Lay it on the Line : Prodigal book one

Chapter Eight

Chapter 8

Mexico

Night had just fallen on Mexico City and the only lights in the sky were of the mechanical sorts. like any other city it never slept. A dirty homeless man slowly made his way from the alley way into the back of the small store.

"Evening Nathaniel, got you a plate of tamales the misses made." The Mexican store owner called out to the male.

The owner would often allow Nathaniel stay to there for the night in exchange for him to watch over the store. He walked in the back door and slowly made his way to the small area in the where he had made a pallet on the floor. Nathaniel would usually wander the streets homeless, stealing to keep feed. He would often stay in the back business for shelter, the only safe place he really knew. He scavenged and fought to stay alive every day. The struggle was unyielding, but he kept a strong mind and spirit. Nate was a survivor and a lot of his training guaranteed that.

The copper colored man removed his tattered black jacket, folded it, and placed it in the corner. His hand circled the navy seal's badge that hung loosely on the cotton. It was a memory and reminder of lost opportunities and wrongdoings. The ex-navy seal that was taught to be clean shaven and at tip top shape was not up to par. Nathaniel grew used to the gruff and poor appearance, for he no longer cared what he looked like. The man was barely surviving less along had the will to keep himself in good appearance. He was sporting almost a full beard and tattered clothes. His boots, that were once polished and scuff free, now was almost falling off him. Nathaniel's black hair almost touched his shoulders, but he kept it back tied in a string out of his face and eyes. All that time serving his country and now he was in another trying to survive, but his fate of being homeless and useless was about to change. His darkest hour was to come, and it would change him for the worst.

Nathaniel went to take off his dilapidated boots when he was interrupted mid bend. A loud crash and screaming came from the front of the store. The soldier stood up attentively straight before making his way towards the commotion. As he paused by the doorway, he noticed a glint as the fluorescence light reflected off a silvery gun. The gun was held by a masked man and was pointed straight at the store owner. The masked man cursed in Spanish at the owner causing him to startle and drop his broom.

Nathaniel wasn't fluent in the language, but the time spent there he did pick up how to understand and speak a bit of it. He slowly made his way into the store not taking his eyes off the criminal. Out the corner of his eyes, Nate could see the owner terrified and crying. The store was the owner's life, he put his heart and soul into it to provide for his family. Such an honest and hardworking man didn't deserve this. He was always kind a generous toward Nathaniel and now it was Nate's time to return to the favor. He wanted Nate there for security and that is what the solider as going to be. Nathaniel walked behind the gunman silently before cleareing his throat.

"Something I can help you with?" Nathaniel spoke in a calm and deep voice. The gunman turned around and pointed the gun at Nate. The crook was a bit shaky and paranoid as he kept looking at Nathaniel and the owner.

" Go away or I will shoot you to! give me the money old man!" he yelled at the owner as he now pointed the gun toward him.

"Hey, hey, keep the gun on me." Nathaniel commanded. Nate was used to being shot at and having guns in his face. He was also a good study of people's action and could tell this man was too chicken to pull the trigger. Nathaniel commanded the man again in Spanish to keep the gun on himself.

The owner still had his hands up and his eyes closed chanting a prayer. Nathaniel tilted his head and sized the man a bit.

"Will you shut up and give me the cash." The robber yelled looking back at the owner. Nathaniel saw his opportunity and smacked the gun out the man's hand. Nate then reached around and grabbed the back of the thief's neck while his foot hit the back of the man's knee in one fluid motion. The robber dropped the gun and it skidded across the floor. They both went to the floor and Nathaniel pulled back and used his fist to punch the man in the face with all his might. The solid punch broke the man's jaw and knocked him out cold.