Twitchy

Chapter 1

    Doc had decided a long time ago that he was done with Dav's antics. He truly loved tanking, and Dav had taken the role from him one too many times. The moon lit the dark street better than the dim streetlamps, reflecting on the shiny black bricks, slick with rain. His black leather trench coat flew open as he reached for a lighter, flicking it against the cigarette poised in his mouth. Leaning against the dark building, he tilted his fedora down over his eyes. No one would notice the disappearance, he thought. He thought wrong.
    "It's done." a silhouette appeared from the alleyway, staying around the corner to avoid the light. "He'll never tank again."
    Doc took a puff and blew a cloud into the night air. "Good. Did you dispose of him?"
    The silhouette gave an affirmative grunt. "It'll look like he vanished into thin air."
    Doc chuckled. "I knew I could count on you… Zen."
He tossed a bag of coins at Zen's feet, a golden shimmer peeking out of the pouch.
"Pleasure doing business with you," the Scotsman tipped his hat at him, tucking the bag into his inner coat pocket. The sound of his boots clicking away echoed down the street. Doc put the cigarette out on the wall behind him, then crushed it beneath his heel. It was a nasty habit, but one that got him thinking. He already knew what he'd say to the group.
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"It's tragic, he's simply disappeared! The police couldn't find even a speck of evidence in his apartment, and no one has come forward as a witness," Doc did his best to sound distressed, but he was proud of Zen's skill and smiled inwardly.
"It's odd, he never seemed like the type to just up and leave…" Niches mused.
Molloy crossed his arms and nodded. "I agree, there's definitely something up here. It's not like him to 'go get milk'…"
Sammie sighed. "If the police didn't find anything pointing to the contrary then it's the only possibility… right?"
"I hate to be a pessimist but… what if he was kidnapped? Or worse?" Electric tapped her fingers on the table they were all sitting at. "I mean, I know a guy that could definitely give the police a run for their money, and he's definitely not the only one." She leaned back and stared at the ceiling. "I'm with you, Niches, he wouldn't leave without at least a note."
Cinder, who had been quiet up until now, chimed in. "I think you're right, Electric. I've heard rumors of a man who goes by 'Mr. Yeeeta' who promises to 'clean up' whoever you want, as long as you pay him."
Doc swallowed, a bead of sweat forming on his brow. "You can't be serious, that sounds like something straight out of a noir!"
Cinder scoffed. "Please, we're all in black and white, or haven't you noticed? It's only ever a drizzly night, and there's slow jazz playing everywhere we go!"
Electric took a sip of the glass in front of her, observing the conversation through scrutinizing eyes. "So…" she put the glass down with a clink. "Which one of you did it? Doc? No, that's far too obvious… You always hated Dav for stealing tank from you, but enough to kill? No… You don't like getting your hands dirty."
The group stared at her, appalled. She slammed her palm down on the table and pointed an accusatory finger at Doc.
"HOW'D YOU DO IT? You must've had help, there's no way you could do it that well on your own…"
Doc glanced around, anxiously seeking backup. He pushed her finger away and laughed nervously. "What in the world are you talking about? Sure, Dav annoyed me, but he was our friend! I'd never do anything to hurt a friend!"
"Exactly! So you'd make someone else do it!" Electric exclaimed.
The heat of the argument distracted the group long enough for Cinder to slip away. She stepped into the next room over, and whispered into the empty study. "Dav? Are you there?"
The spirit appeared before her, wisps of silver trailing around him. "It was Mr. Yeeeta. Doc paid him to get me out of the way. You've got to convince them before it's too late! If they don't arrest him, he'll come for you too! Nothing matters more to Doc than tanking, even at the risk of losing a six stack! Convince Electric, at the very least. If you get her in on it she can approach Doc as a spy. She only plays support, he'd never suspect she'd betray him!"
Cinder nodded, and Dav vanished into the ether once more. Just as she turned to return to the group, Doc appeared in the doorway.
"You're right, I'd never suspect a thing…" Cinder gasped, but it was quickly cut off.
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    Doc was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder, second degree murder, and smoking in a non-smoking area. Mr. Yeeeta, however, was never caught. They say Dav's ghost still roams, searching for his retribution. Cinder was buried in the local cemetery, with only two words on her tombstone. Her motto, even in death: "Ur Mom"