Page 56 of Collin: Episodes 4-6
Collin swiped Ash’s cards up in one smooth movement. “We’re done here. Ash, get the bags.” Collin stood back, keeping his eyes on Kowalska. Ash darted past Collin and grabbed the four bags. Collin made no move to help him though, instead turning away and giving the police officers a tight smile. “Anything else, Officers?”
The one Collin hadn’t met before gave him a tight, professional grimace, but the other one held out his hand. “I’m Gibbins. At this rate, I’ll probably see you around.”
Collin half smirked. “Third time’s the charm. Maybe our next meeting will be better.” He gave him a nod and followed Ash to the door. The poor teenager’s hands were too full to open it. Collin took one of the bags and opened the door for him.
“I owe you.” Ash breathed, once they were out on the sidewalk.
Collin snorted through his nose and kept his back tight and straight. Whoever was in the store was absolutely watching them walk away. “They should have just run your card.”
Ash gave a defeated sigh. He kicked a piece of trash on the street. “Maybe I should just order everything online, stay home.”
“No, we just need to get you a disguise.”
“Disguise?”
“Yep. A ‘don’t mess with me; I’m supposed to be here’ disguise.”
“What would that be?”
Collin tilted his hat on his head. “A suit, better clothes. A better wallet. I used to work at a hotel. I parked cars for rich people. There’s a uniform, just as much as if you were in the military. I mean, not quite, but there’s rules, all the same. Unless you’re really, really rich. Then you can get away with anything.”
“But I’m not rich!”
“You’re not that poor. If you didn’t attract attention, you’d get in less trouble.”
“Maybe I shouldn’t have dyed my hair red.”
“Your hair is fine. We just have to balance it out.” Collin bumped shoulders with Ash. “Oh, you’re going to study Chinese with me.”
“What?”
“Yep.”
“Why?” Ash’s voice spiraled.
“Because China has lots of powerful hackers and you need to infiltrate their private chat groups.”
Ash sniffed. “Now I know you’re making fun of me.”
“Little bit. But for real though, it will be good for you. And then I won’t have to study alone.”
“Why are you studying it?”
“Mr. Reevesworth says I have to learn a second language. This one seemed the most practical after Spanish, and I’m burnt out on that.”
“I’ll do it on one condition.”
“What?”
“No grades.” Ash gave a full-body shudder.
“Deal.”
They reached the office building for Reevesworth Industries. Collin fished his phone out of his pocket and put it to his ear.
“Sir?”
“Collin,” Mr. Reevesworth responded immediately.
