The flickering neon sign of the Wolf District motel casts long, erratic shadows across the room. Bobby hunches over his laptop, his ears twitching at the distant, rhythmic rumble of modified engines passing on the street outside.
Bobby
Too much server traffic. Someone is definitely pinging the main firewall.
His fingers fly across the keys. A quick check of the security logs confirms his defense protocols are holding steady, but the stress is wearing thin. He needs a high payout tonight to keep this roof over his head.
The Motel Clerk
Hey, cat. Your rent is overdue by two days. I am not a charity.
The door creaks open. The Motel Clerk, a rugged German Shepherd in a stained uniform, stands in the threshold. He leans against the doorframe, his gaze fixated on the glow of Bobby's screen.
The Motel Clerk
I see you messing with those underground racing sites again. That is dangerous business for a kid, especially around here. You got the cash, or do I need to call the precinct?
+ Story Quest Added
Pay the overdue rent
“Bobby scrapes together what remains of his loan money. It's enough for one day, and a mere $5 short on the second. He'll have to skip some meals, but it should be enough to keep the clerk happy he hopes. "I'm very sorry about that. I'm just a little short, but I can tighten the belt. Here." You hand him the money.”
SUCCESS (Good Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Bobby
I am very sorry about that. Things have been tight lately, but I can definitely make this work. Here.
Bobby
The crumpled bills barely make the count, but he should accept it.
The Motel Clerk
Barely enough. You better start winning some of those races if you plan to stay another week, kid.
The clerk snatches the cash from Bobby's outstretched palm, counting it twice with a heavy sigh.
The Motel Clerk
Don't make me come back here tomorrow. This city eats up little cats like you for breakfast.
He turns on his heel and marches down the dim hallway, the sound of his heavy boots fading until only the hum of the motel's faulty neon sign remains.
Quest Complete
Pay the overdue rent