Published at 19th of May 2026 6:50 am

Chapter 31 The I Word (Vivienne POV)

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Alright, neither of these is too big an issue to solve. But first things first, if someone is fucking with you guys, then handle that shit. When your opponent hits you, you hit 'em back. You cant show weakness to people unless you want to make yourself a target. You need to show them that you arent to be fucked with. Teach them a lesson they wont forget, and if they ever step out of line again, you give them a reminder, I said harshly.

What happened to the two killers who werent afraid to look me in the eyes? When did Casper and Goblin become such pussies? Theyre acting like cowards. The two of them arent even looking at me; both of them are staring at the floor. Holy shit, this is sad.

Hello? I asked, drawing out the o. Both of them finally look up at me. Why did you even ask me that? In what world would I not expect you to fight back?

Neither of them answers me, and Im starting to understand the frustrations of leadership. And Nobody has to deal with Hotpants, Kai, and Tuesday. The fact that he's not constantly losing it at everyone just shows how much of a professional he is. I need to take a page or eight from his book and handle this like he would. I smile at the two of them, trying to cancel out the apparent terror I'm causing.

We didn't want to act without knowing how you'd feel about it, Goblin slowly said after a minute.

Yeah. Because what if we had retaliated, and you didn't want that? We'd be turned into barbecue, and I'm not trying to get cooked alive, Casper added.

No one's getting turned into barbecue. I'm not going to kill you guys if you step out of line. I only have one rule: no kids. You don't involve them in any of this. You hurt or kill a kid, and we'll have a problem. And people I have a problem with end up in the hospital or worse. So don't cross it and we're good.

When you say kids, do you mean like children? Or are we saying anyone under eighteen? Like if I pop a seventeen-year-old, am I getting pulped by you? Casper asked.

Ronnie! Goblin admonished. She's joking, Miss V. We understand this is a letter versus the spirit of the law situation. We understand your rule, and I can assure you we don't have any plans to involve children in anything related to the gang, nor will we ever.

Relax, Goblin. I'm not gonna transform and attack you guys for a joke, I said sincerely. You two have abided by my instructions and acted as I've asked you to. But just because we're legitimizing you two as business owners and paying the gang wages doesn't mean that I'm expecting you to be fucking pacifists. I love fighting. The feeling on your knuckles as you break a dude's nose is awesome. I'd never deprive you of defending yourselves or the joy that comes from inflicting violence on a motherfucker who tried you.

That's the type of shit I'm talking about! Hell yeah. I'll send a couple of Scythes to make it clear that we aren't to be fucked with. Teach em a lesson they won't forget, Casper said happily.

Well get it done, Miss V, Goblin responded seriously.

By the way, I am a bit curious, who are you guys beefing with? I asked.

We've had some people from The Triad threaten a few of the Skulls and rough up some Cloaks, Goblin answered.

The Triad? That's one of the five major Cowl groups that Nobody said we need to handle if we're going to own Quinstin. It's also the one that he's already weakened by taking out a lieutenant, and then Miles beat the piss out of two more. I could help Nobody by applying some outside pressure to them, weakening them enough that he can do his Nobody thing and come up with a plan where we get everything we want, and they're all dead or defeated. This is my chance to help out in a way other than just being a fighter. My chance to show the others Im more than Nobodys muscle. Its not like anyone has said anything like that, at least to my face, but I cant help but feel like I need to prove I deserve to be there.

Do either of them feel like they need to prove their worth? Looking over my two gang co-leaders, I'm beginning to appreciate the differences between the two of them. Casper is brash, straightforward, and a little hotheaded. She's a doer. Goblins more calculating, overly cautious, and reserved. They balance each other out and compensate for the others faults. I have faith in them accomplishing whatever I ask of them, but they're going to need a bit of direction if I don't want them getting wiped out by The Triad. Separately, neither would stand a chance, but together they should be able to help.

Why are you beefing with Cowls? I asked.

We arent; were not suicidal. One of the Skulls was working a warehouse party, and apparently, some of The Triads dealers were there. They didnt appreciate her moving into what they considered their territory, and so they threw her out. The Scythe who was with her at the time, stepped in and beat up the shit out of two of the dealers, and then guns were drawn. Both of our people got out, but since then, theyve been harassing any member they see, Casper explained. Honestly, it was the fucking Skulls fault. Weve told the girls that they should only be shooting for high rollers. Her trolling around at a warehouse party isnt the type of scene where we make our money. I doubt anyone there could even afford what she was selling. I already had a talk with the dumb bitch about her role in this shitshow, and she wont make the same mistake again. I promise you that, Miss V.

Oh, she beat the shit out of her. Im not sure if I can even call it insinuating; she couldnt be any more obvious without bringing the girl in here to show me the bruises as proof. Im not sure if I wouldve handled it differently. If you punch someone in the face for something, theyre very unlikely to do it again. Thats how I handled Kai being a douche canoe. No, I wouldve handled it the exact same way. Im no hypocrite, so I cant criticize her for smacking sense into the Skull. Especially not when she got the rest of the gang involved in a stupid feud with The Triad.

Im glad to hear that you were able to explain her mistakes to her. But theyve been attacking other people besides the two from the original incident? I questioned. How did they figure out who is a member of the gang? Does that mean they know about me? Shit, Nobody will be pissed if someone connects the dots.

Yes. Ive confirmed no leaks are coming from inside, so theyve discovered our roster through outside means. I havent figured out how they accomplished it. But so far, there havent been any Cowls involved in the harassment, just regular street soldiers. We wouldnt have waited to tell you in person if we had been attacked by a Neuvohuman, Goblin answered.

The fact that theyve been targeting other members means you need to strike back. Whenever you guys decide to hit them, make sure you get the info on their source out of them first, I advised.

Well make the birdies sing before we clip their wings, Casper promised. So thats one problem settled, but we are still royally fucked on product. Cant be drug dealers without drugs.

Shes funny. I hold in my laughter so I dont break the serious demeanor Ive shown to them.

True. Exactly how low are we? Like, how long do we have at the current rate were selling it at?

The two of them stay standing silently. Do they not know, or do they just dont want to tell me? They were doing well communicating with me, and now theyre back to being quiet. God, this is frustrating. How bad is the answer? I rub my temples hard, trying to soothe the irritation growing inside my head. Clearing my throat, I give them both a pointed look, hoping they take th hint to just answer my fucking question. Goblin takes a seat at his desk and starts typing away on his laptop, and Casper takes her seat as well. Clearly, Goblin is doing something over there, and I have to hope that hes figuring out the exact numbers and not checking his email.

If we stay at the current rate and sales dont dip or rise, then we will be completely out of cocaine in two weeks from today. If we cut the cocaine by ten percent, we can get an extra day. If we cut it by fifty percent, we get three weeks out of it, and if we cut it down to match the competitors products on the market, then well get twenty-two point four days, Goblin recited the figures like he was giving a presentation.

Yeah, so thats why we need to chop up the coke. Otherwise, well lose all the progress weve made in this city, Casper said.

It would be stupid to cut the product. All the progress weve made is because we sell a premium item. Our clientele is upper-middle-class and above. They go to us because they dont have to worry about the cocaine being mixed with a bunch of garbage and pills. Our appeal is the quality of our drug, the Skulls, and the word-of-mouth way of marketing. A gorgeous women hand delivering you pure cocaine is a flex if youre partying and a relief if youre alone. Instead of having to go to the ghetto part of town, you can stay in your apartment or your hotel room and text a number. Well scare off our repeat clients if we show up with poor quality. All it takes is a single person discovering what weve done, and we lose all the credibility weve built. Then some pissed-off lawyer or doctor will develop a conscience, and cops are busting through the doors, Goblin argued passionately.

This is the loudest Ive ever heard him get. Caspers holding her hands up in a faux surrender as hes intensely staring at her.

You win, G-man, Casper said.

You are correct, Goblin. We cant fuck up the expectation that weve set. No, what we need to do is find a supplier within the next two weeks. Its not an impossible task, but well have to buy wholesale. Unlike the previous bricks, which fell into my lap for free, were actually going to have to pay for these. Profits will suffer, and itll be your responsibility to gather the cash to pay for new shit. Ive been generous with my investment into the gang and this place, but eventually yall are gonna pay me back, I said.

Listen, I understand what you two are saying, but how are we going to find a new distro in two weeks? Casper asked.

Obviously, well have to make a deal with someone in Quinstin, Goblin answered snarkily.

Okay, smartass, what are the options then? Casper fired back.

Im curious too. I may be the proud owner of a criminal gang, but I admittedly know jack about the drug trade. I never bothered to learn when I was working as a muscle for Gio and other lowlifes. Plus, Nobody has made it clear that he has no desire to sell drugs. I dont know if theres like a TED Talk or a Drug Dealing for Dummies book I can pick up, but Im making it up as I go.

There are really only two players in the drug trade in Quinstin. Theres The Triad, with Lady Zhen Xues connections to overseas Asian suppliers. Obviously, that isnt an option given the current relationship we have with them. That leaves the other option, which is the Lavender Club. One of the five major Cowl organizations, they are the source of eighty percent of the drugs that are brought into the city. Six female Cowls that act like a high society tea party. The six women arent ones to fight Capes or other Cowls; they are only interested in profiting. Rumors suggest they have a lot of political allies and that they own the docks completely. They say nothing enters the city without their approval, Goblin answered.

Sounds like we need to get in touch with the Lavender Club. See if any of the Skulls have a client who might know how to contact them. Ill see what I can do on my end to connect with them, but its better if we try both avenues. Im gonna head out and see what I cant shake up, I said, standing up.

Got it, Miss V, Goblin said.

Will do, Miss V, Casper replied.

Why do I have a feeling that Rorschach knows these women?

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