Which side are you on?
Dave & Vinny
Vinny sat down next to Dave with the biggest grin on his face. He placed a cold one in front of his friend and raised his own then took a huge gulp.
"What are you so happy about?" Asked Dave.
"Free beer. Tastes like victory."
"True that. When do you think Ken's gratitude for running off that gangster will wear off?"
"Oh, I should imagine within the week. Enjoy it whilst you can."
Dave nodded and supped.
There was a sudden thud as something hit the pub door hard. Ken, Dave and Vinny were the first outside to see what was going on. They saw three dark skinned lads cowering by the pub's back door. A group of about a dozen estate lads were glaring at them. Some were armed with sticks and bottles.
"What's going on here lads? Asked Ken.
"What's it to you Grandad?" Asked the largest estate lad.
"Well it's my pub you're planning to commit an act of violence on. Mikey Davis isn't it? I know your Dad. He's a regular here."
Another lad chimed in, "Can't you see?"
Vinny stepped forward, making a show of straightening his collar.
'See what bum fluff?"
Next to him Dave chuckled.
The lad went red in the face.
"These immigrants don't belong here." said Bum Fluff.
Another lad chirped up.
"They're going to get what's coming to them."
Lecherous Lee had stepped out of the pub to join them.
"Not very fair odds are they?" Lee said, "What if me, Dave, Vinny and Ken join their side?"
A small lad at the back looked nervous but spoke up, "Which side are you on?"
Ken cleared his throat.
"These lads have done nothing to you. I'm on the side of what's right and fair but I will rip your fucking heads off if that's what you want."
Dave and Vinny nodded.
"Have at you little boys." said Lee.
Mikey Davis squared up to Vinny who deftly flicked his nose.
Dave spoke up before things escalated.
"Listen up now lads. One day you'll be alone and scared in a new place. The Longcroft way is to help one another and when these lads moved here they had no choice in it. Help them now and your gang becomes bigger for it. This estate is one big gang and it looks after its own. They're Longcroft lads now. Right?"
"You're full of shit old man." said Mikey Davis. But no one attacked and the estate lads went reluctantly on their way.
Ken looked at the three boys.
"You'll be ok for now. Just come here if you're in need of help."
He ruffled the hair on one lads head.
"Now be on your way."
"Those estate lads were right about one thing though." said Lecherous Lee.
"What's that Lee?" Asked Vinny.
"Dave really is full of shit."
© Darren Sant 2023
If you’d like to give Darren a bit of support you can drop a coin in his Tip Jar
