Exchange

10 pages

Chapter 13

Andrew pulled up to the house and parked. Minyard went to the front door and searched for the keys, which he found in his pocket. I had to feel the crack with my fingers before opening the door. The streetlights were burning badly, they didn't even really illuminate the place in front of them. The evening turned into a full-fledged dark night. Usually, the sunset only begins at nine, but today, for some reason, everything went late. Right now, I clearly wanted to sleep the most. In the evening, after work, the guys did not gather in the O room, but immediately left the restaurant in turn. Andrew was one of those who did it first. Indeed, today you can sit up late, and then go to bed, because nothing prevents you from waking up, for example, at lunch. Minyard silently took off his shoes, putting them in a corner, and went into the kitchen. Driving through the center, Andrew dropped into one of the several shops along the road. There he bought ice cream in a jar, and not one, but three: ice cream, chocolate and strawberry. It seems that this is definitely enough for the night. Andrew took what he had bought out of the bag and put it in the refrigerator for a while. He went into the room to change his clothes. The cell phone was getting low, so Minyard put it on charge, turning it off completely. Probably, this is a good decision, even a genius one, because these pills have been taken out. Of course, there is a flight mode that serves to temporarily disable mobile communications, but Andrew also arranged the primary option. After changing his clothes, he went out into the hallway, along which he went to the kitchen. Now it's better to just sit, because my legs have not yet recovered from such a load. Even sitting in the car, Andrew felt like they were about to fall off. Ten minutes later, Andrew got up from his chair and impatiently stomped to the refrigerator. He took all three plastic ice cream buckets and sat back down. Minyard was just crazy about ice cream. It's not every time he's lucky enough to eat it, because after sitting late at the Penguin, Andrew doesn't have time to stop by the store. Most of the shops in the center close after eight or nine, and clubs and bars, other restaurants with coffee shops are open only until eleven o'clock. Shops located away from the central part of the city often do not contain the necessary materials or products. They are not there. Therefore, people living near such shopping malls most often go to the center to buy well enough. By the way, the founders of the shops are confident that people will come to them. Mostly, only elderly people who cannot get to the central part are bought in them. And so, long-distance markets are based on a higher price for products than in other stores. Minyard took the lid off one of the buckets and stared into the sweetness. It's just awesome. Andrew took a teaspoon from the counter and filled it with its contents. The night time flew by unnoticed. Andrew was already eating the second bucket without any greed. Along with the sweetness, Andrew could forget about something serious, distancing himself from the world. He slowly delved into his situation, thinking about what he liked. Minyard often listened to his friends and, without giving any sign, memorized the details that held the main meaning of the story. It was the same with ice cream, but not someone's thoughts, but their own were gradually remembered. It was frightening, but also pleasing at the same time. Andrew spent a long time at the table with his nose buried in it. It seems that he overestimated the taste of ice cream so much that he forgot about his existence. He just fell asleep. There were two empty buckets on the floor, and there was another half-empty one on the table. Minyard has almost mastered everything. Bravo! Although, if you think about it, he can safely sweep away a whole ton, which will never be compared to these three buckets in any way. Andrew came to his senses and jumped up, thinking about the time. A job popped into his mind. Minyard rushed into the room, where he took off the charging phone and realized late that today was his day off. He relaxed, fixed his serious gaze on the wall and mentally said, "What, a fool, or something." Frowning, he lay down on the bed and gradually began to fall asleep. Nevertheless, because of the sleep spent in a sitting position, the body has not fully rested, which means that now, while there is such an opportunity, you need to get enough sleep.

—

An unexpected call woke Andrew, who was dozing. He was sleeping peacefully, but after a sharp ringing he jumped out of bed. The name "Ginger" was displayed on the mobile screen, which did not mean anything good. Minyard looked down at the phone, still sleepy-eyed. He got out of bed before he was fully awake. Andrew picked up the phone, concentrating on the incoming call. He involuntarily pulled the badge up. Rick, in general, talked to Andrew in a simple way, asking easy questions. Apparently, there is no work at all. He asked if Minyard had slept well, about his mood, about his plans for the day and something like that. Rick brought up the conversation about Theodore again, saying that today this little guy is doing well, even almost stepping on the step inherent in the Minyard. Shaliz was working normally today, but, as it seemed to Rick, with suspicion. Of course, the redhead doesn't trust Shaliz from the moment he arrives. Perhaps he is right, but it is not necessary to immediately assign a person to a group – whether he is good or bad – according to an eternal smile. There are reasons for this. Rick somehow abruptly shifted the topic from Theodore to his and Renee's position. He quietly expressed all the shortcomings, because what happened the other day made Rick wish for the place chosen for him. He stopped believing in the reliability of people, and even more so in their fairness to the work of workers. It was only from that moment that Rick began to understand what kind of evil and soulless people live on this damn planet. But still, Rick intends to defend the point of view justified at the time of the conflict with the bald man. He was and will be on the side of the attacker, no matter what that man is now. Personal life is everyone's business. Rick paused the monologue, finally saying that the customers had arrived. He didn't switch off, but just slid the phone to the corner of the counter, intending to continue the conversation with Andrew. Minyard heard Rick and Rene's words, silently reacting to their such false goodwill. Somewhere there were unfamiliar voices, and somewhere Theo was purring. In some places, Andrew caught the waiters' phrases - they were addressing the sellers purely on business. Rick was overly appealing to Walker, still deftly serving people. Ten minutes later, he got free and picked up his cell phone, telling Minyard so. Rick breathed a sigh of relief, continuing to develop a topic that had not yet really begun. Everything was going well. The conversation was aimed at how much Rick hates people now. He did not complain, but only shared his thoughts. Now his status has finally changed, as has the public view of the world. In one of his verbal points, Rick even swore that he would not lie down in the ground until he found at least one normal person, not counting himself, Andrew and Rene. The evil ones have already been dealt with. But the theory of "dumb people" needs to be worked on. Rick brought into it all those who became his enemy. Even those with whom he is not familiar in principle. Moreover, there was another such theory, but it was red. If the regular one most often included clients who had some kind of problems, then this one included only one person: Theodore Shaliz. Ginger was ready to find out everything about this fracture, just to get behind. He also said that he was not going to praise him at all, even if he revealed a whole poem here and then went to the presidency. Rick began to notice that Andrew wasn't listening to their conversation at all. He paused in his monologue, making sure that he was being listened to. Nothing happened after that, so Rick said Minyard's name, to which he did not respond. It seemed to him that Andrew was joking, but then he heard snuffling. Andrew fell asleep. Ginger grinned and dropped the call, not wanting to wake up Minyard. It seems that he has not quite slept well after the night's event. And in principle, no one is to blame, he wants to – his business. Logically speaking, Andrew could well have guessed how it would all end.

—

Finally awake, Andrew glanced at his watch. It was two o'clock in the afternoon. Minyard quietly packed up and went out into the hallway, where he stole keys and cigarettes from the chest of drawers. Rick didn't call him anymore, so Andrew decided to check on their situation himself. On the way, he drove to a gas station so that he wouldn't end up somewhere halfway there. In the late few days after receiving the car, gasoline began to be spent much more, which did not lead to the best in any way. Although it seems quite possible, because Andrew drives at high speed. The gas station was located in the opposite direction from the restaurant, so the way to it was not fast. Half an hour later, Andrew was already in the parking lot of the Penguin, but he did not stop there: there were twice as many people today. Minyard found an unoccupied area and parked the car. And it wasn't in the parking lot at all, but okay. Andrew hesitated at the entrance to the room and looked around the room. Rick and Rene worked in silence, no longer reacting to the newcomers. Waiters rushed around, barely able to stand on their feet, handed out dishes prepared for customers and provided others with free seats. The restaurant was doing well, apart from the large number of people. Andrew walked down the hall to the counter. Rick ignored him, just whispered something under his breath; Renee fixed her gaze on Minyard and cocked her head to the side questioningly. She said his name softly, and then Rick turned abruptly to Andrew. The redhead, like Rene, looked at him in disbelief. Crossing his arms over his chest, he squinted and said: "What the hell are you walking with?" Walker smiled, but she didn't want to show it. She hurriedly squatted down, covering her face with her hands. She was having so much fun with Rick's phrase that she almost fell over laughing. The sadness. "Are you driving me away?" Andrew said. "No. It seems." The customers came over and Rick left for a few minutes. Following this, in order to help, Renee took over the placement of tables. Andrew stood aside so as not to disturb either the guys or the waiters. It seemed to Minyard that things were going much better in the restaurant when he himself was not in it. There were a lot of people today. Much. Andrew went into room O to wait for everything to quiet down. The hall was too noisy. He turned on the TV and flipped through the channels. There are many games on the game disc, but they are mostly for a few people. If you are looking for something single, it will take a lot of time. So Andrew decided not to dwell on it by turning on a random channel. Minyard hadn't heard much about him because he basically doesn't watch TV. Judging by the reasoning, this channel was a news channel. It was dedicated specifically to their city, conveying new and important events and moments. It took a couple of minutes for the weather and something between "good morning" and "good night." Andrew stared at the screen in boredom, still not understanding what was being said. Towards noon, he left the room, heading for the exit. Minyard did not approach the counter, but only nodded slightly in farewell. He left the room, turning towards the car. Then, having started it, I drove home. Andrew usually drives to his house along the courtyard streets, along the alleys. If it comes to shopping, then the Minyard goes to the center, but later still returns to the old road. But you can also drive home along the central one. Minyard quietly made his way. Getting out of the car, he lit one cigarette, clearly thinking about something. Andrew spent some of the day outside, sitting on the hood of a car. Cigarette butts were scattered around, and Mignard himself was smoking another one–the last one. He looked up at the sky; it seemed only half light. The sun has just begun to set, perhaps this process will be long. Somewhere in the distance, Andrew saw a black symbol with a strange shape. It was a plane. And yet. Andrew went into the house, closing the door with two latches. He went into the room and went to the window: it was too hot outside, not to mention the house. Minyard went to bed without covering himself with a blanket. He was trying to sleep, which was extremely difficult. Some fifteen minutes passed in vain, but gradually Minyard began to fall asleep. Andrew didn't spend his vacation very long. The sharp ringing made Andrew bury his face in the pillow and curse all those who even thought of inventing something electronic. He picked up the phone from the bedside table and squinted, trying to remember the number. His eyes hurt like hell, and sometimes it seemed to Minyard that he was going to go completely blind. After a moment, Andrew took another look at the screen. An unknown person called. For the sake of interest and, in other things, boredom, Andrew answered, but did not wait for the expected: the subscriber disconnected. The next moment, a message popped up, short and clear:

"Come to the Torror sometime, unless, of course, you want to lose those who are dear to you :)".

Chapter 14

Andrew read the message again, half asleep. The clock showed eight o'clock in the evening and fifty-two minutes. The end of the working day is coming soon.. The letter arrived four minutes ago. Something is clearly wrong. An unknown person somehow found Andrew's number and wrote this. Minyard hurriedly got out of bed and headed straight for the street. He seems to have begun to understand what this message refers to. Andrew started the car and, stepping on the gas, rushed at high speed to the Penguin. Why is it that today, when Andrew has a long-awaited day off, the devil comes? Andrew drove all the way in five minutes. There were no cars on the roads, so Minyard drove freely. And still on camera. The streets were noticeably deserted, and the restaurant itself stood as if abandoned. The door was open, the windows were cracked in some places, and their part of the parking lot was completely broken. The food belonging to the customers was on the table, no one was watching behind the counter. Andrew walked over to the counter, squatting down. The first thing that caught my eye was the notebook that Rick had once given Renee. Minyard sat looking around the room. A minute later, he remembered the message that said about the Torror. Torror is an area that is largely abandoned. In the city, such places are most often called houses and buildings that do not belong to the need. Also, the long-forgotten alleys are a Torror. Houses are not put up for sale, but only demolished by order of the administration. What of this someone meant is not clear. Andrew took Rene's notebook and moved to Rick's side in order to find his wallet as well. Not finding the notebook on the counter and under it, Minyard moved into the kitchen. It was lying on the countertop. To some suspicion, the kitchen was not touched at all: everything was in its place, the windows and walls were intact. It doesn't compare to the gym in any way. Andrew pulled off the notebook and drew attention to the spine. The inscription written on it was another clue: "The centipede will find a rod, You are doing a false job." And the puzzle began to take shape. The handwriting belonged to Theodore. Damn. You should have believed Rick's words from the very beginning, because he was right from the first working days of Shaliz. All his suspicions were not simple, Rick turned out to be so smart and attentive. And it's all because of Theo. If Andrew had spent more time with Shalise, learned a little bit about his false life story, then now, at this moment, he would not have lost Rene and Rick. Those who are dear to him. In the clue, the main word was "Centipede". If you know your city well, you will easily understand what it is about. The centipede was nicknamed the multi-storey abandoned building located next to the Solnechnoye cafe. This has been going on for a long time. I wonder how they got there? The entrance and emergency exit are locked, and the windows are completely boarded up. Minyard didn't really trust his intuition, but there were no other options left. He drove silently to the designated place, hoping for the best. Walking down the alley, Andrew did not find a single living entity. He looked around the cafe, but it turned out to be closed. That's right, it works on certain days. There were no cameras on this street, so choosing a "Centipede" was a reasonable decision. Andrew walked around the abandoned building, but found nothing. Only later did I take a closer look at the large sign on the side, which, due to the wind, did not reliably hide the open door. Andrew climbed through the sign and found himself in a dark room. The corridor went straight with precision, then turned right. Andrew carefully walked to the separation without making a sound. He stalked like a mouse, ensuring both his own and others' safety. Various voices were walking around the room further, but they disappeared quickly. It is not clear which words were heard through the walls. It's just unintelligible. Moreover, the atmosphere was another mystery. There was not a single light, only in some places poorly illuminated lamps hung on the walls. It was quite cool in the room. The floor at the exit seemed damp, as the prints of Minyard's shoes proved. Andrew did not want to turn back, so he walked on with little but reliable confidence. The corridors were very long, so it was difficult to get to the main point. Among other things, the concrete floor did not give rest: with each step there was a knock, something like a heel. If you walk more quietly and carefully, you will have to slow down. But there is no time for that. Andrew walked down the second corridor, but looking into the distance, Minyard stressed that this was not the end: there were two more turns at the end of the corridor. The rustling and voices gradually increased, their audibility was more or less accessible. Andrew caught both female and male tones of voice in the phrases. Somewhere, low voices could be heard–children's, begging to be let go. At one point, Andrew just stood in the middle of the road and thought about it. He couldn't imagine why others were waiting for him instead of killing the abductees. Minyard walked to the fork and froze. There were two corridors on either side of him, exactly the same and at the same time different. It was somehow not reliable to trust yourself, but Andrew was sure that any of these corridors would lead to a common set route. Two minutes later, Andrew noticed that the elongated corridors had ended and there was only one shortcut left. Minyard quietly walked down the corridor and found himself in the field of view of many. Everyone abruptly quieted down, watching him with fear. A cage, somewhat similar to a prison, immediately caught my eye. It occupied most of the right side. On the left side were the criminals themselves, looking keenly at Andrew. On their side was Theo, who had once been the sweetest and kindest person for everyone. He was still smiling, but somehow predatory rather than kind. His heart was beating so loudly that the sound seemed to resound in all corners of the room. Standing next to Theo, arms crossed over his chest, was the guy Andrew met on the street in the evenings. The closest person in the chair was the girl Andrew hadn't seen sitting on the roof. There was another one next to her–a dark-skinned Confusion. Stepping back, Andrew looked at the cage, looking for Rene and Rick. In addition to adults, there were also children in the enclosed space. Andrew did not immediately notice the gun in the sitting girl's hand, and therefore realized late what the process was about. It was as if he had become a part of this turmoil. The girl was a long-haired blonde with a slender body. Her image and makeup highlighted femininity. She was wearing a cropped sleeveless dress with elbow–length gloves and low–heeled shoes. There was a gold chain around her neck, and earrings in her ears. "My name is Alison," she introduced herself, twirling the gun this way and that. Then she pointed her finger to the left, bringing her assistants into view. "This is Dan and Kevin, I think you'll become friends." She obviously didn't expect an answer. From her character, it can be understood that she is not one of those who always endures and keeps everything to herself. Alison did not wait for Andrew, continuing what she had started: "If you are interested in why you are here, then contact Kevin. You seem to know each other. As it is, I'm the deputy boss, and the boss is actually Dan." Andrew looked at the cage. He exchanged a sharp glance with one of the women and, before he could turn away, leaned forward. Another guy, slightly taller than Kevin, walked past him. He was as dark-skinned as Dan. There was a smile on his face, but he didn't look like Theodore in any way. The next moment, a woman's voice was heard begging them to let them out. She turned to Andrew, hoping that he would get them all out of here. The woman was making so much noise that at some point her ears started ringing. The first person who couldn't stand it was Alison: pointing the gun at the woman, she pulled the trigger. Because of this, there was a lot of noise in the enclosed space. The children were frightened, clinging to the adults, then to the walls of the cage; the adults stared dumbfounded at the bleeding body. Anyway, Alison hit the mark. Andrew peered into the cage once more, looking for the guys with his eyes. He was so attentive, but Rene didn't find Rick either. It wasn't exactly good, in my opinion it was even bad. "Looking for your friends, right?" Theo asked. Minyard did not react to this in any way, mentally finishing the case with Shaliz. He was already too much trouble. He looked at Kevin, trying to figure out what he was here for. It was strange to realize that they were capable of such a thing. Andrew tried to take two steps forward, to which Alison pointed the gun at him warningly. In principle, Minyard did not understand what should be done and what should not be done, because the lives of many depend on his wrong decision. Moreover, it was necessary to concentrate on the characters of the criminals in order to know in advance what the tones of the voice and subsequent actions could lead to. Dan quietly shuffled in place and went into the room to the left of them. Three minutes later, Rick and Rene came out of there, accompanied by Dan. Their hands were tied with thick rope. They seem to be intact, but they don't seem to be. Their looks meant nothing. His eyes were empty. They stood like wooden dolls waiting for their master. It was creepy and not at all familiar. If Rick looked at Andrew with pity and sadness, then Renee refused to look at him at all. Dan, following this, said to Minyard: "If you want everyone to be safe and sound, you'll have to sacrifice your body." "They're not all safe and sound," Andrew said, nodding toward the woman's body. He was a little confused by the offer. Andrew waited a moment, then glanced at Dan. After all, an explanation is needed. Her words can mean anything: death, violence, exchange. The main one just stood there, correctly formulating her thought. She focused on the meaning itself, and Andrew focused on the explanation. — Let's do it this way.. We only let everyone go after you come over to our side. Andrew raised his eyebrows slightly, after which Dan said:– No, not in the sense that you're going to work for one of us, type. Just give yourself up, thereby saving the lives of those chicks. Just give yourself up, thereby saving the lives of those chicks. Andrew was ready to hear anything, but definitely not this. Thoughts began to spin in my head, mixing. Everything around seemed not alive. Sometimes it got dark in his eyes, but Andrew didn't give in to it. A plan was needed. If he did what they wanted, he would not harm innocent people; if he did what he wanted, he would be the main target of the police. Minyard looked at Kevin, then at Alison. He cursed everyone in his mind. After thinking about his decision once more, he said briefly in a hoarse voice: "I'm ready." And Dan's eyes sparkled. Alison thought at first that she had imagined it, because, having studied Andrew Minyard for many years, hardly anyone would say that he would do such a thing. She raised her eyebrows and then laughed. Her reaction could mean that the choice was just a game or a test. Most of all, Andrew did not want to become the instigator of the execution of the abducted, because there are not only adults, but also children. Rick leaned forward, but Dan grabbed his shoulders and pulled him back to his starting position. Ginger looked at Minyard with bewilderment, almost like an enemy. Andrew knew perfectly well that by choosing the other side, he would never see Renee and Rick again. But it was necessary. He's not doing this for himself. He does it for the sake of others who need freedom. Andrew used to learn how to survive, and now he will repeat the stage he passed then. He will live until criminals get tired of his personality. He will believe in the guys, no matter what turns of events. It remains only to wait. Andrew will definitely find a way out and meet with the guys again sometime in the future. Minyard approached the sitting girl and held out his hands, giving them the opportunity to tie them with something. Dan was the first to respond to this, carefully fastening the handcuffs. Kevin pointed Theodore to the exit. Theo understood from the first time what to do and where to go. Kevin walked over to the cage. Opening it with a key, he said, pointing at Theo: "Follow him." Everyone obediently began to leave the enclosed space, pushing each other every now and then. Adults clung to the first child they saw, and it didn't matter whose it was. Everyone was scared. Theodore accompanied them in front, showing them the way to the exit; Kevin walked behind, keeping order. Andrew watched them go with full confidence, and later looked in the direction of Rene and Rick. They were already exchanging pitiful glances. Andrew knew he was making a mistake, but there was no other way. "Are you going to say goodbye or what?" Dan asked. She pointed les gars at Minyard, giving him one last touch. "Come on, come on." Being lost among the vast expanses, having lost touch with the familiar environment, you often feel the weight of separation. The past moment takes away the opportunity to meet friends again. All that remains is just a tight thread of hope, intricately intertwined with reality. But this hope is greater than anything that has ever gone through time. She is infinite in her essence, breaking through obstacles and carrying on her wings dreams of meeting with loved ones. The whole world already seems monotonous and empty without the presence of Rene and Rick. They are the light in life, the lanterns that illuminate the night path. And although Andrew and the guys are now separated from each other, there is hope in the hearts of each of them for a reunion and a happy consonant period of fate. Maybe they will be forgotten alone. And in this hope, the spell of spiritual reunion, lies the salvation of everyone. It is only for a moment immersed in the echo of the past.. However, feeling distant affection and a subtle vibrating rustle of desires, Andrew knows and understands at the tip of his soul that hope will not die. It remains lit in their hearts, giving strength in further journeys along unexplored paths. And even when the guys are far from each other, hope unites the three of them in any corner of the world. After all, true friendship knows unlimited boundaries and works its wonders where separation turns people into weak ones. Rick came up first, but gave way to Renee. She hugged Minyard tightly, breathing heavily. Rick waited for his turn, not hiding the sadness that had already accumulated in such a short time. It was sad and unbearable to realize that this was their last time, the last words and looks that were valuable to each of them.