Jester Book 1: Abduction

Ch 7 Part 2: Cotton Candy Commendations

The rest of their ride was filled with mostly the same. People waved as the small army of Brawlers rode past them. The occasional picture was taken as these children were basically pop stars. It was almost comedic that once they got to Mandy's Candy, they could return to just being children in a candy store.

Chester took some time to head into the back and check up on Mandy. She said she had some important news for him once he finished his deliveries for the day. The moment he opened the door he was thrown against the wall.

Mandy was mere inches away from him. Her ebony cheeks bounced off of his egg-white forehead. She looked back outside the door. When she only saw children she quickly whispered, "Were you followed?"

"Wha-?"

"Were you followed?"

"No?" Chester wasn't discomforted by the proximity. It was her urgency that alarmed him.

"Let's hope not."

"What's going on?"

"Starr Park isn't safe anymore." She peeked outside once more then shut the door tight. "The last report didn't make sense. They said that you were the one who reported Spike's kidnapping."

Chester calmed her down, "That's because I did." He pulled her hands off his shirt, "I was going to the Wild West to meet Shelly. I just happened to stumble onto it."

Mandy's grip loosened. She took a deep breath before smacking him upside his head, "Why didn't you tell me that?"

"OW. A lot has been going on."

Mandy stepped away and wiped her sweaty palms against her poufy yellow trousers, "Right. Yeah... sorry it's just. When I heard your name get mentioned I got nervous. They haven't mentioned who reported the kidnappings before." Chester listened closely. "I was worried that... never mind."

Chester cracked a mischievous smile, "Awe... were you worried about wittle 'ol me?"

"Not anymore." She rolled her eyes before deadpanning, "I just don't want you getting wrapped up in this somehow." She walked over to a candy crate and took a seat. "They're looking for suspects now."

"What does that have to do with me?" Mandy refused to look at him so he took a seat beside her, "Mandy. You can't keep hiding this from me."

She let out a painful hiss. "I think they're calling this an inside job. Which means that once names start getting thrown around... well rumors can start."

Chester took off his cap for a moment. The bells' playful chimes weren't appropriate for this mood. He rummaged his hair a bit as a few strands of auburn fell to the floor. He wrapped an arm around her and they sat in silence for a moment. Chester solemnly swore, "I will not get myself involved."

Mandy sat in silence before responding, "I believe you... are lying." She pushed away from him and looked into his hurt eyes, "You attract trouble like fruit flies to sugar." She jumped to her feet and grabbed her queen's scepter. With a regal twirl, she aimed it inches from his nose, "Which is why I've made a decision. Starting today you will be living inside the candy shop with me."

With eyebrows raised he looked past the staff and asked, "Isn't this moving a little fast?" He pushed the staff to the side with his index, "I mean, we haven't even had dinner yet."

Mandy quickly smacked away his hand, "Don't be weird." She began to pace the small room as they spoke, "I know you aren't usually allowed to stay in the shop alone since you might eat all of the reserves. But these are special circumstances. I'd rather have to protect the candy from you than have you disappear without a trace."

"Awe you do care."

She rolled her eyes at his constant jokes. But she slammed the staff down for this final statement, "Secondly, and no buts..." Chester quietly snickered at the unintentional joke as he prepared to put his hat back on. Mandy let out a shuttering gasp, "Chester... I'm giving you permission to carry the Jack in the Box outside of Brawls."

His fingers went limp from the sudden news. His cap fell to the floor just a second slower than his jaw. He couldn't even muster the strength to ask if she was serious. Mandy quickly added, "But you are only allowed to use it in extremely desperate situations. Not for entertainment."

Sweet sour pops she was serious. Just at the mention of its name, he could feel its power coursing from deep within the store's walls. Mandy knew that Chester was the only person crazy enough to wield that thing even though he didn't have any control over it.

Chester got to his feet quickly. He didn't bother with retrieving his cap. He got into her space and put his hands on her shoulders. With a reassuring tone, he explained, "I swear. Everything is going to be alright." He dropped all the fun and games. This was painfully serious. He pulled her into a hug and explained, "I won't let anybody hurt us or the shop."

Mandy leaned into the embrace and sighed, "Please. I'm the one that's protecting you, remember." They pulled back and stared a hole through the other, "Just don't get yourself hurt with that big nose of yours."

Chester grabbed his face almost hurt by the comment. The two laughed as the tension finally started to give way to contention. Then came the rapturous ringing of the bell up front. Mandy peeked outside and noticed that the children were gathering around the desk waiting to finish their purchases.

Mandy grumbled, "Stinkin' kids." She smacked her cheeks and put on a front as she merrily welcomed the customers with a royal greeting. Chester let the door shut and went for his discarded hat.

He dusted it off and listened to the clever jingles of his bells. When he placed it atop his head he felt an overwhelming sense of dread rush over him. Sure, he was going to be safe with Mandy from now on, but what about those kids. Who knows if and when the infiltrators will attack again.

All Chester could think was that the person who touched those kids would have hell to pay.