*Tingdidaling*
"Hello?"
"Hello, K. How may I help you on this fine night?
Need help getting into your safe again?
Or was it the locker."
"Funny.
I've grown a lot since college."
"Are you talking physically, or….."
"Can it."
"....Would be happy to.
It's nice to see you again."
"You as well."
"What can I help you with?"
"Well...."
"Uhoh. You cleared your throat and exaggerated the word well. Better come quick.
This is a lot more than a stuck locker handle.
Where's the lock?"
"Actually, there are several locks."
"Can you brng it in?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"It would be best if you come with me so that I can just show you."
"Oh boy.
What should I bring?"
"Your wits, and your knowledge. After that, it's up to you."
"What's taking her so long?
I might have to go in and see just to make sure."
"Hun, trust her. She wouldn't rat."
"I don't know. I don't...
*Sheeeeeeeet*
Oh, you're back."
"I...….said I would be. Why?
You guys were going to come in after me or something?"
"Ummmmm….."
"Doc, here he is."
*Ching….ching…..ching*
"I can see now why you haven't brought him inside.
The stench alone would draw away my customers."
"Can you help him?"
"My dad could have those locks off faster than you can pot a brew, but I shall try my best.
Is he….....stable?"
"Just a little dehydrated.
Tried to give him something to drink, but he threw it up. He's just sleeping now."
"What are you going to do with him?"
"Take him home, give him a shower; some food; and then talk to him."
"Do you know what happened?"
"Uhhhh...Your guess is as good as ours."
"Don't worry. I can...see....you?"
"Us?"
"You're the new family in town; come along with Ruby."
"That is true."
"Picking up where Ruby left off?"
"Excuse me?"
"Helping the innocent, downing the Trodden; and taking out who needs to be taken out."
"Well, I don't know about that. We're just a mere family; same as everyone else."
"I wouldn't call saving this man's life as a 'Mere' average family."
"No.
I think you're right."
"So, how are you liking our town? Staying at Rubys old place?"
"Actually, we have our own place and were just over there, helping draw people back; but...…"
"You like the action packed day to day of our town?
You can say it. I won't tell anyone."
"It is quite different I'd say."
*Ting...…cla…cling....cling...….Plopppp*
"Well, that's one chain done. Now for the feet.
Can someone give me a light, please?"
"Ohhh. Back in the shop. I'll get it."
"We really do appreciate all that you're doing for us, and for…..
*Tink….Tink.
Not asking too many questions."
"......You're welcome.
Your business is your own.
Just as long as you're not using me or my father as a front to help you open a stolen whatever; then I don't mind. I mean, I do mind and care; it's just...….Not my business to pry."
"Understand."
"Here's the light you asked for. Couldn't find the big one, so I went with what I could. I know it's a little small, but….."
"No. No. That's perfect. Easier to wedge it in there and see where the mechanism is.
Seems like there are two of them, and...
*Tink…..
Clank....clank....Plop*
"Now their are zero.
You guys are good to go."
"Thank you. Thank you. Oh thank you."
"I'd say get him to a hospital and not just do a homeremedy."
"We don't know any around here so that's why. Would take him home to ours, but that's far away and I don't think he could make the trip.
Thanks for your thoughts."
"But we do have one. It's called, 'Valley of the Vikings.'"