Words and Illustration by B.E. Sabin | October 18, 2024
Chapter Two
On the eastern side of town, far from the smoldering ashes of the West End Grounds grandstand, two figures, one short and one tall, conversed closely together behind Lamster’s Liquor Store, the premier spirits chain on Baseball Island.
“You’re going to keep that mouth of yours shut, you understand me, boy?” said the tall figure.
“I ain’t no snitch, you got me? All I want is my money and you don’t have to worry. But if I don’t get it, well, let’s just say that my uncle works for the daily.”
“You better not be threatening me, boy. You’ll get your money. Remember there are still jobs to be done. You get half up front and the rest when the ashes cool.”
“Yeah, I hear you, pops. Just wanted to remind you that I’m not just some kid. I have connections.”
The tall figure seemingly ignored the threats of the short figure. “Plus, it was supposed to be the whole park, not just the grandstands. So you better make it right if you want all the dough.”
“But how am I supposed to do that? I burned half of the damn west side. It’s not my fault the wind took the fire away from the rest of the stadium. Plus, that place has got to be crawling with cops.”
“I don’t know, kid. You’re the one with the connections, right?”
“Alright, alright, I’ll take care of it,” said the kid. “When do they want the next job done?”
“Three days time. Just after the Aces/Cranks series. Try to make it look like a careless fan left a match burning. Same as last time. Except finish the job this time. We got to get as many of these jobs done before everyone catches on.”
“Catches on, funny.”
“What’s so funny about it?”
“Nothin’, pops. Consider it done.”
“Meet me at Jack’s on 14th Street at eight. I’ll get you your cash when League Park is ashes.”
“You better or I’m through with all this. And you, you’re just through. My boys and me will make sure of that.”
And the two figures, one short and one tall, walked in opposite directions, leaving no trace. They might as well have been ghosts.
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