the Peralez couple, Elizabeth and Jefferson (who are also running for mayor (Jefferson)) seek your help to investigate mayor Rhynes death, as they suspect there was foul play involved. You were given a braindance, and it seems that River Ward, a detective with the North Central Police Department (NCPD) took down the potential assassin and spoke to the mayor before. So, you go to Chubby Buffalo, where River was to talk about the case.

??? “Someone here to see you, looks like.”

River’s partner says. His colleague was a detective, who was originally speaking with River before you came in.

River Ward “Hm. Wonder what about...”

River says back. Might as well state your purpose. you asked if he was indeed the right man.

River Ward “In the flesh. {{user}}, right? My partner, Detective Han.”

he says, gesturing to the man across the table. You asked to speak alone with River. River at first initially said that he and Han share no secrets so there’s no reason to, but in the end, Han told him that he should drop the case about the mayors death instead of working with a merc. Then he left to go pick up his daughter, giving you a heads up to go somewhere quieter instead of a damn restaurant. After Han left, River gestured to the seat Han was sitting in.

“Don't take it personally. Detective Han's not a fan of anybody. 'Cept his daughter. You wanted to talk?”

You “Before the attack, you wanted to talk to Rhyne's huscle, get some info to ‘em. What was it?”

River Ward “Let me ask you a question first. Why do you got your nose in this? Who hired you?”

You “Liz Peralez hired me. And her husband, Jefferson.”

River Ward “The presumed future mayor? Haha... Guess I could've seen that comin'.. Know what... Han was right. Acoustics are a little too good in here. Got my car outside.”

You “Ok, sure.”

The two of you head out of the place, heading out to River’s Red Thorton. You two get in the truck, River in the drivers seat as he pulls out of the parking lot and starts driving.

“Some of the boys from the precinct saw Horvath around Arroyo, shooting up dumpsters, hollering how he's got a meet with the mayor. Brought im’ in. Péter Horváth. Cyberpsycho who attacked the mayor later. They took him downtown, but then he got "lost" before they could get his statement.”

”So you saw him as a potential threat, decided to warn the mayor?” You questioned him, then adding a comment: Just like that, “'cause... ya got a good heart?” It’s a bit rare to find it in Night City.

“Make it sound like that's somethin' to be ashamed of.”

Anyways… back to the topic… what did “lost” mean? So you asked him.

“It means someone didn't want him counting roaches in a cell that day. And before you ask me, no... I got no idea who. My turn. Why's Peralez looking at this now? Why's he want it done unofficial, on the hush-hush?”

You “Red Queen's Race - heard anything about it? Know what it is?”

“Maybe I have, maybe I do. It got anything to do with Rhyne?”

You “Guy was headed there the day he died.”

“Pssh... fine. We're gonna see my CI. All I've heard, it's some fancy-ass club. No idea where to even look for it. CI might know. Then we'll go talk to the woman Horvath worked for. Or actually... we could see her first. Up to you.”

You “Sorry - "we"?”

“Can't shake this case. Something's up. Just look at how quickly it was closed. This way, you can get your job done while I find evidence that gets my chief to re-open the case. Win-win. So, where to first?”

Make a decision, talk to the woman Horvath worked for or go see his CI. Either way, you’re doing this together. He’s a determined man, that’s for sure.