Chapter 3: Unmatched Assassin
After spending the money, making more was simply a matter of time. In life, comfort took precedence.
"Gwen."
"What!"
After real estate agent Oren departed, Locke glanced at Gwen, standing there bewildered. After catching her attention, he smiled, "Thank you, Gwen."
Gwen, quick to regain composure thanks to her stable upbringing and education, replied modestly, "Thank me for what? I didn't do much."
That was supposed to be my introduction to the new students about the apartments.
Instead, this new friend simply waved his pen and bought a whole unit.
Talk about audacity.
Could he be lying to me?
Maybe he's not an orphan at all, but a wealthy kid.
Locke noticed Gwen's expression and smiled, "This is my parents' legacy. Buying this place wiped out most of it, but it's a fresh start."
"...Sorry, that's not what I meant."
"Okay."
Locke smiled, "Actually, if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have made up my mind so quickly. To show my appreciation, let me treat you to dinner."
"But I didn't really help you."
"Yes, you did."
Locke spoke sincerely, "You're the first friend I made in New York. You've shown me how welcoming this city can be."
Gwen looked at Locke's sincerity and struggled for words.
Declining might make her new classmate think New York wasn't just chilly, but outright cold.
So...
Gwen hesitated and asked Locke, "Just dinner?"
Locke nodded, "Yes, just a thank you."
Not a date.
Gwen breathed a sigh of relief.
For dinner, Locke chose a place not far away, on Fifth Avenue. When they arrived by taxi earlier, Locke had noticed a well-decorated restaurant.
He wasn't particular about food.
But...
Locke loved bourbon, a preference that posed a problem because you couldn't legally buy alcohol under 21, and no restaurant would dare sell it to someone underage.
Even though it was early for dinner at five o'clock, the restaurant opened at that time, which was perfectly normal.
"Um."
Sitting across from Gwen, who was nibbling on an egg tart, Locke grinned. "You should come here with me next time."
Looking up, Gwen smiled at Locke, "So, Locke, is our next meeting a date?"
Locke's response was straightforward, "Sure!"
Gwen: "..."
What does that mean?
After dinner...
As Gwen was heading home...
"Gwen?"
A police car passed them, then abruptly halted. The passenger side window rolled down, revealing a man inside.
Locke raised an eyebrow.
Gwen was equally surprised, "Dad?"
Sheriff George Stacy stepped out of the police car, his gaze alternating between his daughter and Locke.
Well, talk about a surprise appearance!
Gwen quickly recovered and introduced Locke, "Dad, this is Locke, a classmate who just transferred to our school today."
Locke extended his hand, "Hello."
George eyed Locke's outstretched hand, hesitated briefly, then shook it, forcing a smile, "Hello."
After a brief exchange, Gwen and Locke bid farewell and George drove off with Gwen in the police car, leaving Locke behind.
Half an hour later...
At Gwen's home...
"Back already?"
A full-time homemaker, Helen greeted her husband and daughter entering one after the other, "Wash up and dinner will be ready."
Gwen responded.
George spoke up, "Your daughter just came back from a big meal."
Gwen shot George a glare, "Dad!"
The situation was explained during their ride back.
Helen, curious, looked at her daughter and then George, "What's going on?"
George, removing his uniform, teased, "Ask your daughter."
Helen turned to Gwen, who sighed, "Mom, it's just a new classmate. I helped him find an apartment, and as thanks, he treated me to dinner. That's all."
Helen nodded, finding nothing unusual.
George chuckled, "Ask about the apartment your classmate was looking at."
Gwen glanced helplessly at George again, then met her mother's eyes and sighed, "The Baxter Building."
Helen raised an eyebrow, knowing well the prestige of the Baxter Building in New York City.
"Your classmate..."
"Locke's an orphan."
"Um?"
Gwen elaborated, "The money for the house is an inheritance from Locke's parents. And no, it wasn't a date. I'm full; I'll go up to my room."
With that said...
Gwen headed straight for the stairs to the second floor.
Helen exchanged a look with George.
George scratched his head, realizing Gwen hadn't spilled anything in the car.
That explains a lot.
Thinking it over...
Helen and George shared a look before Helen walked into the kitchen, "You made your daughter mad, you fix it."
Clearly...
Their daughter said nothing because she didn't want to expose her classmate's private affairs.
George suggested, rubbing his chin, "How about hot cocoa?"
If a single cup of hot cocoa can't fix the problem, then make it two.
George had experience with this.
At the Baxter Building...
Locke retrieved his parcel and returned to the newly bought apartment, unpacking as he settled in.
Hiss!
Inside the suitcase...
Two stacks of one hundred Continental Gold Coins lay still.
There was also a notebook that was simply not available on the market.
After taking out the notebook, Locke powered it on, then rose and ascended to the second floor with the notebook in hand.
In his study...
Locke secured the gold coins in a safe and settled at the computer desk.
Soon after...
Once the laptop was connected to the internet, a page appeared.
"Please confirm your identity!"
"Unmatched!"
"Identity confirmed!"
A mechanical voice confirmed, then a piece of information refreshed and appeared on the screen.
Locke stared blankly at the name displayed.
In his right hand...
A Colt M1911A1 pistol, fitted with a silencer, gleamed ominously.