Part 2 – Kenny Sullivan

  Chapter Eleven – In the Frank of Time.

  There was a loud bang. It was followed by a crash. The metallic sounds of garbage cans grabbed his attention. At almost the same time, came the scream. It was a woman’s scream. They both came from the alleyway. If Kenny was to guess, he would have said it came from the heap of garbage across from the green door. Benny was still a minute away. Kenny didn't take the time to guess before he moved.

  If someone was going to need help, they were going to need it now. He rushed down the alleyway without thinking. He saw Janice first. At least, That was what she currently called herself. Black tears streamed down her face. She was a thin, wild-eyed woman. She was young. She was blonde. She was a working girl, and she was a trap. She also had been tracked to this location.

  Kenny spotted the man next. He was the fence’s partner and bodyguard. Mainly, he was just a big, mean guy who tried to look tough. He must have been hiding. This was the only reason Kenny wouldn't have spotted him earlier. He had been squatting down behind the garbage cans. He rose as Kenny entered the alleyway. The man’s left hand tightly gripped the girl's left bicep right above the elbow. The man was taller than Kenny, and he was probably heavier. Neither of these bothered Kenny. He didn't have time to be bothered. He stepped aside as the man cruelly flung the woman at him.

  Without any choice, Kenny intercepted the woman. He spun her around. Instinctively, he knew he had to quickly be clear of her. She clawed at Kenny's face. He couldn't tell if she was aggressive or defensive. Kenny pushed her aside, forcing her to step back. Kenny knew this was planned. He attempted to move back to the street without any hesitation. He knew the woman was just a distraction. At this point, it didn't matter if she was an accomplice or a victim. He turned to go.

  Either the man had planned this well, or he was quicker than Kenny. There had been another crash while Kenny wrestled with the woman. Debris partially blocked the alleyway. To his right was a woman. The man was on his left blocking his way out. In between them was the debris. This was when he saw the flash of the knife in the man's right hand. The man kicked trash out of his way. It was a show of dominance and distraction. He moved to block Kenny’s exit.

  Kenny's hand moved towards his pistol. Kenny exhaled sharply. His coat was still buttoned down. Kenny grinned at himself for his rookie mistake. He clenched his fists and took a fighting stance.

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  The man forced out a sarcastic laugh. He sneered as he said, " I'm going to cut you, man.”

  Kenny's attention focused on the man, and the rest of the world faded away. He was sure he would be the one walking out of the alley today. He knew the man felt the same way.

  The man lunged with the knife. He thrust it forward several times.

  Kenny knew these strikes were just a test. They were more of a tease than anything real. The man's facial expressions and posture would change before the strikes grew genuine. Maybe this would be enough time for Benny to arrive. The man probably didn't notice the change. As Kenny became focused, he grew more confident. The man sneered and danced around. He would occasionally throw out verbal slurs. None of this posturing was important to Kenny. He waited for the time to strike.

  With a crash, the green door flew open.

  It would be a risk to look. If he moved, the man in front of him would have an opportunity to strike. If he didn't move, someone could get him from the rear. Moving back and to the left suddenly became the safest place. He decided to move. He had to find a way out. He glanced around quickly. Behind him was a thug. He blocked the exit through the restaurant doors. Kenny was sure this was a set up. He kicked trash at the man blocking his exit to the street. His left hand began to unbutton his coat. All he needed was thirty more seconds, and Benny would be here. It would take less time to unbutton a coat, if he was lucky or good.

  It was barely noticeable. But it was a nod.

  He wasn’t sure what it was. Kenny had seen the nod. He also saw shadows moving on his right side. It might have been the thug. It could have been the woman. He hoped it would be Benny. It wasn't Benny. It wasn't anyone he knew. It wasn't anyone he had seen before. This made it four to one, against him.

  It was a man. He was roughly the same size as Kenny. He had a big salt and pepper beard, dark sunglasses, and a black baseball cap. His clothes seemed to have come out of the bargain bin of a surplus store. His long coat was black and unbuttoned. His face was too young for the beard. The beard placed him at least ten years older than Kenny. What could be seen of his face seemed kind. Anyway, he seemed to have a smile or a grin on his face. This was not enough to determine whether he was a friend or foe. Benny was still probably half a block away. Kenny thought. Good. A distraction. I can use this. He unbuttoned another button on his coat.

  The knobs to the restaurants' double doors rattled behind them. Probably one of the thugs.

  The fence’s bodyguard turned to the newcomer and spoke. “Who are you? Better get outta here if you know what’s good for you.”

  Kenny did not hear what he said. He did see the surprise on the man's face. He took this opportunity to undo one more button. Three to one?

  The knobs to the restaurants' double doors rattled behind them. They didn't seem to be locked.

  The knife plunged forward. Benny was still too far away.

  The newcomer smiled. Kenny felt there was something sinister hiding behind the man's smile. Two more buttons and he'd be able to get to his pistol.

  The knife jerked forward. It was too late to grab any debris in hope of blocking.