The Deceitful One

self to me yet. ”

”Uh right, sorry. Im Bryan Lombardi. ” Bryan replied.

”Very well, Bryan. My name is James Watson, a private detective. ” Detective Watson smiled.

A detective! Did he see through my previous play with that old tramp? Probably not. Anyways I did help him though. But did he really need my help? Bryan was instantly flustered and thought about his previous actions.

Detective Watson read his emotions and knew what he was thinking. He chuckled and said, ”You will officially start your work tomorrow. Be here at 8 am sharp. Oh, by the way, do you know how to read and write? ”

”N-no. ” Bryan felt a little embarrassed as he thought, Read and write? How could I have time for that when I was busy trying to fill my stomach.

”Don worry about it. Ill teach you the basics starting tomorrow. After all, education is imperative in this line of work. ” Detective Watson then took out his wallet, picked two 1 pound notes and handed it to Bryan. ”This is the advance. Go get some food and buy yourself a new pair of clothes. I will see you tomorrow. ”

Detective Watson smiled at Bryan then handed the suitcase to his butler who had arrived at some point in time.

Bryan who took the money was elated. He hurriedly bowed and thanked the detective. ”Thank you, boss. Ill be here on time tomorrow! ”

He watched the Detective turn around and enter the main gate to his villa. He walked through the garden and finally entered his villa with his butler in tow. Bryan was still standing outside the main gate of 22 Augustus Street, deep in thought.

Everything that happened today seems too easy. Did boss really see through my ploy earlier? No, its very likely that he noticed me the moment I started following him from the farmers market. How…interesting! Heh, and here I was dreaming that Id steal some valuables from him after he gives me a job. How naive! ” Bryan sighed.

He turned around and started walking towards DeShawn Street. It would take him over an hour to reach on foot. There was no way he was going to hire a carriage, he couldn afford it.

Bryan walked leisurely on the sidewalk, his hand holding the two 1 pound notes tightly in his jacket pocket, afraid that hed lose the money if he loosened his grip even a little. This amount of money meant a lot for someone like Bryan. He could live a leisurely life with just the basic necessities for a month with this money.

Hmm out of the 2 pounds, 1 pound has to be given to that pig of a landlord. 20 pence worth of food thatll last me at least a week. The rest of the money I can save it for a rainy day. But wait, Boss asked me to buy a new pair of clothes. But do I really need to? Bryan sniffed at his clothes and instantly regretted it. I really should buy a new pair. I wouldn want to insult boss with my stitched and tattered clothes. Bryan heaved a heavy sigh. It would be a lie to say that he didn miss the time when he was rich and had the love of his parents. But almost a decade has passed since that incident, now everything was just a distant memory.

No need to think about depressing stuff. Maybe working for boss might help me tremendously. Forget about stealing and begging, from now on Im gonna live a better life. Bryan clenched his fists and motivated himself. He had a determined look in his deep black eyes.

He visited Grahams Clothing Store on his way home. They sold relatively cheap clothes for workers and low-class people here. He bought 2 white shirts and a pair of black trousers. A new pair of black rubber shoes; everything totalled 47 pence.

Bryan exited the store with a paper bag then he headed for the nearest grocery store, where he spent another 20 pence on the grocery for the next week.

It was already 2 pm by the time he returned to 11 DeShawn Street. He dropped his clothes and grocery in his 1 room apartment and then headed for the landlords room on the first floor.

He knocked on Mr Carters door. After a few knocks, the pig-like landlord opened the door and glared at Bryan, ”What do you want? ”

”Heres 1 pound, Mr Carter. Ill give you the remaining money next week. ” Bryan put on his classic fake smile then turned around and left without waiting for the landlords response.

The landlord, Mr Carter, was slightly stunned. Where did this kid get the money? Did he rob someone? Well, who cares! Mr Carter snorted and slammed his door shut.

In Bryans room, he quickly made a bowl of porridge and had it with bread. ”Its been a while since Ive had a full meal ” Bryan patted his belly with a satisfied smile on his face. He looked out the window eagerly anticipating the start of his new life from tomorrow onwards.