The next morning as planned Shaun met Nick to give him the money. Nick wasn't the bravest fellow so knowing what Shaun had planned he was quivering in his boots. But his time playing as Shaun's foil in Frankfield taught him that getting on Shaun's wrong side did not yield too many benefits.
"Ensure the tech guy isn't too much of a talker. For this to work there can be no leaks," Warned Shaun. What he had in mind would only work if Carlos was caught by surprise.
"That might be a problem. The only guy I know is called Elliot, he is an IT Major at Lakeview Tech. The issue is he talks too much and can't keep his yap shut."
Shaun frowned when he heard what Nick had to say, "Did you tell him anything about me?" He questioned and was reassured with his next words.
Nick: "Of Course not, he had to sign up before any details about the job I was hiring for. But even if I did he would not know anything about you. We travel in different circles so he is oblivious to anything Elvers or Clortho related."
This was to Shaun's liking as the two once more parted ways and decided to be meet at midnight that night.
_____________________
A big moon and skies filled with stars hung over Lakeview City, it was a pity that the blinding lights within the city left a lonely dull moon. Below on a street called Dumfries within the Elver's community, bikes and souped-up cars were revved nonestop. A nuisance for anyone who hoped for a goodnight's rest. The streets were filled with many shady characters and skimpily dressed women.
Amongst them was Carlos. Ever by his side was Nomi who was sexily dressed in short shorts which barely covered her buttocks. You would think with such beauty beside him there wouldn't be a frown on his face. However, you would be wrong as a mean mug was all that could be seen. His face was partially disfigured as he looked to the opposing side of the street.
Carlos: "You see how these coños laugh at me," He said hatefully as he stared. "It's like they're taunting me. I should kill every fucking one of them."
As if hearing his words one of the men sought to get underneath Carlos's skin. "What are you looking at man? Don't let me call my little brother to smack that bitch ass for me." They all burst out laughing while drinking liquor inside of brown paper bags.
"What did you say to me?" He replied visible angered by the words of the gangster.
"What, did the kid burn those ears too?" Another of the men joined in. So upset was Carlos he moved to his waist but common sense soon prevailed to the relief of Nomi to his side. It was then that Marcus came strolling over, he too had been frowning nonstop all night from the heckles but for some reason there was now a smile.
"I got some good news," He started by saying.
"You found them?" Carlos' mood somewhat changed with a hopeful tone.
"Yeah the one who burned you, Shaun, well he returned last night. We can go sing him some lullabies," Marcus said with an evil smirk. Still, there was no smile on Carlos's face. He stared at those across the street.
"What good would that do at this point? He took something from us that day, Don't you see their stares? Look in their eyes. A month ago none of these fuckers would dare stare me dead in the eyes fearing my wrath. Now all these pussies feel it fit to heckle me, Carlos!" He beat his chest furiously while saying his name.
There was no need for Marcus to do as his boss requested knowing it was true. They had lost credibility after the incident with the kid. Even those they extorted began to refuse payment. These were frightful times as sooner or later all hell would break loose.
Still, the one who caused all of their sufferings was out there. It was as though he was taunting them by returning. He was almost daring them to do something about it. This kid was calling them pussies with his actions. How could they let him go on? "So we're going to leave the kid alone?" He stated with unwillingness in his voice.
Carlos was not the only one who lost something that day.
"No, that little fucker, his friend and brother are all dead. But before then we need to make a statement". He then whispered something in Marcus's ear that not even Nomi could not hear. The two then looked across the street at one man filled with gold chains hanging around his neck. He was the previous instigator. With Carlos's signal, they readied to cross the street as their hands made movements to their waist.
The other men across the street saw their action and readied to draw their guns as well, while women scattered. However, the most bizarre thing happened. Someone had hijacked their speakers and a teenager's voice could be heard.
SQUEAK!!! - Everyone instinctively covered their ears.
'Mic check One.., two.., three! Is this thing on?" they heard a constant muffled beating upon a mic. This was some weird stuff, who was this kid?
"Don't worry people, it's not the cops. Just came to have a little chat with my pal, Carlos." They all looked at Carlos whose face had turned red. How could he not know that voice? It has irritated him day and night since the incident. This kid surely had some balls on him - SHAUN!
With his listening audience Shaun continued, "To my dear friend Carlos, I hope there are no hard feelings. It 'Pains' me to see the scars I have inflicted upon your face. I've had a 'Burning' desire to right my wrongs. But damn I'm thirsty, I'm like an 'Oil' Lamp running dry. Ok that last one was a bit forced but you get the gist, pal," he snickered like a true juvenile.
"I'm going to kill you, you little fucker. One bullet right in your skull!" Carlos was fuming, he would sell his soul to the devil just to kill Shaun right at that moment. So too was Marcus and the others of the gang who were gathered.
"Now, now, language. You see there are eyes on you buddy, so you got to be on your best behaviour," Shaun warned and he spoke...
Ping! Ping! Ping! - Everyone on the street saw a mysterious link pop up on their phones. When they clicked it they saw live images of their street as clear as day. All their faces were being broadcast.
"You coward, what is all of this?" Carlos too had seen the live feed. Many amongst them began to hide their weapons, drugs and other illegal substances.
Shaun was carefree about the whole thing. He gave a simple explanation. "Well, this is my assurance, that there will be some fairness while we finally settle our score. Just like you, I would like to put an end to this."
"Settle our score?!" Carlos laughed. "You permanently disfigured me and you think this shit can be settled?" He fumed. "You were a coward then and a coward now."
"Well, I guess I'm the coward who holds all the cards. But I will give you an opportunity to regain some of your honour. Me versus you and all your crew. We will punch it out for the world to see. Of course, you aren't a pussy, so no guns are allowed. But I'll let you use knives if you please."
What the hell was wrong with this kid?! When everyone heard they did not know what to make of the situation. This was mental, not only did he plan on taking on Carlos, a former lower division boxing champ but his whole crew. He also gave the option of Knives as well. He must truly be disturbed.
"You're Loco, that's not happening," Carlos outright refused. There were no benefits for him engaging in such a nonessential melee
"Look at the numbers watching this live stream. Nine hundred views in only two minutes. Come on Carlos, isn't it enough that I know you're a pussy but now the whole world? How could you chicken out like this? I'll read a few of the top comments for you."
• This Carlos is a straight-up Bitch #Carlos&thepussycats
• Are you joking, I would kick this kid's ass. He just straight up dissing, I don't care if he is a kid, his ass getting whooped.
• At this rate, my grandma could beat this punk. All those muscles and tattoos and he is just a joke.
"Should I continue? Each second more and more people are tuning in. I'm making you a star," Teased Shaun.
This was when Carlos started to feel the pressure. There was no hiding if this were to go viral which it likely would. It would not bode well for him. "Why don't you show your cowardly face?"
Knowing he had backed Carlos into a corner it was then that Shaun saw it fit to lay down his terms.
"Coward huh? That seems to be your go-to word. Well, it's simply friend. You still have your guns, throw all of them in the red bin to your right. Until then you will not see this handsome face. Agree to my terms and I throw away the mic and come out into the light. Don't agree to them and become an internet sensation for the all wrong reasons."
"I don't see how this benefits you Shaun, but fine we have a deal," Seeing he was forced into a corner Carlos knew he had no choice. As soon as he agreed the street became pitch black. When it lit up one more a youth could be seen walking with a baseball bat dragging on the asphalt.
"Well here I am, batter up," Shaun said with a cheeky smile. He certainly knew how to make an entrance.