Chapter Two: City

“Alright, how long is left until we get to London?” question Xavier.

“About…” Viktor stated, pulling up a map application on his phone. “...twenty minutes or so?”

“Okay, I guess it’s not that bad. At this point, I just want to get as far away from that station as possible.” Xavier said, putting his shivering hand on the glove-box handle.

“I wonder if there’s anything in here?” speculated Xavier, as he pulled the glove-box towards his knee.

“Oh, it looks like there’s something in here!” Xavier stated.

He reached inside of the glove compartment and pulled out a box. He gingerly pulled off the lid and revealed that inside was a one pence coin and a note taped to it.

“What does it say?” enquired Viktor.

“It says: To whomever has purchased this car: here’s some help with the insurance! Be grateful in this day and age!’”

“Does it say anything else?” Viktor interrogated.

“No, but it’s signed ‘Patrick’. Do you know anybody named Patrick?” Xavier answered.

“No, it’s probably one of the staff from the dealer.” replied Viktor.

“Yeah, you’re most likely right.”

“Then, let’s keep on driving!”

*

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

The pair arrived in London after their dangerous trek, escaping from some thieves who were looking for mayhem.

“Alright, I think we’re here.” Viktor analysed.

“Yes, I agree. Now, I think it’s time to get us something to eat.” Xavier said, while clutching his stomach.

“There’s a restaurant over there. I think it’s called ‘Gary’s Grub’, from what I can see.” Viktor replied, looking around, attempting to be inconspicuous.

The pair trudged across the street, narrowly avoiding a sixteen-wheeler as the driver shouted: “Hey, get out of the road!”

They strolled up to a cobblestone step, where the menu was perched on a lectern in front of the restaurant’s enormous glass panes.

“Oh, I think this is a fast-food place,” Xavier stated hungrily. “And I’m not complaining.”

They strode up to the counter.

“Could I please have a double cheeseburger with no gherkins?” Xavier asked.

“Alright. And what would you like?” the server lady said, glancing at Viktor.

“I’ll have what he’s having,” said Viktor.

“Okay, and that will be seven pounds and ninety-eight pence.” the server stated while glancing at the cash register.

“Do you have any money, Viktor? ‘Cause I got nothing.” Xavier asked hesitantly.

“I’m not sure…” he answered while rummaging through his jean pockets. “Oh, I do! The twenty-five pound fee money. I forgot to give it to the teacher.” Viktor declared joyously.

“You didn’t… oh, nevermind.”

*

“These were not a mistake,” Viktor announced.

“Um… I guess so,” Xavier replied. “They’re not bad.”

“What do you mean?” Viktor asked.

“It… tastes funny…” Xavier said, feeling queasy.

“Are you alright?” Viktor blurted worriedly.

“I don’t know-” Xavier started to say, but fell backwards and his stool hit the tiled flooring.

“Xavier! Are you okay?!” Viktor questioned distressingly.

There was no response, as Xavier was unconscious.

Viktor thumbed his mobile phone and typed in the emergency services keypad: ‘999’.

“Don’t worry, buddy,” Viktor reassured him. “You’ll be okay.”

The last thing Xavier saw before blacking out were the hands of the customers pressing down on his chest and phone dial tones.