Dream City Ch. 06

Evening had finally set in and I was right back at Saturn's Moon, delivering the bad news to Sadie. I didn't want to tell her but I did say I'd keep her up to date on the situation. As usual the place was packed, but tonight Sadie was in a different kind of mood on stage. She wasn't the show stopping queen of excitement like she was the other night. Tonight, she performed a slow and gloomy song about running away from home; it sounded like it was all about Prudence.

Instead of heading to the bar I stood by the balcony, high above the crowd, waiting on Sadie to end her dramatic performance and calling it an evening. After the last guitar string was picked, the lights on stage dimmed, and the crowd applauded even though it wasn't the performance they expected.

"Come home," Sadie said, on the pitch black stage.

When she spoke those last two words out loud I knew who she meant. Even though the crowd cheered for the band, Sadie was in no mood to wish the crowd goodnight like she normally did after every performance. Eventually she got over herself and told them what they wanted to hear. One thing Sadie never did was disappoint her fans.

"Good night, everyone," she said, "and pleasant dreams."

Satisfying the crowd, Sadie headed backstage with the guys. Instead of the dressing room I waited outside for the crowd to disperse and the place to close down. When she finally showed up she was less than surprised to see me waiting on her. After saying goodnight to everyone else, she kept all her focus on me.

"Lovely evening," I said, politely.

"What happened to you?" She asked, noticing the cuts on my face and forehead.

"Well, since I woke up I ran into trouble and reunited with an old friend. Let's just say my day couldn't get any brighter."

"Is that why you're here? To tell me how your day turned out?"

"Thought I dropped by and give your my full report."

"And let me guess, you haven't found her."

"Not yet, but I've had a few leads. I stopped by Medusa Manor and found out she dropped by most recently."

"Medusa Manor?"

"It's a brothel near-."

"I know what it is. First of all Prudence wouldn't be caught dead in a place like that. She has no business being there or in any whorehouse."

"Either way she was seen there with some guy. Boyfriend, maybe?"

"Absolutely not, and if this boy is who I think it is, so help me I'll set him on fire."

"I haven't found him yet. When I catch him how about you and I interrogate him together? Sound good?"

"What pray tell possessed you to look for Prudence at a brothel of all places?"

"Because I've checked other places and came up empty. So I took a chance going deeper into peep shows and strip clubs. Oh, that reminds me I paid a visit to your old boss."

"Really? And how is dear Franklin?"

"He's dead."

"That's too bad."

"Well, you're all shook up about it."

"I had no love for the man. Should I be sorry that someone came along and assassinated him?"

"Assassinated? He got caught in the line of fire while the assassin was gunning for me."

"I don't understand."

Sadie was about to understand once I told her what I went through all day.

"Once I began my assignment I have had people gunning for me. I've been shot at, nearly blown up, and buried in the tunnel. I need to know, what exactly did Prudence do?"

"Like what? What exactly are you assuming?"

"I'm not assuming anything. What did she get herself into? Did she pissed off the wrong people? Did she steal from someone?"

"No, of course not, she would never do anything like that. It's coincidence, that's all."

"I don't think so. I've pissed off plenty in my line of work and some have tried to come after me, but not like this. Not with the weapons they had on them."

"What exactly are you saying?"

"I'm saying someone doesn't want me to find her and I want to know why. What can you tell me about this guy she's with?"

Sadie was hesitant to mention the guy's name; she looked sick to her stomach just thinking about him.

"His name is Otto," she said, "Otto Mays. He and Prude have known each other for some time, since school I should say. He's a bad influence. Been in and out of rehabilitation and arrested on numerous occasions. A dropout and unable to find himself a proper job. Shall I go on?"

"Forget it," I said, "I know enough. I've dealt with his kind before."

"Wait, are you saying Otto is responsible for Prude's disappearance?"

"No, I don't think so. With his colorful background I doubt it. Maybe he got caught up with something he wasn't supposed to and she got dragged into it."

"Oh, bollocks."

"Relax, I'll find him."

"I should have ended his life when I had the chance."

"What stopped you?"

"Pride got the best of me."

She had beauty, brains, and a hard as nails attitude. The more I got to know Sadie the more I admired her.

"If you'd done that," I said, "you wouldn't be the rock and roll queen your subjects adore. Where's the fun in that?"

I managed to get a smile out of her, easing the growing tension.

"Feel better now?" I asked.

"No," she said, with a smile.

"Now that we have that out of the way, let me offer you a ride home."

"That's really not necessary."

"It's the least I could do. You stay out here any longer, the cops will get the wrong impression. You know what I mean?"

I sat back on the sky cycle revving to go, until Sadie got a look at my ride and was less than impressed.

"What is that?" She asked.

"Just something I borrowed. Hop on."

"Didn't you have a nice motorcar?"

"Oh, that's in the shop. It'll be in tip top shape, hopefully by next week. Come on, the night is not getting any younger."

Finally, Sadie gave in and sat behind me with her arms around my waist. I revved up the engines and we were on our way. From high above I got a bird's eye view of the city, admiring how it looked from this angle. How does a city like this get to be so beautiful yet be riddled with scum and dirt? I could only imagine what this city used to be before I came along.

"Beautiful, isn't she?" Sadie asked.

"Say again?" I asked, barely hearing what she said.

Sadie solved that problem putting her chin on my shoulder, giving me a whiff of her sweet perfume.

"The city," she said, "she's beautiful."

"Yeah, she is. Depends on how you look at it these days with all the shit going down."

"It may be a bad place but it's still home."

"Yeah, that's what I always say."

"How long have you lived here?"

"Several years. You?"

"Just a few. It was just me and the band, and Prude tagged along to stay close to me."

"Your folks?"

"Dad died years ago. Mother? I wouldn't know. She abandoned us when we were young."

"Sorry to hear that."

"I'm not."

Learning more about Sadie got interesting by the minute. Having a beautiful woman lean on me and talking in my ear felt soothing. I needed some soothing after a long and stressful day.

"This city," said Sadie, "was once a paradise. It was once called the new America. People came by the hundreds, establishing better lives and hopes for the future. It didn't matter who you were. Whether it was race or religion, all were invited. It was a city of hope...and dreams."

"Dream City," I said.

"Precisely. Then it all came to an end once the mob made their presence felt. Soon the other dregs of society jumped right in and-."

"Turned the city into shit."

"In a matter of speaking."

As much as I enjoyed the view I couldn't help looking over my shoulder for any more surprises. I was waiting for the next drone to pop up or heat seeker to chase me down. If this kept up any further I may get PTSD before my assignment is done.

"Something wrong?" Sadie asked. "You look a bit nervous."

"I should be after the day I went through. Who the hell knows who's out here targeting me."

"Relax, soldier boy. It's late and by now the bad men are sleeping."

"If you're trying to calm my nerves it ain't working. I'll get you home in one piece if that's what you're worried about."

"No, not at all."

So far so good; not a sign of even a fragment of a threat. Still, I kept my eyes out for anything, lurking in the shadows or out of place. Sadie's apartment was still several blocks away. Maybe I had a chance to make it there unscathed.

"You see anything?" I asked. "Anything at all?"

"Like what?" She asked.

"Anything that flies or leaves a trail of smoke. If it's the good year blimp I wanna know about it."

So far there was nothing out of the ordinary; not a missile was fired-nor a drone flew by.

"Johnny," said Sadie.

"Yeah?"

"You said something that flies?"

"Yeah, why?"

"There's a helo in back of us."

"What?"

"A helicopter."

I looked over my shoulder, getting a peek at the overgrown whirlybird; black and slick, with tinted windows. I should say I'm shocked but I'm not. I knew that the bad guys weren't all in bed; just taking a break and regrouping. The situation this time was grim now that Sadie was with me. The last thing I wanted to do was get her involved in a firefight. That damned chopper was armed with laser machine guns, the likes I've never seen before.

"Fuck me," I said.

Before a shot was fired I made my move, stepping on the gas, getting Sadie as far away from harm as possible.

"Hold on tight," I said.

Sadie did just that, wrapping her arms nice and tight around my waist. I flew the cycle straight below as the laser fire came raining down, creating a path of destruction, filling up the streets with fire and smoke. Parked vehicles were hammered and turned to fiery scrap metal.

"This is all I fucking need," I said, pulling out my shotgun.

With a hand on one handlebar I turned around, aiming directly at the chopper. Sadie kindly moved out of the way; she's about to get a taste of me in action. One shot fired and I barely nicked it.

"Cock it," I said.

"What?" Sadie said, unaware of what I meant.

"My shotgun. The fore end right underneath. Grab it and pull it back."

Sadie did just that and I fired another shot. I told her to do it two more times but I was nowhere near inflicting damage upon the chopper. I needed another method in taking it down.

After putting my weapon back in the holster I made a hard right. The chopper passed by but I wasn't about to lose it. There were questions I needed answered and I was going to get them, even if I have to beat the shit out of the pilot.

Another hard turn and I was right behind the chopper. I poured on the gas to get close enough towards the landing skids, away from the pilot's view. Sadie was about to be less than thrilled over my next brilliant idea.

"Take over," I said.

"What?"

"Take over. I'm getting on board."

"Are you daft?"

"I want to have a talk with the pilot. Just keep it steady, and don't get me killed."

"Bloody hell."

Sadie grabbed hold of the handlebars while I did the unthinkable; sitting between them and blocking her view. All I had to do was reach out and grabbed onto the skid; easier said than done.

"A little closer," I said. "Just a little closer."

"I hired a madman."

I had one shot and took it. I grabbed the skid, holding on for dear life. Carefully, I stood up opening the side door, stepping inside to pay a visit. The pilot was the only one on board; no co-pilot-or any backup. That made my job a lot easier.

"Hey!" I alerted him. "I want to talk to you."

The guy responded with bullets from the handgun he happened to pull out. I ducked down, waiting for his cartridge to grow empty. He was about to reload until I got close enough to kick the gun out of his hand, leading us into a one on one contest. This guy was no slouch; he had some combat skills of his own making it real tough for me.

He knocked me down, quickly regaining control of the lever before the chopper hit the ground. I got back up and charged him, removing him from his seat. Back and forth we went at it. One fist and one kick after another; we could have gone on all evening. As much as I enjoyed the exercise I needed some answers from this prick. I knocked him on his ass, pinning him down until he told me what I needed to know.

"Talk to me," I said, "who sent you?"

"Fuck you," said the pilot.

"You want to try again?" I asked, nicely before driving a fist into his nose.

"I'm not telling you shit. They'll keep coming until you're dead."

"Who? Who's your boss? Your commanding officer? I want a name!"

"Looks like we have something in common, brother."

"We have nothing in common. Last chance. Who're you working for?"

Since he refused to talk I left him to his doom. I was ready to take the plunge; my biggest worry was finding a soft place to land without breaking both my legs. To my surprise Sadie stayed on my trail, waiting on me the whole time.

"What are you still doing here?" I asked.

"Waiting on you," said Sadie. "Are you ready to jump?"

"I don't have a choice, do I?"

"For fuck's sake you're wasting time."

I didn't know whether to be mad or grateful. I had little choice but to guide her once again.

"Keep it steady," I said.

I could only assume the pilot remained on the ground, due to the chopper's new heading straight below, and if I didn't make my move now I was going to be sucking pavement. A little closer and I was set, until the pilot grabbed me from behind to continue our sparring contest.

"You want to talk now?" I asked, before driving a knee into his jaw.

One kick to the chest drove him back to the cockpit and I got my ass on jump mode. I made my move, grabbing onto the cushioned seat. Sadie had a hold of my sleeve, giving me the leverage I needed.

"Go!" I shouted, once I got back on my seat.

The chopper went straight down, becoming one big inferno. I was left empty handed and disappointed in not getting the info I needed. What I did realize was he had something familiar on him.

"You all right back there?" Sadie asked.

"I'm fucking ecstatic," I said, "but thanks for getting my ass out of there."

"My pleasure."

Instead of sitting behind Sadie I sat back to back, keeping watch for the next big surprise of the evening. I pulled out my shotgun with a full clip, ready to inflict some serious damage.

"Where do you want me to go?" Sadie asked.

"Can you still make it to your place?" I asked.

"I think so. Are we being followed?"

"Not yet. Not just yet."

I could feel it. I could feel them planning their attack and ready to make my life a living hell. It's all I need on this rather cool evening.

"Oh, bollocks!" Sadie shouted.

"What?" I asked, even though I already knew the answer.

"Another helo. Right in front of us."

Directly ahead and blasting at us, a second chopper of the same design, with tinted windows and another asshole in the cockpit.

"Get us out of here," I said.

"Where?" Sadie asked. "What direction?"

"Anywhere, let's go!"

"Hold on!"

Sadie took a hard left out of range of the chopper's fire.

"Where is it?" She asked.

"I don't know," I said, looking up. "Keep an eye out. No pun intended."

Sadie took a turn around the corner, and right there in back of us, the chopper came in hot and heavy. This time I had a better view of it so I could knock it down like I did its counterpart.

"Oh, for fuck's sake," said Sadie, looking over her shoulder.

"Go! Go!" I yelled.

Sadie did her thing while the chopper stayed right on us. I was ready to cause some severe damage, but I needed for it to come closer to connect my shots.

"That's it," I said. "Come on, you fuck. Come to papa."

The closer it came, the more anxious I was in pulling the trigger. Closer and closer still, firing its arsenal of heavy laser fire.

"I'm right here," I said, practically daring it to take me down. "That's right. Say aah, motherfucker."

I took my shots, pouring it on until the cockpit's window shattered. Unfortunately, it was the passenger side I hit instead. The seat was empty, telling me the pilot was flying solo like the last one. The chopper rose and flew right above us, but not before I fired my shots straight underneath, creating minimal damage upon the belly of the beast. I would have hit the tail rotor but I used up my clip and in need of a quick reload.

"Johnny?" Sadie asked.

"I'm still here," I responded. "Where is it?"

"It's about to turn around."

"Then turn us around, pronto."

Sadie did just that; handling the cycle like a pro, continuing to surprise me. Speaking of surprises, I had a big one coming my way in the form of a missile; a heat seeker with my name on it.

"Incoming!" I shouted.

Sadie poured on the gas without question. The missile at top speed grew closer and I had a good enough chance in taking it out. My only worry was the shock wave knocking Sadie and I off our asses. I took my chance anyway, firing my shotgun and destroying that heat seeking piece of shit.

The shock wave barely missed us, instead blasting the windows of the buildings we were caught between. Shards of broken glass rained down and Sadie needed to get us in the clear before we were torn to shreds.

"What was that?" Sadie asked.

"You don't want to know," I answered, politely.

The chopper came up behind us once again. Turns out the pilot had a missile launcher of his own, strapped on the passenger seat. This guy was getting on my fucking nerves.

"Get us out of here," I said, "we got another problem coming our way."

"Hang on," said Sadie.

I hung in there, waiting on that next heat seeker to come my way. Once the next one appeared, Sadie didn't need any encouragement in high tailing it. The girl handled herself pretty well.

"Where this time?" She asked.

I looked over my shoulder to get some idea on where to go. There was one spot I took notice that could work to our advantage, or at least I hoped it did.

"That building," I said, "straight ahead."

"What about it?" She asked.

"Go straight into it."

"It's condemned."

"Do it! Do it fast!"

"As you wish."

The old apartment complex had been condemned for years. It needed some serious remodeling so the heat seeker was the perfect tool for the job. We flew straight inside where a window used to be. The missile followed our lead without a scratch.

"Anymore bright ideas?" Sadie asked.

"I'm working on it," I said.

I fired at the plaster and old wood above us. Bits of debris connected, forcing the missile to flip over and fall through the floors below. A big explosion took place, shaking up the whole building. The floor we were on was now coming apart and about ready to bury us alive.

"Faster!" I shouted. "Go, go, go!"

"Oh, bollocks," said Sadie, looking over her shoulder at the disaster coming down.

The entire floor collapsed piece by piece; clouds of dust set to smother us both. There was an opening way ahead; plenty of room for us to go through. I encouraged Sadie to keep doing what she did, but at this point she didn't need any. We managed to get through unscathed. Right in front of me the entire floor became a pile of dust and rubble. It was a close call but the danger was far from over.

"Well done," I said.

"Johnny," said Sadie, "I believe we have a problem."

"What is it?"

"The engine is overheating."

"What? Are you fucking kidding me?"

Turns out she wasn't. The engine was spewing smoke right before us, with no alternative but to land. We had to make it quick before the chopper came for another pass.

"Shit," I said.

"What now?" Sadie asked.

"Land. Right about there."

Sadie made the perfect landing in front of the nearest alleyway I suggested. It was the perfect place to hide the cycle and I did just that, dragging it all the way inside as quickly as I could. We were both set to leave until the chopper popped up, forcing us to hide deep within the alleyway.