Track 18 - Doughnuts

"I don't think I'm cut out for this whole thing."

The rest of the dinner went smoothly. For the first time, Tabi expressed some kind of happiness, having no problem eating. He seemed a bit more energetic now, optimistic even and talking a lot more too. He was still very guarded, but it was as if he was coming out of his shell. He clamped up whenever Displo or someone walked by but otherwise seemed a little more relaxed than usual.

You dropped him off by his apartment building and he thanked you for the good dinner, promising to make it up at some point.

In private, Displo remarked asking if he had snuck in booze, noting that he was lot more outgoing all of sudden.

After the success of the operation you decided to take the next day off, relaxing at home. After an argument, S took most of his files off your computer. You thought that was the end of that, but the package delivery listed for "S" said otherwise.

He had hacked into some storefront and got a multi-terabyte hard drive and NAS shipped to your house where his files were now residing. He even instructed you on how to set the whole thing up, chastising when you plugged the wrong wire in the wrong plug. It was now quietly humming away under your desk, covered by a piece of paper. You told him not to do that again so as to not bring unwarranted attention to your home.

At first he seemed to not care at all, claiming he could just hack-in and re-direct the cops. Another argument occurred and you concluded to him that until the actual heist you had to keep a low profile. Doing all sorts of hacking and fraud would result in attention.

S seemed to understand that ultimately agreeing. "I'm still gonna keep scraping though! You can't stop me there!" He chided.

You didn't have an issue with that.

Tabi texted you for the good night, again thanking you for taking him out to dinner. You were still feeling a bit sluggish from last night, having eaten a bit too much. After all you and him split 2 appetizers, plus the free bread, plus your mains and you both had desert after. You were stuffed.

Through mid-morning another text came through. It was an unknown number but clearly stated it was Kapi. He wrote that he had something to discuss privately and if you could come by his bakery today at some point. He included an address.

It was his day job. You knew of the area, used to patrol it at one point in time. It was in a rough part of the city.

The location was listed as The PK Doughnut Shop. You'd seen the place before but never gone in.

Deciding not to use the tacticool gear you don your 'detective' outfit. A sand-coloured trench coat and business casual attire. It was chilly outside, the car radio mentioning something about a cold front coming in. At least traffic was light.

The news report was on the radio and some headlines brush past your ears.

"An arrest was made in the recent arson of Tess' Diner and Grill. Local officers are said to be taking the case very seriously."

You wonder if Tess would make a good addition to the team.

"Due to circumstances surrounding the case, the Banhammer Law has been evoked, the police chief said." You knew what that meant. Meant that the case pissed off someone powerful. You figure that'll be the last anyone will hear of it. You note to maybe tell Tess later.

"There has been another disappearance in the Cherry Tree Park. Locals have described the place as cursed and have been discouraging civilians to venture in it past 8:00PM. Please note that despite being a park, the area is private property."

"In other news, the transitions from Flash to Ruffle has been going smoothly, the project having just reached 10,000+ commits."

You just switch the music back on, some electronic tune playing.

In-between waiting at lights and driving to the shop you wondered about Kapi. He wanted to talk yesterday but vanished. You weren't sure what it was about. Playing back Kapi's movements you didn't recall him doing anything wrong. Sure he got caught, but nobody was expecting it to go smoothly. He, through S was ultimately successful anyways. And it's not like you had anyone else to send in. Everyone had to make do with who was on the team. Agoti was the perfect distraction, Tabi could've done better but had confidence issues, and Kapi and S were the only people that could have gotten into the Sanctum. Kapi was the only 'normal' person that could have disguised.

And based on what you had heard it was an overzealous scientist that caught him. And even then, it was an unlucky fluke that the scientist even knew the person he was impersonating.

The donut shop was just near a cemetery, situated on a hill. It was in a small plaza consisting of a tiny parking lot and a few random stores. Pulling into the parking spot it all looked familiar. Between the tight parking and your partner having coeliac disease there was never an opportunity to explore.

It was also located at a busy intersection so parking on the road, even if you were enforcement, wasn't a smart idea. Just a poorly designed area all around.

Though since you had been here last, the place had gotten a bit better. Your partner used to describe the area as poor. Looking around you'd described it as 'lived-in'. It was a very local community, very blue-collar. It looked homely, even.

Next to the rustic-style door were two large windows allowing one to look in. There were a few people in the shop, sitting about. Some were on laptops. Others just enjoying the coffee.

Looking up you were greeted by the sign. It was a 3D model of a kitty molded out of paper, like origami. The cartoon lettering under it reading "The PK Doughnut Shoppe!"

Your interest in the place doesn't last long as you notice something painted on the brick just behind the cat. Your eyes narrow at it, moreso in preparation than anything.

Behind the cat was a neon painted circle, a rose centred in it. The paint had dripped slightly, distorting the image. While an untrained eye may think it a random act of vandalism you knew what it meant.

From work in the force and your own personal investigations you knew it to be the symbol of The Belladonnas.

As if your past flushes back your mind plays back their case file.

They were a street gang that was notorious for drug dealing, extortion and magical trafficking. They were one of the targets of your earlier cases, just before you settled on the Family. Their leader, a vagabond elf named Rosie was an excellent markswoman and excellent strategist. Even with your detective skills it was hard to pin a crime on her. And that was despite her not having anyone on the cop’s side. She was ruthless.

After she was arrested you figured the gang would break apart. You weren't sure how long ago that was. How the group actually dealt with the fallout was beyond you. You didn't care at the time, figuring it was the end of that.

Not to mention that the Family was the group you were starting to set your sights on. You even didn't bother following the trial either.

You feel your breast pocket, just making sure the handgun was still there. You had to assume the worst. That this was their turf. It was unlikely they'd try anything, but you wanted to be prepared. The Belladonnas were the only other major enemy you had other than the Family.

If they even still existed. You shake your head.

For all you knew it could have just been a layover from Rosie's

era. You figure you'll ask Kapi about it later. A thought crosses your head you should message S for backup but decide it should be fine. He was way too into the news when you left anyways, didn't even say goodbye.

Before going in you take one brief look through the store window, scanning for familiar faces. You flinch upon seeing a a pink-cloud-like woman at one of the tables. She was speaking to some kind of masked man who looked agitated. You do a full stop and shake your head. It was your paranoia talking. Not every pink person was part of Rosie's gang. You compose yourself and step into the store, a bell ringing to signal your entrance. There was no sign of Kapi around.

The place had a British feel with old-school style café chairs with fancy backs, tables with small trays of baked goods and biscuits all around. It was unlike the usual 'donut shop'. More upscale than you were expecting either.

It was also exactly the kind of place you knew The Belladonnas would like to own. Fancy places.

In front was a clear counter displaying the goods of the day. It had all sorts of British style pasties, from sweet pies to sausage rolls and crumpets. On top of the counter was a sign depicting their types of teas.

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

Unsure if Kapi was going to come out and meet you take order a small coffee, sausage roll and take a seat. The Belladonnas usually had some form of identification, a pink garment they wore but alas nobody looked to have it on them. It still felt uneasy here.

A quick text to Kapi later he emerged from behind the counter, dressed all white, even with a puffy white hat. He was a baker. If the white clothing wasn't enough, it was the flour stains that covered the sides of his face.

"Thanks for coming, (Y/N). I don't wanna waste your time." He said, a little tired. You guess he's probably been there since early morning. He took a seat across.

You'd hardly touched your coffee, not really liking the stuff much. "You want it? I'm not gonna finish it." You offer.

"Oh thanks!" His ears perked up when you said that. In a quick second he took and downed the whole cup, the heat nor the lack of sugar and cream bothering him.

"So what's up? Nice place you got here."

"Oh, it's not mine. I just work here part-time. A-anyways. I wanted to talk about the operation." His ears drooped down a bit.

"I don't think I'm cut out for this whole thing."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, it's just Tabi and Agoti. Those guys are like built for it. I got caught instantly. You too. You know this crime stuff like the back of your hand. And Displo's practically 007. Me? I lasted a few minutes and that was only cause of S." You saw it clearly now. Never mind the tire, he was depressed.

"Lied about the hacker thing too. S has got that over me." He held the empty cup, something to fidget with.

You dwelled on it. It had only been the one operation and he just got unlucky. But, at the back of your mind that thought that Kapi could flip wasn't good either. The last thing you wanted was him to go to the Family. He was more dangerous than he realized.

You proceed as if it were an interrogation. Stick to what you know.

"You got unlucky. Who could've expected that the person you run into be a close friend of who you were impersonating?"

"But I'm also the smallest of the crew. There's not much I can physically do."

"Ah, c'mon you just gotta use that to your advantage."

"And even my voice just isn't right. It's not the kind of voice for this kind of work."

You wave your hand. "You're just making stuff up now. Get a grip."

"But still. Even going through those labs. I was completely lost. I just..fumbled."

"Okay. So you feel useless compared to the others. Do you still want to be part of this thing?"

"Wow, when you put it like that geez. Yeah, I want to be part of this thing. I just can't. I'm not like you all."

You slouch. Those weren't the right words. Try again.

"Well..." You lean back in the chair arm over it. "There's gonna be other parts to the thing. Other angles and jobs. All the operation shone was that you just won't be one of main guys."

Despite it being mid-morning the place wasn't as busy as you thought. Still no sign of anything from the gang.

"Yeah, but even so. I messed up the first mission."

"So? There was no way everyone was going to get through. Agoti got caught too."

"But-"

"I'm sure you got other talents. There's a lot to this whole thing other than charge in and take." You say, not allowing Kapi to hide behind another excuse.

"Pfft. Like I'm sure DDR can help."

You take a bite of the sausage roll. Edible, but too flaky.

"You'd be surprised. Look. Come to the meeting tonight. I'm sure we can find something important for you."

"Yeah, but I also don't want to be some pencil pusher like Displo."

"Again, there's a lot more to this thing." A thought crossed your head. "Say, you aren't a magic user are you?"

Kapi shook his head. "Ah, well." Noticing Kapi's further disappointment you quickly change the subject.

"Didn't you say the other night were a driver?" You say aimlessly.

His ears perk up. "Yeah! I can drive!"

"Well there you have it. Displo was only the driver the other day because of a technicality. If you can race you can easily be a getaway driver. Displo's more of a commander-type guy."

"That is just unacceptable! I mean, eating with the customer. Come on." Someone had shouted at the register. It was loud enough for both you and Kapi to take notice.

Some customer was complaining to the cashier and getting heated. She held a purse that swung around madly as she complained.

"The employees are allowed to take their break wherever they please." The cashier politely said back.

"Not when they're tracking flour everywhere. The bakers are not to be seen in public. This is common sense! That's why there are break rooms!" She shouted back also motioning at Kapi.

"I-"

"No. I'm not interested in hearing your excuses. I want the manager!" The irritated customer said. The whole bakery was looking now. She had the centre of attention.

"Certainly." The cashier nodded and peaked her head into the back room.

You got a bit uneasy. If Rosie was the manager you'd also be in trouble.

Instinctively you put your hand into your coat breast, not realizing you were reaching for your gun. It was enough for Kapi to see, who went wide eyed.

"What the hell are you doing?" Kapi whispered, now anxious. He noticed your worried look.

Emerging from the back room was a tall, physically fit woman with long black hair flowing down. She had a kind face and smiled at the customer, a light voice asking, "What seems to be the problem?"

She was dressed in a white suite, a pink armband visible. You didn't know who they were, but the armband was a dead giveaway. You had thought the gang to have fallen apart but it looked like it was still active in some way.

You quickly withdraw your hand from the pocket and look down, not wanting to be seen. You hoped they didn't recognize you.

"I'll tell you what the problem is. It's that you have your customers having break on the main floor. That is not acceptable." The customer once again pointed to Kapi. He considered stepping in but knew better.

"Well, I'm sorry you feel that way. We treat our employees like real people and if you have a problem, I ask you take your business elsewhere."

"What? How dare you! This is not normal. You cannot run a business like this! I mean, look at the flour."

"I will clean it up later. If you continue to disagree I won't hesitate to call security. Now. Leave."

"Why you...Humph. This place has gone to hell anyways. This whole area too!" She shouted, now realizing she was losing.

The manager just pointed towards the exit. The customer merely put her nose up and started walking out. Wanting to get the last word like a petulant child she spat.

"This whole neighborhood is not safe anymore. You people don't even know basic etiquette."

"Pfft. Whatever." Kapi spat, flicking flour into the air.

"Hmph."

And with that the customer left the store, bell ringing on the way out. With the customer gone the manager turned to the cashier asking if they were all right.

"Wow, can't believe some of the people here." Kapi said.

Turning to you his expression changed. "The heck was that though? Were you gonna shoot her?"

"I, uh. Just instincts." You say. You watch as the manager disappears back into the kitchen.

"Is there, uh, anything else you're good at?" You say, continuing the conversation. You were worried the manager saw you or knew you from a previous bust. Either way, your anxiety was up.

"Hmmm." Kapi thought. "Well, I know a little of robotics."

You motion with your hand as 'perfect'. "There you have it. Recon, networking, shoot you could probably help us infiltrate with a small drone or something. See? You know stuff."

Kapi sighed. "Yeah, but..." You prepare for another excuse. "Argh. It's just I can't think like that. I didn't think of that when we were first doing the rolls. I always figure that stuff out too late. Can't think on my feet like you can."

"Aw c'mon, that's just something we're gonna overcome. It's practically why we have multiple meetings. Don't worry. For the main thing we'll make sure everyone is one the same page. How good are you with flour?"

"What do you mean? I can bake. That's not gonna help-"

"Look at it this way. Flour is just a tool. Like you just flicked it now. You could use that like a smoke bomb or something. You just gotta think about it."

Suddenly Kapi's ears perk up. His mouth goes slightly ajar as he comes to a realization.

"I got it!" He said, a little louder. It attracts some customers attention. "Screw the flour! I know what I can do! Ohmanman. I need to write this down." His tail was swishing excitedly in-between the chair too.

Without explaining what got him so riled he pulled out his phone and started jotting notes down.

"Well...what is it?"

"No. I can't tell you yet. Ah! This is so good. Alright. Alright. I'll tell you at the meeting. I know what I'm gonna do." In just a few seconds he had 180'd his whole attitude. You weren't sure what he was plotting but it looked as if he was back on board.

The 'interrogation' was successful.

Kapi's phone went off suddenly, the sound of an alarm playing. "Oh, shoot! Break's over. Alright. I gotta go."

With Kapi back in the fold you had another question. "Wait, I wanna ask you something."

"Hurry up. Between this idea and work I'm gonna be swamped the resta the day."

You lean in closer, not speaking loudly. "Just outta curiosity, you know who Rosie Belladonna is?" The evidence of the Belladonnas was gnawing at you. You were curious if Kapi even knew this place might be part of a street gang.

"She's the manager, er, I'm not sure. She's my bosses’ boss."

So she was out of prison. That meant it wasn't safe here.

"Thanks. I should get going." You stand up.

"Woah, hold on. You know her?" Kapi said, getting up as well.

"Once upon a time. We're, uh old acquaintances."

"Why? What happened? Were you a couple?"

"What? No. Nothing like that. Just do me a favour and don't mention me to her."

"Why? You can tell me."

You shake your head. "Just trust me. She hears I'm with you it won't end well." You say, leaving it at that.

"If you say so." Kapi said, not hiding the curiosity.

"Well, I'll see you tonight."

"Absolutely! You're gonna love what I have planned." Kapi said, curiosity being replaced with excitement.

After saying bye you left the store quickly. Last thing you wanted to do was get Kapi in trouble.

So Rosie was out? Had to have been on good behaviour. Maybe she was reformed. Or maybe she was still operating in the shadows. You shake the feeling off. If you were still a cop you would probably care but for now your focus was on the family. Your main hope now was that Kapi wouldn't let it slip. No doubt she would go after you. Or even kidnap and ransom him. She was a tough nut.

You jump as someone shouts from your phone.

"So that's where you've been hiding! Man, you're hard to find." S said. You put it on the dashboard holder and drive off when safe. He wasn't in any photo, rather just standing in a black background staring at you. The app icons were gone too.

"Where were you?" S was on the phone screen, arms folded, tapping his foot impatiently. His eyes were black voids as always, yellowed sharp teeth visible as he spoke. Despite his monstrous appearance it had long since stopped bothering you.

"You weren't at the store. I thought you ran out on me...Hey, are you listening to me?!" S said annoyed.

"I'm taking the day off. Had to see Kapi just now."

"Oh yeah, what does that hairball want?"

With the turn of the wheel you make it back onto the intersection.

"He's thinking of quitting."

"Like hell he is. I won't let him!"

"Relax, he was just depressed about yesterday."

S shrugged. "Depressed about what? What's he got to be sad about?"

"Well he got caught. Don’t worry about it. He came up with some idea of what to do. Says he tell us at the meeting tonight."

Being mid-morning, traffic had lightened. There was still time before lunch and the morning rush had long ended.

"Alright but if he I hear him say he's got second thoughts it won't end well for him. He's my archnemesis after all!"

Satisfied, you return home, spending some time cleaning and taking the day easy.

----------------------------------------

The next chapter will be called Robotmaster.