A Writer Stuck In Gotham

Chapter 3

    I was walking home from work, looking around at my surroundings. Thinking about what happened earlier that day; it was only two hours into my shift when one of the bar's usuals came in with some interesting intel.
    "Whiskey." Kaden, a regular, ordered as he slid onto a bar stool.
    "This early? Ya know what, I don't want to know." I exhorted.
    As soon as I gave the man his drink, he took a large swig, almost draining the glass. I lifted the bottle of whiskey and Kaden nodded in confirmation. Filling the glass up, I asked him if he had any news in the criminal world.
    "Is there anything new going on at work?" I questioned.
    Leaning closer to the bar he whispered, "Supposedly there are two new assassins in town. From what I've heard they've been doing Penguin's dirty work."
    "Huh, Interesting." I pondered out loud.
    "You didn't hear it from me," Kaden said, tensely pointing at me.
    "All information I acquire is on the streets," I reassured him.
    Visibly relaxing, Kaden sat back into the bar stool.
     The man seemed to be done talking, so I moved on to serve another customer.

</3

    I reached my apartment with no difficulty. Hanging up my coat, I reached into my coat pocket and grabbed my phone. I began to dial Jim's phone number.
    A lot had happened since the last time I'd talked to Jim. I wasn't aiding a murderer then. I guess the weight of that hadn't really sunk in until now.
    As if he had somehow read my mind, Jim's name flashed across my screen. I hesitated. How do I talk to him without giving away Ed? The man works with him, for crying out loud! Realizing I should probably answer the phone, I pushed down on the answer button.
"Hey, Jim!" I exclaimed, a little too loud.
    "Hey, Renay. You okay?" He inquired.
    "Me? Oh... Oh, yeah. I was just about to call you, actually," I sputtered out. "I've heard some things about there being two new assassins in Gotham. They've supposedly been doing things for Penguin. Just thought I'd let you know."
    "Oh, Alright. Thanks for the heads up, Renay,"
    "Yep. No problem."
    "Are you sure you're okay?" Jim asked, concern laced in his voice.
    Having a mini heart attack, I try to come up with an answer. "Y- Yeah. I.. uh... I had a busy night last night. I got really into my writing and stayed up till four in the morning. Besides that, I'm doing good." My voice cracked there at the end. I hoped he didn't catch it.
    "Okay, You just sounded a bit weird. Good to know you're okay. Well, I've got to get back to work. I'll talk to you later."
    "Alright, bye." As soon as Jim hung up, I let out a big sigh. I didn't think it would be that tough talking with Jim.
    I stood there, in the middle of my apartment, trying to figure what to do next. Deciding to maybe eat a snack and take a shower, I moved towards my very small kitchen. Among the junk food that I had in my cabinet, I pulled out some cheezits, happily munching on them.
    When I was finished with my snack, I jumped off of my couch and put my empty bowl on the counter. I should go to the coffee shop. I thought as I walked off to take a shower.
    Fresh out of the shower, I quickly got dressed and grabbed everything I needed. The coffee shop is the building to the left of my apartment complex. I've wondered if they built their shop in that location because the apartment complex was right there. I've never really asked.
    I pushed the door of the shop open and walked in. Coffee beans, pastries, and old books are the smells that hit me in the face. I loved it here.
    The line in the shop wasn't too long. There were only three people waiting in line. I wait in line for a few minutes, until it's my turn to order. I simply ordered a chai latte and a chocolate scone to go.
    When I get my order, I instantly walk towards my spot between the bookshelves. They were located towards the far left corner of the building. I thought it was the most comfortable area of the place. Rosa begs to differ.
    After pulling out my pen and pad out, I took my first bite of my delicious scone. Just as I was about to begin writing, two girls walked into the coffee shop. One was rather tall, with long brown hair and brown eyes. The other girl was average height with blonde hair and blue eyes. Both of them look quite friendly.
    Turning my attention away, I focused on the pen and pad in front of me. I thought of what I should write next. I honestly had forgotten what I had last written. Maybe I should take a break from the book, and write something short to gain more inspiration.
    In the middle of thinking, the girls from before sat down beside me. I look over to find both of them looking at me.
    "I'm sorry. What did you say? I didn't hear you." I spoke up.
    "I had just asked if it was okay to sit here." The brown haired girl asked.
    "Oh, yeah. It's totally okay." I answered back.
    I went back to my writing as soon as I answered her question. I honestly wasn't the best in social situations. I have always been awkward.
    Deciding to speak up, I asked; "You guys new to Gotham?"
    "Yep! We just moved in a couple days ago." The blonde replied.
    "Cool. You like it so far? I mean, Gotham is a bit dark, but it grows on you the longer you live here." I informed both of them.
    "Yeah! Even though it's always cloudy, the city has a lot of things to do." The Brunette added.
    I smiled and nodded my head in agreement. Surprisingly, I was having a decent conversation with these girls.
    While the conversation went on, time did too. I didn't realize how long we talked for until I was exchanging phone numbers with the girls.
    "And It's spelled with two E's?" I asked Rylee, the brunette.
    "Yup!"
    "And your name is spelled R-e-n-a-y?" The blonde, Marissa wondered.
    "Yeah. I know It's confusing."
    Once we exchanged our phone numbers, I said goodbye and walked back to my apartment. I stood in front of the door, struggling to find the key on my key ring. Finally, I find the key and unlock the door.
    I sigh. I didn't write anything while I was at the coffee shop. "I guess I could get some down now." I thought, walking towards my computer. Just as I sat down, I felt a vibration coming from my back pocket.
    I pulled my phone out of my pocket. Only to find that it was Rosa, calling me.
    "Hey." Was all she said.
    "Hi?" I asked back.
    "So I was wondering if you'd like to go out this weekend? My boyfriend, Phillip, wanted to go to a bar with a few of his friends and..... I don't know any of them. Please come! I don't want to be alone! And you can bring anyone you want! I just don't want to awkwardly stand there and do nothing!"
    "Okay, Okay! Slow down there, girl! I'll go," There was a loud screech from the other end.
    "Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!" She yelled back.
    "So when and where will it be happening?" I inquired, hoping it's nowhere sketchy.
    "Friday, at 9:00. The club is a place I've been to a couple of times. It's downtown. I'll text you the address," She replied.
    "Cool. I've got to get some writing done, I'll see you on Friday." Rosa said her goodbye and I hung up the phone.
    I put my phone screen down on my desk and turned on my beautiful computer. It took a minute or two to boot up. As soon as I was logged on, I was typing away.