Entering the old, abandoned news tower, I overheard the voice of someone with a rough Scottish accent over the intercom.

"Ah, you're here, great get yourself in the elevator and meet me in ma office. I'm on floor 24"

Following the instructions given, I took the elevator and headed to the 24th floor, Upon the elevator door's opening I was greeted by Vincent holding a bottle of whiskey in his hand.

"Maxy, I can call you Maxy. How is ye doing pal?"

"Max is fine, here." I handed him the list.

"Smashing… here's yer pay." He opened a drawer in his desk and pulled out a stack of eddies.

"I added a wee little extra since you brought me the list."

I took the money. "Thanks."

"I'll contact ye again when I have a job for you.

Vincent proceeded to bring out two glass cups and began filling them with whiskey.

Now how about a wee drink, to celebrate this new relationship eh?"

"No, but thanks. I have to go meet with someone."

"Ach cummoan, it's a special occasion. Who's mair important than me."

I couldn't even understand what he was saying, I knew he wasn't going to take no for an answer but at the same time, I wasn't going to have a drink with this nut case.

"Sorry mate but I should be going now, I'm driving anyway so it wouldn't be a good idea," I said.

"Fair enough but ye owe me a drink, Maxy."

Finally getting out of the news tower I got in my car and headed for Lizzie's.

Henry calls Max

Henry: "Hey how did things go with the Mox?"

Max: "Haven't seen them yet."

Henry: "How come?"

Max: "They won't let me in unless they are expecting me. I was told to come back at six."

Henry: "So what, have you been driving around the city in your most prized possession all day?"

Max: "First of all, my most prized possession is a custom-made Johnny Silverhand guitar, and second I got us a new fixer."

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

Henry: "I completely forgot you bought that piece of shit guitar, anyway who's the new fixer?"

Max: "His name is Vincent, a bit of a loose cannon, so stay sharp around him. Paid me 4750 eddies for just killing some Crimson Blades. Also fuck off you bought me that bloody guitar for my 18th. What about you, what have you done all day?"

Henry: "Charming. I've been helping Reese with some issues in Santo Domingo. A word of warning: a new gang calling themselves The Patriots has obtained Redeye.

Max: "How. I thought the police had the drug when we intercepted that couple?"

Henry: "I would tell you but not over the phone though. I would ask to meet but you are busy with the Mox aren't you? When you have time give me a text."

Max: "Alright I'll talk to you soon."

---Call Ended---

Strange I've never heard Henry so concerned about talking business over the phone. The last time Henry was like this was back in 2077 when Henry, myself, and our old friend Luca had to lay low in the Badlands because of something we did.

Parking my car outside of Lizzie's I was greeted by the same bouncer from this morning.

"Hey, handsome. I'm glad to see you decided to come back. Did you come here for that drink I offered?"

I couldn't tell if she was serious or flirting with me, but the free drink sounded nice.

We went inside the bar, electronic music blasted throughout the bar.

"What can I get you two?" said the bartender.

The bouncer looked at me as if to say you get to order.

"Two whiskeys."

"Coming up." said the bartender.

"You know I never caught your name?" I asked the woman.

The bartender shortly returned with our drinks.

"Rita. What about you, what do they call you." She said before taking a sip of her drink.

"Name's Max Carver"

"So, Max Carver. You said earlier that you were "told to come here to look for work" Is that right?"

"Yeah, I was told that by I'm guessing someone you know?"

She let out a quiet laugh.

"No, I don't, sorry… where did you meet this person?"

I told her about yesterday, the shooting at the bar, how myself and Henry returned fire killing the Tyger Claws, and the woman telling me to come here if looking for work.

Her eyes light up while taking a sip of her drink.

"Oh, I've heard about you. You're the guy who helped out with the attack on the bar in Little China."

I nodded in approval.

"Quick question how much do you know about The Mox?"

As far as my knowledge goes, the Mox is a gang involved in a long-standing conflict with the Tyger Claws, which was triggered by the Clouds incident back in 2077. Following this event, their former leader Susie Q departed from the gang, not wanting to be caught up in the ensuing battle. Jill was appointed as her successor.

"Your observations regarding the Clouds incident are not entirely correct. However, since then, certain changes have occurred within our organization. For instance, Judy, who was an exceptional BD editor, left the Mox. Unfortunately, we have been unable to find anyone who can edit BDs with the same level of finesse as she did. Additionally, following the collapse of Maelstrom, Watson has become our territory, but we have faced significant challenges from both the Tyger Claws and the newly formed Crimson Blades gang. However, I believe there is a way you could assist me with this matter."

"What is it?"

"Some Tyger Claws and Crimson Blades are meeting tonight at the docks in Japantown, and that would be the ideal opportunity for us to avenge our losses."

I finished my drink before telling her. "I'm in."

"Then let's get moving, we'll take your car," Rita said while getting up from the stool and making her way to the exit.

I followed shortly after.