"." Talking
//.// Thinking
(My notes)
To celebrate Alex's success in finishing her schooling. Aki decided to reward her with a trip to Cairo, Egypt. Walking down the streets Aki adjusted her sunglasses.
"The heat, please someone put me out of my misery." Aki looked at Alex sweating bullets. (Seriously I would be sweating bullets as well)
"Only if I get first dibs." Alex blew a raspberry at Aki. Then decided to glare at Aki who wasn't even sweating. "Hey how come you aren't sweating."
"The heats only in your mind, just ignore." (My dad can do that)
"Akkkiiii.Can we please go get a drink." Aki always kept the money with her. She smiled at the comment. Over the weeks they had grown quite close, almost like sisters.
"Look there's a convenience store, here's some money to get a drink." Handing it over. "I'll stay here because I need to get some information."
"Since your calling Bennie say hi for me." She ran off leaving Aki.
Aki dialed Bennie's number. "Yo Bennie here."
"Ben it's Aki I want to verify the information you sent me."
"Aki, how in the hell did you get this number?"
"Please it only took me a week this time. You got to hide your number better." (Considering Bennie a good hacker. Pretty strange huh)
"Who taught you how to do that?"
"You did remember."
"Ok you got me there." Giving it a good laugh. "About the underground illegal stuff. Which I have nothing to do with." Bennie fringing innocent and Aki trying to stifle a laugh. "There is one group that has been gaining a lot of territory lately."
"Interesting, can you find out if they are doing it through car racing."
"Who do you think your talking to. I'll send everything about the group and where it's happening to your lab top."
"Thanks, oh by the way Alex say's hi."
"It's about time. See ya." Aki ended the call. //Now what was that all about. //
Meanwhile Alex had her head in one of the freezers. "Ah this is haven." She pulled out the biggest water bottle and went to the counter. The guy took one look at the water bottle and started chuckling.
"Can't stand the heat?" Alex handed the money.
"Just because I grew up somewhere hot, doesn't mean I like it." A group of guys walked in. She noted their appearance. //A gang. // She noted the poorly hidden weapons. //Extortion racket no doubt. // She moved away but close enough to listen.
The leader leaned against the counter. "So Chris how's business."
"It's fine what can I help you with." Like he didn't know what it was.
"We have a bet going with the Sphinxes and we need you to race." Chris nodded he knew if he didn't do it the consequences would be great. "Good, today same place at the same time." They left and Alex reappeared.
"Sorry about that." He apologized.
"No need. I have had run-ins with that type as well." She left the store and headed for the hotel figuring that's where Aki would have gone. //Aki will probably want to know this, considering her interest in such things. // On the way back Alex was planning to do some major gloating.
***
Aki was looking over the information sent by Bennie, when Alex came in. "Guess what I was in that convenience store and this group comes in. They start talking about."
"A race today against a rival group called the Sphinxes."
"You knew how?" Aki smiled.
"A lucky guess." Alex doubted that, looking at the computer she mentally slapped herself for not paying attention. //Bennie of course. // Then she realized something.
"You lied. This trip wasn't to congratulate me on finishing school. It was all about these races."
"That's only partially correct Alex." Aki got up and went to her room.
"So this means your going." Aki came out in light clothing.
"Yep. We're going." Alex nodded then, shook her head.
"No way I just got out of the heat." Aki pasted her.
"You should change into lighter clothing, it will help with the heat."
"You not going to give up are you." Alex sighed at Aki's smile and went to get changed. She followed Aki outside. "Aren't we taking your car."
"Not here yet so, we can either walk there or take a taxi."
"Hard choice. Walk, get tired and hot or take a air condition taxi." She yelled "TAXI" Aki merely shook her head and chuckled.
They had arrived just before it started. "Excuse me where's the best place to watch the race." The guy turned around.
"What's it to you."
"Nothing, my contacts told me about this and I just want to make a little wager." He didn't believe her until she pulled out the money.
"This way." He led her to one of the better spots. "Which car are you betting on."
"The silver one." He took the money.
"Should of gone with the other one, it's newer." He went off. Alex came up beside her.
"You know I have to agree with him."
"Alex a good driver can make any car weather new or old run it's best." (Guess who she's talking about) Speaking while never taking her eyes off the silver car. When they started she watched. //Better then I had expected. He has the knowledge on how is car works. // After seeing him glide over the sand, where the newer car was having trouble. "Let's go Alex I've seen enough." She walked away. Alex hurried to catch up.
"Wait don't you want to know you won."
"I already know the silver car."
"What about your money."
"That doesn't matter." They flagged down another taxi. During the ride Aki called Bennie.
"Bennie how are you doing."
"Jesus lady how many times are you going to call me."
"As many times as I have use for you." Alex giggled, because Aki has it on speakerphone.
"I need everything you can fine on a Chris Devero."
"Hon, I may be a miracle worker but even I need more information."
"Bennie it's Alex."
"Yo darling what's up." Alex blushed and Aki snickered.
"Chris runs a convenience and." The other things she has picked up
"Got it. I'll send it too your lab top Aki. Chow guys." When they got back Aki immediately went to check her computer. When she logged on, bennie's files were almost finished downloading. //Bennie's fast today. Probably so we won't call him again. //
"You were correct in saying that's he's racing to protect his store."
"So how do we handle this." Aki referred to some other files, she found what she wanted.
"I need to she his skills first hand. How good are you at poker."
"Alex grinned. "Just hand me a pack of cards."
***
Hours later they walked into a bar. "You know what to do right?"
"No sweat, I'll call if I need ya." Aki took a seat at the bar closes to the back. When Alex walked into the room, several guns were pointed in her direction. "Chill guys all I want is in on the game."
"Where's your money?" One spoke up. Alex took out the roll that Aki gave her and tossed it onto the table.
"Good enough." Putting the guns away they made room for her. Several hands later Alex had most of the money. "Last hand gentlemen. If I win you get back all of the money in exchange for a race with your top driver." Alex leaned back shuffling the cards watching them discuss it. //They'll accept it's a win, win situation for them. Not only do they get their money back, and their racer is unbeatable. What's to worry about? //
"We agree." //Thought so stupid bastards. // She dealt making sure to give her self a unbeatable hand.
"Ha, full house." He went to get they money.
"Not so fast sugar." Alex spread her cards, revealing a royal flush in spades. They stared in amazement. "So your racer at the same place you race before, at the same time." Walking out she picked up Aki.
"I take it everything went well." They could hear swearing.
"Of course, just like you predicted. But how did you know they would take the bait."
"I've dealt with those types before." Flashing Alex a smirk. "You do you think is keeping my car safe."
The next day Alex waited well Aki stayed with her car. The group pulled up along with Chris. "This is Chris Devero, he'll be racing for us." Alex nodded and Chris stared at her.
"It's you from before."
"Nice to see you again Chris." She gestured to Aki. "That is Aki she'll be racing on my behalf."
Chris did a double take. //Are they nuts. I can't beat a car like that. Sure the ones I've race were new but not properly maintain. // He could tell this one was in peak condition. They started at the line. The gang leader started them off.
Aki took the back to watch a while. //Good not only does he know how to take care of his car, but also has a sense of how his car response under extreme conditions. All he needs is one more thing. // She sped up and past him. //The drive to win. //
Chris watched Aki past him. //So fast and on sand as well. // He watched her get farther away until he could barley make her out. //There's no way I can win. My store, my life gone just like that. // He shook his head. //No can't think that way. Her car may be fast but there are different ways to win on the sand. I won't lose my store. // He increased speed to catch up.
Aki watch the car make no move to catch up. //I may have been wrong about this one. // (A first time for everything) Looking back again she smiled at the cars effort to catch up. //So you do have it. With a little technique he could be great. // Aki slowed down. //Still it isn't fair that I should win, since you have more riding on this then I. // Aki slowed down enough to finish in a tie. When the two racers met Aki held out her hand.
"Good race." Chris shook her hand and Aki walked away.
"Wait." Aki stopped. "Why did you pull a tie when you could of easily won."
Aki looked back. "It wasn't fair to deprive you of your store." She left Chris wondering.
//How did she know my store was at risk. // He felt something sharp in his hand. Looking down he found a business card. On it was the phrase. "Call me ASAP." With a phone number following after it and a name. //Aki Keiichi, no wonder I couldn't of won, not against someone as famous as she was. // Chris had no idea why she had raced him, but he had a store to run right now.
***
Two days later Chris decided to call. "Hello Chris, thanks for calling."
"How did you know it was me." Suddenly freaked out. The voice laughed quietly.
"You're the only one I gave this number too."
"I would like to talk. I have many questions." A snort followed with more laughter.
"No doubt, how about tonight after your store closes. We can meet at the park close to your store."
"Alright." He hanged up. //How does she know so much about my store. // It dawned on him. //Alex. // Hours pasted and he closed up early. Walking to the park he found a bench to sit on and wait.
"Chris you're early." Surprised he looked at Alex. (Surprised, more like scared shitless) "You don't normally close this early."
"You're."
"Alex. Aki thought it would be best for me to talk to you since we partially come from the same boat." Alex sat beside him. "Enough of that, what did you want to know."
"Why did she race me, what's her purpose." Alex thought a bit.
"Good question. I wish I knew." Chris's jaw fell open. "Just kidding." She laughed at him. "She's taking on students for training. I'm not sure how many or why but the reason she raced you is because you seem to have all of the qualities that she looks for in her students."
"I see now, but what's in this for you."
"A get out of jail free card." Chris stares with a blank face. "Basically it's accept or go to jail, do not pass go and collect $200 dollars" She sighed. "But there are many advantages although I didn't see them at first." She laughed at the memory. "In fact I hated it and was a major pain in the ass." She gave him a secretive smile. "Maybe I'll tell you about it some day."
Chris was captivated by her story. "What happened and what are the advantages."
"Well Aki weather the storm with surprising patience and tolerance. Listen Chris Aki knows a lost of people in almost every field. That means that you don't have to go into the field she's training you for." Looking up at the stars. "For me it's a roof over my head, never wondering how will I pay for it. More importantly the security of a future, or at least having a future. You know."
Chris nodded. He knew what that was like, not knowing if he'll live to see another day. //She has so many good points, but I have my store and my skills as a racer were quite valuable to the gang. //
"Chris please think on this some more. Then call Aki if you have anymore doubts believe me once you talk to her you won't have any." Chris nodded and headed for his home. Alex headed back to the hotel with a small smile on her face, not noticing Aki.
"I take it your pleased with yourself." Alex screamed and faced Aki.
"Jesus Aki would you quite doing that." She was yelling, but fell in line with Aki.
"By the way great speech, very convincing."
"Are you being sarcastic or praising me." Then got sneaky. "If you were there the entire time why didn't you talk or say something."
"Because Alex I have never been through the hardships that both of you have. In that alone, makes you closer to him then I."
***
Chris thought it over all day and the next day called Aki, asking her to bring her car and meet him at the race site.
To celebrate Alex's success in finishing her schooling. Aki decided to reward her with a trip to Cairo, Egypt. Walking down the streets Aki adjusted her sunglasses.
"The heat, please someone put me out of my misery." Aki looked at Alex sweating bullets. (Seriously I would be sweating bullets as well)
"Only if I get first dibs." Alex blew a raspberry at Aki. Then decided to glare at Aki who wasn't even sweating. "Hey how come you aren't sweating."
"The heats only in your mind, just ignore." (My dad can do that)
"Akkkiiii.Can we please go get a drink." Aki always kept the money with her. She smiled at the comment. Over the weeks they had grown quite close, almost like sisters.
"Look there's a convenience store, here's some money to get a drink." Handing it over. "I'll stay here because I need to get some information."
"Since your calling Bennie say hi for me." She ran off leaving Aki.
Aki dialed Bennie's number. "Yo Bennie here."
"Ben it's Aki I want to verify the information you sent me."
"Aki, how in the hell did you get this number?"
"Please it only took me a week this time. You got to hide your number better." (Considering Bennie a good hacker. Pretty strange huh)
"Who taught you how to do that?"
"You did remember."
"Ok you got me there." Giving it a good laugh. "About the underground illegal stuff. Which I have nothing to do with." Bennie fringing innocent and Aki trying to stifle a laugh. "There is one group that has been gaining a lot of territory lately."
"Interesting, can you find out if they are doing it through car racing."
"Who do you think your talking to. I'll send everything about the group and where it's happening to your lab top."
"Thanks, oh by the way Alex say's hi."
"It's about time. See ya." Aki ended the call. //Now what was that all about. //
Meanwhile Alex had her head in one of the freezers. "Ah this is haven." She pulled out the biggest water bottle and went to the counter. The guy took one look at the water bottle and started chuckling.
"Can't stand the heat?" Alex handed the money.
"Just because I grew up somewhere hot, doesn't mean I like it." A group of guys walked in. She noted their appearance. //A gang. // She noted the poorly hidden weapons. //Extortion racket no doubt. // She moved away but close enough to listen.
The leader leaned against the counter. "So Chris how's business."
"It's fine what can I help you with." Like he didn't know what it was.
"We have a bet going with the Sphinxes and we need you to race." Chris nodded he knew if he didn't do it the consequences would be great. "Good, today same place at the same time." They left and Alex reappeared.
"Sorry about that." He apologized.
"No need. I have had run-ins with that type as well." She left the store and headed for the hotel figuring that's where Aki would have gone. //Aki will probably want to know this, considering her interest in such things. // On the way back Alex was planning to do some major gloating.
***
Aki was looking over the information sent by Bennie, when Alex came in. "Guess what I was in that convenience store and this group comes in. They start talking about."
"A race today against a rival group called the Sphinxes."
"You knew how?" Aki smiled.
"A lucky guess." Alex doubted that, looking at the computer she mentally slapped herself for not paying attention. //Bennie of course. // Then she realized something.
"You lied. This trip wasn't to congratulate me on finishing school. It was all about these races."
"That's only partially correct Alex." Aki got up and went to her room.
"So this means your going." Aki came out in light clothing.
"Yep. We're going." Alex nodded then, shook her head.
"No way I just got out of the heat." Aki pasted her.
"You should change into lighter clothing, it will help with the heat."
"You not going to give up are you." Alex sighed at Aki's smile and went to get changed. She followed Aki outside. "Aren't we taking your car."
"Not here yet so, we can either walk there or take a taxi."
"Hard choice. Walk, get tired and hot or take a air condition taxi." She yelled "TAXI" Aki merely shook her head and chuckled.
They had arrived just before it started. "Excuse me where's the best place to watch the race." The guy turned around.
"What's it to you."
"Nothing, my contacts told me about this and I just want to make a little wager." He didn't believe her until she pulled out the money.
"This way." He led her to one of the better spots. "Which car are you betting on."
"The silver one." He took the money.
"Should of gone with the other one, it's newer." He went off. Alex came up beside her.
"You know I have to agree with him."
"Alex a good driver can make any car weather new or old run it's best." (Guess who she's talking about) Speaking while never taking her eyes off the silver car. When they started she watched. //Better then I had expected. He has the knowledge on how is car works. // After seeing him glide over the sand, where the newer car was having trouble. "Let's go Alex I've seen enough." She walked away. Alex hurried to catch up.
"Wait don't you want to know you won."
"I already know the silver car."
"What about your money."
"That doesn't matter." They flagged down another taxi. During the ride Aki called Bennie.
"Bennie how are you doing."
"Jesus lady how many times are you going to call me."
"As many times as I have use for you." Alex giggled, because Aki has it on speakerphone.
"I need everything you can fine on a Chris Devero."
"Hon, I may be a miracle worker but even I need more information."
"Bennie it's Alex."
"Yo darling what's up." Alex blushed and Aki snickered.
"Chris runs a convenience and." The other things she has picked up
"Got it. I'll send it too your lab top Aki. Chow guys." When they got back Aki immediately went to check her computer. When she logged on, bennie's files were almost finished downloading. //Bennie's fast today. Probably so we won't call him again. //
"You were correct in saying that's he's racing to protect his store."
"So how do we handle this." Aki referred to some other files, she found what she wanted.
"I need to she his skills first hand. How good are you at poker."
"Alex grinned. "Just hand me a pack of cards."
***
Hours later they walked into a bar. "You know what to do right?"
"No sweat, I'll call if I need ya." Aki took a seat at the bar closes to the back. When Alex walked into the room, several guns were pointed in her direction. "Chill guys all I want is in on the game."
"Where's your money?" One spoke up. Alex took out the roll that Aki gave her and tossed it onto the table.
"Good enough." Putting the guns away they made room for her. Several hands later Alex had most of the money. "Last hand gentlemen. If I win you get back all of the money in exchange for a race with your top driver." Alex leaned back shuffling the cards watching them discuss it. //They'll accept it's a win, win situation for them. Not only do they get their money back, and their racer is unbeatable. What's to worry about? //
"We agree." //Thought so stupid bastards. // She dealt making sure to give her self a unbeatable hand.
"Ha, full house." He went to get they money.
"Not so fast sugar." Alex spread her cards, revealing a royal flush in spades. They stared in amazement. "So your racer at the same place you race before, at the same time." Walking out she picked up Aki.
"I take it everything went well." They could hear swearing.
"Of course, just like you predicted. But how did you know they would take the bait."
"I've dealt with those types before." Flashing Alex a smirk. "You do you think is keeping my car safe."
The next day Alex waited well Aki stayed with her car. The group pulled up along with Chris. "This is Chris Devero, he'll be racing for us." Alex nodded and Chris stared at her.
"It's you from before."
"Nice to see you again Chris." She gestured to Aki. "That is Aki she'll be racing on my behalf."
Chris did a double take. //Are they nuts. I can't beat a car like that. Sure the ones I've race were new but not properly maintain. // He could tell this one was in peak condition. They started at the line. The gang leader started them off.
Aki took the back to watch a while. //Good not only does he know how to take care of his car, but also has a sense of how his car response under extreme conditions. All he needs is one more thing. // She sped up and past him. //The drive to win. //
Chris watched Aki past him. //So fast and on sand as well. // He watched her get farther away until he could barley make her out. //There's no way I can win. My store, my life gone just like that. // He shook his head. //No can't think that way. Her car may be fast but there are different ways to win on the sand. I won't lose my store. // He increased speed to catch up.
Aki watch the car make no move to catch up. //I may have been wrong about this one. // (A first time for everything) Looking back again she smiled at the cars effort to catch up. //So you do have it. With a little technique he could be great. // Aki slowed down. //Still it isn't fair that I should win, since you have more riding on this then I. // Aki slowed down enough to finish in a tie. When the two racers met Aki held out her hand.
"Good race." Chris shook her hand and Aki walked away.
"Wait." Aki stopped. "Why did you pull a tie when you could of easily won."
Aki looked back. "It wasn't fair to deprive you of your store." She left Chris wondering.
//How did she know my store was at risk. // He felt something sharp in his hand. Looking down he found a business card. On it was the phrase. "Call me ASAP." With a phone number following after it and a name. //Aki Keiichi, no wonder I couldn't of won, not against someone as famous as she was. // Chris had no idea why she had raced him, but he had a store to run right now.
***
Two days later Chris decided to call. "Hello Chris, thanks for calling."
"How did you know it was me." Suddenly freaked out. The voice laughed quietly.
"You're the only one I gave this number too."
"I would like to talk. I have many questions." A snort followed with more laughter.
"No doubt, how about tonight after your store closes. We can meet at the park close to your store."
"Alright." He hanged up. //How does she know so much about my store. // It dawned on him. //Alex. // Hours pasted and he closed up early. Walking to the park he found a bench to sit on and wait.
"Chris you're early." Surprised he looked at Alex. (Surprised, more like scared shitless) "You don't normally close this early."
"You're."
"Alex. Aki thought it would be best for me to talk to you since we partially come from the same boat." Alex sat beside him. "Enough of that, what did you want to know."
"Why did she race me, what's her purpose." Alex thought a bit.
"Good question. I wish I knew." Chris's jaw fell open. "Just kidding." She laughed at him. "She's taking on students for training. I'm not sure how many or why but the reason she raced you is because you seem to have all of the qualities that she looks for in her students."
"I see now, but what's in this for you."
"A get out of jail free card." Chris stares with a blank face. "Basically it's accept or go to jail, do not pass go and collect $200 dollars" She sighed. "But there are many advantages although I didn't see them at first." She laughed at the memory. "In fact I hated it and was a major pain in the ass." She gave him a secretive smile. "Maybe I'll tell you about it some day."
Chris was captivated by her story. "What happened and what are the advantages."
"Well Aki weather the storm with surprising patience and tolerance. Listen Chris Aki knows a lost of people in almost every field. That means that you don't have to go into the field she's training you for." Looking up at the stars. "For me it's a roof over my head, never wondering how will I pay for it. More importantly the security of a future, or at least having a future. You know."
Chris nodded. He knew what that was like, not knowing if he'll live to see another day. //She has so many good points, but I have my store and my skills as a racer were quite valuable to the gang. //
"Chris please think on this some more. Then call Aki if you have anymore doubts believe me once you talk to her you won't have any." Chris nodded and headed for his home. Alex headed back to the hotel with a small smile on her face, not noticing Aki.
"I take it your pleased with yourself." Alex screamed and faced Aki.
"Jesus Aki would you quite doing that." She was yelling, but fell in line with Aki.
"By the way great speech, very convincing."
"Are you being sarcastic or praising me." Then got sneaky. "If you were there the entire time why didn't you talk or say something."
"Because Alex I have never been through the hardships that both of you have. In that alone, makes you closer to him then I."
***
Chris thought it over all day and the next day called Aki, asking her to bring her car and meet him at the race site.