Alex just turned 18. He was 5'8, about 150lbs with blonde hair and green eyes. He was a quiet young man, fairly shy from rural Bozeman, Montana. Alex's parents had booked him a 5 day trip to New York City to go look at some colleges. He was interested in NYU, Fordham, Manhattan College, and even hopeful to maybe have a chance at attending Columbia or even Julliard.
Alex's parents and older brother Sam saw him off at the airport. They all hugged him and told him to enjoy and to be safe. Alex was excited to travel to a big city for the first time on his own. He was hopeful that one of the schools he would visit would feel like a new home.
The flight went well. After 5 hours, two bags of trail mix and a coffee, Alex's plane landed at LaGuardia Airport in New York City. It was just after 7pm and it was getting dark. Alex wanted to get to his hotel quickly before it got too late. He got a ride from a rideshare app to take him to his hotel in midtown. After 7 minutes, Ronny, his driver, arrived in a Black Nissan Altima. Ronny was a very mascuine looking black man, about 6 feet tall with short back hair. Ronny helped Alex put his bags in the trunk and they headed off.
"Are you visiting or returning home?" Ronny asked
"Visiting" said Alex. "I'm actually here to visit a few colleges" Alex said
"Oh cool! Here let me give you my card. If you ever need another ride while you're in the city, you can call or text me at that number" said Ronny
"That's awesome! Thank you so much!" Alex said
"No problem. Just try to give me like an hour's notice" said Ronny
"Sounds good" said Alex.
After his long flight, Alex began to doze off a bit. His head slouched against the window as his eyes started to close.
*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP*
Alex was awoken by the sound cars honking as they entered Manhattan.
"These people are always so fucking impatient!" exclaimed Ronny
"I guess that's how it is in New York" Alex replied
As they headed up the next few blocks, the automated voice said "Drop off Alex" from Ronny's phone. They had arrived. Ronny helped Alex gather his bags and reminded him to give him a call if he ever needed a ride.
Ronny drove off and Alex headed into his hotel. Alex's dad had entrusted him with his credit card to pay for his hotel room and for any expenses he encountered while he was in the city.
"Hi. Reservation for Thorton, Alex" he said to the front desk
"Hello" the front desk employee said. He was a tall, well built man with black curly hair and a thick beard. "Can I have your ID and credit card please?"
Alex reached into his pocket but could not find his wallet. He started checking his front pocket, butt pocket, he even started going into one of his bags to see if it happened to be in there.