Twitchy

Chapter 9

     Whale was a childhood friend through all of Fox's school life, and a fantastic lockpick during his teen years. When Fox left his life of crime behind to be with Cinder, Whale was heartbroken, but understanding. They made a pact that no matter how they changed through their lives, they would always be there for each other; and Fox was ready to cash that in. The rundown mill had been a hub for suspicious activity as long as he could remember, and by the looks of it, not much had changed. A few teens were hunched outside the front door, apparently making a deal. One of them stood up and brushed his hair back with his hand, seemingly frustrated.

  "Listen, pal. I made this deal expecting no strings attached. Now you're gonna give me what ya owe me, or we're gonna have a problem on our hands."

     With that, he gestured to two of the thugs behind him, who stood up and blocked the man's escape.

     Fox stepped forward. "Gentlemen, I couldn't help but overhear. What seems to be the issue here?" He nodded at the cowering kid who had been at the center of their attacks just a moment ago, and he scrambled off towards an alleyway.

     "Get outta here, old man. This doesn't concern you."

     Suddenly one of his cronies gasped and nudged the ringleader. "Boss, that's… that's him! You can't talk to him like that, unless you wanna end up swimming with the fishes."

     "What the devil are you talking about, Sassy? I run these streets. If anyone should be feared here, it's me an' me alone."

     "But Mr. Sandvich sir, that's…"

     "Who is it, Sass? Huh? Ya grandpa? Ya best friend from the war? Huh? Did I frEAKin ask?"

      The second thug stepped forward cooly and whispered something in the boss's ear.

      "Wh- what? No, it can't be… you- they told us you's was gunned down in the turf war o' 2021!"

      "Look, I appreciate that my story is still being told, but I'm here for someone in particular. Have you seen Whale?"

      The group gasped. "You- you called him by his first name. No one calls him by his first name."

       Fox sighed and took out a cigarette. "Listen, kids, I've been doing this a long time. I know more about this old mill than you could ever guess. And I know Whale is around here somewhere, so just point me in the right direction and I'll be outta your hair."

       "S- Soup Sandvich, sir. It's an honor to meet you. I- I been takin' good care a' these streets, I promise ya."

         "By the looks of it, you've been hustling people for fast cash. I wouldn't call that 'taking good care.' And by the way, no one runs these streets. They run themselves." With that, Fox turned on his heel and flicked his lighter out. This night just kept getting longer.