Chapter Sixty-Four – New Hair Day

Chapter Sixty-Four – New Hair Day

“Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, three times is enemy action […]”

–Ian Fleming, Goldfinger, 1959

***

“Can I come?”

I think Myalis might have been impressed by just how quickly I came to a conclusion on that question.

“Fuck no,” I said.

Lucy pouted at me, which was downright lethal. She was in bed, wearing a blanket and nothing else. She tugged it up and around her neck a little, so that the only part of her I could see was her chubby-cheeked pout. “Why not?” she asked.

“Because it’s dangerous?” I asked the obvious. I sensed that it was something of a trap, though. “And no, that doesn’t mean that I can’t go. Or that I could just give you stuff to keep you safe.”

Lucy’s pout deepened, and then she flopped backwards onto the bed with a bounce and kicked her legs from under the blankets. It almost looked like she was a brat throwing a tantrum. “Fine! But I want to help.”

“Ah, well, that’s different,” I said. “You could, uh…”

I quickly wrote a message on my augs directed to Myalis, basically begging for help.

Perhaps you could suggest that Lucy uses the spare time that she has and that you lack to look into some of your current projects?

“Oh, I know!” I said with a snap of my organic fingers. “Can you check up on my shit for me?” I sent a thank you to Myalis, and an apology for stealing her ideas.

You can have some of my ideas. I’ll consider it charity to the impoverished.

Lucy perked up at that, her tantrum ending. It was probably for the best, because she looked out of breath. “What shit do you need checking up on?” she asked.

“Well, there’s the prosthetics clinic downstairs. I didn’t look into it at all yesterday. We need to make sure they’re up and running. Then the whole sewer thing. I don’t think you should go check on them yourself, but the Family is doing some work and I need to keep an eye on them. Maybe pop over to their HQ and remind them that I’m paying attention. Oh, and look in on Rac. Heck, hire her to come with you all armed up. It’ll keep her busy and her nose out of trouble.”

Lucy hummed, then jumped out of bed. “Alright!” I said as she spread her arms and legs wide and stretched. “Yeah, that actually does sound kind of useful.”

“As long as you’re safe about it,” I added.

She turned a look my way. “Really? Since when are you so focused on being safe?”

“Hey, I always want you to be safe and warm and have everything you ever wanted,” I said. It had the advantage of being true. “It’s just that I didn’t think I could give you all of that until now. If you really want to come, I’m sure we can work something out?”

She shook her head. “No, you’re right. Thanks, Cat.” Lucy ambled over. “Hugs? Or are you not leaving right now?”

“Not just yet,” I replied as I very easily accepted a hug. “I need to get ready.”

“Alright. Use the washroom first, I don’t have as far to go. Actually, I’m gonna check on the people downstairs first.”

“Wear that jacket,” I said. “And that necklace. And bring at least two of the cat drones with you.”

“Really?”

“They’re intimidating,” I said.

“And I’m not.”

“You’re terrifying,” I replied, which earned me a swat.

Lucy laughed. “Go get ready. You’ll be late, and then Delilah’s gonna complain to Franny who’ll complain to me.”

“Urgh, maybe having them as neighbours was a mistake,” I groaned as I finally let go of Lucy and wandered over to the washroom. I paused within as I saw myself in the mirror again. It was still me, obviously, but I came closer and then reached a hand up to my right side.