A new morning, I thought as I glanced at the clock. It was about 11 a.m. I got up, went to the bathroom, and splashed water on my face. Then I walked into the kitchen, which also doubled as my bedroom and living room, and drank a glass of cold water. After that, I turned on the kettle, opened the cupboard, took out some instant coffee and a bit of milk. I sat down and waited for the water to boil.
What did I want to do today? Was there even anything to do? I wondered as the water began to bubble. I remembered I was supposed to see Rodrigo to tell him I'd take the job. Other than that, there wasn't much to do. Let's see how the day unfolds, I thought.
When the water was ready, I made myself a coffee. My apartment was small, so the bedroom and living room were combined with the kitchen. At least the rent was cheap, and the traffic noise was barely noticeable — a blessing when you want to sleep at night. After finishing my coffee, I freshened up.
It felt strange to visit Rodrigo at noon. It was just too early. So, I decided to kill time some other way. I checked the news to see what was happening in the city. I found out there would be a festival next weekend. Those kinds of festivals happened every two years. Although I always went with my parents as a kid, I barely remembered it. Damn, this stabbing pain in my chest... When will it finally stop? I complained, deciding to make myself some breakfast and tidy up a bit.
By the time I finished, it was already half past one, meaning it was time to leave.
1.1
When I arrived at Rodrigo's, a woman was standing in front of me, heading straight to him. I didn't want to eavesdrop, but I couldn't avoid it since I was right behind her.
"Heyyyy Rodrigo, long time no see, hmm? How are you? Everything going well at the shop?"
From her manner, I guessed she'd known Rodrigo for a while and this wasn't her first time here, even though I was seeing her for the first time.
"Rin, if it isn't my favorite reporter. I'm good, and business is doing well. What brings you here this time? Looking for a new story?"
"Good guess. Got anything for me?"
"… Sorry, no," he answered hesitantly.
"Oh, please, anything?"
"Well, alright, I won't lie — there is one thing. It's about 70,000 credits, but… it's too dangerous."
"What, 70,000 credits!? That must be something big. Please, Rodrigo, I did find your dog for you back then."
"I know, I know… that's why I don't want anything to happen to you. Also, the client didn't want to say what it's about."
I noticed it was the job I was here for. Pathetic that Rodrigo apparently used his clients as publicity material. Well, everyone's probably weak for a certain amount of money.
"But Rodrigo, I…"
"It's not…" he interrupted her. "I'll call you when I have another job, okay?"
"Alright… but don't forget, please."
After they finally finished—which was about time—she left, and it was my turn.
" so i guess you don't mind if something happens to me, is that right?" I asked ironically, but with a serious look.
"You overheard us? Not very polite, but okay. You're misunderstanding — I think it's more that it's not too difficult for you."
"Ah, so that's how it is. And it wasn't easy not to listen since I was standing right behind her."
"yeah, yeah, whatever. I get it. So, what do you say, do you take the job?"
"Yep."
"Very good! I'll let our client know right away."
Rodrigo immediately called the client and told him someone had accepted the offer.
When he turned back to me, he said, "You have to go to an underground parking lot on Grid Avenue. I'm sending you the exact coordinates right now."
"When exactly should I be there?" I asked after receiving the coordinates.
"Uh, he said you should be there at 3 p.m. You better hurry."
That was unexpectedly short notice. The place was about 40 minutes away.
I only heard him shout "Good luck" as I dashed out of the shop. Just as I was about to get on my motorcycle and leave, someone shouted, "Wait!"
It was the girl from earlier.
"What is it? I'm in a hurry."
"Take me with you."
"What?"
"To the job, I mean."
"Sure, but how do you know I'm going there?"
"You guys started talking before I even got outside."
"Oh yeah. Sorry, but no, I don't want to drag you into unnecessary trouble," I said and took off.