Old Friends, New Allies

Chapter 132:

The two friends ducked into an alley, the sound of the rapidly approaching vehicles now very close behind them. James' flame of consideration quivered in his mind.

"We need a plan, and it needs to be quick," Kelvin hissed.

James nodded, his eyes skimming around the surroundings. This part of town. he knew it. An old memory sparked in his brain.

"I have an idea—for real. But you're not gonna like it."

James was already moving again before Kelvin could come up with a response. Down other alleys and cross streets, always a step ahead of the pursuit.

At length, he brought them up short in front of a broken-down garage. The sign overhead had spelled out "Big Mike's Repairs" in past-tense letters.

Kelvin cocked an eyebrow. "What are we doing here?"

James screwed up his face and took a lungful of air. "Going to collect a really old favor."

He rapped on the door. For a moment, nothing happened. Then a small window in the door flickered open, revealing a pair of suspicious eyes.