My Bodyguard Spot

Chester was tossed a backpack. The person tossing the backpack to him was Don Salingro, head of the local mafia. “Just remember two rules, Chester: The bullets start flying get out as soon as possible, and if the backpack is emptied refill it. Get it?”

Chester wiped his bald head. Barely fitting in his cheap suit, he fixed his spectacles. “Got it.”

“Good.” He snapped his fingers. A thin thirty-year-old in slacks, a long shirt, and a vest came forward. “Chester, this is Vinny.” Vinny nodded to Chester. “Vinny will be your chauffeur and bodyguard.” He handed a list of addresses to Chester. Chester accepted the list and put it into his chest pocket. “Have a safe evening, boys.”

The don motioned for the two to leave; they left, with Vinny only stopping to open the door for Chester. He closed the door behind himself.

* * * * *

Most of the stops were quick and easy. Most of the capos gave Chester the money, usually treating it as a bother. A few gave Chester a hard time, obvious posturing, but it was just posturing; Chester grabbed the proffered suitcase and left, all business. Vinny followed just behind him; he may well have been a shadow. He only became noticeable when a capo refused to let Chester leave unless he drank something, did something, or did someone; Vinny would grab his backpack. Either the capo noticed it or someone would catch the gesture and tell the capo; either way, the capo would turn pale and almost shove Chester out the door.

Every three or so stops, they would find a coffee place. Chester would grab the biggest macchiato with caramel and whipped cream he could get; Vinny usually grabbed a sandwich, usually a tuna fish. While Chester would savor his coffee until the next time they pulled over for coffee, Vinny would open a sandwich up, put it next to him, pull it out of the package, and put it in his mouth. He would leave the sandwich in his mouth as both hands grabbed the wheel; he would eat the sandwich without using his hands. The package would be taken with him as he disposed of the plastic in the first trash can he saw.

Chester was amazed each time. The sandwich was completely devoured before the vehicle had crossed three streets and there were crumbs. He didn’t even bother wiping his mouth; once it was gone, it was gone.

Chester did try to get him to talk, but it usually went poorly:

Stop 1: Chester looked at him. “Wonderful night tonight, right?” Vinny rolled his eyes.

Stop 2: Chester put his macchiato in his lap. “Those capos can be sort of crazy.” Vinny exhaled deeply.

Stop 3: Chester checked the growing number of suitcases behind him. “Think anyone will rob us?” Vinny smiled hopefully. Chester gulped.

After the last stop, Chester stopped for a moment to enjoy the night air before returning to the car. Vinny cocked his head. He grabbed Chester. “Get in the car, lock it down, and then disappear.” He took off his backpack and gave it to him. “Hold on to that until I ask for it.” Chester grabbed the backpack and took off for the car.

Vinny shouted to no one in particular. “I know you’re here. Olly olly oxen free.” Three large men separated from the shadows. “Holding one in reserve.” Vinny smiled. “Good plan.” The three men charged Vinny.

Chester hit the car. He fumbled with the keys. He found the right one and opened the door. He threw the suitcase in the back and threw himself down into the well. That quickly proved uncomfortable. He propped himself up against a window.

As the three men charged Vinny, he grew two feet widened. As he grew, he became much thicker, much hairier. His nose grew into a muzzle that grew sharper teeth. His ears grew, becoming pointier even as they expanded. His hands grew talons. His clothes fell in shreds around him even as his boots popped. He howled into the night.

The three men were large. They were easily six feet, 250 pounds each with zero body fat, the recipients of two hours a day at the gym and too many protein shakes. They also apparently spent an hour a day in the boxing ring; they quickly surrounded the monster wolfman and began circling him. The wolfman stood a good head above them.

The wolfman grinned. He then began tearing into the men surrounding him. Two tried grappling him and the third began to punch him. The third went down first as the wolfman clawed his throat open. The man grabbed at it and went down to his knees. The wolfman grabbed another and threw the massive man a good thirty feet. The other would-be grappler went into a boxing stance; the wolfman tore out his guts. The man grabbed at them, trying to keep them in to no avail.

The remaining man stood up. The wolfman leaped at him, cocking a hand. When he landed the cocked hand speared the man and he fell, sliding off the hand onto the ground.

[BLAM!]

The wolfman winced.

[BLAM!]

He spun to face where the bullet had come from.

[BLAM!]

The wolfman saw a woman with a large pistol, evidently specially designed as he couldn’t place the model.

[BLAM!]

He was now running in a wide spiral, keeping just ahead of her aim.

[BLAM!]

He was on her. She dodged his blow. She pulled out a dagger. The shine matched the moonlight. He punched at her. She dodged again. She stabbed at him. He grabbed the wrist of the hand wielding the dagger. She smiled as she dropped the dagger. Her other hand swooped to catch. He batted the dagger away. His backhand resulted in a satisfying crunch.

He took moment to dig into his side. He pulled out a small piece of metal. He tossed it away. The hole began to fill in.

Chester had watched all of it. His pants were in need of a change. He slid down the door into the well.

The wolfman walked to the dagger. He lost height and weight as he walked over to it. His form returned to normal. Vinny’s hands and body were covered in blood. He picked up the dagger. “Silver. Nice.” He smiled as he walked back to the car.

He knocked on the door. He saw a hand pop up and pull open the lock. Vinny smiled. “Next time listen when I tell you to hide.” He opened the door and grabbed the backpack. He pulled out some sanitary wipes and cleaned himself up. “I’ll save some for you.” He began getting dressed. “There’s a Bullseye four blocks away.” He handed Chester a piece of paper. “Put the order in.” Chester slowly pulled out his phone and was ordering a new set of clothes in just a few moments. “Make sure you include some pants and underwear for yourself.”

Vinny got in the driver’s seat, somewhat embarassed. In moments they were back on the road. All windows were rolled down.

Chester smirked. “Don’t worry. I won’t tell.”