Survival of the Toughest

The Trial- With A Little Help From My Friends

The Harrisburg Coalition or The "Burg Coalition" was a group of old men who frequented the Elks Lodge. They were kind of like a Harrisburg mob outfit in a way. They were respected by many and some had connections to them. Such as Bif and Josh. Along with myself.

"Bif, are you serious?" I asked.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" Bif said, paying attention to the road. "This is probably the best way to save your hide- and Jimmy's- possible."

"I don't want to rely on the old timers so save us. We can't always use your grandpa to save us."

Joshua Grant Arlington I, was part of said coalition. It was believed that he assumed the leadership role but the men acted unanimously.

"Yeah. I know that." Bif looked at me in the rearview. "But I'm playing the card this time."

"Fine. So I guess to the Elk Lodge then."

"Well duh." Jimmy said.

I scoffed and sat in silence for the rest of the drive.

We got to the lodge. Sure enough The Arlington family patriarch was there for I spotted the blue Rolls Royce. As we walked towards the door, I looked up at the elk statue. It was just a statue but it felt as if the elk was turning his head away from me in disgust. As if it were motioning for me to leave with the head looking away from the entry.

Bif opened the door and led us inside.

"Excuse me!" The bartender glared daggers at us immediately. "Are any of you kids members?!"

"It's okay, Jeannie." A deep, sophisticated voice came to our aid. "They're my guests."

"Oh, sorry. I didn't know they were with you, Mister Arlington."

Bif's grandfather sat at a round table with a few of his friends and his driver. They waved us over.

"So what brings you boys in today?" He smiled at us. "Shouldn't you be in school?"

"We actually need your help, Grandad." Bif sat down. "That's why we aren't in school."

"Well?" Mr. Arlington looked at us. "Go ahead."

"They're trying to expel us." I spoke up. "We're suspended until a verdict."

Mr. Arlington almost spat his drink out. One of his other friends looked at him with concern.

"Why?" He asked. "What happened?"

We gave him the whole story. From Eva and I having a talk in the park to Anthony's drunken anger.

"Of course it's those god-awful Dean boys." He sighed. "Devilish little snots."

"They should be locked away like the vile monsters they are." One of the other men added. "Nothing but violent, foul-mouthed, awful little vandals."

"Now, Mr. Bennett." Bif started chuckling. "Did you forget how you and my grandad met?"

"Yeah." Mr. Arlington grinned. "Summer of '64, the jerk sent my mailbox flying."

"At least you can say that the Eldorado Eagle Baseball MVP of 1964 demonstrated his skill on your property." Mr. Bennett chuckled. "Though it was wrong of me, Jim Bennett has no regrets."

"Except for Vernon's wedding in February of '70. Someone's fiancée told you not to drive that race car in the snow but you did. And that's how-"

"Joshua." Mr. Bennett interrupted him. "I get it."

"Anyway," Mr. Arlington focused back on the subject. "I'm glad you boys came to us. We're glad you seek us out to help."

"Yes." Another one of the men nodded. "We'd do anything to help you kids."