Baby Blue Eyes {Reggie Mantle}

4

"When I had got a text to meet someone at Pops this early in the morning, I hate to say you were the last person I had expected to see in this booth Mr. Archie"

The red hair boy in front of me gave me a small smile,
But he kept looking over his shoulders.
Like he was paranoid almost.
But what in earth,
Could Mr. Archie Andrews be scared of.

"I need to talk to someone about something, and honestly. I think you're the only person who won't call me crazy"
I smiled, grabbed a fry from his plate, and slowly leaning back In the booth.
"I'm all ears"

"First my dad was shot. Then my old teacher, someone who I cared about very dearly was murdered, with the gift I had gave her. That can't be a coincidence. But that's what everyone else is saying it is. The cops won't investigate any further and I just. I don't know what to do Gwen"

I hated seeing Archie like this,
It broke me to see how broken he was.
The once fearless boy, was scared of his own shadow.
"I believe you Archie. All that is too...weird to just be chance. I'll tell you what, I'll have one of my friends from the other side of the river look into Ms. Grundys murder, investigate a little more and see what we can find. I promise I'll do whatever i can to help Arch"
He smiled thankfully, and I sat up, getting ready to leave when he leaned in a little closer.
"Gwen I have one last favor to ask"

I raised an eyebrow at him, telling him to ask away.
"Do you think there's anyway for you to get me a gun?"
He kept looking over his shoulders,
Making sure no one over heard our conversation.
I hated to hear the desperation in his voice, and honestly. If I had any common sense what so ever, I would tell Archie no.
But i know what it's like to feel helpless, like a victim.
I have to help.

"It might take me a few days Andrews,  but it'll cost you"
He nodded, meeting my eyes.
"How much?"

A laugh left my lips,
You would think with his best friend being the son of a serpent king, he would know by now how we worked.
"Oh honey, fun fact about Serpents. Unless you're someone like the Lodges. Serpents will hardly ever take money as payment for a job. We prefer...favors. so let's say, I get you this gun, and one day when I need something you help me out?"

Archie tried to process my words,
Nodding quickly before thanking me.
"No problem Andrews."
I was almost out of the booth when his voice stopped me again.
"What did you mean about the Lodges?"

I cringed and mentally hit myself.
I forgot he was dating the youngest Lodge.
"It's Serpent stuff Archie, don't get into it"

And with that I walked out of Pops.

................

"Come on Krimp, I know there's some way you can help me out"
I smirked at the kid in front of me,
Getting Krimp to make the drive down to Sweetwater river was easy,
He always was a fool for some big pretty eyes.

Which worked in my favor,
Yay me.
"Crybaby, you already owe me a few favors. And I know you don't like to owe anyone any debts so, what's so big?"
My hands fidgeted as I looked out over the water,
He was right,
I know how snakes work.
Eventually when you owe someone enough favors they own you,
And I was never going to end up like one of them.

"Krimp, will you help me or not?"
He smirked slightly, showing off his braces.
I wanted to laugh my ass off,
Someone like Krimp didn't belong in any gang, so seeing him in one was fucking hilarious.
Sad part was, he couldn't be any older then 15.
If I had it my way I swear,
I wouldn't let anyone in fucking middle school make the choice to join a gang. That's just retarded.

"I can get you the gun in the next few hours, as for the Grundy thing. Give me a few days to pull some strings"
I smiled wide and hugged the small boy,
"Krimp you're an absolute lifesaver!"
Krimp smiled and patted my shoulder looking down at his phone,
"Meet me at that little save Pops shit at 6, and I'll have it"