Half an hour later Free was smoking on the terrace, looking down the city below. This apartment located high. He could actually see this side of the city from very nice perspective. The sounds felt distant. Cars down were damn far from him. Just a day earlier Free was standing as high in that hotel room, but the atmosphere here and there couldn't be more different from each others. Here everything was quiet. Calm. Relaxed. Giving the feeling of being far from everything what was stressing Free out.
After a while looking the darkening sky he went back inside where Don was doing something in the kitchen area.
Don glances him once after hearing kid getting back in, showing a smile, then turning back to do what ever he was doing. Free sits down, watching man in silence, rolling his long sleeves up at the same time. He was wearing clothes he borrowed. Obviously they were too big to him, but he managed.
This felt awfully relaxing. Just sit here, not even feeling the need to talk constantly. It didn't feel awkward at all. Free has used to wear this charged mask and act bossy, be the one under spot lights when there was people around. But somehow, near this guy, he could loosen up a little. Like man has already seen through him and there was no need to act so much. Which was ridiculous, when there was nothing man knew about him. They were totally strangers here.
"What you get out of this really?" Free asks then suddenly, after growing too curious.
"Out of this?" Don didn't turn, but keeps doing what ever he was still doing.
"Paying me to just hang out here?" younger clears.
Finally man turns to look back, showing a smile. Inner peace, maybe? The truth? He wasn't so sure himself either. "I'm going to slowly tire you down and make you confess your crimes," man states surely. Not even trying to act any differently. This goal of his was not really a secret.
"Hah. What crimes. I haven't done a thing..," Free tsihs, sitting widely. Hearing something like that only made him show his high and mighty spirit out. No matter what this cop couldn't trick anything out from him even when they were now in the same room.
"We will get to that," Don brings a full plate in front of Free. "But now we will eat. It's just leftovers. Hope you ok it."
Younger drops his mood and leans closer. The dish he just received looked like a holiday dinner to Free. There were something with short noodles. Some very small coated rolls which were definitely fried. He could even see meatballs on that plate!
"T-thank you..," Free says quietly, being very surprised and confused. Sounding a little off, he fastly raises his voice. "Will you fuck off after you realize you have been wasting time on me?" he grabs the fork and immediately starts to eat. Fastly. Bad habit. Like man would take this dinner away every second now.
How polity, but still so rude. Eyeing Free man couldn't help noticing kids weird way to hold the fork on his left fingers. Don smirks and turns to reach his own plate, sitting then down at the other side of the table. "My hunch is never wrong," man points out and starts to eat too. "But I have to admit I have personal motives in this. Not just the fact you hiding a tracker under my car was the dealmaker already. You attacked first. I am just kindly responding."
Free freezes, raising his eyes now to meet with Dons. Shit.. That came out of nowhere.
"You seriously think I wouldn't notice? One of your kids did a nasty job for you," Don calmly smiles, looking back, waiting how this young man would respond. "I even charged it once. It almost run out of power."
Free sighs deeply out and leans back. No wonder it was still active till this day, without dying. He should have been more alert. Yep. He knew it was a risky thing to do but what had done had done. Trying to lie his way out of this would only add more heat. "Maybe it was I. Can't be too careful when some random parks outside your home, now can you? Stalker."
Dons smile went a little wider. He was clearly having fun. "Seeing how you react when we drive here, you really weren't so surprised about the location. Actually you seemed quite relieved. So you have already followed my tracks. Now that is stalking, right?" he points his fork toward Free. "I must ask, where did you get that tracking device? It wasn't a normal everyman device."
"Found it on the trash. I didn't steal it," Free fastly defends himself. But couldn't say more when all the sudden his phone start ringing in his pocket.
"Please, pick up," Don says calmly, noding it was alright to check. Moving his hand slowly, Free checks his phone, reads the name. Sighs. He so knew this was coming.. After getting prepared, he answers. "Yeah?"
"Boys said you got in to fight with the police! What did you do!?" Lady Blue yells to the phone in Spanish. "They said your face was doomed!"
Free holds the phone a little loose from his ear. That woman has always been explosive with her words. Damn nosy. "I fall down the stairs?"
"Don't play with me!"
"I had a situation. Got one black eye. No big deal. Nothing with cops," he answers in Spanish, eyes turns to look Don now. Man was calmly looking back.
"Then why you went with that cop? He arrest you!?"
"No. I'm hanging up now," Free says and ends the call. Puts the phone back into his pocket, trying to keep his calm.
"Was that your pimp?" Dons smile went a little wider. Free didn't answer. Just stares back with annoyed look on his face. "Trust me, I have seen it many times before. The relationships between people like you and her."
"That's not your problem. I don't need a fucking cop give me that shit. I know what I am. Thanks for the dinner," Free says and pushs the empty plate away. He was already done.
Don hums. "My apologies. Didn't think saying that out loud would go right under your skin. You are quite sensitive," he apologises, while still smiling.
"You think..," younger states annoyed. If man meant how honestly Free was showing his true feelings out now, then hell yeah he must be sensitive! Free has no mind to take shit he doesn't deserve. The least not from someone like this cop.
Once again man starts with a hum. "I'm glad. Seen many become too cold. It's always good to have some life in you."
"That's a weird shit you are giving me.."
Neither was dropping their stare from each other, they sit in silence for a short moment. Young man wasn't showing any sign planning to speak more. It was clear the strong attitude around him wasn't just an act. Don must calm him down. Other way he himself might lose his temper. Indeed, having something this exploding in his home was the very thing Don didn't need. "Thanks for the dinner. Tell me.. Do you play cards?" he suddenly says.
Free snorts, confused. "Cards?"
Man stands up and takes their plates, turns around. "Yes. I have already seen how hot-headed you can be, so if we plan to stay together the whole day, we have to cool you down. Or are you a poor loser? 'Cause I am quite good gamer."
Other stares Don in silence. Then he sighs and laughs a bit, clearing his throat. Indeed, man was right in a way. "Sorry. I should behave since you are paying. Cards. Sure. I can play something. But I always play for the win." Free can't let himself be too sentitive now. He should remember why he even was here in the first place.
"Didn't except anything else," Don states smiling, puts a water bottle and two different pills on the table in front of Free. Younger man glances the pills, then raises his smirking look to Don.
"You intent to drug me now?"
Older walks pass Free and pets his head. "Painkillers and something for the fever. Now that you ate, take the pills," he says while walking next to the nearest cabinet, searching the game cards which soon were found. "You can take your time to heal. Twenty-four hours should be enough."
Frees heart skip the beat. The touch aches. This man was clearly looking down on him! But before Free could react back, his phone rings again. Sighs. Free takes the phone on his hand, reads the name and answers. "Why did you tell her?" he asks, trying to keep his calm.
"Where are you?!" Kain asks back. He was relieved to hear Free sound okay.
"Out. I'm okay. I will come back tomorrow," Free states out.
"Did you really go with that cop?"
"I did."
"Are you serious??" now Kain raises his voice.
"Yes."
Older breathes deeply in and out. His friend here must be actually mentally retarded.. Going with the cop like that.. What he was even up to now?! There were so many questions Kain would have wanted to asks, but didn't dare through the phone. "Whatta hell.. Fine. Glad you are okay. We'll see you tomorrow."
Free hums and ends the call, puts the phone away again. Don was already standing next to him, meeting with his eyes. "They really care about you there," older man says. "That's good."
Trying to hold his mood, Free was starting to feel he should just dig a hole and hide right now, right there. He never intent to let this freaking cop see the real him. After all the acting he has performed before was flowing to waste. After this, this cop would never buy his acts without a doubt.
Don puts the pack of cards on the table. "Let's play."
- - - -
The phone vibrating ruins the nightly silence. Don gets up and walks slowly toward the kitchen where he had his phone, ringing on the kitchen table.
"What is it?" he casually answers the call with normal voice. It was nearly pass three. Way too early. But to him, it was necessary to be available at any minute around the clock.
"We have a situation," man on the phone speaks, ready to give his suggestion. That was Ropert, the same man who had been asking around about the kid named 'Aki' and was beaten, right next to the Main House.
"Okay. Go on," Don yawns and walks back to the living room area, listening to his co-workers worries. Free was lying there on the other couch, looking straight to Don, blue eyes wide open. "You think it's them?" man keeps while sitting down next to Free, trying his forehead. It was burning hot. Sweaty. Kid must have a high fever on. No doubt, he kind of looked very exhausted too. So Don gets back up and calmly heads to the bathroom, takes his time to search something before walking back with the monitor. He measures Frees temperature, all while listening what Ropert has to say.
"No, it's better if I go," Don speaks while reading the monitor. Kid definitely has a high fever. But Don wasn't sure what all he could give for that. He hightly doubt kids body has used to medical drugs. Some could have an opposite effect. "You just do what you were going to do. I can replace you today." Free was following mans every movement when Don walks back toward the kitchen.
"Then borrow my car. Don't push your bad mood to others..
...Well, it's not my fault you let them steal your car," Don gives a smile to Free while walking back to living room. He puts the water bottle and some pills on the table. "Yeah, I'm on it. Don't care what you do. You owe me a day off. Again," Don ends the call. Then turns his focus on Free. "You have a high fever. Take the medicines and rest. Later you can help yourself and get something to eat from the fridge."
Free sits up. It was very clear by now that cop has just received a call from work or something. And was about to leave? "You are seriously going somewhere? Now?" Don was already walking toward the kitchen area.
"I will leave the money on the table. When you are feeling better you can go. It should not be that long distance to walk back?" man calmly points out, already searching his main items to take with him. "Just, please, don't clean my apartment while you are alone. I'm quite strich when it comes about my owns."
"You leave me here by myself I will mess up this place and sell everything out!" Free boldly raises his voices back. No way man was seriously going to just leave!
Man sighs and turns to meet with the young mans gaze, thinking what to say. "I guess that is fine too. It's just more work for me, right? I'll see you later. Take your rest," Don answers smiling and finally walks out of the apartment.
Free stays still. Speechless. Listening the front door opening and closing again. Did this cop just seriously walk out the apartment and leave him here alone? Inside his own home? A total stranger?? HOW MUCH CONFIDENCE DID THIS GUY HAVE??
"Damn," he tsihs, sighing. Holding his aching head. No, seriously, he was not in a good shape. His whole body was shaking when he let himself fall back down on the couch. But that didn't mean this cop has to act so sympathetic like! This was pity! All pity! Because of his current condition blow his strength, Free wouldn't dare to rob that bastard clean?!
F you, 'Don Palenne'! Free swears when he will feel better he would so empty this fucking place, steal everything he could and just vanish!
Of course he wasn't actually going to do so.. That would be stupid.. This was him just letting his frustration out. What ever it was this fucking cop want from him has nothing to do with him getting beaten like this, right? Getting himself this sick.
Free was staring the ceiling, breathing heavily. Turning now his eyes to look toward the lobby area. Don wasn't coming back? He was really alone here? Was this some new strategy..?
No. This was a deal. Free would get all the money from half the job he really didn't even do! What was the problem? Just take it all and go!
Free closes his eyes and hugs the pillow next to him. Fuck this shit! HIS HEAD HURTS! IF HE CAN SLEEP HERE IN PEACE THEN THE BETTER! Who cares what that cop does! At least now he was alone, didn't need to be so alert!
The moment of calm. Frees mind was so empty at the moment. Thinking too much now would only make his line of thoughts delusional. What ever, he was now alone. He should rest. Eyeing a moment the pills on the table, Free pushs himself back up to sit. Those pills help him tolerate the pain yesterday. No harm to take these too.
After sleeping a few hours more Free finally got up. His clothes were clean and dry, waiting on the kitchen table with the pile of cash. There was no need to even count the money. He could easily see there must be at least five hundred there.
Free sighs while moving his eyes from the table to eye the apartment around him. He had a change to fish around but didn't have the power to get excited about it. His eyes stops on the money pile again. Finally he reachs it and takes half of the money. Taking all didn't feel right. Even he has some kind of pride. The deal was about a twentyfour hours. Half was already an insane amount of money from something this minor.
After packing his rent clothes into the bag Free starts to snoop around. This place had nothing weird in. Just normal stuff. Everything in right, nice order. Just like in those design magazines. The rich people really were different.. But what was not so normal is what Free finds next inside the lowest drawer on the hallway closet. He could open it and see three different guns behind the safety glass. Safety code and all. Feeling now quite scared even to realize there was actual guns in here, he simple decides to leave that alone.
There was a door to Dons bedroom, open. In there he didn't dare but just peek. Nothing unnormal here either. Just a big bed, night stands on both sides of it. Chest of drawers against the other wall. No carpets here either. No decoration items.
Spare key was found from the keybox on the wall next to the front door. "Might as well come back for the rest of the money?" Free thinks out loud while taking it with him. After some time later, he finally closes the door behind him, having the rent clothes in the bag he was carrying with him and the money and the key in his pockets.
It was eight at the morning. The cop still has his twelve hours left.
- - - -
"He paid you to entertain himself?!" Kain laughs unbelieving, holding his head. "Dude, you are so screwed!" This can't be nothing but bad.
"I know. He clearly knew about the car I stole too," Free sighs, smiling tiredly. He was finally lying in their living area, keeping his head. His whole body ache. The headache was bad still. The effects of those pills were slowly fading away by now.
When Free came back to the Main House, Lady Blue was hasty and ready to scold him. The words were meaningless for Free, since he knew that Blue was more worried about his daily doses than his wellbeing. Without Free she would have to go out herself. What she hasn't done for a long time now.
Kain and others were immediately asking what have happened. Free had to explain to Tim and Dino why he had an black eye now. Some things what Free did to get money were dangerous jobs. Sometimes something like this could happen. He uses it as a life lesson to not do as he does. Let them leave this kind of jobs to him when they could so something more safer.
"So what are you planning now?" Kain asks then, eyeing the other. This wasn't the first time he saw Free in this bad shape. But it didn't make it any easier here. He too hated seeing Free like this. But all the three oldest here knew they needed money. The way or other.
"Don't know," Free quietly answers back.
Kain hums. "There is no other way than go under a little while. Try to shake him off. It might be better to just leave the area for a while."
"What is the point of running? All he has is a fucking hunch, no real evidences," Free smiles. He was thinking hard. What to do for now. "No one goes in prison from stealing one car, right? And more importantly he has no proof me having anything to do with the robs so.. screw him!"
That might be the case here. Free clearly didn't even think of leaving, so Kain drops the whole idea there. At least this way they still had a place to live. "We had a busy week. Blue should be able to deal the building cost and her ploys with the money we got. With that face of yours you can't earn."
"Well thanks to be so worried over me," Free smirks, closing his eyes. "Yeah. I was thinking to take a break. I still have twelve hours.."
Kain stares Free, unbelieving what he was hearing. His friend must be joking, right? "You said earlier you have met him before. So who exactly is he?" he sighs then, demanding a clear answer here. Free turns to look at Kain. But doesn't answer. So Kain keeps. "Does he have something to do why you end up here in streets? Since you seem to be damn interested of him. Meeting with him almost everyday. And all of the sudden you even went with him."
"No, he was not the reason," Free clears fastly, telling Kain was being too nosy now. "Doesn't matter what he was. Besides all I'm doing now is clearing his suspicions on me. He will back off soon. And be gone."
"Really?" Kain tsihs, annoyed. That all sounded just big bullshit to him.
Now Free himself gets more annoyed. His answer wasn't enough for Kain? "He offered me five hundred to go with him. That was insane so I just went on impulse. How I could have said no? We need fucking money."
"Don't get mad, but sometimes I wonder are you incredible foolhardy or actually just stupid," Kain says smiling, shaking his head.
"Ha?!"
"Last time you went with a stranger you got beaten up, remember!? You always take that risk! What if that cop was even worse and you still went with him?"
"He would no-" "What? Not do the same? Don't act too trusty. You don't know him," Kain cuts off Frees words, showing this very frustrated look.
After they both had let most of their vexed moods out, they calmed down a little, staring each others. This whole situation was making them both stressed out.
Finally Kain tsihs out and waves his hand. "You say you are only distracting him, pushing him away, but only I can see is that you are willingly playing around him. I can't really tell what you are doing anymore.."
Sure, Free did understand why Kain was this blunt. Of course he was worried. Has a point. There was no way Free would know what that cop was really thinking. He really shouldn't trust anything man was saying. Don even admit straight he was approaching Free to make him confess his crimes.
Letting himself do just what that cop wanted him to do was indeed stupid. So stupid. And still his trust toward that freaking cop was almost like blind. Just thinking that if he doesn't do mistakes, cop has no reasons to arrest him. Swallowing his anger now Free sighs deeply out, calming his mind more. Showing a smile. "Come on. Don't be so dramatic. I know what I'm doing."
Kain breathes out a long sigh. Shaking his head. "I really hope you do. He might not feel like other cops, I get it. But he is still a cop. Maybe not the violent one, but still dangerous. He is here to arrest you, don't you forget that.
Just don't burn your bridge back out of curiosity.."
- - - -
Don drives his car on his spot at the parking lot. After shutting the engine, he lets out a long and deep sigh, stepping out of the car. The assumed fast run on his day off ended up take over ten hours. First he was planning to go straight to Kerdon, continue his patrol. But since it was way pass his usual time to go there, he in the end decided just skip the day. Feeling way too tired anyway, wanting to take the evening off at least.
While now standing in front of his apartment door, Don has to take a breathe slowly in and out. He was preparing himself for worst. If that kid really has emptied his house clean. Or made a mess.
First of all he was very sure kid would definitely not dare and do anything so stupid, since he has been playing around Don already, poking a beehive, still successfully without a storm. Kid should know it would be a staight fly into jail if he now rob law officers apartment. Why do sutch a stupid mistake after all he has been able to achieve so far?
Secondly, kids random states earlier to rob him clean were only to show his surprise when Don suddenly plan to leave him alone in his apartment. Attempt to shake Don and make him stay. Or at least throw kid out as well. Who wouldn't be stunt from that kind of decision. Even Don thought after it was a really bold move, just decide to leave him in.
But somehow it was kind of easy.
Well, thirdly, there really was nothing value to steal. Don has no habit to keep anything unnecessary. Only really valuable in were his guns in safety, which was unbreakable. Sure, he does have multiple phones in there. Money. His medicine cabinet was full too. Some of the items were indeed illegal to keep.. Yeah, his apartment was full of things to steal and sell. But not so it would do any harm to Don himself.
What if his suppositions of that young man were totally wrong? Twisted? No way. If actually so, it would be just like Don had said before. Just more work for him, right? From Dons point of view this all was just kind of amusing. Either way how kid has done, it kind of makes no difference. Since kid himself was damn interesting.
After Don had calmed his mind he reachs his keys. When he opens the door he could clearly hear the sounds coming from TV.
While walking into the kitchen area Don could spot Free lying on the couch, eyes on TV, totally ignoring him first. All his doubts fade away that very moment. Kid wouldn't be still hanging in his living room like that if his place was robbed clean.
"Still here? Didn't find anything to steal?" Don smiles, letting himself visibly relax. He puts the plastic bag on the table and spots the money pile on there. Some of the money were gone. Some still there.
"I came back," Free calmly answers and shows his phone up, starting the timer on the screen. "I want half of my money. You still have your twelve hours to play."
Now Don had to feel a little amazed. Young man actually went out with half of the money and still came back for the rest, was that it? Not that Don would mind. But kid was definitely playing with the same page of interest as himself. There were no doubts in Dons belief Aki also remembered meeting him five years ago. How else this kid would be so attacked to him like this? Intentionally staying close even when he could have keep his distance? They definitely both remembered that time, this silent knowledge was a very strong bond.
"Came back? Break in?" Don has to ask. His speculations might be totally wrong after all. Anyway, did it matter. As long as Don could keep this connection he was satisfied. Eventually he would get something new out of this kid. Why he himself was so interested of this kid was a puzzle to him. But he couldn't just end this either.
"With this spare key I found," Free just states. He didn't even bother to look at Don. He was watching TV. After browsing through every channel he could possible found, this explicit movie channel has got his attention. He love action movies. This one he hasn't seen before.
"I have to say I am now surprised," Don admits while walking to the living area with a water bottle on his hand. "You could have just took all the money and go. What if I hadn't come back today? Just stayed in?"
"Sure. I would have taken over this place. There is a big TV and fridge full of beers," Free finally looks toward Don smiling, showing the bottle of beer on his hand. "Thank you very much."
"Don't drink my beers. You are a minor. I told you to get something to eat from that fridge, not drink."
"I'm almost eighteen. In some countries I'm allowed to drink."
Don calmly stares Free, then turns his look away toward the TV. So kid was also lying about his age. "Twelve hours, was it?" Those hours were supposed to be for the kid himself, let his body heal. But sure, to this young man it was a mutual deal. He gets his money, Don gets what he wants. This felt a very big excuse, but Don will buy it.
Free hums. "Your clock is ticking."
"Do I miss hours again if I take a nap? I'm kind of tired today, have no energy to play with you," Don sighs then. Indeed, he wasn't prepared for having this kid in still. But what was weird to him was how easy it was to just let him be here.
"You and me in the same building counts," Free points the guy, smirking. The deal was a deal.
"Of course," man smiles back. "How are you feeling? Do you still have fever?"
"My head is killing me so I would say yes. But I will tolerate it so you wouldn't be so lonely tonight, Mr Palenne," younger states out, lowing his hand back down. "I'm still waiting you to tire me down and make me confess what ever it was I had done. My two hundred and fifty bucks are still waiting."
"Technically you owe me two hundred bucks," Don says back, now walking back to the kitchen, searching some medicine to this cocky young man.
Free went slightly alert. But doesn't show it out. "Did that dinner yesterday cost me that much? Or did I lose real money when I lost that card game? I admit my defeat," he smiles and straightens his back while sitting up, putting his beer bottle on the table.
"No," older man answers while walking back. "I found my friends car, had to bought it back," he offers a class of water and a medicine to Free, locking his eyes on the others.
Hesitating a little, Free finally takes the class and a pill. "And that has to do with me how?" he should not say anything about that. This cop has no proofs. He was just trying to make him confess.
"They hadn't taken it apart yet so I was lucky to find it on time. Licence plates are still missing though..," Don continues and sits down, takes a good position to relax, eyes still on Free. "Your bad I know people around. Got a good describe who brought it over."
"Really..," Free says, acting not interest, taking his pill. He didn't like where this was going.
"Garfield, the mechanic there.. He is my old buddy. Unfortunately we are better 'friends' than you and him. Didn't take much him to sell you out."
That name Free knew..
Still not enough? "The fingerprints from my cigarette box matchs the ones found from the car. Yours," Don calmly confirms, finally making this kid drop his impassive appearance and lean his back behind, sighing out, surrendering. "I'm not well paid for nothing, kid. I know what I'm doing. And you yourself practically handed me your prints."
Free clicks his tongue. He indeed might have left some evidences behind. So without a bigger fuss, he has made a big mistake. Get caught of lying.. "So this is how you play..," he says smiling. This here broke every last fakewalls Free has build between him and this cop. No more reason to hide. The burden from his shoulders fall off. And the reality hit. "He fooled you, though. I sold it for hundred."
"I know," Don clears back. "I gave him a little extra not to tell anyone I took the car. If my friend would find out it was you, you would be in already."
That only made Free feel more confused. "If you knew why-" "It's not my place to pick up every kid doing gta. But my friend is pissed off. You made him look like a fool," Don says, cutting Frees words.
Unbelieving Free keeps staring at Don. "Then.. why?"
Don sighs. Takes a while before talking. "You are clever, but do stupid mistakes what you could have avoid by using your head more. For example, if I really did not know about exactly who stole the car, just now you would have blurted it out yourself. I could have just fake I knew. And still you ran that really impressive planning and acting and drive the real investigation to the corner. By faking. Using the facts you know. Not anyone is able to do so. You can act calm. Are cool-headed. That I respect," but then he shows even wider smile. "So isn't it way more interesting to let you still walk free and wait you do the first real mistake? Rather than take you in and rip it all out from you? How ever, in the end you will be mine."
Damn, this guy was crazy. Free couldn't but laugh. This cop wasn't real. "You are talking about those robs again? I told you you have the wrong guy here," he smirks, trying to calm his mind. "Don't like to down myself but I am just a street whore. Can't get really lower from this. If you want to screw then let's just do it and you can let me go."
"Honestly, all this just easiest my mind until I know what to do," Don lies his back down and closes his eyes, acting suddenly very relaxed. "Make this easier for me. You can stay here and be my pet rather than run wildly around."
The more man kept talking, the more seriously confused Free felt. He couldn't catch what he was up to. Was this all because he was 'Aki'? If so, then exactly why?
Do the real mistake? So man was going to act friendly until Free gets caught from the robs? Be his pet, what is all this?
Was Free thinking this all wrongly? Becoming even more abashed now, young man lets out a long sigh, to stay calm. He would lose the point if he lets his mind run wild. "I've been told before my face is too pretty to streets. Is that it? You too get sucked in?"
Now what was that? Something like that has never occurred to his mind. "All I see is a lost kid under a strong mask. Can't care how you look," Don answers, without opening his eyes. "But ARE you planning to live there for the rest of your life? In streets? Day by day? Aiming for nothing? That would be sutch a waste since I like your attitude and skills."
Skills? What this man was talking about? Without thinking deeper of that Free decides to ignore it all. Don was probably trying to make him speak more. Unnoticedly admit something. He shouldn't fall for it. "Aren't you talkative today," Free tsihs. "Acting so worried."
"I think I might be worried," older guy just states, sounding a really puzzled himself.
After a silence fall between them, the only sounds they could hear anymore were from the TV. This long, quiet moment last a while. Free scratchs the back of his head, starting to relax a little again. Really, Don was way too easygoing. Free should not go with his act. From some point Free actually started to act too friendly around this cop, Don Palenne.
Well, did it really matter how friendly he plan to act. It wouldn't be that long until this cop would move on. Forget him. They all did, eventually. Everyone liked his face, but when they had satisfied their curiosity, they were fast to have enough of him. After all, he was nothing but a nobody from streets. This interact wasn't so different to Free either. To him, this cop was something to pass a little time with. Then move on too. Propably forget him too. 'Day by day'. That simple was how he lived his empty life.
Nothing else he couldn't be more sure.
"For someone like me it does not matter what I do and where," Free then breaks the silence. Don opens his eyes slighly. "I am officially dead. Have no real name. No real living space. Streets are my home, so it's pretty wide over there. What ever I do I am 'Free'. Where ever I sit watching TV, drinking beer, I am 'Free'," he turns his eyes to meet with Dons, smiling. The smile wasn't actually happy or sad, but something between. Like a gesture to support his words. 'You know that all already, don't you?' was what he was thinking, but he leave it unspoken.
Don wasn't prepared to hear something like this from this cocky young man. Kid was actually speaking honestly to him? Dropping the act he always wear around himself?
"But believe it or not, right now I actually have an aim," Free then tsihs. Like noting Don even someone like him could have something to cherish. Free has already used to people thinking he was trash, a nobody. So no one expect no thing from him. Trashs should stay out of sigths. That was a summary of all what everyone else were thinking. "My brothers there can have the future if I lead them in the right direction. They might be orphans or runaways but they still have their identities. They have much more than I have. They got their life-cards.
They I can protect. They give me my 'place' to be. For now.
Day by fucking day, until I just move on. Or die. But at least I could die as someone worth to remember. I can aim to be their Guardian Ghost who protects them, teach them how not to become like me. That way, I will live with them forever."
Don shows this gentle smile and sighs. "That is new. A nice way of thinking." Never ever has he heard someone speaking like this.
"Pretty dramatic, right," Free laughs. "But hey, I'm 'Free' to choose my own point of view. Even if it was crazy. Non real. Pathetic.."
Older was intently eyeing Frees relaxed appearance. Kid was again showing very casual mood out. Speaking his mind out. "Isn't it tiresome?" Don then asks. "Living to favor others?" That he himself could never do.
Man didn't ask why Free didn't have a name. Why he didn't have the same possibilities like his brothers. This moment seal it all together. There was no doubt this man already knew who Free originally was.
But to point that out loud was pointless. Probably that was the reason why both of them evade bringing it up. It didn't matter. And still it kind of did.
"It is. But they are the only thing I have. I care them a lot. And.. that is why I'm here now," Free says smiling and gets up, holding his aching left side, planning to smoke a cigarette. "You and your last twelve hours are my vacation. Since buying a whore and not using it.. Now, THAT is a waste..," he steps out toward the balcony, stops between the door frames and turns to look Don. "Or am I here 'cause you are trying to 'save' me or something? Don't bother. You can't save someone who doesn't need to be saved. There are many way more interesting people around. So you should stop wasting your time on me. I'm not your 'hacker'," Free closes the door and lights his cigarette.
"Wow, he is more troublesome than I thought," Don smiles and turns his eyes to the ceiling.