As soon as Leo and Sasha flew off in the Rayfield Excalibur, Biotechnica's backup arrived at Corpo Plaza. Two military trucks, loaded with yet more security drones, barreled onto the scene. Maine couldn't imagine how Leo had fought his way out with someone in tow, especially against that kind of firepower.
"Boss," Pilar said, glancing back at the looming towers, "shouldn't we go, too?"
Maine nodded, snapped from his thoughts. "Right, everyone in the car. Let's get out of here!"
They sped away, leaving the skyscrapers and neon behind. Gradually, the surroundings transformed into the worn-down architecture and deserted streets of a less-policed district. Only then did they begin to talk.
"Looks like we're clear," Dorio muttered, checking the side mirrors.
"For safety's sake, let's lay low for a while," Pilar added. "Once things cool off, we can plan our next move."
Rebecca took a quick glance out the window. "Wonder where Leo took Sasha?"
"Should we call?" Sasha's absence gnawed at her, but she also didn't want to pester.
Maine shook his head. "Probably the same place Leo always recommends—Viktor's Clinic. He calls him 'Old Vik' sometimes, says it's the best medical help in Night City."
"That's gotta be it." Rebecca gripped the headrest of the driver's seat.
"Let's go there."
…
The Rayfield Excalibur touched down on top of an apartment building adjacent to Viktor's Clinic. Leo hopped out, carrying Sasha over his shoulder like cargo, while Emmerich and Crispin remained inside.
"That was insane," Crispin said, giving Leo a cheery wave. "We should team up again sometime!"
"Give Rogue my regards," Leo replied.
He made his way downstairs, Sasha draped over him with all the grace of a bundle of contraband. Viktor's clinic was still locked at this early hour, iron shutters drawn tight.
"Old Vik, wake up!" Leo pounded on the door. "Vik!"
No one came. Frowning, Leo gripped the iron grill with his powered gauntlets.
Metal shrieked as he pried open a gap large enough to squeeze through.
Stepping inside, he nearly collided with Viktor, who'd just finished dressing for an early start. They stared at each other in awkward silence, until Leo cleared his throat.
"She's hurt," he said. "Fix her up, I'll pay for any damages or upgrades. And don't worry—I'll have someone fix your door."
Viktor regarded the mangled shutters but waved a hand dismissively. "Put her on the operating chair."
Leo set Sasha down. A bright overhead lamp flickered on.
"Need anything else?" Leo asked.
Donning a specialized mechanical exoskeleton, Viktor adjusted the overhead lamp. "Go wake Misty. I need her assistance."
Leo nodded, understanding. He left the clinic and headed for Misty's "Mystic Esoterica" upstairs. She'd barely heard "emergency surgery" before splashing water on her face, grabbing her coat, and rushing down.
With nothing else to do, Leo loitered on the clinic's front steps, thinking he might pick up some late-night (or early-morning) food for Viktor and Misty when they finished. Just as he rose to go, his phone buzzed. Rogue was on the line, despite it being nearly three in the morning.
"How's that cat of yours?" Rogue asked, voice even. "She still alive?"
"She's in surgery now," Leo answered. "Thanks for asking."
"No, I'm the one who owes thanks. You netted me a tidy sum tonight."
"Tidy sum? I figured you'd rake in at least a million or two for the AV and everything else."
Rogue paused. "Let's just say any repair costs are on me. Consider it a favor. Next time you need something, give me a call."
Leo smiled inwardly. In Night City, a big favor from Rogue was invaluable. "I appreciate it. By the way, I have a question: how much do you know about something called SECURICINE?"
"You mean that painkiller Biotechnica released a while back? I've got plenty of files on it if you're willing to pay."
"Send it all. I want every bit of intel."
Rogue's tone sharpened. "Who's backing you here—Arasaka or Kang Tao?"
"No corporation. Just a friend who lost her mother to that drug. She nearly died over it herself tonight."
"Understood. If you want the data, come to Afterlife in person. Can't risk sending something like that over the net."
"Fine. We'll settle the total, including the AV fees, when I see you."
"Sure. As for the intel fee, maybe I'll waive it. The girl's been through enough. Of course, I have my reasons for that, but they don't concern you right now." She paused, then added, "But between you and me, any halfway-decent fixer poking around Biotechnica would've known those files were sitting in that terminal. Hell, even Faraday should've seen it coming."
Rogue hung up. On her end, in an Afterlife booth, she opened a channel to her associates. "Dump all Biotechnica shares this instant. Anyone who holds on for a miracle can jump off Arasaka Tower when this goes south.
Then wipe the security footage from Corpo Plaza, contact the city's sanitation department, and have them do a deep cleanup right away. This place needs to be spotless."
…
Back at the Mystic Esoterica, Leo was in the middle of buying a late-night meal for Viktor and Misty when a car screeched to a halt outside. Maine and his crew burst in, looking winded and a little frantic.
"Sasha—how's Sasha?"
"You've got some nerve asking that," Leo replied coldly.
Before Maine could react, Leo decked him hard. Caught off guard, Maine staggered into a display shelf laden with incense burners and decorative statues. They toppled onto him with loud clatters.
"Hey! Enough!" Dorio rushed over, trying to wedge herself between them.
"Leo—stop!"
Rebecca and Pilar intervened too, though they were more shocked than anything. Maine stood up, hand over his bruised jaw. "What the hell, man? Why—"
He trailed off when he saw Leo's expression, shadowed with anger.
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