Karina shook hands with Tomas Carti. "It’s been a pleasure doing business with you, sir." She took a last look  at the necklace and walked out of the museum , a bounce in her step. When she got back to the car she sat there a moment. Vixen and Turner waited impatiently for her to say something.
Finally Turner spoke up. "Well? Was it the real thing?"
Karina smiled at them. "Yep! Here ya go. Three million apiece." She tossed them two cred sticks, and grinned at their exuberant response.  It had been a hard run but she felt more alive than ever before. She laughed then from sheer joy as Vixen started the car and headed for Mask’s apartment.
 

Mask sat back in her chair and  smiled in satisfaction. Her eyes shined in delight. Turner still moved a bit stiffly, but she was going to be fine. And Karina had a quiet confidence about her that hadn’t been there before. Vixen was the same old Vixen, flashy and happily designing her new deck. All her girls were going to be fine. "So, what are you going to do with it?" she asked.
Turner grinned. "Send some of it home to Mom. Man, is she going to be surprised."
Mask chuckled. "I bet. How about you, Vixen?"
Vixen looked surprised for a moment. "New deck, of course." Then she added, "And replace my car. After that, I don’t know. Maybe travel a bit. We’ll see." She shrugged.
Mask nodded. "Mist, what about you?"
"Go to school," she said promptly. "And get my own place."
"Good," Mask said. "I was going to suggest that if you weren’t sure what you wanted. Well, it seems like you all have it planned out.  Good job, chummers."

Karina walked down the hall and knocked softly on the door. After a moment it opened and she slipped through. Poss looked  her over for a moment and motioned her to take a seat. "So, is it over?" he asked.
She nodded happily. "Yes." Then she filled him in on the events of the run.
He listened carefully, growling in anger when she told him about Turner’s injuries. "She’s ok now?"
"Yes. She’ll be fine. Though I think she’s gonna avoid bathtubs for awhile." She smiled in reassurance. "Poss, will you give this to the shelter for me?" She handed him a cred stick. "I would like it to be set up as some kind of fund to help kids like me get a new start. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t been there for me."
"Of course," he said. He glanced down and started in surprise at the amount. "Thank you, Mist," he said gratefully. "The shelter can do a lot with a million nuyen. You did keep some for yourself, didn’t you?"
"Yes, I’m going to enroll at the university and get an apartment near Mask. She asked me to stay with her, but I think I want someplace I can call my own."
Poss nodded. "That’s a great idea. Keep in touch, will you?"
She grinned. "You’re not gonna get rid of me that easily. I still have a lot to learn from you guys." She stood up and headed for the door, then stopped and turned back. "Thanks Poss…. For everything."
"You’re welcome, Mist."

The End.

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Well that’s it…. For now at least.  The torture scene in Ch. 7 was the work of Jennifer. ( Isn’t she good? To see more of her work go to Firecatt’s Place. )

Did you like the story? If so let me know. I love feedback. :-)

A big thank you goes to everyone who helped me with this story.

To David and Kim: Thank you for putting up with me all these months. I couldn’t have written this without your love and support. Thanks David also, for the loan of Poss and the soup kitchen.

      To Jennifer: Thank you for your help with plotting , the torture scene, and for all those cups of coffee at IHOP and for your patience when I needed to go over it yet again. Most especially for the loan of Turner. I now return her to you, a bit bumped and battered but definitely richer. :-)

        To Shapcano and Decker M : Thanks chummers, for giving me back my enthusiasm. Without your encouragement I’m not sure I would have finished this.

     To June and Norcumi : Thank you for all the hours you put in proofing this for me. Thank you for all your comments and suggestions and Yes, Norcumi, I know that Mister Comma is our friend. Thank goodness you know where they all go.

      And lastly to the staff of  IHOP: Thank you for keeping the light on, the coffee hot and our table clear. And for asking "How’s the story coming?" That kept it fresh and exciting. I hope you guys enjoy this.

Aislinn

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The End. There ain't no more.

LET'S SEE WHAT ELSE YA GOT. Firecatt's Place a ...Aurora's Shadowrun Page

HEY AISLINN , KNOW WHAT I THINK? AislinnF@juno.com

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