I've Been Struck By A Smooth Criminal {SKEPHALO}

3

The tiny bells above the bakery door jingled as Zak walked through the door. It was a very nice day, and the birds were all singing, but for Zak, it was just another day to be afraid.

"Good morning Zak! What can I do ya for?" Darryl greeted him enthusiastically. Zak smiled, at least there were some people he could trust. "I don't know, I sort of just come here every morning because i'm too lazy to make my own breakfast. I guess i'll have whatever you recommend. I'm not that picky." Zak spoke, his tiredness visible in his words. Darryl nodded, immediately going to the shelf of freshly baked muffins.

Zak sighed quietly, hoping Darryl wouldn't hear. Of course, Darryl heard Zak's sigh. "Is there somthing wrong Zak?" Darryl asked, handing Zak a large chocolate muffin. Zak took it and smiled, but the smile didn't last long. "I don't feel very safe here anymore. Normally this town would be so safe that you could let someone borriw your car and they'd always gove it back. But it doesn't feel safe anymore," Zak spoke sorrowfully, taking a bite from the muffin. Darryl's eyes sparkled, he was perhaps... intrigued?

"Why? Did somthing bad happen?" Darryl asked, trying to empathize with Zak. "It's just, ever since that criminal guy showed up, I can't fall asleep at night. And when I go out to the shops, I can't look directly at the cashiers. I don't feel," Zak struggled to find the right word, "I don't feel safe."

Darryl took a step back. he looked as if he wanted to say 'sorry', but the word never left his mouth. "That's... that's horrible! You're not alone, I don't like having a criminal running around town either. I'm sure he'll leave at some point, the cops would catch him if he doesn't leave!" Darryl assured him. Zak felt safe here, he felt like as long as he was in the bakery with Darryl, no criminal could ever come near him.

Zak finished his muffin quickly, then threw away the wrapper. "How much do I owe you?" He asked, reaching into his pocket. Darryl stopped him. "This one's on me."

The two said their goodbyes, and Zak began walking back home. He liked talking to Darryl, he seemed very nice. Zak couldn't wait to see him again. Zak walked through his door, locked it, then turned on his television. The news was playing.

"Bakery owner found tied to a chair with flex tape. Baker owner claims a hooded young man captured him for unknown reasons. Initials 'BBH' found carved into the wall next to the bakery owner. Bakery owner claims to be thankful that someone was working in the bakery, but whoever it was is not an employee. We'll get back to you with the interrogation results soon!"

Zak's mouth hung open. "Darryl doesn't work at the bakery?"