Taken

Chapter 3

My breaths came out in harsh pants as I stood on the petals of my bike, taking a break from pedaling as I cruised up to the gated community for my second delivery of the day. It was moments like this when I missed my broken-down and shitty car the most. Hopefully, this delivery would go as smoothly as the first, a simple trade-off of goods for money that weight heavily in my pocket. I wasn't too keen on carrying so much on me, especially since I had to go in to work after this delivery that would only add to it. It wouldn't end well for me if it was stolen. Something that was very likely for the side of town I worked in.

I placed my feet flat on the ground as I came to a stop before the gate that kept the poor from tainting the luxury it had locked inside. My eyes turned to the brick structure beside me, searching out the guardhouse for security. I found a man that I was acquainted with. Paul. This wasn't the first time he had let me through. The way his eyes narrowed on me each time told me he knew what I was here to do.

"You're not authorized to enter today," he said as he stepped out, cutting to the chase without wasting time on pleasantries.

I let out a tired breath. "Give me a moment."

Pulling my phone out and frowning at the percentage of battery life I had remaining, I swung the duffle bag towards my side and pulled out the slip of paper that held the delivery information that I needed. Including the client's number.

It rang until it reached voice mail. I let out a frustrated breath as I hung up without leaving one. Paul crossed his arms and widened his stance as I redialed the number. I had to keep myself from scoffing. Did he think I was going to charge him if he didn't let me in?

I tapped my foot impatiently as it rang. I didn't have much hope that it would be answered on the second try. It usually never was-

"Yooo!" The voice on the other end answered, proving me wrong. It sounded slurred, triggering a shiver of unease that made its way down my spine.

"I need to be granted authorization to enter through the gate if you want the red," I said, my tone apathetic.

Red. The vibrant color of the drug dad had me pedal when their money began to dwindle. I drew less attention according to him. Fewer eyes watching me. Depending on where I was sent. Places like this gated community that screamed money were where I tended to stick out. My worn clothes, shoes held together with glue, dry hair, and old bike all screamed that I was struggling. The newest thing I had on me was the duffle bag full of drugs.

Ones I would rather not have to deal with.

I had tried to say no to delivering them once. It had resulted in me concussed with a black eye and split lip.

A long pause followed my words. It was filled with the faint sound of distant conversation and laughter.

"-kitchen. Yeah," he said to someone in the background as he brought the phone back to his ear. "I'll deal with it," he said before a roar of excitement sounded on his end. The chorus of shouts was cut off by him hanging up.

Returning my phone to my pocket under Paul's scrutinizing gaze, I felt the moment it left me when ringing sounded inside the guard house.

"Hello?" A pause followed as his brows drew together. "Yes, sir." He hung up, his frown growing deeper. Without a word, he opened the gate.

"Thanks, Paul," I said with a smile meant to provoke him further as I rode in through the parting gate.

Turning around the first turn to escape his watch, I brought the bike to a stop to figure out which way to go. Reaching for my phone again, I mapped out the directions to the exact location I needed to go to. Despite coming to this community more than I liked, it was rarely to deliver to the same clients.