Second Chance Addison

Secrets aside, he really wanted that title. His safe deposit box was in a unique place. The institution that had it was not a normal bank. Its secretive clientele had access to the facility twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. It didn't even matter if it was a holiday; the place was fully automated so it never closed.

'What to do, what to do?' If Chance left now, around ten, he'd be back by one in the morning.

He went to the master bedroom to see what his clothing options were. He was pleased to find a pair of jeans, a black t-shirt, a black windbreaker, and a baseball cap in the giant, fully stocked, walk in closet. After putting them on, he grabbed his wallet and the two phones, stuffing them in his pockets as he headed for the door.

As he walked away from the building, he felt a little guilty for leaving without telling anyone. But, it wasn't like he had much of a choice.

When he was a few blocks away, Chance pulled out his old phone. He ignored the unanswered messages and missed calls and opened his contacts. Finding the name he was looking for, he tapped on the contact info for Nevada and then hesitated.

'I could just go back and go to sleep...' One small internal pep talk later, he hit the call button.

The phone rang once before a woman's languid voice answered, "Nevada speaking, how can I help you?"

"Nev, I need a ride."

"Chancey, is that you? I thought you were missing or hiding or whatever!"

"I'm fine, thanks for asking. Think you could lend me a sumo and a helmet?"

"Aren't you getting a little old for one of those? I have bigger, faster, s.e.xier bikes you know."

"Nev, I don't need big, fast, or s.e.xy. The sumo is fine."

"Whatever. Where can I drop her off?"

Chance gave her a location a few blocks from where he was and started to walk there. He got there just in time to see a cherry red pickup truck pull up and park.

A spunky redheaded teenager jumped down from the cab and ran to give him a hug. She was slightly taller than average and was covered head to toe in freckles. Her green eyes sparkled as she looked up at him.

"Are you sure you're allowed to drive that thing?" She had been driving since she was fourteen, despite not having a license.

"Chancey, I'll have you know I got my license for real last month." She pulled it out of her pocket and proudly shoved it in his face. "See?"

"I see. How have you been?" He smiled warmly at her and ruffled her hair.

"Alright I guess. Some sketchy folks came around looking for you though."

"What did you tell them?"

"The truth. I ain't seen you for months anyway. How should I know where you've been?"

"You should still be careful. Did you tell anyone you were coming here?"

"I told Dakota that I was going out for a bit for a bike loan. He seemed fine with it."

"Fair enough." Chance went to the back of the pickup and dropped the tailgate.

"I see you brought the mouse."

"Course I did. She's the one you usually ride."

'Mouse' as he'd affectionately called it, was a black Suzuki DR-Z400SM. Perfect for the unconventional route he planned to take tonight.

Once they had unloaded the motorcycle and agreed on a pick up point, Nevada left. Chance waited until her truck turned the corner before he slipped the helmet on and swung his leg over the seat.

It had been a good while since he had last ridden and sitting on the narrow seat, it was all coming back to him.

He turned the key and the headlight came on. Next, he opened the choke and made sure the fuel was on. Last, he pulled in the clutch and hit the electric start. The little engine roared to life. When it was warmed up, he closed the choke, dropped into first gear, and went on his way.

It was already half past eleven and he needed to hurry. He took all sorts of short cuts to get across town. Some alleyways, side streets, a construction site, at least three parks, and a staircase or two later, he made it to his destination.

Chance parked the motorcycle behind a dumpster in a nearby alley. He took off the helmet as he walked up to an unassuming brick building.

Poking around for a minute, he found the hidden keypad. After entering his code, there was a low beep and one of the bricks receded.

It revealed a retina scanner. A gentle beam of light scanned and recognized him. Then, another low beep sounded and the door unlocked.

He quickly opened the door and went inside. There was a dull thunk as the door locked behind him.

Chance checked the directory for his box number and then followed the numbered signs until he reached the right section. When he found it, he entered his code into a panel on the wall so it would release his deposit box.

A few seconds later, his box popped out of the wall. He went forward, took it, and then placed in on the table in the room. From his wallet, he took his key and used it to unlock the box.