Scars (Part II of J.H. White's Puss in Boots)

Chapter Five: The Hunt Begins

Scars didn't know where to start. It was already twenty-four hours later, and he had spent it asking around for information and getting drunk. Puss was a nomad, so he was hopping from place to place in what seemed like seconds.

He needed to focus. He knew he couldn't outrun the mercenary if he failed. She was far too clever and skilled. He walked into another cantina. He wasn't here to drink, however. He needed Puss' whereabouts, and he had enough money to make anybody talk.

He sat at a table across from a thief. "Who are you?" the balaclava-donning man asked.

"Listen, hermano," Scars said, making sure he sounded friendly. "I've got money. Lots of it. I'm sure a man such as yourself could use some of it." The thief's eyes lit up.

"Tell me more," he said.

"I have been selected to take out an outlaw, and I need to know where he is. Perhaps you can help me with that."

"What's the name?"

Scars leaned in.

"Puss in Boots."

Everybody in the building froze. The thief swore.

"If you're trying to take down Puss in Boots, you're going to get your ass handed to you, amigo."

"Do you know where he is?" Scars responded, becoming slightly irritated. When Scars got irritated, people died.

"Last I heard, he was trying to steal a jewel from El Breato."

"And...where is this El Breato?"

"In Madrid. He's protected in a tower." Scars smiled, showing his fangs. He reached into his sack of coins and gave the thief two hundred pesos. It was a lot, but for once, the information merited the money.

"Thank you, hermano," Scars said, bidding adieu to the thief. He was about to get up and leave when somebody stopped him. An all-black cat.

"Did you say that you were going to kill Puss in Boots?" he asked.

"Yes, idiota. Why?"

"I'm afraid," said the cat, "I can't let you do that." He pulled out a sword and lunged at Scars.

"My name is El Guante Blanco, and I'm going to kill you."