"Welp-... I really hope nobody saw that..."
"....It's an explosion...."
The man beside him cleared his throat, "There were no casualties... Everyone is outside.... I made sure of that...."
Crane huffed at his boss, turning around, agitated; he stormed down the mountainside he had been peacefully enjoying his picnic on. He had planned a vacation for himself as a reward for keeping up with his boss and after five failed (disastrous) attempts at escaping, he finally had the chance to go on a picnic, just for a day. But that was fine as long as he could get some peace.
That's what everyone told him. He had been merry on his way, looking for a quiet place to spend his evening when he happened to stumble upon the gorgeous hill after being chased by a relentless duck. He was convinced that the duck had a mental problem and wouldn't leave him alone.
He sincerely prayed that God let him have one evening of precious peace but it seemed like The Almighty had some other plans.
"Anyway, did you enjoy your picnic, Crepe...?? The excited boss asked, chasing after him.
Crane huffed for the umpteenth time this evening, "One day... Just one fucking day is all I ask for.. and for God's sake, it's Crane, Leonard...."
"That doesn't answer my question, dear Crepe.. Tell me, did you enjoy your evening??", Leonard asked in a sing-song voice that had a nerve pop in Crane's head.
"Boss, how do you think my evening went with you dropping out of nowhere, that too, with a fucking explosion...??"
Leonard grinned mischievously, like a child who had been caught red-handed. He had a knack for explosions but up to date, his favorite hobby remained bullying his dear assistant.
"Where are we going now...???" Crane questioned in a sad voice that widened the amused smile on Leonard's face.
"Awww..... Don't worry, Crepe..... You will love it..... You trust me, right??" Leonard comforted him with an uncanny smile that made the hairs on the back of Crane's neck rise.
With a gulp, he looked towards his psychotic boss whose smiling face had turned into a creepy grin. Shivering, he looked towards the sky with a face that held unmistakable agony and that is how Asst. Officer Crane submitted to his fate, that busy evening, only to be seen again after ages. This was just one of the many common nights at The Lost Sock Society.
Legend has it that shadows lurk in the dark of midnight, capturing any unfortunate soul that crosses their paths. Intel from the LSS has provided some information but it's authenticity is yet to be proved.
When interviewed about the two mysterious 'Birds' who had been causing much unrest and chaos in the town, Felicia, the right-hand of the President of The Lost Sock Society (LSS), is said to have pursed her lips and replied, "While I cannot divulge specific details, rest assured that any allegations of mischief-making in our esteemed town are being diligently investigated. It is my professional duty to assure the public that we are committed to upholding order, and any suggestion otherwise may be a mere concoction of wild imaginations."
Meanwhile, the two mischievous birds of the town were on their way to ruffle sone more feathers and probably look for a friend.
As they made their way through the thick bushes that towered above them, Crane couldn't help but remember his peaceful picnic site. He was now even more determined to book one week of a holiday after this 'errand'.
They now stood in front of a house that looked neither too grand nor too humble, tucked away from the prying eyes of onlookers, nestled between the looming trees of a forest, ancient enough.
Leonard's grin only seemed to widen with every passing second, while the bemused Crane stood glaring at the house, hoping he would get the chance to burn it down. They waited for a few seconds before the door was swung open and a man came into view.
With a smile as unhinged as Leonard's, he said, "I have been waiting for you, Gentlemen....."