Pisanthraphobia (H2OVanoss and Others)

Chapter 18

  Finding Evan a new, permanent residence was hard. They needed a secure location that he could afford without touching his bank account, and complete privacy.

There was no way to view his record, but they suspected that something on it would alert potential landlords and blow their cover. It would take a few years before Evan could lower his walls, and that was only in the best of circumstances.

They had surveyed several apartments and houses. Apartments were cheaper, but that also meant there was a landlord and neighbors.

One of the houses was in a gated neighborhood, with full security and privacy. It was basically perfect, fitting all of their expectations, but just a bit too expensive. They would have to delve into Evan's savings, as much as they had pardoned the idea.

The question was how. Any transactions made would I'm would immediately give away their plan and location, and Evan was still technically considered 'insane'. The only option was a more... grey path. That led them to Fifth Avenue.

Fifth Avenue was a locally named area where only bad things occurred. Drug deals, gang violence, bombings; if it was illegal this is where it happened. It was decided that only Evan and Tyler would go.

Out of their group, they were the strongest and knew at least some self defense. There were protest when it was decided, both because of Evan's adamance about going and Craig's worry for Tyler, but the group realized they had no other choice.

They had taken the least fancy car between them, someone's old rental pickup truck with flaking grey paint and dented wheels. It fit the area, and the two going had dressed down as well.

Clad in ripped jeans and frayed hoodies, Tyler and Evan parked on the outskirts to proceed on foot. Evan kept close to Tyler's side, walking a few inches behind him, and the taller led the way to a small warehouse.

The windows were cracked and shattered in places, rust painting the metal sides and cobwebs hanging in the corners. Outside the main door was a small keypad, too high-tech to look normal compared to the surroundings.

The two stopped in front of it, and Evan leaned around Tyler to type in a long series of numbers. He had gotten information from his 'online friends' (whom the rest knew nothing about) and knew what to do.

The keypad dinged, making Evan flinch in remembrance, and a small portion of the door opened. Just like in cliche movie bars, two dark eyes looked at them through the opening.

Tyler held up a black business card, and the opening was recovered, the door opening seconds after. No one was behind it, and there was a long hallway that spanned several meters.

They walked down slowly, keeping themselves aware of their surroundings and checking behind them. As they went farther, a small light lit up a simple wooden door. Glancing back once more, they turned the handle and went through.

It was a simple room. Everything in the room was a pristine white, except a grey desk in the center. Three doors were behind it, white like the walls, and there was a white fabric chair in front of it.

The crept forward. Glancing at Evan, Tyler eased his weight on to the chair, another click resounded. A tablet rose up from a hidden compartment on the surface of the desk. It was brand less, but it lit up when he tapped the screen.

It opened to a messaging interface, somewhat like the iMessage most people were used to. Tyler sent a 'text'.

We need cover for taking money out of an account.

We can make that untraceable. What is your preferred method of payment?

The message came back immediately, too fast for someone to type on another end. Tyler glanced at Evan, who nodded and stepped a bit closer.

Well give you 500k.

Expect an email later this week. Pleasure doing business.

The screen cut to black, and the room was still once again.

"C'mon, let's get out of here."

The boys left the way they came and hurried to get in their car, locking the doors. The grey truck peeled away slowly, both boys in edge.

They kept the car silent, both too shaken from the absurdity of their experience. Nothing stirred until they left Fifth Avenue, and at the sight of normal civilization they both relaxed.

When they entered Brian's apartment they were promptly swallowed by a mass of commotion. Nogla had initiated the glomping, and Brian was dragged along with Brock.

Evan laughed as Tyler threw/rolled the others off, and they rendezvoused in the kitchen, a bowl of pizza rolls already lay there waiting. After swallowing about twenty while, Tyler and Evan recounted their experience.

The others also found it disturbing, and Craig seemed to think the situation was vaguely familiar. However, he didn't get very far into his thoughts as a voice went way beyond 'inside' volume.

"Wow, Ev, wha-what ty-ypeee of people do y-you hang out-t with on-online?"

Once again Brian had spoken up, and once again it was toward Evan. Brock smiled softly and leaned against him, putting his arm on Brian's shoulder.

"Yeah, Ev, you should be careful who you talk with online!"

The group dissolved into laughter, and the weirdness was overthrown by banter, a reminder of what they were like oh so long ago.

I apologize for the (Extremely) Late update once again, I'm trying to sort out my schedule :P
Thoughts?