Sheri continued to press the bag of frozen vegetables to the bump on her head, weighing Deadblood’s words. If it were really true, that through CW Deadblood had access to things such as the highly advanced weaponry he’d mentioned in addition to whatever strange abilities the belt had given him they might just be able to stand a chance at whatever the company decided to throw their way.

Her relationship with the company now was decidedly in jeopardy now anyway, seeing as she’d failed to take out Deadblood. Even if she declined Deadblood’s proposition, if he allowed her to walk away she wasn’t in a better position anyway. They’d still send out whatever, and she’d still be right in the firing line along with the two of them. She could either risk it on her own, or take Deadblood’s offer and whatever came with it.

She gave a short laugh, as the impossibility of the situation became clear to her.

“Do I even have a choice here, really? I’m in the same boat regardless if I decide to join you or not.” She replied, shifting the makeshift icepack on her head.

“I don’t see it that way at all. You have a choice. You can make a poor choice, and decline and deal with the company on your own, or you can make the right choice and join us. I’m not going to make it for you though. You can walk out of here tonight, I won’t stop you. But I think you’d regret it not too far down the road, when the company comes knocking on your door.” Deadblood folded his arms over his chest, waiting.

“You seem so sure of this Alexander, Deadblood. Think about it. Someone wanted him dead, and while I might not be the leading expert on why the company does what it does, that should tell you something about the man. Remember La Espina? What an asshole he was? Would you go buddy up with him if he offered you some belt and a little bit of fame?” Although she’d already made her decision, she was curious to hear what Deadblood had to say regarding his former target turned partner.

“This is a totally different situation, and I think you already know that, Sheri.” He replied, arms still crossed. “You never gave me an answer. What will you do?” Sheri shot him a questioning look in return. While the more she thought about it, allying herself with Deadblood did make the most sense in this situation and was vastly preferable to the alternative, but she didn’t quite understand exactly what that would entail.

“I suppose I’m in. But what the hell am I supposed to do? I can’t go prancing around a ring wearing a fancy belt and just call it a day, after all.”