Chapter Twelve:
I didn't speak anyone for an entire week, I cut myself off from the world. Maine was the first person to give me something work towards for. And although our time together was short, I ultimately felt I failed him in his hour of need. I couldn't forgive myself for leaving so quickly when they demanded of me. Dorio was kind, but serious. She didn't play favorites and kept it real, like I imagine a stern mother would be. How I'd imagine my real mother would of been with me.
I haven't had an appetite in day's, the sight of food makes me sick, so all I've done is drank water. For the most part I can keep liquid's down. The last time I step foot outdoor was to visit Doc, so he could patch me up. I couldn't risk going city medical center, too much attention to detail going there. Plus insurance is expensive, at least I could pay cold hard Eddie's to Doc. The skin around the bullet that hit me is purple and blue with a large scar remaining forever.
I didn't bother to take the bullet out the same night. So I'm currently fighting an infection. It's possible I can lose my arm, but limbs can be replaced, it's a rather rudimentary surgery.
Ring. Ring. Ring.
Incoming Call-
Call Denied-
This was the fifth time someone has tried reaching out to me. I don't even screen my calls they all get denied. I need space, I'm in mourning and I wanna grieve in peace.
I just wanna lie in my blanket cocoon till I molt away the sorrow I fear to cope with, the regret that stifles my breathing. The anguish festering beneath my flesh and the disgust fermenting my heart. The lies my rotten tongue spat out, if only I could rip the wretched thing out.
I let him die, I'm worthless for not sticking with Maine during the ravages of his Cyberpsychosis. Even if I didn't pull the trigger, I should of never turned tail when things got out of hand, no matter how much he fought with me to flee.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
"Go away!" I whisper burying myself deep underneath the covers.
"Ryan we know you're in there."
Boom! My hotel room door goes flying off the hinges.
"Fuck!" I shout when a heavy presence leap on to my chest ripping away my blankets. Staring at me is Rebecca blowing a bubble from her gum in my face.
"There you are handsome, did you think you could avoid us forever Choom?" She says causally.
"Leave me alone will you!" I turn away from her.
"Not happening, sides we've got something to do."
"Count me out. It was nice seeing your face Becca but just leave!" I shout.
"At least you're dressed." She smirk leaping off me.
"What's that supposed to mean?" I shot back.
"He's all yours David, bag'em."
"Wait what!"
The next thing I know I'm in the back of Falco van, with Kiwi and Lucy. David in the passenger seat, as Rebecca joins us in the back a moment later.
"Sorry about that, only way we was getting through to you." Rebecca says.
"I'm just going back upstairs, what ever this is, count me out." I say motioning to exit the van.
But a hand pulls me back. "Ryan please, just stay." I turn to see Lucy holding me in place.
"Why if it's a Gig you don't need me." I say.
"We all agreed we wouldn't give a farewell to Maine and Dorio without you," Kiwi says.
"You guys waited for me? Why you've all known him longer than I have. I'm still an outsider."
"Your such a gonk, you know that. No one has thought that ever since Maine said you was one of us. So just relax man." David says speaking up. "Right guy's?"
They all nodded in confirmation.
Watson:Afterlife.
We pull into Night City's most infamous bar, the Afterlife. I've never been but the bouncer is familiar with David and the others that were allowed access.
"Oh looks it's Rouge, queen of the Afterlife." Rebecca chirps up.
Ah Rouge, the fixer to trump all fixers. She a living legend. She walks over to us and address the group. "May deepest condolences for your loss. The first round of bottles are on me." She says solemnly. "Claire a round of the strong stuff for their table.
What's Maine relationship to Rouge? Obviously they knew each other for her to bust out good Tequila for us. We all cramp up a large table as the bartender brings the shots glasses and bottle.
"To Maine and Dorio!" I say raising a glass to them, before swallowing it whole.
"To us!" David says. And we take another round of shots.
Hours past as we drank and told stories laughing and crying. It was great bounding moment. It was a well owed reprieve.
Ring.. Ring... Ring..
Incoming Call-
Faraday: Ryan firstly let me offer my deepest condolences to you and your crew, Maine death was an unfortunate thing. As you all put the pieces back together, I have a job for you.
Ryan: I'm in mourning, I'm going to decline.
Faraday: It's of utmost importance that you undergo this job, you'll be rewarded handsomely. Also just a few more pieces need to be filled in before you can strike at Arasaka.
Ryan: I'm listening.
Faraday: A client or mine needs some muscle to help him. His name, L. B. Kovachek he works for MSM Records. Help him and he's agreed to relay all the dirt MediaCorp has gather on Arasaka.
Ryan: Fine but I'm setting a secondary condition.
Faraday: I'll allow it. What's the caveat your looking for?
Ryan: My mother, her last location or any information leading to finding her.
Faraday: Ah that's shouldn't be an issue. What's her name?
Ryan: Myra Ashwell, but might of reverted to her maiden name, so there that. Now when am I to meet ?
Faraday: Tonight at the MSM Records office. He'll explain the rest.
Ryan: Consider it done.
Call Ended-
"You guy's enjoy yourselves, I've have something to attend to."
"Wait you're leaving already." Rebecca shouts, as she pulls on my arms to holding me back.
"I've got a Gig, I'll catch you all later.
"Faraday isn't it?" Kiwi asks as she already knew the answer. I nod. "He ran Maine ragged, just be wary you don't end up being his next expendable pawn." She warns me with an ominous overtone.
"You know me, as the second fastest in the group he's gotta catch me first." I smile and give her thumbs up. "The rest of you guys have fun for me. The next round is on me." I laugh lightheartedly slamming a roll of Eddie's on the table.
I slowly turn away waving at Rouge as an appreciation for the tequila. I walk up the flight of the steps and get my bearings as I needed to find the nearest N-Kart station as my car is back at the Motel.
"Hey wait up!" A voice calls from behind. It was David.
"What's up man?"
"There something we need to discuss when the chance permits."
"About?" I turn to face him.
"We're all splitter off there no clear idea where we're going without Maine. Perhaps we need to establish leadership again. Keep things back to normal, or as normal as it can get. That's why I think you should lead us." He says seriously.
"When did you start learning comedy, Choom?"
"Seriously if we need to vote I'm nominating you." His voice fierce and determined.
"Sigh, I'll think it over kay?"
"Just give it some thought alright."
"Sure thing buddy." I laugh tapping David on the shoulder.
City Center: MSM Records.
It took some time but I manage to find the place after getting lost and ended up circling around the area twice from the station. It was half past seven, the meet up was at eight.
"Welcome to MSM Records, can I help you?" Greets the pink hair ponytail light skinned golden chrome handed receptionist.
"Ryan here to see, ." I said calmly.
"Ah he's expecting you an half an hour from now, but I'll let him know you're early." She picks up the office phone and dials a number she talks for a moment or two then hangs up. "Go on up, floor 18, he'll be waiting by the elevator.
Making my way to the elevator I stand in line with a few people all making there way around the building. I was going to one of the upper most levels so with a few intermittent stops for other passengers I arrived and as told by the receptionist, a tall middle age man with dirty blonde hair greased back and pale skin in a button down suit welcomes me.
"Ryan, right?"
"Mr. Kovachek correct?"
"Hmm you're the one Faraday sent, I was expecting someone a more intimidating. But I suppose, you did come highly recommend by him so, please follow to the lounge area." He says still unimpressed.
"They say looks are deceiving." I retort as we make our way to the lounge. The lounge was a shade of red velvet with white neon light and stuffy lounge chairs and a full bar. Gold plated CD hang up on the walls, bands and singer's I've heard of.
"Can I get you anything?" He ask's walking behind the bar counter.
"Probably shouldn't, I'm on the clock after all.
"Fair enough."
Suddenly a woman walks into the lounge, she walks over to Kovachek with a urgent face.
"He's early, the AV just landed on the helipad, he's seems pissed."
"Thanks Morgana, take the rest of the evening off. Kid it's show time. To the conference room." Kovachek commands and I dully follow him at the ready...
A/N: It's been a couple of days but I've returned. Sorry for the short chapter it happens. But I had writers block and consider taking a longer break. But I don't want this to drop off and I need to finish this. So here you have it. More chapters coming this week.