"No... I Don't Think I Will"
A Captian America Story
by Steve A. Rowell
JUNE 18, 2016
Geat Grandfather, Grandson, and Great Grandson walk down a deserted city street at night. Great Grandson tosses a baseball in the air and catches it as he walks. He stops to admire the autograph "Hector Rondon". He hurries to catch up to the other two.
"I thought they had us in the eighth." Grandson says to Great Grandfather.
"No, bullpen's too good this year, I wasn't worried." He replied.
The three turn the corner into an ally. A figure stands at the far end, holding a lead pipe and blocking their way. The three stop in their tracks and start to back up. As they do another man holding a baseball bat blocks their retreat. Grandson pulls Great Grandson close to him. They turn back forward to see the figure flanked by two more man who work their way down the sides of the ally surrounding them.
Great Grandfather begins to empty his pockets and place the contents on the ground in front of him.
"Buck" Great Grandfather says to his Grandson. Grandson begins to do the same. Great Grandson looks down at the ball then up to his Great Grandfather. He sees the look in his Great Grandson's eyes and stiffens up a bit.
"It'll be okay Tony" he nods. Great Grandson adds the ball to the top of the pile of valuables.
"Now, you have everything. There is no reason for anyone to get hurt." Great Grandfather says to the lead hoodlum.
"What about a little recreation? I been cooped up all day!" The others laugh.
"Okay, let them go. I'd like to play." Great Grandfather. They all laugh a bit harder.
"All right old man. I bet your bones will crack real loud."
Grandson gathers his son in his arms and exits the alleyway the way they came in. Great Grandfather listens to the footsteps to make sure they are clear. He looks down at the pile of valuables. They sit on top of a manhole cover that reads "Star Sewer Company", with the logo of a star. Great Grandfather smiles wryly...
...Down the street a few blocks Grandson collapses from exhaustion. Great Grandson looks back. He can see the shadow of his Great Grandfather on the building across the street from the ally. He hears a loud CLANG. The shadow of a round object pops up in the hands of his Great Grandfather's shadow. The shadow lunges forward. The snaps of breaking, slamming, and snapping follow as the shadows from the ally reflect the frenzy...
... Great Grandfather, bleeding slightly from the corner of his mouth, is holding the manhole cover. He looks around to see 3 of the men writhing in pain clutching various parts of their anatomy. The leader stands before him badly beaten and weaving back and forth.
"We done here?" Great Grandfather asks.
The leader takes a deep breath... Raises his fists up to a fighting stance... "I can do-" Great Grandfather delivers two quick punches and levels the man before he can finish his sentence...
...Grandson stands, still with his arm around his son, and turns to the alleyway which is now quiet. They watch as Great Grandfather walks toward them holding their valuables. Grandson and Great Grandson hug him as he arrives.
"Are you okay Greagramp?" Great Grandfather nods and begins to return the items. As he does Grandson's cellphone rings.
"Here" Great Grandfather returns the baseball. Great Grandson looks down at the signature, there is a thumbprint in blood beside the signature.
"Greagramp..." Grandson's tone is concerned. He looks at Great Grandfather as a tear forms in his eye.
"It's okay... I know" Grandson buries his head into his Great Grandfather's shoulder and cries. Great Grandson wraps his arms around his legs.