the acc

on the kitchen counter. He let out a sigh, rubbing the weariness from his eyes. This was

rked when he could, taking on whatever jobs came his way. And that's how he built his

situation. As it turned out, Mike was a whiz with computers, and Xavier saw an opportunity. He put Mi

he silence. He glanced at the screen, his expression darkening. "This woman is pissing me off," he muttere

omputer, his eyes raised

jaw clenched. "The one who wanted us to s

. "Yeah, because that's exactly th

w we do anything, but we're not that che

brow. "But the mon

m. "Regardless, it's a no. We'll

anded on the news. His eyes narrowed as he watched the report

ooked at him, concerned. "Yo, man, what's up with your face?

on the TV. Mike threw a can at him, hitting

o him, his expression n

press further. The room fell silen

is voice casual. "Dude, I'm starvin

, Mike's stomach growled loudly,

eone's hungry!"

. "What do y

and chicken,"

ing away on his phone. "

eyes lit

et. Two sets of burgers, chips, and chick

atisfied smile on

TV as Mike returned to his system. But just as suddenl

eyes scanning the screen. "What's it ab

"It's about getting a video recording tha

"Okay, ask the person

ped up on the screen. Xavier's eyes scann

he said finally, a small

way. "The price is $10,000. Ac

a whoop of excitement. Just as they were celebr

Xavier exclaimed,

ed out in joy. Mike quickly typed aw

job will be taken car

xcitement, there was a knock on the

he door, grinnin

voring the flavors. As they ate, they

recording in a flash drive, and we're

rowing. "Yeah, find out eve

ng across the keyboard. After a few minutes, he looked up, "All right,

widened in alarm. "A police officer?! Oh man, we

for Mike to co

ns out Marcell works in the same jurisd

a sigh. "Grea

ace. "Okay, it makes things easy for us

plate, nodding in agreement.

d, then continued, "Wait.

n unison, "The night t

high-five, and Xavier e

ll's house, the night air shrouding their movements. Mike stayed back,

," Xavier whispere

ed back, "Roger tha

ught back to all the detective movies he'd watched, wondering where s

small, hidden compartment in the bookshelf. His h

he'd found it, Mike's urgent voice burs

it!" he muttered, quickly replacin

t as Marcell walked into the house. Marcell's eyes nar

e, Marcell hot on his heels. "Shit!"

ry shouts fading into the distance. "Stop

ed to catch him. Xavier sped on, weaving through the s

e asked, his voice

ith sarcasm. "Am I supposed t

the road ahead. Make a U-turn down the road, and Marcell will be

road ahead, his mind racing.

plate number of the bike. Then, you c

hot on his heels. "Okay, see you soon!" he sho

the close call. He glanced back, a mix of relief and exci

s fist in triumph. "Sorry, pal!" He could see

urred. Metal screeched against metal, and a car crashed

the close call. He glanced back, a mix of relief and exci

s fist in triumph. "Sorry, pal!" He could see

urred. Metal screeched against metal, and a car crashed