The guys walked home in silence. Then something slowly hit them : they don't have a home.
Kobie: So where the hell are we staying at now?
Ray: Hey I still have some bills in my pocket. Maybe we can rent a place and find a job tomorrow?
Kobie: I think we should gamble.
They fought over it for awhile and decided to share the bills in half; to rent and to gamble.
Whiles Kobie went off to find the nearest casino, Ray searched for an apartment for rent. Seeing one close to the industrial part of the city, he studied the ad and went to a tollbooth to call.
Ray: Yeah hello?
..... : Hello? I'm Amsterdam. Are you looking for a place to rent.
Ray: Yes. Your apartment looks simple. Can I know how much it costs?
Amsterdam: Actually, we decided to demolish it. But since you're that desperate, I'll give it to you. All I need is the money you have to give me to renovate the place.
Ray: Wait, only renovations? I'm not paying!?
Amsterdam: Yes, is there a problem?
Ray: OH no no! Thanks so much!
Amsterdam: Sure! I'll come by in the morning. Goodnight. Oh please your name?
Ray: Ray
Amsterdam: Ray? Why that sounds like the guy that just died a few hours ago. (Chuckling) Are you guys related?
Ray: (Gulps) No.
Amsterdam: OK good night.
He hung up the call and stared at the house. We could make something out of this, he thought. He quietly went to sit at the porch and waited for Kobie to talk. He sat there till the morning came.
Second Earth Phase: Day 1
Ray's POV:
I can't believe that Kobie has spent more than 10 GOOD HOURS in the casino! "Ray! My man! I've been looking for you!", Kobie screamed, jumping up and down. I stared at him closely and realized that he was holding a pouch. "What's in there Kobie?", I asked. He shrugged. "Well, luckily for me, I landed a job as a waiter at the casino after I landed a HUGE fortune!!", he squealed. I hate it when he squeals. It means he got drunk or codeine's in him.
"How much's in it?", I asked again. He tossed me the bag and I caught it. "1 billion Jacks!", he yelled. 1 BILLION JACKS!?!?!? I opened the pouch and realized that he wasn't lying. "So what now?", he asked. "Let's leave half a billion in the bank and the rest for our expenses",i replied. He saluted(OH of all realms, a salute?). I shook my head out of disappointment and led him into the house. "This is our home now. You have a job, meaning that I can be here in the evenings and you'll be here in the mornings. I'll go to the industrial place to work...", I was talking then he decided to chip in. "Because you're smarter than me huh? I don't blame you. You feel full of yourself",he grunts. I ignored him and continued, "The owner of the house would be here soon, so I suggest we study our environment and freshen up. Clear?". I didn't even wait for him to respond and just left to the bathroom.
**********
By the time Amsterdam arrived, they had settled in well and tidied up the place." Well well well, men after my heart", she giggled as she shook their hands. "I'm Amsterdam. I believe we spoke on the phone this dawn?", she questioned, gazing at Kobie. "That'll be me, Miss", Ray said, smiling. "Oh ok. It seems like you haven't brought your things here huh? Are you new to the place?", she asked. "Yes", Kobie replied, "We just moved in so we decided not to bring our stuff. Besides Ray here", tapping Ray's shoulder, "is still searching for a job. Do you by any chance know any suitable place which can contain his demeanour?". She giggled, Ray slapping off Kobie's hand away. "Maybe, tomorrow. I'm a bit busy today. Oh, by the way....", she said, stretching out her gloved hand. Ray placed a thousand Jacks in it. "Oh! How marvelous! This could cover most of repairs! Nice doing business with you", she exclaimed and shook their hands again.
"Are you leaving now?", Ray asked. "Why not? I suggest you boys come back in the evening. I'll call my contractor to supervise the renovations. And I strongly urge you to get a car, you'll need it here", she winked at them and sat in her car.
"Is that a 2098 Spider Bolt Z?", Kobie gasped. "We're dealing with wealth, Kobie. It's best we strengthen our ground", Ray murmured. "Beats me", Kobie said, shrugging.