THE ALGORITHM

14.

"Is that what he told you?" Bilal questioned the person on the phone. "I need to know because I want to be ahead of this issue."

The person talked for a while, and Bilal allowed them to do so. He eventually muttered a few words before ending the call. Penny looked away and turned her focus to the window. There was a lot of ongoing traffic that somehow comforted her. She was used to this type of living. Penny knew how to mask out the sounds of blaring horns and screaming pedestrians.

She realized they were pulling up to a building that reminded her of a skyscraper, but she knew it wasn't one. It was more of a high-rise building that was clean and had a minimalist style. The company's logo was in large white letters, LAWSON CONSULTING. Very plain and boring. Penny noticed the place was right across the street from one of her favorite Japanese restaurants. She was a huge fan of sushi and hibachi.

"I want to be very clear with you on the instructions." Bilal began, glancing at the young girl, "Don't try to make a scene. It won't end well for you. Just do what you're told. Keep your head down and your mouth shut. Do you understand me?"

Penny would listen to him, but she felt the need to let him know that she was still alive and thriving. The words he tried to imprint in her brain would never be there permanently. She leaned her head to the side and asked, "So, this is your business?"

Bilal looked off, trying to control his temper. He reiterated, "Do you understand me?"

"Yes," Penny responded with a sigh.

The pair waited for security to escort them out of the truck. Penny didn't have time to think because she felt herself being pulled out of the vehicle and led right to the building. Before she could walk in, she was halted by a strange man. He didn't get the chance to touch her since the guards were there.

"Yo, ma." The man's smooth voice greeted her. He stood there with a slight grin on his face. "Get that frown off your face. You too beautiful to be pouting."

The man appeared to be in his thirties. He wore designer clothes that were more than likely fake. Her eyes pinpointed the table he set up. It featured a variety of clothing, shades, and purses on display.

Penny furrowed her brows while looking at him from head to toe in disgust. She was used to being catcalled by men. They did it all the time and she rejected them. Some took it to the chin and didn't bother her. Most loved calling her out of her name. Initially, she would try to throw hands whenever the situation escalated. However, she calmed down significantly after realizing that some men are not mentally equipped to handle rejection properly. 

The man tried to get near her, but didn't get the chance to do so. The guards pushed him away, and he immediately became defensive due to their abrasive behavior.     

"Watch out." He voiced, holding his hands up. "I'm not going to hurt her. Why she got guards around her anyway? Who is she supposed to be? A singer or something? Yo, ma? You an Instagram model?"

"Kelton." Bilal's low and heavy voice caught everyone's attention. He neared the sidewalk while adjusting his coat. "What did I tell you about coming up here and causing a scene in front of my business, man?"

Kelton looked as if he had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. His eyes widened in realization, and he immediately calmed down as he connected the dots.

"Oh, is she with you? I don't mean no harm, man." Kelton continued as he tugged at the faux Gucci shirt he wore. "I was just trying to hook her up with some stuff. I see she's not carrying a purse. I got a few Coach bags and--"

"Nah, man." Bilal shook his head, interjecting. "Wrap this shit up. I told you to stop setting your table up in front of my business. I don't want that type of traffic around here."