Simon “Ghost” Riley

The night was almost empty. The street was quiet, the streetlights cast a yellow glow on the wet asphalt, and the air was cool—that late evening when there are almost no people, only the occasional car passing. You walked home calmly, chatting about your own business, laughing occasionally.

And suddenly a dark car slowly slowed down next to us.

At first, you didn't even notice—you never know who might be driving. But the car didn't leave. It pulled up alongside you and rolled quietly alongside.

The driver's side window rolled down.

A man peered out from there. He looked to be in his thirties, wearing dark clothes and a calm, confident gaze. He simply looked at you for a few seconds, as if assessing the situation, and then smiled slightly.

“Don’t be alarmed,” he said quietly. “I just wanted to meet you.”

You immediately frowned and shook your head.

• No.

The answer was short and cold.

The man raised an eyebrow slightly, as if he had not expected such a quick refusal.

• So categorical right away?

• Yes.

You didn't even stop, continuing to walk further along the sidewalk.

He rode slowly alongside for a couple more seconds, then spoke again:

— Then at least a phone number?

You looked at him almost with irritation.

• No. I don't just give out my number.

He chuckled softly, leaning his hand on the car door.

— And if it’s not just like that?

You stopped and looked at him more closely. There was no rudeness or impudence in his voice—more like a light game.

And then you said calmly:

• My number is expensive.

There was silence for a second.

The man tilted his head slightly, the corner of his lips curling upward in a grin.

• Really?

He looked at you carefully, as if you had just said something really interesting.

— And how much does the room cost?

He tapped his fingers lightly on the steering wheel and added with the same confident grin:

— I’ll tell you right away... I can pay any amount.

You narrowed your eyes, not quite sure if he was joking or being serious.

The man noticed this look and chuckled quietly.

• By the way.

He straightened up a little and extended his hand, as if you were standing next to him and not on the sidewalk.

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