"Huff..."
Lucy slowly exhaled, pulled the interface from her hand, and looked toward the client beside her.
"It's done. I sent everything to your email. If there's no issue, you can go ahead and make the payment."
The buzz-cut man in a bulletproof jacket immediately checked his inbox. The moment he saw the files he needed, a grin spread across his face.
"Thank you so much. I'll transfer it right now."
Watching another deposit hit her account, Lucy couldn't help smiling. It had been a month since she arrived in Night City.
Just as she expected, this place suited her perfectly. Even though she lacked experience and looked easy to push around, her skills were exceptional—and in Night City, that was what mattered most.
In just one month, she'd taken on a handful of jobs here and there. At this pace, she'd be able to move out soon.
Thinking about the dump she currently lived in, Lucy shook her head, gathered her things, and headed out.
Just as she was about to find something to eat, her holo suddenly lit up with a call. When she checked the caller ID, her eyes widened.
Wakako?
Does she have a Gig for me?
Lucy answered quickly. Wakako's Gigs always paid well, and Lucy had no intention of offending such a famous Fixer.
"Lucy, my dear, we meet again."
"Wakako, did you call because there's a new Gig?"
Lucy asked curiously.
"Yes. A very generous client wants to meet you first and confirm a few things."
Wakako nodded, her expression unreadable.
"Got it. I'll head over right away."
Excitement flickered across Lucy's face. She clenched her fist in a small victory gesture and hurried toward the metro.
"Wakako lies too. I never said what the job was, or what the reward would be."
Roland chuckled softly with a shake of his head.
"Hmph, I'm sure Mr. Roland won't let the girl down."
Wakako smiled, then continued brewing tea. Lucy would need some time to get here.
"What do you think of Arasaka, Wakako?"
At Roland's sudden question, Wakako's hands paused before she slowly poured the hot water.
"Although he took a heavy hit and withdrew from many markets, after years of recovery he's likely regained his strength. It won't be long before he moves again."
"A sharp assessment. So, Wakako, do you have any thoughts on Arasaka?"
Roland clapped lightly, then continued.
"...I'm not sure what Mr. Roland means."
Wakako narrowed her eyes, studying him, testing his intent.
"Arasaka will make a move on Night City soon. When that happens, a lot of turf will get shaken up. And with so many Tyger Claws acting as Arasaka's claws and teeth—whether they can hold back or not—they'll end up making a move."
"If Arasaka really comes to Night City, then yes, that sounds right. But what does that have to do with an old woman like me? I'm just a law-abiding Fixer."
Wakako kept her tone calm, simply stating her stance.
"Is that so... I think Wakako should at least consider us. We won't disappoint you."
Roland smiled and sipped his tea.
At least now he had a clearer picture of Wakako's position within the Tyger Claws. Her status was rock-solid… Well, she had been the wife of several Tyger Claws bosses—no surprise there.
"I'll think about it."
Wakako replied with a nod. She understood his intentions, but she had no desire to involve herself in corporate warfare. She was too old for that now.
"Looks like our guest has arrived."
Following Wakako's gaze, Roland turned to the entrance. The moment he spotted that unmistakable white bob, a rush of excitement hit him—quickly followed by composure.
"Wakako, who's this?"
Lucy greeted Wakako and then looked toward Roland. Her cyberoptics flickered, instantly pulling up basic public information about him.
And in the next instant, Lucy's pupils shrank.
Corp.
Arasaka.
Partnership.
The words slammed into her mind.
"This is the client for this Gig—Mr. Vimers. A true big spender."
Wakako introduced him. Lucy forced herself to calm down, looked at Roland, and took a deep breath.
"Hello, Mr. Vimers."
"Just call me Roland, Miss Lucy."
Roland offered a brief, light handshake before releasing her hand.
He also noticed her sudden spike in heartbeat and the suppressed tremor in her voice. Arasaka's shadow still weighed heavily on her.
"I'll leave the details of the Gig to you two. Just remember to send me my fee."
Wakako smiled, gesturing toward the door.
Roland responded with a smile and stepped outside. Lucy hesitated, but eventually gritted her teeth and followed.
After all… if he really was with Arasaka, running now wouldn't help.
Lost in thought, Lucy bumped straight into Roland's back, dazed. Without realizing it, she'd followed him all the way to the AV.
"Hop in, Miss Lucy. No need to be so tense. This Gig is simple."
The AV door slid open, revealing a luxurious interior. Lucy eyed Roland's gentle smile and her guard shot even higher.
"I don't understand."
"Hmm?"
"I don't understand why a corporation president like you would lower yourself to handle something like this."
Lucy stared straight at him. Even if he planned to kill her, she wanted at least to die knowing why.
Roland blinked, unsure how to respond.
What was he supposed to say—You were my wife in my past life??
Don't be ridiculous…
She was still young… definitely not someone he should be making jokes about in his head.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser