Disclaimer: I do not own Metroid. All Original characters in this story are mine.
"So, any further, intimate details you wish to share with us?"
"As I've told you Rista, there is nothing more to this case," Colleen's voice said through the phone. "That's all the leads I have at the moment. You and Samus play it easy for a while, all right? Just keep your eyes open, but don't sound the alarm until there's more information available."
"Geez, you sound like Samus," Rista sighed. She switched the phone to her other hand. "So, are you still going to be doing decoding for this case or…?" She let the question hang.
"Sorry Rist. They're actually honoring my retirement, but that's not to say I won't keep my Network System around to sniff out any good details," Colleen said. "Remember, I'm doing this as a favor to you two. I'm putting Rick and Amber in serious danger by accepting this job."
"Isn't it completely confidential?" Rista asked.
"It's supposed to be, but there are always ways to access this information," Colleen explained. "You have to be careful. The Feds went nuts trying to pay me this in cash. Against their policy but bank transfers can be tracked; so, I go for the safer alternative." Rista snorted.
"Don't the banks get a little suspicious about you depositing large amounts at one time?"
"Full of questions aren't you?"
"An inquisitive mind is never a bored one."
"I only do small amount at one time. The rest I store in the safe hidden under a loose board in my apartment. Happy?" Rista smirked, and though she could not see it, Colleen could feel it through the speaker. "Don't get any ideas?"
"Hey, don't you trust me?" Rista's trademark mischievous voice asked.
"Do you really need an answer for that?"
"I got to go. Samus is expecting me to continue my research on the Hamboski Case. You know what to do if you hear anything else. Bye." She hung up and leaned her head back. The Hamboski case was easy. Rista's prior connections gave her access to a large source of criminal activity. Her adoptive father was Darryl Strummins, the most sought after hit man in the vast network of villains and mobsters.
Still, gaining control of her knowledge was harder than it would seem. Darryl would probably consider a traitor, for merely breathing near Samus. With a sigh, Rista reflected upon her options. Darryl was not a man to reckon with. Gordie probably already shared with him about how Rista had gone on a mission with a, gasp, bounty hunter. Rista had not communicated with Gordie since then. Perhaps she should connect lines with him once more.
The phone, still warm from her chat with Colleen, beckoned to her, yet there was a foreboding feeling that accompanied it. Rista knew she had to face Darryl and sooner would be better than later, when he had his gun to her head.
"Hello, Bingen Trife Ship Port," A cheery operator greeted. "How may I direct your call?" Rista sighed.
"Is Gordan Trife available," She tried. She was not quite ready to face up to the big man yet.
"Who may I say is calling?"
"Rista Nevaria," She told her.
"Please hold." Some cheesy music drifted in over the line, and Rista waited impatiently, tapping her foot to the beat. It was several minutes before a gruff, thickly accented voice came on.
"Should I bet on Carmellita or Popsicle?" Gordie asked, without even a hello. Rista grinned. It was the traditional question for whether or not the conversation should be shifted to a more private line, lest the one he was currently using was being tapped.
"Just to be safe, Carmellita," Rista replied, beginning to pick at the fraying ends of her shirt. There was click.
"Ya still there?"
"Yep."
"Still hangin' out wit that hunter scum?" Gordie asked. Rista winced. It was inevitable. Her reputation had been tarnished. Not that she minded much, but one of the last people she counted as family would treat her this way.
"Long story," Rista answered, trying to give as vague a response as possible. "Listen Gordie, does Darryl know that I was on a mission with Samus?"
"Nah." Rista breathed a sigh of relief, which made Gordie chuckle. "Lemme guess, you's scared of his r'action? Heh, when he gets mad, who knaws what gonna happen."
"No, I just felt I should tell him myself. There have a few changes in the circumstances, Gordie. I need to speak to him to…get ahold of some information." Rista tried her best to explain what was going on without really disclosing the truth to him. The result was the awkward bunch of words she had chosen. Gordie sniffed.
"You ain't tellin' meh, are ya." It was more of a statement than a question. Rista didn't respond. "Listen, I ain't heard from the big man for…well, for two years now. You 'member the little incident on Bolvin? Yah, well, he's ain't had nuthin' to do wit me since."
"I haven't talked to him in a year and a half," Rista thought aloud. "Thanks Gordie. Just, if you hear from him, tell him to contact me…you know, the old way."
"Gotcha."
"Thanks." The line disconnected, and Rista threw the phone aside. Truth be told, she was just a little afraid of Darryl. She loved him, but at the same time, he terrified her with all his threats and weapon waving. Not an exactly warm environment for a teenager to grow up through. He was a dangerous man; it didn't take a genius to realize that. If Darryl took the news the wrong way then…well, there was no guarantee what would happen. Samus would protect Rista, and Rista was pretty confident that Samus could take out Darryl. Still, she did not want to see him dead either.
Rista stared at the clock. Samus was busy filing overdue paper work with the Federation. Usually Rista would take care of it, but she had convinced Samus that she could do so much more at home with her computer, looking up the Hamboski Trio. She had found out a ton of things; so, it was not a complete waste.
Rista found herself yearning for when Samus would return. She felt scared and alone for the first time in a long time. She couldn't get Samus involved with this; she wouldn't. As she had done before, she would give her life before risking the life of her sister. She did promise to protect her after all.
Author's Note: Short chappy this time, and it's not my best either. Still, I feel comfortable with it. There will be chapters like this in the future, probably, centering around either Rista or Samus. Well, remember to review! Bye for now!