We followed Valgus’s bodyguards back to the sleek black limo, its tinted windows reflecting the forest like a shadow in the night. Before we stepped inside, the bodyguards again blindfolded us before placing us in the car.

  The car’s powerful engines silently roared to life, and it glided smoothly through the streets towards the airstrip, an air of anticipation surrounding us.

  As we stepped out onto the tarmac, the unmistakable silhouette of Luca’s private jet loomed before us, its gleaming surface sparkling under the bright floodlights as if inviting us aboard.

  Ground crew members, clad in dark uniforms, hustled around the aircraft, meticulously polishing the exterior and refueling the tanks, their movements choreographed with precision in preparation for our impending departure.

  Once on board, I settled into the plush leather seat, the scent of polished wood filling my nostrils. I could feel the gentle vibration of the engines as they reached their full power, propelling us into the night air.

  Within moments, the jet was airborne, climbing smoothly against the inky blue sky, the sprawling complex of Valgus’s mansion fading into a distant memory below.

  Luca, his expression radiating satisfaction, leaned back in his seat, his crisp tailored suit contrasting against the luxurious interior.

  “Well, that went well,” he remarked, a broad grin spreading across his features.

  He paused, a flicker of seriousness crossing his face before he continued, “Thanks again for coming with. I know how you feel about me moving the family into the drug business, but times have changed. We can't just rely on our legitimate businesses for income anymore.” His voice carried a firmness that belied a deeper concern for what lay ahead.

  Still feeling the fatigue seep into my bones, I replied, “I’m going to catch some sleep. Wake me up when we land back in NC.”

  I tilted my head slightly to the right, the luxurious seat cradling me as I closed my eyes, surrendering to the gentle hum of the engines that lulled me into a momentary peace.

  I was jolted awake by a light kick to my leg. Blinking against the overhead lights, I turned to the window and realized we were back in Night City, the familiar skyline drawing nearer as we descended toward the landing strip.

  “Are you okay, Max? You kept mentioning the name Eva. Is that someone you know?” Luca asked, concern etching lines across his forehead.

  “What? Yeah, I’m fine. It's nothing to worry about,” I replied, brushing off his question with an edge of irritation.

  “Max, are you sure? For all the years I’ve known you, you’ve never once talked in your sleep,” Luca pressed, his gaze searching mine.

  “I said it’s nothing!” I shot back, my patience fraying as I wished for this uncomfortable conversation to end.

  Luca, however, was not ready to drop it. "What the fuck kind of work have you been doing?" he continued, his voice steady as he leaned in slightly, curiosity piqued.

  “Can you just let it go, alright?! I’m just tired that’s all,” I replied, the tension in my voice palpable as I shot him a warning glance.

  Finally, Luca relented, his silence a welcomed reprieve as we prepared for the plane to land.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  As we exited the aircraft, we made our way back to the hospital to check on Henry's condition. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled the air as we arrived, and a doctor approached us with a reassuring nod. “Henry is awake and able to talk,” he informed us, leading us down the stark, white corridor to his room.

  As I stepped into the dimly lit room, a wave of shock washed over me at the sight of Henry. His once-familiar face was now marred by the aftermath of what happened at the GIM.

  His left eye had been replaced with a gleaming cybernetic implant, its metallic surface catching the light and reflecting eerie glimmers that danced across the walls. This stark contrast highlighted the dark bruises and rough bandages that swathed his nose and forehead, remnants of the pain he had endured.

  The sterile smell of antiseptic mixed with the faint scent of stale sweat hung in the air, amplifying the surreal nature of his transformation.

  “Henry?… Can you hear me?” I asked, my heart heavy with concern.

  Henry’s cybernetic eye flicked toward me, his gaze still struggling to focus. “Max?... Is that you?” His voice was barely above a whisper, tinged with exhaustion.

  “Yeah... yeah, it’s me,” I replied, relief flooding through me.

  A weak smile crept across Henry’s face. “Glad that you didn’t kick the bucket... Doctors said I'll be up in a few days. It's funny; they gave me a new eye.” A quiet chuckle escaped him, the sound laced with both humor and pain. “Guess that makes me like you now.”

  “That’s good. Besides, there’s nothing wrong with having some chrome,” I said, trying to keep the mood light.

  Luca, ever the supportive friend, settled into a chair beside the bed. “Hey mate, it’s been a long time,” he said, his tone warm and familiar.

  Henry managed to turn his gaze to Luca. “Fucking hell, Luca? I thought you left this city,” he replied, a mix of surprise and joy lighting up his expression.

  Luca smiled, a spark of pride in his eyes. “No, I'm still here. In fact, I’m now head of the family.”

  “That's good! Real good,” Henry said, a sense of comfort flooding his voice as he nestled deeper into the hospital bed, the weight of our chaotic world momentarily lifting.

  Before I could utter a single word, a pulsing vibration reverberated through my pocket; my phone was ringing. I sat up quickly, brushed my hair back, and excused myself.

  The atmosphere was warm, but my irritation was simmering as I stepped outside into the dimly lit hallway. I fished my phone out of my pocket and noticed Karim’s name flashing on the screen. A wave of annoyance washed over me. I reluctantly swiped to answer.

  “There had better be a good fucking reason why you’re calling me!” I snapped, feeling the weight of frustration in my voice.

  “Well, good to hear from you too! Listen,” Karim began, his tone light but urgent, “remember when I said my father was supposed to be in the city?”

  “Yeah, so what’s the deal?” I replied, my curiosity piqued but still wrapped in irritation.

  “Well, due to the storm outside, his flight got delayed,” Karim explained, a hint of worry seeping into his voice.

  “So, when is he coming then?” I pressed, sensing there was more to this story.

  Karim paused, his silence stretching uncomfortably. “...I don’t know. It could be tonight, or tomorrow, or next week, or next—"

  I cut him off. “I get the picture, Karim. But why are you telling me this? He's your father.”

  “Because I need your help with something important,” he said, the urgency in his voice intensifying.

  “What is it?” I asked, now intrigued despite my earlier annoyance.

  “I’ll explain everything when you come over,” he insisted, urgency lacing his words.

  “What, right now!?” I exclaimed, utterly taken aback by his request.

  “Of course, right now! Why do you think I’m calling you?” Karim replied, almost exasperated. “I’ll see you soon.”

  With that, Karim hung up, leaving me standing in the hallway, annoyed that I now had to leave my best friend and go help this idiot.