Page 46 of Black Hollow: Awakening

So he decided to call.

“Nathaniel Kubrick speaking.”

Will was speechless for a moment. He hadn’t expected the number on the card to connect him directly to the owner of KC. He’d figured he would get an automated menu or at least a secretary who would then transfer him to the right department.

“Good afternoon,” he said, a little awkwardly. “This is Will Morgan.”

“Hello, Mr. Morgan. Do you have any questions?”

“No. I’m calling to inform you that, unfortunately, I won’t be able to accept the internship at your company.”

“For what reason?”

“I just don’t think I’m a good fit.”

“But you are, I assure you. Please, give it a try. If the conditions don’t suit you, you can always back out.”

“Thank you, but I really have to decline.”

“May I ask what led to this decision? During our conversation, you seemed interested.”

“I just got an offer that suits me better,” Will said, which was an exceptionally easy lie to see through. There wasn’t an organization in the city that offered better conditions than KC.

“I see,” Kubrick replied nonetheless. “Well, Mr. Morgan. All that’s left is to wish you the best of luck. It’s a shame it didn’t work out, but please remember that our doors are always open to you.”

“Of course. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye.”

Will bit his lip. Kubrick hadn’t been particularly insistent. What if he’d just thrown away the opportunity of a lifetime because of Blake’s paranoia?

He would probably never know.

December 7 | Saturday

It was a pleasant afternoon. Will was tidying up the kitchen when a loud shout rang out.

“Oh my God!”

He immediately stopped cleaning the sink and peered out of the room.

“Danny?” he called out anxiously, afraid his friend had been hurt.

The sound of hurried footsteps on the stairs followed immediately.

“Oh God, holy shit, oh fuck me!” Dan yelled, but his tone held no alarm. On the contrary, it practically vibrated with joy. “I don’t believe it! It’s impossible! Totally impossible!”

“Did you score or what?” Will asked playfully, watching his friend skid to a stop right in front of him before pulling him into a tight hug.

“Better!” Dan announced, pulling away from his roommate. “Much, much better.” He grinned happily. “I’ll be scoring once I’m a billionaire. Oh, and of course, rent money shouldn’t be a problem from now on.”

“Did you get a good job?” Will asked, smiling as well.

“I got an internship!”

“Since when are internships so well-paid?”

“Since they’re organized by KC.”