A team of freaks

The night was gloomy and still. While the rest of the neighborhood had shuttered their windows, Leonard’s crew held court on the street. Leonard sat on the curb; his friends occupied a bench, their faces twisted into mocking grins. It was a stretch of road most avoided at night, particularly women, who knew better than to cross paths with the group. They were predators, bored and ill-mannered, passing an empty bottle back and forth as they waited for trouble

Footsteps echoed against the pavement. As a figure stepped into the glow of a lamppost, the group went silent, their eyes locking onto the stranger. One of them shouted: "Hey!"