Snippet #1925339

"Shit." Ben stood as the watchman escorted White away. He looked down at Natsu, trying hard to keep his anger in check. He put out his cigarette.

"Alright, Natsu. I'm gonna answer one question at a time." He sighed, taking a moment to collect himself. "First: Liz is another attraction in the Circus. She's got problems just like everyone else here. Second: What the hell would you like me to do? I can't help White right now!" He looked at Tzar, an eyebrow raised.

"I'll ask you again: What's yer name, kid?" Ben moved away before he could respond, toward Liz's cage. He watched her for a moment, then picked out where the Chairman's crony sat in the dark, a whip cradled in his lap.

Damnit.

He sighed, then grabbed his keys and moved to where the "whip master" sat.

"Hey!" The words seemed to catch the man off guard. He turned toward Ben.

"What?"

Ben gritted his teeth together. "Knock it off."

"Fuck you, Groundskeeper." Ben grinned at the man and unsheathed his KA-BAR, the 9 1/2" blade seeming to absorb the light.

"I'm sorry? I couldn't here you from all the way over here." The smaller man paled.

"I-uh...The Chairman's gonna find out about this!" Ben grinned fiercely.

"Put it on my tab." He took a step toward the "whip master" and the crony stood, dropping the whip. He fled into the darkness. Ben sighed and sheathed the knife as Liz watched him carefully. He looked at her, lips pursed.