Chapter 19 Mr Johnson
The low hum of the engine filled the silent night as the taxi rolled down the mostly empty street, the glow of streetlights flickering past in a rhythmic pattern. Inside the cab, the driver—a gruff-looking middle-aged man with a scruffy beard and a worn-out cap—adjusted his glasses with one hand while keeping the other on the steering wheel.
Then, as he glanced at the rearview mirror, his eyes squinted slightly before widening in surprise.
"Hah?" The man's rough voice broke the silence. "You little brat, it's you?"
Liam, who had been resting his head against the window, lazily turned his gaze toward the mirror. The moment he saw the familiar face, his lips twitched.
" Mr Johnson?"
"Who else?" Johnson scoffed, still staring at Liam through the mirror. "Damn, kid, I almost didn't recognize you. What the hell are you doing out this late?"
Liam shrugged. "Taking a cab. Isn't it obvious?"
Johnson snorted. "Smartass." Then, after a short pause, he added, "So? You doing okay?"
Liam leaned back into his seat, stretching his legs as he responded, "Yeah, I'm fine."
Johnson hummed but didn't seem convinced. "Really? 'Cause my boy told me you weren't in school for a whole damn week."
Liam barely blinked. "Oh, that? Yeah, I went skydiving."