Lying Liar

[archeologue]

[Belloq remains in the clothes he was wearing during the expedition of earlier, the pith helmet off his head, but the safari suit dirty and stained from a day crawling about the jungle. His head is bowed in remorse.]

I am sorry to report that Niko Bellic, wilderness guide, fell today in the course of his duty.

I will not distress with details, but only say that we were taken by surprise by a swarm of skeleton archers while exploring a temple. Niko fought bravely, and I owe my life to him. He is a credit to all who risk their lives leading us through the dangerous wilds. May the psychopomp guide him to peace.

I will be at Pugsy's tonight, raising a glass in remembrance, if any would like to join me there.

[And the lie is done. Even Belloq doesn't exactly know where that temple was. Niko, as guide, had that knowledge. There is little chance that someone will find Niko before he really is dead. And Belloq's done his duty to the Orion Syndicate, for which he'll be paid well.]


((OOC: Feel free to network reply or action spam at Pugsy's))

Comments

[una_persson]

Far from it.

We can stay here as long as you like. Just tell me when you want to go.

[archeologue]

I have had enough of the noise of the bar for one night. Let me buy a bottle to take back with us and then we can go someplace quieter and more peaceful.

[una_persson]

All right.

[She signals the bartender so she can close her own tab. As she settles the bill, she slips off her seat to stand, seemingly unaware—or unconcerned—that she's now close enough to Belloq for her arm and hip to be brushing against him.]

[archeologue]

[Belloq receives an unopened bottle of metaxa from the bartender and swiftly pays. When he rises from his own seat, he rests his free hand on her back, just between her shoulder blades.]

[una_persson]

[Her cheeks colour slightly at the contact, and she realises she's grateful herself that she won't have to dwell on the day's events alone. She has acquaintances here, people she likes well enough, but not much in the way of friends. So at least there's this.

She takes his arm as they leave, and is content to talk of nothing in particular—or not much at all—on the way back to his quarters.]