Storm Front- 11
"Now, how in the world are we gonna fix this?" Ryu grumbled. "We've gotta figure out a way to get Jun and Ken to make up. We can't have them arguing on missions."
"Easier said than done, big guy," Joe sighed heavily and gazed in the direction of Jun's apartment.
"I'll go and talk to Sis…" Jinpei began.
Joe grabbed him by his bony shoulder and held him back. "Oh no you don't, small fry. She's in no condition for a talk right now. You might get blown up if you're not careful. Just give her some time to cool down. They'll work things out."
Joe smirked and started toward the door. "If I were you, I'd get this place cleaned up and close it down for the night. You don't want any of the 'wrath of Jun' to come down on you, do you?"
Jinpei scowled as Joe slipped out the front door. "Sis? I can handle her…"
Then he peered over at Ryu, who was concentrating on making his escape. "So, Ryu…wanna help me out here?"
"Sorry, Jinpei." Ryu chuckled. "I gotta get back home. I have…uh…something I gotta do."
Jinpei had never seen the Owl move so fast. He blinked his eyes, and Ryu had disappeared into the night.
He plopped down at the counter and pounded his scrawny fist down heavily. "Damn it! A guy can't find good help anymore!"
Then, he glanced up toward his sister's bedroom and shrugged. "Guess I'd better close up." He stood up and padded over quietly to lock the front door and post the "closed" sign.
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Joe clicked his car radio off, momentarily enjoying the purr of his engine as he zipped back to the race track.
His thoughts drifted back to the conversation at the Snack J. "What the hell was wrong with Ken? Why was he so concerned about Jun's friend?"
He raised his arm to call Ken on his wristband. "Ken? You there, Ken?"
He received no answer.
Surprise, surprise…he's sulking again. Joe thought to himself.
Joe found himself taking a detour…straight to Ken's airfield. As second in command, he felt it was his duty to help clear the air between his teammates. Otherwise, as Ryu had previously indicated, the next mission could end up in disaster.
Joe pulled up into the gravel driveway and cautiously made his way to Ken's door. All of the lights were out. Maybe he's not even home…Joe pondered.
He pounded the door with his fist. "Ken? Ken, it's me, Joe. I need to talk to you."
After a few seconds of silence, Ken yelled, "Go away!"
"Come on, Ken. Just hear me out a minute." Joe tried to remain calm. He turned the doorknob, and to his surprise, the door opened.
He walked into the silent, pitch black room. The sound of his footsteps was magnified in the darkness.
Suddenly, he felt a fist slam into his jaw. "I told you to leave, G-2!"
Joe whipped around immediately and grabbed Ken's arm, flipping him over his shoulder and onto the floor.
"And I told you I just wanted to talk. Now shut up and listen to me!" Joe bellowed.
Ken gingerly pulled himself off of the floor and switched on his lamp. Then he plopped down onto his couch and sighed. "Make it quick."