A New Normal: Mr. Grimm, #2

By Russell Byrer

Mr. Grimm is beginning to become acustomed to the recent changes in his life. Despite these changes some things remain as they always have, and there is always someone in need of his services, which he is happy to provide. Only now he might not be the only one with something to offer, and when he's offered a job that goes beyond anything he has been asked before he'll need all the help he can get.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Russell Byrer
• Release date: Jul 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223847199

Book preview

Chapter 1: A New Normal - Intro

One day, at just a little past noon, Mr. Grimm’s phone started ringing, and he was a little surprised to see that it was Edgar who was calling him. It’s unusual for you to call this early, Mr. Grimm said as he answered the call, I’m guessing this is important. Edgar was a night owl, and usually slept all morning after the club closed.

Yeah, it’s a bit of a rush job, Edgar said, still sounding all business despite having just woken up a few minutes ago, I’ve got a guy looking for some extra muscle on short notice. Figured I’d hit you up and see if you could take it.

What’s the job? Mr. Grimm asked.

The guy works collections, but his usual heavy is out of commission for the moment, Edgar explained, So he needs someone to help make sure the deadbeats pay up. If you’re up for it I’ll send him your way. He’s offering twenty grand plus ten percent of today’s take, and will be paying my fees separately.

I’ll take it, Mr. Grimm said.

Glad to hear it, Edgar said, I’ll let him know, and he’ll be there in a bit.

A little less than thirty minutes later a man wearing a suit and tie walked in, Name’s Kurtis, Kurtis Mitago, but everyone calls me Kurt. Edgar said I could expect good things from you, and I’m hoping he’s right. Got a lot of people who think because my usual guy is laid up they don’t have to pay, and it’s bad for business.

"I’m assuming you just need me to... convince them that it would be better to pay up," Mr. Grimm said.

Yeah, that’s the job, Kurt said, Try not to rough them up more than necessary. A little scare is usually enough anyway.

I can handle that, Mr. Grimm said, standing up and grabbing his coat, Let’s get going, shall we?

Eager, I like that, Kurt said.

As they were walking towards the door, Akai came into the office and asked, Heading out?

Yeah, I got a job from Edgar, Mr. Grimm replied, Be back in a bit.

Akai adjusted the collar of his coat and kissed him on the cheek, Then I’ll watch the office until you get back.

Thanks, Mr. Grimm said before quickly returning her kiss, a little embarrassed by it, and followed Kurt outside.

A short drive later they pulled up in front of a run down looking house at the edge of the old part of the city. We’ll start here, Kurt said, This guy is small potatoes, but he’s also a stubborn bastard. Every couple of months we need to ‘remind’ him that he does, in fact, have to pay us back what he borrows. Mr. Grimm followed him up to the front door, which Kurt started loudly banging on, I know you’re home, Dennis! Open the door!

Muffled swearing and things being knocked over could be heard through the door, and a few moments later it swung open to reveal an emaciated looking man in his forties, wearing nothing but an undershirt and boxers. Man, was that today? he mumbled, seeming like he was only half aware of the situation at hand, I don’t got it... Could you come back next week?

Dennis, Kurt said slowly while emphasizing his words, You know that isn’t how this works. I’m here today, so you’ll pay today. Or do I need to have my friend here remind you how this works?

I thought he was in... Dennis started to say, but slowly trailed off as his eyes went wide when he saw Mr. Grimm standing behind Kurt, Oh, shit, oh god, oh shit... Uh, hold on for a moment. He ducked back into his house and slammed the door.

That’s weird, Kurt said, He’s usually a little flaky, but he’s never tried to run before. Just as he was about to have Mr. Grimm go in after him the door suddenly opened again.

Here you go, Dennis sputtered, handing Kurt a wad of cash while trying to keep as much distance from Mr. Grimm as he could. Then he slammed the door again.

Okay... Kurt said in a slightly confused tone, then turned to Mr. Grimm, Have you dealt with him before or something? Seemed like he knew you.

Never met him, Mr. Grimm replied. His best guess was that whatever drugs the guy was strung out on had inadvertently made him sensitive to Mr. Grimm’s true nature, but he wasn’t planning on explaining that.

Well, whatever, Kurt said, That went easier than expected, so I’m not complaining. Let’s head to the next one.

The next few stops went pretty smoothly, just seeing that Kurt had someone with him was enough to get the people to pay up, but then they hit a snag. Sorry, but I’m not paying you jack, the young man at their current stop said after opening the door just a crack, which was all the further it could open due to the chain lock on it, Now leave before I call the cops.

You really want to play this that way? Kurt asked, raising an eyebrow, We both know the cops aren’t going to get you out of this. Besides, you don’t want daddy to know what you’ve been up to, do you?

I guess you’re right, the young man said, closing the door and removing the chain from it before opening it all the way, allowing a group of young men armed with bats, metal pipes, and such to come spilling out into the street, So we’ll just have to handle this ourselves.

You stupid little punk, Kurt scoffed, Do you have any idea who you’re messing with? Then he motioned to the people surrounding them, Do they?

Yeah, the young man replied, And see, we’re tired of acting like we’re scared of you guys. We’re gonna send your boss a message not to fuck with us. He sneered at Mr. Grimm, Sorry, but we’re gonna have to beat the shit out of you now.

Mr. Grimm just sighed, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. I knew it had been too long since I’d run into someone who was terminally stupid. He wasn’t sure who Kurt worked for, and didn’t want to know, but he was sure they wouldn’t let something like this slide.

The fuck you say?! one of the young men shouted, charging at Mr. Grimm with his metal pipe held high over his head, which Mr. Grimm blocked with one arm, using hardened shadows in his sleeve to protect himself from the impact, before burying his other fist in the young man’s gut, doubling him over and dropping him to the ground. Kurt took the cue that things were about to get rowdy, and stepped to the side to get out of Mr. Grimm’s way, because it didn’t seem like he needed much help.

What are you waiting for!? the young man shouted while looking at the dumbstruck people standing around him, Kick his ass!

One of the armed men tried to hit Mr. Grimm from behind, but suddenly found himself knocked to the ground by a powerful backhanded punch to the jaw, which Mr. Grimm delivered without even looking at him. After that they all charged at once, but that just resulted in them getting in each other’s way more than anything else. In contrast, Mr. Grimm calmly responded to any of their attacks that were actually in danger of hitting him with precise counter attacks, and in just a few minutes the group of armed men were all lying on the ground with various non-lethal injuries.

Holy shit, who the fuck are you?! the young man shouted as he tried to retreat back inside and slam the door, but something was preventing him from closing it. Katrina was subtly holding it in place with its own shadow, but only Mr. Grimm knew that.

That doesn’t really matter, Mr. Grimm replied as he grabbed the young man by the shirt collar before he could get away, then turned to Kurt, What do you want me to do?

The same thing he wanted to do, Kurt coldly replied, Send a message about not fucking with us.

Mr. Grimm slowly nodded, I figured.

Wait a minute! the young man shouted, Do you know who I am?! If you touch me my dad will— His words were cut off when Mr. Grimm punched him square in the face, letting go as his fist made contact, which sent the young man sprawling to the ground.

Oh, shut up, Mr. Grimm scoffed, At least take this with some dignity. He pulled the young man off the ground by once again grabbing him by the collar of his shirt, Next time you think about doing something like this I want you to remember one thing. No matter what you do, eventually you’ll pay what you owe. One way, or another. With that he headbutted the young man, smashing his forehead directly into the bridge of his nose while letting him go, causing him to sprawl backwards onto the ground.

Not bad, Kurt said as he leaned down and began rifling through the young man’s pockets until he found what he was after, a wallet overflowing with cash.

Jeez, what was the point of all of that? Mr. Grimm sighed, It looks like he could have paid you a dozen times over.

The funny thing is those types are the ones we have the most trouble with, Kurt said while shaking his head, tossing the now much lighter wallet on the young man’s chest, But this one is a special brand of stupid, though unfortunately not a unique one. His family has money and influence, so he thinks he’s above the rules.

This isn’t going to be a problem, is it? Mr. Grimm asked.

It shouldn’t, Kurt replied, Unlike Junior here, his father understands how things work. Runs a legit business, but still knows not to mess with people on our side of things. He started counting out some bills and handed them over to Mr. Grimm, That was the last stop for the day, so here’s your pay. I even added a little bonus for having to deal with those guys. I gotta say though, I can see why Edgar recommended you. Mind if I call you again sometime?

That’s fine with me, Mr. Grimm said as he tucked the cash away in his coat pocket.

While Mr. Grimm had been helping Kurt with collections, Kuro and Shiro had been taking a walk around the city, which they were now debating on whether or not to end for the day. I think we’ve seen enough for one day, Shiro said, And you look like you’re about to have a breakdown. Kuro was putting on a brave face, but Shiro knew her well enough to see just how much wandering around the city full of strangers was starting to get to her. The whole point of coming out today had been to get her used to being in crowded places, but overdoing it would have the opposite effect.

I’m a little tired... Kuro whispered, But I don’t know if we should head back yet...

Any reason why we shouldn’t? Shiro asked.

I want to give them some time alone together, Kuro replied, blushing and smiling a little, Mother has been so happy since Aoi has been back. I don’t want to get in their way. She felt the same about their mother and Mr. Grimm, but during the hours the office was open his focus was there, so their presence or absence didn’t change anything. Not that their mother didn’t occasionally hang around the office if he wasn’t busy.

Yeah, okay, Shiro said, starting to smile a bit herself, But let’s do something relaxing. She looked around and pointed across the street, That café looks like a quiet place to kill some time. From where she was standing it looked nearly empty, so she figured it wouldn’t stress Kuro out. Kuro nodded and followed her into the café, which smelled of exotic coffee and various pastries. There were only a few other people there, all of them older people enjoying the laid back atmosphere of the café, none of whom gave the sisters more than a quick glance when they entered.

A young woman wearing a simple uniform greeted them as they entered, Good afternoon. Is it just the two of you? A quick glance at her nametag revealed that her name was Kari.

Yes, Shiro said, Could we get a table near the back?

Of course, please follow me, Kari said, and led them to a small booth located along the back wall. Here are some menus, she said as she laid them on the table, Please let me know when you’re ready to order. After that she went back to standing near the door and messing around on her phone.

Any idea what you want? Shiro asked as she opened her own menu.

After glancing over the menu for a moment Kuro replied, Maybe one of these lemon tarts and some chamomile tea.

Mind splitting the tart? Shiro asked. She wasn’t that hungry, and didn’t feel like ordering something for herself.

That’s fine, Kuro replied.

Okay, Shiro said, then turned to Kari, Excuse me, we’re ready to order.

Kari came over and quickly jotted down what they wanted. That’ll be out in just a minute, she said before heading to the counter to put in their order.

About that time another young woman dressed in cut-off jean shorts and a black tube top walked in. Hey, you look like you’re actually busy for once, she said as she took a seat at the counter near the waitress, And I thought I was your only customer. She stuck out like a sore thumb in the quiet café, her short dark hair with blue streaks dyed in it along with her leather bracelets and choker not matching the simple atmosphere at all. Even so, the other customers didn’t seem disturbed by her presence at all, mostly because all of the regulars were used to her.

We get more customers than you, Raika, a deep voice called from the back, I assume you want your usual.

Yeah, the young woman replied, then turned to Kari, How’s your day been?

Can’t complain, Kari replied, and began making small talk with Raika.

Order up, the voice from the back called a few minutes later, One lemon tart, one chamomile tea, and one rose tea.

Just a second, Kari said to Raika, then took the tray she was handed back to Kuro and Shiro, Here’s your order. Please enjoy.

Thank you, we will, Shiro said.

Thanks... Kuro mumbled, unable to make eye contact with Kari.

Who are they? Raika asked as Kari made her way back over to her.

Don’t know, Kari replied, This is the first time I’ve seen them. Maybe they just moved here?

I like the dye job on that one’s hair, Raika said, Can’t even see the roots.

Maybe it’s a wig? Kari said.

No, that’s real hair, Raika said, I can tell the difference.

I’ll take your word for it, Kari said, Your eyes are better than mine. That, and Raika worked as a beautician, so dealing with people’s hair was a large part of her job.

I think I’ll ask her where she gets it done, Raika said and started walking over to Kuro and Shiro. Excuse me, sorry to bother you, she said as she got close to their table, I just wanted to ask you about where you get your hair done.

Kuro started to panic at Raika’s sudden approach, but Shiro just spoke to her in a gentle voice, You need to relax. Then she turned to Raika, Which of us are you talking to?

You, Raika replied, I haven’t seen very many dye jobs that good, and was wondering where you got it done.

Shiro sighed, This is my natural hair color. She was used to people assuming that she  dyed her hair, since humans rarely had naturally white hair like hers, but it still annoyed her when they asked about it. Though she could tell the person asking wasn’t a human either.

No way, for real?! Raika asked, leaning down closer to look, Holy crap, it really is. She noticed out of the corner of her eye that Kuro looked like she was trying to go through the back of the seat to get away from her and asked, What’s her deal?

She gets nervous around people she doesn’t know, Shiro replied, People suddenly invading her space makes her get like this.

My bad, Raika said, then backed a few steps away, Is that better?

Sorry, Kuro said, looking everywhere but towards Raika.

Man, she’s got it bad, Raika said, but instead of backing further away she held out her hand, My name’s Raika. What’s yours?

Kuro, Kuro replied, her voice barely louder than a whisper. She tentatively reached out and took Raika’s hand for a brief moment before quickly shrinking back away from her once again.

I’m Shiro, Shiro added before she could be asked, but then a thought crossed her mind, Would you like to sit with us?

Is that okay? Raika asked, giving Kuro a concerned look, She looks like she’s about to pass out.

It’s a little forceful, but she needs to get used to people sooner rather than later, Shiro replied, And you seem nice enough.

You don’t beat around the bush, do you? Raika chuckled, but she turned to Kuro, Mind if I join you?

Go ahead, Kuro stammered, I really don’t mind. The sad truth was that she had simply never been allowed to learn how to interact with others outside of the Kuri clan, and everyone in her life before now, with the exception of her mother and sister, and more recently, Mr. Grimm and her aunt Aoi, had treated her so poorly that she just assumed that was how everyone she met would treat her as well. She didn’t want to let that part of herself control her, and she knew Shiro could only do so much for her, and that she had to be the one to start allowing people close to her.

Raika slid into the booth next to Shiro so she wouldn’t be crowding Kuro any more than she already clearly was. Thanks for having me, she said. She liked meeting new people, and meeting people like herself, that is, not human, was a rare treat for her, so she was really happy that they had invited her.

A few minutes later Kari brought Raika’s coffee and apple turnover to her. I was about to ask the manager if I could take my break, she said, Care if I join you? The other customers had already left and she had finished bussing the other tables quickly so she could spend her break with Raika, who she was good friends with, but she didn’t want to just force her way into the group.

Raika was about to turn her down, but Kuro spoke up first, Please, go ahead. She had noticed the two of them talking earlier, and didn’t want to be rude by not letting them sit together.

Thanks, I’ll be right back, Kari said before heading over to the counter to let the manager know she was taking her break.

Are you sure? Raika asked Kuro after Kari had walked away, You already look like a ghost.

Shiro’s right, Kuro said, I need to get used to dealing with people. She had already gotten used to Raika’s presence, and was feeling a bit more confident in herself now as well.

I’m back, Kari said, Oh, my name’s Kari if you hadn’t noticed it on my nametag. After a quick round of introductions she sat down next to Kuro. So how long have you two lived in the city? she asked, I’ve never seen you around before.

We just moved here around a couple of months ago, Shiro replied, We were taking a walk around to see what kinds of places we could find today... And to help Kuro get used to crowds.

There’s lots of neat stuff around if you know where to look, Kari said, But you should be careful how far you wander. Stay away from the old part of the city and you’ll be fine, Kari said.

Why is that? Shiro asked.

Almost no one goes there anymore if they can avoid it, Raika said, From what I hear, back in the day it used to be the busiest part of the city, but that was a long time ago. Now it’s just a bunch of crumbling buildings and deserted alleyways where all kinds of shady business goes down. It’s kind of located smack dab in the middle of the east side of the city, mostly because the city grew around it before it was abandoned.

I think... Kuro muttered, That’s where we’re living, actually.

If that’s true then you need to be careful, Kari said, Even the police barely go there if they can help it.

Yeah, it’s pretty bad, Raika added, It’s the kind of place where assault and murder don’t even make the news.

I see, Shiro said, We’ll be careful. It made a certain amount of sense why Mr. Grimm had his office there now, it was the perfect kind of place for someone like him to work without being bothered. That, and she figured he had probably managed to buy the building they were living in at a cheap rate since no one else was likely wanting to open a business there. They chatted for a bit longer, and after checking to see what time it had gotten to be she looked over at Kuro, We should head back soon, or mother might come looking for us.

Is she the overprotective type? Kari chuckled.

Yes, but she means well, Shiro sighed, She isn’t going to be mad at us for staying out or anything, I just don’t want her to worry.

I’ll grab your check for you then, Kari said, and headed over to the counter to grab it.

You two should come back sometime, Raika said, This place is usually pretty quiet, so you should be able to relax. Then she leaned in and whispered, And he may be a bit of an oddball, but the Boss makes some really good sweets.

We will, Shiro said, and Kuro nodded. They walked over and paid their tab before leaving.

Kari walked back over and sat across from Raika, Okay, shot in the dark here, but those two are like you, aren’t they? She was one of the few people Raika had trusted to tell about her true nature, though the story of that incident was still a bit awkward for both of them to think about.

Yeah, but I didn’t notice it at first, Raika replied, And I have no clue what they might be, so don’t bother asking. She was actually surprised Kari had noticed at all with how good they had been at masking their true natures.

Still though, Kari said, I’m a little worried about them. The old part of the city is dangerous. She looked at her phone, Well, my break is about over. You can head on out after you’re done, I need to stay over after we close to help do inventory tonight.

Alright, Raika said, You still going to meet up with us later?

Of course, Kari said, then she smiled, Hey, we should invite them to come to the club with us sometime.

I think that might break poor Kuro, Raika said.

I don’t know, Kari said, It seemed like she warmed up pretty quickly. Maybe it will be good for her?

Well, either way I guess it won’t hurt to ask, Raika said, then she finished the last of her drink and crammed the last few bites of her food into her mouth. See you later, she said around a mouthful of pastry as she headed for the door, stopping just long enough to call to the person working back in the kitchen, Take it easy, old timer. Though the only response that elicited was a slightly gruff grunt.

Such a charmer, Kari sighed as she cleaned the table off and picked up the money Raika had left to pay her bill with.

A little while later Kuro and Shiro made it back home, and were immediately greeted by Aoi, who was watching the office with their mother. Good afternoon, girls, Aoi said, Did you have fun?

Yes, Shiro said.

We even met a couple of nice people, Kuro added quietly.

That’s good, Akai said.

Where’s Mr. Grimm? Kuro asked, nervously glancing around.

He had a job come up and hasn’t made it back yet, Aoi replied.

Oh, okay, Kuro said, then headed upstairs.

Is it just me, or is she getting better about being around him lately? Shiro asked.

I noticed it too, Akai said. It was still hard for her to carry on a conversation with him, but she didn’t immediately turn and run when she saw him now.

Well, I’m glad she seems to be mellowing out, Shiro said, and headed upstairs herself.

They’re both such sweet girls, Aoi said, It’s hard to believe they’re your daughters. Then she smiled, Though now that I think about it, you were a lot like Kuro when you were younger. I remember when you used to cling to me and hide behind me all of the time.

Really now, Akai sighed, Couldn’t resist getting a dig in, could you?

I was just remembering how cute you used to be, that’s all, Aoi snickered.

A few minutes later Mr. Grimm walked in to see Akai pinning Aoi down on top of his desk, their hands locked together, each trying to overpower the other. What are you two doing? he sighed.

Just having a small discussion between sisters, Akai replied without breaking eye contact with Aoi.

You know how she can be, Aoi said, She gets worked up so easily.

And yet you insist on pushing her buttons, Mr. Grimm said, sighing again, "Look, I know nothing can stop either of you from acting this way, but please don’t