Chapter 130: New Company

Jon had successfully completed the dream power evaluation and his presence was no longer required. The quest to track down additional evil spirits beckoned.

He had settled his hotel bill and made his way back to his vehicle. As he prepared to depart, a rapping sound caught his attention. He turned to find Nancy signaling to him with a friendly wave.

His vehicle, a convertible, spared him the need to lower a window. He faced her and inquired, "Hey Nancy, is there something else you need?"

Nancy responded with gratitude, "The children have been free from nightmares for the last few nights, all thanks to you. I'd like you to accept this, please." She extended a hefty bundle of American currency towards him. Jon was visibly taken aback by the generous offering; it was clearly a considerable sum, particularly in the context of the era's economy.

Nancy continued with sincerity, "We've gathered two thousand dollars here. It's for you."

"Two thousand?" Jon echoed, his surprise evident once more. The amount was indeed substantial.

"Don't be concerned, half of it comes from Dr. Gordon, as a gesture of his appreciation," Nancy clarified. "Dr. Gordon suspects you're masquerading as an exorcist, convincing the children that their nightmares are vanquished through belief. He wanted to extend his personal thanks."

With this explanation, Jon felt compelled to accept the money. Dr. Gordon was the psychiatrist who had introduced him to Nancy. Despite Jon's personal aversion to Dr. Gordon's extreme narcissistic realism, he recognized from the original film that the man was not malevolent. Ultimately, it was Dr. Gordon who had assisted the children in using hypnosis to venture into the dream realm and conquer Freddy.

Having pocketed the cash, Jon noticed Nancy lingering and casually inquired, "Well, thanks, I guess. Anything else?"

As Jon spoke, he couldn't help but notice Nancy's deliberate attire and the luggage she carried, signaling intentions for an extended journey.

Nancy met Jon's gaze, a moment of hesitation passing before she ventured, "Do you intend to pursue your exorcism work further?"

Affirming, Jon replied, "Yes. It's my livelihood."

A brief silence fell, and then, with a resolve that seemed to solidify in her stance, Nancy requested, "Would you consider taking me on as your apprentice?"

Jon's brow furrowed in mild surprise, "You wish to become an exorcist?"

With conviction, Nancy affirmed, "Yes!"

Jon weighed his words carefully, "This line of work is fraught with peril. A minor error could prove deadly. What drives you to embrace such risk?"

Nancy's voice carried a mix of pain and determination, "The terror you helped us defeat, Freddy, tormented me in my youth and claimed the life of my dearest friend. His specter has haunted me ever since, until you came along."

"I'm convinced that there are more entities like Freddy in this world, inflicting pain and casting long shadows over innocent lives. I want to use my strength to aid those afflicted. I can't bear the thought of others living under the oppressive darkness that once consumed me."

"Please, Jon! This conviction has gripped me, and I've spent countless nights contemplating it," Nancy implored.

Jon took a moment to consider. His plan to establish an exorcism office in this world stemmed from the knowledge that while malevolent spirits were numerous, they were also elusive. It would be more efficient to have those in need seek him out, a strategy that promised both financial gain and spiritual fulfillment.

However, Jon, who tended toward indolence, recognized that running a repair shop was one thing, but an exorcism office quite another. He required assistance to manage it.

Having interacted with Nancy and knowing her character from the original film, Jon saw her intelligence, capability, and communication skills as assets. He would feel more comfortable with her overseeing the office operations.

Thus, he decided, "Get in the car~"

Jon stepped out, assisted Nancy with her luggage, stowing it in the trunk. He then ushered her into the passenger seat of the sports car. Together, they drove away, leaving the memory-laden Elm Street behind them.

***

Departing from Elm Street, Jon set his sights on New York. In any iteration of America, New York invariably stood as the pinnacle of development, a hub of information and activity.

The journey from Elm Street to New York was not a short one, and with Nancy accompanying him, Jon decided to make a stop at a fast-food joint to refuel themselves. They continued their drive into the evening, yet New York remained out of reach. Jon refrained from using Apparition, as he was unfamiliar with this world's version of the city.

As dusk settled, they pulled into a motel parking lot. Jon announced, "We'll need to bunk here for the night."

Nancy's expression betrayed a hint of concern. "Here? Are you certain?"

Jon inhaled deeply, as though sampling the air, and then affirmed with confidence, "Very certain."

"Alright then," Nancy conceded, recognizing Jon as her de facto mentor and leader.

As she turned, a figure by the car door caught her off guard. "Oh, my God!"

The man, however, simply raised his hand in a casual greeting, "Sorry!"

"It's fine." Jon's reaction was one of nonchalance as he offered the stranger a smile.

With an apologetic grin, the man explained, "I just happened to walk by and noticed you two! I wanted to give you a heads-up that the gas prices here aren't as low as that sign suggests."

Jon and Nancy's attention briefly shifted to the sign, which indeed advertised alluringly low prices.

"If you're having car trouble, I might be able to assist. I work as a mechanic around here," the man proposed.

Jon dismissed the offer with a wave, "No need, our car's in good shape. But we've been on the road all day and are in search of a place to crash."

"You've got luck on your side, sir!" The man beamed, pointing out the direction, "That motel over there has reasonable rates, and the owner's a decent fellow. Plus... they offer free videotapes for your viewing pleasure!"

The man's expression carried an insinuation understood among men, while Nancy simply sighed in mild exasperation. Jon thanked him, "We appreciate the tip, sir."

"Happy to be of service!" the man responded with a friendly nod before departing.

Once he was gone, Nancy voiced her unease, "That man... he gave off an unsettling vibe."

Jon quipped, "What, because of the 'free videotapes' he mentioned?"

Nancy's annoyance was palpable, "I'm serious, Jon. Something about this place feels off!"

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