35 Getting Silly

Sitting in the cold, dark car, Liam and Parker watched as the drunk Frank marched toward the cafe. It was a bitterly cold night, yet Frank did not seem cold. The alcohol and the burning fury within him kept him warm.

…

'This is getting silly now,' Jade thought to herself.

As a sigh escaped her cold, pale lips, she surveyed the cafe. She had been puttering away for a few hours now, and it was very late.

'I can't stay here all night, and I need to be here early for when Silver Fox's friend comes to fix the window.'

She looked around and heaved a deep sigh once more. 'I know no one is going to do anything, but I can't help but worry. Well, I really should go home and get some sleep.'

With the intention to go home, Jade made to leave but then remembered something. 'It's later than usual… I don't know what sorts will be out there. I should call an Uber or taxi.'

Fortunately, Jade had managed to find her phone when she was cleaning the bench seats along the side. She must have dropped it in the seat, and it slid between the cushions.

However, when she pulled out her phone and opened the Uber app, she found that there were no drivers in her area. 'I know it's late, but I thought there'd be a few! Now I worry that Star Cars won't be able to send anyone…'

After a phone call that was only answered by a robotic voice, Jade's worries proved true. 'That irks me. The one time I want to book a ride home, no one answers!'

Knowing that she would have to walk home no matter what now, Jade attempted to comfort herself. 'I guess I'll be fine really. I only scare myself. It's not like anyone is out to get me…'

At that moment, Jade looked up and saw the ruined shop front.

'Oh yeah…'

Having remembered that someone had just thrown a brick through her cafe's front window, the confidence that she'd built up within her disappeared.

'No, come on Jade, you have to go home and rest. Tomorrow will be another busy day.

Clenching her fists and gritting her teeth, Jade left walked up to the front door and left the cafe for the second time that night. Even though she had only returned to find her phone, Jade had been there for a few hours.

Alas, that determination faded the moment she exited the cafe. Just a few meters away from her was Frank. He stank of booze, and there was a strange, twisted expression on his face.

"Frank? What are you doing here? Are you ok?" Jade asked as she took a few steps away from him.

Frank was equally shocked when he saw Jade. He had not expected to meet her there; he had thought that the cafe would be empty. The vicious plan that had been bubbling up within him almost immediately vanished.