Short Story Serial: Sixth Installment

In the month that followed, Leonard kept to himself, only going out to work his night job at the warehouse. Prankster, Skipper, Scratch, and the mysterious fourth member of their team had gone on to win the tournament. The city immediately awarded them with a contract to reduce ability-related crime.

“I was wondering what happened to you,” remarked Chance. “You dropped out of sight after the tournament.”

Leonard was back at the agency. He wasn’t looking for an assignment or anything else really. He stopped by because it felt like the only place he could go to, other than home or work.

“Feeling sorry for yourself?” Chance asked, without any sympathy.

“At first, yeah,” Leonard admitted. “But not now. Anyway, I brought you something.”

Leonard put a bag on Chance’s desk.

Chance was quiet for a moment. “You brought me –“

“Lunch,” confirmed Leonard. “I remembered how you always seemed to be trying to eat whenever I came in. It’s no big deal. I just wanted to say thanks.”

“You were humiliated at the tournament – the tournament I suggested you sign up for – and you want to thank me?” It had been a while since someone surprised Chance, but today he found himself unprepared for Leonard’s gesture.

“It wasn’t your fault.” Leonard said thoughtfully. “The truth is I wasn’t ready to lead a team. Especially under those circumstances.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself,” consoled Chance. “It works both ways. People also have to be open to being led. Those two you teamed up with weren’t ready for that. Hey, is this a Reuben sandwich? With extra dressing?”

“Maybe,” said Leonard, referring to Chance’s comments about leading, not the contents of the sandwich. “Again, I just wanted to say thanks. I’ll let you get back to work.”

“What work? You may not have noticed, but my waiting room is empty today. Just like yesterday, the day before, and the day before that.”

Leonard didn’t understand. “Why? What happened?”

“Prankster and his friends happened,” Chance explained. “Sure, they reduced the abilities-related crime wave like they were asked to. Except then they went on a spree of their own. The only way to avoid them is to stay home. And I’m not sure how much longer that’s going to be true.”

“Can’t the city find someone to help?” Leonard wondered.

“Who do you suggest?” countered Chance. “None of the first-tiers can be bothered. Not enough public relations potential. Most second-tiers can’t afford to walk away from their current gigs. And the scrubs who were my usual clients? They won’t cut it. No offense.”

Leonard wasn’t offended. He knew Chance was right. His performance in the tournament had proven it. Nothing confusing about that.

“So, how about it?” asked Chance, smiling wickedly.

Now Leonard was confused. “How about what?”