"Hello, Simon. Remember me?" Blake Geff asked, walking into the office not long after Ms. Cross had left.

"Uh, yeah, sure I do. You bought me all my new threads," Simon said, trying to act non-chalant.

Blake nodded,"And how was the rest of your afternoon? Did you find something fun to do with the money I gave you?"

"Yes, sir. I did."

"Great. Now, I know you must be wondering why we recruited you..."

Simon nodded.

"...and I would be more than happy to disclose that with you, however there are still a few details to work out."

Simon nodded again,"When will you tell me? 'Cuz i'm missing out a whole ton of dough opportunities downtown."

Blake frowned,"So you are into the drug business?"

"Um, well..."

"Don't worry, it's not like i'm gonna report you," Blake chuckled.

Taking a deep breath, Simon continued,"I wasn't one of the main dealers, just got in on a few scams here and there. I tried to stay out of that sorta stuff, but sometimes... Uh, anyways, I usually got food from one of the homeless shelters. My friend Pete let me crash at his place a lot."

"Would you mind telling why you were on the street in the first place?"

Simon shrugged,"Not much to tell... Things just... They weren't working out at home... My dad..."

"Your dad?" Blake prompted.

"Nevermind," Simon said quickly,"So, uh, ever done this before?"

Blake avoided Simon's stare,"Yes, a few times. But nothing this complicated."

Simon knew he wouldn't be hearing any more about the subject.

"Why did you pick me? I mean, if it's safe to tell me..." Simon stuttered.

"One main reason, and no, at this moment, it's not very secure to tell you," Blake said firmly.

Simon nodded,"So, judging by all the security measures you guys seem to be taking, is it safe to say there's a high chance this won't go through?"

Blake paused,"We have done everything possible in preparation, but yes, there's always the chance of failure."

Get me outta here... was Simon's first thought. Who was he kidding?? He had no idea what the hell he was getting into! It could all be a scam! Juvenile hall, here I come...

"Simon? You listening?" Blake said, interrupting Simon's thoughts,"Ok, first we have to get you to the main operation location. Then you will be informed about the entire plan."

"Great," Simon said meekly,"When are we leaving?"

Blake cleared his throat,"Well, I'm not actually going with you. You will be escorted by other members of the operation..."

Simon frowned,"So you're just gonna ship me off with some people I don't even know?"

"Well think about it, son. I was a stranger at first, but you trusted me..." Blake pointed out.

Simon realized he was right,"Yeah, guess so..."

He fidgeted with the folder he had been given by Cynthia, with the operation outline. He had glanced over it quickly, but was unable to make anything of it as he had stopped going to school at the age of 7 and could read very little.

"All right. You'll be leaving in approximately..." Blake checked his watch,"25 minutes."

He stood, motioned for Simon to do the same, and led him furthur down the hallway, to a small storage room.

"You will be escorted directly from this room. Stay here and remain quiet," Blake instructed,"This office belongs to an advertising firm who has loaned us space in return for a few, er, favors...but not all employees know of the plan so we must be secretive."

"Uh, no problem," Simon said, sitting down on an old chair,"And, uh, thanks... for everything."

Blake chuckled,"No, thank you, Simon."

With that, Blake left the room. In the dim light given by a lone lightbulb suspended from the ceiling, Simon found, somewhat to his disappointment, that the room was filled with cleaning supplies. No top-secret files, weapons, nothing.

"What a let down..." he said to himself. In all honesty, however, Simon was relieved. This was all a bit surreal to him, and the degree of uncertainty somehow shielded him from reality and all the insecurity that came along with it.