Shadows over Lost Heaven

Running Man

(Still in 1930)

"After that night with Fischbach's guys, I was back working as soon as I could. But it felt different. You get a lot of time with your thoughts when you're a cabbie. And other people's thoughts too ..."

Another day with the sun high in the sky, not a cloud to be seen. Ryan was, yet again, leaning against his cab, now fully fixed as if new. His posture was relaxed, and he was looking around for passengers.

He was startled by the voice of an elderly woman, "You there! Driver!"

"Yes, ma'am?"

"Are you driving or loitering?"

The driver sighed, standing up and opening the door for her to sit in the backseat. "Driving, ma'am. Always driving."

Ryan cracked his knuckles and turned on the engine. "So where to?"

"St. Michael's Church. Directly. Careful please."

"I always drive careful."

"Then you'd be the first."

Oh, this is just perfect. Ryan clutched his teeth in frustration and forced a smile. "So, church? Is it Sunday already?"

"Eyes on the road, please."

"..." He stayed quiet for the rest of the road, ignoring her comment about turning off the radio, he refused to drive in complete silence.

"Stop there, by the park."

He did as she asked, his knuckles white from the strong grip around the wheel. "Here you go, St. Michael's. That'll be thirty cents."

"The only tip I'll give you is to stop smoking in your vehicle. I felt like I was sitting in an ashtray."

What if I give you this tip of my car you old- "Sure. Whatever you say."

She got out of the car, muttering to herself. Time to find a new fare, Ryan whispered to himself and pulled in reverse.

It wasn't long before a rich-looking man waved him down.

"Art gallery. Get me there quick."

The blond man chuckled, a corner of his mouth turning up. "Sure, quick, I can do. Taking some time out?"

The passenger huffed. "What's it to you?"

Oh, nevermind then... "Not much. Just... Talking."

"I'm paying you to drive, not for talking." He moved closer to the window. "Look at them out there. The problem with this downturn is that it's made people lazy. Given them an excuse."

"Yeah, well there really isn't much work out there, pal."

"The work is always there. You just have to find it."

"I get it, you're a busy guy. I don't see so many these days."

"I saw this crap-shoot depression coming. Sold up before the crash. So yeah, I get to be busy."

"You're busy looking at old paintings all day?"

"I have a business meeting with a colleague! Not that it's any of your business. If you ever find a real job, then maybe you'll understand. Until then, drive and quit bothering me."

"Yeah, yeah. I get you." He rolled his eyes, but finally, he was there.

"Pull up in front of the Gallery. Thanks, pal. There's fifty cents, don't spend it all at once."

"I'll try not to."

The passenger left and Ryan let his head fall back. "So far every fare of today sucked... Onto the next."