Jahnny stirred as a low, gravelly whisper pulled him from his sleep. \u201cJahnny, c\u2019mon, boy. Get up. We got stuff to do.\u201d The voice was his father\u2019s\u2014familiar, rough, and carrying a weight that always made Jahnny snap awake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He blinked in the dim light, his eyes adjusting to the faint glow of a streetlamp filtering through the gaps in the threadbare curtains. His father crouched beside him, his face half-shadowed but still grinning that lopsided grin he wore when he was up to something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhy? What time is it?\u201d Jahnny asked, his voice thick with sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEarly,\u201d Garth replied, his words a quiet rasp. He glanced over his shoulder toward the hallway, then back to his son. \u201cWe got a big day ahead, my boy. Don\u2019t wanna waste it lying around like the rest of ’em.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jahnny rubbed his eyes, glancing at the door. He knew \u201cthe rest of ’em\u201d meant his mom and sisters. They were probably still asleep in the other room, oblivious to the whispers. Lila usually wore earmuffs to sleep to try and dampen the occasional fights, so he wasn’t too worried of her waking up. He sat up, the thin blanket slipping off his shoulders. \u201cWhat about school?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Garth snorted softly, shaking his head. \u201cSchool? You kiddin\u2019 me? You think they teach anything worth a damn in that place? Nah, you stick with me, and I\u2019ll show you what life\u2019s really about.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The words sounded important, like a promise. Jahnny\u2019s chest puffed up a little, his father\u2019s grin infectious. He swung his legs over the side of his makeshift mattress, his bare feet touching the cold floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHere, throw this on.\u201d Garth handed him a worn hoodie that smelled faintly of sweat and cigarettes. Jahnny tugged it over his head as his father tousled his hair, leaving it sticking out in messy tufts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s my boy,\u201d Garth said with a chuckle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They crept down the narrow hallway, the floorboards creaking faintly beneath their weight. The house was quiet save for the occasional murmur of baby Betsy in her crib and the soft sighs of Marie\u2019s restless sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Garth paused as he and Jahnny saw Clara spaced out on the couch, slowly nodding in and out of some type of state of consciousness, a sight common when her boyfriend got his check. Garth turned to his son, leaning close to whisper, \u201cYou know why I wake you up and not them, don\u2019t ya?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jahnny shrugged, unsure if he should answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Garth crouched, his grin fading into something more serious. \u201cBecause you\u2019re different, Jahnny. You\u2019re not like them. Your sisters? They\u2019re just like your ma\u2014useless, whining, and waiting for someone else to fix their problems. They\u2019ll end up like Clara, running off with some deadbeat who\u2019ll knock ’em up and leave ’em. But you\u2014\u201d He placed a hand on Jahnny\u2019s shoulder, squeezing just enough to make the boy sit up straighter. \u201cYou\u2019ve got potential. You\u2019re smart, sharper than all of ’em put together. Stick with me, and I\u2019ll show you how to use it. You’re my right-hand man, Jahnny. You and me, we’re a team.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The words made Jahnny\u2019s chest swell with pride. He nodded, though he wasn\u2019t entirely sure what \u201cpotential\u201d meant. He just knew his father believed in him, and that felt like enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAlright, quiet now,\u201d Garth said, rising to his feet. \u201cDon\u2019t wanna wake the hags.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jahnny bit back a laugh as they tiptoed to the front door. Garth turned the handle slowly, easing it open to keep the hinges from squealing. The cool morning air hit them as they stepped outside, the door clicking softly shut behind them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The streets of Blenc were nearly empty, bathed in the pale orange glow of streetlights. The only sounds were the distant hum of cars and the faint rustling of wind through the crumbling alleys. Garth lit a cigarette, the tip flaring briefly as he took a drag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhere we goin\u2019?\u201d Jahnny asked, shoving his hands into his hoodie pockets to ward off the chill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou\u2019ll see.\u201d Garth\u2019s grin returned, mischievous and wide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jahnny fell into step beside him, his small legs working to keep up with his father\u2019s confident stride. The world felt bigger and quieter in the early morning, and Jahnny couldn\u2019t help but feel like he was part of something important\u2014something only he and his dad understood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The sun was beginning to rise as Jahnny and Garth made their way deeper into the labyrinth of Blenc\u2019s back alleys. The air grew thicker with the smell of damp concrete, exhaust, and trash, and Jahnny could hear the faint hum of activity\u2014voices murmuring, the occasional rattle of a shopping cart, and distant bursts of laughter that sounded more menacing than joyful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Garth led the way, his head on a swivel as he scanned the narrow streets. Every so often, he\u2019d stop and glance over his shoulder, his hand reaching back to pull Jahnny closer. \u201cStick near me, alright? This ain\u2019t no playground.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jahnny nodded, his small hand gripping the hem of Garth\u2019s jacket. The boy\u2019s wide eyes took in everything\u2014the graffiti that crawled up the walls like vines, the broken glass that glinted in the weak sunlight, the figures huddled in shadows smoking or counting crumpled bills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhere are we goin\u2019?\u201d Jahnny asked after a while, his voice hushed, as if afraid to break the eerie stillness of the alley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJust makin\u2019 some stops,\u201d Garth said without looking back. \u201cGotta check in with some friends, see what\u2019s what.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They turned a corner and entered a wider alley, where a group of men was gathered around a makeshift table. The table was little more than a wooden door propped up on cinder blocks, and on it lay a disorganized mess of cards, bottle caps, and cigarette butts. The men\u2014rough-looking, with faces that seemed carved from stone\u2014glanced up as Garth approached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGarth, you slimy bastard,\u201d one of them drawled, a round man with a scruffy beard and a perpetual sneer. \u201cDidn\u2019t think you\u2019d have the stones to show up here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRelax, Rico,\u201d Garth said, flashing his signature grin. \u201cI ain\u2019t here to cause trouble. Just thought I\u2019d drop in, see how the game\u2019s goin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rico\u2019s eyes flicked down to Jahnny, his sneer deepening. \u201cAnd who\u2019s this? Bringin\u2019 the kid around now? What kinda mess you draggin\u2019 him into?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFamily business,\u201d Garth said smoothly, resting a hand on Jahnny\u2019s shoulder. \u201cBoy\u2019s gotta learn the ropes someday, right? Ain\u2019t no harm in watchin\u2019 his old man work. Plus, the kid\u2019s a good luck charm, aren\u2019t ya?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jahnny puffed out his chest a little, trying to look tougher than he felt under Rico\u2019s piercing gaze, nodding, unsure what was expected of him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the other men, a short guy with a shaved head and noticeably large legs, chuckled. \u201cKid looks like he\u2019d blow over in a stiff wind. You sure he\u2019s cut out for this, Garth?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDon\u2019t let the size fool ya,\u201d Garth said, ruffling Jahnny\u2019s hair. \u201cHe\u2019s sharper than he looks. Got a good head on his shoulders, this one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The men exchanged skeptical looks, but Garth didn\u2019t wait for their approval. He stepped up to the table, pulling a crumpled wad of bills from his pocket. \u201cAlright, who\u2019s dealin\u2019? Let\u2019s see if I can\u2019t turn this into somethin\u2019 worthwhile.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the game began, Jahnny stood off to the side, his eyes darting between the men and the cards. He didn\u2019t understand much of what was happening, but he could tell by the way his father leaned forward, his grin growing wider, that things were going well\u2014for now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the good mood didn\u2019t last long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDamn it, Garth,\u201d Rico hissed as Garth raked in another small pile of bills. \u201cYou\u2019re always too damn lucky. What\u2019s your secret, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo secret,\u201d Garth said with a smirk. \u201cJust a little skill and a lotta charm.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The other men muttered amongst themselves, their suspicion growing thicker in the air. Jahnny shifted uncomfortably, his instincts telling him this wasn\u2019t going to end well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As if on cue, a new figure stepped into the alley. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his face partially hidden under the brim of a battered hat. His voice was a low rumble as he spoke. \u201cGarth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The tone alone made everyone at the table go silent. Garth looked up, his grin faltering for the first time that morning. \u201cWell, if it ain\u2019t Big Ray. Long time no see.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Big Ray didn\u2019t return the pleasantry. His eyes, cold and calculating, flicked to Jahnny before settling back on Garth. \u201cYou know why I\u2019m here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNow hold on,\u201d Garth began, raising his hands in mock surrender. \u201cI\u2019ve been meanin\u2019 to get you that money. Just had a few setbacks, is all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSetbacks don\u2019t pay debts, Garth,\u201d Big Ray said evenly. \u201cAnd you\u2019re outta time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jahnny\u2019s stomach twisted as he watched the exchange. The playful charm his father had shown all morning was gone, replaced by a nervous energy that didn\u2019t suit him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLook,\u201d Garth said, forcing a grin. \u201cI\u2019m workin\u2019 on it. Got a plan, a real good one. Just need a little more time, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Big Ray stepped closer, the menace in his presence palpable. \u201cYou\u2019ve been sayin\u2019 that for months. Your plans ain\u2019t worth shit if they don\u2019t pay up. And you know what happens to people who cross me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jahnny\u2019s heart pounded as he instinctively stepped closer to his father. Garth placed a protective arm in front of him, his grin slipping into a defiant smirk. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t hurt a guy in front of his kid, now would ya, Ray? That\u2019s bad for business.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Big Ray\u2019s lips twitched into something that wasn\u2019t quite a smile. \u201cYou\u2019re lucky I got other things to handle today. But this ain\u2019t over, Garth. Not by a long shot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving the alley in tense silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rico let out a low whistle. \u201cDamn, Garth. You really know how to pick your enemies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Garth shrugged, trying to regain his composure. \u201cIt\u2019s all part of the game, Rico. Now, where were we?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But Jahnny couldn\u2019t shake the feeling that the morning had just taken a dangerous turn. He stayed close to his father, the image of Big Ray\u2019s cold glare burned into his mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After leaving the alley, Garth led Jahnny into the busier parts of Brassvale, the streets alive with a mix of early risers and those who hadn\u2019t made it home from the night before. Jahnny’s small feet hurried to keep up with his father, who moved with purpose, his gait confident despite the tension from their last stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The smell of food carts and car exhaust filled the air as they weaved through the bustling streets. Garth glanced down at his son, his grin back in place. \u201cAlright, kid. Time to make some real moves. You remember what I taught you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jahnny nodded, even though he wasn\u2019t entirely sure what his father meant. Garth had taught him plenty\u2014most of it subtle tricks to earn sympathy or to spot someone with an easy mark\u2019s face. \u201cYeah, I remember.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Just stick by me and keep that innocent look goin\u2019. We\u2019re gonna hit a few spots, make enough cash to take care of a few things.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat things?\u201d Jahnny asked, his brow furrowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStuff you don\u2019t need to worry about,\u201d Garth said, ruffling the boy\u2019s hair. \u201cJust do what I say, alright?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first stop was a small church on the edge of the district. It wasn\u2019t Sunday, but the doors were open, and a handful of people were inside, setting up for a community breakfast. Garth put on his best humble act, pulling Jahnny closer as they stepped through the doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inside, a few older women were arranging folding chairs while a man in a frayed suit stacked paper plates. The smell of pancakes and coffee filled the air, and Jahnny\u2019s stomach growled audibly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood morning,\u201d Garth said, his voice soft and laden with faux humility. \u201cSorry to bother y\u2019all, but we\u2019re in a bit of a bind.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The man in the suit looked up, his face creasing with concern. \u201cWhat can we do for you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Garth sighed heavily, placing a hand on Jahnny\u2019s shoulder. \u201cMy boy and I\u2026 we\u2019ve fallen on some hard times. Lost our place last week, and we\u2019re just trying to get back on our feet. Anything you can spare\u2014food, maybe a little cash\u2014it\u2019d mean the world to us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jahnny felt a pang of guilt as the women looked at him with pity, their kind eyes scanning his thin frame and ragged clothes. He glanced down at his shoes, which were worn but not as bad as the story Garth was spinning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, bless your heart,\u201d one of the women said, hurrying over with a Styrofoam plate of pancakes. \u201cHere, sweetie. You look like you could use a good meal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you, ma\u2019am,\u201d Garth said, his eyes glinting with satisfaction as he took the plate. \u201cYou\u2019re too kind. God bless ya.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The man in the suit reached into his pocket, pulling out a few crumpled bills. \u201cIt ain\u2019t much, but I hope it helps.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Garth accepted the money with a grateful nod, slipping it into his jacket pocket. \u201cEvery little bit helps, sir. Thank you so much.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They lingered just long enough for Garth to scoop up a few more handouts before leaving the church. As they walked away, Jahnny looked up at his father. \u201cWhy\u2019d you lie to them?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Garth chuckled, breaking off a piece of pancake and handing it to his son. \u201cIt ain\u2019t a lie, kid. We\u2019re just stretchin\u2019 the truth a little. Times are tough, and you do what you gotta do to survive. Don\u2019t overthink it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jahnny chewed on the pancake, his mind swirling with questions he didn\u2019t dare voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their next stop was a pawn shop tucked between a liquor store and a laundromat. The windows were covered in bars, and a flickering neon sign buzzed above the door. Garth held Jahnny\u2019s hand tightly as they entered, the bell above the door jingling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Behind the counter stood a man with thick glasses and a cheap cigar dangling from his lips. He barely looked up as Garth approached, pulling a small bundle from his jacket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d the man asked, his voice gravelly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGot a few watches and wallets,\u201d Garth said, placing the items on the counter. \u201cReal nice stuff. Figured you might be interested.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The man picked up one of the watches, examining it under a magnifying glass. \u201cWhere\u2019d you get this?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFound it,\u201d Garth said smoothly. \u201cCleaned out a storage unit a few weeks back. You know how it is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The man snorted but didn\u2019t press further. He set the watch down and picked up a leather wallet, flipping through it quickly. \u201cI\u2019ll give you fifty for the lot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFifty? C\u2019mon, Chuck, you can do better than that,\u201d Garth said, leaning on the counter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTake it or leave it,\u201d Chuck said, already turning to walk away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFine,\u201d Garth muttered, snatching up the bills that Chuck tossed onto the counter. He stuffed the money into his pocket and gestured for Jahnny to follow him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As they stepped back into the sunlight, Jahnny hesitated. \u201cThose wallets weren\u2019t yours, were they?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Garth crouched down, his expression softening. \u201cListen, kid. You gotta understand somethin\u2019. The world ain\u2019t fair, especially to people like us. You gotta take what you can get, or someone else will take it from you first. You\u2019ll see that someday.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jahnny didn\u2019t reply, his eyes dropping to the sidewalk beneath his feet, a pink and yellow chalked bunny mixing and fading from the wetness of the morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The rest of the morning passed in a blur of similar stops\u2014churches, shelters, and even a diner where Garth talked the waitress into giving them free coffee. By the time the sun was high overhead, they had amassed a modest haul of cash and food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Garth grinned as he counted the bills in his pocket, clearly pleased with himself. \u201cNot bad for a morning\u2019s work, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jahnny didn\u2019t respond. His mind was too busy grappling with the weight of what he\u2019d seen and heard. For the first time, he wondered if his father\u2019s version of survival was the only way\u2014or just the way Garth had chosen.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Morning Errands Jahnny stirred as a low, gravelly whisper pulled him from his sleep. \u201cJahnny, c\u2019mon, boy. Get up. We got stuff to do.\u201d The voice was his father\u2019s\u2014familiar, rough, and carrying a weight that always made Jahnny snap awake. He blinked in the dim light, his eyes adjusting to the faint glow of a … Continue reading “Garth\u2019s Actions \u2013 Chapter 3”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-659","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/harthorns-reverie.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/659","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/harthorns-reverie.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/harthorns-reverie.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harthorns-reverie.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harthorns-reverie.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=659"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/harthorns-reverie.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/659\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":660,"href":"https:\/\/harthorns-reverie.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/659\/revisions\/660"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/harthorns-reverie.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=659"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harthorns-reverie.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=659"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harthorns-reverie.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=659"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}