Invitation

Cresent Cove was shrouded in the gloom of seasonal rain. Its residents ran into buildings to escape the sudden shower and cars splashed through the muddy puddles. The choppy waves churned and crashed onto the beach shore.

A lean and muscled figure sat on the doorstep of an alley entrance. Water trickled from his hair down his face. Only the bouncing lights of cars driving past would illuminate the small space for a moment.

Reign brushed the warm traces of blood from his split lip, the smell of iron mingling with the damp rainwater. A swift swipe of the blade across his dark jeans cleaned the blade just enough to show a dim reflection. It had been a quick and dirty fight. His phone vibrated on the concrete stairs.

“Did you get the money?” a silvery voice asked.

“The b*st*rd didn’t have the money and slipped away. He’ll be sorry when Kane is the one to get a hold of him. He’s not as kind.”

“Sounds like you let him off early. Too bad, I’m sure you were itching for a fight.”

“...”

“Oh, so you did beat him. That’ll teach him to pay his bills on time won’t it. Well, maybe he’ll bring the cash on his own accord now. Anyway, I have a favor to ask.”

“I decline.” 

“If you would like a little extra spending expenditure, you’ll stay on the phone. I’ll keep quiet about this little incident too. It was chump change, but we don’t want to upset Kane any more than we have to, right?” Reign could hear the smug sucker grinning from ear to ear.

“What kind of a job?”

“Just take care of this nuisance. I told a friend of mine I’d help to provide security for an event. It’ll be pretty laid back, and it pays well.”

“Send me the address then.” With a press of the red button, Reign cut off his retort. It’d been a long day, and Reign wasn’t in the mood for Leo’s antics.

A faint glow from the small house could be seen. Since her surgery last month, Grandmother Mae had been staying with Reign for recovery. The adjustment of living with her again was less than smooth, to say the least. Walking into the cramped house, Reign closed the door cringing at the squeaky hinges. The light in the kitchen was still on.

“And how was your outing Reign?” Granny Mae sat at the table in her robe. A cup of tea sat next to her magazines.

“Ah, just meeting up with some of my friends.” His gaze never met her eyes. She watched as he tried to hide his scraped-up knuckles from view. Was she daft! He’d been lying to her face more and more these days. Any time he met with his friends he’d come home reeking of alcohol. Shaking her head, she couldn’t help but worry over her grandson.

“Right…just remember to find your way back home. Don’t stay out so late. You still have work tomorrow. I already told Janet my grandson would be helping out this month.”

“I’ll be there Granny. I’ve been looking after myself just fine.” Grabbing a glass, he turned to fill it with water.

“You say that and you can’t even keep a job longer than a few months.” she chided. 

“I can’t help it my face isn’t suited to customer service. I-”

“Excuses. Don’t ruin this or I’ll be the talk of my friends over our next game of cards.”

“Goodnight Granny.” With a slight nod, Reign went up the stairs. He didn’t feel like arguing, he would still be wrong in her eyes. He’d take gig jobs here and there but nothing long-term. He’d been helping Kane with his business for a while now. He opened Leo’s message. A picture of a shiny invitation card for a high-profile fundraising event popped up followed by a QR-coded ticket.

No wonder that guy passed on this, it’d be dealing with petty people, drunks, and the media more than anything. This is also half an hour away. Nuisance was an understatement! Rummaging through the closet, he produced a wrinkled shirt and tie to toss into his bag.

The next day, the muggy morning air clung to Reign’s skin uncomfortably. The delivery truck rumbled to life, ready to start the day. The farm delivered fresh produce to local restaurants and shops. The owner came out from the supply house down to the trucks.

“Thanks for helping me out in a pinch! Small farms like mine really can use all the help we can get, ” A boisterous older woman slapped him on the back, “Your grandmother wasn’t kidding you’re a looker. Just remember to be careful on sharp turns and you’ll do fine.” She handed a printout of all the deliveries.

“Can do. I’ll let you know if there are any problems,” Reign adjusted his baseball cap. The addresses crinkled in his hand.

The morning deliveries went by smoothly. It was serene watching the morning sun come up, driving through the sleepy town. Crates rattled in the back, sliding on the metal floor. It was rhythmic. Sign some papers, unload the crates, and drive to the next stop. The duffle bag with his suit sat on the seat serving as a reminder. 

"And all too soon, the party starts." he sighed.