Resident Evil Dark Files: Raccoon's Shadow (with OG character)

Unexpected Help

The apartment building was far nicer than I imagined it would be. Though the bricks on the outside were weather-worn and chipped in places, and the steps could use some repairs, the building looked sturdy and clean. The inside remains a different matter, but not that bad. Sure, the wallpaper was a little torn here and there in some places. The murmured blaring of other tenants' TVs echoed through the long hall and the thin walls as my footsteps creaked over the wooden floorboards. A few spiderwebs clumped together in the tight corners, which was usual for any place.

Joseph did pretty good--shocking, considering how well he consistently kept his room. "Organized," he would say.

It is organized...for a monkey enclosure.

The puff of air from my snort caught in my mouth as I examined the door numbered twenty-two. My feet paused in front of it while I eyed the paper in my hand again to ensure I got the right number before knocking. My knuckles rattled against the dingy door.

Loud banging followed by curses came from the other side. Chains rattled and scratched at the door before the thing flew open. Joseph's smile faltered as he laid eyes on me. "I'm not answering any questions, Addy."

Raising my hands in mock defence, I gave him my biggest smile. "I'm unarmed and just here to see your new place. I promise."

His eyebrows drew, and his body froze; his beady eyes swept over my face and down to my empty hands. Seemingly satisfied that I didn't have my notebook in hand or sight, he jerked his head, opened the door wider and turned around.

That was as close to a verbal invitation as I would get from him. With a shrug, I stepped over the threshold and didn't bother trying to conceal my amused smile from him as he turned around.

"You want something to drink?" He muttered.

"Coke?"

"Yep. Picked up a case today." He made a B-line for what I assumed was the kitchen while I continued to his living room.

No curtains hung over the bay windows, allowing the late morning sun to blaze through and shine across the barren, white walls. It was hard to stare at without wanting to screen my eyes. The cardboard boxes he made me drag home from the grocery store were piled almost to the ceiling with all his stuff, and of course, he didn't bother naming anything on the side to help in organizing.

The armchair that used to sit in our living room was now smack dead in the middle of the room, facing his tv and gaming system, covered in his work clothes.

Glad to see moving out hasn't matured him. I don't think it ever will.

My eyes wandered down to the PS1 set up already by his computer and the controller neatly tucked away. "I see you unpacked the TV and your video game system."

Joseph appeared in the archway and stomped over, extending his hand and offering me a coke. "Don't start. I got held up with work and haven't had time to touch any of the boxes. I'm off this weekend. I'll do it then."

The fizz from the soda tickled my throat as I guzzled it down and continued my inspection of his place. The two-bedroom apartment was a decent size, and the price was reasonably good considering the location. Car horns honked outside, and the hush of traffic flying by accompanied the sound of a whining dog somewhere in the building.

"It will take some getting used to the traffic; I'm so used to just hearing the crickets chirping or the odd dog barking. Now, I got sirens and car horns." He took a swig from his soda before flopping down into the armchair.

"What you get for moving downtown."

"Keeps me closer to work."

When I swept my finger over the window ledge and brought it to my face, I gagged when it came back dirty. "How is work anyway?"