[April 15th, 2024]
“So, this is the place you were talking about?” Jas muttered, pointing at the modest apartnt block. “Hard to believe this is really his ho.”
Rey nodded, his expression calm. “Yes. If there’s any trace of him left, it’ll be here.”
They pushed through the front gate, the air faintly slling of dust and rusted tal. A stooped old man shuffled past, and Rey stopped him politely.
“Excuse , sir. Could you tell us where the landlord lives?”
The man squinted at them before answering in a weary voice. “Apartnt 107. Down the hall, ground floor.”
“Thank you for your help.” Rey bowed slightly, then continued toward the room with Jas.
Jas shoved his hands in his pockets. “So, what exactly are we doing here again?”
“I told you—we’re here to find a clue,” Rey replied. He already knew Evan’s secret, but Jas didn’t. Still, he hoped to uncover sothing tangible to ease their doubts.
Jas snorted. “You’re acting like so detective from TV. Next thing I know, you’ll be wearing a trench coat.”
In Rey’s mind, Aiden chuckled at the joke.
“Both of you, shut it,” Rey muttered under his breath.
Jas blinked. “Both? Dude, there’s only here. You losing it?”
Rey quickly forced a laugh. “Slip of the tongue. Forget it.”
They soon reached Apartnt 107. Jas rapped on the door.
“Coming,” a woman’s voice called from inside.
The door opened to reveal a woman in her fifties, with tired eyes and a wary look. She wore a simple house dress, her grey-streaked hair tied loosely back.
“Yes? What do you want?” she asked sharply.
Jas stepped forward. “We’re here to ask about Evan Windstone. He lives here, right?”
The woman’s expression softened just slightly. “Ah, Evan… Co in. It’s better to talk inside.”
They followed her into a modest living room with worn-out furniture. A faint sll of herbs lingered in the air.
“Please, sit. I’ll make so tea—”
“No need, ma’am,” Rey interrupted gently. “We only ca to ask a few questions. We won’t trouble you.”
She paused, then lowered herself into the chair across from them, suspicion still flickering in her gaze. “So… who are you boys? Why are you looking for Evan?”
Her tone carried an edge, as if she expected them to say sothing cruel. A baseball bat leaned beside her chair—one she clearly wasn’t afraid to use.
Rey kept his tone steady. “We’re Evan’s friends. He hasn’t been to school in days, and we were worried.”
At that, her guarded expression cracked, replaced by a faint smile of relief. She pushed the bat aside.
“Friends? I thought you were bullies. Forgive for the suspicion.”
Both Rey and Jas swallowed, imagining how close they’d co to being on the receiving end of that bat.
“My na is Rossy,” she said warmly. “I am Evan’s mother… and his caretaker.”
Jas leaned forward. “Then… do you know where he is right now?”
Her face clouded with sorrow. “He left a few days ago. Said his parents ca for him. He’s gone abroad.”
Jas’s eyes widened. “What? That doesn’t make sense! Evan would never leave without telling us!” His voice rose in disbelief.
“Jas.” Rey’s hand landed on his shoulder, steadying him. “Let her finish.”
Rossy nodded gratefully. Her eyes glistened with tears. “He explained what he could… but yesterday, he left with them. I don’t know when he’ll return.”
Jas clenched his fists. Rey lowered his gaze, troubled.
'Parents? But Evan never—no… this is a lie. Why is she saying this? Is she also unknown from the truth, but it's obvious that he didn't tell anybody.'
Rossy dabbed her eyes. “Before leaving, he wrote a letter for you both.”
But before she could stand, the door swung open. The old man from earlier, who t them first, barged in. His eyes locked on Rossy’s tears, then on the two boys sitting in his living room.
“What are you doing to my wife?!” he barked, rushing to her side.
“We didn’t—” Jas began, but the man’s glare silenced him.
“Out! Get out before I call the police!”
“Wait,” Rossy raised her voice, stopping them as Rey pulled Jas back. “Honey, they didn’t do anything. These boys are Evan’s friends. I was just about to give them his letter.”
The man froze, anger giving way to weary grief. His eyes were bloodshot, but he hid it behind a scowl.
“Then give it to them,” he muttered. His voice cracked as he turned away. “That boy left without even saying goodbye to … why should we shed tears for him?”
He grabbed an envelope from the table and tossed it across the room. “Here. Take it, and don’t co back.”
The letter landed at Rey’s feet. He picked it up carefully, brushing the imaginary dust from its surface.
Rossy gave them a sorrowful look. “Please don’t mind him. Jason is hurting more than he’ll admit.”
Rey gave her a small bow. “We understand. Thank you.”
With that, they left the apartnt, stepping out into the cool evening air. The weight of the letter pressed against Rey’s palm.
Elsewhere, Jonny and his crew entered a shady building on the far side of town. Guards in black jackets stood before a steel door, their arms folded.
“I’m here to see your boss,” Jonny said, smirking.
The guard eyed him, then slipped inside. Monts later, he returned and nodded. “Only you. The others wait.”
Jonny clicked his tongue but obeyed. He stepped into the dimly lit room.
A man lounged on a sofa like a king, flanked by two glamorous won with glasses of wine in hand. His slicked-back hair and lazy grin scread trouble.
“Ah, my old custor,” the man said. His voice dripped with false cheer. “Co, sit. Did you like my last job?”
Jonny sat, accepting a glass from one of the won. “Yes. That’s why I’m here again. I want another job done.”
“Good, good.” The man—Vito—snapped his fingers. “Give my boy outside the details. Paynt is upfront, as usual.”
Jonny smirked. “Twenty thousand Dragon Points once it’s done.”
“Excellent.” Vito leaned back. “Stay, drink with .”
“Another ti. Tonight’s my last day at school. I’ve got partying to do.”
He stood and left.
As the door closed, Vito’s smile vanished. His eyes turned cold, sharp as blades.
“Rich brats,” he muttered. “They think they’re clever. To , they’re just pigs waiting to be carved up.”
He leaned into the won beside him, his laughter low and dangerous.
Jonny, oblivious, walked away with a grin, convinced his enemy would soon be crushed.
-To be continued-
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