Jester Book 1: Abduction

Ch 8: Questions

"Mandy, I'm fine."

The door slammed shut behind them, "I said I'm coming with you."

Chester pivoted on his heel, "It's too dangerous to be outside alone."

"Then why are you walking around alone?"

Chester shot a squinted eye glare at her, "Don't accurately debunk my hysteria."

The two had been arguing for hours about how the move-in process would happen. Chester insisted that her time would be better spent increasing the security of the candy shop while he moved in. Mandy called him an idiot.

*tap* ... *tap*

Mandy threw her hands to her hips, "Why are you being so anxious about this?"

"I'm not being anxious. I'm being-"

"It's cause I'm a girl isn't it!"

*tap* ... *tap*

"It's not because you're a girl." Chester awkwardly stumbled, "It's just..."

*tap* ... *tap*

"It's just what?"

"I'm worried."

"You're worried?"

*tap* ... *tap*

"I'm worried."

"That a girl might get hurt if she's alone outside at night?"

Chester rubbed the bridge of his nose, "That you'll get hurt in general."

*tap* ... *tap*

Mandy scoffed, "So you admit it!"

"No! I just didn't say it's because you're a girl!" His cheeks were red as runny ketchup, "It's because I-"

*tap* ... *tap* ... *tap*

"Okay, what is that?" The two's argument was interrupted by a gentle tapping. When they looked across the road, they saw a slim figure staring at them. Behind it, a massive void snapped shut just as a cool breeze blew past.

In the glint of the moon above a black and white man stepped into the streetlight. His monochrome pallet nearly turned the world around him into a 30s noir film.

Chester unknowingly put a hand in front of Mandy which she absently lowered. He calmly asked, "Gray?" as if trying not to alarm the mime.

While he might not have the ability to speak, he'd usually give some inaudible cue to acknowledge your statements. Tonight, he stood in solidarity with his palms resting atop the hook of his cane. Chester noticed that his foot was tapping to a non-existent tune and his eyes were invisible under his cap's brim.

The candy cane jester turned to his female colleague, "Mandy go back inside."

Mandy smacked the back of his head, "I'm not going anywhere." She met eyes with Gray and nearly fainted. There was a malicious glint in his colorless retinas, "But I will run inside and get my staff."

The door chimed as she rushed back inside, leaving the men alone to themselves. Chester never took his eyes off the silent assassin. Ever since his arrival in Starr Park Gray has been an enigma. He never talks, barely interacts with others, and only skulks the streets at night. It was a miracle he hadn't been reported for his creepy undergoing.

Gray's hand flexed open as he dramatically reached into his pocket. A notepad no bigger than a square slice of cheese came from the fabric pouch. He materialized a pen with a rolling gesture and then began to scribble. Chester silently watched until he ripped the paper from its spiral holder.