Side Mission: Before I Leave

It was cold outside and in truth, I wasn't prepared for it. I wasn't even supposed to be here and as of late, that seemed to be the trend to my life. Moments and events happening when someone wasn't supposed to be there. Very much a wrong place, wrong time experience and there were a few too many lately. Stabbed by a ‘Fan’ and getting married in Vegas are the top two currently. I worried about what would come next.

“Where you at?” My breath crystallizes into a dancing cloud of smoke as the whispered words escape from my mouth. Checking my phone again, it had only been 20 minutes. He said 30 but that had seemed like an hour ago. It was cold and that could be why I was complaining.. I came outside way too early.

The wait didn't go on too much longer. A car pulled alongside the curb in front of Sloane’s apartment. The exhaust from the vehicle was filling the area as its hot stem collided and battled against the cold of the early morning temperatures. I pull at the handle and it takes a few tugs before the door to the passenger side pops open with a groan of metal. Hurrying, I climb inside and pull the door shut to not let the cold inside anymore than needed. He had the car warmed up, it was nice. As I turn to face him, sitting behind the wheel, Patrick Delaney, Sloane’s Father.. Her biological one anyway but still a stranger to her. We give each other a nod in greeting.

“Cashe?” He asks. Waiting this long to confirm identity seemed unhealthy on his part but I caught the glimmer of a .45 held in his far hand. I almost appreciated that he came prepared.

“That’d be my name. First name, Jason. You're Patrick. Now that introductions have been made..” I give him a slight nod as I stare towards his concealed weapon. “Put the piece away and let's go.” Reaching over my right shoulder, I grab the seat belt and pull it down across me before clicking it locked. “We have things to do..”

He hesitated. I knew he probably had questions and was free to ask them but he did as I asked. Pulling away from the curb, I realized I was warming up as the vents along the dashboard were blowing heat. The chill on my skin was melting into a warmth. It felt good..

“Where is it we're headed?” As he came to a stop at a red light. Patrick glanced over at me as he asked.

“You tell me..”

Waiting for the green light, he turned and looked at me with confusion. It was dark inside the car but the lights outside were bright enough to light up the inside of the vehicle. Christmas lights and street lights that lined the neighborhood. “What do you mean?”

“Have you been questioned by the Police yet?”

As if he hadn't realized I knew about the break in. He sighed and responded to my question.

“Not yet. I was asked to go in later today to give my statement.”

Light turned green. Slowly the car crossed through the fourway and it was a ghost town vibe. Everything living was otherwise asleep at this time, at least in this area. A few of the houses on either side of the road had lights on inside some of the windows but I didn't see any signs of anyone being awake as we slowly drove through the neighborhood. “Why?” He finally asked.

“Sloane recognized one of the men on the security camera.” I watched to see his reaction to what I told him. How he reacted gave me an insight of if he maybe knew about the break in. Would he be that low towards his own Daughter? I didn't want to believe so but my Mom would do it for the right amount so it had to be considered.

In his reaction, his eyes widened. He glanced over but turned back to the road and kept his hands on the wheel. “Who was it?”

“One of the movers you hired..” Again, I watched him as best as I could. His hands gripped tighter over the wheel as a low growl forms in his throat before he clears it with a cough.

“Those sons of bitches!” He slaps the wheel with his right palm.

“Good. You're angry.. Now let's go stop by and say hello, yeah?”

His head snaps over to look in my direction. I felt the seat I was in leaned back a bit much but I think it added to my ‘cool and chill’ vibe I was going for.

“Alright but.. Does Sloane know about this?”

”That we’re going to pay them a visit? No! She wouldn't let either of us do this if she knew! That's why we're not going to tell her.. Or the police, cool?”

Scoffing with a snicker that led the way for his responding words. “Sounds good to me!” I felt the car jerk forward as Patrick pushed down to give the car more gas. To pick up speed as he now knew the plan and wanted to be a part of it. I let myself smile and as of late, there weren't too many reasons to find one but this was going to be fun! “I know exactly where they’ll be right now!”

“Then that's where we will uplift their comfortability..” I wasn't sure what would happen when we got there. At the very next chance he had, Patrick flicks the turn signal up and takes the next right. We were on our way.



“So how did you and Sloane meet?” As we sat across the street from a bar owned by one of the ‘movers’. Patrick was trying to make small talk.

“I was supposed to go to Vegas a few years back.” Recalling the time a bunch of wrestlers were going to hang out. I opted out of the trip because a crazy ex was going to be there. I'm pretty sure Sloane and Seb became a thing then. Sloane should never go back to Vegas at this point. “Then I beat her ‘fair and square’ in a match.. We wrestled a few times.”

“You don't say..” Not asking for details, he was still intrigued. “And that led to you two being Besties?”

“More or less.” Shrugging, I wasn't sure why it happened. Just did and neither of us questioned it. “I put together a whole birthday event for her when we had our big rematch. Cake, family, friends, whole nine..”

“Is that so..?” Just when I thought he would ask about the match and I would lie and tell him I beat her in that match as well. She wasn't here to correct me but instead, Patrick switched up the topic. “So what are your intentions with my Daughter?”

I didn't know he knew! I was almost struck stunned but I held back from letting out a gasp. “I don't even remember doing it! Honest.”

“What?” He looked at me, I looked back at him and tried to read the eyes that stared at me. “Cyn is my Daughter, Man! She brought me a WrestleStock T-Shirt and was smiling when she came home.. Was she that forgettable to you?”

Ohhh! I said to myself as I must have had a look of realization on my face. He meant Cyn not Sloane. I shook my head from side to side.. “Oh, yeah, no, I thought you meant..” Rolling my hand to try and fast forward my hesitation, I added. “I remember that clearly..”

“What did you think I meant?” His voice had some curiosity to it. Thankfully, we were able to avoid the conversation that might have taken place. I noticed the door to the bar open as a man poked his head out.

“Is that him?” I nod as I ask Patrick the question. He looks and blurts out the answer like he wanted to be the Teacher’s Pet.

“Yes! That's him!” His hand reaches over and grabs at me as if I would miss seeing the man. “That's Rodney! He’s the ring leader, if one of his guys were there then he was or he knows about it.”

“Okay.. Give me your gun.”

“What?!” I could feel the look he burned onto me as he questioned my request. “Why do you need MY gun? I.. I don't have a permit for it.”

“So?” I scoffed. “Give me the gun! I probably won't gonna shoot anyone..”

“That doesn't seem like something I will be doing.” He says as he shakes his head to back up his ‘no’ decision. I grab the handle of the passenger door, leaning into it to get it open. The chill of the outside air filled through the vehicle and even under my hoodie, I felt it pinch against my skin.

“I’m going in.. Keep the car warm.”

I got out. The breeze hitting my face and crawling down under the armor of my hoodie as I slam the door shut. I just wanted to talk to them.. At this point I was trying to lie to myself because I wasn't really coming to talk. Crossing the street, I found myself holding myself in a hug as I approached the door to the small local bar. The door might be locked, not too many bars stay open this late. Reaching for the handle, I gave it a tug. It opened. I entered.

As far as the layout goes? The bar wasn't anything special. I might be judging because I’ve spent many hours late at night watching Bar Rescue. It had a small town vibe to it. Pictures on the wall showing the glory days of Chicago during the Prohibition days. If this place was around back then, it has seen better days. “Welcome..” A voice behind the bar takes me away from scanning the scene more. I made eye contact and gave the man a nod as I approached the bar. “What can I get you?” He asks as I take a seat on one of the stools.

“How's your coffee?” My question gave the bartender a grinning confusion. It was the same man that Patrick had recognized. The ring leader that he called Rodney.

“It's almost 3 AM and you want coffee? At a bar?” He wanted confirmation and clarity.

“That bad, is it?” Bars typically weren't known for their coffee. “It's cold outside and coffee keeps the danglers warm!”

Flinging a hand towel over his shoulder. The Bartender laughs and grabs a white cup from the rack under the counter. “The coffee isn't bad, I’ll put on a fresh pot.”

“Make it bitter, strong and HOT!” That was in part, a lie. I liked it bitter and strong but I preferred it on ice. Even if it was cold outside. I had an idea though, so, for now, I want it scorching!

“No problem.”

I let my fingers tap against the counter like I was playing piano. My eyes move with my head as I look around. There were two others in the building, two that I could see. They were playing pool off in the far corner of the bar. How did I want to play this?

Slapping the counter top, I leaned forward as if to make the question I was going to ask more private. “Say.. I was told someone can get some ‘work’ here. Know anything about that?”

Bringing the cup of steaming coffee over to me, this.. Rodney gave me a smile as he glanced over to the guys playing pool. “I do need a dishwasher..”

“Come on man.. Do I look like I want to wash some dishes?” I snapped back a bit as I brought the cup of joe to my lips and took a sip. “Coffee is horrible by the way.”

“Well, I’m not looking for a Barista..”

“My experience is more.. In the ‘hands on’ type of work. I was told to ask for Rodney?”

His look turned serious. The guys playing pool tossed their sticks onto the table and began approaching the bar. I asked the right question or said the wrong thing. Either way, I was keeping all three of them in my view as best as I could. I wasn't worried, I didn't even get off the stool as they closed in around me. Instead, I took another drink from the cup and put my eyes right into the gaze of Rodney.

“Who gave you that information?” Rodney asked.

“In this line of work, snitching really isn't healthy is it? What does it matter if I can do the job?”

“He asked you a question, buddy!” One of the pool players demanded after he shoved me with a single hand.

“You should have kept those pool sticks if we’re gonna get into physical activities..”

“That's enough!” Rodney yells out. Giving both of his guys a look, they back off a bit. I felt less crowded but it wasn't clear skies just yet. I was getting somewhere and I was playing this by ear with no plan in place. “How do I know you're not a cop? Plenty of them around these last few days..”

“Scouts honor.” I held up two fingers like I was about to finger a love interest but this guy looked like a Boy Scout. Probably a military background. “I’d rather be dead from beef than sizzle as bacon..”

Nodding. I could tell Rodney wasn't completely sold but he believed me. I wasn't lying, I’m not a cop in case anyone was wondering. Fuuughck The Police! Fuuughck, fuuughck, fuuuughck the police!

“What kind of ‘work’ are you able to do?” He asks, taking me out of my NWA song bird mindset.

“Started off like anyone really..” Shrugging, I was about to dry snitch on myself a bit. “Five finger discounts as a kid. Turned into B&Es, robbing Squids at Navy bars. No armed robberies as of yet but I’m pretty handy with the steel if you know what I mean.. I can earn my keep!”

Rodney was thinking. Trying to read me I would guess. If I wasn't covered in a hoodie and he saw my tattoos, he wouldn't be taking this long. People always think someone with tats are friends with crime. Damn the cold! If I started stripping, he might not consider me for a job. I didn't want a job though, I just wanted him to admit he handled business like this. I wanted him to mention robbing Sloane’s apartment.

“Well, we are movers!” I didn't expect that response. “We help people move into their homes. We do packing and installation as well.”

I sat with a dumbfound, mouth open stare at him. “Sooo then I’m clearly in the wrong place..” I had nothing. He must not have believed me. Can't be too careful so I couldn't blame him. Getting up after taking one last sip from the coffee, I was ready to leave.

“A few days ago..” He speaks out calmly as pours himself a beer fresh from the tap. “We helped this gorgeous blonde move into an apartment. You should have seen her! Great tits!”

I want to say that my hands balled up into fists because she was my Best Friend. I’m gonna go with that because the other thought was.. Yeah, she’s my Best Friend. Breath Jason. I calmed myself by saying those words a few times in my head. Turning back to face him, I raised my eyebrows and acted intrigued. I was but not for the reasons he was expecting. “Titties you say?”

“Like you wouldn't believe!” Rodney was sold. It took him a minute to warm up but he was holding onto the bait I tied to the line and I had him reeling in. “We went back..” Pointing over at his buddies. “Me and the boys. We went back at night because this broad had some treasures!”

“Imagine if she had been home!?” One of the boys still lingering nearby, chimed in. He had an excitement to his voice which irritated me. I had to have been wearing that very expression because his excitement changed as we traded glances.

“We scored either way! With all the cops around, we haven't been able to unload anything.. That's been the problem.”

This was perfect and now I was excited. As Rodney came out from behind the bar, he extended a hand as he approached me. “I’m Rodney. I own this bar, the moving company and everything else we do!”

“Matthew Knox, pleased to meet you!” If this went south, Knox was to blame. He earned at least that after the Vegas prank. I took his greeting hand and shook it. I was in. Things were finally going how I wanted them too..



The door to the bar crashes open. A cold front barrels in and even by the bar, I can feel it filling the air around me. That wasn't what gave me a chill though. Patrick Delaney came into the bar, a walking cane in one hand, helping him keep his balance and a .45 in his other being waved around, pointing at everyone in a rapid manner.

“YOU MOTHERFUUUUGHCKERS ROBBED MY DAUGHTER!?”

My eyes rolled so bad that I lost the ability to see him for a moment. Pushing past me came Rodney as he was taking charge and stood in front of me and his boys. They were grown men but to Rodney, they were his boys!

“... Patrick?” Rodney laughs, looks back at those of us standing at his six. He was in disbelief of Patrick’s presence. “What are you doing here Patty? You know what I do. You know what I have done and yet you still hired us!”

“You were hired as movers, that's it!” Patrick was nervous and shaky. I was glad to be behind Rodney because Patrick might have an oops and pull the trigger by accident. His voice crackles, he coughs. “You didn't have to rob her!”

“That's what we DO!” Rodney was taking baby steps and getting closer to Patrick with each one taken. This turned stupid and could get ugly any second. I backed up to the counter and grabbed the cup of coffee still sitting there. It was still pretty hot.

“I want her stuff back!” Patrick demanded as his .45 was held out in the direction of Rodney’s face. “I want it back NOW!”

Rodney’s arms stick out to his sides. Like he wanted a hug but he was giving Patrick a wider target. “You know I can't do that..” Letting his head shake, Rodney tells Patrick a lie. “We already got rid of it. It's all gone!”

“But you just told me you couldn't unload any of it because of the heat around town..”

I could FEEL the irritation from Rodney and his boys as all three of them whip their heads to stare me down for blabbing my mouth. This is a classic wrestling turn where the faction kicks out one of their members.. They wanted to kick me out of the gang already. I could tell..

“Would you SHUT up!” Rodney growled at me with words.

What happened next was kind of a blur.. Like a handful of times during a match. You know you're fighting but after training and preparing, a lot of it is often reaction and timing. You can't slow down time when you are doing what you love. I loooove me a good scrap!

So I didn't fling the hot coffee at anyone. That's a ‘we are breaking up’ or ‘you insulted me at the club’ type of move. I wasn't in either of those situations so I smashed the cup with the hot coffee inside of it up against one of the boys' heads.

Okay so after THAT.. It was kind of a blur…



That could have gotten out of hand. It didn't but it could have. Pushing a few fingers against my face, my left orbital was a bit sore, I might have a black eye but I’d be fine. Felt good to get hit and hit something again.

“Are you going to be ok?” Patrick asked and he sounded slightly concerned even. He wasn't without a few scrapes himself. Looking at him from where I was in the passenger seat, his lip looked busted open. Still, he smiled.

“I’ll survive.. And you?” I asked back because I am polite if nothing else.

His smile grew bigger as he lifted up a handful of money that he fanned out in front of him. “I have 20 thousand reasons to feel better!” His smile was bright and has been since we found the safe open in the back of the bar. Suggesting we split the money, I let him keep it.

“You remember what to do?” Questioning him, I didn't want the money in his hands to distract him from our plan. “HEY!” Reaching over, I slapped his arm. “The plan?”

“Yeah, yeah, I know.. Call the cops and anonymously tip them to go to the bar.”

That was part of the plan. He left out some details. It was a good plan. “We left enough evidence behind to where they can connect the dots and Rodney will be moving a lunch tray for a guy named Bubba in no time for a long time..”

“Yeah he is definitely on his third strike!”

We laughed. Patrick would know better than I would. I didn't know Rodney existed before today. A side mission for my wif.. Best Friend which reminded me that I still had things to do.

“Patrick, it's been real..” I extend a hand across the medium between the passenger and driver seats. The armrest cubby where Patrick’s gun was now located. “Do me a favor?”

“What do you need?” He responds and makes eye contact. He didn't need to look at the money as he was smelling it.

“Be a good Father..” The words felt weird coming out. They looked weird in the eyes of Patrick as if he knew I had no room to judge anyone on their roles in life. I married my Best Friend, had sex with her. Having done the latter with her Sister as well. Who was I to ask him to be better than I have been as a Bestie or Coach in Cyn’s case. He didn't know about Vegas yet though so maybe he would take my advice.

“I’m certainly going to try..” Once more, I shove against the passenger door. It knocks as it opens and I get out. Lifting the seat forward, I reach back into the backseat and grab a good sized cardboard box. “Are you sure you got all her stuff back?”

“Everything she mentioned she wanted. The rest wasn't important. I got the essentials..”

“What will you tell her?”

It was a good question. I had thought about it but haven't come to a decision yet. I was going to do what I do.. Play it by ear. My shrugging also told that same thing without needing to say it. Stepping back away from the vehicle. I watch as Patrick pulls away and drives off down the road. I was back where I started the side mission from.

Sloane’s Apartment. I started up the stairs and got to the door. Having taken her keys, I unlocked it and stepped inside.



I had all my stuff together, ready to leave. I didn't know when Thad would be stopping by but if he showed up while I was here, I’d end up in another scrap today. Sloane didn't need that on top of everything else and I didn't need to end up arrested for whooping the douche Bruce Wayne’s ass. I had overstayed my welcome anyway. I was leaving a farewell gift for her on the kitchen counter next to the sink. She needed a win somewhere..

Two Blunts and a Grapefruit Vape that she liked. Next to that was a few miscellaneous items. These men stole Taylor Swift Vinyls from her for crying out loud!

Who does that?!

Also, who has Taylor Swift vinyls?!

The most important items that she wanted back were on the counter as well. A box that had no value to anyone else but the contents inside meant the world to her. I looked inside and it's true, none of it seems of much worth. I did find a small blue pill but that might have just been a tic tac. She called it her box and it was a reminder of her relationship with Seb. Now she had those reminders back.

“Ohhh let me not forget this..” Glad I remembered as I reached into the pocket of my sweatpants. Pulling free a graduation ring. It belonged to the man who raised her, the one who she knew as Father until she found out about Patrick. I read the name engraved along the band. “Richard Taylor”

Placing the ring on top of the box. The table was set up for when she woke up. I couldn't tell her how I got it back but I didn't want her wondering or worried, so I needed to write her a note before I left. Using the envelope of a piece of mail, I scribbled a message. One I read out loud as I wrote down the words.



Reading it over, I toss the pen onto the table. I was fine with the note and placed it next to her stuff. It was time for me to leave but there was some hesitation.. “What are you doing?! Leave.” I told myself. I was right, I needed to leave. So I did. I opened the door and stepped through it, locking the bottom lock before pulling it shut. Getting down the stairs out front, I stop and turn around. Giving the apartment, her apartment one last eyeful before telling myself I don't belong here. I had to get to Montana..