Page 9 of David's Chase

The sky is brighter, the night still having a strong hold over the celestial vault arching over the hills.

It’s cold outside, the gusts of wind swirling across the concrete slabs only making things worse.

Holding my jacket closer, I look to my left.

The openneon sign still glows in the window, but the front desk area is dim as if no one is there.

I need to give the room key to that woman and check out. But first I want to make sure he’s left the car for me.

Cold from the early morning breeze, I sprint to the black car. It looked inconspicuous last night, yet now it shines like a Christmas present.

So he probably left it here because he wanted me to get home safely. How did he get home?

His driver must’ve picked him up.

I walk around the dark beauty. This isn’t any kind of car. It isn’t to me, for sure.

First off, it’s new.

I mean used but new, if you get my drift.

I’ve never had a low-mileage car or one that hasn’t been at least a decade old.

This is a new model. Sleek and sturdy yet agile by the looks of it. With shiny rims.

A shiver of anticipation sidles up to me.

I bet it’s a pleasure to drive it.

I’ll need to buy a car like this when I make some money. Or I can afford a down payment on it. Or the monthly payment. Or the insurance.

‘Keep dreaming.”

The voice makes a reappearance, wearing reading glasses like she’s some sassy librarian.

I wish I were her for a day.

Doing nothing, fucking with other people’s lives and dreams and insecurities.

‘I wasn’t talking to you,’I mumble in my head.

She sighs.

‘Okay. Got it. There’s no need to be rude, though.’

“I wasn’t––”

I stop as it dawns on me that talkingto no onewhile standing next to the black car reflects poorly on me.

‘What are you waiting for? Hop in and take it for a spin. Test the vehicle to learn what a good car feels like.’

‘You talk like a cop.’

She scrunches up her nose.

‘I am a cop, dummy. I’m policing your thoughts.’

‘Tell me about it. Now, keep your mouth shut. I don’t want to put a dent in it.’

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