Shadows play

he Encounter

wandered aimlessly, as he often did. His steps led him to a bustling inte

nn

n black with flashy brand sneakers. He sported a flashy watch

tonished, m

r? Is t

hing, slappi

Did you think I

broke kid from before had become a con

nets or what? Fabrice sa

ed. I'm running my littl

e, those clothes? Come on, we need to t

the terrace. Winner ordered two

r (se

that look of a gu

ce (b

m surviving. Mom is tired, Diane wants to c

, then Winner t

o do what it take

without t

me what need

in, his voice

t people who can pay, we work fast, clean. You want money? Then come with

lp of beer, his heart

m re

-

e Beginning o

y, like a threat hanging in the air. In a dark a

eady? whisp

ack. Their target: a local merchant, known for keeping his d

ing out a sc

r ajar for his dog. Ten minutes, no more. You take the hallway, I'll g

Fabrice felt his heart pounding in his chest. Each st

nty minutes, they were outside, in an adjacent alley,

e (gas

this is crazy

r (sm

the real wo

ly. He hid the bills in the lining of

r knees, breathing calmly. Diane, at the table, was finish

me late. Wh

ce (c

.. trying to

d, used to

at? Mom lef

(smiling

I'll eat

hing her get back to her

s pocket came from an illegal act... but he could finally

, he felt useful. And that feelin