>>5747407"Mm. Don't get involved, stay on your toes." A smirk shows across his face. "Don't have any intention of doing her bidding or getting involved with her business. Just wanted to get a feel for what might be motivating her - even if it had to come from someone else."
Again, another half-truth. He's not interested in becoming a servant to the Empress - he doesn't do moonlighting. But his curiosity's still got him peeked. Sending gift baskets isn't something that gangsters do, or mob bosses even. Comparing her to Tony… they both showed at the base for talks before the docks. Maybe she'd be there again.
His gaze passed over to the direction of Valdez' hotel. Sirens and lights might've died down over their conversation, but it could also just be all in his head. Either way, they'd been standing out in public for long enough. "Now's about the time we split, cut any suspicion or trails the cops are starting to gather. I'll see you at the base, boss - thanks again for the work. I'll watch your back if we get in hot together." His third half-truth in a row. Napps wasn't going to make the conscious effort, probably, to seek out Blackjack at the heist. Even if he did, there's no guarantee it'd be convenient for him to help out. But it pays to make sure your teammates live. So if he could, he might as well make sure she, or any other crewmate he works with, ends the day alive.
At least, that's what he told himself as he stepped out into the city, flicking his cigarette into the trash when he was sure he left Blackjack's line of sight.
That shit tasted nasty.
