Sizzling meat, cool air, and a bottle of cold drink, I could say this was how a perfect night should end.
However, instead of being perfect, I found myself sparring in a glaring contest with the same guy with whom I ought to interview.
He had his fork raised, ready to par with mine.
The old man grilling the meat let out a soft chuckle. He appeared to be enjoying our little game.
I couldn't share the same sentiments.
Eyeing each other, the fight for the last piece of grilled meat was intense.
"I came here first," I claimed. The guy smirked.
"I had always been here. You only happen to pass by tonight."
"That doesn't count. He offered it to me before you arrived."
The stranger was going to argue further. But the old man stopped him, putting the freshly grilled meat before us, cutting it in half.
"This looks tasty," I smiled at the old man. He acknowledged it with light laughter.
"Both of you," he cheerfully expressed. "Enjoy the meat. I'm going to close the stall. You can leave the plates and utensils. I'll bring them home."
I looked at the grilled meat on my plate and then back at the old man, who whistled a song as he pulled down the blinds for his stall.
Instead of eating the meat he served, I looked at the stranger sitting across from me, sliding the plate to him.
He looked startled but did not comment.
Reaching out to help the old man pull the roll-up lock, he tried to shoo me away.
"Put that down. You will have your hands dirtied."
"Don't be fooled by my pretty face, grandpa. I've done more tedious tasks than you can imagine."
My comment made the old man chuckle.
"How I wish more young people would share the same values you have."
"The world wouldn't be the same if we'd have the same hearts."
The old man gave my shoulder a gentle pat, letting me finish and handing me a padlock.
Surprised to find the stranger helping the old man put aside the chairs and putting a chain around them before attaching a padlock, I finished concealing the stall.
Going back to our abandoned food, the old man pulled out a plastic container and put on the uneaten pieces. He then handed it to me, beaming.
"Jace can do fine without his free meat from me tonight. A young lady shouldn't starve herself, though."
The latter grumbled but laughed lightheartedly right after.
Grinning like I had won the lottery, I accepted the offer, jumping excitedly.
"Since I have it for free tonight, I'll come back and pay for the next meals."
Exchanging hearty laughers, I silently noted the old man mentioning the stranger's name.
'Jace.'
Scoffing in Jace's direction, I turned to the old man and gave him a deep bow.
"I can't thank you enough for your kindness. But I need to get going now."
Wizardo was probably furious.
I gave the old man a salute and would have left it to Jace to see him home, when a black sedan suddenly made a stop in front of the stall.
A familiar symbol attached to its front triggered a memory that made me stop in my tracks. It was a silver phoenix, glinting against the dim light.
My chest felt tight all of a sudden.
I no longer had the desire to go home.
The sky was clear, and at this time of night; the drones have shifting schedules. They mainly focus on the middle of the city where the treasury and banks were located.
This side of the street was also close to being deserted. Therefore, no matter what takes place within the perimeter, no one would bat an eye or comment about it.
But I was more curious about whom they came for. Was it the old man or Jace?
The next question that followed was, why?
Pulling myself together, I pretended to be busy typing on my phone. Well, in fact, I was just turning it back on to contact Wizardo.
Before I spring into action, I'd like to know something about the old man and Jace, whoever they may be.
Three big men in black suits came out of the Sedan. It didn't escape my notice that they had guns hidden behind them.
"Ah, damn."
I muttered, clamping my mouth shut right after. It would be best if I pretend to be a damsel in distress if they notice me watching later on.
Giving away a part of who I am would be enough to draw suspicion. It often leads to discovery.
I can't afford to be careless like that.
"Hey, gramps," one of the bulky guys called out. Jace stood between them.
In my opinion, he wouldn't stand a chance. Unless he was a skilled fighter and know how to strategize, he could actually stand a chance.
One of the big guys spat on the ground. He towered over Jace.
"If I were you, I'd stay out of this."
Jace clicked his tongue.
I was actually interested in how this would end.
"Too bad then," Jace smirked. His eyes were narrowed, and instead of mirth, they had no emotion.
"I'm nothing like you."
I knew he would tempt fate, but I didn't anticipate for him to have quick reflexes.
For a minute, the fight left me too engrossed to move or think. I had to snap myself back, or I would have drowned trying to think where I might have seen him.
Was he an assassin like me, or was he something else?
Now torn between breaking my disguise or jumping in to help, I hissed and pulled my hair into a ponytail.
Forfeiting the call with Wizardo, I grabbed the old man aside. The battle that ensued around wasn't good for him.
He looked me in the eye, his hands were trembling as he gripped mine.
"Please," he begged. "For your sake, don't get involved."
I gently pulled my hand free from his grip, giving the old man's frail hands a gentle squeeze.
"Come on, grandpa. Give me some credit."
I winked his way, rummaging for a cap in my bag. Partly concealing my face, I put aside my things and breathed out a sigh.
A second sedan pulled up behind the first one. More goons joined the fray.
Although Jace was doing a great job, it was too much for one guy alone.
Wizardo would surely scold me later, but who was I to turn my back on someone in need?
Besides, these guys? They need to know who was the real boss.
"I promise to be gentle," I smirked as I approached the now wheezing Jace. "Or maybe not."