Shorty chap

*Mr. Howard?*

A tinny, wary voice fluttered in through the speakerphone, startling Geese - who had been on hold for the past ten minutes. He rolled his eyes and sighed. The last Mayor didn't dare show him such disrespect. There was a time where the Mayors of the city would drop whatever they were doing to take his call. No matter. The perceived insult stung, but Geese Howard wouldn't act on it. He was the first to understand his position was potentially precarious.

Geese Straightened his blazer, adjusted his cuffs and leaned back in his office chair. He cleared his throat.

"Harrison, how've you been, old friend… the wife doing well? The kids?"

*... You're a campaign contributor - Mr. Howard. You're not my friend.*

Oh, ballsy. Perhaps the mayor had forgotten what sort of politician he was. He was a simpering coward, eager to take whatever money was offered him. Eager to make any promises - unfulfilled or otherwise - to gain even the slightest edge. Did he watch too many cops-and-robbers movies? Did he suddenly think he was honorable? Did he think Geese Howard paid 60% of his campaign contributions out of goodwill?

Naive. Geese emitted a low chuckle. Perhaps so many years of peace had caused people to forget who the Kingpin of SouthTown was. He propped his feet up on his desk and let a dangerous levity dance in his voice.

"Not your friend? Come on, Harrison. Don't be like that. Amy's about to enter high school, am I right? The Private institution on Main and 5th?"

*...you-*

"Your son, he's a bit of a wild card, isn't he? Always wandering down to the dangerous bits of town to buy a bit of snuff… you'd better keep an eye on that one. We spotted him yesterday on Knight st."

*What do you want, Howard!*

Geese threw fake surprise into his tone.

"Hm? What do I want? Harrison - I don't recall asking for anything."

Silence over the line. Mayor Harrison was debating within himself. Geese knew the man didn't have the mettle to stick to this asinine 'justice' act. There was hardly a man who could stand under the pressure of his family being threatened. In times past, Geese feared his own family might hold him back in this fashion- which is why he did away with such useless things.

Harrison cracked - as Geese knew he would.

*What… what can I do for you, Mr. Howard.*

"Very good Harrison… now, about that new Sheriff of yours..."

Got ur connections bruh