Post by DiOGee on Dec 2, 2023 21:22:38 GMT -5
I tried. I planned to hit the town and live it up a little. I tweeted my location hoping with no faith that my ‘Fan’ would show up. The parking lot was packed when I first arrived, checking the clock, I arrived around 1:23 AM. Looking up at the sign on the building, the same as it was on the billboard standing tall along the road. It read: Jaguar Club.
The problem is.. I’ve never been big on Strip Clubs. I love women. All shapes and sizes. It all has a visual beauty to it. Yet, for me? I knew what it was. Desperation makes money. Always has, always will but I have never been a desperate man. That and I had a very realistic fear of STDs. These places always felt riddled by them in theory and that was enough for me.
I drove in a circle around the small lot in front of the main doors of the building. I couldn't find a single empty spot, this place was crowded. Frustrated, I backed up alongside the side of the building. Where the garbage bins and the service door was and a fence that almost made it an alley.
“Let them tell me to move..” I muttered as I put the rental in park. The tail lights lit up the area behind me until I shut the car off. It went dark.
Going inside wasn't a mistake per say. I ate some wings and their salad bar was underrated. I wasn't going to do any drinking. I didn't know the area well and who knew if my ‘Fan’ was going to show up. I didn't want to be without my wits and observation. I kept my surroundings in constant view, I was always scanning the landscape. Always alert even when I was trying to have fun.
I watched a few dancers that took turns on stage. There were two poles on the stage and both were often occupied by dancers. There were other dancers working the floor and as I sat at my booth, one approached. “Hey honey! Care for a dance?” She had a tongue tattoo that went up her leg and drooled over her right butt cheek.
“No thanks.” I felt bad saying no. I knew this was her livelihood so before she scurried off to find someone that would accept her offer. I handed her a fifty dollar bill.
“Thank you!”
I nodded as she moved along. I understood that these women were putting a lot of themselves into this. It wasn't always easy and often came with a great amount of judgment from the outside world. Just because I didn't indulge doesn't mean I don't have somewhat of an understanding. Finishing my Dr. Pepper that tastes like Root Beer, I was ready to leave. I couldn't just yet though, I had laid the bait and needed to be patient. “Time to smoke..” I found a means to leave the building. I could be outside and still be on location.
In total, I’d say I was inside for an hour or so. Now back in my rental, I reach over and open the glove box. I had a nice little nap sack that I kept my travel weed with. Papers, Blunt wraps and of course some greens. Maybe a vape or two. I might need to reup on those..
“Come on let's get high!” I said, getting a song in my head that shared the words I spoke. I went with a joint, pulling a zig zag from the pack. Getting my little tray together and just as I was about to break up some buds. I noticed the headlights pull into the parking lot. It could have been any regular vehicle but it felt different and kept my attention as it pulled around the corner of cars already parked. “Nooo Poop?!”
Couldn't be. Had to be a coincidence. I hurry to set everything in my lap onto the passenger seat. Watching in disbelief as an SUV pulls into a parking spot. “I got you! I Fuuugh-king got you!” In a quick reaction, I was out of the rental. I shut the door and found myself almost skipping across the graveled parking lot. Beeling towards the parked SUV. I got close before the headlights put the parking lot back into darkness. “I am gonna hug you soooo hard!” This wasn't going to be pretty. Not for him. I was letting everything flood to the surface. Every emotion I was feeling. Every trouble I was scarred and still healing from. That included where this bastard stabbed me. Aimed to unalive me!
I dropped down into a creeping squat as I got behind the SUV, trying to stay low so he couldn't see me in the rearview. Hoping he didn't catch a glimpse in the passenger side mirror but it was a risk I was already taking. I picked up speed as I got to the driver side of the vehicle. Grabbing the handle of the door, I opened it, it was unlocked. I ripped it open ready to strike and nobody was there..
“What the fuu..” I curbed my cursing surprise. He might be nearby, this might have been a trap. I push back and close the door with ease. Not to make any noise as I peak around the front of the SUV. I see the back of a couple going inside the Club. Did they arrive in the SUV? I asked myself before muttering “Boooshit..” I only saw one vehicle but people came outside to smoke. I wasn't sure, couldn't be sure. I drop down onto my stomach, looking under the line of cars. No feet. Getting up off the ground, I brushed the front of myself off as I looked around in the quiet of night.
I kept my eyes open as I slowly headed back towards my rental. Maybe paranoia was alive and well and getting high would help that. Should help that as it often does. It brings me as close to normal as I can be. I could surely use that right now. Getting to the car, I pulled at the handle. It was locked. Even as I question if I locked it after getting out, I still dig into my pocket and pull free the key. It wasn't a key, just a button to press. Real keys are becoming outdated and I’m iffy on what I actually prefer.
Plopping down behind the wheel, I pull the door closed. The inside lights go off but I reach up to hit the button to turn them back on. Wanting to get back to rolling, I reached over to grab my stash and felt something that felt like metal press against the back of my head. “Ohhhh…” Was all I could let out and it was in a groan. I wasn't sure if it was a gun until I heard the click of the hammer pulled back into position. In my peripheral, I could see the rearview mirror and I saw a familiar shadowy figure in my backseat.
“.... Hello Jason..”
I knew the voice. I have had Daymares and Nightmares hearing it with clarity. There was no inbetween and with the growing threat that he was everytime we met, I also felt some excitement. I wanted my turn with the roles reversed, I just needed one. He was my ‘Fan’, the man who stabbed me and left me to die.
“We can't keep meeting like this.” I used sarcasm to mask the concerns of a gun pressed to my scalp. “Wasn't sure you’d even show up..”
“... I’ve brought you something..” I heard some shuffling in the back, the gun moving but never lifting off my head. One slip of his finger and it was over. I am very aware of this so I didn't try to make any sudden movements. “.. Here..”
Over the seat and onto my lap came a handful of polaroids. Pictures that were all face up so that I could see them displayed. I recognized every person featured in them. “How quick are your reflexes?” I was instant oatmeal mad, I didn't know what to do or how to react without it leading to a bullet in my head. I was almost to where I didn't care.
“... I don't know.. You tell me..” He waited, gave me an opportunity to try something. Then continued with the point of the pictures. Those you care about are laid out before you. Your Mother who you just visited knowing I would be watching. I enjoyed you attacking that man out in front of the Hotel when you were in Atlanta. Your Sisters who are not related to you by blood. Amber and Echo.”
“They aren't involved in this. This is you and me.. And whoever sent you to fail at your job.”
There was a pause in the car. Dead silence. I wondered if I pissed him off. If he was one of the overly sensitive types that I often referred to as a nipple. If he was, I was almost at my end. Out in front of the car, a small crowd of people were leaving the club. They appeared in my view and I hoped none of them noticed what was going on. Like I was hiding a deviant behavior but that wasn't the case at all. If they noticed, I could be dead. They could get shot at. I didn't want anyone else to be at risk. Strangers or those I cared for..
“... I watched each of them. I wanted to know more about you and through them, I was able to get a better sense of the type of person you are. Who you care about is of great value to me. Don't you see? I am truly a Fan!”
It was the first time I got a sense of emotion from his voice. He was invested. If he was a fan, he was obsessed. I wasn't sure I wanted a fan like this. “You know.. I am not really looking to be a fan favorite so..” I had a habit of being a smartass but this probably wasn't the time for it.
“... Look at all the pictures.. Tell me about them.” An odd request. I sure as hell wasn't about to give out info on them so he could become fans of theirs as well.
“You might as well pull the trigger.” Scoffing, I wasn't even entertaining what he was asking for. “Dumb as hell..” I added and at this point was ready to die on this hill.
“... You're willing to die for them?” He sounded surprised. He sounded as though he wasn't expecting that. “... Odd.”
“What's odd about it?” Now I was sitting with some confusion.
“... Most of them you barely speak to. Some of them barely speak to you. Why sacrifice yourself for them? Would they do the same for you?”
“I wouldn't want them to do the same for me. You can love something near or far.. Not be an added burden to their lives. I’m fine with that..”
“... Like Josslynn?”
I hadn't seen her picture but as he said her name, I let my right hand slide around the Polaroids and there amongst the pile was Josslynn. I lifted the picture up and held it in front of my face, staring at her for a moment. “What's your plan? If you wanted to pop me, you’d have done so already.”
“... My plan?” He wasn't asking but at the same time, he paused his words as if he was waiting for a confirmation.
“Yeah, your plan. Why not just do the job and move on?” Was I really trying to figure out why he hasn't just killed me? Maybe Sloane was right, I was at the point of superior stupidity. Not her words exactly.
“... You were supposed to be a simple job. Quick and easy. I drove that knife deep and twisted. You weren't supposed to survive it.. But you did. I did not account for someone finding you so quickly and had you not seen me.. Maybe I would have gotten you farther from the building. Small decisions create changes that we aren't always prepared to deal with.”
“So? Why not finish the job when you showed up in the Hospital? Or immediately when I got in the car?”
“... I did not paint this picture. This is not MY canvas. It is yours and it will not suffice.”
“The fudge are you talking about? Who’s painting a picture you mental FUDGE!” Getting loud, I expected one of two things. I got the second as he pulled the gun away before cracking me to the back of my head with the heavy handle. “Ohhh.. you whole hoe..”
“... What I want from you is simple. It will be the consequences of not following instructions that will do you most harm so listen carefully..”
He really liked his small moments of pause. Adding dramatic effect was a nice touch but really, a dick move.
“Stop giving away your location. I don't need anyone like your friend Lexi to interrupt things. I know where you are, I am watching, studying you. Continue on with your life as if I am not coming for it.”
“That's it?” Seemed easy enough, I told myself.
“... If at any time I feel you are trying to find me or warning your loved ones about me? Tsk tsk tsk..” More sound than words but I knew the meaning, I knew he meant it would get ugly. “... Think of how easy I was able to take a few pictures. Close enough for a polaroid. Who would you choose first, if you had a choice?”
“You. I’m going to ki–” I started to threaten him after he threatened me. He cut me off.
“You will do as I ask or it won't be you that pays for it first.. You have prided yourself on not hiding from anyone. Not being hard to find. Always ready for someone to pull up as you say.. I have pulled up. I don't want you to hide but I will be hunting you, preying on you and when I find the right scene for my canvas? I will paint it accordingly.”
I was fairly sure he had an erection during that little ramble. All I knew was that he wasn't going to kill me, that wasn't why he was here. His mistake.
“Soooo we good then?” I stumbled, wanting to be clear. “For now I mean?”
The hammer of the gun clicks as he slowly releases it. The circled barrel tip pulls away from my head. “... Yes, for now.”
“Good, get the fudge out of my car.”
Once more, a silence filled the inside of my rental. The night was still early. The clock on the radio said 5:14 AM. I leaned slightly to look into the rearview and made eye contact with him through the reflection. My eyebrows raised and I was about to reiterate what I said, he smiled.
“... Remember the rules, Jason. I cannot be sure of who I would cut up first or if I would just make it look like an accident. Maybe that Best Friend of yours? Hmmm?”
“You can get out now. You’ve made yourself clear..” I bit down on my lip to keep myself from letting my mouth do unnecessary damage. Wanting to react. Wanting to make a move as soon as he got out of the car, I felt it. I could do it.
“... Goodnight, Jason..”
First came the belt strap. It dropped down in front of my face before it was yanked back against my neck. It pulled the crap out of my beard as well. I could hear and feel that he was fascinating the belt around the back of the head rest. My head was firmly against the headrest and it was highly uncomfortable but I wasn't choking. Turns out, that wasn't why he was doing it. A mask not much different from one used during Covid, this one was cloth and as it came down over my face, I had very little time to react. Why was it soaked and what was it soaked with, I asked myself as I grabbed at it.. I was feeling sleepy.. I was going to pass out.
“Fuuuugh..”
~=~=~=~=~
10:11 AM
~=~=~=~=~
“Aaaahh!” Jolting awake, I was alert but felt drunk. It took me a few moments to realize where I was. Strip Clubs look different during the day.. The pictures were gone and so was my weed, that prick! I scanned the car as I remembered what had happened, the conversation I had and how everything went down. I felt my phone vibrate and it kept vibrating. There was a struggle to get it free of my pants pocket but doing so, I answered. “Hello?”
“Hello?”
“Who is this?” Pulling the phone from my ear, I check the ID. It's just some random number. Nothing I knew or had saved as a contact. “Hello?”
“Is this Jason?” The voice was crispy. Like they had seen their demons up close and personal with drug use for a while. Cracked vocals like a Nick Nolte. “Jason Cashe?”
“... Yeah, who’s asking?”
“I have some information for you.. If you're interested?”
“What kind of information? Who is this?!”
I listen, hear nothing at first but then the voice returns. “A friend not a fan.” These people and their dramatic pauses before continuing. It's kind of annoying. “I might be able to help..”
The problem is.. I’ve never been big on Strip Clubs. I love women. All shapes and sizes. It all has a visual beauty to it. Yet, for me? I knew what it was. Desperation makes money. Always has, always will but I have never been a desperate man. That and I had a very realistic fear of STDs. These places always felt riddled by them in theory and that was enough for me.
I drove in a circle around the small lot in front of the main doors of the building. I couldn't find a single empty spot, this place was crowded. Frustrated, I backed up alongside the side of the building. Where the garbage bins and the service door was and a fence that almost made it an alley.
“Let them tell me to move..” I muttered as I put the rental in park. The tail lights lit up the area behind me until I shut the car off. It went dark.
Going inside wasn't a mistake per say. I ate some wings and their salad bar was underrated. I wasn't going to do any drinking. I didn't know the area well and who knew if my ‘Fan’ was going to show up. I didn't want to be without my wits and observation. I kept my surroundings in constant view, I was always scanning the landscape. Always alert even when I was trying to have fun.
I watched a few dancers that took turns on stage. There were two poles on the stage and both were often occupied by dancers. There were other dancers working the floor and as I sat at my booth, one approached. “Hey honey! Care for a dance?” She had a tongue tattoo that went up her leg and drooled over her right butt cheek.
“No thanks.” I felt bad saying no. I knew this was her livelihood so before she scurried off to find someone that would accept her offer. I handed her a fifty dollar bill.
“Thank you!”
I nodded as she moved along. I understood that these women were putting a lot of themselves into this. It wasn't always easy and often came with a great amount of judgment from the outside world. Just because I didn't indulge doesn't mean I don't have somewhat of an understanding. Finishing my Dr. Pepper that tastes like Root Beer, I was ready to leave. I couldn't just yet though, I had laid the bait and needed to be patient. “Time to smoke..” I found a means to leave the building. I could be outside and still be on location.
In total, I’d say I was inside for an hour or so. Now back in my rental, I reach over and open the glove box. I had a nice little nap sack that I kept my travel weed with. Papers, Blunt wraps and of course some greens. Maybe a vape or two. I might need to reup on those..
“Come on let's get high!” I said, getting a song in my head that shared the words I spoke. I went with a joint, pulling a zig zag from the pack. Getting my little tray together and just as I was about to break up some buds. I noticed the headlights pull into the parking lot. It could have been any regular vehicle but it felt different and kept my attention as it pulled around the corner of cars already parked. “Nooo Poop?!”
Couldn't be. Had to be a coincidence. I hurry to set everything in my lap onto the passenger seat. Watching in disbelief as an SUV pulls into a parking spot. “I got you! I Fuuugh-king got you!” In a quick reaction, I was out of the rental. I shut the door and found myself almost skipping across the graveled parking lot. Beeling towards the parked SUV. I got close before the headlights put the parking lot back into darkness. “I am gonna hug you soooo hard!” This wasn't going to be pretty. Not for him. I was letting everything flood to the surface. Every emotion I was feeling. Every trouble I was scarred and still healing from. That included where this bastard stabbed me. Aimed to unalive me!
I dropped down into a creeping squat as I got behind the SUV, trying to stay low so he couldn't see me in the rearview. Hoping he didn't catch a glimpse in the passenger side mirror but it was a risk I was already taking. I picked up speed as I got to the driver side of the vehicle. Grabbing the handle of the door, I opened it, it was unlocked. I ripped it open ready to strike and nobody was there..
“What the fuu..” I curbed my cursing surprise. He might be nearby, this might have been a trap. I push back and close the door with ease. Not to make any noise as I peak around the front of the SUV. I see the back of a couple going inside the Club. Did they arrive in the SUV? I asked myself before muttering “Boooshit..” I only saw one vehicle but people came outside to smoke. I wasn't sure, couldn't be sure. I drop down onto my stomach, looking under the line of cars. No feet. Getting up off the ground, I brushed the front of myself off as I looked around in the quiet of night.
I kept my eyes open as I slowly headed back towards my rental. Maybe paranoia was alive and well and getting high would help that. Should help that as it often does. It brings me as close to normal as I can be. I could surely use that right now. Getting to the car, I pulled at the handle. It was locked. Even as I question if I locked it after getting out, I still dig into my pocket and pull free the key. It wasn't a key, just a button to press. Real keys are becoming outdated and I’m iffy on what I actually prefer.
Plopping down behind the wheel, I pull the door closed. The inside lights go off but I reach up to hit the button to turn them back on. Wanting to get back to rolling, I reached over to grab my stash and felt something that felt like metal press against the back of my head. “Ohhhh…” Was all I could let out and it was in a groan. I wasn't sure if it was a gun until I heard the click of the hammer pulled back into position. In my peripheral, I could see the rearview mirror and I saw a familiar shadowy figure in my backseat.
“.... Hello Jason..”
I knew the voice. I have had Daymares and Nightmares hearing it with clarity. There was no inbetween and with the growing threat that he was everytime we met, I also felt some excitement. I wanted my turn with the roles reversed, I just needed one. He was my ‘Fan’, the man who stabbed me and left me to die.
“We can't keep meeting like this.” I used sarcasm to mask the concerns of a gun pressed to my scalp. “Wasn't sure you’d even show up..”
“... I’ve brought you something..” I heard some shuffling in the back, the gun moving but never lifting off my head. One slip of his finger and it was over. I am very aware of this so I didn't try to make any sudden movements. “.. Here..”
Over the seat and onto my lap came a handful of polaroids. Pictures that were all face up so that I could see them displayed. I recognized every person featured in them. “How quick are your reflexes?” I was instant oatmeal mad, I didn't know what to do or how to react without it leading to a bullet in my head. I was almost to where I didn't care.
“... I don't know.. You tell me..” He waited, gave me an opportunity to try something. Then continued with the point of the pictures. Those you care about are laid out before you. Your Mother who you just visited knowing I would be watching. I enjoyed you attacking that man out in front of the Hotel when you were in Atlanta. Your Sisters who are not related to you by blood. Amber and Echo.”
“They aren't involved in this. This is you and me.. And whoever sent you to fail at your job.”
There was a pause in the car. Dead silence. I wondered if I pissed him off. If he was one of the overly sensitive types that I often referred to as a nipple. If he was, I was almost at my end. Out in front of the car, a small crowd of people were leaving the club. They appeared in my view and I hoped none of them noticed what was going on. Like I was hiding a deviant behavior but that wasn't the case at all. If they noticed, I could be dead. They could get shot at. I didn't want anyone else to be at risk. Strangers or those I cared for..
“... I watched each of them. I wanted to know more about you and through them, I was able to get a better sense of the type of person you are. Who you care about is of great value to me. Don't you see? I am truly a Fan!”
It was the first time I got a sense of emotion from his voice. He was invested. If he was a fan, he was obsessed. I wasn't sure I wanted a fan like this. “You know.. I am not really looking to be a fan favorite so..” I had a habit of being a smartass but this probably wasn't the time for it.
“... Look at all the pictures.. Tell me about them.” An odd request. I sure as hell wasn't about to give out info on them so he could become fans of theirs as well.
“You might as well pull the trigger.” Scoffing, I wasn't even entertaining what he was asking for. “Dumb as hell..” I added and at this point was ready to die on this hill.
“... You're willing to die for them?” He sounded surprised. He sounded as though he wasn't expecting that. “... Odd.”
“What's odd about it?” Now I was sitting with some confusion.
“... Most of them you barely speak to. Some of them barely speak to you. Why sacrifice yourself for them? Would they do the same for you?”
“I wouldn't want them to do the same for me. You can love something near or far.. Not be an added burden to their lives. I’m fine with that..”
“... Like Josslynn?”
I hadn't seen her picture but as he said her name, I let my right hand slide around the Polaroids and there amongst the pile was Josslynn. I lifted the picture up and held it in front of my face, staring at her for a moment. “What's your plan? If you wanted to pop me, you’d have done so already.”
“... My plan?” He wasn't asking but at the same time, he paused his words as if he was waiting for a confirmation.
“Yeah, your plan. Why not just do the job and move on?” Was I really trying to figure out why he hasn't just killed me? Maybe Sloane was right, I was at the point of superior stupidity. Not her words exactly.
“... You were supposed to be a simple job. Quick and easy. I drove that knife deep and twisted. You weren't supposed to survive it.. But you did. I did not account for someone finding you so quickly and had you not seen me.. Maybe I would have gotten you farther from the building. Small decisions create changes that we aren't always prepared to deal with.”
“So? Why not finish the job when you showed up in the Hospital? Or immediately when I got in the car?”
“... I did not paint this picture. This is not MY canvas. It is yours and it will not suffice.”
“The fudge are you talking about? Who’s painting a picture you mental FUDGE!” Getting loud, I expected one of two things. I got the second as he pulled the gun away before cracking me to the back of my head with the heavy handle. “Ohhh.. you whole hoe..”
“... What I want from you is simple. It will be the consequences of not following instructions that will do you most harm so listen carefully..”
He really liked his small moments of pause. Adding dramatic effect was a nice touch but really, a dick move.
“Stop giving away your location. I don't need anyone like your friend Lexi to interrupt things. I know where you are, I am watching, studying you. Continue on with your life as if I am not coming for it.”
“That's it?” Seemed easy enough, I told myself.
“... If at any time I feel you are trying to find me or warning your loved ones about me? Tsk tsk tsk..” More sound than words but I knew the meaning, I knew he meant it would get ugly. “... Think of how easy I was able to take a few pictures. Close enough for a polaroid. Who would you choose first, if you had a choice?”
“You. I’m going to ki–” I started to threaten him after he threatened me. He cut me off.
“You will do as I ask or it won't be you that pays for it first.. You have prided yourself on not hiding from anyone. Not being hard to find. Always ready for someone to pull up as you say.. I have pulled up. I don't want you to hide but I will be hunting you, preying on you and when I find the right scene for my canvas? I will paint it accordingly.”
I was fairly sure he had an erection during that little ramble. All I knew was that he wasn't going to kill me, that wasn't why he was here. His mistake.
“Soooo we good then?” I stumbled, wanting to be clear. “For now I mean?”
The hammer of the gun clicks as he slowly releases it. The circled barrel tip pulls away from my head. “... Yes, for now.”
“Good, get the fudge out of my car.”
Once more, a silence filled the inside of my rental. The night was still early. The clock on the radio said 5:14 AM. I leaned slightly to look into the rearview and made eye contact with him through the reflection. My eyebrows raised and I was about to reiterate what I said, he smiled.
“... Remember the rules, Jason. I cannot be sure of who I would cut up first or if I would just make it look like an accident. Maybe that Best Friend of yours? Hmmm?”
“You can get out now. You’ve made yourself clear..” I bit down on my lip to keep myself from letting my mouth do unnecessary damage. Wanting to react. Wanting to make a move as soon as he got out of the car, I felt it. I could do it.
“... Goodnight, Jason..”
First came the belt strap. It dropped down in front of my face before it was yanked back against my neck. It pulled the crap out of my beard as well. I could hear and feel that he was fascinating the belt around the back of the head rest. My head was firmly against the headrest and it was highly uncomfortable but I wasn't choking. Turns out, that wasn't why he was doing it. A mask not much different from one used during Covid, this one was cloth and as it came down over my face, I had very little time to react. Why was it soaked and what was it soaked with, I asked myself as I grabbed at it.. I was feeling sleepy.. I was going to pass out.
“Fuuuugh..”
~=~=~=~=~
10:11 AM
~=~=~=~=~
“Aaaahh!” Jolting awake, I was alert but felt drunk. It took me a few moments to realize where I was. Strip Clubs look different during the day.. The pictures were gone and so was my weed, that prick! I scanned the car as I remembered what had happened, the conversation I had and how everything went down. I felt my phone vibrate and it kept vibrating. There was a struggle to get it free of my pants pocket but doing so, I answered. “Hello?”
“Hello?”
“Who is this?” Pulling the phone from my ear, I check the ID. It's just some random number. Nothing I knew or had saved as a contact. “Hello?”
“Is this Jason?” The voice was crispy. Like they had seen their demons up close and personal with drug use for a while. Cracked vocals like a Nick Nolte. “Jason Cashe?”
“... Yeah, who’s asking?”
“I have some information for you.. If you're interested?”
“What kind of information? Who is this?!”
I listen, hear nothing at first but then the voice returns. “A friend not a fan.” These people and their dramatic pauses before continuing. It's kind of annoying. “I might be able to help..”
