BZZZT BZZZT BZZZT

Who was ringing at four in the morning? I clutched the phone from my bedside table and squinted my eyes to see Sebastian’s name. It would be a bad decision if I didn’t answer.

“Nathaniel, I need you to do something for me.” Sebastian didn’t greet me. Instead, he went straight to the point.

“What?” I grunted, wiping my eyes. It’s still dark outside. This guy is crazy.

“I have a shipment coming in. I need you to collect it and drive it over to me.” Collecting shipments at four in the morning? I should have been excited about being given my first opportunity to make ‘a lot of money’ as he promised. However, from my lack of sleep, I wasn’t excited to get out of bed.

“Why can’t your guys do it? They’re getting paid, right?” Sebastian heavily sighed on the other side.

“Did you not learn anything I told you about yesterday? Besides, thanks to you, the gang at the deal you and your friends hijacked are not happy with me and demanding the money I took. So, you owe me big time.” That’s a fair point. If I never got involved in that nightmare, I wouldn’t be awakened at four in the morning by an asshole making me his lap dog.

“Can’t you give the money back?” I suggested.

“I’m not wasting my breath having this conversation with you. I want you to drive the truck to me. Can you do that or not?” Sebastian snapped. I wanted to say no. However, thinking back to his condescending lecture yesterday, I would be missing an opportunity to climb the ladder if I refused. Plus, I was curious about what was in the truck. Where I would be going? I would be able to witness the Luxe trade in full motion.

“OK, I’ll do it. Where and when do you want me to go?” I sighed, peeling off my covers and carefully getting out of bed. The bed is squeaky and the last thing I need is to wake up Yasmina.

“I’ll send the address. You’ll have to get there yourself. Be there at five. Don’t take the piss and be late, I run a tight schedule.” I glanced at the clock. It was now ten past four. He’s barely giving me an hour to get there. Who does he think I am? Superman? That I can just spread my wings and fly there?

“You know Granton is more than an hour away from the city centre, right?” I tried to ask calmly. Maybe Sebastian misjudged the distance. I’m sure he would understand logistical issues.

“Not my problem, figure it out.” Then he hung up. I kissed my teeth. He seemed stressed out. Interesting. However, I knew I couldn’t mess this up. Perhaps I’ll get paid for this. I threw on any casual clothes sprawled across the room, trying not to disturb the family. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get back before Yasmina goes to school.

Once I stepped out of the house, I received a text from Sebastian which revealed the address. The city docks. That is so far. I cursed under my breath and decided on my action plan. I needed to get to this address on time. So, I took a gamble and decided to call Jay, who owned a car. He wasn’t going to happy, though

“Man, what are you doing?” Jay kissed his teeth over the phone.

“Jay, can I ask for a favour?”

“What?” Jay croaked.

“Could you drive me to the docks?”

~

“Sorry, I couldn’t park around where you needed to go.” Jay apologised, parking in one of the city centre’s car parks. I still had twenty minutes. It was a miracle. If I walked quickly, I would be able to get there in time.

“Don’t worry about it. Thank you for your help, I really appreciate it. I owe you.” I grabbed the new gun that Sebastian gave me and left the car. Twenty minutes was enough time to get me mentally prepared for whatever lied ahead.

“Hey, Nathaniel. If your ‘Boss’ isn’t around, do you think I could join you? I want to see what’s in the truck.” Jay asked. I turned back to him, and he was smirking.

“Not sure that’s a good idea, man. I don’t know what this guy is like. If he finds out…”

“He won’t trust me. I’ll leave before you pull up anywhere, promise.” I had no idea what to expect for today. It could be difficult doing this work alone, so it would be assuring to have Jay’s company. Perhaps he could help me out somehow.

“OK, wait around here, I’ll drive around here and get you.” Jay grinned. I bet he’s happy that he got out of bed for this.

“OK, see you in a bit. Be careful!”

I stepped out of the parking lot and headed towards the docks using the GPS on my phone. I wasn’t familiar with downtown, so I had no clue where I was going. I remembered my conversation with Sebastian a few days ago, teasing me for not knowing the area. He talked like someone who hasn’t lived here for very long, I wonder where he comes from. God, I don’t know why I keep thinking about him. I soon arrived at the given location on time, and one of the workers let me in. I pity all of them for working here so early in the morning. Sebastian instructed me in the text to speak to a man of Asian descent called Ken.

“Nathaniel Reeves?” A man called out to me. I turned around, and he gripped my arm.

“You’re late.” I looked at my watch, it had just turned five. What was this guy talking about?