8:35 PM

Miami, Florida

"Rum Monkey" - ███████ ██ █████ ███

Dan steadies his grip on the wheel of his truck as he drives into the young night, constantly rereading the address Elliot gave him over a phone call to avoid driving to the wrong location. Dan felt as if his gut was moving around through his body, constantly creating a pit feeling inside of him. The streets seemed underpopulated, a couple of teens drinking here and there and the occasional businessman holding on tight to his suitcase on his way home. Dan was deep in thought as he arrived to the given destination.

Elliot laid against the outside of a small bar with a giant sign labeled "RUM MONKEY", smoking a cigarette. A neon sign with the word "OPEN" lit up in a pattern on the window of the bar, the "N" seeming to not flash on cue. Dan exits his vehicle after finding a near parking spot, Elliot perking up once he got out.

Elliot fixed up the bandage around his head, making sure it stays on tight. Dan walks up hesitantly to Elliot, hands in the pockets of his vest, barely noticeable drips of sweat fall from his forehead. Elliot greets Dan with a simple wave.

Elliot: "How'd it go?"

Dan: "I'd rather not talk about it."

Elliot gives Dan a quick glare before opening the door to the bar. The bar was populated only with a few drunk lowlifes, most likely in the same gang. Some were playing a game of pool, others were pulling knifes on each other, the bartender seemed to only care if they bought a cheap drink.

In the corner, 3 bald men played a round of pool. One stood taller than the other two, with a small goatee and enough piercings in his skin to disrupt a compass. He was busy considering his next shot when Dan and Elliot entered. His eyes began to focus on Dan and Elliot, studying their movements.

Elliot points towards the pierced gangster's direction, motioning Dan to follow Elliot towards him. The pierced gangster stares at Dan and Elliot as they walk up to him, finally getting up and waiting patiently for their next move.

Pierced Gangster: "And you are?"

Elliot: "I'm new in town, thought me and my buddy could stop by a bar for drinks."

Elliot looks around the bar, pretending he's a newcomer exploring an unfamiliar location.

Elliot: "I see you guys have a pool table."

Pierced Gangster: "Yeah, so?"

Elliot: "Well, I was thinking we could play a round, make some new friends, ya'know?"

The man opens his mouth in an ear to ear smile, revealing a row of metal encased teeth. Turning, he grabs two pool cue off the wall and tosses them to Elliot and Dan. The two gangsters pause their round and stand straight, leaving an opening for the three to play.

The man begins his turn, smacking his pool cue against the white ball to start the round. He grins as fifteen pool balls stop rolling.

Pierced Gangster: "Your turn, ginger hair."

With a crack, Elliot brings the cue down on the man’s head. His friends scurry to pull Elliot off him, but Dan quickly steps in between the two parties.

Dan: "Step back you little shits before I slam your skulls together like two coconuts."

The two men slowly sit back down in their chairs, eyeing Dan up, but decide better of it. Elliot grabs the gangster by his vest and flips him over, facing him up towards the ceiling. Holding the sharp end of the cue to the man’s neck, Elliot’s face was inches away from the gangster’s. His nose flared and face contorted into an expression of pure rage and disgust.

Elliot: “Last night, someone broke into a house on ███████ street, they stole a TV and took off. Tell me who it was, or a leave you to bleed out on the pool table like a stuck pig.”

Pierced Gangster: “Fuck man, w- we don’t hit houses. We’re in the big leagues now, we hit shopping malls if we want a TV. I don’t know who hit your house bro, but it wasn’t us!”

The gang member struggled in Elliot’s grip, attempting to break free. Elliot brought the pool cue down on the gangster’s shoulder, pinning him to the pool table. The man howled in pain and writhed on the table, gasping for air. Elliot grabbed him by the collar again.

Elliot: “Listen up, shitheel. I don't think I believe you, a little girl was sleeping in the other room, and that’s the final fucking straw. I see you all over the neighborhood flashing your pieces acting like you're untouchable. Consider this your fucking notice, I want you out of my neighborhood, and I want you out now. You ever come back here and I beat you so bad when you wake up you clothes will be out of style. And if you ever, I mean ever even look that little girl, I’ll put you in the fucking ground, you here me?”

The man’s screams had simmered to a low whimper, and he nods at Elliot.

Elliot: “Open your fucking mouth, I wanna make sure that made it through your thick fucking skull loud and clear.”

Pierced Gangster: “Y- yes.”

Elliot: “Good, now get the fuck out of here, you make me wanna vomit.”

The man stood and stumbled out of the bar, accompanied by his friends. Elliot turned to Dan.

Elliot: “You want a drink? I’m buying…”

Dan: “Uh, no thanks. Nichole's waiting for me back at home so I gotta move.”

Elliot nods and sits down at the bar.