Chapter 12: Partners of Justice
"Hey, sailor, you don't sound too impressed with the work I offer. What are you—some kind of blind fool?"
Arthur barely had time to react before his phone buzzed again. He was driving across the viaduct, a cigarette dangling from his lips, having just left Maine's base. The Old Captain's name flashed on the screen.
"Still surrounded by skeptics, huh?" the Captain said with a chuckle. "I figured as much. Nobody here remembers your glory days. You're an old cyberpunk relic, a chrome-coated antique. If it were up to some of them, you'd already be mounted in a museum."
Arthur grinned. "Can't blame 'em. Nobody trusts an old-timer until he saves their ass."
"True," Reyes laughed. "Still, things are different now. Listen, I don't have anything for you personally. But someone else might. A 'righteous' sort. I passed along your number. You'll be hearing from her."
"Let me guess," Arthur replied, "you're talking about Queen Rogge?"
"Queen? She'd punt your chrome ass across the city if she heard that," Reyes snorted. "Don't let her hear you calling her 'Aunt.' She already hates being called ma'am."
"I'm doing her a favor, calling her Aunt. With how long she's been around, 'Grandma' would be more accurate."
Reyes laughed hard. "You better pray she doesn't hear that."
The call ended, and Arthur barely had time to scratch his chin before his phone rang again.
Incoming Call: Regina Jones