The Return of the Hades

explanations

12

The old man stood alone in the empty parking garage, his hostages bound and gagged nearby. He kept a tight grip on his pistol, eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of movement.

"Come out, come out, wherever you are!" He called tauntingly. "You want your boys back in one piece? Then get down here, unless you're too chicken!"

Minutes passed with no response. The old man began to wonder if he'd been stood up. But then, faint footsteps echoed through the cavernous space.

The gang brothers emerged with few men, rifles trained. "We're here you old coot," one brother spat. "Now where are our guys?"

"They're right here," the old man replied calmly, gesturing to the hostages. "But they ain't goin' nowhere till we hash this out like civilized folk. Now order your pups to stand down so we can talk."

The brother hesitated, then barked an order. "Lower your weapons, but keep 'em ready. This ain't over yet, old timer."

With weapons lowered, a tense silence fell. The old man sighed and lowe