Chapter 38: Zoning Permit?
Kyle had made a decision. One might think that seeing the homeless people earlier would awaken some benevolent spirit within him, but that was far from the case. Kyle did feel bad for them—there was no denying that—but he wasn’t about to bankrupt himself trying to help them. He knew he couldn’t save everyone in the world, and to live was to suffer; that was just how life worked.
Instead, Kyle’s focus shifted back to his own goals. He needed a cover for his growing source of income, and he’d seen enough movies to know that a nightclub was the perfect front. However, there was one problem: zoning laws. The property he owned wasn’t currently cleared for the type of major reconstruction he needed to make his vision a reality.
Despite that hurdle, Kyle was optimistic. He recognized the potential in the location and knew the lack of nightlife venues in the area made this property a goldmine waiting to be tapped. "This might work..." Kyle thought to himself. He realized he needed to do some digging before taking the next step. Fortunately, his sharp mind and research skills allowed him to absorb information quickly, and within minutes, he had a clear understanding of the zoning regulations for the area.
Luckily for him, the property was under a mixed-use zoning category, meaning he could move forward with his plans once he obtained the necessary permits. With his financial resources, fast-tracking the process wouldn’t be an issue. The first step, though, was to visit the Department of Buildings to kick things off.
Kyle hopped into his car, the deed of ownership and other necessary documents already stashed in the glove compartment. He thought briefly about asking Nate to handle the errand for him, but Nate had already done enough and deserved a break. Besides, this was a task Kyle didn’t mind doing himself.
He arrived at the office half an hour later. The building wasn’t flashy, and Kyle appreciated that it didn’t attract much attention. It was the kind of place frequented by individuals like him—people with big plans and the means to execute them. As he stepped out of his car, he felt an odd sense of anonymity, which he found refreshing. For a moment, it reminded him of what it was like to blend in, to be just another person going about their day.
Inside, the waiting area was sparse but busy. Kyle scanned the room and noticed a few people who had clearly been there for a while. Before he could decide where to go, he was approached by a man with a wide, unsettling grin. The man’s appearance caught Kyle off guard: his suit was rumpled and stained, and he looked like he hadn’t slept in weeks.
"Good day, sir. Are you here for your permit?" the man asked, his tone oddly cheerful given his disheveled appearance. Kyle hesitated before responding. The man looked shady, but surely, he wouldn’t try anything in a public building filled with people.
"Good day to you too. Yes, I am here for my permit," Kyle replied, matching the man’s energy with a touch of bravado.
"Ha! You’ve got humor! I like it!" the man exclaimed, his enthusiasm catching Kyle off guard. From behind the counter, a nearby employee rolled her eyes, clearly accustomed to the man’s antics.
"I’m James," the man said, extending a hand for a handshake. Kyle glanced at the man’s stained suit, noting what looked like hastily wiped-away coffee spills. James had a tired yet excitable demeanor, and Kyle couldn’t help but feel sorry for him.
"I’m Kyle. What can I do for you, James?" Kyle asked, expecting a sales pitch or a plea for money.
"No, my fine sir! It’s what I can do for you!" James declared, his voice rising with excitement. Despite being in his mid-thirties, he looked closer to fifty, his face lined with exhaustion.
"What you can do for me?" Kyle repeated, raising an eyebrow.
"That’s correct, sir! Did you know there are agencies that can handle these tedious tasks for you? And for just a small fee!" James began his pitch, his voice taking on the tone of a seasoned salesman.
Kyle sighed as the man launched into his spiel. It was better than outright begging, but James’ disheveled appearance screamed "scammer." Kyle played along for a moment, replying, "Is that so?" with thinly veiled skepticism.
Before James could continue, security intervened. It seemed his antics were against the rules, and he was promptly escorted out of the building. Kyle watched as James protested, his words falling on deaf ears.
Despite himself, Kyle felt a pang of guilt. James’ situation could easily have been his own if not for the opportunities and resources he’d been given. What was a few hundred dollars to him? It was nothing, and if James turned out to be legit, Kyle might even have a useful contact for future dealings.
After a moment of thought, Kyle walked out of the building to find James. The man’s face lit up when he saw Kyle approach.
"Alright, let’s talk," Kyle said, cutting straight to the point.
James handed Kyle a form and explained his services. To Kyle’s relief, James assured him that payment would only be required upon completion of the task, which alleviated some of Kyle’s concerns about being scammed. They exchanged contact information, and Kyle left feeling cautiously optimistic. If James followed through, this small risk might pay off in more ways than one.
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Meanwhile, back at Kyle’s place, Calista had woken up. She glanced around the room, realizing Kyle wasn’t there, but she wasn’t surprised. She knew he was a busy man, and his absence was something she had come to expect.
On the bedside table, she noticed a note he had left for her. Picking it up, she couldn’t help but smile at the simple yet thoughtful gesture.
The note read:
Hey sleepyhead, I had to step out and didn’t want to wake you. I left something in the fridge for you to eat—just heat it up, and voila!
Though the message was brief, it had an outsized effect on her. It was these small gestures that made it harder for her to keep her emotions in check. She tried to remind herself not to get too comfortable, knowing that whatever they had could end at any moment.
Still, the more time she spent with Kyle, the more difficult it became to distance herself emotionally. Part of her wondered if this was all some elaborate plan to get back at her, but then again, who buys a Lamborghini just for revenge?
There was something enigmatic about Kyle, something she couldn’t quite put her finger on. As much as she tried to push the thought away, she knew she was falling for him—and that scared her more than anything.
