"You think he killed that other boy," Canon said slowly.
"I know he did, whether directly, or by manipulating the situation, he's responsible."
"I hope you're right."
"You don't know how much I hope I'm wrong."
"I'll share your concerns with Griffith."
"With respect, I should be the one."
"With mutual respect, Newton, you sound crazy right now. If I didn't know and trust you, I wouldn't even talk to Griff."
Newton stepped backward. Taking a deep breath, he nodded. "Thank you."
"Take a lap, son. Calm down."
"Yeah. I just might."
Canon went inside and Newton started walking the parking lot. Before he'd gone ten yards, he was jogging. The jog became a run. He didn't run full out, but decidedly had some speed on him. Out of the parking lot proper, he spotted movement. Slowing to a trot, he found deep shadows by the building.
Not far away, three youths stood. The tallest one was about 5'10". Their youth showed in their walks, full of the gangling insecurity of a boy in a man's body. Hadn't he moved the same way until he became used to his size?
By their casual stance, he was sure they didn't see him. He slid slowly into deeper shadow and sent a text to Canon.
We have company 3 kids out here looking for a way in They're on the move. He fixed his earbud in place and could hear Canon yelling. They're going around back. Going silent.
"Track him," he heard Canon say. "For gods sake, be careful, or Eilene won't give me any peace."
Newton didn't respond. Canon hadn't expected him to. A few minutes later, he heard Eilene's voice. "Coming up on your six with Harvey."
He tapped the microphone to acknowledge. They joined him seconds later. Using hand signals, they communicated.
"You see them yet?" Canon asked quietly over coms.
Newton tapped once for yes.
"We see you near the rear entrance They there?"
He tapped again.
"Three unfriendlies at the back door," Canon announced.
There was a click and buzz ahead of them. The back door opened. Caution abandoned, Newton, Eilene and Harvey ran after them.
"There's a breach," Eilene said. "Repeat. Three armed hostiles at the back door. They are inside."
Eilene opened the back door. Newton took point, Harvey behind him. Eilene secured the door. If anyone else tried to get in, she'd take care of them.
Gunfire sounded up the hall, behind her.
"Report!" Canon bellowed.
"Got one," Harvey said. "He's breathing and bloody."
"Newton!"
"Hey, kids," they heard Newton's cheerful voice. "Drop the weapons. You don't wanna get shot like your buddy. Trust me. Hurts like a bitch."
Another shot rang out, followed by two more—with a scream of pain.
"Told ya. Drop it, son. I don't miss."
A gun clattered. Newton kept the boy covered as Harvey moved in to secure the guns and prisoners.
"Nice grouping," he complimented.
"Breathing?"
"And bleeding, need an ambulance built for two, Boss."
"On the way."
"Are you suicidal?" Eilene asked. "Are you nuts?" she asked the only boy who wasn't bleeding. "Frisk him, would you, Harvey?"
"Afraid you'll like it?" the youth sneered.
"No, afraid I'll be tempted to break your baby dick when you get a stiffy."
She squatted to check on the first teen down. He was bleeding from a thigh wound, but Newton had his belt on the boy's leg. The other had a shoulder and chest wound. She put pressure on these, binding them with strips of his shirt and hoody.
"Dude, you didn't have to shoot Playboy twice," the third teen whined.
"He clipped me with a ricochet. If you fire in a narrow, stone walled space, hit what you aim at." He squatted by the boy, who was coming around. "First shot was payback. Second was to teach you a lesson. I don't miss!" He stood once more and patted the third boy down again. "You three are pathetic. An embarrassment."
EMTs gathered the injured. Eilene rode with them to the hospital. Newton took number three to holding.
"If you think you're gonna see homeboy in lockup, sorry to disappoint. We slapped his ass in solitary."
©2021 Dellani Oakes
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