"What are you doing here?"
With a strange expression on his face Lucas looked at Ken doubtfully. From what he saw this guy might be a potential burglar. Lucas arrived not long after Ken started wandering around trying to find his truck, seeing someone suspiciously looking around trying to find something could be seasily mistaken as a burglar.
It also didn't help when he reached out to the door of the truck, so Ken couldn't blame anyone if they saw him as a thief.
Ken raised his hand to show his keys.
"I'm the owner of the truck."
Lucas didn't let his guard down when he saw the key, it might be some random key and not necessarily the pickup.
When Ken saw Lucas was still vigilant, he insert the key and opened the door.
"I'm the owner. I left this here a week ago, you should call the other personnel."
He saw Lucas visibly relaxed slightly after he opened the door, he took out his phone and started ringing someone. After waiting for a while the call connected.
"Hey dad, someone is here saying the pickup was his, he said he left it a week ago," Lucas paused and turned to Ken, "what's your name?"
"Ken."
"He said his name is Ken..." After talking for a while he turned to Ken and said.
"Sorry 'bout that, you were looking around suspiciously so I assumed you're a thief." Lucas said with a bright smile on his face.
It seems you're not apologetic at all... That really makes me wanna punch your face... Ken thought inwardly but didn't show it on his face.
"That's all right, I'm taking this now, how much do I need to pay?"
Ken asked for the bill straight away since it was already 2 in the afternoon and he still hadn't had lunch because of Derek, he also wanted to get back before dark.
Lucas raised his brows and said.
"Follow me inside, I'll make you a recipt."
He headed inside the office before beaconing Ken to follow him.
Upon entering the office he subconsciously look around the room, the room has a single table with three chairs situated opposite the door, the right wall had a file cabinet and the left had a tinted window. On the table sat two framed photos but because they weren't facing him he couldn't see what was framed.
Lucas walked to the back of the table and sat down, he pointed at one the two chairs before saying.
"Have a sit."
Ken sat down on one of the seat before asking.
"How much?"
Lucas opened the drawer and took out a log book, he browsed through it and said to Ken.
"The repair would cost 5000 but because it took you a week to take the pickup we would charge you on that as well, so the total amount you need to pay would be 6500, would you pay cash or card?"
Lucas said with a smile.
The initial amount was supposed to be 5000 but because I didn't pick it up on time I was charge for another 1500... that is some parking fee you have there... Ken felt the pinch but didn't negotiate to lower the price.
"I'll pay through card."
After paying, he stood up and was about to walk out before Lucas said.
"Hey, take this. In case you need my help."
Ken looked at the object that he was holding out, he found that the object was a business card, written in bold letters were 'Lucas Ponce' and below it are series of numbers.
Ken hesitated whether he should take the card or not. Although I don't want to be involve in their gang, but to establish my self here I would need some connections... even if I don't need his help it doesn't hurt to have more friends...
After making up his mind he took the card before thanking him.
"Be careful of Derek, although his lackeys were stupid, he definitely isn't." Lucas said with a serious look on his face.
Ken considered his words thoughtfully. If even Lucas warned me then I should really take Derek seriously... Yes, Derek seems to have some standing in their gang and even able to have subordinates so he must be really capable...
Ken nodded before taking his leave.
…
Ken drove the truck on the nearest eatery to buy take outs, he got off the truck to look around the dish.
What should I buy... I really liked some hot dish with soup. Ken looked at the displayed dishes, there were various assortment of dish on the display cabinet, there were tinolang manok, sinigang na baboy, adobong baboy and more.
I'll settle with tinolang manok and fried chicken... Ken thought before ordering the dish along with rice.
Ken boarded the truck after receiving his order, he put on his seat belt and started the engine when he suddenly heard someone talk on the passenger seat behind him.
"Did you enjoy your adventure today?"
"Holy c*ap!" Ken almost pissed his pants when he heard someone suddenly talk behind him, with his enhanced senses, Ken could even sense someone's presence from a hundred meters, so knowing someone manage to sneak behind him caused his hairs to stand on end.
He hurriedly looked behind which caused his face to scrunch up, he saw a beauty lazily laying on the seat, she wore a white dress that reach to her knees, had raven black hair and sparkling dark eyes. Who could it be other than Miss April.
"What are you doing here?!"
With bulging eyes, he questioned her, he couldn't believe that this woman had caught up to him. To reach San Jose you would have to spend 2 hours on the road before reaching San Jose and that was riding a vehicle, so he couldn't imagine how April manage to arive here on foot in such a short time.
No, it is possible... Yes, when I was running earlier my speed was about 60kph yet she manage to keep up with me, so it isn't entirely impossible... He thought inwardly.
"I have to say, you are really lucky, you manage to involve yourself with two of the most notorious gangs in town, you even manage to provoke one of them!" April gave a melodious laugh.
It would have been pleasant to the ears if it wasn't filled with mockery... Ken lamented.
"How do you know that? that happened not long after I reached San Jose, you should still be on the road at that time." He asked, curious and annoyed at the same time.
April only smiled at him, causing him to be dazed.
"So, what's your plan to deal with Derek?"
Ken was startled when he heard that.
"Nothing, I don't plan to do anything."
"Really?" April asked again with a smile.
Ken frowned this time. I don't think I have to worry about them for now... although Lucas did warn me I don't think they will do anything since the conflict isn't too excessive... He looked at April and said.
"Yes, nothing. I don't think the conflict is severe enough to warrant instant retaliation immideatly. Beside, I think I can handle all of them in a fight." He said with confidence exuding out of him.
"Let's just hope so."