Augustus took a deep breath and looked both ways. He needed to make sure he wasn't being followed by anyone, least of all by that obnoxious white knight Abbey, before he turned into the alley. Even though it was broad daylight, long, dark shadows covered the thin concrete path between the two buildings. The buildings were cracked and crumbling, one was already abandoned. Augustus stepped over the trash that littered the alleyway, accumulated from years of neglect. Though much of it was as old as the buildings, some of it was left behind by him, and the two he was there to see.
A dog leaned on one of the buildings, puffing on a cigarette. He'd been there for a while, waiting for the young cat to make his entrance. He'd been beginning to think Augustus had gotten cold feet when he heard the footsteps echoing between the walls, and the long shadow he cast as he came closer. "Oh, you're back." Toby said, letting out a big cloud of smoke that made Augustus cough.
"Happy to see me?" The teen asked sarcastically to the unenthusiastic greeting.
Toby looked over the cat before speaking. "I thought you were bringing your new girlfriend?"
"No, not anymore." It stung a little. Augustus really was in love with her, but he'd blown it trying to turn her into something she wasn't. "I can't keep trying to change her mind."
Toby frowned, looking down his muzzle at the teen. "You're too soft. I woulda just gone for it, not planned out some big night for her."
Augustus still had his morals, more or less. "I wanted it to be her decision." He said firmly.
Toby smiled at the idea. He knew better. "Well, sounds like you screwed up."
"Maybe I did." Augustus said, feeling the pain in his heart. "Maybe it was better this way."
"I can't believe what I'm hearing!" Toby said in disbelief, and put the cigarette back in his mouth for another hit.
"Hey." Came another gruff voice, and the two looked over.
Augustus's heart sank, knowing what was coming next. "..hi." he said flatly.
"What have you got for us?" Alejandro said from the shadows. He's been waiting eagerly all week to hear back from Augustus.
"They're pretty much what I expected." He reported. From within his cloak he pulled out a small piece of paper. "I put together a list of their classes and where they hang out after school."
"Excellent!" Alejandro took a step closer, towering over the teen. "Just hand over that list and we'll be on our way."
Augustus went to hand him the paper, but faltered. All he could think about was Daisy. Sweet, gentle Daisy, and how much she had done for him. If he handed over the list now, he had no idea what might happen to her. Knowing how Alejandro treated his friends, he shuddered to think what he would do to someone he considered an enemy. No, he couldn't betray Daisy like this. "Wh… what are you going to do with them?"
Alejandro frowned at the slight delay. "None of your business. You followed them, got the list. Your job here is done. As far as you're concerned, this is all routine." He put his hand out expectantly. "Now hand over the list."
"You're going to hurt them, aren't you?" The siamese cat took a step back from the thug. Toby put his cigarette out on the wall behind him and stood up straight, sensing a conflict on the horizon. "What did they do to you?"
"None of your damn business!" Alejandro growled, tired of the games. "What do you care?"
"He's got a thing for the nerdy one." Toby said. Augustus closed his eyes, wishing he'd kept his feelings for Daisy to himself.
"Such a shame." Alejandro mused. "But I don't care. Give. Me. That. List!"
The older cat made a grab for paper, but Augustus drew his hand back. "N-no! I won't let you hurt her!"
"Grrrr! Enough!" Alejandro lunged at Augustus, who turned to run but was stopped by Toby.
"Goin' somewhere?" He asked, breath reeking of cigarettes. "Just hand over the list kid, and you don't have to join the others."
Augustus couldn't let harm come to Daisy. She may hate him forever, but he'd hate himself if he was responsible for her getting hurt. He had to get rid of the list. He couldn't throw it, Alejandro would catch it. Ripping it up wouldn't help, they could piece it back together. With no other options left, Augustus shoved the paper into his mouth and ate it. It didn't go down easy, but it got the job done. Toby let go in amused surprise. Alejandro grabbed Augustus. "Where is it?!" He demanded.
"He ate it." Toby said flatly.
Alejandro looked from Augustus to Toby in surprise. It developed into anger and he slowly turned his head to look into Augustus's scared, yet defiant, eyes. "That was a mistake." He balled up a fist and drove it into the smaller cats' stomach.
"Ugh!" Augustus doubled over in pain. Alejandro kicked him over and proceeded to wail on him.
"You think you can come here and. Pull. That. Shit!" He yelled, ending the last few words with sharp kicks to the chest. Each kick brought out new cries of pain. Augustus gasped for air, coughing and wheezing. Alejandro wasn't done yet, he grabbed him by the back of the head and smashed it against the ground. Augustus's nose broke, and Alejandro lifted his head up to talk to him. "You're gonna get me another list by tomorrow," he growled in his face. "Or I'm gonna fuckin' kill ya, understand me, brat? And then I'm gonna find them myself, and when I do, I'll be sure to let your little girlfriend know her ass kicking was courtesy of the late Augustus!" Alejandro threw Augustus's head down and let go.
The thug got to his feet. "I think I've made myself clear. Let's go, Toby." The pair left Augustus to pick himself up. The young cat was in a lot of pain, and all he could do for the moment was cry. He hated himself for letting things get this bad, for manipulating Daisy. He missed Melanie. He missed having someone caring in his life. Now, no matter what he did, Daisy was going to get hurt.