1.

John McGrogan was a drunk criminal with no regards about anything he came across or who. But he cared about his son, Danny. He was a small boy no older than 12 and loved his dad even though most nights and days, there was so sign of him at home. His mommy, Cassie, had died months ago. Drug Overdose. John was shocked, as he had been off to prison for a year and amidst all the work and anxiety, she took the final pill.

In the town of Maine, much had been said about John. He was a silent gang hitman who was as brutal as his title would suggest. He came back from the hospital to his mother’s house. She was an old lady with wrinkles all around her face and under her eyes, she had been keeping little Danny ever since Cassie’s death. As soon as he knocked on the door, the door went wide open and Danny emerged, jumping straight into his father. John hugged Danny with all his heart and soul, he barely saw Danny age. “Dad, you’re back” Danny said “Yeah, I’m back and I ain’t going nowhere, understand? Just here with you and grandma”. He saw his mother, Candice, inside the house, supporting herself against the starway, barely holding her tears. He walked up to her and hugged her, kissing her to calm her down. “Don’t be like that; I’m here and nothing is gonna take me away from here, alright? I am here for Danny and you”. Candice stopped her cries and tears, he looked at his face and touched it with her bare palm. “I can’t believe it, after all this time.

After morning, they all sat down and ate some mushed potatoes, paired with organic food and drinks and with some mac and cheese for little Danny. “Hey, you still work at Moe’s” John said, mentioning the café his mother works for her friend, Moe. “Yeah” she said.  Then silence insued. They continued eating, then…Candice broke her silence. “Look, I don’t want you to go that bar, okay?” Candice said. “Mom..” John said, wishing for her to leave this topic alone. “It only brings trouble, I know you, John. You’re not someone who just leaves at that, please, don’t go there, don’t EVER go there..save yourself and the boy from this”. Then, John screamed “I’LL DO WHAT’S RIGHT! Everything I did was for Danny and Cassie” John then calmed down and left. Candice silently cried.

At night, Candice and Danny went upstairs for sleep, John slept on the couch on the living room, watching the Sorpanos on his old, but fuctioning television. Drinking beer and having a bed sheet around his laps.  Then, the house phone kept RINGING. RINGING. John wondered who would call at this time, some punk kids from down the street, probably. Then, he stood up and walked up to the phone and answered.

“Hello”.

“Who the fuck is it”

“Someone you know, John. Here’s the thing, Johnny: I heard about what you did. What you told. Don’t worry; your woman is a strong one, lasted a couple of hours. Impressive, but until my boy Doug had a bit of fun with her, then he gave her a small pill to ‘go to sleep’ she was going strong. To cut to the chase, I don’t like rats, and exterminators are my favorite option. Tonight I’m gonna get you and your boy and show you pain” The mysterious man said “Pridget Drive 1199, right? Got it”.

Then John ran upstairs, preparing for the worst.