Short Story 2: The Bar

The Boss nearly have control of the whole city. But he doesn't have control of the kid that's shows up to his bar unannounced

            “That damn kid is here again.” The boss of the bar said, staring back at an individual that is out of place in this part of town. The men around him in suspicious clothes all look at what the boss is eyeing. “Ah yes boss, there he is again, same time everyday for the past month.”

            “Drinking the same liquid.” The Boss got more agitated. “Does he know what this place is, or who I am?” One of his henchmen responded. “Perhaps not boss.” The Boss smashed his fist to the table. “I worked hard to be the most ruthless man in the city, not only I own this bar, but also 90% percent of the city. How did he even come here without my permission anyway?”

“Maybe he bride the guys up front?” The Boss took a smoke. “Maybe he did, those boys upstairs about to have their kneecaps busted when I get up there.” The Boss stand up from his chair. “Before I do, lets finally welcome him and make him pay upfront for his stay.”

The Boss and his four henchmen make their way over to the kid in the red jacket, sitting alone on his stool. “Hey kid, you haven’t introduced yourself to the owner of this establishment. Why don’t you say hello?” The kid put his drink down and turns to the five men standing around him, with The Boss being in the middle. “Hello, I’m Jack, this is a fine place.” He continues with his drink. One of the henchmen grabbed his shoulder, making him face them. “This bar is for people I personally invited, and you’re not one of them.” Jack gets of his stool. “Can you please be invited here?” The Boss was shocked of the response. “Then tell me, why do you want to be here?” Jack wasted no time. “The milk here is the best I tasted, so I like it here.”

The Boss was even more shocked of his response. “I’m glad to hear, it’s just I want you to pay a fee for being here, do you mind if we step outside?” Jack agreed. The five men escorted him to an alleyway, a place where no one will see the dirty deeds that are done here. “So, what do I have to pay?”

“Sick him boys!” The four men revealed their weapons and crushed Jack, attack him from all sides. The sounds of blood gushing and bones breaking are echoed, masked to the sounds of wood and metal bashing on a hard surface. The Boss didn’t here the kid scream yet, surprising him, or maybe he’s already dead.

The boys were exhausted from the encounter, smiles on their faces as they did another job for The Boss. The Boss looks at the unconscious body that lay there, “And stay out of my bar!” He was glad that was taken care of, another thing pops up in his mind talking to himself. Now to bust some kneecaps.

The next day, The Boss is furious, he sees that kid again, drinking his damn milk again, with no injuries on him from yesterday’s beating. WHY IS HE HERE AGAIN! The henchman gazed to Jack. “I thought he wouldn’t walk again.” There was rage in the air, and hints of fear as well. This didn’t look good for The Boss.

               They met with Jack again in his same spot, confusion written in their faces. Jack turned around. “Hello again, I payed the fee, now let me drink my milk.” The Boss eyebrows were twitching. “I had questions for you, but I don’t care anymore. Grab him!” The henchmen grab Jack by all fours and tossed him out to the alley again.

               “Kill him!” The henchmen proceed to follow the order. The Boss said to himself, “No one makes a fool out of me.” He was determined to sweep this under the rug. Make this problem disappear. His anger subsided; he was calm again. But the rest of his day was ruined.

               The Next Day

               The Boss and all four of his henchmen all gasped in fear, quivering to their souls. They didn’t believe their eyes as they see Jack again, drinking his milk as usual. The Boss didn’t want to believe, he thought he seen everything; power, corruption, betrayal. This is new to him. “Boys lets get him.” One rejected, “Hell no Boss, he’s something else. I don’t want to mess with him anymore.”

               “Take off your girly pants and come with me.” Not one of them wanted to move closer, but orders are orders. They meet again with Jack. “Why are you still here?” The Boss asked him. “The milk is delicious.”

               “Why are you still ALIVE!” The Boss pants, still processing everything. “I’m not. I’m just here.” The Boss face turn red with frustration, “What are you then a ghost?” Jack thought of it for a second. “Umm... yes. And only you guys can see me.”

               “That’s the stupidest thing I ever heard of. There is no such thing as ghost.” The Boss turns over to another customer. “Hey!” The customer turns. “Can you see this guy here.” The customers tilt his head over to see. “There’s no one there.” The Boss turns again, it was true. There is no one there. The henchmen freak out in despair to what they witness. Jack is gone.

                   The five men feared behind their usual spot, cowering at what happen. They couldn't process it. Even the regulars notice their appearance. The Boss is shaking to his core, sweating, his eyes couldn't keep focus. He looks up to see Jack again, drinking his milk. He's not going to bother him or any other time again.