Jake and Ryker spent a long time walking down through the streets of New York. Ryker tended to be overly paranoid in his travels. He took them down several different alleyways and other routes to make sure they wouldn't run into a single Amaranth Wolf. It took a lot longer to get to the Tersei bridge, but at the same time it was much safer. At long last, the gray, worn down steel bridge was in sight. The economic crisis hit everywhere including roads. And, a spot like that bridge wasn't quite as important to the richer members of society. They didn't see the need to spend too much money on its upkeep. The pavement on it was broken and cracked, metal beams ragged and rusted. But, Ryker smiled nonetheless.

"That's home right there." Ryker commented. It was evident on their walk that Ryker had a strong knowledge of the area. Knowing just about every in and out of the turf they walked on. "I can't tell you how much I've walked on, under and around that bridge. Tersei, man. Home sweet home. You never did tell me where you're from." Ryker smiled over at Jake who remained as stone faced as ever. 

"You never asked." Jake replied. Ryker chuckled. "You're a real tightly wound up guy aren't ya? Haven't seen you smile much, if at all. So, where you from Cotton?"

"Amaranth. Don't worry, doesn't mean I got some urge to kill you and everyone else. I don't really know what to call home anymore. This place changed so much after the war. But not for me." Jake followed him underneath the bridge. No one else was around at that moment. Ryker glanced around and shrugged.

"I've got another place we can go to. It's an auto shop not too far out. The jobs I have in mind are in my pocket, but you need to meet some of the group first." Jake nodded and reluctantly followed him. Unsure if the man was just playing with him or not. 

"You fought in the war, right?"

Jake nodded and pulled out a cigarette to smoke. Puffing that gray vapor into the air. "So that's why you're so good with that gun."

"It's a cheap trick. There were better shots than me out there."

"But you survived. And either way, you still have great aim. Probably helped you live out there. Heard it was the worst war the world has ever seen."

He didn't know the half of it. The memories that painted cold, sleepless and blood filled pictures in his mind might haunt Jake for the rest of his life. Sometimes when he closed his eyes, he could still see their faces. Even upon return, sometimes the simple sounds of a car screeching or a door slamming were enough to make Jake jump and get defensive. 

"I was lucky to survive."

"Well, we could definitely use some of that luck, then." Ryker smiled at him, always finding something positive to talk about. 

Jake shook his head. The rest of the way to Joshua's Body Shop was a long quiet journey. Until Ryker opened up the door and trotted on in, happy to see that at least someone was there. He could always count on Deserae to be there most of the time. "D.J.!" Ryker shouted out excitedly as he walked in. "What's going on girl?" His eyes glanced over to The Beast, as did Jake's. "The Beast is looking pretty damn good. That's her baby," He added looking over to Jake. "Just don't touch it, she's real protective. She's a mother to that car."

He looked back at Deserae while moving over to one of the workbenches, pulling the envelope out of his pocket and placing it down. "We might have a new member, D.J. His name is Jake Cotton. I like to call him Cotton. Sounds real tough. Someone you'd want in a tough situation, and from what I've seen I believe it. And Jake, that's Deserae Cunningham. But make sure to call her D.J. She's a bit picky." He smirked, teasing like always.