Crimson Duty

Chapter Thirteen - Crossing Lines [ACT TWO]

Shingle finally arrives at 316 Jetain Road, a small office building opposite a corner shop. He parks his car and steps out, feeling a mixture of nervousness and excitement. This is the place where he's going to buy his first property for his drug business.

As he walks towards the building, he notices a few people milling around outside, smoking and chatting. He tries to keep his head down and avoid drawing attention to himself.

He enters the building and walks up to the receptionist's desk.

Shingle: Hi, I'm here to see the landlord for Gibet IE.

Receptionist: Do you have an appointment?

Shingle: No, but it's urgent.

Receptionist: I'm sorry, sir, but without an appointment, I can't let you in.

Shingle starts to feel anxious. He needs to buy this property today, or else he might miss out on the opportunity.

Shingle: Please, can you just give him a message? Tell him that Shingle Mayn is here to see him, and it's urgent.

The receptionist looks at him, then picks up the phone.

Receptionist: Mr. Johnson, there's a Mr. Mayn here to see you. He says it's urgent.

She listens for a moment, then nods.

Receptionist: Okay, you can go up. Take the elevator to the 3rd floor, and his office is on the left.

Shingle thanks her and rushes towards the elevator. As he rides up to the 3rd floor, he takes a deep breath and tries to calm himself down. He knows that he needs to be careful and not raise any suspicion.

When he reaches the 3rd floor, he steps out and looks around. The corridor is quiet, with a few closed doors on either side.

He walks down the corridor, checking the numbers on the doors until he finds Mr. Johnson's office. He knocks on the door.

Mr. Johnson: Come in.

Shingle opens the door and steps inside. Mr. Johnson is sitting behind a large desk, with piles of papers and folders scattered around him.

Mr. Johnson: Mr. Mayn, what can I do for you?

Shingle: I'm interested in buying a property at the industrial estate in Gibet.

Mr. Johnson: I see. And what are you planning to do there?

Shingle hesitates for a moment, then decides to take a chance.

Shingle: I'm planning to start a manufacturing business.

Mr. Johnson: I see. Well, we do have a few properties available in that area. Let me show you some of our listings.

He starts to pull out some folders from his desk drawer, and Shingle relaxes a little. It seems like he's in the clear.

As Mr. Johnson talks about the different properties available, Shingle can't help but feel a sense of excitement building inside him. This is really happening. He's really going to become a drug dealer, and nothing can stop him now.

But at the same time, he can't shake off the feeling of guilt that's been gnawing at him all day. He knows that what he's doing is wrong, but he can't help himself. He's in too deep, and there's no turning back now.