From deep inside the dark basement, the sound of an argument drifted out.
"Finish the job first, got it? The girls need to eat!"
"Can't we just let this go?"
...
Arthur said nothing as he watched the woman hurry past. Before this job, it had been V who contacted the people here; clearly, she knew them better.
"I don't welcome you... and I sure as hell don't want to see you. Got that?" From behind a dark desk, a woman called out as soon as she spotted them approaching.
It was obvious she wasn't in a good mood.
"We're just here for Evelyn. You know her well..." V stepped forward.
"Evelyn... Hmph! Looking to pin your shitty business on her as a scapegoat? Don't make me laugh." The woman leaned back in a wide chair that made her look even thinner than she was.
Her short hair was swept to one side, curling up against her cheek.
"Judy, we just want to track down her buyer... It's important. Very important." V's voice stayed even, but the weight in her tone made it impossible to dismiss.
Truth was, Arthur and V had become the hottest merc crew in Night City. Maybe not glamorous, but definitely not to be underestimated.
"But you botched it... word's all over Night City." The woman—Judy—kept herself busy with work, though her tone had softened a lot.
"I won't deny it, we screwed up. That job might kill me. That's why I need to find Evelyn, figure out who the buyer was, and see if it can save my life."
With Judy, V was showing more patience than usual.
Arthur just watched the two women talk, lost in thought.
"Saving my life—I'll help. But... Evelyn hasn't been in touch lately." Judy sounded heavy-hearted. She buried her face in her hands, her muffled voice carrying a quiet regret. "Because of your damn job... I never wanted her mixed up in it. We fought over it..."
"Huff—" Letting out a long breath, Judy lowered her hands. Her face looked drawn. "You know she's a doll. Works at Clouds. You can try your luck there."
She reached out and pointed to a spot on the desk. "That pack of cigarettes—it's got the address."
With what they came for in hand, Arthur and V turned to leave. But before they could go, Judy suddenly spoke up, stopping V mid-step.
"V! Wait...
Find Evelyn... and tell her to call me, alright?"
It was a small request. V nodded, and Judy gave the faintest nod in return. Her voice was quiet, but clear enough for V to catch: "Thanks..."
The two left.
"I've been there." Arthur suddenly spoke up as they walked down the street. When he caught V's curious look, he clarified, "Had a job once—had to take out the boss of that place."
V's brow eased, and she shook her head helplessly.
Not that she thought there was anything wrong with going to a place like Clouds... just no need to announce it everywhere.
"So... what's your take?" V asked, steering back to the task.
"Just that... someone there might remember me." Arthur rubbed his chin, recalling certain disgusting men from the place. That memory was burned deep.
"Could be a good thing. If they recognize you, it might make things easier. Wait... it's not something bad, is it?" V caught herself, remembering what their work usually meant.
"Dropped a bunch of guards... and the boss. That's all." Arthur remembered the gold they'd taken—and how much they'd left behind.
"No problem. Dolls usually can't wait for their guards to get killed." V waved it off, finally relaxing.
...
Westbrook, Japantown...
They took the elevator straight up to the business floor of Clouds.
The same blue-haired girl was manning the reception desk. She started her usual greeting, but when she looked up and saw Arthur, she froze, pointing at him in shock.
Maybe it wasn't his face she recognized, but his distinctive getup.
"You... you... should we leave?" Though startled, she wasn't really scared—last time, after all, no one had attacked.
Besides, he'd killed the boss who'd been selling dolls off to the Scavs.
Arthur shrugged, pressing his hands down in a calming gesture. "We're just here to find someone. A doll named... Evelyn Parker."
The receptionist bit her lip, then seemed to steel herself and typed on the terminal. "Evelyn... she's been here recently. But we can't just call dolls directly—it's confidential. Maybe... you'll have to pay to meet her. That way I won't be breaking rules."
Money wasn't a problem for V, who paid without hesitation.
They passed through the doorway... instantly bathed in purple, suggestive light. Music pulsed around them, soft and sultry, like whispers against their ears.
Following the payment details, they found the room quickly. Once Arthur, following behind, shut the door firmly, the space was sealed off.
"Damn it..." Evelyn spat the moment they walked in. She didn't even bother dropping her provocative pose. "How the fuck did you find me? Trying to get me killed? Fuck... real names aren't supposed to get out. Which little bitch couldn't keep her mouth shut?"
"Relax..." V raised a hand, her voice calm. "We're just here to ask a few questions. That's all."
"That's all?" Evelyn's tone wasn't friendly, but at least she wasn't screaming for help. She knew when to play it safe. "Mixing with you lot gets me dumped in a landfill!
Ask what you want—then fuck off and don't come back."
"Who wanted to buy that chip?" V's tone was steady.
"The Voodoo Boys," Evelyn muttered, slumping onto the red bed.
"Do you know any names? This is critical." V's voice was firm, her eyes locked on Evelyn. For a moment, Evelyn almost thought she saw a trace of hope there.