Hostility

At the appointed time, you arrive at the address from the letter. It’s a small coffee shop downtown, not particularly crowded, it seems. You park your car, and along with Emi, walk towards the entrance. Emi is in her usual disguise, and she holds your hand as the two of you walk in.

You immediately spot Jack Marceau, seated at a table in the corner. He seems to be alone, scrolling through his phone as he sips a cup of coffee. Taking a deep breath and squeezing Emi’s hand, you walk over to the table. Jack looks up at you and smiles. The smile never reaches his eyes, though, there’s no warmth there.

“Ahh, you came. Wonderful. Please, sit.”

You and Emi sit across from him, as he sets his phone aside. Folding his hands on the table, he looks at you, then at Emi. You say nothing, waiting for him to speak, which he does, turning back to you.

“So. It seems like we have a bit of a problem, don’t we. You see, normally I wouldn’t stress too much about losing a bit of waste. It happens.”

He looks at Emi. “That’s you, dear.”

You see Emi’s eyes narrow, and feel her tense. You place a hand on her leg to calm her. Jack smiles, clearly noticing her reaction.

“It’s nothing personal. I’m sure you think she’s lovely. But she’s a product. Literally fell off the truck. Admittedly, a disposal truck, but my point stands.”

You sigh. “Yes, I’m aware. Why are we here? What do you want?”

Jack shakes his head. “Just stating my position, so you understand. Legally, she belongs to me. To CompanionCorp. For now, at least. And if I wanted to, I could have her taken away, and you prosecuted. That would mean your little harpy would be taken too. Not to mention your doctor friend. I can’t imagine it would go well for her.”

You look at him, pushing down the fear you feel. “If you were going to do that, you’d just do it. What do you want?”

He smiles again. “I’m getting to that. See, I wasn’t particularly concerned with the escapees at first. They’d either die on their own, get returned to us, or find somewhere to hide. Not a big deal, right? We have much bigger things to worry about.”

He leans forward, his smile fading. “Except that you got involved in something deeper. The old man. I don’t know what he’s up to, but I know you’re involved. And I want it to stop.”

He picks up a briefcase from beside him, setting it on the table and opening it. He pulls out a pair of photos, of you coming and going from Harold’s mansion. Plainly visible are Emi, Lili, and Sam. Jack leans back, crossing his arms.

“Did you think I would just ignore the old bastard? I’m not stupid. I know he’s bitter and plotting. And now he’s made a move. Whatever it is, it would interfere with my plans. Well, it ends now.”

You look at the picture, then back to him. “Fine, so what happens now?”

He pulls out a sheet of paper. “This is a contract. It states that you will have no further contact with Harold Albright or any of his associates. Failure to do so will result in revocation of your contract with CompanionCorp, forfeiture of all Hybrids in your possession, and an investigation into your misconduct will be conducted.”

He slides the paper to you. “Naturally, there will be other consequences, regarding that one.”

He nods towards Emi. “You would likely be evidence of industrial espionage. After all, why else would a prototype be stolen?”

Emi is gritting her teeth, but remains quiet. If looks could kill, Jack would be dead several times over. You sigh as you scan over the contract. It’s written in simple terms, no legalese or tricky terms.

“It doesn’t seem like we have much choice here.”

Jack smiles, a predatory grin. “No. You do not. But we can both go on with our lives, and everything will be fine. Or, we can make everything difficult.”

He chuckles. “Well. Difficult for you, anyway.”

You shake your head, and sign the paper. “Fine. I can’t see any other option here.”

Jack takes the paper, putting it in the briefcase. “That’s because there isn’t. But now it’s over, as long as you behave.”

He stands up, nodding to you. “I won’t lie and say it was a pleasure, Mr. Stevens, but I believe that our business is concluded.”

You nod. “I do have a question. Where is your Hybrid? I thought she would be with you.”

Jack scoffs. “Oh her? I was finished with her. One of my subordinates took care of her.”

He flashes a cruel smile at Emi. “I imagine she was taken to where you were supposed to go. Can’t sell used goods, after all.”

Emi growls, glaring at him. Jack simply laughs, turning and walking for the door. As he leaves, he turns back.

“Remember, we have our eyes on you.”