Louis Frye: A Lackadaisy Oc Story

First Time On The Job

T/W: Accidental Murder

Mitzi revealed that the alcohol prohibition, which I was unaware of, has been causing business challenges. She has Rocky, Freckle, and Miss Pepper involved in procuring alcohol through runs. While I'm not a fan of the taste of alcohol, I find myself committed despite my reservations. Standing there, my mind begins to drift towards my life prior to this moment. I recall being a runaway from my parents, never finding adoption at an orphanage, enduring a grueling first job, and now finding myself in the midst of a speakeasy. A sudden slap on my back startles me, causing me to jolt. I swiftly turn, only to find Rocky standing there with his arms folded across his chest.

Freckle: Did you hear what she said?

Louis: I'm sorry I didn't. I was thinking about something.

Feeling a bit awkward, I scratch the back of my neck, while Freckle facepalms in exasperation. Rocky takes hold of my arm, pulling me along with a smile on his face.

Rocky: We got a job to do.

Louis: O-okay but please stop dragging me.

We arrive at the garage where I spot an exceptionally well-maintained car. Impulsively, I place my hand on its surface before turning to Rocky.

Louis: This is a very nice car.

Rocky: Know how to drive it?

Louis: Sadly no. But I do know how to fix cars like these.

Freckle: Let's just hurry and get this job done.

Freckle takes the passenger seat and waits, while Rocky assumes the driver's seat and I sit in the back. Rocky attempts to start the car, but it fails to cooperate. His frustration mounts, and he vents his anger by giving the steering wheel an angry punch.

Louis: Mind if I check it out?

Rocky: Why not.

Realizing the gas tank is empty, I facepalm in frustration. I spot a gas can and proceed to fill up the tank. Once finished, I return to the backseat of the car.

Louis: Try it now.

As Rocky turns the key, the engine roars to life immediately. I cross my arms, a satisfied smile spreading across my face.

Rocky: Let's get this show on the road shall we.

We depart from the Little Daisy and begin our drive to our destination. I unfold a piece of paper and start brainstorming ideas for a poem. Suddenly, inspiration strikes me.

"Amid the sun's warm gentle embrace,
Flowers bloom with vibrant grace.
Petals soft as morning dew,
Nature's artwork, colorful and true.

Whispering tales of seasons past,
In gardens where memories amass.
Each bloom a story, every hue,
A symphony of life, ever anew."

Just as I complete my poem, the car came to a halt at an old warehouse. I tilt my head, puzzled by our sudden stop.

Rocky: We're here.

Swiftly, I fold my poem and tuck it into my pocket before stepping out of the car. Surveying the surroundings, I take in the sight of numerous old boxes and layers of dust. Inhaling deeply, I gather my thoughts before making my way to the front of the car where Rocky and Freckle stand.

Freckle: The seller told her it was in a box with a M on it

Louis: well if you haven't seen there are a lot of boxes.

Rocky: Well then we better get looking then yeah.

We disperse to search for the correct box. I begin wiping dust off various boxes, eventually focusing on one without any label. Opening it, I find a gun, bullets, a holster, and a note placed beside it. Picking up the note, I read "For Stephen Smith." Anger surges within me just from reading the name. I tear the note before lifting the Colt Single Action Army revolver, a mixture of emotions washing over me.

Voice: I believe that's supposed to be mine.

I pivot to face Stephen, startled by his unexpected reappearance. His condition appears deteriorated from when I last saw him. Swiftly, I load a single bullet into the gun and place it back inside the box. Then, I turn to face Stephen, my arms crossed, a mixture of determination and caution evident in my stance.

Louis: Long time no see.

Stephen: Yes.

A tense silence envelops us as we lock eyes, both of us holding our gaze for a prolonged moment.

Stephen: I just came for my gun that's all.

Louis: Why do you need this gun?

Stephen: To kill someone. Someone who left me and ruined my business and my life. I'm putting a bullet in his head.

Realizing that he suggests a threat to my life, I discreetly grasp the gun and hide it behind my back, out of view. Carefully, I step away from the box, making sure to stay out of its immediate vicinity.

Louis: It's all yours.

With a forceful shove, he knocks me to the ground, causing me to land on the gun. As he examines the empty box, I quickly retrieve the gun from beneath me and rise to my feet, aiming it at Stephen. He raises his hands in surrender.

Stephen: Hey Louis, remember I gave you a job, I gave you plenty.

He charges at me, attempting to wrest the gun from my grasp. In the struggle, he manages to knock me to the ground. Reacting instinctively, I deliver a punch, inadvertently causing the gun to discharge. He's hit, blood spurting from his mouth as he collapses off me. I sit up abruptly, coming to terms with the unintended consequences of my actions.

Stephen: You......shot......me.

Terrified and trembling, I remain seated, overwhelmed by what I had just done. The weight of having taken a life weighs heavily on me. Fueled by fear, I start crawling backwards until I bump into a box. Suddenly, a familiar voice reaches my ears, causing me to freeze in place.

Rocky: Louis you okay.

Rocky notices Stephen's lifeless body and then turns his gaze towards me. He strides over, gently lifting me up and grasping my shoulders, his expression a mix of concern and understanding.

Rocky: Hey it's okay. It was him or you. Wouldn't want you dead on your first run.

His words provide a semblance of comfort, allowing me to find the strength to move, though I still can't muster the words to speak. He releases his hold on me, and my gaze shifts to the box I had unintentionally backed into. On the box, I notice a prominent "M" marking. I gently tap Rocky's shoulder to capture his attention.

Rocky: Wow. Nice job, I'll get Freckle stay here.

Following the reveal of the box to Freckle, I pick it up and transport it to the car. With our task complete, we proceed to load up the bottles. As we wrap up, my gaze returns to the warehouse, a sense of sorrow settling in as the weight of taking a life weighs on me. Suddenly, a hand rests gently on my shoulder.

Rocky: You'll be alright.

With a faint smile, we all pile into the car and commence our journey back to the Little Daisy. During the drive, I find myself inspired once again, prompting me to begin writing another poem.

"In an instant, fate did turn,
A life extinguished, hearts now yearn.
Accident's touch, a heavy toll,
Sorrow's ache, a life untold."

Having completed the poem, I carefully fold it and tuck it into the same pocket as the previous one.

(Chapter End)