know what? I don't like you Smith. I don't like you. I don't like what happened at Fort Bragg. To be honest, I'm still a little miffed about that whole situation. Can't say that I'm your biggest fan. However, your offer does intrigue me. The odds are stacked against me. I'm on the frontlines of the battlefield all by my lonesome with you on one side and Katana on the other. And I know for a fact that Katana probably has some kind of trick up his sleeve for your match. I don't even have to have some source check for me. I know for a fact that Katana will have something sinister planned... And I can't help but feel compelled to be there and rain on his parade."

[Mr. Smith]

I think I might've been a little unclear. Katana's not raising an army, Taylor. He's become a part of one. You should know yourself by now the distinctive advantage of "strength in numbers" provides, especially when the numbers themselves are quite...large.

There were gears spinning. Moves being made. It's not something a man like Smith sits idly by and watches happen without making some moves of his own.

But in any case, I'm glad that I've "compelled" you to taking the offer into consideration. Now, I don't know the specifics of whatever past you and him had with each other, and to be honest, I don't deal in "wars" that I can't make a profit from.

So I'm going to make this war as profitable as possible, because as of right now, it's not you vs. him. Not anymore...and whatever you think Katana's got planned, doesn't have a thing compared to what I've got planned.

I said this earlier, kind of deja vu but it still fits...because it's all a matter of whether or not you're willing to play the game.

It's as simple as this...when I give you the signal, you take him out. Then, there'll be one person to worry about for either of us.

[Tha Nightmare 187]

Murda: "Un-fucking-believable. I knew the little shit didn't have the influence to raise an army."

"So, Katana doesn't run the army? I should've guessed as much. He doesn't have the heart to be a leader. I suppose there's something to say about those pesky Dragons of his, but the whole lot of them aren't worth the DNA the was spent to produce them."

He shook his head in disappointment. He should've known that Katana couldn't play the role of 'puppet master.' It was really quite sad. Oh well. He wondered who had taken an interest in Katana. Who would want to? Between him and Katana, it was clear who someone with a brain would choose. Look at Smith. He was smart enough to make the right choice. 187 just shrugged his shoulders and made eye contact with Smith again. Continuing on with...

"As much as I don't like you... I absolutely hate Katana ten times over. I will help you, Smith. I'm not helping you because it's going to benefit you. I'm not doing it because it's going to make things easier on you. I'm going to do it because Katana needs to remember just who the Hell he's dealing with. He thinks this is a game. I guess he must've forgot what who he was dealing with and I'll be sure to give him a little reminder."

Murda: "You better be sure to cave his fuckin' skull in. Because if I get a hold of that bastard... Oh yeah. It's going to be a blood bath."

He lifted a foot up and tapped his toe on the floor. A kick to the temple is enough for anyone to remember what kind of person 187 was. It might cause some brain damage, but there wasn't that many brain cells left in Katana's skull. He would be doing Ms. Blackheart a favor by getting rid of that waste of space.

"And let's get one thing straight... We're not partners. You're not my boss. You're not in charge of my actions. I will do what I want, when I want, how I want... Got it? You don't give the orders here. I'll just be at the right place, at the right time. Got it? If Katana brings anyone else to the ring with him, they can be dealt with too. I don't care who it is. I ain't scared of anyone. I've been through a lot in this business. From the darkest depths of Hell with the demonic beings and their black magic... to the so-called toughest sons of bitches to ever walk God's green Earth. This won't be nothing new to me. I'll be in your corner, Smith. You won't have to worry about a thing. You just deal with Katana and I'll dispose of him properly. For a price, of course. A wise man once said, "If you're good at something, never do it for free." One must make a profit, right?"

[Mr. Smith]

You just make sure you're there, and make sure you do what you say you're going to do. Results will be handsomely rewarded, Mr. Taylor...only if there are results to reward.

Smith leaned back in his chair once more, locking his fingers to each other and resting them in front of him.

I don't think I need to tell you that failure is not a option. If I'm making a business investment here, you'd better be damned sure I want it to be a profitable one.

So now that we've laid down our "ground rules" I'd suppose we have an accord then, do we not?

[Tha Nightmare 187]

Lairota: "Results? Oh yeah. He must not know 'bout us, man. Hahaha. If there's one thing I'm good about delivering on, it's results. Whether it's done the right way... Or MY way... I know how to get those fuckin' results. By any means necessary."

He began to nod his head, listening to what Smith had to say. His dark shadow no doubt had to chime in his two cents about it. He knew that his dark shadow wasn't bluffing either. The bastard always had a way of making sure things got done, even if it lead to some pretty disastrous and messy results. Regardless, there were results. Overkill or not. There were results. Tha Infamous One replied with...

"Of course. I'd suggest digging a little deeper next time you do your homework, Smith. You'd know there's no reason to clarify about getting the job done. I'm quite capable of handling Dragon Boy and any other flunkies that decide they might want to get involved. And whoever it is that is backing him can get it too. It's whatever. I suppose the only thing to do now is to follow through with the customary agreement handshake, yeah? And make sure there's no finger crossing nothing like that, right?"

Then he extended a free hand forward across Smith's desk in front of him. He kept his other hand up in the air where Smith could see it. No need to cross his fingers for this business agreement. He was going to help eliminate Kenji and get paid for doing it. What else could a guy like him ask for? His dark shadow snickered as he watched the two of them.

[Mr. Smith]

Finger crossing? Now, Now...what ever would we need to do that for? Like I said, we're professionals. Our word and a hearty handshake should do just fine.

Smith stretched out his arm and meets with 187's hand, thus delivering that hearty handshake and making this business arrangement official.

All that's left now is the ever-important waiting game. The proverbial calm before the storm, hmm? I hope doing business with you will be a pleasure, Mr. Taylor.

He smirks, thinking of all the little possibilities of punishment that can result from this newfound agreement.

[Tha Nightmare 187]

"Oh yeah. It'll definitely be something to remember. Guess you'll have to trust your gut on that one, now won't ya?"

Lairota: "Damn sure will be a pleasure. I'm looking to snuff me out a 'dragon' when the time comes. Hahahaha."

Tha Infamous One shrugged his shoulders, cracking that smirk of his. This business transaction was going to be a pleasure no matter what the outcome of the match will be. He'll be making sure Kenji doesn't leave that show without the imprint of his boot on his face where that dragon tattoo is. He slipped his hands into his pants pocket and said...


"Well, it's been fun. But I've got things to do, places to go, people to see... So, now that we're all done here... I'll be seeing you at the show."

He nodded to Smith at his desk before turning his back on his temporary frenemy. He began heading toward the door of the office before taking a moment to turn around and throwing up a peace sign in the air. Leaving with one final farewell for now...

"Later."

With that said, and the deal sealed, Tha Infamous heads out of Smith's office. The dark shadow following close behind. He was going to have to plot what his next move is going to be for the show. While he stepped out of the office, he began whistling a little tune. Off into the city of New York for whatever awaits him in this God forsaken city. Things were about to get very interesting.