Blood In The Water

13

"That wasn't so hard, now, was it, Davey?" Kevin smiled that crooked smile, mentally counting the dozens of bills he flipped through.

Davis shook his head in compliance. Though it was indeed 'that hard'. He didn't have any money left, he didn't know anybody who had any left. Most people don't have 3,000 dollars laying around, that was almost as much as his house. He had to pawn his wife's ring and both their cars, just to keep his teeth.

"Attaboy, I knew ya could do it" he said, almost teasingly as he slipped the money into his pocket

"...what the hell happened to you, man?" Kevin's victim finally found the bravery to speak, though still cowering by the wall

"I grew up, that's what the hell happened.. least I got somethin' to show for it."

"...You used to be a nice guy."

"And you used to know how to do what you're fuckin' told... you got somethin' else you wanna say to me, Davis?"

"...No."

"No, what?"

"...No, Sir."

"There he is.. I'll see ya soon, Kid." He patted Davis's shoulder roughly enough to shake him with each smack

"Wait... soon? What do you mean, soon?"

"Yeah.. if ya think you're so high 'n mighty, so much better than me, then you'll have no problem makin' some more money.."

"But.. I paid you back! Three thousand, we're even!"

"Call it insurance... or maybe a lesson 'bout talkin' back... I want six hundred."

"but I don't have that kind of money!"

"That ain't my problem, Pal... I'll see you in a month"

"Kevin, please! I-I sold my car, I sold my wife's ring, I don't have anything else! Please, I'm your friend, ain't I? I'll do anything!"

"...Money's a nasty thing to owe me, Davis."

"I gave you your money, you can't do this!"

"I can do whatever the fuck I want, you don't get to tell me what I can and can't do! I make the rules now, got that?" He growled, slamming his childhood friend against the papered wall and pulling the knife from his pocket

"...I'm gonna ask you one more time, Davis. You got somethin' you want to say to me?" the blade of the stiletto pressing under the boy's chin

Davis shook his head silently, his jagged breath speaking for itself

"... that's a good boy. Then get me my money." He nicked his chin gently with the knife as a warning "now if you'll excuse me.. I got somebody I gotta see."

Kevin let his friend fall to the floor like a ragdoll, tucking his knife into the band of his trousers as he walked away, like nothing had ever happened. The idea of going to visit Connor was now the only thing on his mind, making him smile as he strolled across town, leaving the man to recuperate on the floor of his own shop.

Lately, he finds Connor fills his mind most of the day. Last night was like a dream. They spent the entire evening together, just talking. He didn't spend the night, which Kevin assumed would frustrate him to no end. He's not used to waiting for things. But somehow, it was almost better, that way. Connor left his apartment at midnight with nothing but a kiss goodbye on the cheek, and a body buzzing with magnificent anticipation. He spent the entire night like a giddy schoolboy, thinking about Connor. How his lips felt against his freshly shaven cheek, his warm fingertips against his skin. How it would feel when he could finally touch him, feel his body, hear his whispers and feel his breath on his neck. He was blushing the entire night as he cleaned his dishes and sent himself off to bed.