He took off his fedora and the mask. The bruises on his body were sore but they were bearable. His partner was slumped against the wall in equal pain and fatigue.
"That is the last time I let you take the lead boss," said his partner between gritted teeth.
He smiled, the taste of blood lingering in his mouth like a sack full of nickels. He loved a good fight - but this time they just got out by the skin of their teeth. He checked his sidearm - it was out of juice.
He shook his head in amazement - yeah, they did get out by the skin of their teeth. The 'beauty was going to need a possible overhaul and the bullet dents needed to be worked out. Nevertheless - they accomplished their task and made the world "Right" again. He looked at his gloved hands - though they were black he could still see blood.
Some life was lost tonight, despite their best intentions. Criminals they were, but not every bad guy deserves to die. Good intentions...that is what the road to Hell is made of - and he and his partner had laid a mile.
"The Blackjack Gang is down and out. The Hand fell into the elevator shaft and died the death of so many other men that he caused before him. Justice was served and that is all there is," he finally said to his slumped partner.
"Now its time to write about it."
