Chapter 110: El Coyote Cojo
"Perfect timing! My mom's been watching me like a hawk today. Only reason I can have another couple is 'cause you're here!" Jackie grinned, showing off his white teeth.
He was a massive man, bronzed skin, hair tied back in a traditional samurai knot, wearing a loud Hawaiian shirt that somehow worked on him. He radiated a rugged, genuine warmth that was rare in this city.
Valarie took the beer, popped the cap with practiced ease, and took a long pull.
The cold liquid washed down her throat, dispelling some of the gloom she'd carried from the office.
She smiled at Jackie's relieved expression. "Mama Welles still keeping you on a tight leash?"
"Tell me about it!" Jackie sighed dramatically. "She watches me like I'm gonna rob a convenience store any second. Afraid I'll slip back into the gang life, start causing trouble.
"Even now, running legit merc work, she still worries. Putting limits on my beer! Gods, I'm a grown man!"
"She does it because she cares," Valarie stated flatly. "You gave her plenty of grey hairs back in your Valentino days."
"I know, I know." Jackie waved a hand, his expression turning serious. "That's why I cleaned up my act, right? Taking honest gigs, saving eddies, dreaming of the day I make it big. Becoming a legend in Night City, so she can live the good life."
His eyes shone with the dreamer's light.
"Speaking of making it big..." Valarie set her bottle down, leaning forward slightly. "You heard anything about Maine's crew lately?"
Jackie raised an eyebrow, giving her an I-knew-it look. "What? Corp still got a hard-on for those guys? Wasn't the last mess big enough for you?"
"This is different," Valarie explained. "Not looking for trouble. Jenkins wants to open a channel. See if there's... collaborative potential. Like Militech did. Because... well, the hard approach costs too much."
She remembered the internal reports about the two destroyed safehouses and Abernathy's fate, her voice dropping lower.
Jackie nodded thoughtfully, lowering his voice. "Word on the street is crazy. Everyone says Maine's crew is major-league now. Got their hands on some serious hardware and a heavy backer. Stood up to the corps and made 'em bleed. To the street mercs, they're like this."
He gave a covert thumbs-up.
"But," he shifted tone, a hint of self-deprecation in his voice, "they're real big-shots now. Mysterious. Heard they don't even stay in the city much anymore, got some base out in the Badlands.
"Even when they come in, it's for meets at the Afterlife with the big fixers. A street kid like me? Can't even touch the hem of their coats.
"Last time I helped you connect, I had to call in a favor from Padre. Owe the old man one for that."
Valarie listened silently, her finger tracing the label on her beer bottle.
Jackie confirmed her suspicion. After the conflict, Maine's crew hadn't gone to ground; they had ascended. They were more cautious, harder to reach.
"Padre..." Valarie mused. "Looks like I'll have to pay him another visit."
"Want me to come with?" Jackie offered. "Padre looks scary, but he looks out for the Heywood kids."
"No need," Valarie shook her head. "This is corporate business. Better if I handle it alone. Thanks, Jackie."
"Hey, anything for you!" Jackie slapped his chest. "But Val, for real... dealing with people who dance on the edge like that? You gotta be careful. The corpo way doesn't always fly on the street."
Just then, a warm but firm voice cut in. "Jackie, are you lecturing our guest again?"
They looked up to see Mama Welles approaching with a plate of fresh nachos.
She was a woman with a kind face but sharp eyes, wearing an apron, clearly busy in the kitchen.
She set the nachos down, ruffled Jackie's hair affectionately, then looked at Valarie.
"Valarie, it's been too long. Work treating you well?" Mama Welles asked, her gaze carrying the scrutiny of an elder.
"It's okay, Mama Welles. Just the usual grind," Valarie replied politely, her corporate edge softening in the older woman's presence.
Mama Welles sighed, sitting down next to Valarie. "Child, working for the corps... you have to keep your eyes open. Those big shots, they look shiny, but their hearts are colder than ice.
"You work yourself to death for them, but don't think for a second they see you as family. The day you're not useful, or you become a liability... they'll throw you out like trash."
She paused, shaking her head. "Just... protect yourself. Don't buy into their talk of 'loyalty'."
Valarie listened to the familiar warning, feeling conflicted.
She knew the corps were cold. She knew it the moment she stepped into Arasaka Tower. But the lure of power, the desire to climb, to prove her worth... it kept her on this path. She wasn't ready to turn back.
"I know, Mama Welles. I'll be careful," Valarie nodded earnestly, though the determination in her eyes remained.
Mama Welles looked at her, then at her son. She said nothing more, just patted Valarie's shoulder. "You two talk. I've got work in the back. Jackie, easy on the beer!"
"Sí, Mamá!" Jackie called out. He waited until she was gone, then let out a breath and made a face at Valarie.
They continued drinking and talking, the conversation shifting to old memories, childhood mischief in Heywood. The bar filled with a relaxed, happy atmosphere.
Jackie grabbed two more beers, sharing stories of his recent gigs, boasting about how he'd cleverly solved problems.
Valarie let go of the corporate stress for a moment, enjoying the rare downtime.
However, her mind occasionally drifted.
Maine's crew. The mysterious "Boss." The Militech deal. These fragments circled in her mind.
She knew she'd soon be back on the clock, executing Jenkins' orders, trying to forge a link with Maine's crew.
It wouldn't be easy, but it was an opportunity.
If she could open this channel for the company, her position in Counter-Intel would be solidified.
She finished the last of her beer. "I should go, Jackie. Gonna go see Padre. Get this done early."
Jackie shrugged, downing his own. "Alright. Vaya con Dios. But hey, remember the rules. Don't go to Padre empty-handed this time. Show some 'respect'."
"I know the drill." Valarie stood, straightening her jacket, her eyes sharp and focused once more.
(End of Chapter)