After paying Philip 45,000 Euros, Peter had officially acquired the budding game studio. While the team was now under his leadership, there were still obstacles ahead. At this stage, Peter didn't have the financial resources to secure an office building in the city. That would require additional funding, perhaps even listing the company, before they could lease or purchase a proper space.
As they drove back, V glanced over at Peter. Her expression was equal parts concern and curiosity.
"Peter, you just invested a ton of money into that studio. Aren't you worried you won't be able to make it back?" she asked, gripping the wheel of her newly acquired Mizutani Hayabusa.
Peter leaned back in the passenger seat, arms crossed. The past week had been financially draining. Though they'd taken on several commissions, the 45,000 Euros had all but wiped out his savings. Add to that the cost of covering food expenses for V and Lucy, and things were tight. If not for a generous bonus from Regina for capturing two cyberpsychos alive, Peter would have had to borrow money to finalize today's acquisition.
"I'm confident in the studio's potential, V," Peter replied, his tone steady. "This game is going to be big, trust me. Once it goes public, we'll be rolling in cash. Besides," he added with a sly grin, "we can always pick up more gigs to tide us over."
V raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "That's all fine and good, but until then, how are you planning to survive? You've spent everything!"
Peter laughed. "I guess I'll have to rely on you for a while. Don't worry—I'll pay you back when things turn around."
V sighed dramatically, though there was a playful glint in her eyes. "You're lucky I'm generous. You've been feeding us and covering rent, so I guess I can keep you afloat for now."
"See? That's the spirit!" Peter teased. "Now come on, give me a smile."
Before V could retort, the sound of gunfire erupted ahead of them. Peter leaned forward, eyes narrowing as he spotted the commotion up the road.
Two cars were engaged in a high-speed shootout, their bullets ricocheting off the asphalt and surrounding vehicles. Caught in the crossfire was a third car, unable to move as it was boxed in by the chaos.
Peter muttered a curse under his breath. "What now?"
---
Inside the trapped car, a teenager named David was fidgeting anxiously. His foot tapped nervously against the car's floor as he glanced over at his mother, Gloria, who was gripping the wheel tightly.
"Mom," David began, his voice strained, "I've been thinking… maybe I should drop out of school and get a job. You know, to help with things."
Gloria turned to him, her expression one of disbelief. "What are you talking about, David? Absolutely not!"
David sighed, slouching in his seat. "Come on, Mom, you know we can't afford the upkeep for the system. And honestly, I'm tired of being the outcast at school. You don't understand how hard it is. None of the rich kids there even take me seriously."
Gloria's voice wavered, but she remained firm. "David, I've worked day and night to give you opportunities I never had. Do you think I did all that so you could throw it away?"
David turned to her, guilt flickering across his face. "It's not that simple, Mom. You don't know what it's like to be treated like dirt because we're poor. Even if I have good grades, none of it matters to them."
Gloria's grip on the wheel tightened. "That's exactly why I want you to stay in school, David. You're smart and talented, and you have a chance to prove that we're just as capable as anyone else."
David opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, the conversation was interrupted by a deafening explosion.
---
Ahead of them, the firefight escalated. Members of the Animal Gang leaned out of their car windows, guns blazing as they targeted a bulletproof corporate vehicle.
"Dammit!" one of the gang members yelled, frustration evident in his voice. "These corpo cars are built like tanks!"
Another gang member grinned wickedly. "Good thing I brought this!" He reached into the car and pulled out a rocket launcher, hoisting it onto his shoulder.
"Let's see how they like this!"
With a deafening roar, the rocket launcher fired. The missile struck the rear of the corporate vehicle, flipping it into the air before it crashed onto the road in a ball of flames.
The gang members cheered as their driver swerved around the wreckage, speeding away.
---
"Mom! Brake! Hit the brakes!" David shouted, his voice laced with panic.
"I'm trying!" Gloria yelled back, slamming her foot down.
But it was too late.
The wreckage of the corporate vehicle was unavoidable. Gloria's car collided with it head-on, the force of the impact sending the vehicle spinning. Flames erupted from the wreck, and Gloria was thrown from the car.
"Mom!" David screamed as he tried to free himself from the tangled seatbelt.
---
Peter and V approached the crash site, their car slowing to a stop. Peter's brow furrowed as he took in the scene.
"Damn Animal Gang," Peter muttered. "Why the hell did they have to open fire here of all places?"
V shook her head, clearly unbothered. "This is Night City, Peter. Stuff like this happens all the time. You should know that by now."
Peter stepped out of the car, his instincts kicking in. "We can't just leave them like this. Someone could still be alive."
V rolled her eyes but followed him out of the vehicle. "Alright, but let's make it quick. NCPD's going to show up any second, and I don't want to get caught in their mess."
Peter approached the wreck, his eyes scanning for survivors. Among the twisted metal and broken glass, he spotted movement. A teenager—David—was trapped in the car, struggling to free himself.
"Hold on!" Peter called out as he rushed to the boy's side.
David looked up, his face streaked with tears. "Help my mom! She's out there somewhere!"
Peter nodded. "We'll get her, but first, let's get you out of here."
With V's help, Peter managed to pry open the car door. David stumbled out, coughing and clutching his side.
"Stay here," Peter instructed before turning to search for Gloria.
A few feet away, he found her lying on the pavement, unconscious but breathing. Blood trickled from a gash on her forehead, and her leg was twisted at an unnatural angle.
"She's alive!" Peter called to V, who was helping David steady himself.
---
Moments later, the sound of sirens filled the air. NCPD vehicles swarmed the scene, their lights flashing. Officers quickly secured the area, pushing Peter, V, and David aside as medics rushed in to tend to the injured.
"Looks like the cavalry's here," V muttered, stepping back to let the authorities take over.
Peter watched as Gloria was loaded onto a stretcher, her son following close behind. Though he was relieved they'd survived, he couldn't shake the feeling that this scene was oddly familiar.
As he and V returned to their car, Peter's mind raced. This wasn't the first time he'd seen a tragedy like this in Night City, and it wouldn't be the last. But something about this particular incident struck a chord deep within him.
"What's on your mind?" V asked as they drove away.
Peter didn't answer right away. He stared out the window, lost in thought.
"Nothing," he said finally. "Just thinking about how messed up this city is."
V smirked. "Welcome to Night City, Peter. This is just another day in paradise."
Peter leaned back in his seat, his expression unreadable. "Yeah. Just another day."
---
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