[classic swim]

“Bang, bang, you are dead.” - Vlad

- Clean Getaway. • 2008 A fancy Blista Compact out in Steinway is stolen and brought to Vlad’s lockup for Mikhail.

- Hung Out to Dry. • 2008 Irony seems lost on Niko Bellic that in few days time with Vlad, he’s become the kind of person who picks on his cousin. Intimidating laundromat owners for money.

Roman: Haha! I’m sitting here with Brucie... we’re sitting here and calling the cops and watching them show up and look around. The fucking stupid bastards. Niko: You shouldn’t cry wolf, Roman. Who knows when you will really need help.

... • 2008 Vladimir Glebov, Russian gangster linked to Mikhail Faustin, is just one dickhead Roman owes money to. Vlad owns the Comrades Bar in Hove Beach, just across the street from Roman’s apartment.

- Bull in a China Shop. • 2008 In an effort to pay off Roman’s debts, Niko works as a strong arm for Vlad. Niko picks up Vlad’s protection money in Cerveza Heights.

“People who fuck with me... get fucked WITH!” - Vlad

Roman: I hear you are working with Little Jacob. He’s a good man, Niko, a good man. Niko: I can’t tell what he is saying most of the time, but I like him.

- Concrete Jungle. • 2008 Jacob is grateful for Niko’s protection. The two weed out the ones who turned their drug deal into another ambush.

Roman: Niko, you do not know how great it is to have you here with me. Before you arrived in Liberty City, things were terrible. Niko: I still remember the emails you sent me, cousin. You should have told me how bad things were in this country before I got here. Roman: Okay, things aren't easy for us here. But together, we are doing alright. America is an opportunity for a new beginning. You were in need of one. Niko: There is no such thing as a new beginning, Roman. With every day we live we pick up new baggage, baggage that we must carry with us for the rest of our lives. There's no dropping it and pretending we are fresh and clean just because we get off a boat in a new place. Roman: Stop being so dramatic, Niko. Time is a healer. We live and we forget the past. Nothing helps a man forget like ripe, round American titties. You have to move on from the things that happened to you and think about all the opportunities in this country. Chances to make lots of money, chances to get college girls into bed. Niko: (Шансе да се претвориш у кретена.) Roman: I heard that. I haven't forgotten our language completely.

... • 2008 Niko’s taken a liking to working for Roman Bellic Enterprises. Sure, the pay is crap, but he’s helping his cousin legitimately... and the cab drives provide a better understanding of the city’s layout.

- Jamaican Heat (cont...) • 2008 Remnants of King Courtney‘s Yardie posse threaten the new ways of Little Jacob & Badman. Niko efficiently takes down Yardie traitors from above with only a pistol in hand.

- Jamaican Heat. • 2008 An unexpected cab run forms a friendship to last forever. Niko Bellic meets Jacob Hughes for the first time.

- Easy Fare. • 2008 Taking on scheduled rides for the Bellic cab business, Niko gets in a bit of trouble with the cops. Jermaine works the local Pay n' Spray, and knows what it’s like needing to shake off some pigs.

“Now stop fucking staring at me! I mean, I know I'm good looking and everything, but come on.” - Vlad Glebov

- First Date. • 2008 Niko & Michelle enjoy an evening at the Firefly Island carnival.