Chapter 14: //Light reading.
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The soft silk fabric pulled tightly around the tree trunk joining the old, weathered and leathered face to the hefty bulk beneath. Of a hot pink, almost red characterisation and hue, its presence was tolerated only because of the stature and authority of the man who wore it. As it lumbered toward the bar, like a worn old trumpet, it rasped "Straight up scotch and whiskey. Neat, on the rocks when you're ready." All four were downed before a knock came at the door. An announced P and D were the precursor to its forceful opening. Two stalks in striped suit to follow, each with a steely six - shooter drawn in expectation and one with a badge held open from a warm leatherette pouch.
A laugh warbled this side of the same bar. As did an eyebrow as almost as arched as the aged kingpin's forehead. A flurry of shuffles and folds, too. Both enforcement officials made good their entry, yelling at the old oak tree to face down lay on the ground.
"Tell you what." it creaked. "Ask me your question and I'll allow you to leave here with your pensions still intact." It turned in the wind, swaying back in forth and its branches stretched into the air and gave a worn sigh. Of course they wouldn't have cared for a pension so much as their care for the finesse of the job; lieutenants each of them being from a well-to-do background. It was their interest more to upkeep a semblance of society than to gush over a paycheck spent duly at the end of each and every month.
With the busied air now still; there was wait. They all waited.
