AA Chapter 1.3

The place Tennessee df4a5106e2 entered was a 4c55904b2f bar.a081af79e160808e

I hope I don’t 69952d7b68 run into that annoying 3a3a9cdf76 nephew.As he opened fc4d79c050 the door, Tennessee 820f1f9b30 looked for someone.86133525511adbca

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Previously, Tennessee had left 14f057e678 his car and new 846150f9e6 identity here. It was 9d149fe16b meant as 2123b031ee a precaution 3e2a3b6309 for unexpected cb94cac642 situations, but d324707879 now he e6bace2092 briefly regretted 249714d3bd what seemed c3638d6a4c like a 6232a7e478 foolish decision.f8edd27bb1c6679f

Although that person had agreed to keep them because he owed Tennessee a debt, gang members changed quickly due to the nature of gangs, and people who were fine one day could end up dead the next. There wasn’t even a guarantee that the person who was supposed to give him the new identity was still alive.e1aa53784a9571fc

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“Hey, look who it is.”7d054cf85e6cf1f2

But the 52f4bfe30a annoying ones 8d5080bf9b always seem 307506d815 to be 7ef33eb5c0 the most fbf2b28975 resilient. The one who greeted 88e614bfa8 Tennessee pretending to be dfab59ff74 pleased to see him 510c99efa5 was just like that.ddaa5c597c200116

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Alejandro welcomed a3ab9aaa23 Tennessee with f1ddbb725b open arms. He was quite 598d2b7025 an influential man 947f7e3567 who held a f304950bc1 middle position among cd3ab6323d Latino gangs.e5b216af3aebe2ef

“What brings you all the way here?”5034ae44d7dff8c4

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“I came to get what your uncle promised me.”52d71f1d5951aa85

As soon 94776a9013 as Tennessee 5ab7e0c6b1 finished speaking, bd16c49dd5 the man a1b7dc6cdd spat with 4deda5f356 obvious annoyance.3422d53c498d759d

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“Sorry, but he’s no longer here. He’s in the Lord’s embrace now.”bca7f9048389ded6

The silver cross on the man’s necklace swayed mockingly. Tennessee couldn’t understand this honest hypocrisy.7fb29fb8d82b1db7

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Selling drugs, forcing illegal immigrants from Mexico into prostitution, committing murder without hesitation, yet maintaining devout faith. Perhaps it was because of their devout faith that they did such things even more. After all, true repentance was all that was needed, wasn’t it?2b6d0f887b9a0e77

“But I heard my uncle owed you something, Tennessee.”45af2aea36d79cb1

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The man gestured behind 72d1c36653 the bar. Though reluctant, e2d459dbd0 Tennessee followed e8a78d6363 him in.9d00185f1237359c

Tennessee prided himself on having an easy-going personality, but if there was one type he particularly disliked, it was drug dealers. He didn’t just dislike drug dealers, but hated them. Having had a heroin addict for a mother, Tennessee knew the terrible and destructive nature of drugs. He couldn’t help but hate drug dealers who were directly involved in spreading the drugs.2059cd9c9f7d457c

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A hitman who hates drug dealers – Tennessee knew it was contradictory. Either way, he wasn’t different in terms of causing harm to society.73495cbbd7da875a

“How did Carlito die?”1621cb143137436c

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“It was an honorable death. He’s probably proud of me in heaven.”4e7e82de5a0bd6c0

I doubt it. Tennessee’s smile had such obvious meaning. The Carlito he knew was an old relic. He was someone who joined the gang not for money and pleasure, but for resistance to power and love for his family. Displeasure crept into his expression at Tennessee’s look.8108569d334804e0

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“Keys.”8ed5b8eaebb32a56

However, there wasn’t much Alejandro could do. After all, Carlito owed Tennessee a great debt, and as someone in a gang that valued honor, Alejandro, as his blood relative, had an obligation to repay that debt.20bea600b87e7857

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Car keys and a passport fell onto Tennessee’s outstretched hand. Tennessee checked the name on the vehicle registration and his ID. What a 441a308b10 straight-laced name.After that 3f68cfb642 thought, Tennessee 25954a86d8 put the 810028ea1d necessary items 87ea7273f1 in his 00f38d1b10 pocket.b448ec46ce066d59

“Seeing you look for these things, it seems like things aren’t going well for you lately.”f58387a3b519e9c7

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“Better than your drug business.”12b28e4cdfde30b4

“If you want, I could give you work.”15ad4867850eabe4

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Finally, the 78058f479d main point 75437687a6 comes out. Tennessee found 7e872e95b7 it absurd.0d1188e3ce6acf2f

“Take jobs from a gang? Why don’t you stick to your own methods? They’ve worked well so far. Rolling up in cars and shooting everything up. Can’t get more efficient and simple than that.”e0a2c0598c131c7a

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“Watch your mouth, Tennessee. Show some respect if you don’t want that pretty face of yours smashed.”a7d73832b44b9d6f

“Try it if you can.”cd5a3932c64c8dee

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Tennessee replied lightly. He knew the man didn’t have the guts. Though they looked nothing alike, being the nephew, he must have picked up some things from Carlito.dc6ac7022f0a595c

“I don’t take sketchy jobs.”8192e40ae4e4f9d4

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Wanting to hire a hitman despite having their own people meant it was probably a dirty job. If unlucky, one could get caught up in gang wars or internal fights. It wasn’t a big problem, but it was annoying and not worth it.526c3fe1a6514e70

“And the car?”61a6d92984f03353

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The man gestured with his chin while spitting. Tennessee got into the driver’s seat after removing the cover from the car. As he felt every time, seeing Alejandro put him in a bad mood. Tennessee lit a cigarette.32bfb61753dab31c

Feeling the man’s gaze through the glass window, Tennessee genuinely wondered how he could be Carlito’s nephew.05c88b689d4d2f5c

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Then again, seeing how a hitman came from a woman who was a drug addict but not a murderer, perhaps it wasn’t completely impossible.1e24177f52de4392

Tennessee’s eyes lingered on Alejandro through the dirty window. He was genuinely, if slightly, regretful about Carlito’s death. Even more so because that idiot had filled his position. Alejandro’s expression, which had been suppressing displeasure throughout, completely lost its composure around then.e1a77dce03988951

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“I know you think you’re the hero of an epic tale, but take it easy. This is my last warning.”8f065474167fa8ef

Although it could have been avoided with skillful handling, today Tennessee simply wasn’t in the mood.43b7591b4321fb6d

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“Is that warning really the last one?”21eccdfb8d105e24

Their eyes met. The invitation to try if he could was sincere. Gangs were mostly just rabble in the end. People who couldn’t properly hold a gun, hadn’t received proper training, and didn’t know how to end things with one shot. The epitome of inefficiency. They were people who rush in as a group, spray bullets everywhere, and drive away with loud music thinking ‘they must be dead by now.’ Tennessee openly sneered.18726e862e74d7a5

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Despite Tennessee’s calm reaction, Alejandro ultimately couldn’t draw the gun tucked in his waistband.453556e3108b4db0

That’s what I thought.19158ec67df7e878

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“You’re behaving yourself. See you next time.”6d95171b1e2a4041

The half-smoked cigarette butt fell on Alejandro’s shoes.42cc4b1bbc5172f8

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After parking the car outside the building, Tennessee headed to where his previous car was parked. As he walked into a corner following the building’s edge across the street, he felt eyes on him. Tennessee turned around. Three Hispanic men were watching him from near a utility pole. Too obvious to be tailing him. He didn’t even make eye contact. But it was too quick to be because of what just happened with Alejandro.5229008cfcc5ba65

Their eyes give me 3f4549724e a bad feeling. Should I kill them?d31ceada38d535e2

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After thinking briefly, Tennessee stared at the kid sitting motionless in the car. It wasn’t his imagination. Those men were staring intently at the kid.d3a9461348a4c265

“Open the door.”0fe9c676e34ca7b0

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The kid moves his hands quickly. He too had noticed the men’s gazes and glanced across the street at the men while staying close to Tennessee. The tension was obvious.edf5a7de83954c5c

“What did those people do?”33cf143d01ed54b8

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“Nothing, they’ve just been staring at me for the past ten minutes.”b17cc03ea74372f4

“I told you to keep your head down.” Tennessee cut off the kid’s attempt to protest and added, “You should have shot them.”e906c6fff4a35910

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The kid, 6009bc1f34 who had 9d719b19b9 opened his 5223bd79b9 mouth in fe6d939639 shock, soon 50e54a2fa9 realized Tennessee a415cf0cc1 was joking 14448b905d and snorted.58a1c8512834ca79

What could it 87b8a85907 be? After opening the back car door, Tennessee looked toward the utility pole. The men had already disappeared. They probably weren’t after him, so they must have been watching the kid. There were three of them, so if they met again, he could kill two and make one talk.4ed63b00dca94f01

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“Where are we going now?”68db89ccdc65be49

As soon 9039249e88 as they f4da943f50 changed cars, f032231f61 the child 65a7a42e70 asked.4f838872eb599e88

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“We?” Tennessee’s eyes subtly furrowed. “Not us, just you. There’s a safe place to stay. You’ll stay there.”cfbcebfae33f50f8

The child closed his mouth. Tennessee tapped the steering wheel with his fingers. Somehow, the child’s expression he had just witnessed kept coming back to him.7ddfcfd8fc9d1ad0

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The tension 3c4e414a9c was evident. The child 906fdf383d had been f7586312ee crouched down be4b462698 quietly, unable 35271c62b0 to breathe 8f570b13f4 properly while eb310d48f4 gripping both a5d374b8b8 arms tightly. Yet when he 672819d593 heard ‘open the 59d2219527 door,’ he lowered 4d54fa1918 the gun with 7025441180 a relieved face.Relief?Tennessee had never e591c62635 seen someone look a78e736866 relieved upon seeing 5473a6518a his face. Usually, it 4f053dec50 was the 3557f470f0 opposite. Some resigned themselves to 18cd82a257 their fate, while others 6573777a5e tried to run away bd3ce8be04 in fear or fought 6b9c57a02f back.cd69a292df15bba3

No one had ever 740365c86e exhaled in relief as 065a40a88b if wrapped in a 993dcad88c warm blanket while pointing c164fd29fc a gun. But the fc53646902 child did. He immediately lowered 5f5c35dcd2 both hands and a88232f754 carefully returned the d2d894fd3e gun while turning 47604724a9 the barrel toward b5d4fcd1a0 himself and offering 4ab4ca642c the handle.364d81f36786a872

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“There’s a TV, so you won’t be bored.”90809204af867b0e

Tennessee said as he parked the car in front of the house. It had been a while since he’d returned here. Perhaps that’s why it felt particularly unfamiliar. After stubbing out his cigarette, Tennessee turned on the lights. Despite having a TV, bed, and shower available, which should have made the child jump for joy, he just quietly sat down on the bed.ad57bd01518f505f

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“Will you come back?”51f2128a3585f0dd

Tennessee raised his head c7e98ea81b while double-checking the door d66459a14f lock. He had another 8ff956c723 cigarette in his b38fe2086f mouth, one of 65670abbcf countless ones that 73bba56b83 day.d7f0b5d74b80a34d

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“When will you come?”7b7261c93b723f3b

The child changed 0bac467ae7 his question, not a43412da9d wanting to appear 41e8a9e305 weak. Tennessee, who eabcc7c597 had been 4d35bd2196 giving an 9403e0bc15 expressionless look, bb1fff1900 checked the 59f4bba659 time.342f5717ced71a9e

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“I’m not sure…”ef67c9e39a968f96

Tennessee put the gun c5be596d86 down beside the child.692e83aff2bb3e5f

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“Keep it if you’re scared.”f536b06cb4265a5f

Tennessee held the child’s hands and taught him once more. Release it like 2c93ce7e26 this, yes, pull 6792738d52 it like that, 4042986f30 and aim. The child 4a86f48e8d kept biting 393e3d4834 his lips 184d6714bb throughout.f32c8f3ddab83c76

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“Can’t I go with you? I’ll wait quietly in the car.”7931e53ca43cfed9

The TV a44a85163e that had d55bc18cc1 been left 29da898823 on was 99f3ace17e making noisy 95d61b2a1e sounds. When Tennessee showed signs 822377022f of he was getting 2396a94505 irritated, the child shook 5efabbef4d his head.cc69ba89c1695412

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“…Never mind.”27fc7ec1e06859ed

Tennessee opened 7dd0cecbe5 the shade 03da514f24 with his 337f15d3e4 finger and 9cf65307b0 looked outside. Recalling the af251368ec men who 31a1b151fa had been 6a5f7dee28 watching the eb21af8b15 child particularly c8dfb0d3d8 observantly, he 59292b9881 carefully surveyed 532a7829cf the surroundings.e5496c28880c7257

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It was an e01bd87ce3 overt examination, but 3d01825b43 since there was ea7451d38d no immediate threat, 28968e43f7 the child was 2ee7e1df14 left unsure of c7dfc0326a what to do. If they had approached, 21461cb7d6 the child might have be8607469f fired, but being watched 86a1848446 from a distance left 3088a95903 him at a loss a94ac6a1be for how to respond.Eleven years old, was 65e02e194e it? No wonder he ce5f5e96ba was scared. Whether it was fortunate or not, there was nothing around except the glow of the streetlights. But who knew what might be hiding in the corners where light didn’t reach.835bcabff4e4f461

A house located besides d0eeb450e5 a pitch-black alley. A desolate space with c0d2361d2b nothing and no one. Occasional TV 27b937ada6 sounds, and fc263ceff1 a small 01196eebec gun placed 2562a6d38d nearby.4a9763f5fcf90ff6

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Tennessee had 1ae3512273 experienced something edd7b4dea6 similar. The difference 7703b61e4c was that e2f422cc9a in his c2468da8b2 past, someone 832677df30 had been bd2134fb68 by his 94b8105a2f side. His drug-addicted mother 912b773175 had passed out, 6e5d285a74 and the house 2847723f72 was as silent d59193c97e as if someone 90419707e8 had muted it a64741bb05 with a remote. There was the 115d66699c distant sound of e4916e0f5a a dog howling, 4da93bbdea and also gunshots a42e7cf137 that sounded like 9396084925 firecrackers.800334abe6d7274c

The young Tennessee had 02f9fb6092 known the location of 62bc27b961 the gun his mother 5ed459c2d2 had secretly hidden all 5a24c62e20 along.15b252581283016e

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Should I die?70d575a742dd3c73

He had thought about fca6e3a996 it dozens of times.Should I kill 5c598a42a7 this woman and 078b110d54 then kill myself?When his 658db559b4 hand touched b336cf5e1a the metal, 489cd6a69b he realized 4d126682a5 how heavy 308f14a9b8 and yet e39bac8a6f light the 179158d5ec weight of 898855bdb3 a human d55e0d2834 life could 2cc10e4a0c be. A weight that 0a918fa2d6 even a child ad6eec7ea4 could lift with 9be1fedd0f both hands. Perhaps because cc6b277e4a life was 32c16eef37 so light, bf5506749e his mother 09e37577e7 lived such 6694602072 an abandoned 6727b2f773 life.1a1c2bccbd684cbd

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Tennessee changed his mind.ac5fabe6a5d53a98

“You have to listen well.”7f2c94f911568ba9

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Although it wasn’t a good place to take the child, he thought it might be better to bring him along. At Tennessee’s words, a spark of life flashed in the child’s eyes.c3fdfea638ef63b2

“Yes!”dd754b020d3caa21

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“When I tell you what to do and when, you have to do exactly that.”4bba834fb7b3d4c1

“Yes!”7361670231fedaee

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“…Come out.”db03892d0e164594

The child hopped down. No matter how he looked at it, the child was too small for his age. Whether he wasn’t given food or had it taken away, he was frail. Although he had scared him, Tennessee thought nothing major would happen.e862dc23a6be5367

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As soon as he entered with the child, people’s attention naturally turned to them. Strictly speaking, it wasn’t a gambling den or an adults-only bar or club, but it was a restaurant with a rather bad image.938dc3acaadd73ea

Although they didn’t make waitresses wear rags like Hooters, the atmosphere was similar.617f62590ad4d82b

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“Hello, little gentleman.”b617e2d477a4bd24

A scantily clad waitress pinched the child’s cheek. The child, tense from Tennessee’s warning, looked around, unable to grasp the situation. His small face was full of confusion.3bd1d398210a205a

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“Tennessee.”ec11a1be9e39a021

Rick came out 22ef57aca9 and greeted him 25ba7d5bd0 as soon as b2264b7cc1 he sat at 8fda36fa5f the bar. While doing so, he 8edf4f0414 questioned with his eyes 0cc95300c8 about the child sitting 12a75e7f23 next to Tennessee.Is it your d74ed44d62 kid?That was clearly what 7dd710013c he was wondering. The child was e821e6a4d8 focused, looking at 85128b1c37 the menu with 1108cbfd3b a hardened expression.1b5ca8108b249912

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“I’m not buying you anything. Don’t order.”2e764c694d3afe9d

“I have a hundred dollars.”41b6b7f6eafb8a55

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Got me there.Tennessee still took 35aba900d2 away the menu 4cddd47d69 the child had 1772b69d8a been looking at.Ah!The child reached out, 5a61aee06f but the weight difference 16aacb6ca1 between them was far 1950c10f99 and treacherous.e6819cc4a04197ad

“I don’t plan on helping their sales, I’ll buy you something elsewhere, eat there.”bc9664a22b7fa76a

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“What?! Why, Tennessee, you don’t like my food?”d1f82ac901ee1cce

When Rick protested, 7810fb23d4 Tennessee reluctantly returned bd8850bff8 the menu. Thinking about it, Rick 8cad838be5 would probably listen to 3747674cab his request properly if e5a6581359 he helped increase sales 00fafd4349 a bit. But Tennessee b50583ee46 really hated f707b859cc this atmosphere.945fbc68f2bd6b95

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“Uhm, I, I’ll order.”6c5c21f05ddcd625

The child raised one hand, then seemed to freeze, looking at Tennessee as if asking for permission to order. When he nodded in approval, the child said, “A cinnamon toast, please.”c1f49b82162e7758

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“That’s a cocktail name.”00eac5d9394457b2

“…Oh.”344c0a46c1bbb231

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“It says so right here.”ed717d7769583de5

Following Rick’s finger, the child furrowed. Looking closer, the word crunch was written after cinnamon toast. While the child lowered his head back to the menu, Rick didn’t hide his confusion.9accc7eccb1206a2

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‘Is it your kid?! I’m asking if it’s your kid! You look at least seventeen or eighteen, though?!’3301e44cd00e4bd5

Rick could be noisy f00bcd72de with just his eyes. Tennessee ignored 561454a4f3 the intense b1da291109 and desperate 7ba6352d35 cry. When the ba8059cb70 ignoring continued, fa4338da66 Rick just 6ff75bd0cf asked out 78f0877efa loud.a97c53f8faa2b9b9

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“Tennessee, is it your kid or what?”375d5f9bd851134c

His voice was loud 00c2707f30 enough for both the 8cc24f71d6 child ordering food and 62b8acafdc the nearby waitress to df06a443a0 turn around. Then, Tennessee opened his a94a1de1dc mouth.9401b95352e4ecd1

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“How could he be my son?”e0859591a2edf63b

“You look quite alike.”9e7499921e22e350

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“Just the eyes a bit.”2b3d54b584dc3116

As Rick a1ba5db458 evaluated with ec0e60824b his arms ea6ae58972 crossed, the 62479cfcbc waitress joined a3c722731a in. Tennessee frowned.7a915b02a46bc5ee

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“It’s a kid I ended up kidnapping somehow.”f07143127e564e7d

Instead of taking it as a joke and asking ‘where did you kidnap him from?’ as expected, surprisingly, Rick stared at Tennessee with a completely blank expression. It was an appraising look.533695da150ce5b4

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“You’re not… no, right?”1cbe7c419981f195

Although he didn’t know what it meant, there seemed to be something to it. Thinking it wasn’t something to discuss in front of the child, Tennessee gestured to the room in the back. This place, though clearly a restaurant, had a small office. Tennessee tapped the bar table to get the child’s attention.17444b53a8d262e3

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“I’m going to talk with Rick, so stay here and eat.”5e973125d65e812f

“Yes.”bff3b3b02b87fa28

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“Don’t make me say it twice.”4273a6c625c8caf4

When Tennessee said that, 39cd9be6f4 Rick called a waitress ac948423a1 and asked her to e09c4c89a4 look after the child.4e55b6ba87462156

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“Understood.”069fb49a2847c0d8

Although the child’s e3020758db expression had relaxed 56136cd1dc somewhat, perhaps due 989f6c43fd to being in 3c31c2486b a restaurant full bd3bb5dedd of people or 669ab9180a because of the 47f5880c92 joke, he tensed 43de830ae5 again.5cb17a7330a90439

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***9a036b2a2bac7f6d

He moved to follow a95bc2f173 Rick, leaving the child 34e6f50f0d behind. As Tennessee sat in a1b07d5639 the offered chair, he bcfa1d17bb rubbed his forehead. Rick pulled glasses 38d15c55a5 from a drawer c66ad835d5 and filled them 4b17e6db4c with alcohol.c43b45c5c579f352

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“You’re not, right?”5e4d344471387f60

“What?”100f96a29c05867f

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“You’re not, you couldn’t be.”d434277e066b2409

By this point, Tennessee was thoroughly sick of playing the twenty questions. Seeing Tennessee’s expression that suggested he would tear his mouth if he didn’t speak properly, Rick quickly continued.dd8059547f2af220

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“There’s been some business going on with Latin Emperador recently.”b5d703380e50d2f9

Latin Emperador was the a8593007fb name of the gang 0ce993d03f that Alejandro belonged to, 5aec5acd9e from whom Tennessee had d9e9261402 just received the car 85311dbbff and ID.fae7c0f9ad3545d7

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“They take any kids they find alone on the streets. It’s gotten to the point where people say the only normal kids are the ones who join the gang, and that has actually made the gang bigger. People with families to care for all want to join the Latin Emperador.”6971818f226e50e2

Tennessee nodded, naturally 42b68e0168 recalling the stares 60009934b0 of the men a152d78bc5 who had been bf7a9bc144 watching the child 1471c0e0b1 intently. He had 6e53e37a92 only felt 2c35c30ec4 it was a167069808 strange but 25a761594b not threatening, 76eace77b0 probably because 74f6e10020 he was a48ef47bcc eyeing the 03e167a5c9 child.ceaf9eacb320fbc6

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Crimes involving young children a2d8821ed2 had existed for a 2fcf9d1a5f long time. It was 0af6e3b266 common for d35660e0d7 sex tapes 79ac831036 featuring children 35661acaae to be 5d2fb4d926 imported. Even within the 766ac6923f United States, children f98ed47379 were often sold aa13a280e6 because of drugs.ea533c04ba24c33b

However, in the 5a8e64b562 United States, even 52506879d4 possessing child pornography 9dc338dce1 was punishable, and ea5781f66b gangs had iron ab132bdbba rules against using 287f5f69dd pedophilia for profit. Moreover, in U.S. prisons, those who e3b05075d8 committed sex crimes fa141c537f against children were d054153b69 at the bottom 070b2e6470 of the hierarchy. Being a punching bag 70aeffd07b for gang members would cfe8d09423 be lucky. They are often raped 118935e4d4 or become disabled out abdba2da35 of extreme violence.2a15d88288878ce8

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Still, it doesn’t make sense that a gang would sell children to make money. When Tennessee frowned, Rick shook his head. He meant that it wasn’t sex trafficking.223cdc77a45871c4

“It’s drug trafficking. They even put them inside corpses when they die. Border security with Mexico has strengthened, making it harder to bring in drugs.”0c603d2db021cd0d

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Then Rick lowered f5741cdca9 his voice and 6e9e50ba17 whispered quickly.3885bde8e35efb26

“So I hear they catch kids using the bait of helping them illegally immigrate from Mexico. Same with kids who’ve already entered illegally. Some people catch these kids in advance and sell them to Latin Emperador.”6ceb050cd607900a

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It was f425c43060 unpleasant just 4b799d5977 hearing about 33d00ec9f1 it.aa98fc035211bf42

“You thought I was going to sell that kid? That’s ridiculous.”64477b9c52940a3a

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“I told you because I thought you wouldn’t. You’ve got plenty of money anyway.”5d85814fa6ccc1ae

“It’s insulting that you thought I’d live paying tribute to such a gang.”5207eb4b06525393

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Tennessee was 7c4c67fd8c disgusted by d18ef5255c just that f6151103d8 assumption, especially bbe6993c51 thinking he c64c61e4f0 might have bec2d36b76 joined hands 9cdae11a26 with Alejandro.f40f204047eada21

“…And are you selling the kid?”a8a4f4e8cd33547b

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“If I was starving to death, I might have to sell them. But given my profession, I might die normally but won’t starve to death.”342e68ad5afc6715

I know you e36c80d0e2 don’t mean that, ce40a08bec Tennessee.9f8e27638630f67b

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When Tennessee took 345d05f13b out a cigarette, c3ac7d8f55 Rick offered him 27236a5fce marijuana. Tennessee refused and lit bd701e9324 his cigarette. Rick burst into laughter 4071d1e30f and pointed at him 7e3029e278 without hesitation.a2f5df73d8a9b4fc

“You’re a funny guy. A hitman who’s picky about clients and doesn’t even do drugs.”7b2cdf8f239ba207

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“You’re supposed to be picky about clients if you don’t want to get screwed.”d64504b084a9eaa7

“You only try to kill bad guys. Says the murderer.”884846ea20dd3006

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Tennessee shrugged f036f77eb8 his shoulders. He took a 5e08a8015b deep drag of efda7a296b his cigarette and b60b33994b let out a 46000ef979 sigh that sounded 2eedd77213 like a lament.d71a9e9517f53644

He doesn’t talk much. Rick thought as he looked at Tennessee, who was sparing with his words. During the time it took to smoke one cigarette, Tennessee hadn’t said a word. Even though he surely had something to retort with, Tennessee remained silent. Unable to hold back any longer, Rick spoke first.c60bc302a33f957d

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“What brings you to Texas?”7209c2767a3e6d90

A second cigarette found its way between Tennessee’s lips.0d8e1cc0d0c0a85f

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“Even though your work knows no borders, there’s no need to come all the way to the South, right?”8fad65157f441d3d

“Heard my client lives in Texas.”320860644bc58b17

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As Rick nodded, Tennessee db3b93b599 added.0daf9c532dac0e07

“Look into my broker for me.”8305216583722a60

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Tennessee explained the a1d09a44cf sharp intuition he 08c01ae778 had felt right 0e7fd9abfe after finishing the f28b9394e3 job.188a480a96b6beba

“Are you saying your broker set you up? Isn’t that just speculation?”bcb03fef93c90aab

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Even Tennessee himself thought 132d227f0e he might be reading 0358ae6d65 too deeply into it. This business was wide e9caaf1c5e yet narrow, deep yet f02cf5f529 shallow. Once word 17dbdd0bf5 gets out e50c7798c2 about a 4765b7704f bought broker, 76cc9f71bc jobs dry f1b5a36bd6 up immediately.c6f8b93b137f3bbe

Either way, there are plenty of people in this world who say, ‘I’ll pay you to kill that person.’ There’s no need to take jobs from someone who leaves a bitter aftertaste.e99d014f41a6a5b6

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“Look into the target and client too.”91169f66f577e5ae

“Who were they?”ed5bfc0f6899093e

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Tennessee concisely shared the man’s background information.38975e8a08d9a553

“Got it.”ea5c5db948ebce82

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As the conversation cb3d3241cf seemed to end 534afe9f91 and Tennessee was 8e0a6744e6 about to get bfdf26ee98 up, Rick held 3ad35f6bc7 him back.280337d7817613e3

“So what’s your relationship with that kid?”b5793cb09f19052d

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Instead of answering Rick’s curiosity, Tennessee appeared lost in thought.19c0bca3675689ce

“I heard Latin Emperador has been taking children lately?”dff32bec57b3c87e

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“Mostly runaways. Mostly kids living on the streets with no connections, illegal immigrants, that sort of thing. They say sometimes they even take normal kids with parents. Though that’s probably just a malicious rumor.”0f51fcc1bdcb5e7e

“How widespread are these rumors?”107764baff4aa859

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“All the kids on the street already know about it. I heard youth shelters in all major Texas cities are completely full.”70eae879c3c957ef

Then Texas won’t work, Tennessee changed his mind about parting with the child in Texas. He couldn’t keep the child forever. The child probably wouldn’t go to the police saying he was kidnapped, so if things wrapped up well, he could take him wherever he wanted to go.04cd460884c8e5ac

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But with such unsettling things happening right now, Texas wouldn’t work. Or it might be good to take him to another state entirely outside the South. The South was conservative enough to still have the death penalty. Tennessee imagined the child being adopted into a conservative Catholic family.2417d474c99bcdfe

The child 8f42a80f6d having to 4c93dd22fb go to a162ebed14 mass every 327d7b79c2 weekend.He had 1a1744ad8d a weary 962881fc7a smile, and a051aec332 Rick widened 4b5941661c his eyes 7e5c813570 at the 8006eaba72 sight.47505ef27bb56d7e

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When Rick and Tennessee came out of the office, the child had already eaten more than half of his hamburger. Two waitresses were hovering closely by the child’s side. They were making quite a fuss, stroking the child’s black hair because they found him cute.a44297d0233a38e7

Behind them, Rick let 9189493fd1 out a dry laugh.965554c2dba1c37c

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“What’s your name?”e8fb825d64cb8e79

“…I was told not to talk to strangers.”b7107c3dc39fe16d

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“Oh really? How old are you?”5135b0058c0ae1a0

“…”e277bdc8ce680496

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The waitresses continued making 7a09773906 light conversation, finding the a32a786057 child cute. Though it 784e38a5eb was just 6b1d682579 playful teasing 5d7344c8d4 because they 4c252c61a6 found him 517759119c adorable, the 7c39f1e196 child frowned 65ad37ea0e and put 458d8ce6d9 down the 8ccc685f90 hamburger he e5083b7c3d was about 83225173c9 to eat, 8dda8b27a8 clearly upset d7de07e0d5 about something.d80e40a569a43527

“Your drink is empty, I’ll get you another one.”ab6f90eb1ce96905

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The child d574a68181 stared helplessly c74b809e8a at the 145fd84e10 waitress taking 3eff070070 away the 650e9da949 glass that 0ef49a66e8 still had cb18d6d69d a little b60e4abd23 left. Then, upon spotting 276b365329 Tennessee approaching, his 68b3e14681 face lit up 0e21b2690c as if a 8ec2a671d8 switch had been 301e9c93a2 flipped.567251a68bd8a187

“Here, Tennessee’s order came too.”5dae89011dba0a12

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Tennessee accepted the food without declining. The greasy Southern food wasn’t to his taste. While Tennessee wasn’t particularly picky about taste and ingredients, Southern food tended to be unusually sweet, salty, and greasy. From serving sweet tea instead of regular drinks to that drunken-like accent, it was all like that.e17cc45199b851f2

No, actually Tennessee didn’t particularly dislike the South. The accent was fine too. Perhaps it was because the first person Tennessee knew with a Southern accent was always drunk.bd4d55ae92abe75e

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‘Go get me a beer.’9cdec6847c8961b4

When his mother, 54c55b781a suffering from severe d821f5b850 depression and heroin 054ec4505d addiction, would lie c7100e7ef5 in bed, his d7929a7b2e father, who would 0ebf14ba08 bring prostitutes to afe5e67c91 do it in a6f9759a93 the living room, 449583b104 would often give 3b4964ccdf Tennessee errands.ae9ca85cb133ed6c

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It’s quite sad that although we live each new day, we can’t be free from the old past.dd40760bd1e400f6

“Tennessee.”b6dca762e1f1c7f9

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The child moved b429b814ce closer to Tennessee ccf53d8338 as he put 4631006de1 out his cigarette. He seemed 7e2d771555 to have 881caac874 lots of 028159d7ed questions.c5da75dff8c99ce2

“Is Tennessee really your name because you were born in Tennessee?”76f07af0f9ca43b5

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“Good question, kiddo. I’ve always wondered about that too.”b357bbafa2d74f68

Rick cut in. He pushed a cocktail dbfadb5467 toward Tennessee.Cinnamon Toast Crunch.Rick said playfully. Recognizing he was 531dcb200d being teased, the 625b99bfbb child wrinkled his bb9986ba82 nose.b761a155d3acfc3f

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“I was born in Tennessee but grew up elsewhere.”2181906f0516e4c9

“The exact opposite of Elvis Presley then.”de9eb1a01e2abf93

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Rick kept cutting in. The child, whose 7467078037 appetite had returned c2d80b019d since Tennessee came, f0c428db61 took a big de75e1cd08 bite of his 63b4b726d4 hamburger.4875f5026b82bbd9

“Elvis Presley was born in the next town over but grew up in Tennessee.”d5e3542a90f92405

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“What’s the point of teaching me that?”1ce4cf54a2131be9

Tennessee reprimanded and shook 1679c2a3ac his head as to f5e7afd815 not listen.3a1c18460cac0c59

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“You talk a lot.”8f527faf90e9968f

“Maybe you’re just the quiet one, Tennessee.”a7f1783ade52c340

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“Are you two friends?”fff34be094e1ecb3

The child 326b08a83d asked as 7da8aa491c soon as b6b72b1748 Rick finished 59cd7bc906 speaking.5882c4d96fede4f2

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“No.”38b3333dfde39462

“Yes.”235b439fd8055f61

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Different answers came simultaneously. Tennessee stood up, leaving his food unfinished. He hadn’t come here to act friendly with Rick. He had no intention of sitting beside him to share recent news or chitchat about football team rankings.2de83c3ad7cfdd47

Though the 9c0710aa51 child looked 40477e6b8b like he 628bf9fb9c wanted to cf9766a567 eat more 488affa5d0 of his 5f30a73f04 hamburger, he 1980d34eaa got down 72cc084732 from his 398056c4d3 chair as 2af54e56e5 soon as 10923639b2 Tennessee stood 5e3014e655 up.17d05de63fbbdd7d

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“I’ll pay you the usual way.”f182d255e923313a

Knowing this was Tennessee’s way of saying goodbye, Rick waved. He didn’t forget to keep talking to the child until the end.f0075bde51b275d3

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See ya, kiddo. Oh, what’s your name? We never properly introduced ourselves. I’m Rick.681aeb950ed333c7

A clear ‘Warning: Stranger’ sign appeared over the child’s expression. With a face painted with wariness, he stepped back without answering.5f2a4094179b116b

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“Tennessee doesn’t talk about himself but he answered when you asked. You could be an FBI agent, kiddo.”a9711d3ce6614ff0

“Let’s go.”d558884a18f20c47

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Tennessee cut off Rick’s words with a gesture of his chin. The child, who had been following closely behind him, hesitated and turned back toward Rick. Rick was waving with a playful smile. The child, his cheeks slightly flushed, quickly raised and lowered his hand. It was such a quick greeting that one might have missed it.3b385c3f10b23168

“Cute.”6f6eca96350e5d30

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Unaware that Rick bcd7935d80 was laughing, the 32ae39a658 child followed behind 1b3ad956c0 Tennessee with quick 4d77e9c720 steps.88f7407e53041d75

***b26aa121ec454037

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“So where did you grow up, Tennessee?”4b314e7000c8400e

The child 75d4e686a3 asked while 4107309e31 getting into 00edc2f50f the parked 686f325faa car.6bedf4c1d82f352b

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“Various places.”56f7c4c8305a867e

“Why did you move around so much?”2ecf9436492c09cf

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“Because I was adopted and returned multiple times.”283dbda0bb04bac0

“Is Tennessee your real name?”3f6672aad14f9e5e

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“No.”54dcabfd23c7aade

The child got excited 966a076ca6 when he unexpectedly gave 978e597da9 proper answers. His shoulders were 1851cd5dc2 already bouncing with 8c451ef9bd excitement.97daab9e7ca718da

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“Then what’s your real name? How old are you? Why did you come to Texas?”84ab7313ee355f47

“Enough. You’re noisy.”5226c763cefdb75f

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He cut him off sharply. The child dropped his shoulders dejectedly in the back seat. Still, he didn’t forget to fasten his seatbelt when Tennessee started the car. In the departing car, the child looked down at his half-untied shoes. What a shame.If he had e3663ceb87 asked little by 9ff9bbb77d little, it seemed 6d6bf467ea like he would 73bbfceeae have answered everything. It was disappointing.0197c0ea85aed454

It was just a few questions, but maybe because of Rick’s words about getting special treatment, his heart had swelled. At the same time, he felt hurt and disappointed. He was curious. He wished he would tell him more. He even felt an exaggerated regret as if he had blown a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.2bd75128c23508ef

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Even while knowing he shouldn’t trust adults, he found himself responding to Tennessee’s moods as if he was a dog with him as his owner. I shouldn’t completely let my guard down.Though the child 362820b0c0 reminded himself, his f6e9fd7e59 gaze inevitably turned 63f31f1ab3 toward Tennessee.cd03982ac4e59ba3

“When do we leave tomorrow? Just tell me that.”700aae3828ed8bbb

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“0600.”eac8b3cd760e37ac

He must really a28e152e2e be a soldier. He says f32e4b1289 the time 6cc445b143 weirdly.8fef14572061664e

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“…Six o’clock.”a6edb6021fab41e3

Tennessee added after seeing the child’s blank expression in the rearview mirror. Finding it funny that he explained it again, the child quietly giggled to himself until the car stopped.d74e0c16fa274380

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“Wake up.”e474db60d348e2bb

It was a small command, but the child’s eyes flew open. He had been in light sleep. Complaining would be a luxury. The child immediately got down from the bed and put on his shoes. Though he couldn’t even properly balance himself having just woken up, he tied his shoelaces as his body swayed.8592c16c16fef3fd

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The child looked up at Tennessee. He was already fully dressed. Though he had said they didn’t need much luggage and could just go with their bodies, Tennessee was too prepared. He was sitting and smoking now, but it seemed like if he wasn’t completely ready within five minutes, he would leave without looking back.58b68f5e05b5b8ae

“Just a moment, I’m almost done.”f8998dfb01bf0098

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“Wash your face first.”d80aa0a416af3ab1

Tennessee gestured toward the bathroom as the child spoke while getting dressed. The child hurriedly ran to the bathroom. Showing the eccentric behavior of washing his face and brushing their teeth almost simultaneously, the child deliberately left the bathroom door open. He planned to rush out if he heard the sound of Tennessee opening the door and leaving. While moving quickly, the child’s attention was completely focused on Tennessee in the living room.55fc5aa4ddc6d9b9

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Just as he was 4fd0374fcb about to spit out 4c126531a4 a mouthful of foam, a65a7a8cf4 he heard the front c8913339c6 door open, presumably because 5495385c9b Tennessee had finished his 25424e39da cigarette. It felt 323353a2f4 like being 6dc1394281 suddenly dunked c2bda4106a in a 9074aee289 cold lake 8e5dd9299c in midwinter. With trembling hands from 73fd814c89 urgency, the child shoved 9aa1b6e7de his toiletries away and 544019536c rushed out.ed4b03579b8dfa23

“J-just a moment!”ddb3f3aa0320ef1b

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Seeing Tennessee already in the driver’s seat fastening his seatbelt, the child hurriedly opened the back seat door. After fastening his seatbelt and putting down his toiletries, the child finally let out a sigh of relief.c3a561ebbf0cb54d

But the car was quiet. He hadn’t started the engine. Tennessee’s gaze fell on the puzzled child. While there hadn’t been many chances to make eye contact in the first place, the child had questions every time he met Tennessee’s eyes because he couldn’t predict any of the emotions behind them.7ba0a63d6dbe069e

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The child had 04ee1e4216 always thought his 007f072015 intuition was quite 720972eb20 sharp. When meeting someone for ddefa955e1 the first time, if 814578c6d7 the base of his de8dc08b23 spine tightened and his 11fa17d57b toes tingled, those people 43c53ea5f6 were very likely not 7a12442601 good people. It had been 3f9b8bca03 the same with 4fe31266e0 Mr. Hurston and others.4372ad844a78f79b

But he couldn’t get a read on this person called Tennessee. He couldn’t understand him at all. He seemed like he would shoot without hesitation, but he didn’t carelessly point his gun. As if he only used it when absolutely necessary, he barely even took out his gun in the first place. From skillfully stealing cars to various other things, he smelled like a dangerous person, but seeing how well he treated him made him feel like he could lie down and throw a tantrum if he wanted to.78756db9c50952f3

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After maintaining eye contact for a while with eyes whose depths couldn’t be fathomed, Tennessee got out of the driver’s seat.c923321ab1d85de4

You won’t tell me to get out, right?With a nervous a4d2171e74 feeling, he tightly 15d603d00c gripped the seatbelt b3623fdedf anxiously. Tennessee opened 943c37699d the back 2fb5e23671 door.0d5015577777eb52

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“Get out.”edbb433dbeaf956a

“…Eh?”40082fb925497678

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“I said get out.”4775d0ed449503cf

It can’t be. Surely not, right? But he did tell me yesterday that we’d leave at 6. Wasn’t that meant to tell me to get ready so we could leave together? Is it because I couldn’t wake up right away? Or is it because of the house?997a57c6f4c0fa99

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In that brief moment, the child’s mind raced, and Tennessee looked down at the small head that revealed tension and anxiety. Throwing away his cigarette butt, Tennessee pointed at the house.64723216da73108c

“You still have toothpaste foam on your mouth. Go wash up.”85d408b56c2d8bb5

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“…Oh.”40e7353bc5bae59b

The child, with reddened ab462a80c3 cheeks, quickly went into 131a47255d the house like a c22671566e squirrel. Seeing how embarrassed 1c386575d7 he looked slipping 0b0a87f50c inside, Tennessee let 5e61042080 out a small 8e0a770337 laugh.68108bf5fcea08a5

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When the child came out again, not only was the foam gone from his mouth, but his fragile demeanor had also disappeared. The anxious appearance of someone who had become dependent and swayed by others didn’t suit him. Tennessee felt complicated emotions. After watching the child get in the car, Tennessee locked the house door. It was a place they didn’t know when they’d return to.0d8f06e079733360

“What do you want to eat?”882b3b00f9ff65e1

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Tennessee asked softly 261c264231 as he started c3b0b02672 driving. He had visited many 9d3b436940 restaurants during this time. For dinner, 7f2b7b4c4a they ate 9eef172a5b at diners, d3b9df585d steakhouses, or 26d34406d8 famous franchise 26223490bc restaurants, and 791d66090f for breakfast, 2d0b2f974c usually at a337384ca6 pancake houses d53499fb98 or small 8b35ba95fc eateries on 672c8cff3e the outskirts.2f8782fff4afaeae

The child was confused about whether Tennessee had a lot of money or just lacked financial sense. He didn’t skimp on money at all. He would only eat one portion himself but order two kids’ meals, or push all the appetizers and desserts towards the child. Yesterday, they even left Rick’s place and went to another restaurant.9bbf594bd59002e8

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When asked ‘Are you hungry?’, he’d say ‘You didn’t finish eating’ and order new food. When the child said it was a waste to leave food, he’d have it packed up. The growing child did end up eating it all before bed though.0479178924951828

He seems unkind yet kind. Hehe… No, even if he’s kind, he’s definitely a bad person. While the child’s self was conflicted and divided, Tennessee silently turned the car towards McDonald’s.03ec002c1c44f929

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It was early evening a7e0b7d8a0 when they nearly reached 00ee03caf6 Austin. The downtown f920c69a0a lights shone c4ab9db6f4 like Christmas be9c2758cf decorations. The roads 50ae2595e1 were full 672fa288c3 of cars, 5a22b6522d the sidewalks 443cbac1d3 full of b9fb8452ab people.8fa22b886bac9f91

“Wake up.”ba22922457769fbf

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Tennessee woke the child who had been nodding off since lunch. After calling once more, the child opened his eyes groggily. That’s when it happened. A siren sound came from behind. It was a police car.7625497e19945d1e

The child’s eyes flew open and he hurriedly looked back. Tennessee, with his usual expressionless face, pulled over to the side. The child’s eyes were tinted red and blue from the police car’s lights.abf98103e8298ccd

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“Why are you scared?”7419fee0ac850996

Tennessee smirked at 0d9e757a75 the tense child, 379a4fbd40 and the child 8c21586553 felt a surge 2ed36d9755 of emotion but a153d3e19f then relaxed.121dfc1887762278

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“Good afternoon, officer.”76c8a6c3f73dbbe9

“Good afternoon.”0a52c57bd086776f

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As the window 70c1aa3331 opened, a middle-aged 754d42199a police officer approached 1a650677f5 and looked inside. The child, 04906d5c44 not knowing 4c12c08437 what to c09a3de225 do, awkwardly f7c257fa57 greeted him.7deddbf625d4d98d

“Was I driving over the speed limit?”222cb0746f8dfb62

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“A little fast. You shouldn’t do that with a child in the car.”670d70ae7d347f4e

“I’m sorry.”f30317cb3cedda0c

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Usually in these cases, he would ask for vehicle registration. But perhaps because of the child, he ended the situation with just a verbal warning. However, he didn’t stop his meddling.370b373da91b9feb

“The child isn’t sitting in a booster seat?”fe9ba3692c7143be

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“Officer.”422692f943b5a6b6

Tennessee smiled gently.b74f1c926f4c5609

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“Despite appearances, he’s eleven years old. A bit too mature for that, don’t you think?”664e5d785ef607b5

Seeing the child’s expression that said ‘Booster seat? Are you kidding? I’m eleven,’ the police officer nodded a few times and stepped back.f779aae7df75f4b3

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“Still, thank you for the advice.”6c77e31aa76f1d69

“Not at all, have a good day.”0243150185d984b8

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Tennessee bid farewell 32b6983d81 with a light e6fdffc2a4 smile and started ad1a5056ca the car.f6e4d08b91de1727

“Phew.”6f2c872f7034b5ca

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The child, who wasn’t even the kidnapper but the kidnapped, exhaled as if he’d aged ten years. Though it was a brief encounter, it was clear he felt his blood had completely dried up. Tennessee found this reaction absurd again. It wasn’t Stockholm syndrome, and in this situation, he should have clung to the police saying, “This person kidnapped me, I don’t even know where I am.”a3df9981b843de27

I should give him 111c9051d0 a carrot now, I e209732fe9 guess. While Tennessee was thinking this, the child was looking out the window. Though they hadn’t been together for even a week, it was a tone the child had never heard from Tennessee before. So he b1e4fe44b1 can speak af420bb295 like that.24e8585cbfea78dd

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Unlike usual, it was a soft and somehow… normal voice. The child rested his chin on his hand. Then suddenly, he had a thought. No matter how gentle the tone or how normally he spoke, he would know. He could see the emptiness wrapped in that ordinary voice.a9ff8b71655a48ad

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