AAA

They walk into the diner, a chain restaurant that should’ve went out of business a long time ago. They find Justin and a young woman sitting down in a back booth by the children’s play area. Justin has a cigarette in his mouth and an empty buffet plate in front of him. “Let me get this straight. You came here for sympathy?” Justin asked. “I just wanted to hang out,” the girl answered. “You had your chance bitch. I have no sympathy. You decided to act stupid with me when I tried to hang out before, you decided to call that other guy your boyfriend, and you decided to get in your feelings about shit you have no business being in your feelings about. I have nothing against him. He shoots it straight. You on the other hand, are a bipolar retard.” “You’re an asshole.” “Damn right. That won’t ever change. I told you the only thing that mouth needs to be doing when you’re around me is sucking my dick. Otherwise get out of my face. I’d tell you to go talk to your boyfriend but he’s probably fucking a prettier girl than you right now. So go find another guy to pretend with.” The girl ran off crying. Justin looked up at Tyson and AJ realizing they’ve been there the whole time. “No I’m not proud of that.” Justin gestures them to sit and Tyson rolls his eyes before they do. “How you boys doing?” Justin asked. “They let you smoke in here?” Tyson asked back. “I just saw the cook smoking in the back when I went to get my food. I think I’m fine.” “I’m surprised anybody smokes cigarettes anymore. They’re so terrible,” said AJ. “Who’s the kid?” “His names AJ. Member of the conspiracy, wanted to ride along with me.” “Nice to meet you dude. Although it’s bad for you, nicotine is a great drug for getting through this life.” “Why not vape?” AJ asked. “Because vaping is for pussies. If I’m going to die, I’m gonna go out getting lung cancer from a Joe, not choking on a strawberry banana flavored fag stick.” “Hey man,” said Tyson. He didn’t appreciate the fag comment. “It’s jokes Tyson.” “Just use a different word.” “Alright. My fault.” “Here’s the letter,” Tyson said handing him the letter to get back on track. “Juicy. What’s the common theme here?” Justin asked. “My mom’s disappointment for not increasing the family’s wealth like every other generation before me. I have since received a letter asking for money, because their 3 story mansion in Beverly Hills isn’t enough.” “Don’t you just love people’s entitlement?” “I know how much you hate that shit. This letter is gonna make you fume.” “What’s your story?” Justin asked AJ. “My siblings and I raised each other,” AJ responded. “Tough childhood.” “We made the best of it. I’m doing alright now.” “What do you consider doing alright?” “I own a trailer.” “How old are you?” “21.” “How did you pay for it?” “I kill and steal for money.” “Everybody has to accept their own mortality.” “Exactly. Don’t blame me for just tryna make it through.” “I assume you wouldn’t care about what I had to say if I didn’t agree.” “That’s probably true. Is there anything wrong with that?” “Only if you think life is precious. Which you don’t.” “It’s precious enough for me to try to make mine better.” “So why is taking another’s justifiable?” “C’mon Justin I don’t have time for this,” Tyson finally said. Why does everyone in my life have to be so annoying? “I’m not trying to be his therapist. I’m asking because I’m curious.” “Oh my God I just remembered I have to pick up my son in 20 minutes. Fuck me,” Tyson exclaimed. “I’m sure you would like that.” “You’re funny today Justin.” “Don’t cancel me.” “Can you bring him home?” “I didn’t even know you had a son and I’m writing a book about you.” “He’s adopted. My brother died and I was his Godfather.” “I don’t know where AJ lives. I got shit to do too.” “Please.” “…Yeah I mean I’m not gonna leave him stranded out here.” “Thanks so much. Later AJ. I’ll see you Wednesday.” Tyson leaves without much hesitation. AJ and Justin squirm in the booth avoiding eye contact. Justin is crisscrossing his legs and acting as if he can’t get comfortable. AJ is looking everywhere except for at Justin. Once they accept their fate they start to try and open up. “I just realized he never told you when and where we’re doing the raid,” AJ said. “Oh yeah. Go ahead,” Justin said glad that he didn’t have to break the ice. “Labor day. 11 P.M. The apple building in downtown Chicago. Also the pentagon. Earlier that day. 5 P.M.” “You’re going after the pentagon already?” “Danny is confident that we can get somebody’s attention.” “It’s about getting’s somebody’s attention? In that case just knock down some statues. I would go after Disney World personally.” “He wants the government’s attention.” “That’s because he’s secretly a war monger.” Justin could tell that saying anything bad about Tyson or Danny made AJ uncomfortable so he changed the subject. “You in a hurry to get home?”