Short Stories

The Final Target

Credits to the owner of the photograph in banner.

Involves guns and some swearing

I slowed my bike and stopped at a crosswalk, my boys stopping behind me. I swung my leg over the back of my ride and kicked the side stand out to hold my bike. I gestured for my boys to stay on their seated and headed to the sidewalk, where an old lady stood helplessly. She looked as if she wanted to cross the road, but no one was stopping for her. Such is the attitude of the drivers in this city.

I slipped off my helmet and approached her calmly, "Ma'am, would you like help?" She looked at me suddenly, startled by my sudden appearance, "Oh! Dear... you startled me." I bowed my head slightly, "That was not my intention. Would you like help across the road? The drivers around here are pretty reckless." A smile grew on her face and she waddled toward me a few steps, "That would be lovely, dear! You see, I'll be looking down one side of the road until it's clear and check the other side. But when I look back the other way there's another car approaching!"

I held my arm out, "then we can check for cars together." Her face lit up and happily looped her arm through mine. We waddled together along the crosswalk; I was looking either way for oncoming traffic while she focused on where she was walking. There was only the occasional car that drove along this road, enough that only one car had stopped for us.

Once we were across we unlooped arms and she turned to me, "thank you so much, dear! You are such a kind, handsome, young man." Her hands were clasped and pressed against her chest.
"I'm not that young..." I said quietly then added, "but not a problem at all." In actuality, I am in my early 40's, but I suppose to her that is young. She reached out and grabbed my hand, "I hope have a lovely day."
"You as well, ma'am. Stay safe." I tightened my grip on her hand slightly to show my sincerity.

We smiled at each other once more and turned our own ways. I headed back across the road to where my bike and my crew were waiting. I could feel them watching me the entire time, some of them rolling their eyes. I shrugged as flicked up the stand and jumped back onto my bike. I put my helmet back on and smiled to myself, what a nice lady.

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Once we reached the location we parked at the end of the short dirt driveway, switched off our bikes and prepared. We approached the old house, guns ready and spreading out. Myself and two of my most trusted followed me toward the front door, while some secured around the house, and the rest scouted the surrounding area. We had to take all precautions, this was the house of the Takkaman's Boss anyway.

Once I reached the door, I waited a few moments for the rest of my crew to secure the area. I pressed against the door, listening for any movement inside the house. The other two were pressed against the wall on either side of the door, waiting for me to start the raid. I heard a few voices say 'clear' over the radio and I took a few steps back, "it's go time." I placed one securing foot on the wooden veranda and slammed the other against the door. After a few solid kicks the door gave way, the locking snapping.

We entered, quickly checking room by room for the boss or any of his crew. The house seemed empty except for a few muffled voices coming from the back half of the house. I followed the voices while the others looked in unchecked rooms. There was one room left, the room where the voices were originating. I tested the handle and the door opened with a slow creak. It looked to be a lounge room, a tv set up at the far end and a few lounges facing it.