JCJ stood on the front steps of his modest home on Fleming Street, the morning mist still hanging low over East Vancouver. The bells of the old Lutheran German church at the corner tolled softly โ a sound that somehow carried both strength and humility.
Arnold Schwarzenegger stood beside him, hands on his hips, squinting up the street like a general surveying a battlefield.
JCJ said with quiet pride, โYou see, Arnoldโฆ this is a good neighborhood. Honest people. The church keeps the peace. You can hear the choir every Sunday morning. No Hollywood ego here โ just grace.โ
Arnold nodded, his accent thick but his tone sincere. โYaโฆ I like it. The architecture โ itโs authentic. Not like those Beverly Hills fortresses. You can breathe here.โ
JCJ chuckled. โThatโs why youโre moving in. Weโll get you a nice two-bedroom down the block. And no limousines โ youโre taking the SkyTrain now. Every morning to Rupert Station Studios. You ride with the people. You see what real Vancouver life is like.โ
Arnold raised an eyebrow. โThe SkyTrain? Me? With the commuters?โ
JCJ grinned. โThatโs right. No red carpet. No security detail. Just you, your gym bag, and a protein shake. Youโll get more inspiration on that train than in any boardroom.โ
Arnold let out a booming laugh. โJCJ, youโre crazyโฆ but I like your style. Maybe Iโll even bring my bike โ ride to the station!โ
โPerfect,โ JCJ said, handing him a folded city map. โWelcome to Fleming Street, neighbor. Just remember โ church bells ring at nine sharp. Donโt sleep in.โ
Arnold looked toward the steeple, the cross gleaming faintly in the morning sun.
โThen I guess itโs judgment day every Sunday,โ he said with a wink.
JCJ smiled. โExactly, my friend. But this time, youโre not terminating anyone โ youโre redeeming yourself.โ
