Left Unsaid [Jack Briggs]

Left Unsaid [Jack Briggs] Dec 5, 2012 21:06:23 GMT -5

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Post by Jack "Trigger" Briggs on Dec 5, 2012 21:06:23 GMT -5

[March 21st - Early Afternoon]

A stranger searching for Jack Briggs was certainly not something out of the ordinary. He was the lesser of evils, the crime lord that had a finger in every pie, though he was nowhere near big-time. People were always looking for jobs, a quick way to make money, or a contact for someone looking for people to hire. People with few scruples. A stranger with a delivery, though, was something else entirely. Jack dealt with payments, received or given, up front directly before and after a deal. Whatever was in that envelope was certainly not that.

Cypher tried to do his job and keep this stranger from getting to Briggs without at least stating his purpose, but the stranger was resolute. Finally, Cypher relented on the condition that he accompany the stranger.

Briggs was not in his office, which was good. Cypher would not have wanted to lead a stranger there. Instead, they went to the local pub. Briggs was conducting business there. Legit business, for once. He had taken a job in reuniting a man with his long-lost brother who had disappeared after the war. The reunion was a wonderful thing to see. He felt so good about it, he had considered for a moment not even charging.

Only a moment, though. If he wanted to change, to truly change for the better and for Sian, he had to charge for the legitimate jobs. Otherwise he was back at square one, a dirtball criminal making his butter off a bunch of other dirtball criminals. Requisitions and deliveries would be much more lucrative for him if he could only leave the reputation Trigger had far behind.

Jack waited for the joyous reunion to settle down before sliding his trademark hat down the bar. It was the one Sian had given him, but he'd carefully sewn a secret pocket inside, much like the one in his old hat. The man who had hired him offered him a smile, lifted the hat, tucked something surreptitiously inside, and slid it back. Jack slipped the money out and into a pocket in one of his fingerless gloves without counting it. He somehow felt he could trust the man. That was the upside of dealing with people who weren't necessarily criminals.

When Cypher entered the bar with a strange man, Jack set the hat on his head, tipped it at the two brothers, and turned to face his second. Cypher nodded at a booth and Jack lifted his drink, leading the pair to it. Once there, he nodded at the stranger and extended a hand. "Jack Briggs. What can I help ya with?" The man did not shake his hand, but slid the envelope across the table. "Lars."

Jack lowered his hand, obviously slighted that it was ignored, but put his hand flat down on the envelope and pulled it towards him. Sliding out a knife from an inner pocket of his vest, he opened the envelope. Lars stood up, nodded, and left. Cypher watched Jack as he unfolded the paper and began reading.

Dear Jack,

I hope that this still finds you well, I'm truly grateful for your recovery. I know that you were expecting me personally and believe my words that I regret deeply that it is not so.

Before I could take my leave some events took place that were beyond my control. They brought to light some reality that perhaps I had been ignoring for some time. In doing so I've put people I care for in potential danger, I could not fathom the thought of having harm come to one of my friends. Even more so if something were to befall you because of me. The thought alone pains my heart greatly.

I have made a decision to put those I hold close ahead of myself.

Jack's fists clenched, the paper crumbling a bit on either side. His jaw tightened, but he kept reading. Cypher whispered his nickname, "Trigger?", but Jack ignored him.

Unfortunately part of this means that I need to sever those ties as well. I can assume that this news will cause you anger, but please know where I stand. This was not easy for me and it breaks my heart even more than our dances. I believe there are so many things that have been left unsaid between you and I.

At this point, Jack slammed the paper down and glanced up at the ceiling. Cypher reached across to touch the paper, but Jack gripped his wrist and shook his head. "This is only fo' me." Cypher cocked his head. "Is everything okay?" Jack held up a finger and Cypher stilled, sighing.

I truly think this is best. Perhaps someday the circumstances will change.

You have to know the impact that knowing you has had on my life. I couldn't even begin to wonder where I might be if our paths hadn't crossed that rainy night. Our relationship may have been all business on the surface but it was more than that. I'm not sure I could put it into words and give how I feel proper justice.

I wish you all the best and more. Know that you'll never be far from my thoughts and my heart.

Love,
Sian

Jack crumpled up the note and shoved it in a pocket. "So much for goin' straight." Cypher cocked his head. "What do you mean?" Jack stood up and Cypher followed suit. Briggs glanced around the bar. "I mean there's no reason ta be a better person anytime soon. I'm gonna...take a walk." Cypher grunted, knowing who the letter was from. "She dump you finally? That stuck-up-" Jack grabbed the larger man by the lapels of his shirt and brought his face up close. "Say another word, Cyph. I dare ya." Cypher remained silent, though he disentangled himself from Jack's grip and straightened his collar.

Jack sighed and tugged off his hat, running a hand though his disheveled hair. "Sorry." Cypher shook his head. "Get some air, Trigg and get back in the ruttin' game. Ever since you met that woman, your head's not been on straight." Jack waved a hand. "I'll be back at the flat later t'night. Give me a couple hours, yeah?" Cypher moved to sit at the bar, ordering a drink, and Jack weaved his way through the crowded bar for the exit.

Post by Sian on Dec 5, 2012 17:10:19 GMT -5

Post by Jack "Trigger" Briggs on Dec 5, 2012 21:06:23 GMT -5