"I'm going to regret this, I swear..."

I mumble as I open the door.

I get inside and something crunches beneath my boot. I move my foot and see glass shards littering the floor. Only now I notice that the glass panel behind the front seats is broken. I'm distracted for a moment, because the android wants to return the smartphone, pointing with it towards me.

"Keep it, for now."

I say and he puts it back to the pocket of my jacket, which is still draped over his shoulders. It's kind of cute how he holds on to it.

Upon further examination, I see a blood stain on the dashboard in front of me, and when I try to close the door, it doesn't shut right away, I have to use force to close it properly. Those are obvious signs of a fight that went in here, and I'm positive it's all Eight's doing. Speaking of Eight...

The doll has trouble with starting the engine, as it's feet can't reach the pedals. He wiggles with the leg stretching it as far as he can, but alas it's no use. He then lowers himself in the seat, but now his head is below the steering wheel and he can't look through the windscreen.

"Geez, it's either one thing or the other."

I facepalm.

"Am I supposed to put you on my lap and push the pedals for you? Just know that I-"

I don't have a chance to finish my sentence, as the android leans over to my side, reaching for something. I move away, he opens the glovebox and rummages through it. The doll grabs something that looks like a black USB wire and looks at the plugs, then examines the dashboard. I don't really get it until he finds the slot he was looking for, on the side of the steering system. He plugs one end of the wire in the slot, the other end goes in a slot somewhere in the back of his head. The doll closes its eyes for a moment, and the moment it opens them the car engine starts, the instrument cluster lights up and the pedals move on their own.

"Holy shit!" Slips my lips.

Well, what do you know. The vans must be built at the dolls company as well, if they happen to be compatible. How quaint.

Eight looks at me, and I take a second to realize that he's asking for the point of destination. Instinctively I am about to say the exact address to my friend's apartment, but I pause for a moment. Eight typed earlier that it should be somewhere nearby, so I ponder which street woul be most suitable. But then another thought flashes through my mind, and I decide to go with my friend's apartment anyway. Then I add:

"We'll hide the van there and then I'll carry you two streets further."

It's a lie of course, as we'll park right next to my friend's place, but I said that to mislead the scientists who eavesdrop on us. If they send any searching party, the guys will comb through the areas two streets away, a safe distance from the apartment we'll be staying at. At least that's what I hope for...

Eight uses the GPS device on the dashboard and checks the route. It takes only a moment for him to memorize it and the van moves. The pedals and clutch lever move on their own, but he's still operating the steering wheel with his hands. He turns the van around, then stops in front of the alley and points at the unconscious scientists that I put against the wall earlier. I shake my head.

"No, let them be. Taking hostages is a pain in the ass... they may cause us some trouble later. If we leave them here, all they can do is return to HQ and just report us."

Eight gives me a confused look, as if asking if I am sure of my decision.

"It's better that way, trust me."

I reply short. Without questioning me any further, the doll moves the car and we're on our way.

"Pass me the phone."

I stretch my arm towards him. The android hands me the device without looking away from the road. I slide my finger across the surface and pick the name "Iggy" from the contact list. Gotta call him and let him know that we'll drop by. Iggy picks up after just one signal beep. It's 3 am but he's not sleeping, and he doesn't sound drowsy at all. I remember now that it's typical for him to stay up until morning. This guys sleeping schedule is as messed up as the situation I am in.

I keep the conversation short and to the point, leaving the details for later, even skipping the fact that I'm bringing Eight with me. The techie has nothing against my sudden visit. Good. I end the call and sink back into my seat with a loud sigh, finally finding a moment to relax my body. I hide my face with both hands and rub my temples.

What a night. I need a cig.

I lean over and put the smartphone back into the pocket of my jacket, rummage some more and grab a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. I light the cig, take a deep drag and list all my wrongdoings.

I knocked out two people, damaged property, stole a van and abducted an android... can I even say that about a humanoid machine? Anyway, that's enough to admit that I'm fucked. Good job, Wilhelm. You have a natural talent to get yourself into the deepest shit. Somebody give me a medal.

I sigh again and glance at Eight, he turns his head away from me and looks at the road. I take another drag and stare in front of me. At least he's cooperating and doesn't want me to kill him... For now, I assume.

The moment I finish my cigarette, we're already there. Eight parks in an alley right across my friend's place. Once we're out I ask him to shut his eyes and cover his ears like he did before. The doll nods and does as told, and I take a moment to brace myself to pick him up. I huff, rub my hands together and lift the android up in my arms. I groan a bit, but this time it went easier, probably because I already knew he's that heavy. His body may be small, almost like a child's, but he definitely weighs a bit more than an adult. Without wasting any more time and energy, I go straight to Iggy's apartment.

Overcoming the steps wasn't an easy task, but I managed somehow, before my arms would just fall off. I sit Eight against the wall next to the door, take a breath and ring the door bell. I lean against the wall and wipe the sweat from my forehead, trying to adjust my heavy breathing.

A minute later I hear the sound of the lock turning, the door opens, and I'm greeted by a cheeky smile of my droopy eyed friend.

"Hey man, what did you do this time?"

My eyebrow twitches when he says that.

"Boy, you look worn out. Did you had a fight?"

He tilts his head and fixes his gaze on the Band-Aid on my cheek.

"Sort of."

I reply short and lean to the side, to pick Eight up. Iggy peeks out and notices the doll wrapped in my jacket.

"Huh, there's somebody with you?"

"Move."

I say and he instantly steps to the side, then closes the door after me. Only now in the light of the room he realizes that the person I'm holding is not human.

"Dude, did you steal a mannequin!?"

He comments, peeking from the side. I put the doll on the couch, and crash right next to it, spent like hell. I throw my head back wit ha sigh. I wouldn't be so exhausted, if not for the fight with Eight earlier. The bruises I had were still hurting. Eight doesn't budge, still in his no-see-no-hear pose. Iggy gasps loudly.

"Oooh snap! It's an android!"

His eyes sparkle in excitement, and he leans over to examine my robotic companion.

"I've never seen a model like that, whoa, where did you get it from? And why is it sitting like that?"

"It's a long story..."