CHAPTER 1

I slowed the car to let two guys I knew cross the street. One of them
waved, so I switched off the tape deck and rolled down my window.

"John," he yelled. "We're going to shoot some pool. Want to come
along?"

"Wish I could," I answered. "But I have to work tonight. Maybe tomorrow."

I watched as they walked toward Big Eight Billiards. Sometimes it bugged me
not having my weekend nights free. But I needed the job. My dad was out
of work and Mom's job at a pizza joint didn't leave much for extras.

I slipped the Toyota in gear and kept searching for somewhere to park.
At last, I spotted an empty place and squeezed the car into it.
The clock in the dash said 6:55 pm. Five minutes left. With luck, I 
could make it to work on time.

Mr. Kane, my boss at Comics and Books, was a moody guy. I mean, he never
yelled or anything, but he was kind of quiet. You never really knew what was
on his mind. I didn't want to upset him. The money I earned kept my car
running. 

I took a short cut down the back alley where it was dark and hard to
see between the buildings. Turning a corner, I dug in my pocket for the key
to the back door. I started to put the key in, but the door swung open a
little. The lock was really old and didn't always work.

I pushed the door and stepped inside. That's when I heard voices, not
far away. One of them belonged to my boss, and he sounded pretty upset.

"Look," Mr. Kane was saying, "I told you I can get the money. Give me
a little more time."

"That's what you said last week," the second voice said. "We're gettin'
tired of waiting."

They were in the hallway, near the washroom. Mr. Kane had his back
against the wall, and he seemed scared. A big, mean-looking guy was leaning
over him. "Please," Mr. Kane said, "you don't understand. I --"

"No, you don't understand," the big guy said. He grabbed my boss's
shirt. "Pay up, or you'll be sorry!"

The stranger hit Mr. Kane's cheek with the back of his open hand. My
boss winced and tried to cover his head.

"Hey!" I shouted. "What's going on?"

The big guy turned and shot me a cold stare. "Take off, kid. This has
nothing to do with you."

Mr. Kane held out a hand, warning me off. "It's okay, John. Go to the
front. I can handle th--"

"Shut up!" The big guy popped him again. Mr.. Kane yelped and tried
to turn away.

"Let him go." I rushed over and grabbed the guy's shoulder.

He swore and aimed a wild punch at me. I got behind him and squeezed
his arms against his body. As I grabbed him, my keys went flying. He
struggled and we bashed against the wall. A picture fell to the floor. The
glass smashed.

Suddenly, Mr. Kane pushed between us. "No! I don't want anybody to
get hurt!"

I let go of the other guy and he jerked free. He spun around and
reached into his jacket. His hand came out with a knife.

My guts went cold when I saw the blade. The big guy laughed.

"Nobody's gonna get hurt -- yet." He waved the knife under Mr.
Kane's nose. "The money, by morning. Or else."

He swung the knife out and sliced a line in the wall. Then he laughed
again, and headed to the front of the store. Near the door, he reached out
and grabbed a shelf of books. He gave it a jerk and dumped books all over
the floor. The front door slammed hard as he left.

"Why that --" Mr. Kane made a move to go after him. Then he stopped
and leaned against the wall. He carefully touched his face.

"You all right?" I asked.

"Yeah, just shook up," he replied.

"What was that all about?"

Mr. Kane stared at the floor. "I'm in trouble," he said at last. "Big
trouble."

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