Criminal Love

Coffee With A Hint Of Gossip

In a darkened alleyway between two small shops, a man was leaning against the brick wall of a store, partially hidden in the shadows. To a passerby, he seemed like he was just loitering there for no reason, but the man was there one reason and one reason only. A grin appeared on his lips as he watched the small coffee shop across the street.

To rob that store blind.

The man left the dark alleyway, hands in his coat pockets as he made his way across the street towards the shop. He pushed open the door and a happy chime rang out, signaling the employees inside they had a customer. His green eyes scanned the place, seeing maybe two customers and about three employees in here. Smiling to himself. he made his way up to the front.

"This'll be a piece of cake."

The employee, an older sandy-haired man with a pipe in his mouth, saw the man coming up to the front and was immediately suspicious of him. He narrowed his eyes as he spoke, not even trying to hide his annoyance and suspicions.

"Shifty? What do you want?"

Shifty gave the cashier a big smile as he addressed him, "Oh, Pop. C'mon. I'm just here to get something."

The older man frowned, brow furrowing as he shook his head, "Fine. But try and funny business and I'll call the cops."

"Yeah, yeah. . ."

"So. . .what do you want anyway?"

Shifty wiped his hand out of his coat pocket, a small silver pistol in his hand. The smile never left his face as he whispered to the shocked cashier.

"Everything."

Shifty turned and shot every other employee before they knew what was happening, and then turned his gun on the customers who tried to flee at seeing the crazed man's gun, but were too slow for the thief's quick-draw.

"I want everything."

After the gunshots were silenced and the coffee shop grew quiet, Shifty turned his gaze back on the stunned Pop, who was frozen with fear. Why did Shifty kill everyone? Normally he let them go, being only interested in the money he could get. So what changed? Then he noticed the twin was alone and frowned in confusion as he looked around. Then before he could stop himself, he voiced that confusion towards the thief.

"Where's your brother at?"

Shifty's expression darkened at the mention of his other half, and he scoffed, "He failed me too many times. I don't need him."

"But. . .But he's your brother!" Pop knew that when the twin's plans went awry, they would end trying to save their own skins, but he never guessed that one would completely abandon the other.

Shifty gritted his teeth, annoyance flaring up as he brandished the gun at Pop, "Enough! Enough talking about that waste of space. Give me the money or I'll-"

Shifty stopped his shouting as his ears picked up a little beeping coming from behind the counter. Pop saw the young man's eyes turn to stare where his hand was hidden under the counter. Pop had his hand on a button under the counter, a button that would've sent an emergency call out to Splendid, who was bound to show up any second.

Shifty swore loudly in anger and before Pop could even react, he had a bullet between his eyes and the man's body crumpled to the floor. Shifty rushed to the other side of the counter and slammed his gun repeatedly on the cash register, trying to force the machine open. After a few more attempts the register's till flew open and Shifty started to stuff his pockets full of cash. He didn't have a lot of time, it was only a matter of time before-