**Chapter 2: Gathering Resources**
Peter Coleman stepped into the bank, the cool air conditioning a sharp contrast to the warm morning outside. The hum of conversations and the clicking of keyboards filled the space, a mundane symphony of everyday life. He joined the line, his mind racing with the plans he needed to set in motion. The clock was ticking, and he had no time to waste.
For thirty long minutes, he waited, the minutes dragging on like hours. His eyes scanned the room, noting the details he'd taken for granted before: the security guard casually chatting with a teller, the elderly couple discussing their finances, the young mother trying to soothe her fussy toddler. All these people, blissfully unaware of the impending apocalypse.
Finally, it was his turn. Peter stepped up to the counter and met the steely gaze of the bank teller, a middle-aged woman with stern features. She looked him up and down, her expression souring as if she had already judged him unworthy of her time.
"Good morning," Peter said, forcing a polite smile. "I'd like to apply for a loan."
The woman's eyes narrowed. "Do you have an appointment?"
"No, but I—"
"Then you'll have to wait. We don't take walk-ins without appointments," she interrupted, her tone sharp and dismissive.
Peter's patience was wearing thin, but he couldn't afford to lose his temper. "Please, it's urgent. I need to use my house as collateral. I need $500,000."
The teller's expression didn't soften, but she sighed heavily and gestured for him to take a seat. "Fine. Fill out these forms. But don't expect any special treatment."
Peter nodded and quickly filled out the necessary paperwork, detailing his assets and the value of his parents' house, which they had left him and Alex after their untimely passing. The house was worth well over a million dollars, and he knew it would suffice for the loan.
After an agonizing wait, the loan was approved. Peter signed the final documents, securing the $500,000 he desperately needed. He left the bank with a mixture of relief and determination, the weight of his mission pressing heavily on his shoulders.
Outside, he took a deep breath and immediately pulled out his phone. Using the same collateral, he applied for an online loan, pushing the limit further. It took a few tense moments, but the application went through, and another $250,000 was transferred to his account. He now had a total of $750,000 at his disposal.
Peter's next stop was the car dealership. He knew exactly what he needed: a vehicle that could handle rough terrain and offer enough space for supplies and passengers. The Jeep G Wagon was the perfect choice. As he entered the dealership, he was greeted by a cheerful salesman who eagerly showed him the options.
"I'll take it for a week," Peter said, cutting through the salesman's pitch. "How much?"
The salesman blinked, momentarily taken aback by Peter's directness. "That would be $45,000."
"Done," Peter replied, not bothering to negotiate. Time was more valuable than money now.
He handed over the funds and completed the rental paperwork. As he drove away in the sturdy, rugged vehicle, he couldn't help but smile. In five days, money would be meaningless, and all these loans and rentals would be irrelevant. What mattered now was preparing for the survival of his loved ones.
With a newfound sense of purpose, Peter headed to his next destination. He had a lot to buy and only a few days to ensure they had everything they needed to face the apocalypse.