Post by Jay on Feb 8, 2022 0:22:12 GMT
With a broken nose, two black eyes and half a tooth spat out on the moonlit floor; things were going his way. He was gonna get the money from this lowlife that he was owed - one way or another.
"Now, I suggest you think real hard about your next decision because I will rip that beating pulse bag right outta your fucking chest if you don't pay up!"
The semi-concious man grunted, smiled and spat on Alfie's shoes. With a long sigh Alfie gently stowed his baseball bat against the wall and put on a pair of vinyl gloves.
"Have it your way then."
Two large thumbs pressed in to the guy's eyes with a vulgarly satisfying *pop*. Screams ensued. The sound of crunching bones echoed from the buildings which surrounded the alley.
Then, after ten grueling minutes of physical punishment, Alfie's attention was drawn to the sound of a sewer lid shuffling across the floor behind him. He looked around but no one was there.
A voice came from... somewhere...
"I've had my eyes on you for some time"
"Oh yes Mr Brown, a very long time... and I know all about you and every little secret you wouldn't want your lovely band of merry men to know!"
"Show yourself you fuckin' cunt! I'll rip your fuckin' head off!"
Alfie felt the tip of a dagger press against his spine. The dagger trapsed up his back to his neck which was the moment Alfie spun around on the spot to see... nothing!
Two quick taps on the shoulder from the blade made him turn again.
"Prick!"
Then out of nowhere, like a flash, appeared a twisted and contorted looking fellow in a hoodie with skin like pitted olives and a cleff lip which made certain words whistle as he spoke.
"Mr Brown. Alfred Brown. Aflie to his friends. One sister - deceased. Lives alone. Likes fighting. Won all bareknuckle fights by knockout. Was arrested for armed robbery. Become an informant for the pigs. Reduced sentence. Chewed spearmint gum coming out of court. Visited his friend Jared O'Harre for a drink and a game of snooker. Lost by 55 points. Lay in bed for two days reading 'The Tales of Ghengis Khan'... shall I go on?"
Alfie's face dropped. Who was this man? How did he know so much about him? What else did he know...
...and what did he want?
"Gordon Bennett, you're one fucking ugly son of a bitch!"
"Why thank you. But my looks aren't as important to you as you meeting our maiden is. She wants a word with you."
"You know I could punch your lights out with these fists don't you; seeming as you know me so well."
The man smiled and urged him to try. Alfie naturally obliged with the biggest right hook of his life right in to the face of the man.
"This is going to be fun."
The hooded man lifted his hand and slapped Alfie around the face. Alfie spun around six or seven times on the spot before hitting the deck with a squelching *thwack*. Barely concious he felt himself being dragged in the direction of the sewer entrance.
"You've caused quite the stir Mr Brown."
"I don't kn-"
"SILENCE WHEN THE MAIDEN IS SPEAKING YOU DUMB BRUTE!"
"I-"
The man punched Alfie in the face rendering him unconcious. The maiden turned to the man.
"Was that really neccessary, Brahms?"
"No. But he lacked manners and it felt so god damn theraputic!"
When Alfie came around he noticed that all the people surrounding him were donning the clothes of which his friends used to wear. He looked at the grime dripping from the ceiling to the floor as well as the rats scurrying in to one corner of the sewer junction.
"This is going to be hard to hear Mr Brown... or should I say Alfie? Ahh, I see you've summised that your friends have either been robbed of their clothes... or are dead. Alfie, the latter is closer to the truth than you may know. It is still us. We, Brahms aside, are the friends you have known, loved and 'protected' all these years.
You have always thought that you were our protector when in fact it were us who was keeping a protectful eye out for you and your violent misdemeanors and errands. All in the name of your loyalty to the Rat Pack. Your little brotherhood in the slums of London.
You're not here because we want to hurt you. We want to thank you... and we have an amazing way to show our thanks, Alfie."
The maiden nodded to Brahms who eagerly pierced an opening in to the side of Alfie's neck with a long finger nail.
Brahms stepped aside and the maiden moved in close.
"I have a gift for you my friend..."