Chapter 25: Purchasing First Vehicle
The neon lights of the city reflected off the wet pavement as Xavier and Oliver stood under the flickering street lamp. Oliver shifted uncomfortably, his expensive shoes already scuffed from their walk.
"How are we getting to Mira's?" Oliver asked, glancing around nervously.
Xavier considered. "We could take the bus or train."
Oliver shook his head immediately. "Can't make any transactions - Dad would see and know I snuck out. And even if we took the bus, we'd still have to walk thirty minutes from the last station. Her place is deep in the slums."
Xavier's eyes lit up. "Then we'll take a cab."
Oliver's face paled. "Too risky. Crime rates in the city double at night."
Xavier studied his friend - the designer clothes, the nervous energy. 'He always comes to school in that fancy van with bodyguards. And his father is a senator, so it's understandable that he can't be left unprotected.'
"How much would a private vehicle cost?" Xavier asked with a curious look on his face.
Oliver pulled out his phone, fingers flying over the screen. "Buying a car outright is expensive unless you do installments. What's your budget?"
Xavier didn't hesitate. "$10,000."
Oliver's thumbs moved swiftly as he searched. After a moment, he turned the screen toward Xavier. The listing showed a sleek Yahama ZXT R69 - a year-old model with only 20,456 km on it. The paint gleamed under the screen's light, the 650cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine with titanium valves promising serious power. The listing price was $11,000.