Dreams of an Absolution

Smooth Criminal (Episode 29)

The tension was high as Brian and Timothy stood 15 feet across from the criminals under the streetlights. "I know you're both friends with him, or atleast know the ghost boy. So tell me where he is and I'll be on my way," said the man behind the black suited criminals. Brian smirked nervously and replied, "And what'll happen if we don't tell you anything?"

With that response, the man smirked, tipped his fedora hat, and snapped his fingers. On cue, the four black suited criminals in front of him all pulled out machetes. "Shit," Brian said to himself. "Look kiddos, I get you're planning on becoming some big shot heroes in the future or whatever. And I don't want to be the guy to take that future away from you both. So quit wasting my time and tell me where the ghost boy's located already."

Both Brian and Timothy's eyes widened. "How the heck do you know any of that?!" Timothy shouted. The man sighed and explained, "You see, you guys never should've gotten involved in my work that one night. Back at one of my many hideouts, I sent my men here on a job to get some quick cash and valuables by any means. So you could imagine my surprise when they not only returned with nothing, but also were shaking as if they've seen a ghost. It turns out, I was right. They told me they've seen an actual ghost, and he levitated two massive buildings with ease. Of course, I sure as hell didn't believe them at first, so when I saw it on the news days later, I was in shock. And I gotta say, that ghost boy had some crazy power by the looks of it, which caught my interest. But, I heard he flew off as soon as he displayed his insane ability. How could I find him now, I thought to myself. Oh yeah, that's right! My men also reported that you two boys along with a female friend of yours were also there during the night of the incident alongside the ghost boy. So, ever since that day, many of my men had been spying on all of you from the shadows, waiting until the day you lead them right to the ghost boy. They've been reporting everything about you guys since then, so I know much about each of you."

Brian, getting slightly less nervous, replied, "That explains the full black body suits then. It's to keep their identities hidden. And judging by what you just said, there's more than these four guys working for you in the shadows. Whoever you are, you must be some kinda underground mob boss or something."

The man chuckled and said, "The name's Slick. And man, you're a clever one huh? You got almost all of that correct. I applaud your seemingly quick intelligence, Brian. I'm impressed. The part you were incorrect about though, is the fact that I'm not some kinda mob boss exactly. I'm just a common dealer on the black market. But instead of mainly money for my trades, I have these gentlemen work for me in exchange. And my hideouts aren't the highest of quality I gotta admit."

Timothy looked directly at Slick and replied, "You're creepy you know that? Spying on three teenagers to get find another teenager. But one thing doesn't make sense to me. If you do somehow find him, he'll just destroy you and your henchmen. You should know that. Yeah his power is something special, but what would you gain from it Slick? He's not just gonna work for you like these black suited bums."

With a calm grin, Slick responded, "Now you boys just got me monologuing ha ha. Don't worry, I enjoy the sound of my own voice, so I'll tell y'all. So, my power is a unique one to say the least. If I taste a sample of someone's blood, I switch powers with said person for 24 hours. Now that may not seem like a long time, but 24 hours is all the time I'll need with ghost boy's power. To finally accomplish my main plan, which I unfortunately cannot tell you boys. Speaking of, It's been a great chat guys, but I still haven't gotten my answer. So I'll tell you what. I've earned the nickname Smooth Criminal throughout my years of work. And that's because, I always have an ace up my sleeve...."

"What the hell are you talking about?!" Brian exclaimed. Slick's grin then switched to a menacing, serious glare. "I tell ya, it'd be a real shame if something bad happened to my little prisoner back at my nearest hideout, Jessica. I couldn't get any good information out of her anyways." In a matter of seconds, the boys felt their hearts drop as utter shock filled their faces. "WHAT THE HELL DID YOU SAY?!?!?!" Brian screamed, summoning sticky bombs in both his hands.