Page 5 of Medusa's Revenge

Arthur told me that the place was unfurnished, but I bought a bunch of furniture and had the company coordinate with Arthur. I paid him a fee to coordinate it all. A door opens and bangs against the building, making me jump.

“Noah?” The gruff voice echoes between the buildings.

“Yes, sir.” I hold out my hand to shake Arthur’s hand. He’s a tall man like me. I stand at six feet four inches, slightly taller than him. He’s more muscular than I am, though. I don’t workout often due to being in an office from sunrise to sundown. I’m hoping to change that soon.

“The apartment is set up, but you can change it. I didn’t know how you’d want it set up. I did what I would do if I had that furniture.”

“Sounds good. I’m excited to see it. Thank you so much for doing all of this for me. I know it was a real inconvenience.”

“No. It was fine. I had some of the students lifting and moving. It was a good team-building exercise for them. They tend to think they’re better than everyone else, and I need to remind them that it is not about being above someone else.”

“I wish you could’ve taught that to my Dad.” I chuckle. Arthur helps me with a few bags, and we head to the door for the apartments. He pointed out his apartment on the first floor and said he could come to him anytime and check his dojo if he wasn’t home. I nod as I talk. There’s a second floor where there are three apartments.

“There is no elevator, but there are only six stairs, so I didn’t want to ruin the building with that. We all help each other out. The second apartment is an older couple from my neighborhood, and we try to ensure they get their groceries and meds. They are always delivered, or they’ll leave a list of things they need. The grocery store and pharmacy have their cards on file, so you say you’re buying for them.”

“It’s great you do that for others. I didn’t even know my landlord in my last apartment building. If I had neighbors, I wouldn’t know. No one talked to anyone.”

“That is so sad. This community has problems, but for the majority, we like helping those who need it.”

“I want to be a part of something like that.” My heart tightened, knowing my father would never understand how important it was to get to know people lesser than him. My mom will probably want to move here once she visits. He handed methe extra set of keys he had kept for himself. He told me each tenant has two and sent me one so he could get in here to do the work.

“I also have a master key but only use it for emergencies. If you make copies of these, let me know. I must know how many keys I must collect at the end.” He opens the door and tells me he has some work to do as he steps in, dropping my bags on a couch for me. “My kids who rearranged it did tell me that the couches were cool looking and comfortable. They needed to test it out.” He chuckles. This gentle giant loves his students, as he calls them his. I smile. I pull out my wallet, grab a couple of fifties, and hand them to him.

“Please have a pizza party to thank them for me.” He holds his hand up.

“Why don’t you throw that party? I’ll let you know when I can schedule it. They’ll appreciate it more coming from you than me.” I put the money back and nod. “I better get going. I need to do some last minute cleaning in the dojo. If you need anything, you can find my number.” He walks out, then turns around, “Apartment four is empty. They moved out last month. They finally bought the house they’d been dreaming about, and it was just in time. The baby is due next month.” His smile is like a proud Dad. “Apartment three is a single woman who moved here about six months ago. She works at a restaurant a few blocks away. She stays to herself. I don’t know much about her; she isn’t talkative.”

“Thanks for the information.” He closes the door, and I look around the room. I sigh and sit down on my recliner. The kids were right. This is comfortable.

Chapter Four

Noah

I slept like the dead—I slept through the alarm I had set. I’ll take the few hours left in the morning to organize what I need to do. I video-chatted with my mom and Dad to show them the place when I got semi-settled. They loved it. My mom is already making lists of things I need. I did some research last night and need to call the 502 Center in Carmel, Indiana, to see if I need to take the bar here to practice. I don’t want to be a lawyer, but it’s better to keep it since I spent all that money becoming one. I never know who I might meet who needs a lawyer.

“Groceries.” I pull out my phone and make a list. I looked at my cupboards and decided I needed to buy a lot. I shower and head out to get what I need, but I need food first. I’m locking up my door when I hear someone coming up the steps. I turn to see this brown hair woman stomping and muttering to herself. “Hi.” She startles, and death glares at me.

“Don’t you know it’s rude to scare someone?” She huffs, walking toward door three.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m Noah, your new neighbor.” I hold out my hand to her.

“Listen. I know Arthur gave you the speech about how we help out the old fogies downstairs, but that’s not me. I go to work, come home, and go out with my friends. I live here and don’t need more people, okay? I have parents. So don’t bother me.” She slams the door in my face and heads down the stairs. I get to apartment number two, and a man puts a list on it.

“Oh, you must be Noah.” He holds out his hand. “Don’t mind, Sally. She’s a bit of a loner. She has her friends. I’m Donald, and my wife is Charlotte.”

“It’s nice to meet you. Do you need groceries? I’m heading there after I find myself some breakfast. I can get them for you.” I smile as he hands me the list.

“I’d appreciate it. If you are looking for a place that sells breakfast all day, head to the Dinner Bell Restaurant. They serve the best breakfast menu around.”

“I’ll do that. I will try not to be too late on your groceries either. I must stop to get bowls, plates, and all that fun stuff.” He tells me to take my time. He doesn’t go to bed until eleven. He likes to be a rebel and stay up late. Donald winks as he closes his door, and I walk out to my car. I put in my GPS for the Dinner Bell Restaurant and headed for food. Donald wasn’t wrong; their breakfast menu was delicious. If I’m not careful, I’d add about two hundred pounds. As I checked out, I asked the hostesswhere I could get groceries. I thanked her and then proceeded to head out to run my errands.

I see a hiring sign as I head home after getting the groceries for Donald and myself. I pull into the parking lot. I enter the garage's customer waiting room because all the bays are closed.

“Hi, can I help you?” The woman behind the counter asks with a smile on her face.

“I saw you’re hiring sign on the billboard. I want to talk to someone about it.”

“Sure. Let me see if the owner is available to talk with you, but while you wait, please fill this out.” She hands me a generic application. I start filling it out. It feels weird to do this, as I’ve never had to do it. My first job after law school was handed to me. I finish it and look over it again. The door opens, and a man with the woman from before walks to the counter. He comes around to stand next to me.

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