Degraded - Short Story.
Any feedback would be appreciated. Otherwise, see this as an opportunity to reconnect with me after a long hiatus.
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Alex Took shifted nervously. This time, he knew that he had taken things too far. Still, there was at least some comfort in knowing there was nothing he could do but wait.
The interrogation room he sat in however, was anything but comforting. It was cramped, with only a wooden table and two chairs inside. The only source of light was a small torch hanging on the wall behind him. Even in this dim light, Alex could see the dark outlines of reddish brown stains splattered on the walls. It seemed that the cost of information was torture, and lining the walls in blood. It was also apparent that the Sheriff must have no issues with paying up.
As he waited, he only continued to grow more restless. The Sheriff was typically kind to him, at least kind enough to turn a blind eye to him and his misdemeanours every once in a while, but everyone had their limits.
He had been given a final chance. Now, he was left to ponder the consequence of breaking the Sheriff’s trust once again. Perhaps the walls will be repainted in a fresh coat of his own blood. The thought of it made Alex begin to feel a tight knot in the bottom of his stomach. Alex looked up and the knot in his stomach tightened as he made eyes with the Sheriff.
The man was a few years his senior, and walked with the confidence that came with years of unearned respect. He was tall, tall enough at least to tower over the younger man, and had large muscles that strained under his uniform as he moved. His hair was dark, and fell loose down to his shoulders, and a slight stubble was starting to show on his face. Alex’s gaze was drawn to the man’s eye; a striking pale blue that were clouded and judgemental under thick bushy eyebrows. Alex looked further, trying to assess what treatment he might receive, but the man set his face in a practised neutral expression that gave nothing away. Alex watched silently as the man sat across from him, and placed his forearms on the table, leaning slightly forward towards him.
The man sighed loudly “What are you doing Took?”
Alex opened his mouth to speak, the looked up at the Sheriff and thought again. He was impossible to read. There was a short pause.
Then the Sheriff continued, “It’s not a surprise to me of course, I just can’t help feeling a little... disappointed-” Alex retorted, “Look sir, it was a mistake, I-I just didn’t have a choice-”, but the Sheriff continued.
“Criminals always make excuses Took. I’ve let you off time and time again and look where that’s gotten me,” he paused to glance around the dingy room, “In this shithole, with a crook who never changes”.
Alex thought to try and defend himself, but he clenched his jaw firmly shut. He’d learned when it comes to law enforcement, it was better to shut your fly and look like an idiot than to open it and prove it. Still, it seemed that a crook never learns their lesson.
“I am a good person,” he said it with confidence but the words still felt like a lie when they were in his mouth.
The Sheriff laughed, a mocking cruel laugh that filled the small cell. He quickly regained composure.
“You? A good person?” he stopped to stifle his laughter “Good people learn their lesson, and try to help others.” All the humour left his face, and he continued, “Good people do not steal the purses of crying widows.”
Alex shifted in his seat again, and tilted his head down in shame. He didn’t even think to ask why she might have been crying. Still, he resisted, like an unruly child trying to argue with a parent.
“I know I’m not perfect, but I’m not a monster,”.
Alex felt burning at the back of his throat, and his eyes beginning to well up with tears. He couldn’t bring himself to believe in his lies anymore. The Sheriff leaned in closer to Alex until their foreheads were almost touching. He smirked.
“Who are you trying to convince here Took? Me or you? I’m no fool and I know you’re lying”
Alex couldn’t hold back his tears. He held his head in his hands as he cried quietly, whilst the Sheriff leaned back satisfied. Alexander Took, great criminal mastermind, King of the Underworld, was completely at his mercy. He watched the boy shake, gasping in between sobs.
“I thought we were friends” he forced out in between breaths.
The Sheriff looked at the boy with disdain,
“Friends? With you? You aren’t my friend Took” he spat every word out harshly, “We were never friends. You’re just another pain in my ass I deal with in this job”
Alex slowly began to steady his breathing, and couldn’t ignore the growing ache deep in his stomach. Broken, he looked up at the Sheriff.
“Please sir-,” he paused and looked for sympathy in the Sheriff’s face. He found none.
“I wont do it again” he continued quietly.
The Sheriff looked down at the small boy in front of him. This was not the arrogant, vain criminal he was so used to dealing with. This was a weak, pathetic little boy who deserved his scolding. He knew that his work here was done, and he didn’t need to lay a finger on him.The Sheriff leaned forward again.
“Listen here Took,” he hissed, “I’m done hearing your excuses. Now pay up and get lost.”
Alex obeyed in silence.
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