Guns for Hire - Script Twenty Two

Burfield Airfield 3.51pm - 14/06/2015

As the Spartan skimmed up & over the derelict hangers Alex gunned the Duramax V8 turbo into life & with all & sundry loaded headed across the decaying runway, fifteen minutes later she eased the, not quite so shiny yellow, hummer onto route 99 & as agreed headed for Frank Uzzitt's place, in the back Vrasten flicked on one of the disposable mobile phones, the number of which they'd left with Frank & announced,

"Couple of messages from Frank, after an update, guess we should call him sometime soon"

"It can wait" muttered Alex "at least until were closer, just keep an eye out back, it won't take em' that long to figure where we're going."

Mariposa, 7.54pm - 14/06/2015

Reaching over the seat Skinpin slipped the mobile from Vrasten's pocket without waking him & took the wheel whilst Alex called Uzzitt Farm,

"Frank, yeah, its Alex, yeah were good, listen, we'll be with you in say 30 minutes, there's plenty of shit to tell OK. All OK with you, nothing we need to know ? OK, we'll be with you soon"

In the back Helen stared vacantly out of the window trying to harness the emotions stirring inside her whilst attempting to ignore Skinpin's monotonous humming & the ever present threat of violence emanating from H12.

Uzzitt Farm, Mariposa, 8.21pm - 14/06/2015

As the humve drew to a halt in front of Uzzitt homestead Frank Uzzitt stepped onto the verandah clutching a six pack of chilled beers, quickly he scanned the faces of those present & for a second all saw the disappointment on his face as any hope of his daughter still being alive finally faded, shaking his head he passed out the beers,

"There's hot food on the table for anyone that wants, plenty of hot water too & clean sheets on the beds, who's the girl & the kid, they OK, look kinda sick if you ask me, anyways where's the naco, he didn't make it back, I'm sorry, truly I am, I didn't want anybody to get hurt"

"Can we just go inside" pleaded Vrasten " I really need to sit down"

Uzzitt Farm, Mariposa, 8.23pm - 14/06/2015

Over the next couple of hours Alex, Vrasten, Mariusz & Skinpin filled frank Uzzitt in on what they'd found in Ecuador, Goodday's confession, the circumstances of Melody's death & not least the activities of SCC, incredulous, Frank stared at H11 & H12 in disbelief until Vrasten played back the vid clip of Goodday & as well as the bunkers inhabitants.

With all told Frank sat there for a few moments in silence with his eyes closed before wearily getting to his feet, walking over to the large open fireplace he reached behind the range & removed an old battered biscuit tin & dropped it on table in front of Alex,

"That's the lot" whispered Frank, $230K as agreed

Opening the tin Alex removed the prepaid debit card & slipped it into her jacket,

"Look Frank, I've got to say I don't think this is the end of it, the goons from SCC can't be far behind us, you're really not safe here you know"

Before Frank could answer Mariusz erupted up from the where he was sat & stomped about the kitchen,

"I'm sorry for your loss Frank but for fucks sake, not fucking safe isn't the fucking half of it, not fucking sake all right, how many fucking times do I have say no fucking witnesses, maybe one fucking day some bastard will fucking listen to what I say"

Fixing another pot of coffee Frank answered,

"With respect fellas, you can forget about me OK, I've got what I asked for, frankly what these jerks from SCC are playing with is beyond me but honestly I don't give a dam, I've made arrangements with the bank, anything happens to me & the farm goes to the Heraclio to divide up between him & the other farm hands. Its late OK, & I'm sure you boys could do with some shut eye, I've told Heraclio to keep the hands away tomorrow, guessed you wouldn't want them hanging around while you lick your wounds, we can talk more in the morning if you want"

As Frank trudged up the stairs H12 helped herself to yet another handful of sugar cubes from the cracked china dish on the sideboard & settled back down fascinated by the flicking images on the TV screen.

Uzzitt Farm, Mariposa, 7.19am - 15/06/2015

As Skinpin & Frank sat on the verandah eating fresh pancakes Alex dragged the dust cover off her S-MAX & wheeled it out of the small barn & gave it the once over, from the kitchen window, Mariusz, still sore over the previous nights arguments, watched & tried to ignore H11's constant flicking between channels on the TV, H12 was nowhere to be seen however from upstairs Vrasten, hobbling towards the outside door & fresh coffee, could hear the shower running, before he could pour a cup however all eyes turned towards the distant dust cloud & the noise of a vehicle making its way along the track leading to the farmstead, with a shake of his head Frank confirmed everybody's unspoken question as to whether he was expecting visitors.

With fingers twitching around triggers all watched the big landcruiser slowly make its way towards them, Alex slipped the pris bins from the their slot on the bike, focusing on the vehicle she quickly confirmed there were two occupants, the driver & Netuno.

Uzzitt Farm, Mariposa, 7.22am - 15/06/2015

As the driver eased to a stop & killed the engine Netuno slowly opened the passenger door & hands raised to show that held nothing more sinister than sun glasses stepped away from the truck, stretched & casually looked around at the horses in the adjacent paddock, nodding towards Alex, Skinpin & the others he addressed Frank,

"Mr. Uzzitt, whatever half truths these people have told you I offer my sincere & belated apologies at the sad loss of your daughter, she was a cute kid, smart with it, she didn't deserve to die the way she did but it was an accident Frank &, well, like I said, I'm sorry it happened"

Unsure what to do Frank gestured to the breakfast plates laid out on the verandah table, declining the offer Netuno turned towards Alex,

"That wasn't very polite you know Alex, disappearing like that, we're sensible people, I thought we were negotiating, looking for a amicable solution to our little problem"

For a split second Alex considered killing him but unsure if she could she succumbed to the bait,

"If you bastards had just given us more time . . . . . . . .

After a brief & spirited exchange Netuno raised his hands & grinned,

"OK, enough of the pleasantries, last chance, all of you, we make a deal here & now, no more chances, tell me how much you want for a touchdown"

From the kitchen window Mariusz though how easy it'd be to blow the friggin' spic away, a single clean shot with the Giscard, kerpow, end game, shame the fucking gun was still in its case in the hummer, through the open window Mariusz heard Netuno's final offer,

"Look, 10 minutes OK, you all talk about it yeah then tell me how much, I give you the money, take the garbage out & you never see me again"

With that Netuno got back in the vehicle, put his shades back on & turned to radio up, across the air drifted the sound of Blitzkrieg Pop.

In the kitchen Alex, Mariusz, Vrasten tried to speak at once, Skinpin, humming along to the Ramones, kept an eye on Netuno, Frank, trying not to get involved joined him, behind them Alex & Mariusz were trying to get Vrasten to see the sense of the matter, their only problem being how much were H11 & H12 worth, however Vrasten couldn't be convinced, he even managed to sow doubt in Mariusz's mind when he reminded his old friend of his own views over "No witnesses"

"Are you really so stupid to think they'll just give us the money & go, c'mon Mariusz, that bastard is as cold a fucking killer as you are, probably more so"

Turning from the window Skinpin & belatedly backed Vrasten's reluctance to just hand everything over to SCC however before he could finish Alex exclaimed,

"Where's H11, where the fucks she gone"

Uzzitt Farm, Mariposa, 7.29am - 15/06/2015

Listening to the wrangling over her & H12's future H11's frustration grew, why had nobody asked her what she wanted, no more would any human choose her fate & if what she suspected was concerning her half sister was true, well, whatever they decided was pretty irrelevant anyway, for the moment however her primary task was how painful could she make Netuno's death, slipping out of the back door she began to circle around the farm buildings.

Uzzitt Farm, Mariposa, 7.31am - 15/06/2015

From outside Netuno shouted,

"Time to draw a line in the sand I'm afraid people, what's it to be Ms Price ?"

Buying for time Alex stepped out onto the verandah & tried to engage Netuno in conversation however Netuno politely but firmly ignored her protestation for more time & walked away.

From the doorway Skinpin stared across the coral at the skittish mare & her foal, their restlessness caused by the presence of H11 sliding grimly towards the parked car open drivers door, in her hand the blade of a bread knife catching the sun, before Helen could reach the open door however Netuno climbed back in to the passenger seat shaking his head, as the 4 x 4 spun around he flicked an envelope out of the window which settled in the dust.

As the landcruiser pulled away the H11 stooped & picked up the envelope, in the kitchen she could hear Alex berating Vrasten for his sheer bloody stubbornness.

Alex opened the envelope that H11 had picked up from where Netuno had thrown it, inside was a cutting from the previous days Fredericksburg Free Lance Star scream sheet, it reported the untimely death of Doctor Roger Goodday (42) formerly of Fredericksburg, who had tragically died in a road traffic accident whilst working abroad, leaving a wife & two children.

Uzzitt Farm, Mariposa, 7.39am - 15/06/2015

As the arguments raged Frank Uzzitt suddenly announced he wanted every body to leave, this was more than he'd bargained for & had nothing to do with him & despite his earlier comments regarding his own future he felt Alex & the others had brought unnecessary trouble to Mariposa.

With ill grace the company began to load their kit into the hummer whilst Alex donned her leathers & fired up the S-MAX.

Helen quietly took H12's hand, stepped out of the door & started to walk away,

Half way down the track Alex, ahead of the hummer pulled up beside the half sisters & raised her visor,

"What the fuck do you think you're doing now, shit head back there" pointing towards the approaching Hummer "has just given up fuck knows how much for you, for that matter so have I, so given were all now out of pocket big time on account of you at least you could have the fucking decency to stick around"

Gunning the S-MAX up the track Alex noted with satisfaction that H11 & H12 had got into the Humve as it had pulled along side them, thank fuck she thought, maybe there's still a chance we can make money out of this one.

Highway 580, Livermore 11.42am - 15/06/2015

Flashing headlights to get Alex's attention Mariusz, bugged by how Netuno had known they'd head over to Mariposa first, pulled the hummer over into a 24/7 truck stop just outside of Livermore & ordered coffee, coke & doughnuts, Alex through into the pot that Netuno new why they'd gone to Ecuador after she'd let slip to him on the tarmac at Shell Mera. Vrasten added that from what they'd gleaned about SCC beforehand & the sensitivity of the Ecuador project this was no chicken shit outfit & no doubt they new everything there was to know about the the Jatun Sacha field workers.

Still not convinced Mariusz doesn't let the subject drop & suggests that either H11 is some how alerting Netuno to where they are or they've got a trace on the lab rats.

Immediately Vrasten coloured up & quietly announced that he could check them both over for bugs, through gritted teeth Alex screeched,

"Jesus fucking Christ Vrasten, just when were going to tell us you could do this"

Shamefaced Vrasten quickly ran his hands over Helen, happy that's she's clean he ran his hand over H12,

"Left foot, there's something there"

Pulling off the oversize boot she's wearing Skinpin ran his fingers over her foot & pointed out the a quarter inch scar on the underside of her heel, taking a disposable scalpel from his kit bag Skinpin deftly cut a small nick through the scar tissue & removed a small plastic looking globe some 2mm in diameter, as the others considered what to do with Skinpin watched scalpel blade bubble & pit as H11's blood reacted with the surgical steel.

Despite Vrasten not having found any trace on Helen she removed her own left boot & offered her foot up to Skinpin, a few moments later he produced a second tracer unit.

Taking a piece of half chewed gum from his mouth Mariusz embedded the tracers in it & stuck it on the the underside of a parked eighteen wheelers running board.

Forlorn Hope, Night City 2.27pm - 15/06/2015

Stashing the hummer a block or so from the Hope Mariusz checked the rear view mirror, he was pretty sure nobody had tailed them into Night City, once he thought they'd got company but after Alex had peeled off to check it out it had turned out to be a lost party of tourists looking for a friendly face.

Inside the Hope the closing strains of Metallica's Enter Sandman played as Alex ordered up drinks, the bar was pretty quiet as normal for this time of day, a few half familiar faces dotted around the booths, the occasional nod of recognition. Behind the bar Banger was stocking up ready for the evening & showing some fresh faced eye candy the ropes.

Skinpin disappeared off below decks, muttering about getting things in motion for Vrasten whilst Vrasten himself was attempting to replace all the blood he'd lost over the last couple of days direct from the bottle. Noticing Helen's fascination with all the pretty coloured bottles behind the bar Mariusz ordered up a Bloody Mary for her & a milk for the kid, Helen took one sniff of the drink & shook her head in disgust, H12 tipped her head back & gulped the milk in one, almost immediately however she vomited it straight back all over Mariusz's legs, pushing the kid out of the way Mariusz stomped off muttering under his breath about dead fucking witnesses.

Draining his glass Vrasten realised just how knackard he really was, he could barely keep his eyes open, he forced himself up from the table & headed for the stairs knowing that Skinpin had sorted out a couple of rooms where they could all crash for the next few days although in Vrasten's case it would probably be for a week or so whilst he recovered from the upcoming surgery.

Banger threw a couple of towels towards the kid telling her to clean up the puke pretty dam quick, then she turned to Alex,

"I nearly forgot Price, some guy left a message for you, yesterday maybe, not sure, maybe earlier, anyway's wanted you to call him, fuck, now where did | put his number, right there it is"

Taking the crumpled piece of paper from Banger's outstretched hand Alex realised she'd been holding her breath, she recognised the area code, it was Uzzitt's place.

Forlorn Hope, Night City 4.16pm - 15/06/2015

Crashed on one of the cots in the second floor room he was sharing with Skinpin Vrasten drifted in & out of consciousness, fuck knows what Skinpin had injected him with but it had sure killed the pain in his foot, in fact he felt so good now that he'd sure like to dance with that new piece that was behind the bar when they'd got here earlier, in fact that was just what he was going to do, yeah, & maybe later they'd go to the zoo, that'd be fun, now if only he could remember how his wings worked he'd be on his way.

Looking out of the barred window of the third floor room that Skinpin had told her she would share with H12 for the next couple of days Helen considered her options, she couldn't smell any of them in this place but it could only be a matter of time & besides H12 would soon be ready to breed, then it wouldn't matter if they found her or not.

Forlorn Hope, Night City 9.12pm - 15/06/2015

Showered & shaved for the first time in a week Mariusz & Alex were chilling out in the bar, it looked like there was going to be a good crowd in tonight & the house band were warming things up before the nights main attraction, The Marazene Machine, hit the stage,

"Looks like its just me & you tonight Mariusz, according to Skinpin Vrasten's as high as a kite & the lab rats are holed up in their room talking to nobody, how the fuck did this all turn to shit so fucking quickly"

Before Mariusz could answer he caught sight of Roxy across the bar at the same time as she saw him, now that certainly would be a good way to finish off the day thought Mariusz, however from the look on her face as she made her way over it didn't look like it was going to be his lucky night. Ignoring Alex's greeting Roxy leant forward & whispered in Mariusz's ear, immediately any semblance of a smile disappeared from his face,

"Er, I'll be back in a bit Alex, just need to make a few calls, get me another beer will ya"

Ah well thought Alex, looks like its just me & a bar full of men, remembering Uzzitt's message however Alex decided she better give him a call, after all it could be more trouble on its way however when she called him back everything was as it was when they'd left his place that morning, the message he'd left at the Hope had been when he was trying to contact them for news of Ecuador, assured that everything was OK she wished him luck & rang off.

Across the bar Mariusz sat facing Roxy stunned,

"So what you & Kissy gonna do Roxy, what do you want me to do ?"

"Well that's up to you honey" drawled Roxy "You know me & Kissy are in this for the long haul, if you want a piece of the action all well & good but if you want out then it ain't no hasta la vista Mariusz baby, think about it yeah, you've got our number, but don't take to long to call"

Forlorn Hope, Night City 11.49am - 16/06/2015

The next morning Vrasten was actually compos mentis enough to join Skinpin, Alex & Mariusz in the deserted bar of the Hope, Skinpin had sorted out coffee with added caffeine & had sent out for hot bagels but had thought it better to leave Helen & the kid tucked up in their room,

"Look fella's" said Skinpin "I've squared us staying here for a couple of days OK & Vrasten here's going under the knife tomorrow so he's not going anywhere for a while but we need to sought out a place to stay sooner rather than later"

For the next couple of hours Netuno & SCC's probable intentions & actions were discussed along with the problem of Helen & H12 as well individuals fiscal intentions however all failed to notice that whilst Alex discussed transferring funds she managed to avoid actually doing it, by early evening little had been achieved or agreed & apart from Mariusz, who was unusally withdrawn, all at least decided on a quiet night in.

Forlorn Hope, Night City 8.22pm - 16/06/2015

Vrasten was tired & sore & couldn't settle, against Skinpin's advise slipped back down to the bar to see who was about conscious that if Skinpin caught him he'd find himself on the sharp end of another of Skinpin's unfriendlier chemical cocktails, happy that Skinpin wasn't about Vrasten passed an hour or so chatting with a couple of blokes he'd met in the Hope who were happy to talk with an ex cop.

Realising he was pushing his luck & with the pain killers wearing off Vrasten made his excuses & made his way towards the stairs however before he was half way across the crowded bar he felt a hand on his shoulder, instincts took over & despite his injuries he grasped the hand, spun & started to twist fingers however the surprised swearing from behind stopped him in his tracks,

"Fucking hell Vrasten, lay off will ya, that fucking smarts"

Turning Vrasten relaxed & grinned as he recognised his would be opponent,

"Sorry Banksy, didn't recognise you with out your hand in my pocket"

Feigning mock offense Banksy, one of the Hope's regular, if small time, fixers, proffered a beer & suggested Vrasten might like to join him for a drink, intrigued Vrasten limped along behind Bansky to a corner table & sat down opposite him, after a few minutes small talk Bansky looked nervously around & then leant forward,

"Look Vrasten, I'm hearing rumours bout you & your crew, truth is it sounds like you've really pissed some one big time yeah from out of town, there's a contract fresh out being touted around for termination & return of stolen goods, some woman & her kid sister, we both now that there ain't too much chance of it being taken on in here but lets face it, the Hope ain't the only place in town to do a deal, far from it, so I'm just lettin' you know OK, be careful"

Thankful for Banksy's tip off Vrasten hauled his ass back upstairs, they'd all discussed just such a possibility during the afternoon but figuring they'd at least be safe for tonight Vrasten decided the news could wait until tomorrow.

Forlorn Hope, Night City 11.09pm - 16/06/2015

Bored Alex slipped back into the Forlorn Hope having moved the S-MAX into the lockup available to those making use of the Hopes overnight facilities, instantly she felt eyes on her from a face that she didn't recognise, alerted to unwarranted attentions Alex casually slid her hand inside her jacket & released the safety catch on the synthetic Armalite that nestled snugly against her left breast,

"Price isn't it, can I buy you a drink, Tyler's the name, Icarus Tyler"

Warily Alex decided to accept the offer, curious & concerned as to who Icarus Tyler was & why he wanted to speak to her & how he new her name, it didn't take long to find out.

"So that's the crack" said Tyler sitting back with his hands clearly on show, palms down on the table "I'd heard about you guys before so when I get a call offering me the contract I got curious, I don't like this place much, don't see eye to eye with some of the regulars, but, I'll be honest, the offers attractive, & as I said, I was curious"

For the next hour Alex & Tyler discussed the options, Alex hadn't been suprised at what Tyler had told her based on what Vrasten's snout had told Vrasten earlier. Tyler was confident that he could broker a deal with his contact for the turning over the woman & kid unhurt, Tyler wasn't prepared to discuss the contract offer but suggested he'd pay $1.5M for the merchandise if his broker OK'd the revised deal.

Whilst Tyler took a few moments to make a call Mariusz wandered over & raised an eyebrow, Alex quickly filled him in on Tyler's offer, before they could discuss it further Tyler sat back down grinning,

"It's a deal if you can come up with the goods, I don't know who the fuck my man's dealing with but they sure do want the goods in a hurray"

With that Tyler scribbled a mobile number on a scrap of paper & slid it across the table & stood up,

"Call me when your ready to deal yeah, but don't take to long, I'm not the only one interested in you & your friends"

As Tyler disappeared it was all Alex & Mariusz could do just to contain themselves, both were mightily pissed that they were losing out on big bucks all because of Vrasten's half assed morals, for the next couple of hours they discussed just what they could do about it.

Forlorn Hope, Night City 2.57am - 17/06/2015

In the small hours of the following morning Skinpin had been unable to sleep & having checked in to see how Vrasten was doing went down to the bar in search of company, only a few of the regulars were still around either to drunk to walk or to lonely to leave, Skinpin, with a nod from Banger, poured himself a large bourbon, slip ca couple of coins into the juke box & decided to try his luck with Banger's new little helper, twenty minutes later Skinpin & his new found friend headed for the stairs, as he turned to say good night to Banger he noticed Mariusz & Roxy secreted in one of the side booths deep in conversation, something told him they didn't want to be disturbed & besides this new girl looked so dam hot that he didn't want Mariusz to fuck up his plans for the night.

Forlorn Hope, Night City 10.17am - 17/06/2015

Skinpin checked Vrasten's heart rate then moved around to mop the blood out out of the Hope's resident ripperdoc's way as he & the cyberware technician began to drill the replacement ballistic frame into Vrasten's left ankle, turning aside Skinpin started to unpack the modification kit that Vrasten had requested for his previously replaced left hand as well as the additional microwave shielding, it was going to be a long & messy day.

Forlorn Hope, Night City 2.52pm - 17/06/2015

Skinpin was dead beat & in sore need of a stiff drink, they'd got Vrasten settled back in his room now, he intended to check back in on him in half an hour or so however he seriously didn't expect him to wake until mid day tomorrow some time.

As Skinpin made in roads in to his third bottle of chilled Budvar Mariusz dropped himself down opposite,

"So how's the invalid, back in one piece yet ?"

Briefly Skinpin filled Mariusz in on how things had gone however he felt slightly uneasy & Mariusz's sudden interest in Vrasten's well being, pretty soon he realised why,

"So that's how it is" sighed Mariusz "This things getting way bigger than Vrasten could'a imagined, there's a contract out on all of us but primarily they still just want Helen & the kid back, we need to make a deal Skinpin & we need to make it soon or were fucking history. I know its a shitty thing I'm asking but we've gotta make a deal, all we need to you to do is make sure the Vrasten stays a sleep for a bit longer than expected, to be fair he ain't in a position anyway to stop us but at least this way he won't get all arsy & moral til' its all sorted, its make sense Skinpin, you know it does. Don't answer now, just think about it yeah, me & Alex are going out for a bit to sort out the hummer cos' whatever happens I think we're gonna have to split for a while"

After Mariusz had pissed off, Skinpin closed his eyes & sat back, he new what Mariusz was capable of, if he thought Vrasten was a problem, fuck, if he thought Skinpin was a problem . . . . .

Skinpin wasn't happy, Mariusz new he wasn't good about all this, he'd told Mariusz that Vrasten would sleep until late tomorrow anyway so likely if he & Alex were going to sell out on Helen & the kid there wasn't a lot he could do about it, warn em' maybe but that really help, after all where could they run, they new jack shit about Night City, maybe he could wake Vrasten, see what he thought.

Forlorn Hope, Night City 3.48pm - 17/06/2015

Vrasten was dreaming, or at least he hoped he was, but if he was then why would Skinpin pretend to be a chicken, he tried to listen to what Skinpin/the chicken was telling him, it sounded important but every time he tried to concentrate on the words Skinpin's voice just floated away . . . . . .

Night City 5.07pm - 17/06/2015

Mariusz & Alex spent a couple of hours pissing about with the hummer, replacement light units, body filler, spray paint, tyre's plus the use of a kitted lock up for the afternoon, by the time they'd finished they made a passable job of making the humve pretty again, in deference to Gonzales's memory Mariusz even repolished the alloys, the only down side to the afternoon was the |Mariusz's niggling feeling that they were being followed.

Forlorn Hope, Night City 5.40pm - 17/06/2015

Skinpin watched groggily from the bar as Alex & Mariusz walked in from the rain, he wanted to tell them just what he thought about what they'd asked him to do, instead he simply told them to fuck off & die.

Forlorn Hope, Night City 6.13pm - 17/06/2015

Helen had come to a decision, she wasn't going to let her so called 'friends' shit on her from a great height & she definitely didn't intend to end up back in SCC's laboratory, freedom felt good & she was going to keep it. H12 was a problem, she was dangerous but if she left her hear then people would die, lots of people. Quickly she threw her few belongings into a bag & told H12 they were going out for candy.

Forlorn Hope, Night City 8.28pm - 17/06/2015

Mariusz had arranged to meet Roxy & Kissy in the bar at 8.30pm, unfortunately they were on time,

"It's like this OK, I'm not making excuses, I do wonna be here for you Kissy, one hundred percent OK, but there's some shit going down that's way bigger than I can handle without somebody getting hurt & I don't want it to happen around either of you, but let me tell you yeah, I am pleased you're going go all the way & have the kid, I will be back once we get this shit sorted out"

Forlorn Hope, Night City 8.47pm - 17/06/2015

Seeing Alex pushing her way towards their table Mariusz whispered,

"Look can we just keep this between the three of us for the minute yeah, right this minute I really don't want anybody else to know, particularly Price"

Both Roxy & Kissy nodded & changed the topic of conversation before Alex reached the table.

Forlorn Hope, Night City 8.48pm - 17/06/2015

Obviously in a hurry Alex cut to the chase

"Mariusz, please tell me you know where Helen & the kid are, I've been top to bottom & I'm bloody sure they've pissed off"

Mariusz shook his head, stood up & apologised to Roxy & Kissy,

"Like I said ladies" reverting to form "Things are messy & they've just got worse"

Alex returned from the bar, new says they went out a couple of hours back carrying a hold all, didn't say nothing, didn't look back.

Night City 9.46pm - 17/06/2015

Alex & Mariusz had split to cover more ground but with only the two of them it was like looking for a needle in a hay stack, earlier Mariusz had buzzed him sure that he'd seem them but by the time he'd managed to swing the hummer around he wasn't sure if he'd mistaken or they'd simply faded in to the night.

Night City 10.58pm - 17/06/2015

Mariusz jumped a light & swung a right across the flow of traffic narrowly missing the oncoming traffic when he saw H12, the kid was stood staring up at one of the massive rotating hoarding's that informed the street scum of Night City what for a few measly dollars would make them stand out in the crowd, throwing the hummer across the junction & ignoring the squeal of rubber & blaring of horns Mariusz abandoned the hummer & sprinted towards the kid, as he did so H12 emerged from behind a data terminal & froze as she saw Mariusz running towards them.

Helen grabbed the kids hand & ran down a side alley, Mariusz hit the speed dial & bellowed his position hoping Alex could hear him over the noise of the traffic.

As Mariusz pounded into the alley he did consider trying to drop them both but dismissed it instantly knowing that he'd probably miss & that in doing so he'd loose any chance of trying to persuade them to stop, dropping his hand from the shoulder holster he screamed,

"Helen, stop please, can we just talk for a minute, please, Helen, its not safe for either of you out here, they'll find you"

Whilst the kid kept going Helen stopped & spun around, it was all Mariusz could do to breathe, Helen stood calmly, hardly out of breathe at all, Mariusz hoped she'd talk, if she went for him he'd have no option but to plug her, hand to hand he reckoned he wouldn't stand a chance.

Night City 10.59pm - 17/06/2015

Across town Alex listened to Mariusz's bellowed location over the phone, shit, at least ten minutes away, even on the S-MAX, dropping her shoulder & tapping the front brake she slid the S-MAX round in a near perfect doughnut & opened the throttle, as she rode Alex came to a decision & thumbed the speed dial for Netuno,

"Netuno, yeah its me Alex, look, listen please OK, we were wrong OK, you're right, we should have cut a deal when you made the offer, I hate to admit but OK, I, we, were wrong, can we deal, no tricks, you get both of em' alive & you never here from us again"

For a moment Alex thought Netuno had hung up on her, especially when she asked for $20M,

"You know Alex you've caused the people I work for considerable pain, by rights I should just tell you to go fuck yourself. . . . . . . You've got until midnight, $10M take it or leave it, you bring them both to Algonquin Hotel lobby on 5th OK, no more chances Alex"

Grinning, Alex, dipped the clutch & opened the throttle.

Night City 11.03pm - 17/06/2015

Not entirely trusting Mariusz Helen at least felt he didn't mean her any harm, she'd seen him withdraw his empty hand from under his jacket & whilst she new she could take care of herself whatever he thought she didn't really want to do it alone.

Looking around the alley there was no sign of H12, since entering Night City her ability to place H12's position relative to herself had been confused to say the least however something told her that H12 hadn't gone far, her gut feeling was of space, scouring the buildings around her she caught a glimpse of H12 ducking from the fire escape & through a broken window on the eighth or ninth floor of the tenement building to her right, in answer to Mariusz's desperate gesturing she pointed to where she'd seen H12 disappear.

Swearing profusely Mariusz leapt & managed to get a hand onto the hanging metal ladder & dragged himself onto the fire escape in pursuit of H12. Unsure what to do Helen finally sprang up onto the first floor platform & followed Mariusz upwards.

Night City 11.04pm - 17/06/2015

Seeing the hummer skewed across the kerb Alex slid the S-MAX to a halt & with no better direction to follow guessed at the alley as the way to go, luckily she was right, staring upwards she could just see Mariusz clambering through a darkened window, behind him H11 followed however he wasn't sure if she was following or chasing him. Ignoring the fire escape Alex ran towards the buildings main street foyer crashing past a couple coming out of the building, ignoring the lift she headed for the stairs & taking them three at a time headed up.

Night City 11.04pm - 17/06/2015

Going through window Mariusz found himself in a trashed & abandoned apartment, clambering over the broken furniture & rotting debris he headed for the open apartment door to emerge in a narrow corridor lit only by a naked & sparking fluorescent tube, behind him Helen spoke,

"She's going up, I can feel it"

Glancing both ways Mariusz spotted the doors to the stairwell, bursting through he paused for a moment unsure whether he should believe Helen or not. Mariusz tried to calm his pounding heart & listen but with all the noise coming from the surrounding apartments It was impossible to tell which way she'd gone, trusting that Helen was speaking the truth he went up the stairwell.

Night City 11.07pm - 17/06/2015

Almost falling through the broken door onto the roof Mariusz looked desperately around for any sign of H12, over his shoulder Helen pointed, following her finger Mariusz could see the kid fleeing across the roof of the adjacent building, running across the roof Mariusz reached the roof parapet & looked down, he guessed it was some sixty feet or so down & maybe twenty feet to the next roof,

"Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck fuck"

Helen watched H12 run, she was so dam fast, she watched as frustrated Mariusz drew his pistol, aimed & fired, Helen half hoped he'd kill her but held her breath until she new he'd missed.

Night City 11.08pm - 17/06/2015

Almost at the top Alex heard gunfire from above, one, two then a third shot, she crashed out of the stairwell & careered into the back of H11, across the roof Mariusz was staring across the void between this & the next building, following his gaze she walked towards him staring into shadows,

"She's gone Alex, fucking missed her, she's so fucking quick"

Leaving Alex staring into the night Mariusz turned & walked back passed Helen heading for the stairs,

"If I were you Helen I'd start running as fast as you fucking can & when you've run as far as you can, run some more"

Forlorn Hope, Night City 11.59pm - 17/06/2015

Back at the Hope Alex & Mariusz stood in the shadows under a broken street light the screen of Alex's mobile flashing an incoming call, Mariusz didn't need to look at his watch to know it was midnight, reluctantly Alex answered the call,

"Yeah its me, no, no . . . . . . . there's a bit of a problem"

Putting the phone in her pocket Alex smiled at Mariusz,

"I think its time to say good bye"

Forlorn Hope, Night City 00.17am - 17/06/2015

Mariusz watched as Alex's tail light disappeared around the corner, throwing his kit in the Hummer he almost felt guilty about not saying goodbye to Skinpin & Vrasten, almost but not quite, Roxy & Kissy though, now that was a real problem.

Forlorn Hope, Night City 6.23am - 19/06/2015

Vrasten opened his eyes as the noise of his phone refused to go away, he felt like shit, eyes blurry he looked around & saw there was a bottle of sparkling water on the cupboard next to the bed as well as a clock, a pistol & mobile phone, still ringing, fumbling he picked up the phone & put it to his ear, hoarsely he answered,

"Yeah, its me, that you Skinpin, where the fuck are you, yeah course I'm alone, what the hell were you expecting, a party . . . . . what do you mean get the fuck out of Night City . . . . . Skinpin . . . . Skinpin . . . . ."

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