DISPATCH FROM THE CITY
Something's always happening in Noir City. Most people keep walking. Investigators notice. Make your choice. See what happens.
The Food Truck
You stop at Side Street Eats on your way home from work.
You’ve been here before. The food is good, and tonight you’re starving.
You place your order with the man behind the counter and pay.
A few minutes later, another man approaches the truck.
The two exchange a few quiet words.
The man preparing your food doesn’t look happy.
He steps out of the truck.
Two men are waiting nearby. They take him by the arm and lead him toward a black sedan.
The other man steps behind the counter.
“How you doin’?”
Rather than putting on an apron and gloves, he takes an order from the next customer, handles the money, wipes his forehead with his hand, then reaches for the bread.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
You step up to the window.
“I want to cancel my order.”
The man grins.
“Tell you what. It’s on the house.”
“I don’t care if you give me everything in this truck for free. I want my money back.”
His grin disappears.
“Think of it as a down payment.”
“On what?”
“We’re gonna need somebody to step in for a little while.” He motions over his shoulder. “The other guy’s gonna be detained for a bit.”
“You’re crazy. I’m out of here.”
“Sure. Go home. You still in that apartment on Mercer?”
You don’t move.
“This is temporary?”
“Absolutely.”
You look toward the street where the black car disappeared.
“How long is he going to be gone?”
“If I were you, I’d learn the menu.”
You decide to take your chances and wait. How bad could it be? You’re starving and finding somewhere else to eat would take too long.
A few minutes later, the man comes out of the truck carrying your order.
“Here you go.”
He hands you the bag.
“I’ve seen you around here quite a bit. You like to come by after work.”
You look at him.
“Always leave on time. Home by six-thirty. You’re punctual. I like that. This one’s on the house.”
Then he holds out another bag.
“But I need a favor. Take this to that car over there. I don’t like to keep them waiting.”
“I don’t want to.”
“Sure you do. What’s a favor between friends?”
“We’re not friends.”
He smiles.
“In my business, we’re all friends around here.”
He pushes the bag toward you.
“And my buddies over there would LOVE to see you.”