Fighting Harvest

Chapter Eleven

Clyde was worried about Anthony, as ever since he was fired, he had gone into hiding for who knows how long. Clyde had tried to call his old partner on multiple occasions, only to be taken to voicemail, and had left a few messages for Anthony to listen to. He cared for Anthony very much, but with his absence, Clyde was given a new experienced partner who just wasn't the same. Clyde grew disinterested in being a detective but kept the job for his family, needing the money to aid his dying parents and exhausted older brother, having nothing else to do but play along in hopes things get better.

As weeks went by, Clyde soon received a text message from Anthony, which was a complete surprise but also chilling, as the text read.

"Meet me at Handle Crook Bar at 8"

Clyde had no clue what Anthony had been up to or planned to do, but with his increased worry for his friend, he couldn't leave Anthony hanging. He tried to reply with questions and concern, but his messages were ignored, leaving him no choice but to meet Anthony at the bar.

As instructed, Clyde walked to the bar which was across town from where he lived. Leaving his car at home in case of emergencies with his parents, and he doesn't mind walking everywhere, even at this time of night. Entering the building, he noticed it was somewhat cozy and quiet, playing soft rock as not many people took up much space as if the people here knew this place was a haven to unwind, not wanting to interfere with that peace.

Looking around the near-empty bar, Clyde soon spotted Anthony who sat in a booth by himself. Seeing him once again made Clyde happy as he nearly ran over and bombarded him with questions, but just the sight of Anthony looking so unwell, made Clyde approach with caution and care.

"Anthony?" Clyde asked as he approached the booth, watching as Anthony's dull green eyes glanced up at him.

"Clyde" Anthony called back, having not much else to say as he nodded his head towards the padded bench in front of him, inviting Clyde to sit and talk.

Anthony's blond hair had grown quite a bit, and he even held some facial hair over his cheeks and chin. His tired eyes showed that he barely got any sleep, and even his baggy clothes showed his lack of self-esteem. Clyde didn't look that bad at least, having to keep up his image for his job as a detective's apprentice, but instead of his formal outfit, he wore a simple black shirt with some unreadable words on it and a pair of blue jeans.

"How's everything going?" Clyde asked as he took a seat in front of Anthony, getting comfortable as he had plenty to say to his friend.

"Everything's fine I guess" Anthony shrugged, his voice low and sort of raspy due to barely using it during his time alone.

"Is there something you need to talk about? Why did you invite me here? Are you doing ok..." Clyde couldn't help himself from his questioning, which only made Anthony smile.

"Can I not see my friend?"

Clyde paused at that, having never been considered a friend to Anthony, but Anthony was definitely a friend to Clyde.

"Sorry I haven't kept in contact with you, I just needed a moment alone to rethink about my life... since I don't have a job and all that" Anthony loosely apologized, watching as Clyde shook his head over and over.

"No man, you're fine! I understand you needed some time alone"

"Then why did you leave voicemails almost every day?" Anthony frowned, but couldn't help himself from grinning, followed by a chuckle "I'm joking, I did appreciate your concern, but you can be a little desperate" he laid his chin in his hand, watching as Clyde huffed.