Ash sat in the back of the police cruiser, wondering why she did this. Ok, she got to ride in a police car, that was cool, but she couldn't help feeling wary. Something told her this wasn't going to go well. She glanced at the alpaca, only know realised she didn't even know her name. but at least the woman was more familiar than the rhino driver. He had only grunted when they entered the car, driving away without another word. As sighed, leaning back. Too late to turn back now.
The buildings on the street thinned out as they approached the prison. Ash's had never been near this end of the city. She watched the passing people and cars, wondering if she was imagining the dullness that seemed to permeate the area. She was jolted from her thoughts as they passed through the security gate.
The prison itself was a large, grey building that seemed to loom over its surroundings. A large fence trailed out the rear, topped with barbed wire. The sense of impending doom filled Ash's stomach. She felt even smaller than usual. The car pulled up, the alpaca opening the door for her. Following the woman into the building was terrifying. Ash felt defenceless, despite her spines. She scanned the large rhino guards nervously, shrinking into herself.
The tall woman approached the front desk. Peering through the glass, she caught the attention of the ram behind it.
'Mrs Sanchez, how can I help?' Sanchez, Ash noted. At least the woman had a name now. The Alpaca straightened slightly.
'We have brought in Miss Breen. Are we ready for her?' the ram glanced at Ash quickly, before turning back to Mrs Sanchez.
'No currently, but give me five minutes, and we'll have her through.' At that, he disappeared. Ash was guided to a plastic chair, obviously designed for larger mammals than her. It didn't help the feeling of minuteness. Swinging her legs awkwardly, Ash chewed her lip. The guards didn't even spare her a glance. The silence was overbearing.
Then the door swung open. Mrs Sanchez (who had vanished god knows where) poked her head through, calling out.
'Miss Breen, we are ready for you.' Ash had never heard her last name so many times. She slid off the seat and followed the alpaca, emerging into what looked like a waiting room. Several chairs lined the walls, animals of all shapes and sizes filling them. Only a few whispers echoed. Most looked towards a single door on the right, behind the desk of a bored looking cheetah. She was filing her nails, staring at her computer screen. As the door opened, revealing a frog, the cheetah called out.
'Mrs Smithson. You're next.' Her flat tone didn't seem to bother the elderly sheep that started towards the door. Soon enough, Ash's view was cut off by being lead through a set of coded double doors. The corridor beyond was just a grey at the rest of the building. The only noise was the clacking of Sanchez's heels, and Ash's frantic steps. Cursing her tiny legs, she found herself practically jogging to keep up with the Alpacas long stride.
Several other corridors split off, and they eventually took a left turn down one. A steel door stood at the end, more rhino guards flanking it. Ash swallowed as the woman came to a stop in front of them. A nod at the guards, she gestured for the porcupine to enter. Swallowing her nerves, Ash took a deep breath, and walked forward. The guard opened the door, and she entered. The thud of the door behind her was lost as she gazed at the sight in front of her.
A single table was present in the centre of the room. A rhino stood either side, straight backed, with serious faces. There was a chair on her side, meant for her. But the figure on the other side of the table made her hesitate. Jet black fur and orange jumpsuit did nothing to hid bulging muscle and wide set shoulders. The gorilla looked twice the size of Johnny, and was level with the guards, even seated. Two sharp blue eyes bore into her, heavy brow set in a frown.
One of the guards turned to her, pointing at the seat. Ash jolted forward, heart racing. The species of the mammal left her with little doubt that this was Johnny's dad. But until she had confirmation, she was going to play her cards right. Hopping into the chair, she gazed up. A rough accented voice greeted her.
'You Ash?' the porcupine frowned, nodding sharply. He asked for her, didn't he? The gorilla let out an unimpressed grunt, leaving back. His cuffed hands crossed his large chest, as he stared her down. The noise made her eyes narrow. Who the fuck did this guy think he was? She mimicked his pose, feeling more comfortable in her sass. Whilst this man could crush her easily, she had guards and a sharp tongue on her side. Which she let loose.
'What's it to you?' was all that left her. Thick dark eyebrows raised. Ash had to wonder if anyone had ever spoken back to this giant, or if she was the first. Staring him down, he decided to reply.
'Just wasn't 'specting yer to be a porcupine, is all.' That accent was just ringing more bells in her head. Johnny's accent was softer, but similar. This was certainly his father. Before she could express her thoughts, the gorilla leant forward. Humungous forearms propped the man up, as he stared her down.
'Never mind tha'. I've got one question fer yer. Where is my son?' the question was emphasised in such a way, it shocked Ash. It was all but a growl, but held underlying concern. Ash gazed back, and all that seemed to be willing to come from her was,
'What?' The gorilla frowned even deeper.
'Yer heard me. Where is Johnny?' ding ding ding, we had a winner. So this was Johnny's father. As leant back, examining him for a moment. He was much larger than her friend, blue eyes nothing like Johnny's warm brown. Face was a lot sterner than the easy smile she was used to. It was almost odd to think her sweet guy (hers, what the hell? He wasn't hers) was the offspring of this jailed mobster. Squinting at him slightly, she decided to answer the question.
'How should I know? Haven't see him in over a week.' The gorilla slumped back, one hand running down his face. That action was familiar. Johnny always did it when he was frustrated. And this giant seemed to be the same.
'What do yer mean, you ain't seen him. He's always ruddy well talking about yer. Thought the two of yer were mates?' Ash almost blushed. Johnny spoke of her. Yeah, they got on well, but… she wondered if he spoke about the others as much, but knew now wasn't the time. As for the mates bit, she didn't even know anymore. So she answered the only way she could.
'Well, stuff happens, don't it? I haven't seen him. Or even spoken to him since last Friday.' Arms were crossed defensively across her chest, face as blank as she could manage. The gorilla blinked at her.
'Then why the hell did yer agree to come see me? Ain't much ruddy use if yer ain't seen 'im!' Well, that was a bit much. The large man flopped his head into his hands, sighing heavily. 'Well could yer call him or summit? I haven't seen hide nor 'air of him since his visit on the 16th. He usually comes three times a week ter see me, but he ain't show up. Once or twice, I wouldn't be bothered, but this ain't like 'im.' Ash didn't need telling that. It was common knowledge in the theatre that Johnny came to see his dad on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. But the fact he wasn't coming in worried her. They all knew how the teen prioritised his visits over everything, even begging Moon for the afternoons off on those days. He got them easily, because who could resist that face. Ash sighed, twiddling the quills that hung in front of her ear. Giving a half heart shrug, she looked up.
'I wasn't told who I was coming to see, and who's gunna turn down a free ride in a cop car?' that brought a small smile to the father's face. 'Anyway, I'd offer to try, but I highly doubt he'd pick up. We weren't exactly seeing eye to eye when I last saw him.' That got her a disbelieving look.
'What 'append?' was the curious reply. The tilted head was so familiar and comforting, Ash almost smiled. More and more of Johnny's mannerism were showing in this man.
'We had a fight.' Was her short reply. Her gaze flicked to the guards, whom looked uninterested. The father's snort brought her eyes back centre. One dark brow was raise, a look of amusement gracing grey cheeks.
'Johnny aint the type to 'old a grudge, or even argue. So don't 'spect me ter believe that. Yeah, the lad can be a moody teen sometimes, but to actually stay angry at yer. Bull.' Ash froze. How dare he act like he knew what was going on. Anger shot up inside her, boiling hot. Hands gripped the edge of the table as she lent forwards.
'And you have no damn clue what happened, so don't act like you fucking well do. A lot of shit was said, and there ain't no going back on it. So butt out.' She could feel her spines flaring as she stared down the ape in front of her. Screw his size, she would damn well punch him if he carried on. The guard to her left shifted, obviously sensing the tension. Ash leant back into her seat, the metal feeling cold against her hot fur. The gorilla stared her down, eyes narrowed. She just glared back. To hell with him if he thought she was backing down.
He then surprised her. A deep rumbling chuckle burst from him, his lips stretching into a grin. Blue eyes almost sparkled now he was smiling. Ash raised a brow.
'Fer all he said about yer, he never told me yer was so feisty. But I can see why he likes yer.' Was her explanation. She felt a bit shocked. She had just told this guy to shove off, and he was complimenting her (at least she hoped he was). What the hell was going on? The gorilla finished laughing, and grinned down at her. 'So, yer gunna tell me what's going on?' Ash bristled. She had only just met this man, and he was asking about her personal life.
'Why the hell would I do that?' what her snapped answer. The man shrugged.
'Dunno, get it off yer chest? Been told I make a good ear.' She stared at him. There was no urgency left in his body, arms crossed loosely over his chest. A patient gaze weighed down on her. Those sharp eyes held nothing but curiosity. She bit her lip, and before she fully realised, started talking. He told the man about Lance, and his late night visits, all the insults that cut too deep. Explained about her family that she hadn't mentioned in years. Told him about the play, the talk, even the hug, and her losing her rag at his son. Every single thought that had weighed her down came tumbling out to this complete stranger. Every doubt, every guilt. Ash turned into an open book for the first time in her life. By the end she was sniffling back tears, voice wobbling slightly.
'…and I wouldn't blame Johnny if he never even wanted to look at me again.' She slumped back. Exhaustion rolled through her small form in waves. Her companion was sat back, thoughtful look on his broad face. Ash rubbed her arm, feeling awkward. She just spilt her soul out to Johnny's gang affiliated dad. Crap. The porcupine jumped as he turned to the guard.
'Gotta pen?' the guard stared at him suspiciously. Rolling his eyes, the gorilla sighed. 'Give it ter her if yer don't trust me.' Eventually Ash was handed a pen. Staring at the man, she wondered what he was up to. 'Write this down, you'll want it.' he then recited an address. With no paper, Ash scribble it on her wrist, pushing her fur aside to reach skin. She handed the pen back to the guard, confusion filling her face. Kind blue eyes gazed down at her.
'Look, yer've got yerself in a pickle, but it aint no use worrying bout it. Johnny, he aint gunna be mad at yer. Kid's too soft fer that. Go there, his room is the last on the left. Tell 'im what you told me, and he'll forgive ya. If not, I'll give 'im a talking ter.' Ash stared at him, uncertainty flooding her. A smile was shot at her. 'Please. And don't take tha' lightly, don't generally ask people. And if nuthin' else, tell 'im to come see his dad. Can't keep an eye on 'im in 'ere, and it worries me when he don't show up.'
Ash held his gaze. He did look worried, even if the expression was odd upon his face. She could at least do that for the man after she basically told him her life story. Her own blue eyes flickered between his, weighing her options. Couldn't hurt to try, could it? She gave him a small smile.
'I'll do my best. Thank you sir.' The polite word felt odd in her mouth, but she could make an effort to be nice. A snort came from the larger animal as he clapped a large hand on the table.
'Drop tha' sir bollocks, sounds off. Ain't no calling me Mr Colvin either. Jump off a bridge if that starts up. It's Oscar to you little lady, I'll scept no less.' Ash didn't even bother telling him she hadn't know his last name. She just grinned up at the surprising friendly gorilla, hopping off her chair.
'Right… Oscar.' It seemed weird, but Ash was sure she could get used to it. 'I'll go attempt to beat some sense into your son.' The grin she received was almost blinding.
'Good girl Ash, knew I could count on yer. I'll see yer around.' With one last wave, Ash was off.
