LONG BEACH

Hey Chris!?

Hey!?

Just wanted to check up on you. That support group did you well, huh?

It did. Thanks. I'm actually gonna keep going, and the counselor offered some private sessions.

She was so nice I was like, what the heck? So, I showed up in her office.

Sessions have been really refreshing.

I'm glad to hear that?

Yeah, I mean, I need to get out of the hole I dug myself into, really.

You know? It takes time. Each of us deals with grief our own way...you just can't let it destroy you.

Yeah...and hey, um...thanks so much for the support...for the non judgement!

I told you, I may kid around but I don't judge. I really want you to get better, feel better.

I appreciate it. I'm actually working on a couple of stuff.

Yeah?

Yeah, been working on myself, not just workout and stuff but more of emotional and mind.
I thought at first it was kinda like a waste of time, but stuff really helps.

Really?

Look, forget about what other people think, it's about you and you only. Ok? People sometimes judge without knowing what's going on.
You've gotta do you, Chris.

I know, I know.

Is it working?

It is, actually. I'm eating better, my attitude's better. I'm not waking up in skanky motels anymore?

Good, coz I did not like the coffee from that machine at all!?

I don't know how you put up with me.

Well, somebody has to do it, right?

Yeah, I guess.

So, free day today. What are you up to?

Taking a break from the sessions and boxes here. I'm actually gonna treat myself! Shrink said it's ok to keep happy memories as long as they don't torture me and one thing I always remember Erika saying was getting matching tattoos.

So, I'm thinking of getting one for her

That is so cool, Chris. What number would this one be?

Man! I don't know. I stopped counting after 18?￢ﾀﾍ️

Woah! You sure love that ink. You gotta a place already?

Yeah. Got an appointment in an hour. Wanna come?

Never been to a shop before...sounds cool!

You ever thought about getting one?

Nah...not really into it, you know?

Yeah

My ? or yours?

We're doing this again?

I'll go slow?

Deal!

They met up in front of her apartment building, as Street handed her the helmet and she immediately put it on. She had sent him the pin, so he knew exactly where they were heading.

"Hey, welcome!" Greeted a young lady behind the front counter. She had her entire left arm tattooed, as well as many other ink forms across her neck, back and legs.

This place looks neat, a touch dark but I guess that's what they were going for. Thought Street as he took a look around.

As soon as they came in they were greeted by a small reception area with just three chairs. The walls sported several frames of art work, which they assumed were part of the owner's repertoire. Once in, Chris checked in with the lady and was taken inside.

"So, if you want, the gentlemen can come in and watch from the company's chair. The cell is comfortable enough." said the lady gesturing behind the closed curtains.

Chris gestured to Street as both went in.

The curtains revealed a small hallway, which was only visible because of the light coming from outside as the curtains opened and some LED lights in the floor. Except for that, the rest of the space was pitch black, as a series of curtains divided the space into stalls or cells.

This is kinda creepy! Street thought

The lady took them through the first two rows until she stopped and placed her hand on the curtains of the one at the end of the hall. There, a chubby man filled with tattoos was waiting with cellphone in hand.

When he turned around, he realized the officers were standing in the entry way and immediately recognized Chris. "Chris? Hey!" he said delighted as he fist pumped the officer with a wide smile.

"What's up, Hit?" she greeted, she then turned to Street. "Officer Street, Hitman, Hitman, Street." she said as she gestured to each one

The man nodded his head and offered his fist. Street was impressed as even his fists were tattooed with individual markings! The place looked neat... small, but comfy.

"Alright...so," he said as everyone settled in their place. Chris sat in the barbershop style chair, he on the adjourned one and Street on a plastic one by the entrance.

Everything was going great until the guy rolled in a small tray table filled with materials, among them needles!

Oh boy! Street thought as he swallowed hard, feeling his head kinda woozy.

"Hey, Long Beach!" called Chris frowning, "You alright?"

"Uh...yeah, yeah."He said with a smirk. He took out his cellphone and pretended to get a call. "Hey, do you mind if.." he gestured outside

"Sure, go ahead." she answered she said with a smirk, as she and the artist exchanged looks.

...and so he left. She relaxed in the chair. She explained what she wanted as she raised her top halfway up.

"Small...a 58 in front of a black star." she said pointing at the bottom of her rib cage.

The artist nodded as they discussed the details and he immediately got to it. She didn't feel pain, she was pretty much used to it by now. After the first 10, pain was pretty much nonexistent. Besides, Hitman had such a nice touch. He always conversed through the process to make sure his client was relaxed at all times.

They talked about a lot, especially of his previous gigs. She was always intrigued by his other pieces of art and how he made it from paper to skin. Most of his clients pretty much came with an idea, he drew a quick sketch and got to it. No time to waste!

Since the small room had no windows and the AC was so pleasant, the time went by without them knowing. She thought she heard something, but quickly went back to topic.

By mid conversation, Hit handed her his sketchbook and she was taking her sweet time going from piece to piece. She also checked out his social media. His Instagram was super amazing, clocking in just over 15k followers. When he finished, he took a picture of her tat, and showed it to her.

"Aw, man, Hit! You did awesome!" she said very pleased with his work, once again. He gave her a quick reminder of the caring process, and she headed to the counter.

Once she opened the curtains, she froze. She couldn't believe her eyes!

"What the hell happened!?" she asked

The front glass window had been shattered, a motorbike was halfway in. She took a step outside and gasped!

Smoke was coming from the street, people screaming, cars honking, cables from post lying down, debris everywhere, two cars destroyed in the middle of the road, traffic frozen... and Street hanging from the roof next door, holding on to a man.

"Uh...hey Chris! A little hand, please?"

"What the hell, Street? I can't leave you for one second and you go all Tarzan slash Rambo on me?"