Again this is another reedit to my work, and with the help of my brilliant Beta Reader, WishingOne put in a lot effort to make this story work, Keep your eyes open for minor changes and perks. oh and we'll reuploading all my chapters because they lack good grammer and punctuation. :)

Chapter 2. Hairspray

For the next few months, John had people feed him, dress him, and act as his cane while he slowly gained back his strength. He thought about his robberies and gang. He missed them; he missed his fast cars, good clothes, the hard taste of whiskey, but most of all Billie. He missed her more than anything. He would lie in his bed at night just staring at her picture, a longing in his eyes backed by cold determination as he thought of ways to break her out. She had given up her freedom for him. He remembered when he told her that he would always protect her. He wasn't going to break that promise. No, he was never going to do that.

On a clear sunny day, John Dillinger's strength had finally come back to him. His hair was scraggly and had grown up to his shoulder. He had grown thick stubble and his eyes had sunken in. There was small scar at the edge of his cheek. He looked like hell. He walked to one of his old barber's shop to get a haircut.

"Mr. Dillinger?" Bobby Barker exclaimed.

Bob Barker was an African American gentleman who was an excellent barber. He worked in a tiny shop that John had given him money for. Since that day he had been cutting hair for all kinds of people, even Mayor Edward. All he needed was a place to begin.

"Bobby, nice to see you; I need a trim." John was curt but genuine. He always meant what he said.

"Yessir. Anything for you Mr. Dillinger."

"How have you been doing Bobby?"

"Honestly, not good boss. The economy has gone down hill."

"I know, do you need any help?"

"I'm not taking money from you, if that's what you're asking."

"No, I got a few boys who need a good trim."

"That would be good boss, that would be real good."

John sat down in the chair while Bobby washed and snipped at his hair, already knowing exactly what kind of haircut he wanted. The reason John liked Bobby was because he didn't ask personal questions. He didn't snoop, he wasn't the nosy type.

He then took out a razor blade and gingerly shaved his stubble. It had almost taken all afternoon.

"Alrightie, I think we're done here Mr. Dillinger."

"How many times have I told you to call me John?"

"Sorry boss, I mean John."

John reached into a pocket, pulling out a crisp, new dollar.

"No sir, I won't accept it from you. It's free of charge."

"Don't be silly, take the money."

"I won't take it," Bobby said firmly.

John smiled. "Thank you," he said, as walked over and shook his hand.

"I'm glad you're back, I didn't believe Purvis when he said you were dead. Not one bit. You're John Dillinger."

John pursed his lips and replied, "good-bye Bobby."

Bobby smiled and put his hand in his pocket and felt bills. He pulled it out and found thirty dollars crumpled in his hand. "That Dillinger, he never lets things go," he chuckled to himself.

John went full out and bought many expensive clothes, hats and shoes. He was back in the game. He called a cab and wore a black fedora hat so nobody could recognize him.

Back at the house, Alvin was waiting.

"I need an answer John." Alvin was impatient. There was a large shipment coming in from Cuba, and he wanted it.

"You've been here for five months, and you still don't know what you want. We had a deal."

"I know."

"And you have decided? You know you owe me." His voice got louder with every word.

"Okay I will, but in return you have to help me break Billie out of jail."

"Fine."

"Good, we have an agreement."