Breakfast, and the Collector Arrives

This chapter is part of "The Small Town Magic Arc." Links for prior chapters in this storyline can be found here: https://www.theprose.com/post/746871/the-small-town-magic-arc

Mitch and his crew slept well after their late night pool party with Tamma and Dianna, meeting the pair for breakfast in the dining area beside the lobby. The breakfast setup was as spectacular as the pool, their room with four king sized beds, and the vast hallway corridors of the Aplonica Inn. They were treated to a buffet complete with freshly made pancakes, waffles, bacon, sausage, eggs, grits, pastries - too many things to fit in a brief chapter of this story.

"Thanks for an amazing start to the morning Dianna." Cerissa said gratefully, as she created her own breakfast sandwich with the sausage, pancakes and eggs, while also enjoying a ham and cheese omelet. "Compliments to the cooks!"

"I'll be sure to tell them, they are quite amazing." Dianna smiled kindly. "We need to send you guys off well, since tonight is the night."

"Indeed." Mitch said with resolve as he sipped on his steaming black coffee. "We will settle the old account with Cyclo, then your amazing home can hopefully get back to what it does best, which is pretty much everything."

"Yeah, time to put our training in action, right Essie?" Rick asked enthusiastically as he downed a glass of orange juice.

"Definitely Rick, I look forward to fighting alongside you.... and everyone else too!" Essie answered while blushing, hiding her awkwardness by quickly returning to her hot cocoa.

"Thank you my friends." Tamma said as she once again shed a few more happy tears. "Help yourselves to as much breakfast as you want, then I will link up with my dad. We'll meet up in the art park at 6:00 tonight, and prepare our trap."

*****

Tamma and Jahno stood in front of the stage in the Aplonica Art Park, marveling at the shiny treasure chest that stood on it.

"The Pirate and his crew have everything set for our collector's arrival." Jahno said without trying to hide his dread. "I hope you made the right call with this, I fear for the worst if this fails."

"They won't fail father." Tamma answered boldly. "Mitch, Cerissa, Rick and Essie are the real deal, and they will succeed."

"We shall see, I certainly don't want you to be wrong." Jahno said, still sporting no confidence in his tone.

A hulking figure approached the pair, his one eye greedily eyeing the treasure chest before gazing at Tamma. He smiled maliciously and cackled before addressing Jahno.

"Thank you for your usual punctuality, honorable mayor." Cyclo's voice mockingly boomed. "Just so you know, if there is even a cent missing from our agreed amount, your daughter comes with me and becomes my bride instantly."

"Of course Mr. Cyclo, I assure you it's all there." Jahno stammered, while Tamma flashed a fake smile at the cyclops. "Go on ahead sir, count it out and see that we came through for you, just like we always do."

"If you say so Mr. Mayor." Cyclo sneered as he climbed onto the stage and approached the chest.

To be continued...