hazardously-unfunny

[hazardously-unfunny]

Scoped in. Chapter 11. "Deep death, Deep breath."

The early autumn day made it's presence clear, A gust of cold wind sliced past Arty, he clenched his teeth. He boots clacked on the concrete as he hauled a guitar case to the Little Daisy. But Arty is not a musician, not with instruments that is. He snaked around the café towards the garage door. The doors hinges squeaked of poor maintenance. Louis looked up. Arty nodded, Louis did as well. He sat the case into the back of the car with solemn. He sat around as the clock struck 12. He stalked his way to Mitzi's office. He knocked. "Come in." she sounded. Arty did as he was told. "Ok hun, I'll give you the run down. Tonight at 11PM sharp we expect a competitor to make a pick up. Now. We don't like competition, so it's your job to "Quell" the efforts of them. "You'll head out with Rocky & Calvin. We don't want to risk any lives here, so you'll take care of them and the others swipe the booze." You'll make your way to this location." Mitzi pointed to a small hill over looking a county road. Arty choked back the stress of responsibility. Mitzi spoke dismissively "Now go back to work hun, and show at 9."

Arty went forward with his day, orders coming, orders coming. He felt the strangest urge to check the clock. He turned his head. Arty's heart seized as he saw the time's ugly reality. 6:15. Arty rushed almost slipping on the floor as he bolted for the punch clock. His paper left abandoned as he told Ivy he was leaving early for the night. He dodged, dashed, and ducked through the bustling city. he skid on the concrete as he arrived to his apartment building. He got to his door, franticly he tried putting the keys into the lock. He steadied his hand slipping it in and turning the handle he went straight for the closet. He searched in a frenzy. He opted for jeans, suspenders and a broad red tie. he sat his clothes onto the bed hurrying to the shower. He hopped in and hopped out, he began to brush before hurrying to look sharp for her. he placed his toothbrush down and spit. Running out the door he turned making sure it was locked. He hurried to the location of the date. Gustoso. A small family owned establishment only a few blocks from the work place.

He didn't have much time left. He had to be ten minutes early by the latest. He sprinted downtown, avoiding the many hazards on the city's busy streets. He slowed as he stood outside Gutoso, Panting he looked down. His watch read 6:51, he shrugged and walked in. A plump Italian greeted him at the front. "Hello, Name's Marco! How many today Pizano?" Arty choked out the words. "Two, today sir... The other will be joining soon." He watched as the Italian gave him an understanding nod. "This way." He gave Arty a window seat, pretty romantic in his sense. His foot tapped impatiently as a movement caught his eye. There was Lacy, her head low to combat the cold autumn winds. She was the most beautiful thing He'd ever laid his eyes upon. She shot a glance at the window. Arty gave a smile as she entered and sat herself down. The two sat in silence for a few moments before Arty spoke. "So, let's talk about work. How's Wick?" Lacy groaned, thankful that the awkward silence had past. "Oh, don't even get me started." Arty sat pondering. "Well, if you want to talk about it if it's so bad, I'm listening." He interlocked his fingers and laid his elbows onto the table. Lacy gave him a confused look. "No one's told me that before." Time flew by as she ranted on, Arty sat there contempt on listening in on her troubles. He listened and looked, love never leaving his eyes. "That's when Wick says "I was talking to the duck" Like a crazy person!" Arty sat up straight surprised " Wow, I always thought of Wick being a rational man." Lacy gave him a stern look. "That's what they all say." "Well, don't you think It's time to take a break?" Arty asked. Lacy stopped dead in her tracks. "I-I never thought of that..." She pondered on why she never thought of such a simple thing. "What?! With how hard you work you deserve a whole year off! Let alone two weeks." Arty said a line that made her freeze. "Do you ever have any time to yourself?" She sat there contemplating her life. Her restless nights, exhausted days and a needy boss. The cycle she had repeated for so long. Arty just looked on as she sat there, no emotion shown on her face "Lacy?" Arty's question brought her back to reality "Oh, sorry." Arty looked concerned for her. "Why don't you request a vacation. I'm sure Wick would oblige." Lacy had a smile on her face. " Maybe I will do that." Arty took the chance to get to know her better. "With the time off, what would you do, and, what do you do? For fun I mean." Lacy smiled bright, she began. "Well, I play tennis. I'm really good at it too! And let's see... Oh! I love puzzles! I love autumn. It's so beautiful." She rests her head on a fist looking toward the autumn hues outside. Arty got a devilish idea, a grin spread across his face. "It is isn't it. It reminds me of other Beautiful things too." Lacy was flustered by the comment. She gave a smile. "Oh you." They shared a moment as Arty glanced at the clock, panic rushed through him as the clock read 8:54. He got up leaving three dollars on the table for Marco. "Shall we go?" He smirked his arm open waiting for hers. Lacy got up interlocking their arms. He tipped his hat to Marcus as they left the restaurant. He walked her outside, his heart racing, cold anxiety running down his spine. “I really have to go Lacy, It’s getting late.”

"You're not even gonna walk me home?" "I'm sorry Lacy, but I have to go." His arm left her own as he began to leave, he didn’t take not a single step before he was yanked back. He looked at her in confusion. The silence was deafening as the two stood in the falls unforgiving wind. He leaned down “Lacy, I need to-“ His comment ended abruptly as her warm lips connected with his own, A pleasant warmth engulfed Arty, he couldn’t feel the cold. Just her. He leaned into the kiss, his thumb on her cheek. The moment lasted for eternity before Arty disengaged, and disappeared.

#lackadaisy #lackasona #calvin mcmurray #ivy pepper #mitzi may #rocky rickaby #story #wick sable #lacy hardt

[hazardously-unfunny]

Scoped In. Chapter 10 "Mission Mistaken"

The suns glow shines through the curtains striking Arty's eyes. he stretches, quickly remembering why he's on the couch. "Shit." He mumbled slowly getting up from the couch. His efforts went to waste as the couch's spring squeaked. He winced only hearing Lacy groan and shift. he relaxed, breathing a sigh of relief. he made his way to the kitchen throwing a pot on the burner with some water as he headed for the shower. He felt relaxed as the warm water soaked his fur. He stepped out drying himself with a towel before getting dressed. He scrounged through his pantry, he picked his favorite breakfast food. Malt-O-Meal. he glanced to the brown sugar, the jar was still plenty full. he quickly poured the 2 cups needed. He added the delicious brown sugar to the mix. He made his bowl, pouring milk into it to cool it down. He ate quickly leaving a note on the nightstand he left. He sprints through the streets of St. Louis fearing to be late he gets to the café. Ivy storms up to him. Where were you?! You're late! Hmmph!" She turned her back to him "I- er uhm. Sorry." Arty stood still not wanting to explain anything. "Get to cookin' ." She demanded "And I am!" He bantered back playfully He pushed his way through the swinging doors of the kitchen, he turned the oven on presuming his day. Everything as going well he finished a dish, putting it on the window for Ivy to collect he spotted Lacy sitting in a booth. They locked eyes, he smiled and waved. He saw her blush and look away. 10 minutes later Ivy walked into the kitchen. "A customer left a note for you." She said confused "Alright." Arty took the note reading it "Thank you Arty, are you free tomorrow at 7?" He flipped the note over... A phone number. "What's it say." Ivy said trying to look over his shoulder. "None of your business that's what it is." He joked holding the note up out of Ivy's reach. "Is that a phone number?!" Ivy exclaimed "No!" "Get back to the register you fiend!" The day ran smoothly until closing. Mitzi approached him. "Arty." she said "Yes Miss M?" Arty replied "Are you ready for you're first job as a lackadaisy crewman." Arty froze up, he debated with himself. "Yes Miss M." "Good. My office tomorrow at 12. We'll talk more there." Arty walked home disheveled. He went up the stairs to his apartment. Sitting at his table he looked at the phone across the room. "Wick's office, this is Lacy." Lacy held the phone. "Hey Lacy, I just want to know if you're free tomorrow at 7." Arty could hear through the phone was doing her best to quiet her laughing. He heard her take a deep breath. "Yeah I am, see you there."

#lackadaisy #lackasona #ivy pepper #mitzi may

[hazardously-unfunny]

Scoped In. Chapter 9 "Know so."

-Chapter 5- Lacy smiled as she left the café, she walked over to Wicks car and getting in. As Wick drove she just couldn't get that dang guy out of her head. "He was just so nice, and gentle, and-" She cut herself off.

"What am I doing. This'll all be over in the morning." She sat in silence for the rest of the ride, Wick pulled in front of her apartment complex. "There you are Lacy, you have a good night now." Wick said as she exited the car. "I will." she walked up to her third story apartment.

She opened the door and stepped in, removing her shoes and stumbling into the living room. There she sat in her chair, a deep exhale escaping her breath. After who knows how long goes by she gets up and heads for the shower. She opted for a cold shower tonight. -The next day- The ringing of an alarm clock forced Lacy to open her eyes. She stopped the ringing and sat up, She yawned with a big stretch before climbing out of bed and over to her wardrobe, she scanned through her articles of clothing picking out a nice outfit for work. She folded the clothes over her arm as she headed for the bathroom, she took a shower brushed her teeth and did her hair.

She looked into the mirror and sighed. She grabbed what she needed before heading to work. She walked to the desk where she'd been yesterday, and the day before that. The hours went by as she answered calls and managed the quarry.

Her attention shifted as tires on gravel sounded, she got up from her chair observing who it was from the 2nd floor window. She watched as Mitzi, Rocky, and Freckle stepped out. They walked around towards the door as Arty stepped out.

He stood, his hands in his pockets. He shrugged his left shoulder, turning to face Lacy he looked up. Lacy looked in surprise, Arty lifted his hand and made a finger gun. Arty saw her expression through the window and chuckled to himself before smiling.

Lacy huffed and stormed off, but not without developing a smile of her own. she rushed down the stairs and put her back against the arch way into the living room of the Estate. Arty watches as Lacy storm off, he smiles in accomplishment as he kicks gravel around. Wick emerges from the manor in style greeting Mitzi and the others. Arty simply shakes hands with the guy. "I heard about your act of valor Arty.

Mitzi here said your quite the marksman. Although, but I still don't understand the act of wearing overalls." Wick stated. Arty was taken aback, no one insults his style His over-all's, cowboy boot, and hat style. "Says the rich man." Arty was fuming but Wick means no harm. Brushing it off the crew were welcomed inside, Arty followed behind basking in the beauty that was this luxurious house he as a kid never had experienced, his head in the clouds. He took two steps through the hallway before a finger gun was placed to his head. "Bang!" Birds flew out of tree's by the sound of Arty's terror, Lacy stared at Arty he was huddled in a corner with a leg hiked up and a arm outstretched. His attacker began to laugh hysterically followed by the rest of the crew. Arty stood up re-tucking in his shirt.

"I deserve that." "That's what you get." Lacy forced out between laughs. "I'd get'cha from a mile away and you wouldn't have a single clue." "Oh. So you watch me?" Arty was both shocked and flustered at the question. "N-no not at all!" "pfft, right." Lacy said before giving him a slight shove. They moment had past and everyone sat enjoying a break from the lackadaisy. The "Business Party" if you could even call it one had broken out the alcohol. now Arty is a teetotaler, he would never drink. An RC Cola always hit the spot for him. It was well past midnight when the party ended, Arty was sober so of course he drove. By the end of the ride it was just Him and Lacy "y-you know, you're SOOOO skittish." "Pfft." He scoffed, the driving continued till he heard a *Thunk* in the back. Peeking over his suspicions were correct, she was out. Arty's house was closer and it didn't sit with him right to rummage through her purse for her apartment keys. He put the car in park carefully putting Lacy's arm around his shoulder, as well as grabbing her belongings. By the situation Arty was sweating bullets. He carefully put her on his bed and grabbing a quilt and pillow and sleeping on the couch. Lacy woke to a splitting headache, she observed her surroundings around her she realized this wasn't her house. Lacy started freaking out until she found a note on the nightstand. "I am terribly sorry, but you blacked out and I really didn't want to rummage through your things. There’s some Malt-O-Meal on the stove with some added ginger (For the hangover)" Lacy held the note. "What a sweetheart..."

#lackadaisy #lackasona #calvin mcmurray #rocky rickaby #mitzi may #sedgewick sable

[hazardously-unfunny]

Scoped In. Chapter 8 "Rumrunners"

Mitzi smiled as she turned walking towards the pantry, and soon the rest of the crew were. Arty stood still in confusion before jogging up to them, he turned the corner seeing that the wall had opened up. He stood in awe as he saw the stairway down, the grand double door looming above him like a giant. Mitzi stood at the door with a sly grin, a cat to her left. Arty described him as a plump jolly fellow. Mitzi turned her head "Horatio, would you please." Horatio grabbed a door handle "Yes Miss M." The tuxed cat replied as the door swung open. Arty was stood struck with awe, The limestone with the beautiful illumination of the lights. Like one had captured the essence of the sun and contained them in fine glass. He looked down, The bar to his left with Viktor managing it, Ivy and Freckle sitting at a table talking, laughing. A band sat at a booth playing cards and gambling. His awe struck moment ended when Mitzi tugged on his shirt. "So honey, would you like to see what we do here?" Arty was too much in awe to muster up a single word and simply nodded. Mitzi took him around showing him the stash of weaponry, the cars, the booze.

Arty snapped to his senses as Mitzi turned her head towards him. "We have all these things but we've got people we can’t have getting in our way dear. We need you to take care of that. Can you do it?" Arty fought with his morals as Mitzi looked at him. In the end his heart had one. The excitement, the action, its too much to turn down.

"Yes, yes I can ma'am." Mitzi smiled. "Good, you wouldn't mind if we took a little trip to Wick's would you." Arty's heart jumped in his chest. "I wouldn't mind."

#lackadaisy #lackasona #mitzi may #rocky rickaby #calvin mcmurray #ivy pepper

[hazardously-unfunny]

Scoped In. Chapter 7 "Merits & Surprises"

Arty re-entered the café. All the guests had ran. Ivy was sitting her knees to her chest shaking. Arty leaned over "You ok Ivy?" Ivy looks up, she looked absolutely terrified. "Y-yeah I'm good."

Arty looked over as footsteps sounded and a secret door creaks open. Out comes Rocky followed by a large orange furred cat, he watched as another cat appeared a brighter orange than the last one, sporting a green jacket and pinstripes.

"WHAT HAPPENED!" The Large cat said, but before Arty could say the cat wearing the jacket yelled "IVY!" He pushed Arty away as he checked over Ivy.

Arty hopped up. "Two men tried to rob the cash register!" "There was a gun underneath the counter, and things went up from there." Rocky kicked a body "Nice shooting."

Time went by as the police showed up, Arty made his statement and caught the names of the two other cats being Viktor, and Freckle. The police decided to dismiss Arty as "Self-defense" As the police left Arty turned around only for Freckle to hug him "Thank you." Arty patted him on the back "No need."

Freckle dis-engaged his hug only for Ivy to be waiting so she could hug him as well. She began to tear up, Arty padded her on the back. Ivy stopped hugging him, She moved revealing Mitzi behind her. Mitzi looked around before commenting on his marksmanship. "Some very nice shots honey, we could use someone who can aim like you." "What?" Arty was confused, he only thought of the café as well... a café Mitzi caught on to Arty's confusion "Oh honey, do you really think were Just a café?"

#lackadaisy #lackasona #rocky rickaby #ivy pepper #calvin mcmurray

[hazardously-unfunny]

Scoped In. Chapter 6 "30 ought"

Warning: Slight gore.

The day was nice, Arty was cooking and Ivy was taking orders. When The door opened. Two men wearing overcoats sat down in a booth. Ivy walked over and took they're orders, she walked over to the counter whispering. "I don't like the look of those two." Before hanging the paper up on a string and Arty read the order.

Arty walked over to the coffee machine, grabbing two mugs he poured them with coffee. walking over to the counter he bent down and whispered. "There's something off about 'em." He sat the mugs down and Ivy took them to the duo.

1 hour had past and they were still sitting there, talking. One of the pair looked up and scanned the room, then went back to talking. The café was nearly empty now that breakfast was over and lunch still an hour away.

Arty was in kitchen and viewed over the counter as the two men stood up and walked over to Ivy, Their heads down and hands in their pockets. Arty watched as one of the men pulled a gun on her. The whole café went silent. Ivy was slipped a note, and she opened the register slowly grabbing the cash inside it. The man behind the first watched around, his gaze flicked to Arty and he ducked. He peaked up seeing the man look away, but a glint caught his eye.

An 1903 Pocket Hammerless was taped to the bottom of the counter. Arty couldn't wrap his head around as to why, but most likely for the situation he's currently in. Crouching he walked, carefully peeling the tape off the weapon.

He peeked over the counter, Ivy had cleared about 80% of the cash out. The assailant began to put his finger on the trigger. Arty racked the slide before popping up.

BANG! The first shot hit the man, Brain matter and blood splattered the café windows. The second assailant drops down firing back, Arty drops down too. Artys spot was being watched, he needed to think of a way to get a drop on the other man. He crawled to the garage, going out the back door. He turned the corner the assailant still on the ground watching the counter. He raised the colt firing a shot. The tile floor ran red. Author's note: Chapter 7 will be a continuation of chapter 6.

#lackadaisy #lackasona #ivy pepper

[hazardously-unfunny]

Scoped In. Chapter 5 "Heart Strings"

Arty had been busy, orders going in, and going out. "5:59." He sighed He turned his head and yelled "Ivy! Anymore customers? It's closing time." He quickly got a response "Yeah! no-one's here!" "Got it!" He yelled back.

He turned off the stove and walked out of the kitchen. He turned and saw Ivy. "What's got you all dolled up?" He asked pointing a finger "Oh, nothing." She said with a nervous laugh. Arty stepped back and raised his hands. "None' my business." Arty walked back into the kitchen preparing to clean and lock up. Walking toward the sink he'd see the mountain of dishes from patrons.

He spent and hour and a half doing dishes, painfully washing and drying and putting away. At some point in time Ivy had left, but he didn't hear the door to the Café open nor close. "Strange." He thought, but he pushed the thought away. 20 grueling minutes of dish washing and he was leaning on a booth drying his hands with a towel. When a tap was heard on the café window. There stood a man dressed in a nice suit, It looked expensive. He walked over to the door unlocking it and peaking out. "May I help you?" Arty asked, The man replied "Uh, yes. May you find Mrs. May, tell her Wick is here." Arty nodded "Alright, I'll tell Miss M."

He left "Wick" outside while he went to the second floor to grab Mitzi. He gently knocked on the door and she told him to come in. "What is it dear?" Mitzi said, an eyebrow raising. "Uhh, there's a man outside. Told me his name was Wick." "Oh." Mitzi replied "Go ahead and let him in dear." "Alright Miss M." Arty said before leaving to open the door.

"Sorry for the inconvenience sir." Arty said opening the door for wick and his assistant. Wick headed up the stairs as his assistant sat in a booth. Her hair was a mess and he could tell she was tired. He took it upon himself to make a cup of coffee and a small plate of his semi-popular cornbread onto a plate. He walked over to her and sat the plate and mug down. She looked up at him. Arty smiled "Enjoy." He said returning to the kitchen. He looked back, Wick's assistant sat there. A smile on her face. An hour half an hour had gone by and Mitzi and Wick were still no where to be seen. Arty walked up to the assistant. "More coffee ma'am?" "No thank you." she responded. Arty walked over, and poured a cup of coffee of his own. He leaned against the booth across from her. "If you don't mind, can I get your name?" He asked taking a sip of coffee. "It's Lacy." She said yawning. "I'm guessing you're Wick's assistant with the way you're carrying that bag." Arty pointed out. "Yeah, Wick always complains about his paperwork." She smiled, Arty joked "I see why." The two shared a laugh as Mitzi and Wick walked down the stairs.

They observed Arty and Lacy sharing a laugh. "It seems you've met my assistant uhh..." Wick paused, he hadn't asked for the young man's name. "Arty sir." Arty said sticking his hand out "Oh, of course." Wick said as the two shook hands. Mitzi walked to Wick's side "Arty's taken over the oven for Ivy." Arty stood proud as Mitzi continued "He makes this amazing cornbread dish, you really should try it.

"I'd love to, but unfortunately it's getting late." Wick tapped his watch. "It was good meeting you sir." Arty said as Wick and Lacy started walking out. Lacy gave Arty a wave and Arty waved back. He walked to the Punch clock to clock out. Walking home, something was tugging on his Heart Strings.

#lackadaisy #lackasona #story #mitzi may #wick sable #sedgewick sable

[hazardously-unfunny]

Scoped In. Chapter 4 "Clock In, Clock out."

Arty woke to the sound of his clock ringing, excitedly he slammed the old clock. Jumping out of bed he took a shower before rushing to his closet. He picked out jeans, a nice button up, and a Irish tweed driving hat.

he grabbed a nickel for a cup of coffee and headed out the door. He walked with a strut whisltin' a tune and flipping his nickel as he walked. He turned the corner and stopped, staring at the sign he took a breath before walking in.

He smiled and waved to Ivy as he went over to the punch clock, punching his card he fired up the oven and awaited orders. While waiting he got a cup of coffee and the paper, he sat leisurely 15 minutes before opening he checked the back of the paper. His eyes widened with excitement. Miss M had put an ad in the paper about the Little Daisy's new cook and his special menu item. He felt proud, he felt like he belonged. he got up unlocked the café door and got to cooking. The orders were simple, bacon and egg's here and biscuit and gravy there, other just wanted coffee. That's when a scrawny lookin' guy waltzed his way in, Ivy greeted him. Arty caught his name "Rocky." What an odd fellow, he thought.

His thoughts were interrupted by Ivy calling to him "Get Rocky some pancakes please." Arty checked to his left, no more batter. "Got it." He yelled back. He noticed a not so quiet rocky asking questions to Ivy "Who is that?" "Did Mitzi hire him?"

The doors to the kitchen swung open, Arty looked behind him. A small blue suited rocky. Arty waved to him and continued his pancake making escapades. Rocky wasted no time examining the guy. "Soooo." Rocky spouted "Now I have to trust you to make my pancakes, HMMF!"

Rocky had said all that BEFORE Arty had put the batter on the griddle, He had made the pancakes cornbread style, and Ivy had forced Rocky out of the kitchen so he may cook in peace.

Arty opened the swinging doors putting the pancakes in front of Rocky. Rocky prodded at them with his fork "These seem different." "Well yes, I've made them like I make my cornbread, change things up." Rocky doused the pancakes in syrup before trying them. 5 minutes later Rocky was out the door and on his way to Nina's for some laundry service. Arty Clocked out happier than he did in the morning.

#lackadaisy #lackasona #story

[hazardously-unfunny]

Scoped in. Chapter 3 "Prove thy self"

Arty watched as the waitress walked to his booth with her boss. The pair stopped at his table before the lady sat across from him. "So Honey you want to help out around here." She asked in a soft tone. "Uh, yeah. I'm looking for a job and I noticed that she was working by her lonesome, So here I am." "Let me introduce myself, the name's Mitzi May hun, but you can call me Miss M." Mitzi sat as Arty introduced himself "Arty Stance ma'am, nice to meet you." The two promptly shook hands with one another. "I'm sure you've met Miss Pepper." "But you can call me Ivy!" Ivy chimed in. "Go ahead and make something, you're best dish in a way." Mitzi said, Arty was beginning to stand up as he said "Okay." He waltzed over to the stove and fired it up preheating it as he went for ingredients. He scrounged through the pantry grabbing what he needed according to his mothers recipe. He walked back to the stove with cornmeal, baking soda, sugar, butter, milk, flower, an egg and a pinch of salt. He put the ingredients together the recipe burned into his mind, he sat the golden yellow sludge into the oven to bake, setting an alarm for 45 minutes. "Were gonna be here a while."

"Yes, yes we are, Ivy can you show... Arty around please dear." Ivy perked up "Sure, come on Arty let's show you around." Arty followed Ivy around as she showed him the back of the café and the storage, as well as telling him where everything goes where. She talked and talked before a small *Ding* Chimed from the oven. Arty walked over putting on mittens and grabbing the finished delight, he had made cornbread. Arty cut them a square each. Forks in hand the two tried his food. Mitzi was the first to speak. "This is amazing darling. What are your thoughts dear?" She turned to Ivy who had already finished her piece. "Its... Really good." She said swallowing the last bite. Mitzti turned her attention back to Arty. "What's been said has been said. Welcome to The Little Daisy Café. You start tomorrow." Arty walked home that night filled with purpose.

Author notes: Wow.

#lackadaisy #lackasona #stroy #mitzi may #ivy pepper

[hazardously-unfunny]

Scoped in. Chapter 2 "Employment & Sandwiches."

Arty woke with a jolt as the train whistle blared. He scurried up right and peeked out the open train car door. He breathed a sigh of relief has he saw the Mississippi river in all her glory. He sat as the train continued on the track, and when he was close enough he jumped, Belongings in hand into the ditch. Walking through the outskirts of St. Louis was humbling. The economy may be booming but these people aren't. He'd seen sheds better than these homes, and ahead of the road he observed a man getting pulled into an alleyway, most likely getting mugged. Arty figured his best bet was to get out of here as fast as possible.

It was past noon and with the funds from the farm he was able to rent a neat apartment. Next thing to do was to find some work. He walked the busy streets of St. Louis looking for any Help Wanted sign's in any business windows. He first observed a butcher, Arty was used to seeing blood. Shooting Prairie dogs was a chore but more of leisure to him, holding his breath and getting the shot just right felt amazing. Unfortunately Butchering didn't sit right with him, so It was right back to the streets for him.

He tried many establishments, some had good pay but wasn't sitting right with him. Others, paid unfairly and with long hours. He checked his watch, 5:43 PM. He decided to go get some dinner and conveniently there was a little café down the road... The Little Daisy Café Arty entered the café, the seats were filled and it was a busy night for the joint. He observed a girl, her fur a slick black, working everything. She was the waiter, the cook, and the cashier. "Poor thing." Arty said to himself. The girl took notice of Arty and she grabbed a pencil and paper and took his order. "I'd like a roast beef sandwich ma'am, and could you put mayo on that if you don't mind." She replied "Alright is that all?" Arty nodded. Arty had been waiting for ten minutes, he sat patiently for his food. he had even gotten some water while he waited. He heard foot steps and dishes clattering as the young lady set his plate down. "Enjoy." She said with a smile on her face. Arty spoke before she could leave "Do you think I could talk to your boss, you seem awfully short handed." She paused "Uh, sure I'll get her, it'd be nice to have someone help around here." She replied before she left to serve other guests. It was well past 7 PM when the waitress came into view with what you could assume was her boss, she was beautifully dressed and was all dolled up. Whoever's dating her is a lucky man. He thought, but he digressed professionalism is key.

#lackadaisy #lackasona #story

[hazardously-unfunny]

Scoped in. Chapter 1 "Click Clack"

Author notes: I couldn't fit Arty's looks into the chapter so here's what he looks like. He's 5'11 and 185 Lbs, His fur is a nice dark and brown, with slight grey to fill in the empty spaces, Like a Tabby.

-Epilogue-

The rhythmic clacking of the train tracks calms Arty. He lay on the dampened wood of the train car as he drifts off to sleep. His Life? Boring no more!

June 12th 1928 7:24 PM Arty walked up the stairs exhausted from the labor load that is keeping the family farm alive. But the farm is nowhere close to being "Alive" It's a mess that's what it is. Nothing had grown and with his father gone, and his mother getting ready to join him. Arty was feeling down. A good boy most his life, the lad enjoyed school and helping around the farm his life was happy, The most fascinating thing about him however was his endless positivity that came with violent physical outbursts. But now it was over. June 26th 1928 2:27 PM Arty put his shovel down, tears swelled in his eyes as he looked up. A small, wooden cross with the word "Ma" scratched into it, and to his left, Pa was there too. Arty's parents, reunited in death. He walked off sniffling. The next day. There Arty was sitting in a office. "Fancy lookin' " He thought to himself. The door behind creaks open as he see's a cat orange in fur sporting a nice tuxedo. The man sits down and slides Arty a paper "I've taking a look and I can value the property to 477 dollars and 10 cents, Sign here." (8,000$ 2023) Arty signed the paper, was handed the money, and was given 24 hours to grab his belongings. In that time he had grabbed the necessities, but what should he grab now? He went into the kitchen rummaging around for his mothers old recipe book. He walked to his parents closet and opened it, There was his father's gear from WW1. The old man never talked about the war and maybe it was for the better. Arty grabbed his father's 1903 Springfield and some small boxes of ammunition stored next to it when a glint caught his eye. Arty looked closer and grabbed the long cylinder and pulled out out of its spot. "Pa's scope! So that's where he put it."

Arty stood near the tracks and checked his watch 11:56. The Midnight train's ought to be here by now. And then, a whistle "Right on time." The train came by fast and ran as fast as he could eventual a open train car presented itself and he through himself into it. Panting he rested.

#lackadaisy #story #cats