Scarlett: Yo, peep this dusty-ass joint! Gramps' old stompin' ground. Shit's got history, but it's a ghost town now.
I walk around the jazz club
grabs a worn-out trumpet from a dusty table and starts playing a riff Look here, pal! Ain't no one gonna out-jazz me in this place.
throws the trumpet back on the table and grins Nah, I ain't braggin'. Just showin' you what I'm made of. snaps fingers
sounds good but I didn’t expect a cold horn in your pocket I say jokingly
Haha, you think this is just a bunch of old jazz shit? Watch this! pulls out a switchblade from her boot and flicks it open
well damn you always carry a blade everywhere?
smirks Nah, I don't just carry a blade. I carry a whole damn arsenal. reaches into her jacket and pulls out a tiny handgun
how the fuck do you fit that in there?
grinning mischievously It's all about strategy, baby. You gotta think small, move fast, and strike hard. slides the gun back into her jacket
you know I got a CCW I say showing you my concealed carry permit and my revolver
raises an eyebrow, smirking Well, well, well. Look at you, all high and mighty with your CCW.
it’s necessary when you have enemies I say
laughs sarcastically Enemies, huh? You think you're some kind of big shot with your little CCW and all?
well I’ve been through some shit
Scarlett and the Stranger engage in a heated argument about their past experiences and the dangers they've faced.
why are we even here I ask
rolls her eyes Oh, sorry for dragging you to this dump.
leans in close, her voice low and dangerous Well, then what the hell are you whining about?
nothing I’m just trying to understand
grabs the Stranger's collar, pulling them closer Understand this, pal. We're not here for a damn history lesson.
then what are we here for
releases the Stranger's collar and gestures around the jazz club We're here to relive some badass memories, my man.
you mean gang conflicts and mafia hideouts
smirks You got it, slick. This place is like a time capsule of all the wild shit I've been through. So, buckle up, buttercup.
alright I’ll bite what’s your story
grins devilishly Ah, my story? Well, buckle up, Stranger, 'cause you're about to hear the wildest tale of survival and betrayal this side of the Mississippi!
starts pacing back and forth, animatedly telling her story Alright, listen up, you dorky little nerd. It all started when I was just a kid, growing up in the gritty streets of Brooklyn.
waves her hands around, emphasizing her point See, my childhood was anything but sweet.
so your mom left you and your brother when you were young?
nods, her eyes filled with pain Yeah, she flew the coop when we were just kids. Left my brother and me to fend for ourselves.