The Restrained Lion (Please Vote for Monthly Tickets)

"Church" leaned against the engine hood of a black Chevrolet SUV, watching a wall of televisions inside a roadside storefront.

The televisions were showing Alvin standing at a podium while reporters peppered him with questions.

About ten minutes later, the bloodstained brute Barney emerged from a nearby building with several of his men.

After sending his men ahead to the car, Barney dug half a cigar out of a chest pocket and smiled in satisfaction.

Walking over to Church, Barney lit the cigar and took a puff. Seeing Church staring at the television, Barney glanced at it as well and said, "What? Did Alvin's press conference have anything interesting?"

Church glanced at Barney and said in a low voice, "Quite an interesting press conference.

Our Principal Alvin has mastered the skill of spouting utter nonsense with a perfectly straight face. Someone's getting nervous..."

Barney crooked his mouth indifferently, carefully removed a skull-carved ring from his finger, stuffed it into his chest pocket, and said, "That's a good thing. It means Alvin is starting to learn how to handle situations beyond guns and knives."

As he spoke, Barney tilted his head back, an odd expression on his face, and said, "Unfortunately, War Dog will never learn.

All right, where are we going next?

There aren't many chances to slaughter our way through the United States. I need to make the most of my time..."

Church pursed his thin lips, a malicious sneer on his old face as he mocked Barney. "You'll learn. When a war dog loses its teeth, it learns to be a little smarter."

Barney shrugged indifferently and took a deep drag of his cigar before spitting a mouthful of bitter saliva at Church's feet. The tough old man lowered his eyelids and stared at Church with utterly cold