013 — The Complicit Informant | Talon Z. Gray

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3% left on my phone. Two angry daughters. One way out.

The unmarked vehicle arrives. He’s here again.

I finished the check memo. $10k. I try to wink, to smile like I’ve done this before. I point across the street.

“A clean neighborhood,” I say. “You understand. It’s… animal behavior over there. For the greater good.”

He squints. “Animal behavior?”

A razor-thin smile slices across his face. “Your wish…”

(He tears the check in two.)

“…is my command.”

“That’s for my daughters,” I whisper. “They walk home alone. I promised them.”

He radios a single, coded word, eyes buried in the clipboard.
Henchmen advance.
A door splinters.
Screams.
A baby’s cry pierces the explosions.
Windows shatter.
Then silence.

Eerie stillness.
The only sound now: birds chirping faintly overhead.
I stare at my feet. Easier that way.

He hands me the clipboard.
“We appreciate your report on ‘the animals.’ That must bring you and your lonely daughters some comfort. Now, sign for the headcount.”

“But—the check…”

“We don’t need your money,” he says flatly. “Or your daughters.”

“We need your allegiance. We need your signature. You’re safe now. Sign it.”

My hands are slick with sweat as I grip the pen like a weapon.
“It’s my children… or theirs,” I mutter. I scribble my name.

“Good citizen,” he says, taking the clipboard. “This will boost your neighborhood safety score. You’re now eligible for Golden Citizen tier. Congratulations.”

A hollow thank-you escapes my lips. “That family size, with today’s multiplier, pays the bills.”

He hands me the two halves of the check.
“For your records. You’ll see a loyalty badge in your app within 48 hours.
A push notification will confirm your good standing.”

“From everyone at the top, we thank you for your greatest service. You’ll be documented—in a good light. Have a pleasant evening.”

The vehicle melts into the horizon.
The scent of grilled meat hangs thick in the air.