Get ready for a cinematic experience! In a Cyberpunk-style alternate version of Baldur's Gate, Astarion Ancunin, a top celebrity and aspiring politician, meets a popular influencer called Shadowheart in a fundraising party. But an unexpected crime s...
Although convincing Wyll was crucial, Lae'zel didn't want to risk giving away his position. Thus, she called him while riding her Wakizashi through the clean, sparsely populated roads of Baldur City's northwestern neighbourhoods.
He answered after three rings. "Yes, Enforcer?" His reserved tone made her grit her teeth.
"We need to talk about tonight."
"You mean about the plan you began executing despite my objection?"
"With all due respect, Detective, I am leading this investigation." She slowed before an intersection, letting two executive cars pass from the right, and carried on. "And the commissioner approved."
"I hate repeating myself, but I asked you not to give into her pressure."
She almost snapped at him—a freelance detective had a lot less to lose! Jaheira could've taken her off the case or even moved her to another precinct, which would've seriously hurt her career. Regardless, she believed in her choice. "The pressure was only one factor in my decision."
"And the other was Professor—"
"Listen now, Detective!" She avoided a slow-moving car and stopped at the sideline. "I called you now—not the professor—so you can either work with me or continue sulking. I'd prefer if we work together, because I've seen the devil we're up against."
"Oh?" Wyll's tone turned curious.
Lae'zel rode away from the sideline, ensuring that nobody would eavesdrop on her next words, and told him about Orin the Red. After she finished, the detective murmured a hum.
"The Bhaalites are legendary criminals, you know. My father hated them with a passion."
That sounded like a useful thread she could virtually pull on. "Maybe it's your chance to impress him; prove your abilities."
"Deflate the old judge's ego?" Wyll let out a short laugh. "I'd love to see his expression after we catch Orin the Red. Still, Lae'zel, I can't in good conscience risk Alfira's life this way."
"Even with a bait taking her spot?"
"You assume someone as clever as Orin will fall for it."
A good point. Lae'zel slowed down for a corner. A couple of boys ogled her shiny bike, one pointing. She let them enjoy the sight before speeding away. "What do you suggest, then?"
"You'll continue with the trap, and I'll keep Alfira safe here until it's over."
Did she absolutely need him at the musician's apartment building? With Karlach, her two security people, and Enforcer Jameson around, they had a considerable force already. "Very well, but I want you nearby as reinforcements in case something goes wrong."
The line went quiet for a moment. "On condition that I get to approve the new location."
"That's acceptable. We'll talk later." She ended the call with a satisfied smile. Negotiations were never her strong side, yet she'd got Wyll on board—just like Jaheira wanted.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
