Tainted Knives

03 | The Kid

A S H E R

Asher let out deep breaths, carrying the young boy on his back. The child's head rested on his dependable shoulders, breathing softly, it's chest rising up and down.

They escaped within the nick of time. They decided to take the child with them, much to Jonathan's dismay, and he was not hesitant to state his opinion.

"Look, all I'm saying is, how the fuck can we take care of this. . . this thing?"

"It's a kid Jonathan. A kid," Asher said, exasperated, "taking care of a kid isn't that expensive, especially with Lilah's help. It's better than letting him starve to death."

"I know that!" Jonathan exclaimed, annoyed, "but it has to be a secret, doesn't it? Who knows what would happen if they find out that there was actually a fucking kid near the hideout?"

Asher and Jonathan were slowly walking on a path that the tunnel led them to. The place was dark, and the area had a staunchly smell. They had nothing but a flashlight to guide the way.

The ground was damp, moist with sewage. With each footstep, one could hear the splashes of water, so they had to walk somewhat slow.

Asher stared at the child who was dressed in tattered clothing with concern, and then he let out a deep sigh.

He suddenly stopped.

"Wha- Why did you stop?" Jonathan rolled his eyes in annoyance.

"Hold the kid," Asher said, making Jonathan catch the child.

"What the-"

Jonathan held the child awkwardly, grumbling.

Asher ruffled his pockets, taking a handkerchief he had barely used. He doused the handkerchief with his bottle, making it wet.

Cupping the child's cheeks gently, Asher tied the handkerchief such that it would be like a mask.

"Asher, are you fucking serious?"

"Of course I am. Can't have this kid dying halfway due to the stench."

"Oh, because we're not going to be caught by the police for murder or anything," Jonathan remarked sarcastically.

Yes. Let's all calm down. Be cheerful.

"I mean, we did take this passage," Asher said calmly, tucking the handkerchief behind the boy's ears, "we're close to the hideout anyway."

"I hate kids and you know that."

Asher gave a small smile.

Lighten the mood.

"What does that have to do with anything? Suck it up. This kid may be more of an adult than you are. And it stinks here, it'll be difficult for him to breathe."

Jonathan rolled his eyes, grumbling. Asher gave him a look of disapproval, and after a few minor adjustments, they proceeded to walk further.

"Are we there yet," Jonathan groaned,"god, it fucking stinks."

"Quit being a crybaby. The bar is close."

"Hey I've always noticed," Jonathan mused, "why's it always a bar? Like is there no other hideout or something?"

Change the topic.

"Hmm," Asher said, deep in thought, "maybe it's because a hideout being a bar is like, I don't know, kind of cool? Many people do come together for alcohol and it's an easy place to trade information. Cops aren't there much either, especially in these parts."