Gideon and Brandon spend a half hour maneuvering through the combs.
Liquid drips from leaking pipes.
Rats scurry into void colored chambers.
The stench of kerosene is present in every step.
"Man, this place always gives me the creeps." Brandon shivers, still tucked tightly into Gideon.
"We'll be fine pye. I can see the exit just ahead."
Like he broke from a trance, Brandon perks up instantly. "Finally. I'm always sick of this place." His fire brightens.
"Maybe we can head home. Try to figure out what to do next. Since we've got targets on our backs now."
"Yeah. I'm craving chocolate." He rubs his hands together in a sly, childish manner.
"Fine, you can have a bit from my stash."
"Really!?"
"Really."
"You're the best Gideon!"
The brolic man allows a small smile at Brandon's excitement.
The hunted duo make their way out of the combs, coming upon an empty street.
"Man pye, talk about change of scenery." Gideon jokes.
"Yeah. Like night and day."
"Now… home is…" Gideon glances left. Noticing the distinct wrecked cornerstone of an abandoned fence. "We'll be home soon."
"Thank god. Walking is hard when you've got hold of something like this." Brandon waves the document.
"FOOL!" Gideon snatches the paper and folds it into his pocket. "Why wave it around? Do you even have a brain Brandon?"
Brandon flinches violently. "sorry Gideon…" His flames dim in shame.
Gideon sighs and rubs Brandon's back. Leading the way.
"Let's just get home."
Brandon nods sullenly. Dragging his feet slightly behind Gideon.
Closing in on the house, Gideon notices that his chair is missing. "Mm…"
Brandon's skips inside, mood lifted highly upon him remembering the chocolate reward.
Brandon freezes.
His stomach drops as he views the interior. Gasping unconsciously.
Gideons eyes snap up in alert.
He runs to the door. "Wha-" His pupils lock into the room. Viewing his now ransacked house. "Who would-"
"The mob boss. I know for a fact he did it gid. He robbed us and tried to run away with the envelope too."
"Fucking bastard."
"…My coal…" Brandon falls to his knees at the feet of the empty shelf.
"Dammit Brandon, they took everything and left junk!" He kicks at the toppled fridge door. "DAMN IT ALL!"