literature

NUtPS Chapter 8

Deviation Actions

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"After the major boom last year, mako sharks have been reported to have greatly decreased the global populations of bluefish. The numbers are lowering greatly of both species…"
The television in the kitchen was on the island’s local news station when Alek entered. He slapped a messy omelet onto a plate and devoured it.
“Are you okay, Alek?” his mother asked concernedly.
Alek said nothing, but his mind kept replaying the red dot on his chest. It was so close, too soon to die, but what scared him most of all was that he wouldn’t see his family or his friends again.
Alexis smiled.
Alek shivered. “Yeah.”
“Your father said something happened last night.”
“Mmm-hmm…” Alek mumbled through egg.
On the TV, the camera panned out from the anchorman revealing a bald man with glasses and a yellow vest. Alek could imagine him playing golf or teaching at a college.
"Now we bring you Dr. Beckins. Doctor, why is this happening?"
"Right now, we’re trying to find out, but it seems that the sharks’ behavior patterns have changed some. Interestingly, they have turned to consuming other sources, one of which is extremely odd: oysters."
Alek coughed. Oysters?
The anchorman made a confused look.
"Why are they doing this?"
Beckins adjusted his thick glasses.
"It seems that they have discovered an alternative food source. Also, they appear to have instantly gained sentience and have managed to find ways around netting protecting oyster farms mainly cutting and biting through barriers."
Good, Alek thought. His father’s farm used metal mesh instead of netting, impossible for a shark to get around.
Beckins cleared his throat.
"This is particularly unusual, but I will find the cause."
"Why have you chosen our island?"
"First of all, the surrounding waters are perfect for researching as they are filled with mako sharks. Then there’s also the large oyster farm nearby which I’m sure will attract many of the sharks."
"Well, there you have it folks. If anyone has any information or wants to learn more about…"
Alek stood up and left, wiping a little egg from the corner of his mouth. He picked up his bag. It felt a little heavier, probably because last night’s swim had strained his muscles a little.
Alexis was waiting outside.
“Hey!” she was smiling broadly.
“Morning.” Alek smiled back.
They walked down the stone streets, down the island town’s turning alleys to school.
“Are you going to stay at school with me this time?” Alek asked.
“Let’s see.” Alexis dug into a purse.
How does she get her stuff? Alek wondered.
“See?” she held up a small paper. “I’m a transfer student.”
Alek looked. It was a schedule.
“How did you…?”
The sea witch grinned. “A spell or two. Plus, I pass as a Greek pretty well.”
“Ah.”

“The kid has a girlfriend?” Eddie wondered aloud. It was quiet in the small café, no other customers besides Maddox, Eddie and Vince.
Eddie ran a hand through his blonde hair, feeling a couple bullet scars that had, luckily, managed to bounce off his skull. Despite his deceptively lanky frame and plastered grin, he was an expert at his profession: killing. With well over a hundred kills to his profile, mostly thanks to bombs, he was what people like Maddox called an expensive asset.
Eddie grinned and swigged his coffee.
“Good job with the laser last night.” Maddox slapped him on the back.
“It’s what you pay me for.” Eddie said, his grin somewhat diminished as he tried to wipe off his now-spilt coffee.
“Could have done the same thing with a laser pointer.” Vince grumbled. He was well over twice Eddie’s weight, a giant. As Maddox’s bodyguard, he had taken a couple bullets for the boss in the past. As for the gangster’s enemies, Vince had a habit of crushing skulls and bones with his monster hands.
The bodyguard was standing; he had broken two chairs already.
“Yeah…” Eddie smirked. “But what happens when the guy says ‘no’?”
“I’ll…crush him.”
Maddox sighed. “Couldn’t you do anything different? Like break their backs or something?”
“Uh…”
“Guess not.” Eddie laughed.
Vince grunted. “So the oyster guy will do it?”
“Yes, naturally.” Maddox smiled and placed a cigar in his mouth. “He didn’t want his son’s blood on expensive carpet.”
Eddie made a face. “At least he loves his family. All you love is…”
“Money.” Maddox lit his cigar. “And this is quite a pearl.”
Vince snorted at the joke.
Eddie just smiled and took a sip of his remaining coffee.
“What?” Maddox took a puff. “You’re not exactly a saint, Eddie. I mean, your entire job is about money, right?”
“Is it now?”
“Well, whatever. I’m paying you to help me out with business matters, not give me therapy.”
Eddie made a wicked grin.
“Yes, sir.” he tried to make his salute as mocking as possible, but his past kept tugging at making it one of a disciplined soldier.
Maddox shivered. It was men like Eddie that made him sleep in a different bed every week. Maybe one day the laser dot would be on him…but until then, his assets would allow him to purchase the services of the best, Eddie’s kind, to take care of all those who threatened him. The hit man had been a good choice so far, having already placed three bullets in the same number of targets. Yes, he was exceptional. What had attracted the crime boss to Eddie’s services was the rumor that the man carried only one magazine for each of his weapons; he never reloaded, never missed. Sometimes, Maddox wondered what would happen if the assassin ran into a situation where there were more targets than bullets. What would he do then?
The waitress brought him his tea. About time.
Maddox's intentions are hinted in this chapter. Alexis joins Alek in his studies.

Sorry if I'm dragging the story out too much. I'm trying not to make huge chapters, though.
© 2008 - 2024 legoner2721
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