The Vampire Queen and the Mortal Pauper

Chapter Thirty-five

Retirement Things

Sharael was cruising along the city's downtown area later that day. Several mechanic car shops and godowns were situated around that anyone would wonder if he was there to have his car serviced.

As presumed, he soon entered a particular local carwash shop with the sign reading: JJ Cleaners & Repairs. In an instant, the available workers ganged around the car and generously directed him to park at any available space. Since it was a simple local shop, there were no automated cleaning machines. The worker had to do the cleaning physically, hence why they were fervently hustling for the job of washing the fancy car.

Sharael coolly alighted and went to ask one young worker, "Is JJ in?"

"Yes, boss!" The guy nodded enthusiastically.

Sharael gave a nod back then wordlessly strode to the back of the shop, leaving the worker to go gather his cleaning gear. The other workers were well aware what was happening and couldn't help being disappointed. Still, they accepted the outcome nonetheless. The norm was the customer was always the boss, and his preference was to be respected.

A few mechanics could be spotted around repairing some cars. They only gave Sharael cursory glances as he approached one with brown-dyed dreads. He was busy working on an engine. His puffy eyes exposed his lack of proper sleep, but the khat he was busy chewing revealed why.

"Where is he at?" Sharael inquired directly.

The mechanic gave him a onceover and then pointed with his chin to an old run down Volkswagen dumped near some pile of scraps. A man was slouched inside. Once Sharael drew near, he immediately wrinkled his nose after being struck by the thick smell of cannabis.

On the other hand, the man was in a total state of euphoria to even notice Sharael. He was smoking the burning herb while letting out moans of pleasure. Sharael could only shake his head, and knocked the hood of the car to garner his attention.

The man jumped all of a sudden and ended up choking on the smoke. "Shit...! What...!" he growled while coughing vehemently.

He threw a glare at Sharael thinking he was one of the mechanics, but then squinted his eyes at the unfamiliar face. However, after a few blinks, realization struck his stoned brain and he rushed out.

"Well, fuck me... It's you!" he croaked out.

Sharael looked down at the scrawny short man before him. His rough appearance really gave him the impression of some street thug.

"Ain't it early to be high on that shit?" Sharael glanced at the almost finished blunt and criticized.

"What you mean? It's never too early to meditate," the man countered back with a chuckle that sounded more like a cough.

"Right..." Sharael rolled his eyes.

The man then scanned him from head-to-toe and remarked, "My man, it's been a while. You look like shit. Retirement not going good?"

Sharael scoffed back, "You the one to talk."

"Oh? Don't tell me you missed me?" The man spoke teasingly while snuggling up near to Sharael, but was shoved back with a disgusted sigh.

"What else could bring me to this shithole," Sharael muttered.

"Tch! So cold, brother. So cold..." The man shook his head in mock hurt, but then the gears in his brain started churning and he choked out, "Wait, what...? Y-you here for that?"

Sharael lazily nodded back.

"You mean..." The man swallowed first and then stuttered out, "Y-you back in business?" Seeing the seriousness on Sharael's face, the man suddenly laughed. "Well, fuck me twice! You just a stash of surprises!"