Tail Spin

Fourth Encounter

After calling his family, Christian is waiting inside the coffee shop for his ride to come and pick him up. "Just gotta wait 20 minutes." He mumbled low enough for Charles to hear but not seem like he's talking to himself.

Christian jumped when everyone's phones started going off as if an Amber alert was in progress. When he checked his phone it said, 'He's approaching you.'

Feeling alert, Christian spotted Graham coming towards him, and as he was going to make a run for it people that looked like they were in a trance blocked his path.

"I see you are still working here." Graham spoke.

Christian turned around and smiled sheepishly. "Hey. How have you been? Here for more coffee?"

"I am here for you."

"Me?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

Graham leered at Christian. "It's obvious why, you fool."

Christian gaped. "First you call me a simpleton. And now a fool."

"Why deny what you are?"

"I am not denying anything. It would be nice to get a compliment once in a while."

"Good luck with that. Now, come with me and no harm shall come to your colleagues and patrons."

"How do I know you're not bluffing?" Graham lifted part of a blazer to reveal a blinking device with wires underneath it. "Please tell me that's a toy."

"It's a bomb, you imbecile."

Christian pointed at him. "There you go again. Calling me names."

"You don't seem concerned for everyone else. Maybe this will change your mind." Graham snapped his fingers and his shadow has Charles in its grasp.

"Harry!" Christian shouted. "How did you know?"

Graham chortled. "You didn't think I would look up this Harry Potter? When I learned it was a heroic wizard I amped up my security."

"Your shadow?"

"Exactly." Graham let out a tiny smile. "And I also knew it was you, young blonde from Melbourne."

Christian gawked at the tall brunette in black. "How did you know it was me?"

"Two things. One, the hottest day in Melbourne is in February. We're currently in June. And second, my shadow was able to cast your real silhouette."

Christian's jaw opened wide. "You're a super villain."

"Flattery won't save you." Graham extended his hand out to him. "Come with me."

Christian looked around and noticed everyone at the coffee shop was in a trance. Biting his lower lip he deflated. "Fine. Just don't hurt them."

Graham looked satisfied. "You have my word." Christian reluctantly approached him and Graham got a hold of him. "Now we can spend some quality time together." He spoke before his shadow stretched out and consumed them. In an instant they disappeared. When they were gone, Charles was released and the trance was broken. Unfortunately, the bomb remained and went off.

The Cruella DeVille car rounded the corner. "I don't understand why I must pick up the red headed twerp." Troy complained to Calvin and John as they were driving down the street.

"We were the only ones available." John explained. "And unfortunately, I've misplaced my driver's license."

"We'll make this quick." Calvin assured their caretaker.

"Whatever you say and holy crap!" Troy slammed on the break.

"What's going on?" Calvin asked before seeing what the cause was. They got out slowly to see the coffee shop in ruins as medical and rescue teams aid the injured and try locating the trapped. There's dust and debris everywhere.

"Son!" Calvin rushed over with Troy and John tailing closely.

A police officer held Calvin back. "Let me through! My son works here!"

As Calvin and Troy try bustling through the front area. John observed the side and spotted a pink glow. Following it, he climbed over chunks of the building until it was located. He could hear the faint sound of music that he recognized as the Harry Potter theme song. Realizing this, he dug through the debris frantically until he spotted a familiar beige coat.

"Charles." John muttered as he continued to dig until he found skin.

"Young John." Charles gasped out as he coughed.

"Where's my brother?"

"He attacked the coffee shop and took him. I failed to keep him safe."

John's eyes widened as a frown formed on his face. "Where did you go, little brother?"