Chaos

Another challenger was setting up the balls, trying to impress me by spinning them into place and using the triangle to make them jump. This guy had his own cue, which he’d taken from one of those carry-boxes and was now screwing together, and was even wearing a leather glove on one hand. I turned away in disgust.

“You any idea how dangerous these boys can be? You must have, if you’re scared to go yourself.”

This didn’t shake his smile. I was starting to think it was some kind of birth defect.

“Only to outsiders. They’ve got nothing against you, son. In fact, I think you were probably born for this job. Destiny, like.”

I was already starting to plan my next tattoo. Maybe a leather jacket as well. I didn’t see how a quick recce mission would help the parents any. I mean, they already knew that she was in there. So it wasn’t as if I would be betraying any great secret by having a quick look and reporting back.

And if some of the information got a bit twisted along the way, well, who was to know? This had the potential to turn into another small victory for the forces of chaos, spreading confusion among the blind slaves of law and order. Nothing earth-shattering, but every little bit helped.

Hey, even the unemployed can have a mission in life.

“Let me think about it for a couple of minutes.”

He smiled, puffed on his cigarette, and ordered another two beers.

Extract from Burning Roses, a decadent tale of sex, drugs, rock n roll & magick, set in the clubs and bars of 1980s Johannesburg. Available on Amazon.

Or in paperback from Curiosity in Pretoria, and The Real Mackay in Blairgowrie.

And throughout the festive season, you’ll also find my books at Chameleon Village in Hartebeespoort, at The Alternative Geeks Artist Alley, running from the 14th of December to the 12th of January. They’ll be sharing a table with a handful of other local authors’ books.

Till next time.

Cheers.