First Time

Popular

Chapter 15: Popular

Lavon Parker, a young man who was in his early twenties, walked up thirteen flights of stairs, mumbling about the useless elevator which was broken every other week. Eventually this became tiresome to him, so around the seventh floor he decided to put his iPod on instead, heavy metal blasting through his earbuds. Upon reaching the thirteenth floor he proceeded to his apartment, his keys already in hand. As usual he unlocked the top lock first, then the bottom, and as usual he stepped into a darkened apartment; having always turned off all his lights before leaving since electricity wasn't cheap. Once he was inside he continued his daily pattern by turning on the lights, but today was different. Instead of an empty apartment greeting him like usual, he found Xavier sitting on his black futon.

Immediately his hands moved, whether to reach for his phone or weapon it was unclear, but the action was halted by Billy who had placed himself by the door before it opened; safely tucked in the corner. Billy's gun was in his hand and pointed at Lavon's head within seconds.

Lavon spotted the sleek weapon out of the corner of his eye and raised his hands in surrender, using his hand that wasn't near Billy to remove his head phones. "I knew you were a sneaky bastard, Xavier."

Xavier didn't make a reply to this comment, merely tilted his head as a gesture for the young man to continue. He figured Lavon deserved that much.

Since he was allowed to speak, Lavon continued, his face contorting with rage. "I knew you couldn't be trusted! You're an outsider! And I swear, the minute I get out of this, I'm gonna tell Ian. I'm gonna tell him and he's gonna turn you into scraps!"

Xavier didn't looked phased in the slightest. "You're assuming you're going to live long enough to speak to him."

Lavon sucked in a breath, startled.

"The reason I'm here, Lavon, is because Ian sent me. He says you've become a liability, that you're sloppy with your work."

"... Ian said that?" Lavon asked after swallowing the lump in his throat, his voice small and apprehensive.

Xavier nodded. "I'm sure you know what happens when Ian isn't happy with someone."

Lavon didn't reply, his face pale, and his gaze went to the floor.

"I don't want to have to kill you, Lavon... but you have to disappear. Ian doesn't want to see your face in Jump City anymore."

Lavon squeezed his eyes shut, his heart beating so fast he thought it was going to jump out of his chest. He was ready... one had to be in this line or work.

"Lavon... I'm going to make you an offer."

Lavon opened his eyes, revealing two dark brown orbs. He could feel a bead of sweat racing down the side of his face, and his heart beat lessened in intensity. He focused his gaze on Xavier who still remained seated, hopeful that this night wouldn't be his last. One had to be prepared to face death in his line of work, but that didn't mean they welcomed it. If he could escape it he would jump for the chance.

"If you promise to leave town tonight and never come back, I'll let you live."

The choice was an easy one. "Of course! I'll do-" Lavon began, stepping forward, but Billy shoved him back, pushing the gun closre and causing Lavon to gulp.

"If you leave you'll have to cut all ties to this city. You can't contact anyone here for assitance."

Lavon looked hesitant... but less than half an hour later he had a few bags packed and was in a cab heading for the airport, the cab being Xavier's idea since taking his own vehcile would have made his gateaway a lot more obvious.