830 Words, this Chapter

Chapter Two, Just a Costume 2: Redressed

Becker immediately turned into soldier boy, scanning the shop. "There he is."

As all three of them descended upon Kenneth, Joe called out, "He's handing out more cards!"

Sure enough, a young man dressed in a security uniform was talking up three young ladies, each one holding a card.

"Who the hell are you?" cried Joe, as Becker roughly grabbed the man. "You don't work here!"

The ladies looked aghast and threw down the cards.

"Sorry, ladies," said Joe. "Honestly. How about a ten percent discount?"

The ladies nodded and smiled, moving to another part of the shop. They kept looking back at the phony guard.

"Alright, let's have it," said Becker. "What do you think you're doing?"

Kenneth was pale, pinned by Becker to a wall. "I...uh..." he laughed weakly. "It was just a bit of fun."

"In my shop!" cried Joe, clearly furious. "I don't think so mate!"

"I'll call the police," said Jess.

Kenneth eyed Becker nervously, who still had him pinned uncomfortably. "You don't have to do that. Honestly, it was just a joke."

"Some joke," said Becker.

"Yeah, disturbing my customers. Who knows what you intended with them."

"Nothing! Honestly. I just wanted a date...or two."

"Disgusting!" cried Jess.

"Yeah. And stupid. This young woman," said Becker, gesturing to Jess, "is my girl."

Jess smiled.

Becker wasn't done. He leaned into Kenneth snarling and hissing and he said, "You tried to pick her up."

Kenneth turned pale. "Oops."

"Yeah, oops," said Jess.

"S...sorry," said Kenneth, wincing as Becker's hold increased.

"So am I," said Becker, still hissing. "I don't forgive."

Jess giggled, then turned away so she didn't ruin Becker's bad guy act.

"I'm really sorry," whispered Kenneth, white now. "Let me go...please."

"No way," said Becker.

"Right," said Joe. "No way. I'm a little new to this area, Becker. What do you think we should do with him."

Becker smiled menacingly. "I have a few ideas."

"Oh..God, no!" cried Kenneth, tearing up in fear.

Jess shook her head. It was enough for her. "Honey," she said sweetly. "I think I should call the police. You're getting too...worked up."

Becker smiled. "I'm fine," he said. He turned back to Kenneth and growled.

Jess stifled a giggle. "I may have to insist, sweetie."

"Yes, insist!" cried Kenneth.

"All right, Jess," said Joe, winking at her. "You win. Call the police. Sorry, Becker."

Becker kept up the pressure on Kenneth and glared at him a moment longer, than he released him. Kenneth slumped to the ground in relief.

Jess giggled as she phoned the police.

Joe stood over the trembling young man. "You picked the wrong profession to imitate," he said. "The Captain here? He's a real security man, ex-military, right, Becker?"

Becker nodded and smiled wickedly at Kenneth. "Right."

"I take it you don't like people giving you a bad name, huh?"

"No, I don't."

Kenneth moaned. "I'm...so...s-s-sorry. Please, keep him away!"

Joe smiled, patting Becker on the back. Becker traded smirks with him. "OK," Joe said finally. "I guess I don't need blood splattering all over my shop. Ease off, Becker."

"You sure?"

"Please!" cried Kenneth.

Joe stifled a laugh. "You'll wait quietly for the police?"

"Yes! And I'll admit that I was posing as security!"

"Fine," said Joe. "Come on, punk." He lifted Kenneth off the floor. "You can wait in my office."

"I'll show him the way," said Becker, shoving Kenneth to the back of the store, as Kenneth whined and cried. Becker shot Joe and Jess a smile.

"He's enjoying this too much," said Jess.

Joe laughed. "Ah, he's alright. The kid needs a good scare anyway, probably the best thing for him."

"I guess."

"I doubt he'll ever try anything here again."

Jess laughed. "No, I'm fairly sure you'll never step foot in here ever."

They laughed. "Maybe I should get some security," said Joe. "Becker's not looking to moonlight is he?"

Jess shook her head. "No. We're both busy enough as it is. Sorry."

Joe laughed. "Yeah. Just an idea."

Jess shook her head. "Bad idea." She sighed. "This whole incident has me a bit frazzled."

"Sorry, Jess." Then he smiled. "Ten percent off?"

Jess smiled sweetly back. "Make it twenty."

Joe laughed. "Deal. I'll even throw in a couple free costumes for you guys, seeing how Becker is on temporary duty."

"Temporary," said Jess. She smiled. "I think that's quite decent of you, Joe. And deserved."

He nodded. "Anything to keep my favorite customers. Feel better, Jess?" he asked.

She nodded. "Yes, much." She skipped off to the boxes behind the counter, continuing her interrupted browsing. She pulled a few more costumes out. "Much better," she said.

Joe laughed as he saw a police car pull up in front. "Just another day at the costume shop."

End of Chapter Two