Beware The Water

Toy Soldiers

The infamous Lee Wang Lung, formally referred to as Mr.Lee was the big bad Emperor of Chinatown. He often got off on reminding Shorter about how there were levels to this game. That no matter what the boys monicker was, his crown was only made of glass while Mr.Lee sat on a throne of gold. Literally, his day job after crawling out of the depths of the Underworld was being a banker and owning his own corporation.

Mr.Lee funded it all but his money lent always came with a high interest rate.

The older man swirled an iced, hazel whiskey around in a crystal cut glass before taking a swig. He licked the lingering beverage off of his top lip while leaning back in his leather chair. His thick fingers interlaced at his stomach, and stared down the two gangsters that did their part in keeping him rich and feared amongst followers and enemies. "Allow me to get this straight." He began, "You want me to pay one of the most expensive lawyers in the city to defend someone that you were going to kick out of the gang not even a year ago?"

"He's proved himself since then." Shorter defended.

"By doing what? Accidentally killing a shop owner. This boy is a liability. Let him do a few years and he'll learn to be more careful."

"You don't understand." Viper spoke up. "They're going to go for the max sentence."

Mr.Lee shrugged and took another sip of his whiskey. "Then let's hope he'll be toughened up by the time he gets out." The banker pushed himself up from the chair and held his hand out, beginning to show the gangsters to the door. Both boys stood up fast to protest. Mr.Lee's face stiffened as his jaw clenched, accentuating the smile lines around his mouth when it flattened into a scowl. He hated any form of backtalk or questioning his demands. Such a thing could get your tongue ripped out and it has.

Shorter and Viper both closed their mouths which earned a cocky smirk from the banker. "Yes sir." Shorter said. Viper shot him a glare. He hated how Shorter was the type to respect his elders than to fight back and question their authority, but he was the Boss over Viper for a reason. Shorter knew when to swallow his pride and in doing so he'd keep his tongue.

Mr.Lee turned around and watched the boys back down, seeing the hope disappear from their faces much like Hook's free life would disappear behind bars. It gave him so much satisfaction that he had the power to take such things away and ruin the lives of others. "Where'd those bruises come from, Shorter?" He asked, pointing at the purple and blue splotches around Shorter's eyes and jaw. "Police rough you up before arresting that boy?"

"No. It was a betting night."

"Did you win?"

"What does it matter?" Viper interrupted. "Stupid parking lot fights aren't gonna keep Hook from going to prison." Shorter elbowed his second in charge in the gut, making him keel over and clutch his stomach. "Bastard." Viper grunted.

"Shut up." Shorter hissed. Last thing he needed was for Viper to pay the consequences because of his sharp tongue.

Mr.Lee released the half twisted doorknob and allowed it to click shut. "You know, these past few weeks some of the Elite have been putting on these underground brawls. A fight club if you will." He explained, "It's much more profitable than the backyard nonsense that you boys host."

The talk of money peaked Viper's interest. "How profitable?"

"Tens of thousands. These men all have gambling problems and are addicted to violence. They yearn for modern day gladiators but all we have is our street thugs to bet on and against."

Shorter squinted through the tinted lenses of his sunglasses. "What are you getting at?"

"Wanna save your friend? Then be my little toy soldier."