The familiar creak of the stairs and the soft whine of the front door opening and closing dragged me from a very deep sleep. I groaned and turned to face Cedric's side of the room. The sight of his empty bed snapped me out of my drowsy haze. I sat upright, remembering my plan for the night.
The icy floorboards jarred me fully awake as I dressed in haste pulling on Papa's old coat over my nightshirt. My hands trembled as I quietly slipped downstairs but I wasn't as stealth as Cedric so the house groaned more than usual as I slipped past mama's room.
Her door was shut but the faint sound of her coughing in sleep made me pause for a moment. I had to do this for me and her…and Cedric too.
The streets lay quiet, slick from melted snow and muddy in some parts. A train whistle carried through the night and I shuddered as I followed Cedric. I could see him ahead and hid a few times behind fences when he turned.
He slipped into the alley behind the tavern but I kept my distance behind a barrel and watched. The alley stank of stale beer, smoke and urine. I pinched my nose, seeing Cédric talk with five tall boys. I recognised Cal among them. I'd met him one time at the market square where he made a classmate of mine cry. I never liked him since then.
“Well, forge boy finally showed up,” Cal called, smirking with a toothpick in the corner of his mouth.
Cedric ignored the jab and snapped. “Keep your voice down.”
Another one who seemed like their leader leaned against the wall, his arms folded across his chest. He patted Cedric on the shoulder. “Relax, mate. No one dares wander around here late. We own this place.”
My stomach tightened painfully because I didn't like these boys. They looked mean and dangerous. The leader tossed a pair of gloves at Cedric. He caught it and frowned. “What's this?”
“We visit Archie's forge tomorrow night. You know the place better, so prepare to lead us in.”
Cedric bowed his head, his gaze on the gloves. He didn't look happy. “Don't do this. Not Archie.”
Cal was behind him already, his fist clenched. “Vaughn and I decide where we visit. Not you,” he said.
Vaughn raised a hand to silence Cal. “We'll take whatever Archie keeps locked in his forge. Cash, weapons or silver, if we're lucky,” he said, looking intently at Cedric. “So be here on time tomorrow night. Got it?”
“It's Archie,” Cedric whispered, “he gave me work when no one would.”
“And paid you enough to keep food on your table?” Cal snapped, making him flinch.
Vaughn's gaze hardened slightly. “You think Archie cares about you and your family? One missing lockbox won't ruin him.”
I felt sorry for my brother and angry at these mean boys. I wanted him to tell them no and walk away. Cedric sighed and dragged a hand over his tired face. “When?”
“An hour before dawn,” Vaughn answered and Cal patted his shoulder.
Just then my foot shifted against loose gravel and they all turned in my direction. My breath caught and I ran.
I hope you enjoyed reading this short piece. It's inspired by the Freewrite #dailyprompt phrase "patent lie".
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