Chapter 14: Breakfast at Ereks

By the time I'd flown back to the hut, the sun was well and truly up. My heart skipped a few beats when I saw that the door was open and no-one was there. I looked around frantically, searching for a clue as to where they'd gone, whether there'd been a struggle. Then I saw the note stuck to the inside of the door. "Max, a guy called Erek came and offered us breakfast at his place. He said he was a friend of yours, and to ask the Joker where the dog lives. He said it would take you to his place. He also gave an address for you to go to first. See you soon, Nick (Fang) P.s: 23/415 Virginia Avenue P.p.s: it's bacon and eggs." I breathed a deep sigh of relief. So they were with Erek, that's ok. And that riddle wasn't that hard either. Go to Marco's and ask where the Chee live. All I had to do was find a map of the city, right?

(-)

Turns out Marco lives in a less than welcoming part of town. I morphed to human behind a dumpster before walking the last couple of blocks. More than once I had to fend off some weirdoes. After finding out which floor their apartment was on from the receptionist, I took the stairs. Elevators make me jumpy now, being claustrophobic and all. I knocked on the door. A man opened it, looking like he hadn't slept for a month.

"Who are you and what do you want?" he slurred.

"I'm Max... uh, I mean Maya. Maya Walker. Is Marco home? I'm a friend from school." He turned and yelled over his shoulder.

"Marco, there's a Maya Walker from school here to see you!" A short while later, Marco walked out, pulling on a sweater as he went.

"Dad, I don't know anyone called Maya... But I certainly would like to. Hello!"

"Ugh! I'll leave you two to it then." With that, Marco's dad shuffled back inside, muttering about young love and Marco trying again.

"Hey, do you want to grab a..." Marco started, but I cut him off.

"Marco! It me, Max!"

"Max? Oh! Max. Right, right. Sup?"

"I need to know where Erek lives. I found a note this morning that said that he came to my place and the others went with him for breakfast."

"Uh, yeah. Sure. I'll just tell Dad I'm going out then I'll come with you." He stuck his head back around the door. "Hey Dad, me and Maya are just going out for a while. I should be back before dark."

"Whatever," his Dad mumbled back.