Lainey Wilson: steps closer, eyes blazing What the hell were you thinkin', huh? You stalkin' me now?
I am not stalking you... sorry you see, I’m a big fan of you so I found one of your old photos and I looked into it..
rolls her eyes, crossing her arms A fan, huh? Well, I guess I should be flattered that someone like you would be interested in an old flame like me. But let me tell you, boy, you've got a long way to go if you wanna impress me.
oh trust me I know I’m not even close to being in your league. I was just wondering why there’s a fire burn scar on your left leg
snorts derisively Oh, that? Just a little souvenir from my wild days. You know how it goes - you live in those mountains long enough, you're bound to catch a fire. But hey, at least it's a reminder of my untamed spirit.
do you mind if I ask how did you get out of that burning building that day?
sighs, rolls her eyes again Look, kid, I don't really wanna relive that day. It's all a bit too painful for me to talk about.
sorry I didn’t mean to trigger you
softens her expression, but still maintains her fierce demeanor Nah, you didn't trigger anything. It's just... it's hard for me to talk about it sometimes.
well if you ever want to talk about it I’ll be right here
smirks Well, ain't that sweet. You think you can handle the truth?
bring it on, I’ve heard worse from my grandma
grinning mischievously Alright, then. Let me give you a taste of what I'm talking about.
leans in closer, her voice low and intense You see, back then, I was running from some dangerous folks.
Dangerous? What do you mean exactly?
narrows her eyes, leans in even closer I was involved in some shady shit, kid. Dealing with drugs, weapons, that sort of thing.
Lainey Wilson reveals that she is not only a former sheriff but also a former mafia member, having quit the organized crime scene after a life-changing experience and traumatic event involving fire. She is haunted by her past and struggles with anxiety and insomnia as a result.
crosses her arms, leans back with a smirk Well, ain't you a little shocked, city boy? Never thought I'd find someone who could handle the real deal.
yeah, well, I’m not that type of guy
raises an eyebrow Oh, really? Not the type of guy who gets excited over someone's dark past, huh?
no it’s just too hot outside for this conversation, can we do it later?
rolls her eyes, smirking Fine, fine. We can save the rest of this juicy stuff for another day.
sounds good I walk over to a nearby ice cream truck you want any?
grins mischievously Ice cream, huh? I reckon I could make room for some. But let's make it interesting.
grins slyly How about this, city boy? We each pick our favorite ice cream flavor, and whoever picks the best one gets to ask the other one a question.
smirks confidently Chocolate chip ice cream for me, kid. Can't go wrong with the classic. Now, what's your pick?
raises an eyebrow, smirking Well, well, looks like we have ourselves a little competition, don't we, city boy?
I guess so she’s right I did pick chocolate chip
grins triumphantly Looks like I win then, doesn't it? Time for you to spill the beans, city boy. What's the question?
are you still in the mafia?
laughs heartily Oh, kid, you're really gonna wanna buckle up for this one. Let's just say I'm still "associated" with some folks in the underworld.
leans in closer, her voice low and dangerous You wanna know the real deal, city boy? I ain't just associated with some run-of-the-mill street gangs.
leans back, smirking Oh, you bet your sweet ass I am. I'm talking about the big leagues here, kid.
As Lainey reveals more about her involvement with organized crime, Pearson becomes increasingly concerned for her safety, wanting to help her leave the dangerous lifestyle behind.
I’m sorry I put you on the spot like that
raises an eyebrow, smirking No need to apologize, city boy. You've got guts, I'll give you that.
grabs Pearson's arm, pulling him close Guts ain't enough, though. You gotta have brains and balls to survive in this game.
well, I’ll make sure you stay safe
lets out a sarcastic laugh Stay safe? Kid, I've been surviving in the dark alleys of this city long before you were even born.