Simon was taken aback by what Shaun said, "I'm sorry I don't understand", Shaun smirked and replied, "I'm an investigative journalist, so mostly I have to develop photographs but its too much of a pain to always get it done by a studio, so I'm looking for a workspace to turn it into a red room, hence dark, quiet is just because I don't like noises", Simon breathed a sigh of relief, "So that's why, I'm sorry I assumed something else, of course we have just the apartment for you", saying this Simon started digging into a bunch of files, while Julie arrived with juice. Shaun was eyeing all the files Simon surfed through, until he picked one. "Look at this Mr. Shaun, this is just the place for you, its building 290 W at 12th St. which has 700 sq ft home space plus 300 sq ft of additional space for work shop, its on the 3rd floor and its close to subway, what do you think?", Shaun nodded, it was quite a good place, "It's good, how much is the rent?", Simon now had doubts, he didn't believe Shaun can actually afford the place, he just showed this place to lay the foundation and then push Shaun to make a deal with another less popular place, "Ah, it cost 5000$/month sir, but it's worth it what do u say?", saying this he smirked at Shaun expecting him to decline and ask for another place, "5000$? Great, lets go see the place", "Oh i see you can't afford this let-- Wait! Great??", Shaun gave a slight grin, "What's wrong Mr. Simon? I believe I said I wanna see the place?". Simon couldn't help but looked surprised, he abruptly got up and reached for a key and said, "Apologies, I'll show you the place right now, this way please", Shaun got up, glanced towards Julie who was behind the counter, smiled at her to which she blushed and looked down and then he headed outside with Simon.
They reached the place and Simon used the key he had grabbed to open the door. They walked in, "Follow me sir, I shall show you around", said Simon, he was still skeptical as to how a kid of 18 years can afford a place like this, he definitely expected Shaun to be bluffing to save face. Shaun could tell what Simon was thinking but he pretended not to notice and proceeded to inspect the apartment. It was pretty good, the living room was very spacious and it extended towards a kitchen with decent design. The building also had elevators and laundry, he liked the place very much, "Now Mr. Simon, could you show me the workspace you mentioned?", this was now the critical part, if this wasn't perfect Shaun might have to look for another place. Simon guided him towards the bedroom and then turned opposite to come across a door, on opening it revealed a well constructed spacious room with very little furniture including only a cabinet and a table at the center of the room. It had windows on one side which faced the subway entrance. "What to you think sir? You can cover the window to make this a red room and you already have a table to develop the photos.", Shaun smiled and nodded, pretty good he thought, "I like it very well, lets go back to the office and get the paperwork done. I'll pay the first rent tomorrow, I haven't got that much cash yet", Simon just froze where he was standing, who is this kid who didn't even blink at the price and is actually initiating to finish the paper work. They returned back to the office, Simon wanted to test one last time to see if this kid can actually come through with the money, "Sir, before we proceed with the paperwork, can you provide your bank statement as a proof that you can uphold the costs of this place?", Shaun sighed to which Simon brightened up a little, _That's it kid, you can't keep up your bluff anymore, let's see if you can back up your confidence_. As Simon was mentally picturing his triumph, Shaun took out his passbook and placed it in front of Simon, he picked it up while eyeing Shaun to see if his face changes. He opened the passbook and immediately turned pale as a ghost for it showed a balance of 3 million dollars with deposits of 60,000$ twice consecutively. Simon looked up widemouthed, "S-Sir?", Shaun just smiled and said, "I recently uncovered some interesting story. So now am I eligible to get the paperwork done? Or do you wanna keep up with these stupid tests of yours?", Simon immediately apologized for his behavior and got the papers which was signed, stamped and officially in Shaun's name. "Thank you for your work Mr. Simon, I shall take my leave now, I'll shift in two days", saying this Shaun left the office and Simon just slumped down to his chair.
Shaun now had finished some of the stuff in his to-do list, now after he moves in he can focus more on the Italian bastards. Shaun reached home and searched for Mary, she was preparing lunch, "Oh hey Shaun, you are just in time, lunch is almost done why don't you freshen up and lay the plates", Shaun smiled and headed to the kitchen, "Mary listen, I found a place near the subway, I'm gonna move out in 2 days", Mary looked a little sad, "There wasn't any hurry for that Shaun, you could have taken your time!", Shaun shook his head, "The faster the better Mary, if I just go around being lazy I'll only be burdening you and James", Mary smiled and gestured Shaun to come closer, she hugged him tightly and said, "We met by chance but now you are like my son. After moving out don't forget about me and be in touch ok?", Shaun hugged her back and said, "Your are more like a mother to me than my real mother, thank you for everything you've done for me till now". Mary then continued to lay the plates and they had lunch together.
Later that night Shaun was lying on his bed and was planning as to how he shall approach the problem he had at hand, he sat up and looked out the window, "Well, all that's left to do is annihilate those leeches, how hard can it be?"