bapa: from here to eternity

chapter 36: fate

Miles POV:

I sat in the Man's Nest, going over a few last-minute details before calling it a day. Mika, Bose, and Chapa were all enjoying themselves in Italy, and although they asked if I wanted to come, I couldn't. Someone needed to stay behind for emergencies, and today was no different.

It wasn't long before I received a call about trouble at Hip Hop Purée. Something about a criminal on the premises, but the caller didn't mention who. I figured it was nothing too serious—probably just a local disturbance. I teleported over, half-expecting the situation to be under control, but I didn't expect to see what I saw.

Jeff. Tied to a chair. Again.

I glanced around, looking for the caller, and noticed a woman standing behind me. "I already handled things with him. You or the police can take him now," she said.

I turned around, surprised to see Blaise. Last I heard, she was living in Rivalton, so seeing her here in Swellview was unexpected. "Then who called me and why?" I asked.

"That man over there," she nodded toward an old man, "but I already told him I could handle him myself."

I raised an eyebrow, glancing at Jeff, the infamous idiot criminal of Swellview. "I don't want to ruin your pride, but this is Jeff. The dumbest criminal in the city. Anyone could've taken him down."

Blaise crossed her arms, giving me a look. "Are you bothered by the fact a citizen took him down for you? And a woman at that?"

I sighed, trying to stay professional. "No, that's not what I meant. I'm just saying that next time you see a criminal, you shouldn't take the risk. Jeff may be easy, but others won't be. Don't underestimate criminals just because you got lucky with this one."

She rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed with my advice. "So, what now? I'm guessing there's more to this?"

I nodded. "I need you to come with me to the police station. They'll need your statement."

"Really?" she groaned. "Can't I just tell you and you relay it to the cops? I need to get back to my little sisters."

"I'm afraid you have to come with me," I replied.

She huffed. "Fine, but don't let it take too long."

I nodded, preparing to teleport us. "First time teleporting will make you dizzy. Just so you know."

"Yeah, whatever," she said, still annoyed.

We teleported to the station, and she seemed fine for a few seconds. She turned to me, smiling as if to prove her point. But then, without warning, she threw up all over me.

I sighed, my patience thinning. "I am so sorry," she muttered before dashing off to the bathroom.

About three minutes later, she returned, looking a little sheepish. "I cleaned up. Here are some paper towels for your suit," she said, handing them over.

I wiped at the mess, trying to stay calm. "You okay now?"

"Uh, yeah. Are you?" she asked, her voice dripping with fake innocence.

I glanced down at my vomit-covered suit. "If I wasn't covered in your puke, I'd be great."

She shrugged, clearly still annoyed about the whole situation. "You told me to come with you, and you knew there was a chance I'd throw up."

I blinked, incredulous. "You serious? Are you blaming this all on me?"

Blaise crossed her arms again, looking defiant. "It's not entirely my fault. I didn't want to go with you in the first place."