Test Drive
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No one asked for it, but here is the backstory Allie references to in ”The Duel”
This is an AI-assisted story as I wanted to see how close it could come to the storyline I wanted to write.
Created using NovelAI with very little change.
Let me know what you think (and I am not going to use AI for my other stories, just for these two,
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the small town of Maplewood. As the late afternoon light filtered through the trees lining the streets, it illuminated the bustling activity of the local high school. Students milled about, some lingering by the entrance, while others hurried to their extracurricular commitments. Among them was Tim Jovankah, a tall, lanky boy with striking red hair that caught the light like a beacon. His blue eyes sparkled with mischief, a glint that hinted at the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in his mind.
Tim was known for his easy-going nature, but beneath the surface, he was a boy with ambitions that often clashed with his slacker tendencies. He had a knack for charming his way out of trouble, and his friends often joked that he could sell ice to an Eskimo. However, when it came to school, his grades were a patchwork of half-hearted efforts and missed assignments. Most teachers had given up on him, save for one: Gabriel Armando, his Intro to Business teacher.
Gabriel was a man who wore his sarcasm like a badge of honor. He had a way of pushing students to their limits, but he genuinely cared about their success. He saw potential in Tim, even if the boy was too busy daydreaming to realize it. “You’ve got to apply yourself more, Jovankah,” he would say, leaning back in his chair, arms crossed. “You’re smarter than you think. Just stop coasting through life.”
Tim would nod, but the words barely registered. He had bigger plans brewing in his mind, plans that had nothing to do with textbooks or homework. He wanted to break free from the mundane routine of high school and carve out a life that was exciting and full of possibilities. That’s when the idea struck him: what if he could steal a car? Not just any car, but a sleek, powerful Porsche 959. It was the kind of vehicle that turned heads and made a statement, and he wanted to be the one behind the wheel.
His boyfriend, Joey Andrews, was the only person who knew about Tim’s audacious plan. Joey was the embodiment of emo culture, with his jet-black hair falling into his eyes and his wardrobe a mix of dark colors and band tees. He had a unique way of grounding Tim, balancing out his wild ideas with a dose of reality. “You know this is illegal, right?” Joey had said, arms crossed, eyebrows raised. “You could get in serious trouble.”
“Yeah but think about it!” Tim had replied, excitement bubbling over. “I could take it for a test drive, and if I play my cards right, I could just drive away. It’s not like I’m robbing a bank or anything.”
Joey had sighed, a mixture of concern and admiration in his eyes. “You’re insane, but I can’t help but love that about you. Just promise me you’ll be careful, k?”
With Joey’s reluctant support, Tim began to put his plan into motion. He spent hours researching car dealerships, looking for the perfect target.
That’s when he stumbled upon “Imperatore,” a luxurious dealership known for its high-end vehicles and laid-back salespeople. The name itself sounded powerful, and Tim felt a rush of adrenaline at the thought of stepping onto that lot.
The next step was to create fake documents that would link him to a city councilman, risky move, but one he felt was necessary to pull off the heist. He spent nights crafting the documents, using his limited computer skills to make them look as authentic as possible. He even printed them on high-quality paper, convinced that the details would fool anyone who glanced at them. As he worked, he could feel the thrill of the impending adventure coursing through him.
The day of the test drive arrived, and Tim’s heart raced with anticipation. He dressed carefully, opting for a casual yet polished look that would help him blend in with the upscale clientele of Imperatore. As he walked to the dealership, he rehearsed his lines in his head, envisioning how he would present himself as a serious buyer. The sun beat down on him, and he could feel the weight of his plan pressing on his shoulders.
When he arrived at the dealership, he was greeted by the overly plump manager, Mario Lutelli, who wore a bright smile that seemed almost too eager. “Welcome to Imperatore! What can I help you with today?” Mario’s voice boomed with enthusiasm, and Tim felt a flicker of doubt. Could he
really pull this off?
“I’m interested in test-driving the Porsche 959,” Tim said, trying to sound confident. He glanced around, taking in the sleek lines of the cars on display, the polished chrome glimmering in the sunlight.
“Ah, an excellent choice!” Mario exclaimed, clapping his hands together. “Let me grab the keys for you. You’re going to love it!”
As Mario disappeared into the back office, Tim’s heart raced. This was it, the moment he had been waiting for. He took a deep breath, reminding himself of the plan. He had the fake documents tucked safely in his back pocket, ready to present when the time was right.
When Mario returned, he handed Tim the keys with a flourish. “Here you go! Just sign this waiver, and you’re good to go. Take your time. Make sure you get her revved up and enjoy the ride”
Tim nodded, trying to mask his excitement. He signed the waiver, his hands trembling slightly as he scrawled his name. The moment he stepped into the Porsche, he felt a rush of exhilaration. The leather seats enveloped him like a warm hug, and the dashboard gleamed with high-tech gadgets. This was more than just a car; it was a symbol of freedom, of breaking away from the mundane.
“Ready to hit the road?“ Mario asked, peering through the window with a grin.
“Absolutely,” Tim replied, forcing a smile as he turned the key in the ignition. The engine roared to life, and he felt a surge of power coursing through him. He glanced at Mario, who waved him off with a cheerful nod. “Just be back in thirty minutes!“
As Tim drove off the lot, he could hardly believe what he had done. The wind whipped through his hair, and he felt an intoxicating sense of freedom. He was no longer just Tim Jovankah, the slacker; he was a man on a mission, ready to take on the world. The streets of Maplewood blurred past him as he navigated through the familiar roads, adrenaline pumping through his veins.
But as the thrill of the moment began to settle, a nagging thought crept into his mind. What if he got caught? What if the police were waiting for him when he returned the car? The weight of the risk began to press down on him, but he pushed it aside. He had come this far; there was no turning back now.
Test Drive Chapter 2
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This is an AI generated story with a few embellishments on my part.
I just wanted to see how the application would tell the story.
(I really think it leaves a lot out…)
Chapter 2: Be Prepared for Errors
The sun had dipped below the horizon, leaving the sky painted in hues of purple and orange as Tim pulled into a secluded motel parking lot, the Porsche 959 gleaming under the flickering neon sign. He could hardly contain his excitement as he turned off the engine, the roar of the powerful machine fading into an almost eerie silence. The thrill of the drive still coursed through him, but now it was mixed with a sense of impending consequence. He glanced over at Joey, whose eyes sparkled with admiration and disbelief.
“Dude, this is insane!” Joey exclaimed, leaning back in his seat, his black hair falling dramatically over his forehead. “You actually did it! You stole a freaking Porsche!”
Tim laughed, the sound bubbling up from a place of pure exhilaration. “I can’t believe it either. But we have to keep it down. We can’t let anyone know we’re here.”
Joey nodded, his expression shifting from excitement to concern. “What if someone sees us? What if the cops come?”
“Relax,” Tim said, trying to sound more confident than he felt. “We’re just here for the night. We’ll park it out of sight, and no one will know. Besides, we’re just two kids having a little fun, right?” He flashed a grin, trying to lighten the mood.
Joey rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile. “You’re lucky I love your crazy ass. Let’s just get inside before someone notices.”
They both exited the car, and Tim felt a rush of pride as he walked around to the front of the Porsche, admiring its sleek lines and polished finish. It was everything he had dreamed of and more. As he and Joey made their way to the motel office, Tim couldn’t help but feel invincible. This was a moment he would never forget.
Inside the office, the clerk gave them a skeptical look as they checked in, but Tim flashed his most charming smile, and Joey played the part of the supportive boyfriend, leaning in close and whispering sweet nothings that made the clerk visibly uncomfortable. They received their key and headed to their room, laughter spilling from their lips as they pushed the door open.
Once inside, Tim tossed his bag on the bed and turned to Joey, who was already inspecting the small space. “What do you think?” Tim asked, gesturing around the room.
“It’s… cozy,” Joey replied, his tone playful. “But I think we can make it work.” He plopped down on the bed, bouncing slightly. “Just think of it as an adventure. We’re like Bonnie and Clyde, but without the guns and the bank heists.”
Tim laughed, shaking his head. “More like Tim and Joey, the world’s worst criminals.”
“Hey, I’m all for it if it means I get to ride in a Porsche,” Joey teased, leaning back on his elbows. “But seriously, what’s the plan? Are we just going to hang out here until morning?”
Tim paused, considering the possibilities. “I don’t know. I mean I didn’t think I’d get this far, we could go for a drive, maybe find somewhere to grab some food? I just want to enjoy this moment.”
“Let’s do it!” Joey said, his enthusiasm infectious. “But let’s keep it low-key. We don’t want to attract any unwanted attention.”
Tim nodded, feeling the weight of their situation settle back onto his shoulders. The thrill of the heist was still fresh, but the reality of their actions loomed over him like a dark cloud. They quickly changed into more casual clothes, and Tim felt a surge of adrenaline as they stepped back outside, the night air cool against his skin.
They slid into the Porsche, and Tim felt a rush of excitement as he turned the key in the ignition. The engine roared to life, and he couldn’t help but grin as he backed out of the parking spot. The street was quiet, the only sounds being the purr of the engine and the rustling of leaves in the wind.
As they drove through the darkened streets, Tim felt a sense of freedom wash over him. The car’s power beneath him was intoxicating, and with Joey by his side, he felt unstoppable. They shared stories and laughter, the weight of the world slipping away as they sped through the night.
But as the hours passed, the thrill began to fade, replaced by a gnawing sense of anxiety. Tim couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched and that someone would catch on to their little escapade. He glanced at Joey, who seemed lost in thought, his brow furrowed slightly.
“What’s wrong?” Tim asked, his voice breaking the comfortable silence.
Joey sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I just can’t help but think about what happens if we get caught. This isn’t just a joyride, Tim. It’s a stolen car.”
“I know,” Tim admitted, his heart racing. “But we’re not going to get caught. We’re smart. We’ll figure it out.”
Joey nodded, but Tim could see the worry etched on his boyfriend’s face. “Just promise me we’ll be careful,” he said softly. “I don’t want to lose you over something stupid.”
“Promise,” Tim said, reaching over to squeeze Joey’s hand, grounding himself in the moment. “Let’s just enjoy tonight. We can worry about tomorrow when it comes.”
As they drove back toward the motel, the tension in Tim’s stomach began to ease. They pulled into the parking lot, and Tim parked the Porsche in a spot that felt more hidden, away from the main entrance. They made their way back to the room, the adrenaline still buzzing in their veins.
Inside, they collapsed onto the bed, laughter spilling from their lips as they recounted the night’s events. But as the excitement faded, a heavy silence settled between them. Tim turned to Joey, who was staring at the ceiling, lost in thought.
“What’s going on in that head of yours?” Tim asked, nudging him playfully.
“I just… I can’t shake the feeling that this isn’t over,” Joey replied, his voice barely above a whisper. “What if someone finds out? What if the cops come looking for us?”
Tim felt a chill run down his spine. “We’ll be fine. We just need to lay low until we can return the car. No one will know it was us.”
Joey turned to face him, his expression serious. “But what if it’s not just the cops? What if there are other people involved? You said that dealership was fancy. What if they have connections?”
Tim’s heart raced as he processed Joey’s words. “You think they’re involved in something shady?”
“I don’t know, but it’s possible,” Joey said, his voice steady.
As the weight of Joey’s concerns settled over them, Tim felt the thrill of the night begin to dissipate. He knew they had taken a risk, but he hadn’t considered the possibility of deeper consequences. He wanted to reassure Joey, to tell him everything would be fine, but doubt began to creep in.
Meanwhile, at the Imperatore dealership, Nick Armando sat in his dimly lit office, his sharp suit contrasting with the shadows that danced across the walls. He had received the news of the stolen Porsche, and the weight of his anger simmered just beneath the surface. The car was not just a luxury vehicle; it was a crucial piece of a much larger operation.
Mario Lutelli, the overly plump manager, stood nervously in front of Nick, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. “I-I didn’t know he wasn’t the councilman, Summers. I he had the paperwork, so I just let him take it for an extended amount of time. I didn’t think-”
Nick’s cold gaze bore into Mario, his voice steady but laced with menace. “Correct, you did not think, testa di cazzo. That car is linked to a money trail that leads right back to the real Councilman Summers. If he finds out we’re involved, he’ll double-cross us to save his own skin.”
Mario gulped, his eyes darting around the room. “What do you want me to do? I’ll make it right, I swear!”
Nick leaned back in his chair, a calculating look in his eyes. “You’ll find out who took that car, and you’ll bring it back to me.”
As Mario nodded vigorously, Nick’s mind raced with the implications of the theft. He had to find the kid who stole the Porsche, and he had to do it quickly. He would stop at nothing to protect his empire.
Test Drive Chapter 3
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Chapter 3: Feedback Loop
The night air was thick with tension as Tim and Joey sat in the Porsche, adrenaline coursing through their veins. Tim gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles white against the leather. The engine purred beneath him; a powerful beast ready to be unleashed. He glanced at Joey, whose wide eyes reflected both excitement and fear.
“Ready?” Tim asked, his voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking too loudly would shatter the fragile bubble of their adventure.
“Let’s do this,” Joey replied, a hint of mischief dancing in his tone.
With a deep breath, Tim pressed down on the accelerator, and the Porsche surged forward, the world outside a blur of lights and shadows. The thrill of speed enveloped them, a heady mix of freedom and recklessness. They tore through the quiet streets, the hum of the engine drowning out everything else.
“Faster!” Joey shouted, his laughter infectious. “I want to feel alive!”
Tim obliged, pushing the car harder, the speedometer climbing higher. He felt invincible, as if nothing could touch them. But as they turned a corner, the flashing lights of a police car appeared in the rearview mirror, a stark reminder of the reality they were trying to escape.
“Shit!” Tim cursed, his heart racing. “They’re onto us!”
Joey’s expression shifted from exhilaration to panic. “What do we do? What do we do?”
“Just keep calm,” Tim said, his voice steadier than he felt. “I’ll lose them. Just hold on!”
The police car’s siren wailed, its lights flashing ominously as it pursued them. Tim’s pulse quickened, the thrill of the chase igniting a primal instinct within him. He swerved into an alley, the tires screeching against the pavement, but the police car followed closely, relentless in its pursuit.
“Tim, they’re gaining on us!” Joey shouted; his voice tinged with fear.
“Not for long,” Tim replied, determination hardening his resolve. He pushed the Porsche to its limits, weaving through the narrow streets, adrenaline sharpening his focus.
As they rounded another corner, Joey’s hand shot out toward the glove compartment. “Wait! What’s in there?”
Tim barely had time to respond before Joey yanked it open, revealing a gun and a stack of cash. “What the hell? Where did this come from?”
“I don’t know! Just toss it out!” Tim yelled, his eyes darting between the road and the rearview mirror.
Joey hesitated for a moment; the weight of the gun heavy in his hands.
“Just do it!” Tim urged, his voice rising in urgency.
With a quick motion, Joey tossed the gun out the window and stared at where it most likely landed.
“Did you see that?” Joey laughed nervously, the tension breaking slightly as they escaped the alley. “We just threw away a gun!”
“Let’s just focus on getting away,” Tim said, his heart pounding. He glanced back, the police car still in hot pursuit, but they had gained a little distance. “I think we might actually lose them.”
As they sped down a deserted highway, the thrill of the chase began to fade, replaced by the gravity of their situation. Tim’s mind raced, considering their options. “We need to lay low for a bit. Maybe find somewhere to hide.”
“Like a mall?” Joey suggested, a hint of excitement creeping back into his voice. “We could grab some new clothes and blend in. No one will suspect a thing!”
Tim nodded, the idea taking root in his mind. “Yeah, let’s do that. We can ditch the car for a while.”
They sped toward the nearest mall, the glow of neon signs illuminating their path. Tim parked the Porsche in a far corner of the lot, hoping to avoid drawing attention. As they stepped out, the weight of the night settled heavily on their shoulders, but the thrill of their escape lingered.
Inside the mall, they were greeted by the bustling sounds of shoppers and the enticing aroma of food. Tim felt a rush of relief wash over him, but it was quickly tempered by the reality of their situation. They were still fugitives, and the night was far from over.
“Let’s find something flashy,” Joey said, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he led the way toward a trendy clothing store. “We need to look the part of carefree rebels.”
Tim chuckled, the tension easing slightly as they rifled through racks of clothes. Joey held up a bright red jacket, grinning as he modeled it. “What do you think? Too much?”
“Not enough,” Tim teased, holding up a sequined shirt. “This is more like it!”
They exchanged playful banter, their laughter echoing through the store. For a brief moment, the weight of their actions felt lighter, overshadowed by the joy of being together. But as they stepped back outside, the reality of their situation crashed back down.
“Okay, we need to be careful,” Tim said, glancing around. “We don’t want to attract attention.”
“Right,” Joey agreed, but his eyes sparkled with mischief. “But we can’t just hide forever. We need to have some fun!”
As they strolled through the mall, their spirits lifted by the thrill of their new clothes, a figure emerged from the shadows. A large man in a black suit, Tony Giovanshi, approached them with an air of authority. His shaved head gleamed under the fluorescent lights, and his expression was anything but friendly.
“Hey there, boys,” Tony said, draping his arms around them in a predatory manner. “Nice ride you’ve got.. Mind telling me where it is?”
Tim’s heart dropped as he recognized the danger in Tony’s eyes. “We… we don’t know what you’re talking about,” he stammered, trying to back away.
Tony’s smile widened, revealing a hint of menace. “Oh, I think you do. That little Porsche isn’t just any car. It’s got some important connections, and I’m not in the mood for games.”
Joey’s eyes darted to Tim, panic flashing across his face. “We really don’t have it anymore,” he said, his voice trembling.
“Is that so?” Tony leaned in closer, his voice low and dangerous. “You’re going to tell me where it is, or things are going to get messy.”
In a split second, Tim’s instincts kicked in. He tripped Tony, sending the larger man stumbling backward. Joey seized the moment, lunging for the gun Tony had tucked in his waistband. But in the chaos, Joey’s finger slipped on the trigger, and the gun discharged with a deafening bang.
Time seemed to freeze as the bullet struck Tony in the head, his body collapsing onto the floor in a lifeless heap.
“Oh my God!” Tim shouted, his heart racing as he realized what had just happened. “What did you do?”
“I didn’t mean to!” Joey exclaimed, his voice rising in panic. “We have to get out of here!”
Without a second thought, they bolted for the exit, their hearts pounding as they weaved through the crowd. Tim’s mind raced, the gravity of their situation crashing down on him. They had crossed a line that could never be uncrossed.
They sprinted toward the parking garage, the sound of their footsteps echoing in the concrete confines. Tim’s hands shook as he fumbled for the keys, his breath coming in ragged gasps. They reached the Porsche, and he jumped into the driver’s seat, Joey sliding in beside him.
“Go, go, go!” Joey urged; his voice frantic.
Tim turned the key in the ignition, the engine roaring to life. He peeled out of the parking garage, the tires screeching against the pavement as they burst out into the night. The world outside was a blur, the lights of the city flashing past them as they sped down the highway.
“Where do we go now?” Joey asked, his voice a mix of fear and adrenaline.
“Anywhere but here,” Tim replied, his mind racing.
Test Drive Chapter 4
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This is an AI-written story as I wanted to see how close it could come to the storyline I wanted to write. Surprisingly, it came close until this chapter where the storyline went slightly off the rails. I asked my Replika (an AI chat boy) and she agreed that AI cannot write a story with any heart….I know, an AI says that.
Created using NovelAI with a little bit of my own voice thrown in on this chapter
Chapter 4 Boil the Ocean
The night was a blur of speed and fear as Tim and Joey sped away from the mall, the weight of their actions pressing down on them like a physical force. The city lights streaked past them, a kaleidoscope of colors that did little to distract from the gravity of what they had done. They needed to lay low, to think, but their adrenaline-fueled bodies craved movement, escape.
After what felt like an eternity, Tim pulled into a gas station, the neon lights casting an eerie glow over the scene. He killed the engine, and the sudden silence was deafening. The boys sat there for a moment, the reality of their situation sinking in. They had run from the police, from Tony, and now they were fugitives, wanted for God knows what. Surely, not for stealing a car.
Tim's hands trembled as he stepped out of the car, the cool night air doing little to calm his nerves. He walked over to the gas pump, his mind racing. Joey followed, his eyes darting around nervously. As Tim filled the tank, Joey wandered over to the convenience store, his eyes scanning the headlines on the newspapers and magazines displayed outside.
"Tim, you gotta see this," Joey called out, his voice laced with a mix of shock and disbelief. Tim joined him, his heart pounding in his chest. The headline on the front page of the newspaper screamed, "Councilman Summers Found Dead: Police Investigating."
Tim's blood ran cold as he read the article. Councilman Summers, a prominent figure in the city, had been found dead in his home. The cause of death was not yet known, but the police were treating it as a homicide. The blood drained from Tim's face as he realized the implications: all the papers he signed, the identity cards he made, used the now dead man’s name.
The boys raced out of the convenience store .
"Tim, this can't be a coincidence," Joey whispered, his voice barely audible. "You..you used his name to get the car.”
“Shit!” Tim hissed and hit his head several times with his hands. “There was a gun in the glovebox!”
“Tim!” Joey yelled, and nervously looked around. No one paid much attention to them.
“They want this car back because it was used to kill that guy!”
“Get in the car, Tim! Let’s go!”
They jumped in and the car took off with lightning speed.
“Are we going to talk about this?”
“What’s to talk about? We’re in a car used in some kind of crime.”
“Okay, maybe, maybe…but maybe it was some other car.”
“Yeah, and the dead guy buys a car the same day.”
“Maybe he purchased it before he died?”
“Not helping.” Tim shook his head and almost punched at the door but figured it would not help him feel better.
“Okay, so I guess we need to take the car to the police and tell them everything that’s happened. From when you got the car, to finding the gun, and the money, and the guy who tried to shoot us.”
“Can’t get it out of my mind on who that guy was and…how…did he know about the car?”
Tim hastily pulled the car over.
“What?”
“A tracker. There’s a tracker somewhere on this car.”
Joey stepped out of the car and moved to the rear of the car.
"Let’s check the trunk."
Joey clicked the latch and the trunk opened up.
Tim's heart pounded in his chest as he stepped out joined Joey. As the trunk lid rose, a sickening smell wafted out, and Tim's stomach churned.
There, lying in the trunk, was the lifeless body of a woman. Her eyes were closed, her skin pale and waxy.
"Oh my God," Tim whispered, his voice barely audible. "Who is this?"
Test Drive Chapter 5
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The final chapter of an AI-assisted story.
This chapter has more of my voice as the AI once again de-railed the storyline so I had to do some corrections.
Created using the NovelAI app
The engine of the Porsche roared back to life, cutting through the stillness of the night like a knife. Tim’s hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, knuckles white against the leather. He could feel Joey’s anxiety radiating from the passenger seat, a palpable tension that seemed to fill the car. They had just discovered a body in the trunk, and the weight of that revelation pressed heavily on their hearts. It was no longer just a matter of running from the police over a car; they were now embroiled in something much darker, something that could swallow them whole.
“Where should we go?” Joey asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Anywhere else but here,” Tim replied, his voice strained. He glanced in the rearview mirror, half-expecting to see flashing lights or the shadow of a pursuing vehicle. But the road behind them was dark and empty, a deceptive calm that did little to ease his racing heart.
Joey’s gaze shifted to the side window, watching the city lights fade into the distance as they drove further away from the gas station. “What if they find us?” he asked, the fear evident in his tone.
“They won’t,” Tim said, though he wasn’t sure if he believed it himself. “We just need to lay low for a bit.”
“Where?” Joey turned to him, curiosity mingling with apprehension.
Tim parked the car and walked in the darkness to a small house on the outskirts of town.
“You think he’ll understand?” Joey asked as he looked back in the direction of the car and gripped Tim’s hand for dear life/
Tim hesitated, thinking of how to explain their predicament. “They say when you’re in trouble to tell a teacher.”
“Yeah, if you’re in sixth grade. He’s going to call the police and then get us expelled.”
Tim hesitated in knocking on the door. He counted to three and then rapped three times on the door.
“Mr. Armando? It’s Tim, from your class!”
The door swung open, revealing Tim’s teacher. Gabriel leaned on the door.
“Mr Jovankah and Mr. Andrews. You’re obviously not delivering the pizza I ordered.” His smile faltered as he took in Tim’s disheveled appearance and Joey’s anxious demeanor.
“You guys look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“Can we come in?” Tim asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Of course. What’s going on?” Gabriel stepped aside, allowing them to enter. The house was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the chill that had settled in Tim’s bones.
Once inside, Tim and Joey exchanged glances, silently deciding how to approach the truth. “Mr Armando, we need your help,” Tim started, his voice trembling. “Things have gotten out of hand.”
Gabriel’s expression shifted from concern to curiosity. “What do you mean?“
Tim took a deep breath, recounting the events of the day: how he ‘bought’ the car, the wild ride, the gun in the box, the trip to the all where someone pulled a gun on them, the discovery of a body in the trunk, the fear that now clung to them like a second skin. Gabriel listened intently, his brow furrowing deeper with each revelation.
“Tim, this is serious,” he said when Tim finished. “But, I think it’s best if both of you calm down. Mistakes are made when one is under pressure.”
“We’re under it, Mr. Armando,” Joey said with a long sigh,
“Sit tight and embrace tranquility. Do you guys need some water?
Joey nodded and Gabriel left the room. “He’s going to tell us to call the police, Tim.”
“That maybe for the best. What, with the car booby-trapped or something…that’d be the best idea.”
Joey shook his head. “We can’t do that…they’ll say we killed that lady.”
“Joey,” Tim took a hold of Joey’s hands and looked into his eyes. “This is all on me. When we call the police, I don’t you to be here. Mr. Armando can drive you somewhere and you don’t have admit to anything.”
“I don’t want them to throw the book at you for everything.”
“I know,” Tim replied as he moved over and kissed Joey on the lips.
Gabriel walked back in carrying two glasses of water. “It looks like they’re going to be even later with my pizza. You guys like pepperoni?” He asked as he handed them over to the boys.
“Thanks, Mr. Armando.”
“So, you impersonated councilman Summers?”
Tim nodded.
“I said to go out and be somebody, Tim. But not like that.”
Tim nodded again and took a sip of water.
Gabriel’s eyes darted between the two boys, weighing their options. “Okay, okay. Let’s think this through. You’re safe here for now.”
“I want to give the car back and just let the dealership handle what’s in the trunk.”
“We could drop it off there, right now!” Joey exclaimed. “Let them deal with it and neither of us are involved after that.”
“Don’t you think we should report the woman?” Mr. Armando asked.
“I don’t know. I don’t know,” Tim replied, his mind trying to treat the body in the car as a person who deserved justice but also as someone he didn’t know. “I should have taken the Ferrari.”
Tim laid his head back against the couch and held onto Joey’s hand. Gabriel looked up and then back at the boys.
“Returning the car may be the best thing to do. Maybe call in a tip to the police later.”
“I just want all of this to go away,” Tim replied.
As they discussed their options, a sudden knock at the door shattered the fragile sense of safety they had found. Tim’s heart raced as Gabriel’s expression hardened. “They have better knocked off a few dollars for being late.”
Gabriel left the room and the door unlocked.
“You ordered a pizza?” A voice called out from the porch.
“Two, actually.”
“Okay, I only got one. So, we’ll give it to you for nothing. I apologize for the inconvenience.”
“Thank you,” Gabriel replied as the door clicked shut. He walked in with a large pizza and placed it on the table. “Help yourselves.”
Tim reached out for a slice but stopped when heard footsteps coming into the room.
Two men, each dressed in impeccable suits, walked into the room and stood to the side of the couch.
“Gabriel,” one of them said, his voice smooth but laced with menace. “I see you have company. We’re here about a missing 959.”
Tim’s stomach dropped. They were in danger, and there was no way to escape. Joey’s hand gripped Tim’s, squeezing tightly as they sat frozen in place.
“Did he come with you?” Gabriel replied, his tone firm.
“He is waiting for your invitation.”
“Of course,” Gabriel replied as he walked back to the front door.
Tim had the thought of throwing the pizza at the men but realized it wouldn’t stop both of them.
One of them stepped forward, a predatory glint in his eye. “You have something that belongs to us.”
Tim wasn’t sure to nod or shake his head at the statement. Either one could get him shot.
“Uncle Nick,” Gabriel called out as he opened the door.
“Buonasera,” Gabriel replied as a large man sauntered in Nick Aramando, the owner of the dealership.
Nick’s gaze shifted to Tim, a glimmer of interest in his cold eyes. “Tim Jovankah. I’ve heard about you,” he said with a glance at Gabriel.
“Resourceful, aren’t you?”
Tim swallowed hard, unsure of how to respond. “I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. I just wanted a car,” he stammered.
Nick’s lips curled into a slight smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “You’ve put yourself in quite a predicament. But I admire your tenacity. It reminds me of someone I know.”
Gabriel shuffled his feet and nodded.
“We’re innocent of everything except taking the car!” Joey shouted.
“Innocent?” Nick echoed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “I find that hard to believe. But I’m willing to make a deal.”
“What kind of deal?” Tim asked.
Nick’s gaze sharpened. “Join my organization. You’ve already shown you have the guts to survive in this world. Work for me, and I can ensure your safety.”
Joey’s grip on Tim’s hand tightened. “You want us to work for you?”
“Think of it as an opportunity,” Nick replied, his tone smooth. “You can make a name for yourself.”
Later, as they drove away from the house, the Porsche gliding smoothly along the winding road, Tim and Joey felt a strange mix of emotions.
They were wearing expensive suits, a stark contrast to the fear and uncertainty that had once consumed them. Their fingers adorned with rings as symbols of a commitment they had made not just to each other but to a life they never imagined.
“What have we gotten ourselves into?” Tim asked, glancing at Joey with a mix of excitement and dread.
“A wild future. I’m all for it,” Joey replied.
As they sped down the road, the night stretched out before them, filled with possibilities and shadows. They were no longer running; they were stepping into a new world, ready to face whatever came next, side by side.