Shadow

Chapter 11

"So," I said solemnly, "Is the job done?"

"Yes," He said, his face grave. 

"Any issues?" I asked further. 

"No," He said, placing his cupped hands on the table in front of him. 

"Right," I said, "And the results?"

"Raven," He said quietly, his head sinking, "I got 80 per cent."

I squealed in joy and hugged him from across the table, "Congratulations!"

I had been helping Riley over the last three weeks with his subjects. He had been doing great. I also managed to get some information about him. He had repeatedly been getting texts, after which he left abruptly, and he often called people, telling them that the 'job was done'. I was never able to follow him to his little rendezvous. But nowadays, these calls were happening more frequently, so that day that I was going to unveil his secrets was just around the corner. 

"It's all you," Riley laughed, "I would be failing right now if it weren't for you."

"But I wouldn't have been able to help you if you didn't help yourself first," I countered. 

Riley smiled, "Thank you"

I grinned at him, "So... my job is done."

 "Almost," Riley smiled.

"What?" I asked. 

"You don't have to if you don't want to," Riley said slowly, "But I kind of need you to come over today."

"Why?" I questioned. 

"My mum doesn't believe my grades, she thinks that I'm cheating or bribing the teachers," Riley sighed, "I told her that one of my friends was helping me, so she wants to meet them."

Great. 

But what does this have to do with me?

I'm kidding. 

I know exactly what it has to do with me. 

"And why doesn't she believe you?" I said, lazily eyeing the nervous Riley in front of me. 

"Because she doesn't believe that I'm doing so well within a span of three weeks," Riley explained, "I don't understand, I thought she wanted this."

"And why can't you just take one of your friends?" I pressed. 

"Because you're the only one who knows about my... situation," Riley sighed, "Can you please save my ass."

"Fine," I sighed, trying to be optimistic. I could snoop around his house and find some more clues, headquarters would be happy, "When're we leaving?"

"Now."

....

His house was revolting. No offence, but it was. 

We were currently standing in front of the door, he was nervously fiddling with his shirt next to me. 

It was a small flat, and by the looks of it, barely standing amongst the dry weeds that surrounded the house. The baby blue paint that covered the house was chipped in various places, revealing the rusting metal underneath. The roof was broken in multiple places, making me wonder how they survived the rainy seasons. The walls were visibly thin too. I wouldn't be surprised if his mother could hear us breathing. 

Riley cleared his throat and knocked on the door three times. He brought his hand back down and we patiently waited. A few seconds later, the door opened a crack, and I could see a blue eye inspecting us warily.