Stats: Written: 1/3/18; Prompt: The Modern Type-Writer; Time: 30 min. max – 30 min. taken

Prompt: “It’s adorable how much you want people to think you’re dangerous,” he said. He took a step forward, slow and sauntering, eyes shining in the burnt orange streetlight. “Would you like me to teach you?”

“It’s adorable how much you want people to think you’re dangerous,” he said. He took a step forward, slow and sauntering eyes shining in the burnt orange street light. “Would you like me to teach you?”

The child before him slowly came to stand, knees popping as exited his animal-like crouch. His - or perhaps her, the dirt and muck kept him from determining but it seemed kinder to misjudge the kid’s gender than simply make them less than human with the pronoun ‘it’. His lips lowered, no longer baring crooked teeth of a disturbing color.

A part of him would have laughed had it not been so heartbreaking. But, he – her – had spirit at least and in this day and age, that didn’t count for much. Still, it was rare to find.

“How about we discuss this over a nice meal, hm?” He swept his hand low, raising it as he turned to the Corvette as if some grand showing. “I have seat warmers too… if that sort of thing interests you.”

The kid stepped back, sinking further into the embrace of shadows. Fear had gathered into his – her – eyes at the sight of a warm offer.

“I’m going to assume lots of people have offered you a roof over your head and a full belly. I’m not denying that that’s what I’m offering. I know there were strings attached before. Some you may not have known.” He stopped, judging the kid’s change in behavior. He was listening. Intently. “The difference here is that I’m offering you an apprenticeship, as an intern. A job, if you will, with responsibilities more like a full-time student.” No response – he didn’t really expect one, but he didn’t deny the disappointment that welled inside him.

“A student? All I have to do is learn?”

“More like an intern in that it will be centered around field experience but yes, you will be learning. And no, I won’t take meals from you when you don’t meet my expectations. Don’t take my kindness lightly, however…”

The threat hung in the air like death did in a nursing home.

“So, we’ll discuss the details over a meal?” Slowly, the kid was becoming more accepting of the idea.

“Yes.”

“And if we don’t come to an agreement, I can walk away?”

If that question didn’t tell practically this kid’s life story, then he didn’t know what else will. With the exception of the scars that highlighted the body as the kid finally stepped fully into the light.

“Of course.” The dangerous glint returned to his eye to cover the indifference and stoic expression that had implanted itself on his face during the conversation.

“Okay. I’ll come with you.” Quickly, he added, “but only to discuss this.”

“I know. I know. I’m not infringing here.” He held open the passenger door before signaling to the back SUVs filled with bodyguards. He slid into the driver’s seat and asked, “what’s your name?”