NovaLight (Helluva Boss AU)

Chapter 7: Not The Pizza Guy

When Loona pulled up at Blood River Heights, she strode past the hotel clerk without a second glance. His attempt to halt her was met with a cold stare, her hand casually revealing the pistol tucked in her jacket. Wordlessly, he stepped aside, allowing her passage to the elevator. With a press of the top floor button, she ascended, the catchy tune of "The Piña Colada Song" filling the confined space.

After a brief wait, she reached the designated floor and made her way to room 808. Knocking impatiently, she was met with silence. Frustration brewed within her as she muttered curses under her breath, awaiting Striker's response.

Finally, the door clicked open, revealing Striker with a smirk leaning against the frame. Behind him, two bound imps sat, their muffled protests barely audible.

"Hey," he greeted casually, prompting Loona to glance past him, her expression darkening at the sight of the captives.

"Who are they?" she demanded, her tone sharp with concern. Striker shrugged nonchalantly.

"They're just residents," he replied flippantly, prompting Loona to sigh in exasperation.

"What's going on?" she pressed, her impatience evident. Striker launched into an explanation, his tone casual despite the gravity of the situation.

"Well, security here is a joke. These folks felt safe living up here, didn't even bother with proper locks. They were probably inspecting the pizza delivery guy when we walked in," he explained with a dismissive wave towards the restrained imps. Loona shook her head, her focus unwavering.

"Fine, but let's stay on track. What about the problem?" she interjected, her tone firm. Striker seemed unfazed by her urgency, instead brandishing bolt cutters with a grin.

"That's what these are for. Door cracked open? Slip these babies in, problem solved," he declared triumphantly. Loona's patience wore thin as she cut him off.

"Striker, focus. We need to address this," she insisted, her frustration evident. His response caught her off guard, his tone tinged with resentment.

"We are addressing it, Loona. You don't appreciate what I do for you, do you?" he accused, his words cutting through the tension. She scoffed incredulously, a bitter smile tugging at her lips.

"Really?" she questioned, her skepticism evident in her tone.

"Yeah," he replied earnestly, but her laughter lacked any semblance of amusement.

"Do me a favor, let's cut to the chase. How much time are we working with?" she pressed, leaning against the balcony as he consulted his watch, shaking his head.

"Not enough," he admitted, a note of urgency creeping into his voice.

"Remember that guy from the stadium? Well, turns out he's not as out of commission as we thought. Cops got him locked up in IMP City prison, and he's gearing up to point a finger straight at you during interrogation," Striker revealed, gesturing towards her with a grim expression. Loona's brows furrowed in concern.

"How the hell did that happen?" she demanded, her frustration mounting. He shrugged in response.

"Just another kick while we're down. But check this out," he said, directing her gaze across the river to a railyard with a lone railcar surrounded by guards.

"See that? A lucrative contract just went out this morning. Somebody's willing to pay top dollar to snatch that clown and make him talk. And one of those guys over there is running the operation," he explained, the gravity of the situation sinking in. Loona smirked, a plan already formulating in her mind as she perched on the guardrail.