The Phantom
Chapter Two: A friend in need
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The sounds of alarms echo throughout the hallways of an underground facility in which a young boy runs desperately for his life dodging incoming bullets from men clad in white armor, the boy turns around to briefly see the skulls drawn on their helmets.
With a shivering heart, the boy flees around the corner as more bullets fly near his head crashing on the corner and wall. The loud and heavy footsteps echo through the hallway but quickly drown within the deafening sounds of the alarm.
"Don't shoot you, idiots, I want him alive!"- ordered a male voice.
The cold floor sting on his bare feet as he ran down the hallway but the boy bites down on the pain as his freedom was more important though this would be gain only after crossing a line of armed men standing in front of the main door, the boy can't help but look at the rifles aiming at him.
Before him was a tall woman dressed in a strange skin-tight blue overall with a long white doctor coat looking straight at him with unflinching eyes behind red goggles, behind this "doctor" stood several armed men in their equally strange white armors.
"Now tell me Daniel, where exactly are you going?" questioned the woman.
Mere seconds later the chasing group caught up blocked off his escape route as a large and imposing man in an orange overall activates a very powerful electric rod which lets electric rays be seen, the boy knew he was trapped. The cold breeze ran up his nude body as he wonders what course of action to take, there was no way he was going back to the cell, the boy closes his eyes and gets ready for the worse.
Danny's shoulder was suddenly moved sideways forcing him to open his eyes only to see Vlad standing next to him which made him feel so relax and safe, it was then that he noticed the sun had come up and was shining brightly.
"What time is it?"- questioned the boy as he got from the bed.
"Ten in the morning… get dressed for crying out loud"- said Skulker as he threw Danny a jacket.
The lack of modesty by Danny's part bothered Skulker greatly though Vlad was getting used to it by now. The man with strange green hair turns over to Vlad who was watching the news on the television and asks if all the lights were turned on in his nephew's head.
It was by no means normal for a boy his age to go to sleep naked while sharing a room with his uncle and a man he didn't know anything about in a roadside motel, though of course, killing a bunch of people and escaping the police wasn't normal either.
"He's fine… but he can get a little too comfortable sometimes"- said Vlad.
Skulker shifted his attention from Vlad straight to the television as the news reporter talks about the incident the previous night, the hit Danny and Vlad did at Grand Amity hotel took all the attention away from the octopus's monster and other minor crimes.
"During a celebration for having stopped the criminal enterprise lead by Rudolf Ivanov, district attorney Stefano Mancini and several prominent members of Amity court of justice along personal friends were cowardly murdered by an unknown assassin."- said the reporter.
"Cowardly? Those motherfuckers had guns and what about that Tony guy…?"- asked Danny incredulous to the news as he stood between Vlad and Skulker.
Vlad knew there was no way the police would let the local reporters give out all the truth which included but was not limited to the fact Stefano was a pedophile who used his connections with the Arcuri crime family to gain access to underage girls and was horribly corrupt taking large amounts of cash from criminals.
It was only thanks to Andrei's informants that they found out about Stefano's particular taste in girls which grant them the chance to send in Danny disguise as a prostitute after making sure the real hooker and her pimp took a long dirt nap.
There was no doubt the police would be knocking down many doors and people would be indiscriminately arrested for the murder of Stefano, even now the sirens roar in the distance but Vlad and Skulker both knew they couldn't stay in the motel for too long.
So far, no official statement had been given about the assassins, the reason as to why they murder Stefano and his coworkers nor their physical descriptions which help Danny blend in the crowds though Vlad was nonetheless still worried.
"Come on guys, city's close so it's for the best if you two lay low at your house… hey welp, act innocent."- said Skulker as he flips off the television.
"Can we at least get some breakfast?"- asked Danny stretching his arms.
"I'll buy a whole fucking tower of pancakes if you put on some fucking clothes"- demanded Skulker as he walks over to the door while Vlad couldn't stop himself from laughing loudly.
The moment the door was open a strong cold breeze hug Danny though much to Skulker's surprise didn't faze the boy in the least. As far as Skulker's knowledge when the boy grew up in Moscow along with Vlad hence had a much higher tolerance for cold.
(XXXX)
Due to the police constantly raiding any business with some degree of criminal connections made Andrei sent Vlad out of Amity, partly to keep him out of the radar until things cool down but also to have him settle new deals for upcoming business.
Danny was left behind much to his dislike but due to his age, the police wouldn't consider him a suspect even if someone mention having seen him. Their disguises made it very hard for anyone to make them out.
The streets were pack with police patrols and roadblocks but little by little this had been removed leaving more space to walk, yet Danny couldn't care in the less for the police activity. The boy was much more concerned with his dark skin friend who had gone missing.
Danny knew it had something to do with the weed Tucker had been selling lately, his sudden absence truly bothered him as young black men dying in the streets hardly ever made the news especially with the police focusing their whole attention to the search of Stefano's killers.
Despite his well-known friendship with Tucker no one in the black community aided Danny in his inquiries about the boy's whereabouts, most either ignore him altogether or even challenge to a fight for asking too much.
It was rather inconvenient to not have the slightest idea as to where his best and only friend in Casper High lives, the knowledge about Tucker's house came from a rather unsavory place, the school records office.
"Student Tucker Foley? Yeah, he's been absent since Monday"- said a goofy-looking boy with bucktooth and thick glasses.
"I'm aware of that dork. Where in fuck does he live at?"- asked Danny already tired of beating the bushes.
The boy was fearful to find out Tucker was a John doe in the city morgue result of pointless gang violence or the victim of the many monsters which lurk in the dark. Danny wanted to know if perhaps Tucker's endeavors on becoming a drug lord came to bite in the ass.
"Easy man, here's the damn address ya funky queer!" yelled back the boy as he tossed him a piece of paper.
"Don't call me that you four-eye prick". Said Danny as he took the paper and stormed out.
"The name's Poindexter bitch!"- challenge the glasses-wearing boy.
Danny didn't mind skipping school if it means finding out what happened to Tucker, though hardly any teacher would care if he was absent. Yet Danny was absolutely sure Lancer would whip him with his belt the following day for his inexcusable absence.
With grave concern on his face Danny took a bus to the heart of Rat Town into a place dreaded and fear to its notorious violence which earn it the name of "Devil's Diner," a place far more infested with gang violence, poverty and crime than in his own neighborhood.
The first thing Danny saw upon arriving was the remains of several burns down buildings scattered across the streets among abandon cars, this particular part of town had been the victim of arson throughout the years leaving dozens of people homeless which now floated the streets.
Half of Casper High student body unbelievably came from Devil Diner though unsurprisingly no one from High Town attended, which was in part great reason to their violence and reckless behavior among the students.
The road leading to Tucker's home was infested with junkies and abandon houses. Danny took a look at the house number and compare it to the one written on the paper, the boy couldn't help but frown at the single-story house.
Danny gaze upon the dry out garden and the yellow paint which was peeling off the walls, to the right just next to an empty garage was doghouse but no such animal anywhere to be seen, though there was an old fat black lady sitting next to the porch on rocking chair.
"What you want, boy"- said the woman with a raspy voice possible the result of years of tobacco abuse.
"Ummm, Good morning is comra… shit I mean is Tucker home?"- Danny corrected himself as fast as he could.
The boy was often told to avoid using such a word in public though it was constantly said among Vlad's friends and coworkers, Danny knew the word "comrade" wasn't by any means a foul word or insulting but people still took certain offense by it.
"You ain't from around here"- stated the old woman.
It was the first time Danny ever came to Devils Diner and by the way, he stares at the homeless and the abandon houses made him seem like a tourist in a developing country, though deep down, he also knew it had something to do with skin color which bothers him greatly.
"No ma'am, I'm not"- casually replied the boy.
"I figured as much, you got manners. That boy might learn something from ya." Added the old woman as she nodded him inside.
Danny thank the old woman for letting him enter into her home, as the boy crosses the door, he could feel a certain uneasiness hidden behind her warm granny smile. The moment Danny enter the house he noticed the temperature was the same as the outside, this, of course, was thanks to lack of a heater or a fireplace.
To his right was what he could only assume was a living room judging by the old and stain couch standing in front of an old television probably from the late 50s, turning his head over to the left was a small kitchen in which the sink was overflowing with dishes and pots, even the small wooden table had used dishes all over.
The floor had several pieces of clothing scattered around which included underwear, both female and male. Empty beer cans and some delivery food packages with leftovers rotting away made a colorful yet smelly path down the hallway which held a total of four doors.
Walking past the first door, Danny noticed the bathroom brimming with heavily used hygiene products and a bathtub which by the looks of it was also use for cloth washing, the following room was something of a broom closet.
Danny could assume the other two rooms were the bedrooms, one for granny and the other of Tucker. The dark skin boy was as expected at the last door to the left reading a comic book on a bunkbed, upon entering one could see several posters of popular musicians and oddly enough several beauty products.
(XXXXX)
With an unexplainable relief, Danny saw his best friend reading a comic book on the top bed which meant he wasn't a corpse at the city morgue, as Danny creep into the room he notices a makeup set on a beauty table which he considers strange for a boy to have despite his recent ventures into crossdressing.
"I don't think this shade suits ya Tucker"- teased Danny as he held a pink blush in his hand.
"That's my moms, leave it be"- said Tucker as he climbs down from the top bed.
The room was shared with his mother which explain not only the beauty products but also the female clothing on the closet and scattered around the floor. Danny was unsure it was normal to have her underwear mix in with his own but given the fact he lived with Vlad only occasionally meant he wasn't sure.
His amusement vanished in an instant upon seeing Tucker's black eye and swollen cheek, the raven-haired boy couldn't help but walk over to Tucker demanding to know who beat him black and green though the answer was obvious.
"You know man, shit happens"- it was clear Tucker didn't want to talk about it.
Yet Danny proved to be very persuasive and eventually learns that Tucker was beating by a group of hippies he stole the marihuana from. Danny knew this result was unavoidable but at the very least it was over or so he thought.
"Danny-man, I'm in deep shit… this hippie fuck wants me to pay him back the Mary I sold."- said Tucker.
"Take a chill pill and pay the funky prick"- replied Danny crossing his arms.
It wasn't as easy as Danny put it out to be as the weed-smoking hippie demanded a compensation of three thousand dollars which made Danny choke on his own saliva, that was the exact amount he made for killing more than a dozen people just a week prior.
"That motherfucking cheese weasel. That shit ain't worth that"- proclaimed Danny in frustration.
Though Danny hadn't the slightest idea of the ongoing price for Marijuana, he was sure a mere kilo of weed was remotely worth that amount as it was a dime a dozen, every hippie and their mother had their own stash. There were rumors of a new product named "Cocaine" which the dealers were imposing into the markets that were worth tenfold
Tucker had already agreed to pay up mostly encourage to do so thanks to the beating he was getting at the moment, worse yet was the fact they left him at his own door, therefore, they knew where he lives and constantly threaten him by driving in front of his house during the evening.
Mrs. Foley was unaware of the mess her son was mix in as the boy convinced her some thugs roughed him up in the school bathrooms, this wasn't uncommon at Casper high as more than one black boy had been attacked by jocks and gang members for all kinds of trivial matters.
"Listen, Tucker, I can talk to my uncle once he comes back from his business trip and lends you the cash"- said Danny clearly not intending to tell Vlad about this and using his own money to help his friend out.
The boy had the power to murder a mere tree-hugging hippie but Vlad explicitly told him not to attract any unnecessary attention during his absence as the police were already hot on their trail and the constant raids on local businesses were crippling their enterprise.
"Nah man, I need it by tomorrow besides I already got a gig all set up that's gonna leave a lot of bread."- said Tucker as Danny looks over to the poster of Ember McLain.
"Whatever it is… I'm in."- demanded Danny not willing to leave his only friend alone.
"Listen, a few nights ago I went to pick up my mums from her job and overheard some Panthers talking about how easy it's to break in someone's house over at High Town and I thought, I can do it."- added Tucker.
Danny couldn't even begin to fathom the ridiculous idea Tucker was laying before him, the boy not only wanted to break into a mansion at High Town but do so in "Persephone" one on the richest districts of Amity Park. There was no doubt that it held riches but the risk was just too great.
There would undoubtedly be a large police presence and two ghetto boys would stand out like sore thumbs, even so, Tucker was stubbornly proud and wouldn't back down from his plan nor wait until Vlad could lend him the money.
There was no way Danny could let Tucker break into that manor all by his lonesome, the boy may speak about becoming a hardcore criminal but under his skin, the boy was soft like a pancake and equally sweet.
(XXXXX)
Danny lay over his bed staring blankly to the ceiling, he couldn't help but feel somewhat guilty for desiring the luxuries within Grand Amity Park hotel while resting on a soft bed as his best friend endure the cold of winter every night.
His eyes turn over to the heater in his room upon standing up from the bed. Despite his complaints, he was sure Tucker would give anything to live in an apartment such as this even if it meant to continue sharing a room with his mother.
The living room was as expected empty, Vlad rarely ever came to visit even though the apartment was under his fake name. The clock over the television told him it was nearly eight o'clock and so needed leave.
Neither of the boy's own bicycles and the trip to Persephone was particularly long, therefore both decided to meet at the subway station and from there make the journey. The first thing, Danny noticed upon descending the stairs was the gang graffiti on the walls and even the floor.
It was still earlier and wonder if Tucker would actually becoming, his plan was faulty and prone to disaster but even so, Danny was sure it would be easier than dealing with mobsters and corrupt city officials, hopefully, there wouldn't be a gunfight or dead people involved.
"I wonder why I'm friends with you… you only cause me trouble Tucker"- whispered the boy in front of the bathroom mirror while feeling his .38 revolver.
The bathroom was in far worse conditions than the subway in itself, there was graffiti over graffiti and phone numbers on the stalls offering xxx services which Danny knew were fake or to lure foolish men into a trap.
The station's bathroom door opens slowly making Danny put his hand inside the coat but relax once he saw Tucker made himself present, both already agree to break the law and so they brought their school bags though far emptier than normal, only a pair of ski masks and some gloves were inside all Danny's courtesy.
Danny turns his eyes all over the platform upon entering trying to determine if the trio sitting on the bench smoking was going to be a problem or the loner with the long coat, but none of them move. It didn't relax the boy in the least not even after staring at a poster announcing a movie for the local porn theater.
Upon entering the train, Danny saw much more graffiti scattered around though his attention was drawn more to the flyers on the floor. Most were advertisements for the brothels, the Black Panthers, or just speaking against the government, though one stood out the most.
"Wanna go to this circus Gothica later?"- asked Danny showing the flyer as they sat down.
"Man, these nutcases are coming back… no, this shit is old."- replied the boy.
Amity Park was brimming with gangs and organized crime but even they pale upon seeing Circus Gothica, an extremely violent gang whose theme after a circus though more notable was the colorful arsenal they used to attack police forces for sheer fun, or so according to Tucker.
The train conductor announces their stop making the duo walk out to a much cleaner station, there was still some graffiti and overflowing trash bins near the entrance but it was a much better sight than the station they got in.
Upon exiting the subway both boys remain with their mouths ajar, never had they seen such a place before. This was the second time Danny had come over to High Town and couldn't help but be impressed by it once again.
Tall glimmering buildings and clean streets made the scenery, not a single flyer to be seen or posters glue to the wall of any building. The difference between Rat town, East town and now High town was so vast it was like comparing the city dump with a paradise.
Not a single gang in sight or rude police abusing their authority with the common citizen, though much to Tucker's dislike there was hardly any black man walking the streets, even he was gawked like some strange animal by the locals.
The walk to their destination took nearly half an hour and Tucker was already whizzing for air as neither the buses or train reach into the rich district known as "Persephone." Danny, on the other hand, was still as fresh as a daisy.
"What house are we raiding"- asked Danny as he reclines on the wall.
Tucker smiles as he points over to the mansion he had chosen. From where they stood both boys could see the place was a three stories high mansion with a large garage next to a guardhouse at the main gate with a couple of guards and a Doberman on standby.
"Are you fucking with me?"- Danny said wanting to scream at his friend.
The place was a fortress, to say the least and perhaps without Tucker holding him back there was a possibility to break in without causing a ruckus, but Tucker was determined to this. His plan was simple at best, to go around the back and break the lock without sounding the alarm.
(XXXX)
It was obvious the back door was also guarded but at least there was no dog in sight and only one single guard at the booth. Danny brushes his fingers around his pocket to feel his swift blade, the very same he used to kill Stefano.
Danny knew he could throw blade straight to the guard's head right in between his eyes without the guy even knowing what happened, but killing manor guards would undoubtedly bring to much attention and Vlad would be pissed at him.
"Ok, we'll just wait until he's asleep and slip by"- said Tucker as he turns over to Danny.
"I got a better one, we climb over the fence"- added Danny as he was already sitting on top of the fence.
Tucker couldn't believe how fast Danny climb over the fence which was to the very least three meters high without making so much as a sound, Danny extended his hand as he told Tucker to hurry up before any patrol car or neighbor came their way.
It was even more surprising for Tucker to see how easily his friend could pull him up with one hand. For a brief moment, they ogle at the sight before their very eyes, a large pool easily reaching the forty meters in length and some fifteen meters wide.
"Fucking rich people."- muttered Tucker as he fell on the snowy grounds.
The pool was filled to the brim with crystal clear water, though some slight ice was forming on the top which made Danny questioned the need to keep it full under such cold temperatures, it wasn't like anyone would go swimming.
"Wasn't there a water shortage last week"- replied Danny as he recalls having no water for three days which meant he couldn't take a shower.
Tucker added soft complain about not having any water for the entire week which meant he and his family were forced to use the fire hydrant on the street, his anger grew upon seeing the clear water that filled the pool.
With soft and light steps both boys made their way past the guard straight to the patio. Danny saw a glass door which made him think who in their right mind would even consider using glass for a door as anyone could just a breakthrough.
"Keep an eye out, man while I open this shit up"- said Tucker as he pulled out his lockpick "kit" out of his backpack.
Danny felt pretty guilty for thinking his friend to be useless and complete deadweight despite this being his gig, while Tucker did his thing on the door Danny looks over to the greenhouse further down the backyard.
He was sure the family who owns such a mansion didn't need a greenhouse for feeding purposes, though before he could inquire any more, Tucker taps him on the shoulder explaining about already getting the door open.
Danny smiles long and wide as he didn't expect Tucker to actually open the door, but as they enter, the first room they saw was a kitchen. Danny was growing very tired about entering rooms which double the size of his entire apartment.
There were several devices on the kitchen counter which Danny hadn't the slightest idea what their purposes were for, but among all the strange devices, he found most odd to have a television inside the kitchen, yet under closer inspection, there was a handle on the screen and the device was hollow with a glass dish inside.
"Put your mask on"- Danny told his friend as he stole a cookie from the jar ignoring the bizarre device only rich snubs would buy.
The hallway was dark and void of human presence but Danny knew never to underestimate an "empty" hallway, guards could easily post behind one of the many statues or columns, though as he stuck his head out the door there was something in the corner next to the door which caught his attention.
It was a long metallic rectangular box which made Danny rather uneasy, the hallway was too dark to make out any distinguishable features on the object but his instincts told him it was for the best to avoid it at all cost.
The boys glue themselves to the wall as they carefully and quietly made their way into the first room to the left, as expected they enter the dining room. The table was so long it could easily sit over twenty people, many statues and plants were neatly scattered around the room.
Danny couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched by the statues which only made him haste his steps to the door, there was nothing they could take from the dining room. The silver candlesticks were too big and noisy for them to fit in the backpacks, and so was the silverware in the kitchen.
Upon exiting the diner, they met with the main entrance which held some light thanks to a pair nightlamps on the stairs but mostly remains dark. Though Danny notices yet another of the strange boxes on the high corner overviewing the main door.
"Any idea what that is?"- asked Danny as he sneaks up the stairs trying to avoid the box.
"I think it's a camera."- replied the boy.
"It can't be… cameras are big and bulky… you gotta carry them on the shoulder."- added Danny.
But even so, the boys couldn't avoid making the comparations between the two devices. Yet it seems impossible for such a small box could be a camera. Nevertheless, they couldn't take the risk and made sure to avoid the "camera" altogether.
The first room they enter once on the upper floor turn out to be a library which made both boys groin in defeat though had to admit the place held more books than all of Casper High library and student body combine together.
"You sure this place isn't own by some mobster?"- asked Danny as they walk out of the library.
"I hope not"- replied Tucker more worried than initially as they headed to the following room.
Their disappointment was just as great once they laid eyes on a large desk and some file cabinets yet Danny realized it was an office and surely held some loot for them to take, which prompted the boys to explore the room.
The cabinets held folders and random papers that held no value at least to them, but much to Danny's delight there was a silver watch on the desk next to a picture. The wristwatch felt heavy and Danny hopes it was worth something on the streets.
"You got one nice ass"- suddenly whispered Tucker from behind Danny.
"The fuck? -retorted the boy as he walks around the desk and tries to open the drawers.
"I'm serious man… it nice and round… like a girl's butt"- added Tucker.
"Quit talking all that static and get this shit open"- ordered Danny.
The desk's drawers had a lock which made Danny believe there was something valuable inside otherwise why would anyone lock it in the first place. The room in itself didn't look any other office across Amity though the large family portrait on the wall did stand out the most.
Danny looks up to the painting and recalls seeing a Crimson Chin comic in which the villain kept a safe hidden behind his own portrait, Danny was about to dismiss the idea of someone being so stupid to hide a safe behind a painting but seeing Tucker's working hard on the drawers made him at least try.
"Holy shit! Is that a safe?"- Tucker half-yelled.
"Keep it down, man." replied Danny.
His surprise was beyond great as he indeed saw a safe tuck into the wall forcing Tucker to run up to Danny. The safe was large and protected with a combination wheel that made Tucker lose hope as he hadn't the slightest idea on to crack it and would take too long to figure out.
"Check out the desk while I try to open this"- almost ordered Danny as he pretended to turn the wheel.
The boy waited until Tucker was over at the desk trying to get the locks open, Danny closed his eyes making the safe's door intangible, slowly pulling it open. His smile was long and wide as he heard the soft creak which calls out to Tucker.
"You're a natural home invader"- said Tucker as he too shows his loot which consisted of some cash.
"Boomtastic… I think you can pay that hippie cheese weasel and still have some bread to spend." Said Danny upon looking at large wads of cash, jewels, and expensive looking watches, there were some documents that Danny dismissed.
(XXXXX)
The boys were quick to fill up their school backpacks with money, jewels and watches while Tucker commented on buying his mother new clothes after paying the hippie off, Danny too join saying he wanted to get some new treads and a brand-new television with a handle.
It was then that their cheerful chat came to a sudden hold upon seeing light turn on, they were stupidly speaking too loudly and drew the attention of a nearby guard who was doing his rounds. The man tower over both boys as he pierces them with his cold glare.
"What do we have here"- teased more than question the guard as he cracks his knuckles.
Tucker began to shiver on his spot as he tries to apologize to the guard while handing over the backpack with all the stolen articles, his dreams of a successful criminal career suddenly came crashing down, Danny simple look at the man with rage and silence.
"You two little shits are coming with me"- said the man as he held the boys by their shirts.
The man's smirk disappeared as Danny made his shirt intangible and moving faster than light kicked him in the groin, Tucker pressed himself against the wall as Danny jump behind the man holding him in a tight chokehold.
"Turn the lights off"- ordered Danny as he chokes the guard.
Tucker couldn't believe his noodle of a friend managed to knock down a grown man and even drag him away with fair ease. Danny complained about the lack of a firearm within the guard but settle with his wallet and watch leaving the steel baton.
"This is getting doggish"- Tucker said exclaiming his desire to leave.
They met with their desire quota thanks to the safe and so there was no need to stay any longer, especially now that a guard found them. Tucker's initial bravado was quickly fading away as he knew there were more guards who would come looking for their partner once he failed to report back in.
"Don't be a bunny, we're still gravy."- said Danny as he gave Tucker his backpack again while heading over to the door.
It was surprising how fast the roles were inverted, Danny never likes the idea of breaking into the mansion but now took full control of the home invasion. With a quick and discreet peek, he informs Tucker the coast was clear but still moves glued to the wall to avoid the so-called cameras.
This was the first real crime the dark skin boy had ever partaken, but even he could tell it wasn't Danny's first time. The boy was cold and calculating, not even knocking out a guard made him worry, yet he remains cautious when walking down the hall.
"Come man, we got enough"- pleaded Tucker.
"Ok, we'll take a pop at that room and make ourselves scarce"- replied Danny pointing at the last room in the hall.
The duo walks into the main bedroom but froze on their spots as they saw a couple sleeping on the bed. Tucker shook his head in denial and mumble the words "Let's get the fuck outta here," yet as Danny turns around, he notices a wallet on the nightstand thanks to the moonlight.
Danny point over to the beauty desk near the corner which unsurprisingly had more jewels, Tucker didn't like it one bit but had no more options as he saw Danny already crawling towards the nights stand, a bottle suddenly rolls over to Tucker making his hairs stand up.
"Easy man, they're drunk"- casually said Danny as he stood up pulling the sheets away from them.
Not wanting to waste any time, Tucker headed over to the beauty desk and rummage through the drawers in search for more loot while Danny searches the closet and the nightstand, a full wallet, and more jewels were their reward.
With his hands full, Tucker turns over to Danny who was leaning over the woman making him ask what he was doing with a shaking heart yet Danny shows him a pair of golden earrings, making Tucker walk over to him.
The couple had gone to bed so drunk they didn't bother in hiding their precious jewelry much to the little thieves' delight. Their backpacks were nearly full of loot that would make any other thief turn green with jealousy.
"Check out that necklace"- said Danny as he leans in closer to retrieve it.
The boy turns away from the dormant woman as he jiggles the necklace though stops midway as he saw Tucker holding a pair of panties in his hand, even with the mask on there was no way Tucker could hide his embarrassment.
"Don't you want a fresh pair?"- teased Danny as he pointed over to the woman with his thumb.
"You're right"- replied Tucker as he runs up to her.
"Hey I was joking"- added Danny.
Tucker's hands shack as he lifts the woman's skirt over her hips and puts his fingers under her panties. Going against their better judgment and everything Vlad thought Danny, he pulled out a small flashlight and shine it over Tucker's hand.
Before their eyes were the uncovered private of a woman, never had either of them seen one before. Sex was everywhere in Amity but nothing explicit, and now they were seeing it for real, Danny could feel his pants tighten and his breathing turn heavy.
"Fuck it… let's get out of here."- suddenly announce Tucker pulling Danny by the hand who already agree with his friend.
(XXXXX)
Danny notices their backpacks were full with money, jewels, and watches. No more could be stash inside and there was no need to overstay their "welcome" making them move down the hall but soon notice a light under the door that stops the boys.
The door at the end of the hall suddenly open forcing the kids to run to the closest room to hide, Danny could hear soft step coming to the door which made Tucker dive under the bed while Danny seeks shelter behind a body mirror.
Seconds felt like hours, Danny knew one of the guards was on his way and soon he would spot the unconscious man in the office sounding the alarm, alone he could outrun any one of them but that would prove very difficult with Tucker.
Slowly the door open and a man walks inside shining his flashlight all around before turning the lights on, Danny pulled out his .38 revolver and aim it to the back of the guard's head. The boy knew that if he opens fire all hell would break loose.
Everyone in the manor would be alerted to their presence and the police would swarm the house in a matter of minutes, unlike East Town where they would take hours to arrive, here it was a matter of minutes.
Slowly Danny walks out from behind the body mirror ready to knock out the man, it was then that he notices the man was old and balding, unlike the muscular guard he previously encountered, this man was smaller and frail-looking.
Though before Danny could try anything, a hand show itself coming from the window which forces Danny back to his hiding spot. The man hurried over to the window but unlike what he was expecting, the man took hold of guitar case while helping out the intruder.
"Thanks Hobson."- said a girly voice.
Danny could swear to have seen the girl before but couldn't make her out, it was clear she wasn't a thief like he was. The girl sported a black leather jacket with spikes on the shoulder and a black checkered skirt so short her butt would be visible if it weren't for her purple leggings.
Her punk clothing stood out in the midst of all the pink within the room, it was then that Danny realized she was the girl on the portrait in the office just down the hall. Danny's attention shifted from the girl to the man she was speaking to.
Danny hadn't paid much attention but now he notice this Hobson didn't wear a grey suit like the guards, rather he had light blue pajama on which made Danny think the man lives here yet given his attitude and way of speech which seems to resemble more of a servant than family.
"My parents?"- asked the girl as she peels off her heavy-looking boots.
"Asleep, did you enjoy the party miss Samantha?"- asked Hobson while asking if she wanted to take a bath.
"Yes, and it was great, by the way, call me Sam already."- replied the girl as she took off her spiked jacket and Hobson left the room to ready her bath.
Danny remains in silence as the girl undresses, he couldn't see Tucker anywhere which meant he was still under the bed. All he had to do was wait for a few minutes and Sam would be off to the bathroom giving them an escape route.
The boy's eyes widen as Sam tossed her skirt over the bed and peeling off her leggings showing a black lace thong, there wasn't much to see in the girl, her breasts were small though had a nice pink color on her nipples, Danny took a deep breath as she walks over to the mirror while stretching her arms.
"I was fucking rocking them."- casually remark the girl as she pulls out her guitar and poses in front of the mirror.
Her reddish eyes weren't looking at the body mirror but behind it, Danny knew he was made and had to book it out of there. Yet the girl slowly walks over to her nightstand while playing some chords but pulls out the largest handgun his blue eyes had ever seen.
"Get your funky ass out of there before I go bananas on you."- ordered the girl.
Her hands were shaking but refuse to be ignored and so she walks around the mirror still aiming her massive hand cannon, much to her surprise and delight there was no one there at all, just the dreaded pink wall she loathed.
"Easy girl… don't shoot"- said Tucker as he crawls out.
Her eyes widen in shock and horror as her heart nearly stops upon seeing a young man in a ski mask crawl from under the bed, though he quickly puts his hand up once he saw the large revolver in Sam's hands, she was left speechless but knew Hopson was coming soon to tell her the bath was ready and could call the cops then.
"Who the hell are you?"- asked the girl trying to intimidate the prowler.
Before Tucker could open his mouth, Danny put the girl in a chokehold cutting off the airflow which made her passed out in least than a few seconds, the dark skin boy falls to the ground as he sees Danny put the girl over the bed, resting her head on the pillow.
"Fuck me sideways and call me Danielle, this shit's a toy"- said Danny as he took the so-called revolver away from Sam.
Tucker couldn't believe he fell for the fake gun, though in all fairness the toy did seem very real from his perspective. Without uttering a single word, Danny stores the guitar back in its case strips Sam from her earrings and bracelet.
"Let's book out through the window." Ordered Danny as he covers the girl under the sheet.
Danny was sure the girl didn't get rid of whatever means she used to enter the room; he didn't hear any strange noise or saw her pull up a rope. But the only thing he saw outside the window was a mere waterpipe, the sudden knocking on the door forced the kids to try their luck with the pipe.
(XXXXX)
"Holy shit!" -Said Tucker once they touch the ground.
The boys knew it was a matter of time before Hobson discovered what happened, Tucker's eyes could believe how easily Danny climb the brick fence and pull him over and without stopping for air race towards the corner.
Danny quickly peels off their ski masks as he took Tucker by the hand and made their way to the subway, each step they took felt as if everyone was watching them. Tucker constantly turned around trying to see if anyone was running after them.
The adrenaline and fear of being caught help the boys reach the subway station in half the time it took them to reach the mansion, there was no sightseeing this time. Even with dry throats, neither of them wanted to stop to buy a drink.
Tucker was shaking while he and Danny waited for the train to come by, the dark skin boy held tightly to Danny's hand upon seeing a couple of police officers walk over there directions, yet pass by them as the train reach the platform, their ride back to Paradise apartments was in complete silence.
"Hello?"- muttered Danny as he opens his apartment door.
There was the chance Vlad came back from his "business" trip earlier, yet the apartment was empty as expected. Tucker had previously convinced his mom to let him stay over with Danny for the night as there was no way he would risk going home at such late hours of the night.
Tucker empty his backpack on the table showing the goods, several silver and gold watches, wads of cash and jewels of different types and sizes. Most loot was thanks to Danny who "miraculously" opened the safe, but even without him doing so, the loot was still hefty.
"I'm gonna take a shower"- suddenly said Danny as he tossed his jacket on the couch.
Tucker felt like a real gangster now that he did his first real "heist" which went off without trouble, sure they had been spotted twice but no alarm was sound, and no one saw their faces best of all, no cops were involved.
Danny, on the other hand, didn't think much about it as the raid could have been done much better and quicker if he had a layout of the manor and knew where to look for the goods, nevertheless, it was the easiest money he had ever made, all that was left was to split the booty.
As Danny peel off his clothes, he wonders how they would get rid of the jewels and watches, it wasn't as if they could just waltz in a pawnshop, by morning all those items would be reported as stolen and it would be impossible to sell without losing most of the profit.
"Perhaps Vlad can help… gonna have to make up a good lie and give him a cut"- whispered Danny as he opens the hot water on the shower. It was then that he recalls how Tucker didn't enjoy the luxury of a hot shower late on a cold winter night.
"Yo, Tucker wanna take a shower!?"- asked Danny as checks the water's temperature.
"Sure!"- replied the boy.
Tucker was covered in sweat due to all the running around he did and probably some other liquid in his pants when he and Danny were discovered by a guard, a little more was added after seeing the gun which turns out to be a toy.
The dark skin boy took off his clothes the moment he enters the bathroom as he too wonders how and who would buy the jewels, there was no way he could trust any of the ghetto boys from his neighborhood for this.
Hot water was a luxury Tucker was now looking forward to enjoy thanks to his successful criminal debut. If he could pull more heist like this with Danny than his money problems would be a thing of the past.
"Want some shampoo?"- casually questioned Danny.
"Thanks…"- Tucker suddenly froze up upon seeing his friend.
"I don't mind but next time ask me if you wanna shower together"- added Danny as he rises the soap off his body.
Tucker was so deep in thoughts he didn't notice entering the shower while Danny was still inside, it wasn't the first time he'd seen Danny naked as Casper high had communal showers for after gym class but seeing him so close was strange.
The boys knew it was awkward but play it off as normal rather than making a scene, Danny was the first step out of the shower feeling much more relax and calm now that he showered, even Tucker was much more relaxed.
Yet his eyes were suddenly glued to Danny's back and soon began to scan his petite body forcing him to violently shake his head as to toss out without ever strange idea he was forming, Danny had to balls to help in his time of need and even take a great risk for him.
"Here, I only got one"- Said Danny as he tossed the towel to Tucker.
Danny lays over his bed and wonders how he could convince Vlad to help him sell the jewels, it was almost certain there would be no pawnshop in Amity that would take the goods, worst yet was that fact the very few that might give him far less than the actual worth.
The first order of business was to settle things with the harassing hippie, once he was paid off then they could spend some hard earn cash though for Danny the second order was to make sure Vlad got a share so he could sell the loot for a reasonable price and make himself look good in front of the corporation.
"Thanks for letting me stay, Danny. Are you sure you're ok with me taking the bed?"- asked Tucker looking at the window next to the bed.
"Don't mention it. You're the guest and I can't let you sleep on the floor." Replied Danny.
"It's weird to share a bed with another dude"- added Tucker making Danny laugh.
(XXXXX)
School as always was boring and monotone, the same repetitive class and constant fights across the school grounds. Jocks beating on nerds and surprisingly getting sucker-punched by one or two of them whenever the chance arises.
"My office now!"- ordered Lancer holding tightly to Danny's shoulder.
The boy knew more or less what it was about and ready himself to receive his punishment, many would just ignore Lancer only to receive a worse punishment later on just let it pile up so the school board could expel them.
Tucker couldn't help but giggle like a fool as Danny walks down the school's hallway while rubbing his butt, the boy was granted a paddling corrective for skipping school the previous day though such punishments didn't diminish the student's bad behavior.
"That motherfucker… can you believe he actually made me drop my pants and underwear just to spank me…" complained Danny as he and Tucker exit the school.
"It's a crying shame to smack such a pretty booty."- teased Tucker.
Danny wasn't sure what he hated the most, getting spanked by vice-principal Lancer in front of some wannabe gangsters who didn't hold their laughter back, or hearing Tucker compliment his round bubble butt which made him raise an eyebrow.
The moment a couple of police patrol cars came rushing down the streets with its sirens on made Tucker freeze on the spot, Danny knew it wasn't for them but understood his friend wasn't a harden criminal either.
"I'll let you grope my ass if you stop shaking."- offered Danny as he pulls away from Tucker's grip.
Even though Tucker knew Danny was joking about the whole groping, he nonetheless was holding tightly to Danny's thigh all the way to the hippie campsite after making a quick stop at Danny's apartment to pick up the cash.
It was Tucker's idea to store the stolen goods in Danny's apartment as uncle Vlad was constantly out leaving the boy alone most of the time. Tucker's house wasn't even considered due to him sharing room with his mother who could easily find the stash.
"We're here… Harmony Valley" – Danny announced while putting on some sunglasses.
Danny and Tucker actually expected to see a literal campsite site but instead saw some ran down and half-built houses and minor buildings scattered around. It was one of Amity Park's failed construction projects, modest housing for the average citizen.
Harmony Valley was set on the edge on Amity Park, it was foreseen as a nature-oriented housing project which took full advantage of the nearby forest, but the constant harassment of several criminal groups forced the project to fall under. With time the very low-income citizens took over along with the homeless and eventually the hippie community settles in.
Tucker blushed as he saw several couples having casual sex in the garden without a care in the world or minding the cold and the snow, though Danny was far more interested in the queer pets some residents keep in cages or with chains such as newborn monster octopus and abnormally large spiders.
"Who we looking for?"- asked Danny still staring with disbelief at a spider the size of a toddler on the wall.
"Guy's name is River… supposed to be here"- replied Tucker as he saw a small two-story building further in the camp.
Danny expected gang graffiti but much to his surprise saw several paintings of flowers and rainbows, of people holding hands which made him hope this "River" guy was the exception to the belief the hippie community held of peace and love.
The place had a fault and disgusting stench all over, it was a mixture of human waste and marihuana but also of animals. Tucker took lead as he read a note with the man's address, but Danny speeds up as he couldn't stomach the smell.
"Wait up man, you don't know where it is"- said Tucker catching up to Danny.
"Whatever… this is?"- asked Danny.
"Yeah, that it"- replied the boy after a quick glance over the note.
Tucker's heart was beating stronger than ever as Danny knocks on the door, soon a blonde woman dressed in an almost translucid skirt and piece of cloth around her breast opens the door letting Danny's nose be suddenly assaulted by her disgusting odor.
She looks at the boys and asked what they wanted, slurring each word and making Danny wonder if she was high on something more than marihuana, not wanting to waste any more time, he simply states his need to speak with River.
The woman moves aside letting the boys walk inside as she calls over to the man before collapsing on the floor, Danny didn't even flinch and simply observes the room which held junk and heavily used furniture.
A shirtless fat man sat on the couch while a second man with long hair was smoking a joint by the window and red-haired woman lay over the table. There was a small pistol on the coffee table next to some weed and dishes.
"You got my money nigger?"- suddenly said a fat man sitting on the couch.
"The fuck did you cal"- Tucker interrupted Danny as he didn't want to escalate things anymore.
The boy put handed the cash and apologized for taking his weed without permission, Danny was already pissed by the schmuck face River had. It was at least over now and would never set foot in this dump ever again.
"I told you I wanted the money before five… now you gotta pay the late fees."- suddenly said River.
"What! I'm on time!"- exclaimed Tucker.
"Look, it's one-minute past five"- replied River as he got up.
Tucker was clearly intimidated by the six-foot man who towers over him, the man threatens Tucker with killing him and his mother if he didn't come up with an additional five thousand dollars by tomorrow. it was obvious for Danny, River simply wanted to milk Tucker up to the last cent.
Before Tucker could go beyond the "I" in his sentence, River smack him across the face throwing the boy to the ground. Tucker turns around with a shock expression, the fat man was far more intimidating than any guard at the mansion.
Tucker could feel the heavy foot of River on his chest as he puts the gun on his head and repeating the amount he wanted and what he would do to him and his family if he were to fail to gather the cash.
"I got a better offer fatty"- said Danny making River turn over.
"What did yo…"- Tucker saw in sheer shock as Danny shot the man straight in the head.
The second man by the window stood as he pulled out a knife but Danny didn't feel like talking smack to anyone, therefore, he put a bullet in his head and another to the woman on the table who couldn't believe what was happening.
"Holy shit… you killed them"- said Tucker as he stood up, "I fucking love you!"- added Tucker as he hugged Danny tightly.
The raven hair boy was actually expecting Tucker to run out screaming his lungs out and calling him a monster, but there he was, hugging and thanking him for saving his life from certain death. Unlike in the movies and television shows which both boys overly enjoy it was all over in a matter of seconds.
Danny pulled his friend away as he had to make sure no one else heard the gunfire, River was laying on the floor with a small hole in his head, the second man rested in the same horizontal position though most of his brain matter was on the wall.
With a quick peek out the window, Danny noticed the people were still in their daily activities back at the main area of the camp. The loud music they were playing and the type of gun Danny used help to cover up the gunfire.
"Can I see your piece?"- asked Tucker.
Danny handed him the revolver as he wonders if Tucker was having an adrenaline rush and couldn't think properly, it was then that the first woman was starting to wake up. Tucker aims the gun over her but couldn't pull the trigger.
"I can't do it… she's gonna rat us out"- whimpered Tucker as he came to his senses.
"You know, it's gonna be late by the time we get back home… how about we take a detour and go down to Hookerville… we got money now"- Danny casually commented as he wraps his arms around her neck and cracks it making Tucker feel queasy.
"Sure thing… let's get the fuck outta here"- replied Tucker as he returns the gun back to Danny.
(XXXX)
Tucker couldn't help but feel like everyone was looking at them, it was as if they knew what just happened but he knew no one heard the gunshots or saw them. Perhaps their clean clothes made them stand out yet seeing Danny walk as if nothing happened made him feel at ease.
The bus ride back to Amity was quiet, Tucker wanted to know why Danny had a gun in the first place and more importantly, why was he so calm and collected. Tucker didn't pull the trigger and already vomit twice on the bus which got them kicked out, though they were already a few blocks from their destination.
Danny quickly pulls Tucker into a nearby alley asking him to calm down, to act normal or they would attract unwanted attention. It was easier said than done as Tucker couldn't stop shaking now that he "cool" down and tears stream down his eyes.
Tucker suddenly felt something warm and soft between his hands, and Danny's sweet aroma pierce his nose as the boy wraps his arms around him. Slowly Tucker opens his eyes to see Danny was hugging him, it was so strange how the boy could commit cold-blooded murder and act as nothing happened.
"Thanks Danny… for saving me back there… and getting me out of that mess… and for letting me grope that sweet ass of yours"- said Tucker still holding on to Danny.
"Let's go window shopping at Hookerville"- said Danny as he pulls his pants up.
Both boys commence walking down the street as snow began to fall and some store owners began putting up Halloween decorations on their windows and doors, Tucker never imagined his life would take such a turn.
"Who are you Danny… really?"- asked Tucker.
"I'm your friend"- replied the boy as a couple walk out from a bakery.
To be continued.