Chapter Thirteen:
"Shit, I'm out of pills." Kovachek shouts tossing a empty bottle of pills across the room. "Listen no matter what happens no killing my client, just subdue him if it's because apparent I'm in direct danger.
The conference room door slams open and walk in a tall light skin, grey hair but attractive older gentleman completely dressed in leather clothes and has gold nearly every.
"Kovachek you bastard, how dare you call NCPD and Trauma Team to do a wellness check!" He grumbles forcefully.
"Kerry baby, you don't answer your calls, how else you was I gonna reach out to you?"
"Take a fucking hint. And who's the kid, a hired goon to strong arm me?" He turns to me.
Then it hit's me who he is. It's none other then the famous Rocker Boy, Kerry Eurodyne.
"It's a honor Mr. Eurodyne, my father was a huge fan of yours since the Samurai days. I grew up with your music."
"To think this generation would show the respect to the classics, you're okay kid." He complemented me.
"Kerry he's just a bodyguard if you will, and I do apologize for the drastic measures I took.
"You've got five minutes, explain what you want from me."
Kovachek pulls out a folder filled of paperwork and slides it over to Kerry,"We want to give you another contract for a new album."
"Wait you've got the go ahead for my new album, but you said.."
"I personally pulled some strings and it's a go. Perhaps if this goes well, another tour is possibly in the works." Kovachek say's excitedly with a schmoozing tone.
"Shit! Color me impressed, I'm in." Kerry spoke with a enthusiastic look on his face.
"Ryan, I've got it from here. I'll report to our mutual friend for a job well done." I nod.
"It's been a pleasure Mr. Eurodyne." I say to him as I ready to leave.
"Hey kid, wait a second. What's your name?"
"Oh it's Ryan."
"Here Ryan, take down my number, who knows I might need someone like you in the future, also if you ever need concert tickets I'm your man."
Kerry and I exchanged numbers and shook hands before I departed the conference room.
"I can't believe you've got a famous celebrity number." Mottly chimes in inside my head.
"Where the hell have you been?"
"Here just wanted to give you space, I'm always with you even if I don't talk. But seriously way to go. Not only was this a easy Gig, but everything worked out before something could go wrong."
"Hey you won't hear me complaining. Now let's grab some grub before reporting to Faraday." I say to the sound of grumbling stomach.
Street Tacos, it's what I decided on the moment I came across the vendor. Greasy and full to the brim of meat and all the guacamole you could ask for. If it tastes this good it has to be bad for you, but honestly food from a stall has more love and culture in it, that one of those fancy restaurants that line City Center.
"We are jogging back home, if you insist on pigging out!" Mottly scolds me as I bite down into my sixth Taco.
"Do we have to?" I whine.
"You've been slacking for far too long, you've stagnated. Becoming reliant on weapons and Cyber-ware. What if you was caught off guard and had to fight with your hands?"
"Fine damnit," I grumble begrudgingly before wiping my face and hand on a napkin. I took a swig of my NiCola and began sprinting back home.
I began with a brisk jog as I made my way out of Corpo Plaza and back into the main road, eventually I got to the bridge which really isn't meant for pedestrian foot traffic but I manage not to get hit by on coming traffic. Heights was one thing in a controlled environment like say the train, or car. But open air over the bridge about a hundred feet above the water, I felt my head spin. That innate fear of heights kicks in and I scramble back into incoming traffic.
My face drench in sweat I couldn't help but freeze as I step back nervously towards the edge and out the way of cars. Shit! I yell out loud reaching the halfway point. The only thing to was press forward over the bridge this chilly overcast night. I left behind the huge neon signs of the district and made way back into Watson.
Watson: No-Tell-Motel.
Back inside my room, I kick off my sneakers and gave a sigh of relief. I had half a mind to curse Mottly out, but overcoming a fear was worth the trouble. Now all I wanted was to take a nice warm shower.
After the shower, I lock the door, that Rebecca graciously placed back on it hinges, and sat on the stool beside my bed, I marveled at my all black outfit. It was rather limited considering the course of the night. I had a tight black t-shirt that showed my fairly muscular chest, and a very tight but not tight white undershirt. I even had on some black shorts which would most likely leave too much skin exposed. But it was comfortable, and a cool as hell.
I had a major decision to make. I should of learned to not sleep in my underwear. Having to pick out an outfit was always a stressful part of the morning. Although my undergarments were by far the most comfortable and comfy things in my wardrobe.
With a final groan I force myself off the stool and head to bed. But before I could sleep I needed to check in with Faraday.
Outgoing Call-
Ryan: The jobs done.
Faraday: Excellent work, you'll receive the money in a few days.
Ryan: And about my mother?
Faraday: Ah yes, well it took some digging but I believe I have the information. Myra Bright, she's from a Nomad clan. The Aldecaldos, which are operating from Jackson Plains, an hour from the city. The rest we'll it's up for you to find. All trails end there.
Ryan: I appreciate it, call me if more work pops up within a few day's.
Faraday: But of course, safe travels.
Call Ended-
I had a name, and a location. But what I didn't have was an answer. Why did she walk out on us, on me her son? And if she been in arm's length how could she just never reach out, look for her baby boy after all this time? Perhaps I shouldn't go, it's obvious she didn't want to be a mother. Why go kicking up the past, I'm an independent man now, even if she apologies, there's nearly fifteen years to make up for. I.. I don't know what to do or how to feel. What I most fear is being rejected.
My throat tightens and I push back hot tears, my vision blurs. She doesn't want me! I tell myself.
"But you owe it to yourself to get closure." Mottly cuts into my thoughts.
"Closure, huh. I don't honestly know."
"It's about time to close this chapter in your life."
"Fuck it, tomorrow then."
With that confirmed I went into a state of tranquility and slumber until nightmares woke me up around sunrise. It was a dream or rejection. I quickly got up and made my bed before putting on a pair of fresh clothes.
A fresh black tank top, black jeans cut at the knees and sides as per fashion style and black combat boots. I wrapped around a red and black flannel hoodie around my waist and grab my guns and ammo and wasted no time exiting from the back to reach my car. Slipping my gear into the trunk, I started my ride up and pulled out of parking lot.
Outgoing Call-
Falco: Sup Ryan, something I can do for you?
Ryan: You get around, would you happen to know where in Jackson Plains the Aldecaldos camp is off.
Falco: It's off the beaten path but not to far from the main road, I'll text you the detes.
Ryan: Much appreciated Falco.
Call Ended-
So here I was driving in Westbrook to take the highway out of here that heads to Santo Domingo or The Wasteland.
Outgoing Call-
Ryan: Hey I need some female advice. I figured it would be you Lucy.
Lucy: What's the matter?
Ryan: I located my mother's last known location and her Nomad clan, the Aldecaldos.
Lucy: That's exciting, to be reunited.
Ryan: Not exactly she abandoned my father and I when I was five. She gave up on being a mother, I'm terrified that'll she reject me even to this day. Should I even bother?
Lucy: ... What do you think?
Ryan: I'm hyperventilating the closer I get, my hands are trembling behind the wheel.
Lucy: I honestly think you should pull over and take a breather.
Ryan: I could go for some food, but it might not help. Since I'm near Rancho Coronado, might as well eat at Captain Caliente.
Lucy: You do that. Don't want you totaling on the road.
Ryan: I could use some company for breakfast.
Lucy: I'm not to far from there, I could be there in fifteen if I delta.
Ryan: Preem.
Call Ended-
Rancho Coronado: Captain Caliente.
I pull into the parking lot of the miniscule diner. Somehow Lucy got there first.
"You sure do hussle." I smile as we walk into the place. In front inline that yellow jacket with the green spray paint clear as day. David.
"Sit sit, our meals should be coming. Hope you don't mind if I ordered for you." David ushers us to a large booth.
"So about your mother, have you given it more consideration?" Ask's Lucy sipping on her coffee. I took a large sip before answering.
"I'm torn, part of me wants to know why she abandoned me, part of me just wants to move on and forget. I mean she been outside city limits and hasn't once looked for me." I choke out.
"After mother died, it hit me really hard that I would of given up my arms to have her back. Just anything of value I would part with just to talk with her for five minutes." David say's with a sadness in forming.
"If anything I should at least get the closure I need, regardless if she accepts me or not." I mouth out determined.
The food came to our table and we ate and talk, I can't remember that last time I ate pancakes and sausage. This little hole in the wall restaurant packed a good punch with it's food.
"David, Ryan, yooo." I can hear Rebecca voice reach us as her, Kiwi and Falco followed in tow and sat down at the table.
"What are you guys doing here?"
"Remember what we discussed, it's seem like the appropriate time to settle it.
"Urg did we have to meet so early?" Whine Kiwi.
"Oh Kiwi, not like you didn't get a ride." Falco teased.
"So David said we needed to get back to being an efficient crew but didn't go into details. So spill the detes Choom." Rebecca says causally.
"Alright, since Maine death we've been separated and not working together. We've come to far to let this end here. That's why I've gathered us too pick a leader. And my vote is-"
Shit I knew exactly what he was playing at, if he says my name and no one objects, I'll unanimously be voted as leader. I could not run a crew, I'm nothing like Maine. I just know it not my place to be in charge.
"That's why I nominate, David as our next leader. Any objections?" I shout standing up from my seat. Just then David jaw went from wide and shock to giving me this death glare. He was closer to Maine he watched him operate, learned what he knows from him, that's why it has to, no needs to be David. No one bats and eye or objects. Just like I figured they wouldn't. "It's decided, David is unanimously our leader." I say relived some.
"I guess all I can say is I'll do my best keeping us together and securing the best Gigs. To the future!" David cheers raising his cup of coffee high into the air and we all do the same.
"The future!" Everyone one cheer's.
"Listen I've got some biz to attend to, I'll catch you all in a few days.
"You want I come with?" Lucy turns as to ask me.
"You're being awfully nice to me these days, what gives?"
"It's called cutting you some slack, sides I owe for going back for David."
"Ah ok. But this is something I have to face on my own. Thanks for the offer."
"You heading out?"
I nod and wave everyone off. "Catch you all in a day or two. I take my leave from Captain Caliente restaurant. With one goal in mind.
Finding my mother...
A/N: Hope you like the chapter both for it's own storyline with Ryan, meeting Kerry Eurodyne. And begining of his search for his mother. But also adding a scene where David is voted in as leader of the crew, something the anime doesn't depict, just jumping to said part, aka episode seven. But there you have it. Love you guys for the support it keeps me going at time where I just don't wanna write anymore. Also to address an elephant in the room. I haven't forgotten Mottly, but he has a big role to play later on.
(Not gonna lie I honestly at one point forget he was there. Because I didn't want to spoil the truth of him,) But believe me he's taking an active role as of next chapter. This chapter he did a little. Time to make him shine.