![]() GO AHEAD AND PLAY DEAD Life is Good. At least, as good as life gets for a lone wolf. I'd finally gotten matters settled with the shop in the warehouse district. Paperwork's been signed, title in hand, and now I had a crew working diligently to get all the necessary adjustments made to the building. New signs branded the formidable fortress 'Devil's Den Armory', with security cameras being placed and shelves being stocked by the truck load with ammunition and firearms as well as hand-held weapons. One side room was being fitted with large mats, punching bags and dummies for combat training. The upstairs had six smaller rooms being furnished into living quarters complete with bathrooms and kitchenettes, and the razor-wire lot outback had a brand spanking new shooting range- complete with short and long range targets- gleaming in the sunlight. Yep. Life was Fuckin' Awesome. The last full moon proved quite fruitful, and I had a chance to spend more time with Tobias and Raven. Tobi was turning out to be a fantastic asset and I was compelled to believe that making that business arrangement with him on the sidewalk had been one of the best decisions I ever made. A man couldn't ask for a better guard, and in return I planned to see to it the young leopard never went hungry or with out clothes and a roof over his head. It was a brilliant partnership. But it was time to make it a little more concrete. I couldn't just keep handing the boy crumpled wads of bills and every day I saw him wearing the same tattered jeans and ripped shirt. No, no that wouldn't suffice at all. So today, when I step into the front of the shop and find him lounging upon the pile of nets and rags in his corner, an idea comes to me. "Tobias," I speak his name, firm and fluid as a rapacious grin appears upon my face. "You. Me. Big Juicy Steak... what do you say?" I knew the man was of few words, so surely he'd understand that kind of language, right? I jingle the keys to the new car I'd purchased a couple months back. It wasn't anything sporty, more practical really. A Toyota Tacoma, Polar Concept. The only truck in the world like it and it came with two certificates from the guinness book of world records. Who could ask for more? Outfitted complete with all-wheel-drive for all terrain entertainment, a tow wench and hitch and a roll bar in case I decided to get a little rowdy. The jacked up tires were just a bonus, giving the truck a fierce face. It was blacked out from top to bottom, tinted windows and chrome wheels and detailing. Chrome highlighted the tailgate in a silver logo and letters 'Devil's Den Armory'. Gotta get into that advertising thing, right? "I am in a good mood, Tobias. I hope you are up to staying out late, I'd like to show you how the big dogs party." Mischief was all over my face, a throaty chuckle risen for the occasion. SOMEDAY I'LL WALK AWAY AND SAY YOU FUCKIN' DISAPPOINT ME Maybe You're Better Off This Way... ![]() |