Chapter 3
Chapter Three
brYNN AND THE HORRID LIFE
I was rifling through the scattered debris of what used to be a corner store, the early morning light shining on the broken glass. It was quiet, except for the occasional distant clang of rumble from collapsing in the decomposing cityscape. Measured footsteps sounded from behind me.
Just what I needed - company in my private scavenging grounds. Probably some desperate junkie looking for a fix. Or worse, a rival scrapper eyeing my territory. My fingers tightened around the rusty pipe.
Bring it on, buddy.
“Good morning,” a voice said, smooth as the silk lining of the coats I’d seen in the windows of shops I’d never enter.
I turned sharply, my hand instinctively clutching a rusted pipe. Standing there was a man who looked like he’d just stepped out of one of those advertisements for a life that didn’t involve scavenging for survival. He was short and lean, his features sharp enough to draw blood. His light-brown hair was styled immaculately, not a strand out of place, and his cold gray eyes assessed me like I was an item at auction.
Well, shit. Not a junkie or a rival, but an Elite. Fan-fucking-tastic. Maybe the Queen of England would drop by for tea next.
“Chad Shoemaker.” He introduced himself, extending a hand that I had no intention of shaking.
Backing up, I eyed him suspiciously. “What do you want?”
“Your name would be a good start.”
“Why?” I took another step back, gripping the pipe tighter.
Elites didn’t just approach street rats like me unless they wanted something, and it was rarely anything good.
His lips curled into a patronizing smile. “I’ve been searching for a girl like you for hours, and you’ll do nicely.”
Oh, hell no. My stomach roiled. I’d rather eat week-old garbage than play dress-up doll for some creepy Elite with a fetish.
“Listen, I’m not a hooker, and I don’t trade sex for food, so go to hell.” The words came out sharper than the jagged edges of metal around us, but they didn’t seem to faze him.
Mr. Shoemaker laughed, a peal that seemed foreign in the silence of the dilapidated market. “Oh, you misunderstand me. I want to hire you—for a job that requires your...unique looks.”
An Elite offering someone like me a job? Not unheard of, but still really strange. Some people did work for the Elites, mostly as maids or drivers, or whatever.
“Is this some kind of joke?”
“Far from it.” He nodded, calm as ever. “You see, there are certain individuals—let’s call them the Porters—who pose a threat to my family. And I need someone to impersonate my daughter. The Porters are evil Elites who want to hurt my family. I need a diversion.”
Evil Elites, huh? As if there was any other kind. This guy was either delusional or playing me for a fool. Probably both.
I crossed my arms, my skepticism hardening my stance. “Oh?”
“And I’m willing to pay a hefty sum for your cooperation…you didn’t tell me your name.”
Real money could change everything for Kay and me, but could I trust this man? Everything about him seemed shady as hell.
I scratched my head and stared at the man. On one hand, I had a chance to finally give Kay the life she deserved. On the other, getting tangled up in some Elite power play that would probably end with me dead in a ditch.
“Brynn Soto.”
“Nice to meet you. Now, think of it, Brynn. With the money that I’ll pay you, you could escape this...” He gestured to the rubble around us and wrinkled his nose. “Horrid life.”
Damn him for knowing exactly how to lure me in. The conflict within me was clashing with my desperation. It would mean betraying some part of myself, my independence, but wasn’t the money worth the cost?
I shook my head. “I’m…not sure I want any part of this. Sorry.”
Mr. Shoemaker’s lips curved into a sympathetic smile. “I understand your hesitation, Brynn. But please, consider the gravity of the situation. My daughter’s life hangs in the balance.”
I rolled my eyes. Rich people and their melodrama. I bet his idea of danger is running out of caviar at a dinner party.
I snorted, unable to contain my skepticism. “Right, because Elite problems are so relatable to us street rats.”
“You’d be surprised how universal fear can be,” he countered, his tone softening. “Even those born into privilege aren’t immune to danger.”
This reeked of a setup, but the promise of a better life for Kay... it was intoxicating. “And what happens when your daughter inevitably shows up? I’m just supposed to vanish into thin air?”
Mr. Shoemaker’s brow furrowed. “Elizabeth is...indisposed. She won’t be an issue.”
She was probably lounging on a yacht in the Mediterranean, sipping champagne and complaining about the Wi-Fi signal. Must be nice.
I arched an eyebrow. “That’s not cryptic at all.”
He waved his hand dismissively. “Details are inconsequential. What matters is your decision. Are you willing to step into a life of luxury, even temporarily, to secure your future?”
I let out a bitter laugh. “Luxury with a side of mortal peril. Sounds like a real five-star vacation.”
“I assure you, the danger is minimal,” he pressed. “The Porters are all bark and no bite. Your role would be more of a deterrent than anything else. There are rumors they may try to kidnap my daughter, nothing major.”
All bark and no bite? Yeah, and it’s all fun and games until someone gets a stiletto to the jugular.
My fingers drummed against my arm as I weighed my options. “And if I refuse?”
Mr. Shoemaker’s expression hardened for a split second before smoothing over. “Then we part ways, and you return to your rather charming living arrangements.”
The barely concealed disdain in his voice made my blood boil. But he wasn’t wrong. Our “charming” living arrangements were one bad day away from leaving us dead on the streets.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself. “Fine. I’m in. But I want half the payment upfront, and if things go sideways, I’m out. No questions asked.”
A triumphant gleam flashed across Mr. Shoemaker’s face. “Excellent. I knew you’d see reason, Brynn. Now, let’s discuss the finer points of your...transformation.”
“My what?”
Mr. Shoemaker’s lips curled into a smirk. “Transformation, my dear. We can’t have you waltzing into high society looking like...well, you.”
Ugh. Now I get to play dress-up doll for the amusement of the upper crust. What’s next, etiquette lessons and a crash course in which fork to use for the escargot?
My jaw clenched. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means,” he said, his voice dripping with condescension, “that you’ll need to learn how to walk, talk, and dress like my daughter, like an Elite. If you’re to convince the Porters, you’ll need to become her…one of us.”
A knot formed in my stomach. “And how exactly am I supposed to pull that off?”
“With my guidance, of course.” Mr. Shoemaker straightened his tie. “I’ll teach you everything you need to know. Elizabeth’s mannerisms, her interests, even her little quirks. You’ll wear her clothes, use her perfume. By the time I’m done with you, you’ll be indistinguishable from the real thing.”
From street rat to socialite in what, a week? This isn’t My Fair Lady, it’s my personal nightmare. But for Kay... I’d walk through fire. Or in this case, wear Gucci and Prada.
I crossed my arms, my nails digging into my skin. “And what happens when the Porters show up to kidnap your daughter? I mean, me?”
Mr. Shoemaker’s expression hardened. “You’ll play the part until I can expose the Porters for their betrayal. Once that’s done, I’ll pay you for your service, and you can disappear back into... wherever it is you came from.”
“Just like that?” I scoffed. “You really think it’ll be that simple?”
“Nothing worth doing ever is, Brynn.” He leaned forward, his voice low. “But think of the reward. Enough money to stop living like a rat. Isn’t that worth a little discomfort?” Mr. Shoemaker’s lips twitched. “Think of it as a mutually beneficial arrangement. You get a taste of the good life, and I get to expose some unsavory characters.”
“Right, because nothing says ‘good life’ like being a human bullseye. And what happens when these Porters realize I’m not your precious Elizabeth?”
“That’s where your street smarts come in handy, Brynn. You’ll need to channel that resourcefulness of yours.”
I narrowed my gaze. “Your disdain is showing.”
He chuckled, a sound as hollow as his promises. “Forgive me. I meant no offense. Focus on the opportunity at hand. Sometimes, we must sink to rise, Brynn. Are you prepared to do what’s necessary?”
I exhaled slowly, the weight of the decision pressing down on me. “I guess I don’t have much choice, do I?”
“There’s always a choice,” he countered smoothly. “It’s just a matter of how much you’re willing to sacrifice for what you want.”
My throat tightened. Kay’s face flashed in my mind, her hopeful smile as she talked about going to school someday. I swallowed hard, pushing down the doubt gnawing at my insides.
“When do we start?”
Mr. Shoemaker’s triumphant grin made my skin crawl. “Meet me at my mansion tomorrow.” He tossed me his card with his address.
The Elite strolled away, disappearing into the shadows of the crumbling buildings. I let out a breath. What had I just agreed to?
I made my way back to our hideout, the bright sunshine highlighting the cracked pavement. The small, abandoned maintenance room beneath the old overpass was well-hidden, but it was home. As I pushed open the rusty door, a wave of musty air and faint engine oil greeted me.
“Brynn! You’re back!” Kay smiled.
I forced a smile. “Yeah, I’m back. And I’ve got news.”
“Good news or bad news?”
“Depends on how you look at it.” I dropped my bag and sat down on the makeshift bed. “An Elite named Mr. Shoemaker approached me. He wants to hire me to pretend to be his daughter for a few weeks. In exchange, he’s offering me a lot of money.”
Kay’s face fell. “That sounds shady, Brynn. You don’t even know him. What if it’s a trick?”
“Believe me, I thought the same thing, but this could get us out of here. Real money, Kay. Enough to change our lives.”
“Money isn’t worth risking your life,” she argued, her bottom lip trembling.
I stood up. “Look, I can handle it. I’ve dealt with worse. This is our chance, Kay. I can’t say no to this.”
She looked down, biting her lip. “I...I don’t want you to go.”
“I know,” I softened my tone, placing a hand on her shoulder. “But we need this. And while I’m gone, you can stay with Marla. She’ll take care of you.”
Kay’s face brightened. “Ok, but not forever, right?”
“No. It’s just temporary. I promise. Trust me, okay? I know what I’m doing.”
Kay nodded reluctantly, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. “Okay. But pinky swear that you’ll be careful.”
I gave her a quick hug. “Now, let’s pack your things.”
Kay grabbed her worn backpack and started stuffing it with her few belongings, including a grimy doll. Watching her, I felt a pang of guilt. My pride and independence had always driven me to provide for her on my own, but now, more than ever, I needed help.
“Ready?” I asked.
She zipped up the bag. “Ready,” she replied, trying to muster a brave smile.
We left the maintenance room, stepping into the sunlight that bathed the derelict buildings around us. The city was alive with buzzing drones, distant shouts, and the hum of far-off maglev trains. We walked across the city towards Marla’s community center.
“Hey, Brynn. Do you think we’ll ever live in one of those big mansions on the hill overlooking the city?”
“Maybe someday…” I sighed, squinting at the skyline. “If we play our cards right.”
“Do you think they’ll have a pool?” she asked, a touch of childlike humor returning to her voice.
“For sure.” I laughed. “And maybe even a robot butler to bring us snacks.”
“That would be awesome!” Kay giggled.
We approached the community center, and the building’s chipped paint and boarded-up windows came into view. It wasn’t much, but it was a safe place for people like us. I glanced around, taking in the sight of kids playing in the yard and volunteers distributing food.
“Well, here we are,” I said, pushing the door open.
The interior smelled of antiseptic and fresh laundry, a strange but satisfying combination. There were rows of cots lined up against the walls, some occupied by sleeping figures, others by people chatting quietly or reading.
“Looks like Marla’s not in her usual spot. Let’s find her.”
“Okay,” Kay said, clinging to my side.
“Bet she’ll be thrilled to see you. Maybe she’ll even bake some of those cookies you love.”
My sister and I ventured further inside the large airy room.
“Over there,” Kay said, pointing to a corner where Marla knelt beside a sick homeless man lying on a cot.
“Good eye, kid.”
We made our way over and Marla looked up as we approached. Her curly silver hair was pulled back in a loose bun, strands escaping here and there. She wore her usual well-worn sweater cardigan over a simple cotton shirt and cargo pants. Despite the lines of fatigue etched on her face, her brown eyes shone with warmth.
“Brynn! Kay!” she exclaimed, rising to greet us with open arms.
“Hey, Marla,” I said, accepting her hug. “How’s it going?”
“Busy as always, but you know how it is.” She turned to Kay, enveloping her in a tight embrace. “And how’s my favorite girl doing?”
Marla’s warmth never failed to surprise me. In a world of sharp edges and cold shoulders, her hugs were like finding a cozy blanket in the middle of winter. Not that I’d ever admit it out loud.
“Better now that I’m here.” Kay wore a bright smile.
“Well, it’s good to see both of you,” Marla said, stepping back. “What brings you by?”
I cleared my throat. “Got a job offer. An Elite wants me to pretend to be his daughter for a few weeks. Pays real money.”
The words felt strange coming out of my mouth. Like I was trying on someone else’s life for size. But hey, if the shoe fits and comes with a paycheck...
Marla frowned. “You sure about this, Brynn?”
I hesitated, then swallowed hard. “Not really, but we need the cash. Thought maybe Kay could stay with you while I’m gone.”
“Of course, sweetheart,” Marla said, her voice soft. “You know I’d do anything for you two. But you also know my situation. It’s not ideal for a permanent home. But I’m glad you two found a safe place to stay in that old maintenance room.”
My stomach twisted as I said it. Leaving Kay behind felt like sawing off my own arm. But I knew that sometimes you’ve gotta lose a limb to save the body.
I nodded. “Yeah, I get it. This is just for a few weeks. Can you manage?”
“Actually, things have changed a bit around here,” Marla said. “We’ve had some donations come in, so I can offer Kay a proper bed with me in my apartment upstairs while you’re away. It won’t be luxurious, but it’ll be safe.”
A proper bed? For my little sister? It sounded too good to be true. Then again, so did this whole ridiculous job offer.
“Thank you, Marla,” I said, genuinely relieved. “I owe you one.”
“Don’t mention it, Brynn. Just promise me you’ll be careful.”
I shrugged with a smirk. “You know me.”
“That’s what worries me,” she replied, shaking her head with a soft laugh.
“Marla, can I help you with anything?” Kay asked, as if already eager to pitch in.
“Sure thing, darling,” Marla said, her expression shiny with affection. “Let’s get you settled first. Then we’ll see what needs doing.”
I nudged my sister gently. “See? Told you everything would be fine.”
Kay rolled her eyes, smiling. “Yeah, yeah. Just don’t get yourself killed, okay?”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” I said, ruffling her hair. “I’ll be back before you know it.”
For the first time in a long while, I felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe this crazy plan would work out after all.
As I watched Kay follow Marla, a bittersweet ache struck my chest. This was for her, I reminded myself. A chance at something better than scraping by in a rusty maintenance room. And if that meant playing dress-up for some rich asshole, well...I’d done worse for less.