Allen Zhang got the money and the receipt from old George, his entire fortunes now amounting to $29,831. His backpack was so stuffed he even considered getting a bank card.
Having left the pawnshop, he drove his pickup truck back towards the bridge tunnel camp.
At a stoplight, while waiting for it to change, he spotted a street performer band and immediately recognized Sandy, the lead singer with blue-dyed hair, sitting on a suitcase, a dog tethered to her side.
He waved out the window to get her attention. She noticed him, smiled, and waved back.
Allen didn't linger. As soon as the light turned green, he stepped on the gas and left the street behind.
Two blocks away from reaching the camp, Jennifer sent him a message.
Jennifer: Some drug junkies from the neighboring camp came looking for you, said they want to discuss something.
Allen: What's their attitude like?
Jennifer: Pretty good. But they seem to be in bad shape, like they've been beaten up.
Allen: I'll be right back.