Wild West - Chapter 5 - Part 3 - 5 minute freewrite challenge

“Let me guess, life is over for you outside and there’s a soul-crushing sob story behind why you came here; you want no harm and just live a happily ever after, that right?” Despite Crax’s lively personality, he made it clear he’s had experience with interrogation and made up stories. James and Tom realized that talking their way out of this one was going to be near impossible – he had disarmed them at the very beginning.

They looked at each other, visibly defeated, then nodded.

“Yeah, yeah, spare me the bullshit. I may play nice, but don’t take me for no fool. I’ve had people like you before. You come in here expecting god knows what, but don’t nobody want to put in no goddamn work, that right? So here’s what we’re going to do. I’m going to give you one chance to tell me why you came here, and one only. So, why are you here?” The tone of his voice had lowered and now sounded more annoyed than cheerful, but he still spoke as fast as before.

But instead of answering Crax’s question, the two were surprised by what he had said.

“Wait. Other people came inside too?” James asked, then quickly realized he had reacted too hastily and said it with too much a surprise. “I mean, the guards were so surprised I thought we were the first. Jax didn’t mention anyone else.” He tried to fix the situation.

“So much for your chance to tell me why you’re here. That’s okay, too. I gave you a chance and you blew it.” Crax leaned back into his chair and brought out his pipe, no more upset than he already was. He wasn’t expecting them to talk in the first place.