"A new client," Vik said firmly, refusing to share Leo's details.
"Enough about him. Let's talk about you. How's the recovery, Jackie? Still staying away from the booze like I told you?"
"Uh… well, Vik, you know I'm just bartending at El Coyote Cojo. Whether it's a new face or an old friend, I gotta have a drink with 'em. It's tradition!"
The burly man's sheepish smile did nothing to sway Vik.
"Got it. You ignored my advice. No painkillers for you this time."
"Wait, Vik, come on…"
Leo strolled further away, the voices from Vik's clinic fading behind him. Just seeing Jackie—alive and well—left him feeling satisfied.
Jackie Welles…
This time, he wasn't going to let tragedy strike. Jackie deserved better, and Leo was determined to ensure his friend rose to the top.
The sky above was littered with glowing holographic billboards and towering skyscrapers, shimmering under the Night City darkness.
Leo zoomed in with his Kiroshi optics, adjusting to a six-times magnification. Despite all the chaos and anxiety that had plagued him since arriving, there was a sense of relief washing over him.
"Cyberware installed. Reunited with an old friend. Finally got a plan. No more wandering around like a headless chicken."
He raised both hands skyward, flipping the city a defiant double bird.
"Good evening, Night City!!"
His holler startled a few homeless folks nearby.
"Shut it, corpo dog!"
"You wanna get your ass beat?"
Leo's smug grin vanished as he ducked into Misty's shop for cover. The serene chime of bells welcomed him, a stark contrast to the bustling streets.
"Welcome back. Everything go smoothly?" Misty's voice, soft and calm, instantly put him at ease.
"Yeah, pretty smooth. Though, uh… those hobos outside are kinda… unsettling. You sure it's safe to let them hang around?"
Leo's gaze drifted to a golden statue in the shop—a bald, four-armed figure with a metallic mask and violet crystal spheres in each hand. The bizarre deity was as cryptic as the city itself.
"That's their home," Misty replied gently. "Where else would they go? I've been here long enough. We've found a balance."
"Wish I had your patience. I'd go nuts with some guy shouting conspiracy theories in my ear every day."
He gestured toward the wall, knowing full well Gary the Prophet was usually preaching just beyond it.
"He's not always there," Misty laughed. "He wanders. Preaches wherever he feels the city needs to listen."
"And that big guy from earlier?"
"Jackie?" Misty's lips curled into a fond smile. "You've already met? That makes things easier."
"He seems solid. A stand-up guy. I'll probably ask him for help—need a place to stay, someone to watch my back, and preferably a bodyguard."
Maybe even V or Vee someday…
"You could do worse," Misty nodded approvingly. "Jackie might look like a brute, but he's one of the good ones. He'll help if you ask."
"You two seem close. Boyfriend?"
"Not quite," Misty chuckled. "We grew up on the same block. Didn't talk much until he started frequenting Vik's after getting hurt."
"He's a good guy. You two would be a great match."
"You're awfully quick to play matchmaker for strangers."
"I've got a knack for reading people. Trust me, you two are perfect."
Before Misty could respond, the clinic door opened, and Jackie emerged with a grin.
"Misty, Leo," he greeted, momentarily stumbling over Leo's name. "Had to double-check there. Guess the meds are making me a little loopy."
He shook a small blue bottle of painkillers in demonstration.
Misty tucked away her tarot cards. "Take it easy on those."
"No promises." Jackie clapped Leo on the back. "So, mano—you said you need some help?"
"Yeah, I'm desperate. Place to crash, a bodyguard who won't rob me blind, and more importantly… food. I'm starving."
"First things first. Food's easy. Mercado's just down the block."
"Passed it earlier."
"Then let's go, mano."
"Misty? You in?"
"I think I'll pass," she said with a smile. "Unlike you two, I'm watching my figure."
Jackie grinned. "Suit yourself."
He led Leo toward the exit, flashing that ever-friendly grin. "Stick close, corpo boy… I mean, ah, my bad. I meant 'respectable citizen.' This part of town's no joke."
"Good thing I've got you to watch my back."
"Damn straight."
The two made their way back to the bustling night market, where the mingling scents of sizzling meats and fried noodles welcomed them.
Vendors hawked their wares under neon lights, while the crowd surged through narrow streets. The sound of chatter, laughter, and the occasional argument filled the air.
Even at this hour, Night City was alive.
"Welcome to Watson, mano." Jackie patted Leo's shoulder. "Now, let's get you fed."
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