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Friendship Crime

I wear the new sweatshirt that my brother bought me yesterday. It's the latest design, and not to brag but sure looks great on me. When I go into the kitchen, I see my brother making eggs for me.

"Hey little bro, how you doin'?" Edward asks. He's a 20-year old tall adult that works at the most famous bank in the state. The bank is famous because it has tons of gold stashed in the back, which is guarded by a lot of guards. It's also the biggest bank in the state, and is in the middle of a city full of rich people. He got an award there for being kind to people who come, and for working hard to set a great example. Yup, he's pretty cool. Our parents died in a car crash when I was only 5, which was 8 years ago. My brother and I live alone, and I would say we are the closest brothers that you will ever see.

"I'm good," I said smiling. I paused, and asked a question. "Hey it's a Saturday and I was wondering if I could come with you to work?"

I had been asking this question for months, and I already knew the answer. I still asked anyway.

Edward laughed. "Wish I could buddy. I've told you they don't allow guests in there. You need to buy a tour pass, which will cost a lot of money." He sighed. "When you grow up, you'll become an amazing person with a lot of money. Take a tour then. For now though, live a life."

I frowned, even though I didn't care that he declined. I would feel bad enough using that much of his money, which is the only thing keeping us from starving to death. Edward actually got payed a lot, for he had been promoted many times for his hard work and good attitude. "Alright, guess I'll just have to run outside and go somewhere fun."

Edward laughed as he started heading to the door. "Do that and I'll disown you."

I retorted, "You probably couldn't do that if someone payed you a million dollars."

Edward smiled, then headed out the door. Best brother ever. Or so I thought.

I didn't know what made me do it, but life at home is just so boring. It's not like I can hang with friends every weekend, or even go somewhere. So I took the subway uptown. Disrespecting orders, yes, but I'm 13, and I believe that I can do things by myself now. When I get there, I'm blown away. I had seen the bank on the internet, and once from very far away. It was amazing. Then, I noticed something unusual. I looked over at the ticket bar, which stated "Teenagers(13-16) pay 30 dollars". Yes, it was expensive, but not as much as how Edward stated. I can't believe I did it, but I bought a ticket, and headed inside.

I was shocked by everything inside, and I got carried away. I barely was able to come to my senses in order to blend in the crowd when I cam across the desk workers. I knew my brother was there, and I was desperate to avoid him. Luckily, I blended in well. Through a crack, I tried to peer where he was. I looked up and down, sided to side about 10 times, and couldn't spot him. "Probably in the bathroom or something," I told myself and followed the crowd.

It was already 6:00. It was winter, so it was already dark. Edward didn't come out until 7, so I still had time, but I hurried anyways. I hurried out through security and started running towards the subway station, but then I stopped when I saw the front door of the building. Many workers of the bank were coming out and heading their ways. 'Edward must be finished early today,' I thought with a sinking heart. The parking lot was on the other side of the station, so he would be coming this way. He saw Edward come out, and decided to meet his fate. However, Edward didn't come this way. He went the other way, towards the busy street full of restaurants. Curiosity overcoming me, I followed carefully, without getting caught. He walked up different paths and alleys, to a place that was remote from the busy streets of the city. After what seemed like an hour, he finally stopped. To my very surprise, he looked around twice, like he was making sure that no one would see him, then jumped over a brick fence. I was so startled at this moment, I just kept following. The brick fence had holes, so I peeked through. What I saw in the there made my head start to spin like a dreidel.

There were about eight other men, all in black. In the middle, was a terrified middle-aged looking man sitting in a chair, tied up with a gag in his mouth. I had to restrain from puking my lunch out.

"Let's make a deal," Edward said in a low grumbly voice. "You give me my money, promise to not tell anyone, and I'll set you free, ok?"

The terrified man nodded, trembling harder than an earthquake. My knees were giving in.

The man was set free, gag still in his mouth. He got behind his chair, took out a bag that I could only guess was filled with cash, then started heading towards me. I was still terrified, but sighed with relief as the man started climbing the fence. I knew there was nowhere to go, so I stayed put as the man climbed the fence. Suddenly, the man yelped a tiny squeak, then collapsed onto the floor on my side, his empty eyes staring at me before he shuddered then died. His back had a knife stabbed inside. It took the rest of my strength to restrain from crying, puking, screaming, and fainting.

"Pack it up boys. Same time, same place, different man tomorrow," came Edward's voice. He was talking the same, but he sounded much more meaner now. I had no choice. I ran.

I ran. I ran. I ran some more. I didn't know where to go. My friends' houses were a no-go, for I would have to explain everything. I was too scared to go to the police department. I didn't even want to stay in the city. I was going to run. I took off my sweatshirt, which hadn't come from the money of a kind hearted brother. It had come from the money of a murderer. I then realized the most terrifying truth. I was alone.

February 02, 2021 03:19

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2 comments

Bill Wilwers
00:39 Feb 11, 2021

Wow, very intense and a complete shocker! Good job.

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Kieran Fletcher
23:05 Feb 10, 2021

Good read Ryan, I enjoyed it.

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