It was a good day.

After the unsuccessful robbery attempt, Jennifer had closed the diner for a day. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, but the decision turned out to be a blessing. Jason was very attentive on her day off, and Jennifer had free time to spend with Zachary and Xavier. Family time was always important but with a diner to run, Jennifer hadn’t been spending much time with her kids.

It was a welcome break.

The loss of income for a day was a hit, but Jennifer recognized that it was something that had to do done. She didn’t even mind it when the policemen came over. Jennifer had given her statement to the police already, but they wanted more details. More specifically, they wanted more information about the Sweet Fist.

Jennifer never considered herself to be much of a genius, but she knew better than to tell them the whole truth. She told the police the same story she had spun earlier. She had no idea the man was the Sweet Fist. She had never met the man before. She thought he was just there for coffee and stumbled upon the robbery. She had nothing to do with the man. The story was mostly true, and the policemen left.

It was a good day.

When Jennifer came to open the diner early in the morning, her staff was there and waiting. She was glad. Jennifer had been worried some of the staff may leave after the robbery, but her fears were unfounded. Her fears of people avoiding the diner were also unfounded. There was a steady stream of people who came in, and some of the regulars even asked how she was doing. That was nice and with all the support, the diner was even than usual. It was a good day.

Then it turned to shit.

The afternoon crowd had just left when the gang showed up. The eight of them were just standing outside the diner but their presence prevented anyone from coming in. People in this part of the city knew how to walk away from trouble. Jennifer didn’t have that luxury. She also recognized one of the gang members. Bradley Brown, which meant these were the Banger Boys. Jennifer thought of calling the police but decided against it. No need to invite more trouble than necessary. She stepped out to meet them. If anything was going to happen, she did not want it to go down in the diner.

“Hi, Bradley. It’s been some time. How have you been?” Jennifer tried to be chirpy, but the leader of the small gang was having none of it.

“Hi, Jennifer. Is he here?”

“Who?”

“The Sweet Fist. I was told he was here two days ago. Took out two of my boys. Is he here?”

“Oh, those two guys were yours. I didn’t know but come on Bradley. We went to the same school. I had hoped that counts for something.”

“Jennifer, we weren’t never friends. Let’s not pretend otherwise. We just know each other. Hell, I can’t remember if we had ever spoken with each other. Now, is The Sweet Fist here?”

“How would I know? He was here for coffee and stumbled upon your boys. He stopped them, drank his coffee, had a tense conversation with the hero that showed up, and left.”

“That’s too bad Jennifer. Now I have to do something I don’t want to.”

“What?”

“I have to destroy the diner.”

“What? Why?”

“Business.”

“Business? What…” A light went up in her head. Living in this part of town, Jennifer knew what business meant to a neighborhood villain like Bradley. Jennifer knew at this point talking was useless. “Wait, that robbery two days ago was planned? You mean someone is targeting my diner? Someone paid you to cause trouble. Why? The diner isn’t even doing that well.”

“I’m not paid to ask questions. I shouldn’t even be talking to you. I’m just doing it so that the people inside can clear out. Now, please step out of the way.”

Jennifer took a glance back to her diner and saw that Bradley was right. Her staff and the few customers inside have already left. There was no one inside. If she stepped away, no one would get hurt, lest of whom her. However, this was her diner. She was not going to just let it get destroyed.

“You don’t want to do this Bradley.”

“I don’t.” Bradley surprisingly agreed. “But a job is a job. Please step out of the way Jennifer. I don’t want to hurt you.”

“I have already called the police.”

“Then I have less than twenty minutes to do as much damage as I can. It takes the police about that to arrive.”

Jennifer quickly regretted her decision not to call the police and calculated how much damage the gang could do. The answer was a lot. She might not have enough in savings to rebuilt. However, she had a trump card. Jennifer decided to take a calculated risk.

“I meant what I said Bradley. You really don’t want to do this.”

“No hard feelings but it’s a job.”

“You don’t want to mess with the guy in charge.” Jennifer saw Bradley’s mouth twitched and was encouraged. “What was the first question you asked me Bradley?”

“Is he here? The Sweet Fist?”

“The Sweet Fist.” Jennifer agreed.

Bradley just laughed. “Sorry but I don’t buy it. Everyone knows The Sweet Fist is making a play for the King’s, but why would he start here? I only asked that to make sure he’s not here. If he was here, I would come back at another time. Since he’s not…”

“You are making a big mistake Bradley.”

“And you are wasting my time Jennifer. If he is your boss, call the Sweet Fist here. Or else, step out of my way.” Jennifer stood still, and Bradley sighed. “Last chance. Don’t make me hurt you.”

A feeling came over them. Everyone turned and they saw a man walking towards them. A man filled with purpose. A feeling of dread, and danger filled the group. The man felt like a beast. Jennifer looked at her father and for the first time was afraid of him. She whispered.

“Run.”