Chapter 4 - I'm looking for Harry
"Ok, I get it bro, I'll be fine. See you at supper. If you get good food I'll cook for us on the stove that will finally work again cause we can afford electricity. Woowhoo." Kat smiled at him and winked. He winked back and she walked out the door. He knew she was as street as the guys but she was so small he worried about her. They had taken her in about 4 years ago. She had been 15 at the time, and a runaway.
She was already street smart then, but Brooklyn, New York street smart, not South Central LA street smart. They were different. The three guys had taken one look into her big, green, scared eyes and had been hooked. They had been the worst sort of thugs at the time, they had been in a gang and were notoriously dangerous. It was one of the worst gangs in LA, the Tigers. But they had all fallen for the slip of a girl. Even then she was all big blonde hair and big green eyes. They all had a soft spot for Kitten. They had all killed men, and well, they hadn't been nice guys to cross with. But when it came to Kitten, she had them all wrapped around her little paw. And that had started the move over to legitimacy. No one had wanted to have to tell Kitten that one of her adopted brothers had been killed, and in the world they lived in it would have happened sooner or later. Or one or more of them would have gone to jail. And where would Kitten be then?
She had looked kind of like a Persian kitten, all face and fur. So they nicknamed her Kitten. No way had she been a Kat yet. She had still not grown into a Kat as far as Sean was concerned. She was his kitten. And always would be most likely. He never had a sister but he knew how he would feel about one now. At least they had gotten to her in time to save her from being caught up in a prostitution ring. He couldn't imagine his sweet Kitten having her innocence striped that way, likely ending up strung out on heroin too. They must have been a site back then. The badest gang in LA taking care of a 15 year old run away. She had been the only girl in the gang, not a skank around gang members. The leader of the gang, Conner, was Sean's older brother. So they still knew all the gang members and Kitten had almost been like their mascot. They were the Tigers and they had a tiger kitten of a girl to take care of. Watching the whole gang soften around Kitten was comical. That was one of the main reasons Kitten was safe in the 'hood. The whole place knew that Kitten was under the protection of the Tigers. And no one wanted to mess with Conner and his gang. They were ruthless. But not with Kitten. She could do anything and still be their little sweetie.
She was so sweet. But so tough too. Sean guessed being raised by her idiot brothers at first then three thugs only between 3 and 5 years older then she was had made her turn out how she had. She hadn't had it easy for the first 15 years of her life but for the last four she had been spoiled rotten up till a few months ago. They always gave her what she wanted, even if she put up a fight about accepting the gifts. But in her innocence, even after the life she had lead to that point, she had given them some of theirs back. It was like in saving kitten, she had saved them right back. Even in a powerful gang the bleakness of the life of most people in this part of LA could get you down. But kitten had had the worst possible start to her life since she was 6, when her dad left them and her mom died not much before she left home, leaving her to her brothers. So she ran, the guys picked her up and the four of them were together for life from that point on. But the start she'd had and how she'd grown up had almost made her too independent. Sometimes everyone needed help but you'd never catch Kitten asking for it. She'd sooner suffer or hurt instead of ask for anything. She took a long time to learn to trust anyone.
She had told them she ran to cali to race, so they had put her behind the wheel of a car. Back in those days they were rollin' in money, and their Kitten had to have whatever car she wanted. She had had brothers back home and they had run a chop shop. She knew American heavy metal, corvettes, vipers, t-birds. That kind of car. But Kitten had always had a taste for the refinement of a well tuned import. She wanted one, and she wanted to race. She told them that was why she came to this part of the world. She heard that southern cali was the place to race. She planned on making enough to buy her import and then race it. She had raced in Corvettes in New York but the scene was smaller, not as competitive as the import scene in LA. The fact that had only been 15 at the time hadn't seemed to bother her and she had just completed a cross country flight from her brother with no license, so they figured she could drive and race without one in LA too. What did they care, not like they gave much concern to the law.
They of course wondered why she had run clear across the country and hadn't been buying that it was because she wanted to race against the best. They had slowly found out that her oldest brother had been the worst sort of criminal and she had found out just in time to stop him that he had been planning on selling her to a business acquaintance to further cement their relationship. She stole one of their stolen cars and ran. By some twist of fate they had found her on her first night in cali.
She had just sold the corvette she had taken from her brothers and had no where to stay. The rest as they say was history. She had put her money in and because she was their little kitten they had kicked in the rest of the money needed to buy her car. It was in a garage at Stacy's mother's house now. She had been in a wreck with it, it had been after they got out of the gang and times were tight. There had been no money to just get it fixed so she had been working at it as money allowed. She had it almost ready to go again and another 700 or 800 would see it road worthy and ready to race. Her and Sean had to do all the work because they could not pay anyone to do it, there was no money. So if Kitten was going to be working and so was Sean it would be a long time before it was finished. He was glad that he had some formal training in mechanics.
The guys knew that Kitten could win enough to keep them livin' in style and relatively legally at that. She was good. Then again what she hadn't known when she got to LA she learned from the gang. She could run from the cops out of any area of the city and not get caught. The gang had all taught her to drive fast but controlled. She could race and she would win. She'd been doing ok before the wreck.
What kitten didn't know was if they didn't get her racing again soon the guys were going back to the gang. They couldn't stand to see Kitten wearing rags, doing her own hair, and never having enough to eat. Not that she ever complained. She was the best little trouper about the whole thing. But they hadn't minded being in the gang, really, and they figured Kitten would be happy when they had food to eat, a better apartment, with a bedroom just for her like they use to have, and all the money needed to keep her damn imported car purring. The thing was as fickle as the cat his owner was named after.
Sean woke the other two boys and then headed down to the garage on the corner. Stacy and Kale got dressed and went to see Tony. They got lots of work and went to start collecting Tony's money. It was going well. Kitten would be happy. They all would be. If they could just get enough money to fix her darn car. They were all happier as her pit crew then as street thugs. The pay wasn't as good but it sure was safer.
Kat got the electric turned back on then headed to the government office. She started to look up jobs based on cars. Some store called 'The Racer's Edge' was looking for a part time sales clerk. *Hey, I can do that.* she though. *I have all the experience, I build my car on my own pretty well and I know import race cars.* She went to the mall first. She hoped the guys would forgive her for buying a new top but she couldn't go to a place like this one was bound to be looking like something the cat dragged in. She laughed to herself at that. She hit the mall and went to the first store that sold clothes that looked like they would suit her. She hadn't been shopping in so long, there hadn't been money for it.
She wondered what kind of top she should buy. It was a car place, so not too dressy, but then again she was applying to work the counter, so not garage scruffy either. She tried on a baby tee that was black with blue flames on the sleeves and hem. This'd work out ok. She looked clean and sharp but not Barbieish. Which she knew she had to watch out for with her hair. She was glad she didn't have the Barbie figure to go with it.
She bought the top, it was on sale for 10 bucks, then headed to this store. She got there after 30 minutes on the bus. It would be about 30 minutes by bus from her house too. That was ok. She walked up to the counter.
"Hey, I'm looking for Harry." She told the man at the counter. He was hot stuff, this guy. All blonde good looks and tall, tanned, muscled physique. And he had a killer smile, she though as the man smiled at her for the first time.
"Hi, I'm his partner Brian. He's not in, can I help you?"
"Well I came about the job you have posted. I am very interested in that position."
"Oh yeah, you know cars?"
"I sure do. I have a car, but it is not street ready yet so I can't drive him. But I built it myself. I've raced it too. I've also raced c5 corvettes and Vipers, and all sorts of other cars back east. I have no formal mechanics training but I know what I'm doing around a car." She smiled back at Brian. She wanted this job. The store was clean and well lit and she'd bet she would get some sort of discount on parts.
"Well, what do you know about computers? You need to be able to use a computer fairly well for this position. It involves more counter work and ordering parts with the computer then it does working on cars, but the fact that you know what parts people mean when they can't tell you the proper name is a good thing. Now do you know the part lookup system?"
"Honestly, no I don't know the part lookup system. But I know my way around a computer. I'm a super fast learner when it comes to computers too. I know I could do this job, and I'm gonna level with ya, I really need it." She could sense Brian had a kind heart, and by leveling with him to a certain extent it might give her the edge.
"Well, since you were honest about that, I'm gonna tell ya, we got a lot of applicants for the position, but none of them as honest as you seem. They all wanted the job for the staff discount. The fact that you need the job makes me think you'll do a good job and stick around after your car is built, where as most of the guys I got in here applying so far are only looking to save some money while they build their cars." Brian looked at her earnest face. She seemed so innocent but yet not. He was going to take a chance on her. Well pending Harry's ok. But then Harry would likely as not go along with him because he was just as discouraged by the caliber of the people they had coming in as Brian was. "You want the job? You can start Monday if you do. It's only part time, but if you need more I might be able to hook you up with some hours at a friend's café not far from here."
"Of course I want the job, and I may take you up on the café hours too. I've been out of work a long time." Kat smiled at him. Or if she was honest she'd never had to work before. She'd been too young to work in New York and the guys hadn't heard of her doing anything harder then cooking them dinner and hangin' out with the homies all day. She could put in the work here she knew but it had never been required of her before.
"So you know I'm Brian, who are you?"
"Katherine, but call me Kat. Or else." She winked at him to take the sting out of the words.
"Ok Kat, can you be here at 1 Monday and I'll start to show you around and start to show you the computer system? You can work 1-6 for the rest of the week and we can see about getting you working at that café next week if you want. The hours there will be 9-12 Monday to Friday, that'll give you an hour to eat and get back here by 1 for your hours here."
"Sounds good Brian. I really appreciate it." She smiled at him and told him she'd see him tomorrow. He nodded. She was glad they had the electric back on. She'd need to make sure she was up by 12 and she loved to sleep so she never got up early unless she was worried like she had been this morning. She walked out front of the store and sat down at the bus stop out front. An older guy walked into the store.
"Hey Harry. I filled the job." Brian told Harry with some satisfaction considering Harry hadn't been able to.
"Yeah, with who?"
"The Blonde girl that you must have passed on your way in."
"You mean the one waiting for the bus? What does she know about cars?"
"Plenty. She has a car, she said it's not roadworthy yet. There was just something about her Harry. She knows her shit and she really needs the job. She's not some kid looking to get cheap parts. Trust me on this one. Did you say she was waiting for the bus?"
"Yeah, well she's sitting at the bus stop."
"I'm gonna go run her home then since you're back now."
"Fine Brian, but bring her in here first so I can meet her."
"Sure thing." Brian went outside and sure enough there was Kat waiting for the bus. "Hey, that was the big boss, come meet him Kat."
She got up and followed Brian into the store with a smile. She liked Brian, he was nice, and seemed honest. Brian introduced her to Harry. Harry took to her right away. She reminded him of how his daughter would likely be like if he were to meet her. He left her mother years ago and the woman would not let him see his daughter. That was before he ever moved to California. He asked her what her name was and she told him Katherine, but he better call her Kat like everyone else. Harry laughed. His little girl had been full of spunk just like Kat. He hadn't seen her since she was 6. Her name had been Skyelyn. As far as attitude Kat was going to fit in just fine.
They talked cars for awhile, and she did seem to know what she was talking about. She refused to tell them what she drove before it was all fixed up. She promised they would be the second group to see it after her boys. They agreed with reluctance. She looked at the clock and started. She was gonna miss the last bus. She told them she had to rush if she was gonna catch her bus. Brian told her not to worry about it, he was gonna run her home. She told him that was not a great idea.
Brian couldn't figure out why she would rather take the bus. He would drive her home in an air conditioned truck. Harry insisted that she let Brian drive her home. She looked from one to the other.
"Ok, I get it bro, I'll be fine. See you at supper. If you get good food I'll cook for us on the stove that will finally work again cause we can afford electricity. Woowhoo." Kat smiled at him and winked. He winked back and she walked out the door. He knew she was as street as the guys but she was so small he worried about her. They had taken her in about 4 years ago. She had been 15 at the time, and a runaway.
She was already street smart then, but Brooklyn, New York street smart, not South Central LA street smart. They were different. The three guys had taken one look into her big, green, scared eyes and had been hooked. They had been the worst sort of thugs at the time, they had been in a gang and were notoriously dangerous. It was one of the worst gangs in LA, the Tigers. But they had all fallen for the slip of a girl. Even then she was all big blonde hair and big green eyes. They all had a soft spot for Kitten. They had all killed men, and well, they hadn't been nice guys to cross with. But when it came to Kitten, she had them all wrapped around her little paw. And that had started the move over to legitimacy. No one had wanted to have to tell Kitten that one of her adopted brothers had been killed, and in the world they lived in it would have happened sooner or later. Or one or more of them would have gone to jail. And where would Kitten be then?
She had looked kind of like a Persian kitten, all face and fur. So they nicknamed her Kitten. No way had she been a Kat yet. She had still not grown into a Kat as far as Sean was concerned. She was his kitten. And always would be most likely. He never had a sister but he knew how he would feel about one now. At least they had gotten to her in time to save her from being caught up in a prostitution ring. He couldn't imagine his sweet Kitten having her innocence striped that way, likely ending up strung out on heroin too. They must have been a site back then. The badest gang in LA taking care of a 15 year old run away. She had been the only girl in the gang, not a skank around gang members. The leader of the gang, Conner, was Sean's older brother. So they still knew all the gang members and Kitten had almost been like their mascot. They were the Tigers and they had a tiger kitten of a girl to take care of. Watching the whole gang soften around Kitten was comical. That was one of the main reasons Kitten was safe in the 'hood. The whole place knew that Kitten was under the protection of the Tigers. And no one wanted to mess with Conner and his gang. They were ruthless. But not with Kitten. She could do anything and still be their little sweetie.
She was so sweet. But so tough too. Sean guessed being raised by her idiot brothers at first then three thugs only between 3 and 5 years older then she was had made her turn out how she had. She hadn't had it easy for the first 15 years of her life but for the last four she had been spoiled rotten up till a few months ago. They always gave her what she wanted, even if she put up a fight about accepting the gifts. But in her innocence, even after the life she had lead to that point, she had given them some of theirs back. It was like in saving kitten, she had saved them right back. Even in a powerful gang the bleakness of the life of most people in this part of LA could get you down. But kitten had had the worst possible start to her life since she was 6, when her dad left them and her mom died not much before she left home, leaving her to her brothers. So she ran, the guys picked her up and the four of them were together for life from that point on. But the start she'd had and how she'd grown up had almost made her too independent. Sometimes everyone needed help but you'd never catch Kitten asking for it. She'd sooner suffer or hurt instead of ask for anything. She took a long time to learn to trust anyone.
She had told them she ran to cali to race, so they had put her behind the wheel of a car. Back in those days they were rollin' in money, and their Kitten had to have whatever car she wanted. She had had brothers back home and they had run a chop shop. She knew American heavy metal, corvettes, vipers, t-birds. That kind of car. But Kitten had always had a taste for the refinement of a well tuned import. She wanted one, and she wanted to race. She told them that was why she came to this part of the world. She heard that southern cali was the place to race. She planned on making enough to buy her import and then race it. She had raced in Corvettes in New York but the scene was smaller, not as competitive as the import scene in LA. The fact that had only been 15 at the time hadn't seemed to bother her and she had just completed a cross country flight from her brother with no license, so they figured she could drive and race without one in LA too. What did they care, not like they gave much concern to the law.
They of course wondered why she had run clear across the country and hadn't been buying that it was because she wanted to race against the best. They had slowly found out that her oldest brother had been the worst sort of criminal and she had found out just in time to stop him that he had been planning on selling her to a business acquaintance to further cement their relationship. She stole one of their stolen cars and ran. By some twist of fate they had found her on her first night in cali.
She had just sold the corvette she had taken from her brothers and had no where to stay. The rest as they say was history. She had put her money in and because she was their little kitten they had kicked in the rest of the money needed to buy her car. It was in a garage at Stacy's mother's house now. She had been in a wreck with it, it had been after they got out of the gang and times were tight. There had been no money to just get it fixed so she had been working at it as money allowed. She had it almost ready to go again and another 700 or 800 would see it road worthy and ready to race. Her and Sean had to do all the work because they could not pay anyone to do it, there was no money. So if Kitten was going to be working and so was Sean it would be a long time before it was finished. He was glad that he had some formal training in mechanics.
The guys knew that Kitten could win enough to keep them livin' in style and relatively legally at that. She was good. Then again what she hadn't known when she got to LA she learned from the gang. She could run from the cops out of any area of the city and not get caught. The gang had all taught her to drive fast but controlled. She could race and she would win. She'd been doing ok before the wreck.
What kitten didn't know was if they didn't get her racing again soon the guys were going back to the gang. They couldn't stand to see Kitten wearing rags, doing her own hair, and never having enough to eat. Not that she ever complained. She was the best little trouper about the whole thing. But they hadn't minded being in the gang, really, and they figured Kitten would be happy when they had food to eat, a better apartment, with a bedroom just for her like they use to have, and all the money needed to keep her damn imported car purring. The thing was as fickle as the cat his owner was named after.
Sean woke the other two boys and then headed down to the garage on the corner. Stacy and Kale got dressed and went to see Tony. They got lots of work and went to start collecting Tony's money. It was going well. Kitten would be happy. They all would be. If they could just get enough money to fix her darn car. They were all happier as her pit crew then as street thugs. The pay wasn't as good but it sure was safer.
Kat got the electric turned back on then headed to the government office. She started to look up jobs based on cars. Some store called 'The Racer's Edge' was looking for a part time sales clerk. *Hey, I can do that.* she though. *I have all the experience, I build my car on my own pretty well and I know import race cars.* She went to the mall first. She hoped the guys would forgive her for buying a new top but she couldn't go to a place like this one was bound to be looking like something the cat dragged in. She laughed to herself at that. She hit the mall and went to the first store that sold clothes that looked like they would suit her. She hadn't been shopping in so long, there hadn't been money for it.
She wondered what kind of top she should buy. It was a car place, so not too dressy, but then again she was applying to work the counter, so not garage scruffy either. She tried on a baby tee that was black with blue flames on the sleeves and hem. This'd work out ok. She looked clean and sharp but not Barbieish. Which she knew she had to watch out for with her hair. She was glad she didn't have the Barbie figure to go with it.
She bought the top, it was on sale for 10 bucks, then headed to this store. She got there after 30 minutes on the bus. It would be about 30 minutes by bus from her house too. That was ok. She walked up to the counter.
"Hey, I'm looking for Harry." She told the man at the counter. He was hot stuff, this guy. All blonde good looks and tall, tanned, muscled physique. And he had a killer smile, she though as the man smiled at her for the first time.
"Hi, I'm his partner Brian. He's not in, can I help you?"
"Well I came about the job you have posted. I am very interested in that position."
"Oh yeah, you know cars?"
"I sure do. I have a car, but it is not street ready yet so I can't drive him. But I built it myself. I've raced it too. I've also raced c5 corvettes and Vipers, and all sorts of other cars back east. I have no formal mechanics training but I know what I'm doing around a car." She smiled back at Brian. She wanted this job. The store was clean and well lit and she'd bet she would get some sort of discount on parts.
"Well, what do you know about computers? You need to be able to use a computer fairly well for this position. It involves more counter work and ordering parts with the computer then it does working on cars, but the fact that you know what parts people mean when they can't tell you the proper name is a good thing. Now do you know the part lookup system?"
"Honestly, no I don't know the part lookup system. But I know my way around a computer. I'm a super fast learner when it comes to computers too. I know I could do this job, and I'm gonna level with ya, I really need it." She could sense Brian had a kind heart, and by leveling with him to a certain extent it might give her the edge.
"Well, since you were honest about that, I'm gonna tell ya, we got a lot of applicants for the position, but none of them as honest as you seem. They all wanted the job for the staff discount. The fact that you need the job makes me think you'll do a good job and stick around after your car is built, where as most of the guys I got in here applying so far are only looking to save some money while they build their cars." Brian looked at her earnest face. She seemed so innocent but yet not. He was going to take a chance on her. Well pending Harry's ok. But then Harry would likely as not go along with him because he was just as discouraged by the caliber of the people they had coming in as Brian was. "You want the job? You can start Monday if you do. It's only part time, but if you need more I might be able to hook you up with some hours at a friend's café not far from here."
"Of course I want the job, and I may take you up on the café hours too. I've been out of work a long time." Kat smiled at him. Or if she was honest she'd never had to work before. She'd been too young to work in New York and the guys hadn't heard of her doing anything harder then cooking them dinner and hangin' out with the homies all day. She could put in the work here she knew but it had never been required of her before.
"So you know I'm Brian, who are you?"
"Katherine, but call me Kat. Or else." She winked at him to take the sting out of the words.
"Ok Kat, can you be here at 1 Monday and I'll start to show you around and start to show you the computer system? You can work 1-6 for the rest of the week and we can see about getting you working at that café next week if you want. The hours there will be 9-12 Monday to Friday, that'll give you an hour to eat and get back here by 1 for your hours here."
"Sounds good Brian. I really appreciate it." She smiled at him and told him she'd see him tomorrow. He nodded. She was glad they had the electric back on. She'd need to make sure she was up by 12 and she loved to sleep so she never got up early unless she was worried like she had been this morning. She walked out front of the store and sat down at the bus stop out front. An older guy walked into the store.
"Hey Harry. I filled the job." Brian told Harry with some satisfaction considering Harry hadn't been able to.
"Yeah, with who?"
"The Blonde girl that you must have passed on your way in."
"You mean the one waiting for the bus? What does she know about cars?"
"Plenty. She has a car, she said it's not roadworthy yet. There was just something about her Harry. She knows her shit and she really needs the job. She's not some kid looking to get cheap parts. Trust me on this one. Did you say she was waiting for the bus?"
"Yeah, well she's sitting at the bus stop."
"I'm gonna go run her home then since you're back now."
"Fine Brian, but bring her in here first so I can meet her."
"Sure thing." Brian went outside and sure enough there was Kat waiting for the bus. "Hey, that was the big boss, come meet him Kat."
She got up and followed Brian into the store with a smile. She liked Brian, he was nice, and seemed honest. Brian introduced her to Harry. Harry took to her right away. She reminded him of how his daughter would likely be like if he were to meet her. He left her mother years ago and the woman would not let him see his daughter. That was before he ever moved to California. He asked her what her name was and she told him Katherine, but he better call her Kat like everyone else. Harry laughed. His little girl had been full of spunk just like Kat. He hadn't seen her since she was 6. Her name had been Skyelyn. As far as attitude Kat was going to fit in just fine.
They talked cars for awhile, and she did seem to know what she was talking about. She refused to tell them what she drove before it was all fixed up. She promised they would be the second group to see it after her boys. They agreed with reluctance. She looked at the clock and started. She was gonna miss the last bus. She told them she had to rush if she was gonna catch her bus. Brian told her not to worry about it, he was gonna run her home. She told him that was not a great idea.
Brian couldn't figure out why she would rather take the bus. He would drive her home in an air conditioned truck. Harry insisted that she let Brian drive her home. She looked from one to the other.