18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 314

When the Porras clan weighed in, no one dared to object. They were the backbone of the neighborhood watch, the unofficial sheriffs of the block. Plus, the proposal promised revenue and reduced patrol shifts—a no-brainer. And if the new tenants stirred up trouble, wasn't there a guarantor to fall back on?

So, the decision was unanimous.

Stella gave him a thumbs-up, and Bran's heart swelled with a sweetness that rivaled the richest honey.

Heeding Jasper's advice, Stella took a detour and didn't go directly to Cody and Lukas but sought out Austin instead.

Austin was a sharp one; he caught on immediately. "Ha, your influence is something else, Stella." he laughed. "I tried talking to Bran before, but he shot me down without a second thought. Looks like you're the only one who can sway him."

Soon after, Lukas' walkie-talkie crackled to life. "Stella, Cody and I are looking for a bigger place. Austin mentioned you might have something suitable. What's the deal?" They were hoping for something roomy, but Austin went above and beyond, offering them a villa.

"It's a nice place, though someone died there," Stella said with a smile. "If that doesn't bother you, feel free to come and take a look."

"We've quit our jobs; we'll be there soon." The rent wouldn't be cheap, but seeing the place first was sensible.

In half an hour, four of them arrived at the gated community, and Stella showed them the vacant villas.

The place was a mess, left as-is after the body was removed and the crime scene cleared. Bloodstains still darkened the floor. In the days before the calamity, no amount of money could make someone stay in a house with such a dark past. But times had changed. Living threats were far more concerning than the dead.

After touring all the available houses, they didn't pick the largest one. The rent was steep, and a larger space was harder to defend.

They settled on Villa 42, which was similar in layout to Villa 50 but with a half-built wall that could be finished once the everlasting night ended.

When it came to discussing the rent, Stella stayed out of it, but Austin volunteered to negotiate.

Bran didn't mince words. "A hundred pounds of rice or flour."

Austin pulled him aside and whispered, "Come on, Bran. They're friends of Stella. You've got to show some courtesy for her sake."

Bran rolled his eyes. "We used to feed a guard for twenty pounds of grain. Now we're renting out a villa, and a hundred pounds is already a favor to you."

"It's eternal night now, and they can provide a patrol from each family. Don't talk to me about the rules before the eternal night."

After some thought, Bran relented. "Fifty pounds?"

Austin was quick-witted. "Stella rarely asks for a favor. You're slashing fifty pounds just like that?"

"What's your offer?"

Austin considered for a moment. "How about twenty pounds of grain per month during the eternal night, and if it works out, they can buy the place later?"

"Deal. For the sake of Stella. Remember to have her treat me to dinner." He didn't really care about the grain; he just wanted to owe Stella a favor.

They drafted a makeshift contract on the spot and signed their names. Once the deal was sealed, Bran teased, "Don't forget about that dinner."

Stella was taken aback by the revelation, feeling the urge to knock some sense into Austin.

But Austin defended his actions boldly. “Stella, by asking, you owed Bran a favor. Why not maximize the benefits? Your friends moving in means extra security for us. It’s a win-win.”

Stella found herself speechless. With food being so precious, she suggested using tea, tobacco, and liquor as rent payment. They settled on three pounds of tea leaves for a month’s rent.

The villa was ransacked, but furniture, kitchenware, and even the previous owner’s clothes remained. All it needed was a clean up, and it would be move-in ready. Compared to cramped quarters elsewhere, this villa was a slice of paradise even in the shroud of eternal night.