章 17: Miss
The familiar hum of the city surrounds me as I stand by the window, watching flying cars zip through the neon skyline of Neo Novus. This city is alive—pulsing, constantly moving with its endless lights and towering buildings. Normally, I'd lose myself in this view, appreciating the sprawling urban jungle that's always felt like home. But tonight, the sight only reminds me of what I've left behind. My mind drifts back to Aurelia, with its vast open skies, dusty barren lands, and the peace that came with it. The three moons hanging low on the horizon… or maybe it's not the moons I miss. More likely, it's a certain raven-haired beauty with those deep brown eyes.
The sharp beep from my intercom snaps me out of my thoughts, the small device strapped to my wrist vibrating slightly. I flick my wrist to answer the call, my heart skipping—hoping, irrationally, that it's her.
"Hey, Boss. We found them," a voice crackles through the line. Definitely not Leona. The wave of disappointment that follows is immediate and, frankly, annoying. I swallow it down, forcing my expression to remain neutral even though no one can see me. It's 2AM in Aurelia; she's probably asleep. Still, the urge to hear her voice is gnawing at me.
"Got it," I say, keeping my tone clipped before cutting the call.
I rise from my chair, casting one last glance at the city stretching out before me. The shimmering lights, the bustling streets—it all feels strangely hollow tonight. I've never been one to linger on what could have been, but that woman is something else. Shaking off the thoughts, I make my way out of the office. The guards stationed outside nod as I pass, and I offer them a brief nod in return. This entire floor—the 51st—is mine. I value my privacy after all.
The elevator doors slide open with a hiss, and I step inside. As the doors close behind me, my gaze falls on the view outside the glass walls. Flying cars dart through the skyline like fireflies, each one a blur of light against the night. The time on my wrist display reads 8PM. It's going to be a long night, and I can already feel the exhaustion creeping in. But there's no room for sleep now. There are things to handle, people to deal with, and loose ends that need tying up.
The elevator hums as it ascends, taking me up to the 57th floor. It's not really a floor in the traditional sense—more of a rooftop carpark, open and exposed to the elements. When the doors slide open, I'm greeted by the sight of Elijah leaning against a sleek car, cigarette in hand. His tan skin catches the glow of the city lights, and his white dreadlocks are tied back, giving him a sharp, clean look despite the smoke curling from his lips.
"Boss, you're here," he says, stubbing out the cigarette under his boot.
"Elijah," I nod as I approach, "it's been a while."
He grins, flashing white teeth. "You're looking good. That vacation must've done wonders."
I give a noncommittal shrug, sliding into the backseat of the car as he holds the door open for me. The interior is plush, sleek leather cradling me as I settle in. Elijah shuts the door behind me and hops into the driver's seat.
"Back to full health?" he asks casually as the car's engine purrs to life. "I heard about what happened."
"Yeah," I respond, closing my eyes and leaning back, trying to will away the tension building in my shoulders. "Rookie mistake. Should've double-checked the car."
"That's why you need me, Boss," Elijah says with a smirk. "Can't leave these things to chance."
Unfortunately, he's right. I made the mistake of driving myself that day, and it almost cost me everything. I should've known better—should've checked for any tampering, but I let my guard down. And of course, the one day Elijah wasn't around, I got burned. He'd been on leave, celebrating his sister's newborn, and I was foolish enough to think I could handle things myself. Lesson learned.
Elijah's an ex-convict, one of the best drivers I've ever seen. He's been with me for a decade now, ever since I bailed him out of a fifty-year sentence for illegal street racing and manufacturing cars that were way beyond legal specs. He wasn't the ringleader, but he took the fall, and when I found him, I knew I needed someone like him—loyal, talented, and willing to do whatever it takes. Money talks, got the charges dropped in a blink of an eye and I've kept him close ever since I was sixteen. He's more than just a driver; he's part of my inner circle, and I trust him with my life.
The car lifts off the ground smoothly, merging into the flow of traffic in the sky. The city blurs beneath us as we cut through the night.
"Where are we headed?" I ask, though I already know the answer.
Elijah glances back at me through the rearview mirror. "Abandoned factory on the outskirts. Looks like they've been laying low there. We'll be there soon."
I don't respond, instead letting the hum of the engine and the distant noise of the city lull me into a state of calm. My mind drifts back to Leona for a moment, her face flashing in my thoughts before I push it aside. There's no room for distraction tonight.
Soon enough, we arrive at the factory—a hulking, decrepit building surrounded by a few scattered cars. Elijah parks, and I step out, the cool night air hitting me as I survey the area. The place looks like it hasn't seen life in years, perfect for the kind of business that thrives in the shadows.
Elijah falls into step beside me as we approach the entrance. I crack my knuckles, my eyes narrowing as I mentally prepare for what's to come.
It's going to be a long night.
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